Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am so thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving day (also my 29th birthday) with family. 2008 has been a wonderful year for us, and we have much to be grateful for. The biggest joy of our life...Barrett Russell! We are so thankful for every second we have with our 'little turkey.'

Just last night, Justin and I sat on the couch just watching him. He was contently wobbling around the family room. Playing with his toys, reading his books, not even paying attention to us. I was in awe just watching his little mind at work while he played. He has a mini K-State basketball his 'Ol Uncle Emily gave him. We quietly watched as he discovered he could make it bounce. He loves rolling balls back and forth, but this was the first time we'd seen him bounce. You could just see his excitement that he'd discovered something new. We also had the Alvin & the Chipmunks movie on, and every time he would hear them start to sing "Christmas, Christmas time is near..." he would stop and look up at the TV and start to rock, bounce and wave his hands! It was the first time we'd seen him dance, and it was priceless! I say it a million times a day...we love him so much and we are having so much fun with him.

Pastor Dave used the lyrics from this Simon & Garfunkel song in his sermon on Sunday. I'd never heard it before, but the words touched my heart Especially during this time when funds are tight, and we are learning to sacrifice, and what is really important for happiness. I'll share them with you today. Read them and think of all the things you have to be grateful for.

I've got a roof over my head
I've got a warm place to sleep
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts
Instead of counting sheep

I've got a heart that can hold love
I've got a mind that can think
There may be times when I lose the light
And let my spirits sink
But I can't stay depressed
When I remember how I'm blessed

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed
And duly grateful

Thanksgiving blessings to you and your families!