Great Thanksgiving Day

First time ever making a turkey - and it really turned out pretty good. My mom found a recipe in a magazine that used brown sugar, apple juice, apples, onions, and carrots. It was one BIG bird, and it all got done and was very good. I watched my diet as close as possible - eating mostly turkey, but did sneak in a few bites of sweet potato - only because I've always said I didn't like it -- but these were no ordinary sweet potatoes. Also had a couple of bites of chocolate wonder - and that's it! We had our friends over from the Congo - and also a friend from our new church. It was a great time.

Our friends from the Congo have a little baby girl who is almost two -- oh my, is she adorable! She's gotten so big since we last saw her - and she was trying to do all the things her brother David, and Joshua were doing. They had a great time with trains, and played some outside. I couldn't help but think about next year when Lauren will be home - and she and Daniella will likely be about the same size - and will have so much fun together. We ended the day with Uno attack, (Joshua won 2 out of 3 games!), then he played for a good long time with his cars... I love hearing him play alone, as he talks to his objects, hums a tune, etc. He gets so into his play....it's as if he's the only one around... I love to watch that! More than anything, I loved watching him today with little Daniella -- words can't describe how sweet they are together -- she thinks he's pretty neat and he takes such care of her during play time, teaching her, giving her turns, and watching out for her safety - as they circle the rooms with trains. He's going to be a great big brother. I pray his patience endures when Lauren is here 24/7 -- you know, sometimes I wonder if he's so good with Daniella because he knows she's a guest. Only time will tell...but I think he will have good days and bad days with Lauren, like any sibling would. He will have to give up some attention, sacrifice for her, and give her space to learn things on her own. Now for the rest of the evening, I'm thinking of getting into PJ's and looking for some light reading before bed. Tomorrow - just might do a small, easy family hike to work off today's extra calories. We are so blessed and thankful for so many things -- we try to often give thanks to our family members and friends. Meanwhile, here are my "funny" top 10 things I'm thankful for on this very day:
10.) That I was able to send most of the left overs with other people today.
9.) That it hasn't snowed yet - you know this weather has become a crazy thing, you never know.
8.) That tomorrow really isn't Sunday already (so the weekend isn't over just yet!) -- it so feels like Saturday
7.) That I don't have company planned for tomorrow - toys are everywhere and that's totally ok with me!
6.) That Joshua hasn't thought about putting up the Christmas tree just yet this weekend - I do it, but it's not my favorite thing - I'd skip decorating all together if it weren't for him.
5.) That I don't have to weigh in until Tuesday - ugh, the little food I did eat seems to be sitting right on my stomach - fasting ahead for a few days actually sounds appealing.
4.) That I have a frozen carrot cake in the freezer for Sunday's church event, meaning -- I don't have to bake anything this weekend!
3.) That gas stations were open today - so I could get my diet coke!
2.) That the store was open today so Brad could run for disposable containers -- see item 10.) above.
1.) That there is NOTHING I need so badly that I have to do any shopping tomorrow - seems so crazy to me to sleep in a tent outside Best Buy to keep your place in line, really?

oh, one thing I am seriously thankful for this year...is an adoption blog-girlfriend being in India to pick up their little girl! Now THAT is something to be thankful for. Can't wait to meet our little one.

Have a blessed weekend!
Renae.