Thanksgiving Eve

Evie helping
Me holding 2 girls and 1 elephant

Tonight is the end of a simply wonderful Thanksgiving Eve. My babies are sleeping and my house smells like apple pie, the perfect "caboose" to a long day of really fun little surprises. I woke up this morning feeling ambitious about my pre-holiday errands and chores. I got my little ones ready and began to head out the door, when my mother-in-law called to invite Evie to play (an extremely generous offer the day before she hosts holiday festivities). It's not quite adequate to say that running around town with just one of the girls is easier - it's down right delightful! Plus it was great for Ev too. So Annie and I headed to Taco Bell by ourselves and ended up in the drive through behind my friend, Suzanne. When I got to the window I was told that the lady ahead of me had paid for my lunch - what a sweet treat, what a sweet friend! I ate my tacos while driving to Marshall's for a little shopping, where I found... the shoes I've been dreamig for nearly 3 years now. A pair of $130.00 Cole Haan "tennies" marked down to $15.00! Not only that, they were the last pair (and in my size!) and one of my favorite colors - orange! They are my new casual wardrobe besties! Ben took our little family out to eat tonight and then we came home to jump start the holiday cooking. Evie and I busted out some Christmas tunes while I made her a makeshift apron using a pillow case, ribbon, and some safety pins to let her help with the baking. This year is special because it is really the first time that Evie understands what is happening, and she is loving it! I burned my hand pulling the pie out of the oven, and surprisingly I didn't cuss, it was a sign that the holidays have finally come (I ALWAYS burn myself during holiday cooking). I told Ben that "Today, I felt like nothing could rain on this parade!" God has so blessed me by putting such sweet people in my life, I have so many family members and friends around me who go out of their way to make me smile all day long. I feel like God used today to show me His provision and perfect plan in my life. I've been through a lot of transition this year (some of it tough) in my home, my family, and my church. I was reminded today of the incredible, encouraging support system He has built around me and the little blessings He CHOOSES to give me (like shoes!) I will fall asleep tonight with a heart that is remembering to rejoice!