Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It is a bittersweet one this year. While I have much to be thankful for, this is also the first major holiday without my MeeMaw, Brandi, Zoe, and Kyano. Ever since I was a child, I've gone to MeeMaw's for Thanksgiving. I miss her so much, especially now.

I also, as always, miss my two beautiful children who are in Texas (Hayley and Alex). At least Alex speaks to me and wants to see me, but Hayley doesn't. I miss both of them so much! It makes me so sad not to have them here for Thanksgiving.

Some things I am thankful for are my wonderful husband Bill and my precious daughter Amy. I am thankful to have the acceptance of my stepchildren. I will always be grateful for that. It means so much to me! I love them all! I am also thankful for the newest addition to the family, Lillian Jeanette Hart. I feel so blessed to get to be a part of her life. I am also thankful to still have a job when so many don't.

Even in the midst of great sadness, there are still bright spots, and those are the ones to concentrate on. Praise God for our many blessings!

Now, what are some of you out there grateful for?

Since the new addition to our family on October 24, 2011, I decided it was time to update my family video. Here it is in all its glory! I hope you love it as much as I loved making it!

My beautiful family

My Little Girl.......

is no longer so little anymore. She is growing up! I've been struggling for several months trying to decide if I should tell her the truth about Santa Claus. I asked myself questions like "Will it ruin her Christmas and all the holidays and such with mythical creatures attached to them?" I started looking at websites trying to get advice, and the consensus seemed to be that I should wait until she actually came right out and asked. If she actually asks, the websites said, then she is already questioning it in her own mind. Well, the night before last, it happened! All of a sudden at the dinner table, she asked, "Mommy, is Santa Claus real?" I wasn't sure what to say, but I realized that it would be worse later if I lied to her now. So I told her. Surprisingly, she wasn't upset, but I believe that was because she actually already knew. This then led to all kinds of revelations about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. 

So, my baby is not a baby anymore! It makes me sad, but at the same time, I am proud of how well she is growing up, how happy she is, and how very intelligent she is!