Happiness and Thankfulness

Many times throughout your daily life we will make reference to being happy or hear someone around us saying how happy they are.  I have heard people say it and I have even said it before.  But now I must say that the word "happiness" has a much deeper meaning for me.  My happiness is palpable - I can feel it, touch it, taste it - It encompasses who I am.  That feeling of happiness is driven from my faith in GOD and his enormous blessing that he has bestowed upon me and Keith - our Children.  When I think of my children and the fact that All of my children are healthy, happy and finally home (although Christopher is away at college), it reconfirms my HAPPINESS.  When I get up in the morning and see the smiling faces of my girls and talk with Christopher on the phone- I cannot stop smiling - my heart is FULL of joy!  and I am truly happy.....

Happiness leads me to thankfulness.  There are so many things for me to be thankful for - my supportive husband, my children, my family, my health and the health of my loved ones.  But one thing stands out to me - I am so thankful for being a mom.  That GOD blessed me with 4 beautiful children and I am thankful that GOD has helped me and is helping me raise these beautiful children to be productive members of society who love GOD and are willing to have a servants heart.

Thanksgiving was an amazing time with ALL my children, even one that I wish was mine (Lizzy's friend Lilly).  We made the journey to Gulf Shores, Alabama to our rented beach house.  Christopher had basketball practice so we went to him instead of him coming to us.  It was so nice to have everyone under the same roof.  We played on the beach (the weather was perfect!) and at night played pictionary and card games.  Oh what wonderful memories we made.

This was Mia's first time on the sand as well as her first Thanksgiving.  She wasn't too sure at first and it took her 3 full days to finally start to like it and walk on the beach without shoes.  Maddie loved the beach - the sand wasn't hot for her and the weather was beautiful.  She played and built sand castles and ran around.

Mia did not want her feet to touch the sand.  She was content sitting in her beach chair.

Lizzy, Lilly, Maddie and Mia - My girls.

Sandcastles on the beach at sunset

Mia getting the hang of digging in the sand

Shoes off, feet wet and she loves the sand!!!!

Christopher and Lizzy having some fun - they really missed each other

After our Championship Putt-Putt Game.  Maddie came in 1st place and Christopher 2nd

Great memories were made and I am so thankful for all of our blessings!