Gratitude

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies.

The man who forgets to be thankful has

fallen asleep in life." - Robert Louis Stevenson

I've been reading everyone's Facebook posts about what they are thankful for each day. I know it has gotten on some people's nerves, but I personally think it's been great. It's nice to get on Facebook and see positive comments instead of "poor me" posts or complaints. We have a lot to be thankful for in life... simple details to major provisions. Though I did not join the multitudes posting on Facebook, I am abundantly thankful for many things in my life. Last year, I made a Thanksgiving list of all the things I am thankful for - and I'm grateful all the more this year.

Mom was in TN with my grandfather this year so she could not be here for Thanksgiving with us! She was missed! As TC says, she is the "Commander of Fun," the "General of Good Times, the "President of Partying". Seems funny but my mom (and my aunt) add a ton of fun to every family holiday. Though it was different from last year without my mom, sister and brother-in-law, Dad, TC and I had a fantastic time relaxing and enjoying  the lack of an agenda (except, of course, for our thorough planning of Black Friday).

I managed to successfully cook Thanksgiving dinner. (*Brag moment*) Because I love Thanksgiving dinner (Christmas dinner too) so much, I could not figure out what to sacrifice, so I cooked everything we usually do, but halved the recipes. Delicious. This year we missed the paper...:( We forgot it was on Wednesday night (see what happens when people are missing...I tried to keep everything up to par, but ehhh). For the most part we managed to squeeze in every part of fun and relaxation we could. Snapshots of the week are below. I hope everyone had a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Treats to start the week off

We worked on a Christmas puzzle

Dad and I prepared the turkey

Watched the Macy's Day Parade in our Christmas pjs

Enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner

Prepared for Black Friday!

 **Baking, Thanksgiving dinner prep, a Christmas puzzle, Christmas movies, white chocolate milkshakes, Black Friday list making, late night movie, last minute Walmart run, Christmas music, pumpkin bread, pecan pie aroma in the air....I love it!** - Facebook post from Thanksgiving night

The Christmas Date Weekend

"You'll see a dixieland Santa Claus leading the band to a good old Creole beat. And golly what a spirit, you can only hear it down on Basin Street. Your cares will disappear when you hear 'Hallelujah, St. Nicholas is here' when it's Christmas time in New Orleans." Christmas in New Orleans by Louis Armstrong

Goodness what a wonderful weekend! TC and I went on our 4th annual Christmas date, our second as a married couple. This year, I planned our Christmas day-date to New Orleans, Louisiana. We wanted to go last year, but several events transpired keeping us from doing much beyond dinner and Christmas light-sight-seeing. Last year was just as special though; however, this year was simply, fabulous fun. I tried to keep our location a surprise, but keeping a surprise from TC is one of the most complicated tasks. He's sneaky and managed to guilt me into spilling the beans Friday.

 

We toured the French Quarter, listened to the jazz bands dotting Royal Street, visited antique shops, admired French influenced architecture, walked the Riverfront, enjoyed Cajun/Creole cuisine, observed human statues and tap-dancing artists, endured volunteering in a tumbling show, enjoyed the lights and Christmas decor, devoured beignets and cafe-au-lait from the famous Cafe Du Monde while esteeming the speed and maneuvering of the employees efforts in food preparation. All day was such an experience for the senses. Such a city of culture. We did not see all we could have, but as the sun set we headed out to "Celebration in the Oaks," a light display in City Park. The perfect festive finish.

On our way home, we entertained ourselves with singing along to the radio. Never a dull moment. We also discovered we could describe ourselves as "Adventurous homebodies." We love travelling, adventure  and experiencing something new, but we always love being at our home.

We spent Sunday morning in worship and fellowship at our church. On Sunday evening we joined with my precious dad in Christmas shopping. Afterwards, dad had us over for a wrapping party for all unwrapped gifts where we were greeted with, quite possibly, the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Christmas movies filled the background. Mom is already in TN where our tender, Tennessee Christmas is waiting for us. It's my mother's birthday today, so "Happy Birthday, Mom!" I'll sing my song to you in person tomorrow.

No. 4, 6, and 15 were a complete joy

        



Cafe Du Monde



Maybe the best shrimp and grits ever



The radio song that greeted us on our arrival downtown; a very warm New Orleans welcome. (It felt like a movie - a soundtrack pre-selected and perfectly timed)

A few things have been laid on my heart recently. Excited to share them in January.



Weekends

This weekend was mostly lazy. Slept in. Watched t.v. Forsook chores. All in all, it was precisely what was needed.

Saturday was football and sushi. Several months back, I, TC, and two of our dearest friends decided we would go on a search for the "best sushi around town." By virtue of who they are, it's always a good time.  We've tried four sushi places so far and have the next four planned out. Looking forward to the next stop.

Because of where I live, Fall weather is delayed well past the first date of Fall. It's unfortunate. However, we make the most of it. Though this past weekend was warm, the skies were clear and sunny. So Sunday after church, TC and I decided we would go hike our land we bought a few months back. It's fourteen acres and has a creek running through the middle of it. LOVE it. A few friends joined us for the exploration.

A field on our land...dotted with black-eyed susans

 Black-eyed susan's paint the road sides and fields in October.

Under the tree canopy by the creek

Jess and I

This weekend my sister and brother-in-law are coming into town, so I've intentionally saved some of my Fall MUSTS for them... Not sure they will be quite as enthusiastic about my plans in the beginning, but in the end they will have had they time of their life... Maybe slight exaggeration, but it will at least rival the time of their life.