Thanksgiving and my thanks....

So, I know Thanksgiving is two days past. But, I think that Thanksgiving doesn't just stop on the last Thursday of November. I think it only begins and is continued the whole year. Until it's time to stop and reflect again.

As you saw, I posted some pics of my Christmas decor and a couple of our festivities on Thanksgiving day. But, as much as I love the decorations and the festivities, I really need take the time and list what I'm really grateful for....

• I'm thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that I am not defined by the mistakes I've made and the struggles I still have internally because of them. I have a Savior who paid the price for me so undeservedly, yet so willingly. Every drop of blood that was shed and every clang of the hammer driving the nail through his hand was for me. (And you.)

• I am thankful for my family.
  

• I am thankful for my husband. He is such a genuine man who truly loves his family. We've had some serious struggles and issues. Yet, he is a true man of God and a true servant of God and he proves it to his family day after day.

• I am thankful for my children. Yes, they drive me NUTS. Yes, there are some days I'm tempted to sell them on E-Bay. But MAN, what a blessing. What a legacy I hope to leave behind. Seeing them smile and laugh is the most amazing feeling. And knowing that God chose me to be their mother is sometimes more than I feel like I deserve. They are healthy, happy, and FULL OF LIFE!!!!!
  

• I am thankful for my job. I was so undeserving of the job God chose to bless me with, but WOW, am I ever thankful. I work for such a genuine, caring man who loves his patients and loves his employees and most importantly loves God. I am thankful, too, that I can work yet stay home. Working 2 days a week keeps me sane. It allows me to earn money, and gives me some adult interaction. I love what I do at home and at my job outside of my home. It is a true honor to be in the position that I am in and I am thankful everyday for my boss, my job, my family, and my home. I love that perfect balance that God has so graciously given me.

• I am thankful for my husband's job. In a time when so many are struggling, my husband found a job that was better paying and a lot more laid back than what he had before. No, please don't think I am bragging, but he has worked SO hard. I am proud of where he has come from. So proud. He started his career as a teller at a bank and is now the C.P.A. for a very successful business. He loves his job and he loves the people he works with. I am so proud of everything he has worked so hard to accomplish, and has accomplished.

• I am thankful for my husband's forgiveness. He puts up with a lot from me.
  

• I am thankful for my Mommy. She quit her job when I was pregnant with Brennan and chose to be his "Nanny" while I worked full-time. Six years later, she still holds that position. While Brennan may not appreciate her for more than just his playmate at this point in his life, I know that they are making memories weekly and he will fully understand and appreciate what his MiMi has done and will always continue to do for him and his sibling(s).

• I am thankful for my home. Yes, I complain how small it is, yet I have seen smaller. I love my house. I love the memories that are made here. I hope to spend several more years here making memories with my family.

• I am thankful that for the first time since I have been a part-time job holder that my hubby and I can buy one another Christmas presents (small presents) and not have to feel guilty about it.
  

• I am thankful that I was chosen to go to Nicaragua 2 years in a row. What a life-changing experience and there is not a day that passes by that I don't think about that wonderful country and the wonderful experiences I gained.

• I am thankful that I can give back each month to organizations I truly believe in. Like BMDMI (which is the group I travel with to Nicaragua) and K-Love radio station.

• I am thankful for my son's salvation. What an honor it was to see him committed to the Lord for the rest of his life and to know that I was part of that.

• I am thankful for my church family and the sweet, precious friends I've made. I grew up there, but our church has changed a lot in the past 30 years. I'm so glad I have such dependable friends.
  

• Last but not least, as my husband is watching the end of the Egg Bowl and Ole Miss has lost..... I'm glad we're not defined by the football teams we root for. I'm an Ole Miss fan by default anyway.... that's all I'm saying......
  

Show me your Thanksgiving.....

Brennan and Chad's grandmother outside while Chad put up Christmas decorations. Brennan was talking her poor ears off.

Chad starting to put up lights.

My middle brother. Supervising.

Poor Memaw got to sit at the kid's table for Thanksgiving dinner. She volunteered but I sure did feel sorry for her.

Ethan giving Papaw a hug.

This is my dog. She looked like she was getting ready to fly away.

Show me your Christmas....(some of my favorite ornaments and decorations)

Chad and I went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for our honeymoon 8 1/2 years ago. We bought this ornament at a huge Christmas store that is open year round. Love this ornament.

I bought this at Mistletoe the year Brennan was born. His very first ornament.

An ornament my aunt bought when we were children. I remember hanging this on the tree as a little girl.

I am very PROUD of this ornament for obvious reasons. I came, I saw, and I conquered the Chicago marathon in 2007.

Another ornament from my childhood. Obviously, it is from 1983.

My Sunday school teacher gave me this ornament for my birthday while we were in Natchez late this summer. Love some Elvis. Hunka hunka burnin' love.

Bought this at Parris Island when my brother graduated boot camp in 2007.

This is from 2003 when we were expecting Brennan.

My grandparents gave this to us in 2003. The next summer my grandmother (#2) passed away.

My tree. Done in blue to match my living room.

Couldn't find a tree topper I liked, so I made one up.

My mantle.

I bought this in Nicaragua this past summer. My Nicaraguan friend, Israel, helped me pick out the exact pieces. This is hand made from clay.

My feather trees.

My favorite nativity scene. (I collect one each year. This is from 2007.)

The tree in my bedroom

Green and brown to match our bedroom.

Brennan's baptism....

Brennan got baptized today. Everyone was SO proud!!!!

That is my mom and Brennan.

Chad, Brennan, and me.

My grandfather was the preacher of our church for 25 years. He was so excited to be able to come see Brennan's special day.

My grandfather and Brennan.

My dad and Brennan.

My in-laws and Brennan.

Getting his church baptism picture.

Bro. Chris and Brennan.

About to be dunked, and Brennan is starting to have second thoughts about being dunked completely under the water. Notice his head.

He was just dunked and notice the front of his hair-- it's not wet.

This is what happened next:

Bro. Chris: Oh no, you've got to go under the water all the way.

Brennan: But, I don't want to.

Bro. Chris: Too bad, you have to.

Dunked again.

Wasn't sure about that. Then he asked who was Lord of Brennan's life and Brennan as shyly as possible said, "Jesus Christ.'

Making sure his family caught it all.

Alabama....

I went on a girl's trip to Foley, Alabama this weekend with 8 other ladies. Great time. Didn't take a lot of pictures, but that was because I was too busy shopping.

However, I must be one of the few females in this great state to have never stopped at the original Watermelon Patch. We had to get a couple of pics to commemorate my first trip. It was an okay store, but I wasn't WAY impressed.

The above picture is my friend Kelly and me.

Angela and me.

Shelley and Kelly.

The view from the balcony as I was having my few minutes of quiet time.

Season of my life....

There are lots of things going on in my thought process these days. I wish I could share every last detail of my life, but for starters, it would simply bore you to death, and I also don't have enough hours in my day. But, I can definitely say without a doubt that I have arrived at a season in my life that brings me pure joy. That's not to say that I still have a few joy-suckers that I experience some days that try to suck my joy away, but overall I am not only at peace with where God has brought me, but I am joyful.

I have been through many seasons in the past few years of my life. I have grieved over some things, I have been selfish over some things, and I have felt sorry for myself (regardless of the fact that in a few situations, I put MYSELF there for selfish gain.) This blog post may sound like a bunch of rambling junk to you, but I want to be able to express how my life has been far from perfect in years past-- I have messed up, been to rock bottom, experienced pain--physical and emotional, have hurt MANY people, and have even been one step away from renting a room at Whitfield. (And I don't mean that to be funny.)

I am proof positive that God can take a big mess-up and turn it into something that can actually glorify Him--- but I didn't get there overnight, that's for sure. And I'm certainly not saying that I don't take 2 step backwards some days and struggle with some things that might haunt me until the day I die. But, at one time I would have let that totally consume me. Now I just pray that God can continue to show me that regardless of what I have done to others and to myself, if I will just allow Him, he can make use of my struggles and turn it around for His glory. I'm not that selfish person I was 5 years ago and I thank God that He allowed some things to happen in my life that once caused me so much pain I never thought I would be able to come out of the other side of it and live to tell about it.

God has really revealed himself to me just in these past 2 weeks and it's amazing that if I will simply take the small things He shows me, I can make it a HUGE thing, because really that is what is happening. He is revealing some very small things a little at a time, and for me it's turned out to be a REALLY big deal. And I know that this certain season of my life will not last forever. It's just a season. While my thirst is being quenched and my cup runs over, I know that this is temporary. We all hit seasons that are dry, sometimes empty, and definitely full of trials. But, it's in those dry seasons and seasons filled with trials that you can truly find what REALLY brings you joy. And that joy should be thanking God that you woke up this morning and were able to kiss your spouse good-bye before work and hug your children and call your Mama and sleep in a warm, comfortable bed. What brings you joy should be being able to glorify the Maker who allowed you certain blessings in your life and even trials.

However, as God has been revealing Himself to me as He has, I should share that I have still seen so much heartache going on with people around me. Just this past Friday a childhood friend of mine (and might I add this is the sister of Rebekah who was taken to Heaven last year after a car accident) lost her baby who was only a couple of weeks old. Sometimes certain families seem to suffer so much more than others. But, in tragic situations, you have to look for the joy as hard as it may be. I have never lost a child, so I can't even begin to imagine the pain that is being endured in their hearts. But, I feel certain that baby Britton is not only being rocked and held by Jesus, but that Rebekah gets to laugh and play and dance with her nephew, all at the feet of our wonderful Maker. Britton will never have to experience pain and suffer the pains and trials of this scary world. He will only ever know peace and pure glory in the light of our Savior. I feel certain that even in situations like this, God can be glorified beyond our wildest imagination.

I want to share this, that someone posted on Facebook this morning, and I love it. It's so true and appropriate:

When I Asked God
When I Asked God for Strength
He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brawn
He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness
He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth
He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favors
He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace
He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted
He Gave Me Everything I Needed-

And on a light note, since Brennan has asked Jesus into his heart, he has really made a dramatic change. Maybe it's the newness of it all, but he has just been so excited about his decision. Yesterday his teacher wrote a note to me saying how much of a difference she has noticed in Brennan the past few days. He has been on his best behavior and has used his manners above and beyond. I can only pray that he will continue to take his decision very seriously and will continue to act like he really has Jesus in his heart.

Mind-blowing day.

Yesterday turned out to be one amazing day. As long as yesterday seemed to drag on, by the end of the day I was actually disappointed to see it end. I really have no words to describe the events that transpired yesterday, so I will just tell it like it happened.

So, we have a couple of medical bills that we have been chipping away at little by little in hopes of having some miraculous way of paying them off before we get pregnant. On my way to the pumpkin patch, on the long hour drive, I was talking to Chad on the phone. By God's good grace, we have been able to come up with a little extra cash just in the past week. Chad called the 2 places that we still owe money to. The first place gave us a small discount-- not as big of a discount as we had hoped-- but still a discount nonetheless since we were going to be able to pay off the bill totally. The second place Chad called, he told them he had a set amount he could give them, if they would write off the rest. She told Chad to let her see what she could do, put him on hold, came back and gave him a bigger percentage off than what what he was offering to begin with. All in all between the two places yesterday, we saved over $1,000. I was overjoyed! And really, that doesn't even describe how happy I was and how God was yet again tapping me on my shoulder and saying "See, Mandy? Once again I have not failed you and Chad."

Fast-forward through the ridiculously long morning and long afternoon. Chad was gone for the evening last night, so it was up to me to getting the boys fed, bathed, and tucked in for bed. Chad and Brennan do a devotion every single night together. (Here is the part that gets a little jumbled up, because so much has happened in such a short time with Brennan.) We have been talking from time to time to Brennan about what it means to accept Jesus as his Savior, what it means to ask Him into your heart to come and live forever, and what it means to be baptized. That being dunked in water does not make you a Christian. Being dunked in water is not what having salvation is all about. Well, this past Sunday guess what their Sunday School lesson was on? Yep, you guessed it. It was about salvation, baptism, and how the water doesn't change you, but God living in your heart changes you.

So after I read his devotion, I told Brennan that he needed to think about asking Jesus into his heart. I told him he didn't need to do it right now, because I wanted him to fully understand the concept and the meaning of it. He said, "Mama, I understand. I want to ask God RIGHT NOW." He then prayed the sweetest prayer and said, "God, I want you to come into my heart and be with me and live with me FOREVER." Then he informed me we had to arrange a meeting with our preacher ASAP so he could tell our preacher that he understands the meaning of it all. Let's just say I was beside myself with joy. I called Chad crying, I called my mom crying, I was so happy and so proud. The single most important milestone in my child's life had just happened.

Then 5 minutes later he called me into his room and he had lost his third tooth. I was very overwhelmed with all these big things happening in one day.

Last but not least, and I am truly amazed at what I am about to show you and tell you.... Chad works with a very sweet lady named Faith. Her and her husband have a trailer that they pull around on the weekends for a hobby they enjoy. Well, it had been awhile since the tires had really had any maintenance on them. Her husband noticed that the tires were getting worn and it was finally time to do something about it. Faith adds that she had gotten away from church in her life and just in the past year has become involved once again. When her husband went to change the tire, it was so worn that it was to the point it was literally ready for a blow-out at any moment. If the blow-out had occurred, it would have probably caused a bad accident. So Faith told Chad here is proof that God is telling her He is always going to take care of her:

And I must admit, that even though that really hit home with Faith, I also think God has used it for me. Because at the end of a long, yet fulfilling day, God chose that to close out my day and show ME that He will always remain faithful, He knows the plans He has for me, and He is involved in every single aspect of my life.

Lately I have been feeling just like that tire. I have once again been struggling inside with some things that like to creep up on me and bring me down from time to time. I usually keep these things to myself, but I know that God always knows them. On top of that, there has been so much busyness in my life and my kids drive me crazy, and just everyday life in the year 2010 where everything is fast-paced and the more you can fit into your schedule somehow makes us think we can be superwoman or superman. I have really felt like that tire. Worn out, ready for a blow-out. I've been frustrated, grumpy, tired, and ready to pack my bags and head to an island where no one knows my name. But like the tire, God has once again shown me that He is in control, and if I can just let Him take control, He will continue to amaze me and refresh me and leave his imprint on me so that I can once again make it through another day.

The Mitchell Family Farm....

Today we went to the Mitchell Family Farm in Collins. It was SO much fun. It's a huge place with lots and lots for for kids and families to do! They had a big hay maze and a corn maze in the shape of the state of Mississippi.

Brennan and his assigned classroom buddy, Noah.

Brennan and Noah with their pumpkins.

A tunnel covered in hay!

The corn pool. When we got home I found a trail of corn all the way to Brennan's closet of corn. When he turned his shoe over, about 20 kernels of corn came tumbling out.

Brennan and some of his classmates, and of the moms.

Time for lunch!

Trying to balance.

Brennan and his class.
(Brennan is in the middle)

Brennan and Connor.

It was so much fun! Although between being on a field trip with 100+ first-graders and daylight savings time, it made for a looooooooong day!!!!! I thought yesterday would never end!