This morning while I did a little baking our girls decorated gingerbread houses with my parents. After taking some pictures of our kiddos in front of the Christmas tree with our pups we went to B-Boo & Mac’s for some Christmas fun with family. So many laughs were had. Then we got our littles home and tucked in bed so Santa could bring some goodies for them. I can hardly wait until tomorrow morning!
Had a festive evening with family and friends hosting a Christmas cookie exchange. We had so many goodies that we were able to make a few platters to bring to our local police and fire department tomorrow. 
After hearing news that I so wish I could change for loved ones I can’t help but be incredibly thankful for the much needed night in with our kids, daughter in law, and grandkids and absorbing all of their laughter.
While helping my dad update his new phone with birthdates I discovered I have 40 days until my 40th birthday. While some freak out over this milestone I’m oddly okay with entering this new decade of my life. How lucky am I to have such a loving & always building me up husband, four healthy & beautiful children and daughter in law, the two most adorable grandchildren in the world, the four most supportive parents & in-laws, two always at on my heels old pups, amazing family, and the best friends a lady could ask for. Honestly, life is precious and I’m for one incredibly thankful for mine.
My mother in law gave us her north pole village, this is only a fraction of them. Incredibly beautiful and so thankful to have them in our home. She also gave us the nativity scene that Matt remembers his mom making in the early 80’s. Priceless family heirlooms that we will forever cherish. 
Prayers for my cousins little boy, who is once again fighting for his life in a Houston hospital. This time it’s cancer. Two years ago he had a heart transplant at only four years old. We already know what a fighter he is and will be.
“Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles”
Had four generations in our home tonight for dinner. Doesn’t get much better than that. Thankful for the precious memories our family is able to build.
A day filled with 19 people, family, friends, children, grandchildren, four soldiers that became friends, thankfulness, two turkeys, countless sides, a multitude of pies, nerf wars, a broken trampoline, scooter races, Turkey hands, and lots of laughter. It was a perfect day!
Also, when you over hear one of the soldier say “this is the weirdest Thanksgiving ever!” you somehow know they had fun too and will likely never forget your family either.
My dad: “You’re gonna let her say that to me Matt?”
Matt: “You know she can’t be controlled.”
Ha ha, at least one of them knows me well.
This year was one we hadn’t experienced before, but I have to agree with our 12 year old when she said “this was a crazy Halloween, but my favorite one, because it was with all of our family and that’s all that matters!”. It was chilly and decided to start pouring raining when we got down the block from our home. The kids were still amused, but didn’t seem to mind when we decided it was a bust and I would run to the corner store to get everyone a treat of their choice. Walgreens saved the night for our kids and grandkids! Rain or shine, fun was still had!
kiddo costumes:
Aub- nerd, Mad- nerd, Bitty- cat, Dom- zombie, & Nina- cow
