Many of us are focused on Thanksgiving this week, and remembering what we’re thankful for. Hands down, I’m thankful for my husband and our kids (+ kids in law)!
Since my kids have gotten married, I have to share holidays with “the other families” now. (Side note: I’m still learning to be gracious about sharing!) I’ve been spoiled having my kids for every holiday their whole lives, and didn’t even know it! Thanksgiving is our holiday this year, and I’m so excited about having them here in a few short days!
My NaNo novel is taking shape, and with no great surprise to me, the family theme is becoming stronger as the chapters grow. I love my family with every fiber of my body. My kids have been God’s greatest gift to me, and I am often incredulous He chose me to be their mom. Sometimes when I’m missing them, and need a ‘kid fix’ I browse through old pictures. (I mean, really, I can’t call every time I miss them!) With their permission, I thought it would be fun to share some favorite pictures with you today…
David and me, at the ocean
Michelle and Me, at the beach
One of many 1st days of school poses
Doug & the kids – I was too chicken for this wild ride!
Doug and Me, Luau 2010
David, Michelle and Me -back on the beach. My haven’t they grown up!
How about you? Who are you thankful for, and will you get to spend time together this holiday season?
Nov 28, 2012 @ 02:52:56
Beautiful pictures, and what a blessing our families are through the many seasons of life. Good on you for being gracious enough to ‘share’ in the current one 🙂
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Nov 28, 2012 @ 06:07:52
Thank you! I am truly blessed! Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas together!
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Nov 27, 2012 @ 13:10:26
Wow, you read my mind all the time. I remember a Thanksgiving some years ago when I realized this would be one of the last few times I had my kids all to myself. Soon there would be girlfriends/ boyfriends and in-laws. It is a precious time. I have my favorite pictures all around me everywhere so I can remember those special times. We are indeed lucky!
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Nov 27, 2012 @ 13:14:30
Hi Marsella! We do seem to think along the same lines fairly often!
Thanks for sharing memories together! 😉
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Nov 25, 2012 @ 11:50:55
Lovely family! My kiddos are still young, but the thought crosses my mind periodically that one day, I may have to share them. I don’t like that thought
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Nov 25, 2012 @ 18:12:18
It is a big change alright…
Thanks for visiting!
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Nov 25, 2012 @ 09:54:14
Love the photos! My daughter is only 8 years old but I still look back at her infant and toddler photos and remember those times fondly. I’m grateful she is still young enough to be at home because I know in no time she will be running off (hopefully not – but probably) to some far-away land to go to college and find her own life. Right now she likes the idea of living at home during college and getting married and moving into a bigger house with us and raising her family with us (like is customary for her friend from India). But I know her and she’s too independent and will want her own space when she grows up. Oh, and of course I love the first photo the most of you and your son on a horse! 🙂
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Nov 25, 2012 @ 18:21:52
Hi Julia! It does fly by, that’s for certain. Not surprised you liked the horse picture best, you cowgirl, you! 😉
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Nov 24, 2012 @ 07:00:31
You have a beautiful family, Denise. Like you, I often turn to photos when I need a “kid fix” or a “grand kid fix”, which happens often! Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful
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Nov 24, 2012 @ 11:34:39
Thanks, Linda! Hope you were able to join your kids and grands in Canada!!
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 13:13:25
Being Aussies, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but I relate the ‘family gathering’ to Christmas.
For a number of years we always had at least some of the family home for Christmas, although with five sons all some distance, we haven’t ALL been together for many years. It seems one son is either living in England or New York, one is a day’s flight to the other side of Australia, one is a two day drive north and two a five hour drive south.
In recent years we have always been invited to spent Christmas with one of the sons (and often other sons are there too). Maybe they think it is too much work for us – and maybe they are right. This year we will be with our youngest son and his wife.
Yes, I agree. The biggest blessings in my life (apart from spiritual blessings) are my wonderful husband and our five marvellous sons (and their families). I praise God for them.
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 14:20:32
It really is the same scenario, isn’t it? It sounds like you all have many traveling “opportunities”. It was fun reading about your family’s holidays. Thanks for sharing!
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 10:49:13
Happy Thanksgiving, Denise. It’s wonderful to see your family photos. I have to admit it makes me kind of weepy since our boys have through the big transition from little kids to becoming big boys. It seemed to happen at warp speed (although when they were babies, every day seemed like it took forever).
It looks like you’ve had some fun family moments at every stage – what a blessing.
I’m sitting in the radiation waiting room right now as my mom receives her treatment, so I am especially thankful to be with my entire family this Thansgiving.
Love to you!
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 12:00:06
Ah, yes, warp speed…that’s a perfect description!
I’ll be thinking of you and your family tomorrow -so glad for the opportunity you have to spend it together.
Much love & hugs… 😉
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Nov 25, 2012 @ 11:44:03
🙂
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 21:16:44
Fantastic pictures – what a beautiful family you have! 😀 Happy Thanksgiving.
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 04:37:09
Thanks, Dianne! I hope you are settling in after the big move!
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Nov 21, 2012 @ 12:02:25
I’m so relaxed it’s not funny! 😀
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 19:43:59
You have a beautiful family and can see the love for your kids in every picture.
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 20:30:45
Thank you! I’m a ‘little’ biased, but I think they’re beautiful, too! 😉
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 09:32:52
So many things to be thankful for, but mostly for my wonderful family. It was fun looking at yours. Maybe I’ll drag some pics out after Thanksgiving. Gotta get them organized!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 09:34:08
It is a job, isn’t it? My husband spent many hours scanning pre-digital pictures and saving them onto the computer. He has much more patience than I do.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 08:59:04
Denise, thank you thank you for the line ” I am often incredulous He chose me to be their mom.” My sentiments exactly and I got to read it aloud to my daughter. She lives 3500 miles away from me and here we sit at her table, reading blogposts together. Life doesn’t get much better!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 09:08:09
Esther, I’m so happy you get to spend time with your daughter right now! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I always enjoy hearing from you 😉
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 06:39:22
What sweet family memories! Thanks for sharing, Denise!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 07:11:20
Thanks, Joe! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 03:32:31
What awesome photos, Denise. A great trip down your memory lane!
I am very thankful for my family – son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren (I will be with them on Thanksgiving day). I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for our men and women of the armed services. I have so many blessings.
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 05:19:33
Fantastic list, Karen! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family!!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 02:58:13
Awesome family Denise! 🙂
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 05:18:37
Thanks journeyman! Nice to hear from you…I hope you’re doing well.
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 05:20:42
Yes ma’am…doing much better since yesterday, thanks 🙂 hope your day’s going well too 🙂
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 02:53:59
My heart is warm from the love and happiness that shines from these pics. So glad the kiddies gave permission to share! Nice!
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Nov 20, 2012 @ 05:17:41
Thanks! It is fun to fast forward through pictures of them growing up! They are the light of my world!
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