"Give Thanks Unto the Lord!"

Thanksgiving has never really been my favorite holiday but I do look forward to it none-the-less. Not because of the food... I know, how non-american of me... But because of coming together as a family and sharing why we are thankful for everything the Lord has blessed us with. This year was especially exciting because it is the second Thanksgiving with my beloved husband and the first time in 7 years that both my two older brothers were able to join my family on this holiday!

That morning we woke up bright and early to have breakfast with my favorite family-in-love. We had fresh baked cinnamon rolls, bacon (YUM!), sausage, and eggs. It was such a lovely way to spend our Thanksgiving morning and I am glad we made time before they headed up to Chicago for their celebration.  To have such close and wonderful friends turn into family through marriage is a joy most girls don't get. But I have most certainly been blessed to be invited into their lives so happily!

Our family portrait of Thanksgiving 2012!

After saying our goodbyes to the family, we headed to our other wonderful family to celebrate. Here is the table, all set for dinner except for the huge container of puppychow I made right in the middle. My Mom got a picture of us all sitting there with our plates piled high but unfortunately I don't have that picture. So this will have to do... 

Before dinner I helped my parents take the annual pictures of all my siblings. If you've ever been to my parents house you have probably seen the wall in their bedroom which is covered with 8x10's of all us kids and our new families. While I was taking some of them, they took some of me as well.

Group shot of all my wonderful sisters.

And of course, Mr. Handsome had to get his picture taken as well. These past few days my Handsome man hasn't been feeling too good. He had to stay home from work because of being so sick. It was really hard for me to see him in pain and not be able to help him with it. But I was also happy that we had two days in the middle of the week to just relax with each other. That doesn't happen very often which made me thankful for it.

My amazing mother took some pictures of Justin and I together. I think they are both really good but maybe I'm just bias...

After dinner while the guys were playing a round of dominos some of my sisters and I got hold of Garrison's iPad and this is what happened. I still laugh every time I see this picture!!

And my dear Pip. *laughing* This picture makes him look like a collie. Those of you who have seen him before know his face isn't but 2 inches long so this photo is pretty funny as well.

 The whole family together at last! I will say, 7 years without having the holidays together is a loong time but it made us that much more thankful for on this day. I love my whole family SO much and I am so blessed to be a part of each and every one of their lives. I couldn't have asked the Lord for a more loving, caring, and supportive family.



My sweet-handsome-love and I together.



Well that ends our Thanksgiving 2012 post. I hope you enjoyed!

Until next time!
~Melinda