Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Give Thanks

2014 Thankfuls

Our Family and Friends,

This year the theme of our family was focused on our blessings and “thankfuls” as we say.  We have so much each day to be thankful for that can be missed if we don’t slow down and recognize both the big and little things.  It seemed only appropriate to make this the focus of our family update for the year.  

Gracie:  The giggles while we were on Winter Break snow tubing and Daddy had to put snow chains on the Tahoe.  Playing with our cousins at the beach.  Feeding horses at the beach and a horse kiss.  Glasses to see better.  Running with Bella and her snuggles.  Playing games.  Our House.  Maggie.  Baking with Mommy.  Daddy tickles.  Bella (can you tell she is loved?).  Friends that are nice.  Swimming and lots of it.  Ms. Gordon who helps with math.  My favorite worship song “Whom Shall I Fear”.  Coloring with Daddy.  Playing tag with Sis and Bella.  Ellie visits on the weekends.  Riding a bike with no training wheels.  Visits from grandparents.  Our babysitter, Ms. Tiffany.  Visits from friends!

Maggie:   Ms. Angela’s summer camp.  Swimming independently.  My new Pre-k at Chattanooga Christian.  Being small and big at the same time (translation: a big girl in “real” school but the smallest in her class and the school).  Gymnastics teachers.  My favorite worship song “Amazing Grace”.  Bella.  My cheetah blanket on my bed.  Uncles.  Grammy and Papa.  Gjysh and KK.  A nice cozy home.  Sleeping with Mommy while Daddy is on a trip.  My Sister that takes care of me.  My Daddy that hugs me tight and gives me “swirlys” (rubbing her back in circles to help her go to sleep).  Missing teeth (2 to be exact). 

Rachael:  Watermelon summers.  A reminder daily how blessed we are.  Sitting at the Grand Canyon with Jimmy taking in God’s vast creation.  Visit home to Ohio to celebrate the 4th of July.  A healthy husband who partners with me in parenting and career development.  Gracie’s sweet spirit in class and dedication to her own personal development.  Tennessee sunshine.  Maggie’s spunk and constant questions that keep us on our toes.  Career opportunities at SunTrust that have stretched me beyond what I would have been willing to do as I took a Team Lead role for the state of Tennessee.  Starbucks.  Work travel that allows me to plan my own schedule to be home for special events and help minimize the impact to the girls and Jimmy.  Jimmy’s help with packing lunches and laundry.  Our parents and family being willing and able to keep the girls while we take advantage of a few trips this year.  The ability to connect and rest without little bodies reminding us the day is ready to start earlier than we are ready for some mornings.  The girls priceless reminders to us on how much Bella was worth it.  Family dinners together.  Pedicures.  Date nights!  

Jimmy:  Family fire nights.  Viewing Sedona’s red rocks peacefully from above in a hot air balloon ride (finally a vacation with just Rachael and me).  Seeing Gracie ace a math test.  Maggie’s curly top tickling my face in the middle of the night while she sleeps and I try to.  Annual family vacations to Seabrook Island.  How excited Bella is to see me when I get home from a trip.  A wife that loves me dearly.  Extended family that helps and supports us.  A guys trip to Las Vegas.  The rare Saturday morning that I sleep past 6:30 am.  A DVR so I can watch Notre Dame football games at night when the girls go to bed.  Two girls that can’t go to sleep at night unless daddy gives “swirlys” and “tickles”.  Rachael’s ability to keep everything about our family scheduled and moving forward.  Date nights!

May you know His love more abundantly as we celebrate His birth this season!   May you have a blessed new year!  

Jimmy, Rachael, Ruth Grace, Margaret Faith, and Bella