Gratitude

We spent Thanksgiving in Houston visiting Nana and Granddaddy. My dad cooked so much food! It was wonderful....turkey, dressing, squash casserole, sweet potato puff and more. Oh, and four different homemade pies! Hanging out with your family and eating family recipes together.....well, it just doesn't get much better than that. James loved the turkey and especially the dressing. He could not get enough! We got a chance to see Tommy and Becky, James' godparents and also my godmother Alice during our trip. James got some early birthday and Christmas presents and is loving all the awesome books and sweet clothes. Thank you Tommy, Becky and Alice for your thoughtfulness.

Each year, we make a list of what we were especially grateful for during the last year. Here is this year's list:
- Family, Family, Family.....especially our wonderful son and his wonderful grandparents
- Friends, Friends, Friends....especially The Merrill's, Jessica, Matt, Schurman, George, Ginger (I love you Wetgi!), Jaime, Paul and Nell who have touched our lives in a special way this year
- the family that takes care of James and loves him so much. We could not appreciate them more for loving our son.
- Surviving the downfall in the economy, and appreciating our home, transportation, clothing and food
- our church where James was baptized, and God's constant presence and guidance in our family life
- our health and Lauren's recovery from meningitis in the Spring
- Daniel's promotion, Lauren's new job (and her mentors Brinkley and Fredette) and the need and ability to work to support our family
- our strong marriage and a love that is stronger each day, getting to spend every night with our best friend
- and all the little things......Starbuck's, cell phones, our DVR, sweet tea, laughter, Taco Casa, bath toys, warm socks, snuggling, Southlake Town Square, books, bubble baths, music, the internet, the fall air, bananas, Little People toys, tear free shampoo, our Skip Hop diaper bag, Triple Paste Ointment, the Rain forest crib toy, a Wii and XBox360 live, Facebook, hot chocolate and Target!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR?