Thankful on Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that we made it home safe and sound, with a Tornado Watch one day and a Winter Weather Advisory the next.

Welcome to Missouri.  70 degrees one day, 30 degrees the next.

The day before Thanksgiving, I went with Ryan and his Mom to his Grandparents near Branson, MO.  Yes, after driving 6 hours back to Missouri from Indiana, we got back in the car and drove 3 hours to South-West Missouri the next day.  It was definitely worth it though!  Being able to spend time together and with his Grandparents is always great.  Our plans were to drive two hours north west to Joplin on Thanksgiving to join Ryan’s entire family… but….

See the hint of snow?

We decided it was better to be safe than sorry.  I am thankful that Ryan’s Mom is a safe and cautious driver!

I am thankful that we had a hot meal to eat, even though it wasn’t exactly homemade and I ate Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant for the first time ever.

(There was a crowd!  Apparently a lot of people don’t know how to cook or were in the same boat as us!)

I am thankful for Ryan and his sweet family and that they welcome me into their homes and lives like my own family!

Ryan’s Grandma and Ryan himself

Ryan’s Grandpa and Uncle

Ryan’s cousin and Mama

Attractive, I know.  Who is that girl anyway?

Did I mention I am especially thankful for this man in my life?  I could go on and on… about how I’m thankful for every precious moment we get to spend together.

I am thankful for all the Starbucks we had on the trip there and back.  I am thankful for the sweet memories made.

I am thankful that I still got to spend time with my Mom since we came back home early… and for our breakfast for dinner on Thanksgiving night.  I am thankful for funny movies like Elf (since when do they play Christmas movies on Thanksgiving?)  I am thankful that Ryan helped me organize and clean my room/computer.

I am thankful that God allows me to be thankful in all circumstances.  Although Thanksgiving isn’t like it used to be and I miss my Dad more than anything, I am thankful that God works all things together for my good.

I am thankful for love and our God who is Love.

Thank you God for all the blessings in my life, each and every day.