Thanksgiving Day 2008

The theme for Thanksgiving 2008 in our family was Turkey Day Traditions! I can't believe I have been going to Manning, SC with Mickey and his family for Thanksgiving for 10 years now! I think one thing I love most about this special holiday is that it is so rich in traditions. Every year is the same, and in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I love consisitency! So today I thought I would post a few of our most special TD Traditions. What are yours?

This is Aunt Kathy's dining room that is always beautifully decorated for our Thanksgiving feast! This was the first year the younger generation was able to eat in the dining room. In years past, we ate in the kitchen at the smaller dining room table. However, with the addition of wives and boyfriends we are quckly becoming the larger group and needed this table for adequate space.

The most unique part of our Thanksgiving feast is the fact that we always have barbeque. Uncle Gary spends many hours preparing this delictable dish! I think this year's barbeque was the best yet!

Aunt Bert is always responsible for bringing Lady Fingers and Cheese Straws! Thanksgiving would not be complete without these two items. We love having these around to munch on before and after lunch. Mackaylan loved the Lady Fingers this year. I think she ate at least 10 before the day was over! :)

After lunch, time is spent napping, throwing football, drinking coffee, talking and just enjoying being with the people we cherish most- our family!

And of course, Thanksgiving would not be complete without time spent scouring over the advertisements in the local newspaper as we begin to make our lists and check them twice!

I hope you and your family had a Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to take time during this busy holiday season to enjoy each other, to cherish the traditions that you have, and to create new traditions for the years to come! :)

Happy Birthday, Pop-O!

Happy Birthday, Pop-O! We love you so much and appreciate all you do for us! When I asked Mackaylan what she loves about her Pop-O she said, "when he cleans up the dishes, he helps me clean up my room, he gives me a drink and when he takes me to Old McDonalds (aka McDonalds)...I love that!" And the list could definitely go on..... We love you Pop-O and hope you have a very special day!

And, of course, a birthday would not be complete without a silly face from KK!! :)

Tackle It Tuesday!

Thanks to Jodi I was inspired to particpate in Tackle It Tuesday! While reading her post, I immediately thought of one of my problematic areas..... the laundry room! It was, and usually is, a disaster. I couldn't wash anymore clothes b/c there were clothes piled up everywhere and even some hidden in the dryer. So...I set off to work.

This is what it looked like before:

And this is what it looks like now: All of the clothes were put away (yes, the dryer is empty too), the counter was wiped off and the floor was swept. The last thing I need to do is purchasea few command hooks to hang my broom, swiffer, etc. on and I will do that tomorrow. I even put a candle on the counter for a little added ambiance! :)

Photo Contest

I am entering another photo contest. The contest is about celebrating our families through FUN with FOOD photos. When looking back through lots and lots of pictures I noticed a pattern--Mackaylan LOVES icecream! I am entering this photo into the contest because I think Mackaylan's personality just shines through!! :)

Having a Princess Heart

Don't we all wish we lived in a fairy tale world? A wonderful place full of love, hope and happily-ever-after?! In Nicole Johnson's book Keeping a Princess Heart In A Not-So-Fairy-Tale World she reminds us that fairy tales "stand in contradiction to the world we see around us and point to the world that is yet to come (p.31)." As Christians we have to place our faith in God and trust in His plan for our lives. This world is not our "happily ever after!" The best is definitely yet to come!!! For those of you who follow my blog, you are aware that one of my best friends, Dawn, has been dealing lately with some health issues. A few weeks ago she went in for an ultrasound on her gallbladder and they found a mass on her liver. After 3 weeks of tests, doctor's visits and consultations it all seems to be coming together. Tomorrow Dawn will be having her gallbladder removed and they will also take a biopsy of the mass on her liver. Following this procedure she will be referred to MUSC to have the liver mass removed. Please be in prayer for Dawn and her family. Pray they will all experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Pray for the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Pray that the Lord will guide his hand during the surgery. Pray for the results of the liver biopsy. Pray that the mass is benign and cancer free. Pray for Dawn as she recooperates from this procedure and prepares for the next. And pray for the scheduling of the trip to MUSC. Most importantly, pray that the Lord will be exalted in all that is said and done! Dawn has definitely kept a "princess heart" throughout this entire process and I know she gives, and will continue to give, God all of the credit. Her "Prince Charming" is not tall, dark and handsome (Sorry, Russell). It is Jesus Christ. He is the only person who provides comfort, strength, hope, peace, patience and everlasting love! And since I know Princess Dawn is resting in His care, I can confidently say.... all will be well!