Craziness

On Friday me and the hubby took a day to try to get all of our shopping done. This is a major undertaking for us. We are sometimes finishing our shopping on Christmas Eve on the way to my in-laws. This year we have it so together. We had such a great time together on Friday. We went to a local metropolis to begin our hunt. Wasted trip.....we didn't buy a single thing, but lunch. So we drove back to the local metropolis, but they were out of everything we had our eye on. So we ended up buying more groceries than gifts. We came on Friday afternoon and ended up placing orders via the internet. Hopefully they will all arrive on time. If not, sorry kiddos....we tried. I am so excited about the weeks coming forward. There are so many great things happening. My baby girl will turn 6 soon. My how time flies. She is such an angel. She has a beautiful outlook on life, but such a tender heart. My sister will come home for the holidays so of course I can't wait for this. I miss her so. I wish she lived closer. I know that 3 hours isn't that far, but it seems like a world apart sometimes. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Remember this is the birth of our savior.

Thankful for so much

Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone, but it was such a great one. I try to reflect often about the many things I am thankful for and I have so much it is overwhelming. Over the holiday my sister and her family came to visit for 4 days and that was just heaven. For all the fights we had growing up and how much I thought she hated me we have grown into such great friends. I love her so much and I am so thankful that I was blessed with a sister who loves me. She has given me so much love and allowed me to love her family. I even got to see my nephew Ben. I have not seen him since July because he is the college man, but he spent some time with his Auntie this week. Getting to see the twins is also a great treat. They are so sweet and respectful. Lori has done a great job with them.
Then on Thursday we celebrated at my in-laws house. I love Thanksgiving at the Simpson's. There is so much love that flows through this house. I am blessed with in-laws that love me and make me feel like I am one of their own children. Then I have my brother and sister in laws who are just the greatest. I love just to sit and talk with the entire family. Joel is usually pulling me away or telling me he is going to leave me there.
My sister, Ben, and I decided on Friday we would brave Walmart at 5 AM. How fun!!! I hope this starts a yearly tradition. We were home by 8:00 and the van was loaded down. Then my father and Modena came over from Pickens for an after Thanksgiving breakfast. I have such a loving wonderful father. He just amazes me. I am truly a thankful girl. It took me several years to realize what my father did for our family, but it finally sunk in.
I am also thankful that the Lord has kept Joel and I employed. Even with Joel being laid off once a month we are still thankful he has a job to go to. There are so many people that would love to have a job and both of us to so I am thankful.
Last but certainly not least I am thankful for my wonderful husband and babies. I went through such a valley before the Lord gave me Joel. I was so lost and searching for happiness, but couldn't find it anywhere. I had no love for myself and this person came along and has shown me so much love. I never have to doubt Joel's love for me. He shows me everyday which is so rare.
I also have two of the most precious, loving, beautiful children on the earth. I know everyone says that about their children, but mine really are. As wild as they are everyday at least I can hold and love on them. I hope to never take my children for granted. I love them so much. I don't claim to be the best parent ever, but I know my children know I love them.
I hope everyone who reads this realizes how much they have to be thankful for.