Thanksgiving is a time that one feels compelled to list all of the things that they are thankful for. Children are asked to do it at school while adults often pause to reflect around the holiday. That being said, I am MOST thankful that today isn't significantly different than most other days. I feel that I am thankful for my family each and everyday. I feel their blessings in my life on a regular basis. There are just too many moments in my day that force me to recognize what a wonderful family I have. I feel fortunate knowing that my children feel the same. November isn't the only month that I hear how lucky Savannah feels to have her sisters and it isn't the only time that I lay in bed with my girls telling them how beautiful they are (especially deep down.) Today we were surrounded with loved ones and I am proud to say that today was just one of the many that I gave thanks for each and everyone of them!
Now for the details:
After a very relaxed morning, filled with sleeping in, the girls and I spent some time in the kitchen making apple crisp and pumpkin pie. This activity, which can go poorly with all three girls participating, went exceptionally well. There was great turn taking, patience, and joy. I had to stop and take a picture because I have waited so long to bake with all three of my girls without have to police every move.
Shortly after, we headed Mr. Byron and Miss Melissa's house. They, again, graciously shared their home and families with us. I feared that my girls would be antsy with abbreviated naps, and some unfamiliar faces, but they were fantastic. I do believe that this Thanksgiving marks the first holiday that I have not had children glued to me. There were plenty of snuggles followed by "go play" time which gave both Alex and I a time to enjoy ourselves. That we did. The girls looked so grown up considering where the three of them (Charlotte included) were three years ago. While this is Charlotte and Lila's fourth Thanksgiving, I only mark it as Adeline's third. Her first Thanksgiving was spent in the NICU and marked her hardest fight for life during her four month stay.
Today, I celebrated my girls. They used their manners, were social, and even became a little more open to dogs. Thanks to Charlotte's Uncle Justin, all three of my girls were walking Bailey by the night's end. I closed the day with some rocking with Adeline, she almost fell asleep in my arms after saying without prompting, "I love you too Mommy." After laying her down, I climbed in bed with Lila Grace and experience her falling asleep by my side for the first time in her big girl bed.
Savannah isn't in bed yet but did something quite noteworthy this morning. She brought the entire family downstairs for a gift. I had no idea she had this stored away because she had worked on these projects ages ago and sporadically. Come to find out, she had made a Talking Stick that we used to pass around while telling each other what we are thankful for. Savannah also illustrated a Thanksgiving story which was very cute. Included was a card that she had made independently, paint and all. She really touches my heart.
There is much to appreciate on this day but, as I said before, I am most thankful that we celebrate one another each and everyday.
