Thanksgiving

This is my family!



This picture was taken yesterday on my 33rd birthday, and I think that it is my new favorite family picture! It is low key... it is sincere...James' starbucks is sitting on the side. We are taking things easy right now and just enjoying the simplest pleasures in life.

I am craving the simplicity. I want to just sit and put my feet up rather than wait in the crowds that surround me. (If you look in the background, you will notice a line gathering for our local craft fair). I decided not to stand in line this year - but just went and sat on the wall watching others file in. I figured that the craft fair would still be happening by the time I got off the bench! (I must admit that I also needed to sit after spending two days in bed from a vicious stomach bug).

I woke up on Thanksgiving morning (early at 3 am!) with a stomach virus. I can honestly tell you that I remember very little about Thanksgiving day other than my sister occasionally walking into the bedroom to check on me. We had planned a quiet sibling dinner this year. Mom and Dad are still in Minnesota for dad's new treatment, but Jenny and I wanted to still have mom's traditional dinner. We stayed at mom and dad's house, used her recipes, and planned for a little meal...

Then, our dear friends donated a 25 pound turkey to our family... and our small meal for four became a massive feast of turkey. Fortunately, James stepped up for turkey detail and from what I hear, it was a delicious bird.

Thank you to Jenny, David, and James for not only watching all the kids, but also fixing all the meal. My favorite part of the day, however, had to be waking up in bed in the middle of the afternoon to the sounds of splashing and delight coming from the backyard.

Later when Jenny came into the room, I asked, "Did the boys go swimming today????"

"Oh, yes!"

There is absolutely nothing better than Thanksgiving in Florida- even if you are stuck in bed :)

My boy...

Not much to report... but I wanted to at least post a picture.



This is my boy. We were at a birthday party for a friend last weekend and I caught this picture of Austin while he was waiting his turn to hit the pinata. We are really enjoying each other these days. Four is such a wonderful age.

Andrew (my nephew) is doing great after his brain surgery. He has had some mild headaches, but he is already back to school! We are so thankful for his recovery! Thank you so much for all of your prayers.

My mom and dad are in Minnesota this week for their initial consultation at Mayo clinic. They are meeting with the "leading expert" in the field of dad's disease and we are praying for some new treatment options. Mom and Dad met with the doctor today and seemed hopeful about his thoughts. They will have a follow up meeting on Thursday morning to review lab work and discuss a new "plan of action."

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. We will keep you posted!