Our Thanksgiving Weekend~2014

Wow does this Jansen Family have a lot to be thankful for this year. Thanksgiving marked our first official holiday at home and it did not disappoint. It was so nice not having to pack up and rush-rush-rush. We were able to enjoy our families and each other.....being home is one of the best decisions/chances we have made yet.

 

I am also thankful for my family's health and happiness. We are all so lucky and I know not everyone can say that right now. There is so much pain in the world and that especially rings true for just my little home town. There are new prayer needs daily and the one that really hits my heart is a special little boy named Jack. He and his family have been surrounded by God's touch in these last couple of weeks--just look at Facebook and you will see the #JackAttack pictures and prayers. A little boy has touched the hearts of so so many and to see a community lift him up in prayer is so comforting. I for one cannot imagine going through anything like this--remember.... I about lost it when Em burned her little hand. But God can do amazing things and make people who should be so weak, so so strong. That is what I think he is doing with Jack and his family. Continued prayers for anyone who is hurting or in need. We praise a big BIG God!

 

I am so thankful for three Thanksgivings. Not because of the food (although that is a major plus) but because of the company and the love that is shown. I really love three Thanksgivings because I get to see Emery with every person she loves. Emery played the whole darn day. First with Hannah and Natalie at Aunt Linda's house. The girl was even to busy to really eat much lunch--her loss since Aunt Linda is about the most amazing cook ever.

 

Thanksgiving night she played with the girls! It melts my heart seeing her sit at the kids table and play house and school with the "big" girls. She has such amazing role models already and I hope she can be the same big girl to the littles that follow.

 

This weekend I also realized I need to be more thankful for days off with Emery Kayt. We planned to do nothing except stay in our jammies and sort through our baby and big girl toys. ONE of those things were accomplished. Jammies-yes.....toys-heck no. Emery freaked when she saw the big bin of funness come out. She got every toy out one.by.one. Fun stuff.

 

And as hard as it is sometimes, I am so thankful for this little attitude. She doesn't show it often, but when she does look out ha! This was me telling her she had to share her toys with her little brother or sister......ummmm.....She clearly thinks I am crazy. Emery is in this "I am not going to listen and you better do exactly what I want you to do" mode--aka--she is almost a year and a half. Doug and I are clueless so I guess we will just give her back patience, love and kind words. I am thankful for my husbands patience (with all three of his girls!)

 

I am thankful for Lola. Even though she makes Em mad, bites my toes and does not know what "sleep-in" means, I am still thankful for her because she is a cutie.

 

I am also thankful for unexpected guests. Two of our nieces, Macie and Riley, came over one afternoon--Macie and I spent most of our time watching "What Not to Wear" and cuddling with Lola. Emery spent her time dressing up, running around like a crazy and loving on Riley. I think Macie would take Lola home in a heart beat and Riley would take Emery ha!

 

Did I mention I am thankful for Thanksgivings? Sorry Mom, Aunt Linda and all of Doug's family....My Grandma's noodles might be the highlight of all the Thanksgiving food! Emery Kayt had her own little table this year. It is so fun to think that in a couple of years she will have to share it!!

 

And on this Sunday, I am so thankful for a little girl that wakes up this happy, french toast made by my husband, and the fact that Em has not completely destroyed the newly put up Christmas decorations. (Although she stole Baby Jesus's sheep and we have noooo idea where it is).

 

She may not be much of a helper but boy does she rock the socks out of a Christmas outfit ha! Doug asked me what the heck those pants were made out of. My reply....Christmas Magic:)

I am thankful for starting family traditions, I am thankful that it is now kind of acceptable to listen to Christmas music and I am thankful for the reason for the season.

Happy Holidays everyone!!