The last time I blogged I was lamenting over my emotional state and lack of enthusiasm over the coming Thanksgiving. I was looking for that special something, that spark of emotion, or anything that reminded me of the reason we celebrate and the importance of counting my blessings. While I did have a wonderful Thanksgiving (I will share those memories with you momentarily), I didn’t really find what I was looking for until this past Sunday after Thanksgiving. I found it at church! Imagine that!

We have been attending worship at a Methodist church here in Clarksville. It has been a very new and different experience for all of us. The biggest change is that on most Sundays we are able to sit in worship together, on one pew, as a family. It’s one of the best changes to this new army life, and also the most difficult for Andrew and myself (I really miss playing for worship, and the desire to do so is very strong.). The church is fabulous, and we enjoy the professionality of the staff, the music, everything. I have always felt more spiritual renewal and prayer through music. It’s what speaks to my soul the most. We were singing Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, a hymn I have probably sung hundreds of times, but it hit me Sunday while we were singing.

This has been a very long year with many changes that included tough times and fun times. Andrew was gone almost six months out of this year which is the most we have ever been apart thus far. That made for a very challenging year in itself, not withstanding all the good-byes that had to be said and the loss you feel, all the shuffling about, finally getting settled and adjusting to a new way of life in the midst of a crazy pandemic world. The good is that the kids and I were able to spend a lot of time together traveling. We visited grandparents, lived at the beach for a while, and explored new places together. We have met new people and made new friends. We also learned that we are adding another person to our family soon!

I believe the point is, I was focusing on how tough the year had been, with, in a way, a relief that it is almost over! I forgot to look back and remember all the good, and to see all the blessings. I also lost sight of how Jesus is our true joy, through the good and the not so good.

Emma’s Thanksgiving school lunch! She felt really proud that both Daddy and Mommy were able to be there and have lunch with her! I love my little firecracker!

We had Thanksgiving day with Andrew’s parents! Alesia did all the cooking, and I brought desserts. We all had a fun and relaxing time together. I tried to get the kids to pose for a picture, but David was not feeling very cooperative, and the other two couldn’t stand still long enough. 😀

The kids were so happy to spend special time with Grandparents over the Thanksgiving week. Emma wanted to help G-pa out while he was putting his office desk together. David was also very glad to spend some time with his cousin Robbie! Despite Robbie’s broken ankle, they had fun playing games together.

We then went to my parents house and had another Thanksgiving meal! (I think I was the one who was stuffed!) The food was GREAT thanks to my Mom, Sister, and other taste testers! 😉 I didn’t lift a finger! 🙂 At Papa and Nana’s house the kids like to ride the off road vehicle. They also like to see the chickens, the rabbits, and now Nana has a new cat too! It’s like a petting zoo! They also like playing games with Papa!

Us girls were able to get away and go for a morning of shopping! We love strolling the shops of downtown Dexter! 🙂 Later we met up with Andrew and Samuel who were getting some tea and hot chocolate. 🥰

Our stay ended with lunch at one of the best places on earth! 🙂 It’s full of great food, fun and memories!

Love,

PK