David, Lisa, Kayla, Isaac & Annika: Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was so much fun! We had a houseful of people, as always! My parents and grandparents and David's dad and Brian and Laura drove in on Wednesday. My MIL flew in town earlier in the week to help me get the house ready for guests (what a blessing). She deep cleaned my house and also helped take care of Kayla so I could clean up clutter and such.

It never ceases to amaze me what a group effort the Thanksgiving meal is. Granted, I make up the menu and do all of the shopping. But here is what it looked like in my house from 2:30-3 (we ate at 3): my mom fed Kayla a bottle that I had pumped, since she was hungry and cranky; I was making mashed potatos and giving directions on what food went in what bowl, etc; My grandma was making gravy; David, Brian and Laura were setting the table; My dad was carving the turkey; My MIL was helping with last minute items and staying on top of dishes; my FIL was drying those dishes and putting them away... just to name a few. I think it is so neat how people pitch in and make the whole thing happen. If I was doing that all on my own, we wouldn't have eaten until midnight andthe food would have been cold!!

In thinking about Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for, I am also constantly struck with how blessed I am. I have a loving husband, a beautiful baby girl, a roof over my head, a reliable car, good health, good health insurance, a freezer and pantry full of food, money saved in the bank, friends who are like family, family who love and support us in everything we do, and most of all a God who loves me and is always there. There are so many more things I am thankful for, but that is just to name a few. There are a few situations I have recently become aware of, and it makes me sad to think that so many people don't have any of those things. I can't imagine what it is like to not know where my next meal is going to come from. I can't imagine not having a car to go places. I can't imagine not having health insurance, and trying not to get sick or let my kid get sick because I can't afford a doctor visit. I can't imagine what it's like to have no relationship with your family, or have a husband who is abusive, or isn't interested or helpful with our child. I can't imagine the hardship that infertility can bring. I can't imagine not having the hope of heaven, and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. It often makes me worry - why is my life so good right now, and what is going to happen to rock my world. Any one of those things could be taken away from me so easily. I don't want to think about things like that, but it often crosses my mind.

On a happier note, the weekend was quite packed, but also quite relaxing. My grandmother insisted on bringing dinner for Wednesday night, so I only had to have a few things ready for that. My grandparents also wanted to take everyone out to lunch on Friday, which was a huge relief that I didn't have to cook a new meal then either! Those both made the weekend easier on me for sure! Everyone was interested in holding Kayla as often as possible, so I got a break from holding and entertaining her! In fact, I'm glad that I was able to steal her away to nurse her - I was able to get in my cuddle time with her then! It is so fun to watch other people coo over her! Granted, our families are bias, but it is fun having people constantly telling me how beautiful, charming, sweet, smart, etc she is! The last night we were all playing cards, and she was put in the middle of the card table! She was all smilies, and was rolling from side to side, charming us all! She was 3/4 of the way onto her belly, so I imagine that she will be rolling over soon! It was funny to have her "perform" for us all! I was almost in tears thinking how much she has grown up and how quickly life is passing by.