There are so many things to be thankful for in life; family, friends, health, food, a roof over your head, and the love of our Heavenly Father. Yet so easily I take these things for granted... But this year with all the changes in my life I started to realize how really blessed I am. I have two beautiful families, a Father who loves me, and a husband who still loves me even after living with me for more than a month. ;) I have been blessed!
While spending the holiday without my siblings and parents around me was hard, I certainly had a lovely day. This year for Thanksgiving Justin and I celebrated with the Ryken side of our family. It was my first Thanksgiving where I had to make something without being in my parents house. So Justin and I decided to take a delicious cheesy-broccoli dish along with these adorable little pumpkin shaped sugar cookies.
I spent all Wednesday afternoon making these with our cookie gun. Since I've never used one before it sorta took me awhile to get the hang of it. Plus I had lots of cookie batter to make. But in the end it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Justin and I decided to do orange and pink icing on all the cookies. I know I know, you're thinking, "pink for Thanksgiving"? But hey, it was for fun and they taste just the same anyway. *adjusts halo* We had fun decorating together. :) Here is Justin laughing right after saying some snarky/hilarious comment.
Here is my husband being his normal crazy/hilarious/gorgeous self. *love* That icing is actually orange if you can't tell in the picture.
Because of reasons that are too hard to explain, I had some leftover cookie dough so I made one little heart. Justin and I split eating this one that night. It was good. :)
The finish projects.
This is me looking rather happy about my pink cookies.
Justin and I sort of had a competition on who could icing the best but the fastest. He finished first but mine looked better. *proud grin*
Early Thursday morning we all headed up North together to Grandma and Grandpa Ryken's house. Their house looks so much like my Sanford Grandparents house that it put me right at ease. Not to mention everyone is so sweet which makes things easy too.
We had a lovely time visiting with all the Ryken Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and cousins. Thanksgiving lunch was absolutely delicious and left my husband feeling very full/sick from eating too much. ;) After eating we just hung out in the living room and talked about life. Sadly I didn't bring the camera out enough to get many pictures... But here are the four that we did get.
My sister-in-law, Jesi and I taking a picture together. I am so blessed to be related to this talented and lovely girl! :)
Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Freddie. He is a huge gorilla that all the cousins use to play with a lot. He got lots of attention that evening with sitting on peoples laps. Here my dear sister-in-law, Ashly, got a picture of me holding this big guy.
We also got a picture of Grandpa Ryken holding him. :)
This is me and the most amazing man I know, my Husband. This year I am most thankful for him in my life. God definitely works in mysterious ways by bringing people together and showing them how much more amazing life can be. My life with Justin is never boring, that is for sure. He keeps me laughing, smiling, and just plan old happy everyday. I could not live without him in my life and I cannot (and don't want to) imagine life without him right beside me.
I hope this year's Thanksgiving was everything you hoped for! May God bless you each as you try to work off those 5 pounds you put on from all that turkey/potatos/stuffing you ate. *cheesy grin*
Until next time!
God bless!
~Melinda
That last pic is so cute. :)
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