Thanksgiving 2014

We were lucky this Thanksgiving that we got to spend so much time with all three of our families. I forgot my camera on actual Thanksgiving day but it was just a low key Thanksgiving at my dad and stepmoms house.

The next day, after Fantasy of Trees and a movie for Ben's birthdays, we went out to eat with my mom's family. We figured that it was just easier to skip all the preparations and just go out to eat.

Last year Ben's birthday was on Thanksgiving so this year he got it during another one of our Thanksgivings.

This kids had a great time with their cousins so that Mommy could enjoy that time too.

The next day we drove a half an hour up the road to meet with Ben's family for lunch. It just happens that everyone was going to be in the area so we organized a meal so we could be together. It was not much time but better than nothing.

These three cousins have so much fun together. It is sad that they do not get to spend much time together.

Grandmommy and Grandaddy with all four of their grandkids.

The original six.

Everyone but Dave (Excuse the funky lighting. I tried and tried but could not get it to my liking so I gave up).

After lunch, we all walked over to Bass Pro Shop next door to look around. We found a few things to entertain Miller.

It was such a busy weekend but we are so glad we got to see so much of our family.

Thanksgiving '13

When I found out that I was pregnant, we looked at the year ahead and realized that we were not going to get to go back to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. It was not the biggest deal but I would really miss some of our traditions. I would miss seeing family and there would be no Fantasy of Trees on Friday. I had been every year since I was 2 and I hated that I was missing a year, even if it was for a good reason. Of course, this is also when they decided to schedule my 10 year high school reunion.

I started to think about it and my doctors advice was not to travel 2 hours away, well this was only 3 hours. I brought it up a few months back and my doctor said she was very comfortable with me going as long as everything checked out alright at my appointment that week, especially since I was going home to my labor and delivery nurse. Of course I had made no progress at my appointment on Tuesday so we got ready to go.

However, that evening I was woken up by Ben throwing up. Miller had been sick on Monday so I was not surprised but I was upset that this might mess up our holiday plans. He ended up feeling okay to ride in the car and I drove us up to TN that afternoon.

On Thursday morning we went to the hospital to visit mom and got our hair cut. That evening we went to my dad and stepmoms house. As soon as we got there, Miller had to run and find his red truck.

It was my nephew Silas' and Ben's birthday. Bobbie had gotten each of them a cake. Ben had to show Silas how to blow out the candles.

The next day we went to the Fantasy of Trees and this time Bobbie, Silas, Leslie and Lisa, Leslie's moms came.

Miller was so excited to play in this train.

Our first main goal was to see Santa. Ben stood in line while we walked him around. We were almost at  the front of the line but he lost patience so Ninny went and made him a cookie.

He would not sit on Santa's lap by himself so Daddy had to join them.

Silas was not really wanting to sit with Santa either. At least they are not crying in this one.

We tried to get Miller to get his face painted but he would not. He was fascinated by Daddy getting his face done and kept looking for it after Daddy washed it off.

Decorating his second cookie of the day.

He said that he wanted to go on the carousel but when we got closer he clammed up. He got all clingy and would not let me put him down. I got him on the ride and his feet on the horse.

He eventually relaxed and let me put him on the horse. He had so much fun and kept saying, "Whoa".

It was a crazy weekend because neither Ben or I felt good. We barely ate the whole time. We had events for my high school reunion on Friday and Saturday night and those were alright. I felt majorly anti social because everyone was up and socializing whereas I was 9 months pregnant and had to sit my butt down to rest. I did get to catch up and see some old classmates.

We headed out on Sunday and unfortunately by that time, mom was sick. We found out that later that a bunch of people got sick but it was all from other sources. That is one nasty bug going around but at least it is a quick one.I hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving 2013!!

I always have a lot to be thankful every year but this year especially. I am so thankful for my whole wonderful family and my friends. We are so lucky to have such great people to support us.

I am very thankful for my husband. Two years ago he was a terrified first time father but this year he has become so much more confident and involved with Miller. Plus he is so excited about the new baby's arrival, probably more than me.

And as cliche as it is, he is an amazing provider for our family. He works so hard and does so much to make sure that we are all happy and taken care of.

*Sidenote: Happy birthday to Ben and my nephew Silas today!!

This face! How could I not be thankful for this face?!?! This little man pushes me to the brink of insanity but he also makes me insanely happy. He has brought such meaning to my life and I can not even remember the person I was before I was mommy. He is my best buddy and I pray that he always will be.

And this face! I will admit that I am so scared of the transition ahead but I look forward to falling in love with this face just like I did with her brother.

I started out this year praying that we would get pregnant soon. We had only been trying for a month or so, but after our journey with Miller I was hoping it would happen soon. It was only a couple of months later that we did get pregnant. Then I prayed for a healthy and smooth pregnancy, and I prayed that God would bless us with a daughter. I can not believe that we are where we are and I am so thankful that God has blessed us so much this year. I now pray for a smooth and safe delivery and for the health of our baby girl (as well as all of our friends and family).

I hope that everyone out there has a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Meeting a Best Friend

So I have a crazy confession. When I was getting married I joined a message board with other girls getting married in October '08. Even after our weddings, some of us continued to talk and got closer. I pretty much talk to these girls on a daily basis.

When we were trying to get pregnant, I started emailing back and forth with another girl, Tania, who was struggling as well. We exchanged phone numbers and then started texting with each other. Before Tania I sent maybe 100 texts a months, now I send a couple of thousand (thank God for unlimited texting plans). We talk almost everyday. I was texting with her while I was in labor and vice versa. We have skyped with our kids. We really became best friends..

Yes I met my best friend on-line.

Our husbands are very well acquainted with our relationship.  We joke that we are only staying with them until we are done having kids and then we are running away together (and no not in a romantic way).

Tania, spends most Thanksgivings in Georgia with her sister in laws family. Unfortunately, we are never home when she is there but they decided to take a detour through Knoxville on their way back home to see us. It was so good to finally meet. It seemed like we always hang out like that.

The best part was Miller and her little Annelise getting to play. They are 6 months apart but still had fun.

They kept doing this. It was so darn cute!

Love that smirk!

Miller and Drew playing. 

A group shot. Look how tiny Tania is! This was the only picture where Miller let me hold him.

Yep, she makes me feel ginormous (and no Tania, not as in tall)!

It was seriously the best thing to be able to finally meet. I know it is completely unconventional to meet a friend over the internet and through texting but after meeting in person, we know it is no fluke that we are friends.

Second Thanksgiving

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is reserved for celebrating with my moms family. We always have a different group of family come in but it is exciting to see everyone.

After a morning at the Fantasy of Trees, we were all famished. My aunt Jennifer made some appetizers and we attacked them. Those poor dips didn't see us coming.

Kelsey stole my camera and ran around taking pics. Here is sweet little Bridget playing in the Rec Room. 

Hanging out in the living room with the family. 

I was so busy with food and chasing Miller that I did not get very many good pics. In fact, Miller spilled my drink after I had chased him into the other room for the hundreth time so I went and ate all by myself in another room. It was lovely!

The next day we just hung out with everyone before they were leaving town. That night we went to my aunt's house where she was watching my cousins. Miller played with them a bit before they went home.

We miss everyone already!

Thanksgiving Day 2012

Thanksgiving day went pretty much according to tradition.

We started the day by visiting mom at work. Miller acts like he owns the place when he gets there.

We went over to my parents house. Miller took a nap before we ate. Dad carving the turkey. 

Miller woke up just in time to eat. He decided that he would be the entertainment for the meal. 

It felt so nice that day. We went to sit on the back deck and Ben tried resting, well as much as Miller would let him. 

Miller was a such a big help and tried sweeping up the leaves. 

Miller skyped with his cousin, Silas. 

We spent the rest of the day just hanging out and sleeping off our turkey coma.