A Lot to be Thankful For and My Goal This Christmas

I'm a little late on the Thanksgiving post, but here it is.  Wednesday we made our way up to TN to be with my in-laws in Kingsport.  My parents were able to make the short trip up to be with us on Thanksgiving so it was wonderful to have everyone together!  

I know I have complained a lot lately about feeling tired and exhausted and about the boys driving me crazy with their antics, but I do know that I have so many blessings that I can't even count them all.  I am so grateful for my precious little family and all that the Lord has provided us.  I am also blessed with 2 sets of wonderful parents that are so willing to help.  I really don't know how I'd do it without them.  And we have been blessed with another little guy that will complete our family.  I feel so fortunate even through all the pregnancy hormones, aches and pains, tiredness, etc that I am able to give life to another precious little boy.  Lil B, I can't wait to meet you in a few short weeks!
Even though the days are long, the years are seriously flying by.  I hope to slow down a little more and enjoy these precious moments with my babies as hard as some might be.  That's my goal for this Christmas season...slow down (as if I had a choice with my belly growing larger by the second, ha ha).  No seriously I want to focus on the important things and not be so concerned with completing my never ending to-do list or with buying a bunch of gifts that aren't really even necessary.  
Christmas commercialism has gotten way out of hand and I am totally guilty of falling into the trap.  It really is ridiculous.  The past few years I have gotten away from what Christmas is really all about.  It's so easy to get caught up in the secular "hoop-la" of feeling like you need to buy all these gifts and do all these "Christmasy" things.  My goal this Christmas Season is to take a step back and remember what Christmas is truly about...our Lord and Savior's birth. Jesus didn't come into the world with glitz and glamour.  He wasn't wrapped in ribbons and bows or had all the bling of 1000 Christmas lights surrounding him.  Thinking about his birth humbles me and that's what I need to focus on.  Let's be honest though we are bombarded with unnecessary commercialism everywhere we look whether it be checking email, watching TV, etc.  As one who loves shopping and even has a degree in retail, I am definitely a sucker.  I love to shop and love all the hoop-la. This year I am really trying to not get caught up in it and get "clicky" fingers or that itch to go out and buy a bunch of crap that we really don't need.  I am going to enjoy the moment with my family and prepare for the new life that I will be bringing into the world the beginning of January and most importantly focus on Jesus!

I will leave you with a few pics from our long Thanksgiving weekend.
The boys loved watching Grammy cook.
Ready to eat!

I am growing bigger by the day.  I was 33 weeks on Thanksgiving.  Only 5 1/2 more weeks to go!  

 We had a wonderful visit in TN but were exhausted when we got home.  Van was ready to relax.

Too much Thanksgiving for both the boys. (Mommy and Daddy too)

 

 I think there's an Eli somewhere in there ; )

This is random but Van has taken over my new robe.  Love that face!

Much love to you and your family during this sacred season!