Thanksgiving 2019

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break. Busy busy. But wonderful.

These three were troopers when it came to all the business; it of course helped that they got to see most of their our favorite people throughout the week. Laughing because B looks bigger than Auggie here....maybe that's because he is. 

We started off the week with Em dancing at the St. A basketball game. The Bellettes always have a camp for little girls, and I was so excited that Emery was old enough to particiapte this year. When I excitedly told her about it, she was less than thrilled. She didn't want any part of it. I talked it up and told her to think about it (she later told Doug that I was trying to convince her to do it and rolled her eyes after she said that. Such a teenager.) I didn't bring it up again because I really didn't want to pressure her...low and behold she changed her mind! And I am so glad she did. She loved it. When she was done she was sad that she only got to perform once--big difference from when I first brought it up. I have watched the video of their performance only 200 times. Sis was so confident and looked so happy. It's fun to see her make her own decisions and grow up. I also want Baby Emery back like yesterday, but big kid Em is pretty awesome. 

Speaking of growing up, we have a little reader and writer on our hands. Spelling might not be our strong suit yet (moove feedr = movie theater), but I love this little thankful list and the little hands that wrote it. When I asked all three kids what they were thankful for Emery said her family, Auggie said his nerf gun, and Bennett said Mama (although I think he meant Dada). Sums all three of them up perfectly. 

I am thankful this year for the health of my family, the best friends, our always willing to help family and for opportunities to grow in faith and trust our Lord.

I am also thankful for cheesecake. I only say this because I made a killer one for Thanksgiving and it needs to be documented. Douglas and I have declared this the fiscal year of the cheesecake (inside joke)!

Cousins, cousins, cousins! My kids went to Thanksgiving solely to see these smiling faces (and eat rolls with peach jelly).  

I always have to get a Katie and Emery picture. When the Jansens get together I love witnessing how close my older nieces and nephews are. I can't help but daydream about the younger ones and the memories they will make.

Bennett Lee got a surprise at Thanksgiving; he was asked to be the ring bearer in Kelsey's upcoming wedding. I told Kels to have very low expectations, but one thing I could promise her is that B will be cute! 

After Thanksgiving with Doug's family, we went to the movies with Nana, Uncle Avery, his girlfriend Jordon and her daughter Paisley. We had to see Frozen 2! I don't know who has been more excited about this movie coming out, Emery or Douglas (he probably won't like me saying that), and they both loved it. We were brave and took B, and he actually sat and watched like a big kid. I wasn't too surprised because he has been singing "Let It Go" lately and finds Olaf to be hilarious. Cracker Barrel for supper finished off a really great Thanksgiving Day. 

Friday was our Annual Christmas Cookie Day at the Probst's. I will have to ask Kaci how many years we have been doing this. What I do know is that a lot has changed over the years. It used to be a competition between Kaci and I (myself being the best.) Now it's a race to keep up with the littles and all their sticky fingers and sprinkle piles. Em's an old pro, Aug actually did a great job...but I think Orie and Winnie win this year. They were the sprinkle queens. 

As we left, Addy yelled "See ya at Easter...", which made me laugh. Christmas cookies and Easter eggs---I think Linda needs to come up with more fun things for us to make throughout the year. Any excuse to get together. 

The rest of the weekend we had basketball games. Lots of ball happens during Thanksgiving Break. For being out of school, it kind of felt like I was there even more than usual. My girl loves to tag along and I swear could stand in for one of my cheerleaders and know exactly what to do. 

Bennett is hard at the ballgames. He loves them and begs to go, but he is hard. Friday night I let him sit in front with me. I didn't think it would last long, but to my surprise he started mimicking the high schoolers and was so funny to watch. If they cheered he cheered. We high fived and barked like bulldogs all night! We did call him "Bulldog" when he was a baby....we might have to bring that back. 

Sunday was spent with my family. It was a nice easy-going afternoon with good food and company. I feel like it had been awhile since we were all together. 

(It would have been better if Aunt Linda had remembered her Pumpkin Roll....jk).

Nana always kicks the Christmas season off with new Christmas pjs and a new ornament. Baths and new jammies were the perfect way to end the weekend. 

I love Christmas jammies. This sight never ever gets old.

I try to be thankful everyday. I really do. My babies and my husband make this easy; God has blessed  me immensely. 

But I do love that there is a day set apart every year that really makes me stop and think about being thankful. As busy as the week was, Thanksgiving this year reminded me to give thanks in all things. The busy and the slow. The good and the bad. In everything. 

Thanksgiving 2019. You were fun.