My Heart is FULL!

BEST DAY EVER. I love Thanksgiving... and yesterday was the best one yet! The day got out to a great start when I heard a knock on my door about 9:30. Standing on my porch with a bouquet of flowers was my SISTER!!! I went ballistic. She flew in from the Dominican the night before to surprise us - and it was SO worth it! I was so shocked and ineffably happy. We had all been saying what a neat Thanksgiving this would be - celebrating in our "nearly burned" house with TWO brand spankin' new babies... all we were missing was Rebekah. So her arrival made the day absolutely perfect. The WHOLE family was together - all 5 of us kids, spouses, and all 13 nieces and nephews. Plus my grandparents, Aaron's in-laws, and Alice's mom! That alone is something to celebrate! It was crazy, kids were running around everywhere, we were constantly checking outside to make sure no one "escaped", and we were wall-to-wall pack-n-plays, toys, and highchairs. And it was great! The kids played together so well - Ezekiel woke up from his nap saying "play with cousins?" - they all had the best time together. In addition to this day from heaven, here are a few things I am especially thankful for this year:

• My new baby girl. This was Bekah Jane's first Thanksgiving and I am so grateful for her in my life. She is starting to say "bye-bye" when she waves, and it just warms my heart to hear her little voice. She is an absolute JOY... still can't believe I have a daughter.
• How unbelievably cute my kids are when they play together. Ezekiel laughed with joy the first time he saw his sister, and has not stopped adoring her since! Kevan and I don't take their special relationship for granted and can't get over how fun they are to watch interact. This morning when Ezekiel woke up he came right over to Bekah Jane sitting in my lap. He stretched his arms out wide and said "C'mere baby!!". Love it.
• The Bible study I started attending in September. Since becoming a mom, I've had a hard time digging into the word and I'm so grateful for this study to give me direction and accountability. It is challenging me to acknowlege the "lies" I've been living and to replace them with Biblical truths. I love studying the truth of God's word and learning how to apply it to my life. It is absolutely changing the way I live for God.
• My amazing friends. Wow, am I blessed in this category. This has been a year of deep growth with my friends and I am thankful for each girl and the unique richness she adds to my life. No matter what season of life I'm in, each of my girlfriends meets the needs of my heart in their own special way. Beautiful women, beautiful friendships.
• My awesome husband. Example of the day: I came home from work Monday night sick as a dog. Yep, the flu. Kevan quickly ushered me to bed, took care of the kids, got the house picked up and cleaned, and kept checking on me to offer a back rub or bring me 7-up. When I told him "Thank you - you are amazing" he said with a smile "You're worth it. How 'bout that?" Oh, I feel loved.

Wow, I'm in a good mood. How could you not be after a list like that? I hope you all had a blessed and memorable Thanksgiving! Praise be to God for his abundant blessings in our lives.