Thanksgiving 2010

So, we had a small change in plans. We ended up not traveling to Missoula, rather we stayed here. We have had what I would call massive amounts of snow over the last week which helped in derailing the travel plans. It was a blessing in disguise. I was feeling really stressed about going - just the norm...packing two cribs, clothes, shoes, diapers, wipes, snow boots, pillows, snacks, DVD player, oil change in car the list really goes on and on (that's how I was feeling) not to mention it was going to be a short trip anyway (leaving Wednesday night, coming home Saturday) So, after a small ridiculous (as in I don't even remember what) argument with Jason (we manage to have lots of those), we both decided that it would be best to stay home. I felt relieved. I called his parents stressing they would be super disappointed, but they were glad we were staying home due to the road conditions, they were worried we would try to tough it out. Hopefully, if the weather permits Grandma and Grandpa Schwaderer will be able to come to Billings for Christmas!

I called my Mom to let her know we weren't going and see what I could bring over on Thursday. Thanksgiving was really nice, it was a lazy, nice quiet day. The kids were up super early (like 4:30am early), that is the trend here lately - so we had breakfast and watched a movie. Jason slept in and as soon as he has his coffee I was down for a nap - a massive 3 hour nap. I felt like a whole new woman. Love, love naps! We headed out to Mom and Dad's about 4ish and enjoyed lots of yummy food, visited with family, the kids played. Colter was a mess - poor guy. He is cutting his two front teeth and he was just miserable. My sister, Sarah, even said I've never heard him cry this much. It was so true, he is such a happy baby, but he felt miserable. Not to mention the stranger anxiety has kicked in - he wanted nothing to do with anyone that wasn't Mom or Dad. So, we did cut our visit a bit short for the sake of Colter. We were home by 7pm and we were all in bed at 7:30pm. It was glorious!

Friday, I did get to go do some shopping all alone. Hehe. That was fun and fantastic, just to have some alone time, try on clothes, do a little Christmas shopping, eat a nice quiet meal. (It was so appreciated Jason, thank you again) I brought home sandwiches for dinner from Staggering Ox and again it was a nice quiet night.

The whole weekend was just that...relaxing. There were moments that the kids were going stir crazy, but we managed.

There are so many things that I am thankful for. This whole month I have really tried to take time and think of all the things I am thankful for, remembering all the ways that God has truly blessed our family. Here are just a few, I am thankful for salvation and a loving, forgiving, gracious Savior. I am so thankful for my three boys, for their health, for the love they display to each other, the joy they bring Jason and I. I'm so thankful for the jobs that Jason and I have, that we are able to work, that we have the ability to avoid daycare and one of us is always able to be with them. I am thankful for our home, and all the comforts it provides. We have so much to be thankful for, it really makes me sad how I can complain so much. I am thankful for that reminder - that we are stuffed full of blessings and instead of complaining about what I don't have or what I wish I had. I should be beaming with gratitude and thanksgiving for all I have.

Here are a few snapshots from this week:

Colter and his teeth

Hunter (he is so hard to get a picture of, always moving!)

Look at all that snow!