Thanksgiving 2012 recap

Our Thanksgiving involved a very full house. But, I loved every second of it! If I were to "count" some of the richest blessings in my life, they were right under Mitch and I's roof this Thanksgiving. That is something I am so thankful for! 

Nonni arrived a few days ahead of everyone else so we could do some food prep and soak up some extra hours together. Ah.... 

Speaking of soaking, well bathing rather... here is our turkey. Tom. He got a nice bath from Nonni and lots of lovin from Scarlett :/

We enjoyed walks in the crisp, morning air... 

And a truly sweet Thanksgiving craft with Nonni...

For my memory... here is the table set for our meal together. 

My 1st Thanksgiving Turkey! (I cannot take all the credit, because he kind of grossed me out in his state of rawness...) 

The man of the house slicing away...

Aunt RyRy and Scarlett. I think this is the only picture I got of Scarlett in her darling, little turkey dress!

It may hard to see here, but this sheet holds the lyrics to the song Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus
which we sang around our Thanksgiving table together. 

Family Movie Night! 

Black Friday?!? Nope! Freedom Friday would be more appropriate for this shot. We visited the USS Yorktown in Charleston the day after Thanksgiving. My dad was in HOG HEAVEN! He loves battleships. His Grandfather was in the Navy during WWII, so he has a love for things like this. 

It is incredible how HUGE this ship is! 

Scarlett loved the open space on the aircraft deck. 

Who would have known we would be a US Navy family!?

Our little gunner... she loved this thing! 

Uncle Chaz... also US Navy! 

Scarlett loved climbing in the airplanes. 

She cried and cried whenever it was time to get out :/

It's kind of tricky when you are playing hostess to capture all the moments on camera.... There were lots of special memories held in the 3 days we had together. Thank you to my precious family for making the VERY long trip to spend Thanksgiving with us!!! And thank you LORD for everything I have to be thankful for... they are too many to count :) 

And finally, Scarlett and "my boys" as she calls them. She got a little work-out time in with the boys. It didn't take long for them to understand she was the instructor! 

The wagon is on its way...

Nonni is here now and therefore all is well in Scarlett's world :) 

The rest of the Kentucky crew has pointed the compass south and are on their way here! We started our Thanksgiving Day prep early this morning... Our desserts are done!

We have been listening to Christmas music all day. It's heavenly.

We are looking forward to a few days with Daddy home and a house busting at the seams with our family. The BEST.

I hope you too are looking forward to sweet days ahead. Many blessings from our family to yours.... We have so very much to be thankful for. 

The world is my playground.

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it...

Psalm 24:1

Gearing up.

We are gearing up for a wonderful week ahead. We have our family coming in to celebrate Thanksgiving and Mitch has been planning lots of activities for us to do together. I have been grocery shopping A LOT to make sure our pantry is fully stocked for our big meal. I am so thankful for so many of the blessings we enjoy each and every day. In particular this year, since moving far away from my family, I am so thankful for those I love. I am praying we will have a memorable time together and that the clock will "tick" at little slower this week :) 

So, I have been silent on here for a few days. Nothing intentional, just have had a few different things taking up my attention.... Bible study, Christmas shopping, dear friends in from out-of-town, etc. 

I wanted to be sure and post (for our memory) pics from Mitch's birthday celebration SJ and I had for him... 

First of all, Mitch requested pecan pie. I had not ever made one myself. Thankfully, I called his Gran for some instruction... :)

My lovely assistant. 

Her strongest culinary skill -- taste testing. 

It turned out great (thank you Gran!) and we had the table all set up when he got home from work. 

Our birthday boy... 

Mitch LOVES Christmas. We got him this neat Fitz and Floyd "Santa Mobile." Scarlett loved petting it :)

We had a really nice evening together and Mitch was asleep on our bed by 8:15... Waking up at 5:00 a.m. every day takes a toll on you. 

The perfect little party planner. I love you Scar!!! 

Okay, now I may need some warm wishes sent my way because Thanksgiving is being prepared at my house this year... eek. I pick up my 20 pound Turkey on Tuesday (!)  I spent a good part of my afternoon watching Food Network's Thanksgiving LIVE. Oh, I am so ready to eat!!