Lots and Lots of Pictures :)

We just had the most wonderful Thanksgiving! Everyday is full of countless blessing, but the Lord just especially gave me such a special day yesterday and I am still just thanking Him for it.

For one, I am so thankful that all bleeding has stopped. I'm feeling our little one move around more and more and the doctor said I can be up a bit now which enabled me to spend the day in the front of the house with the family and eat together at the table. Thank you so much for praying for little baby and I. Daniel will be taking me down to the hospital in La Paz (the capitol) to see the doctor there next week.

Wednesday night, Daniel and I were visiting together after the children had gone to sleep and I was telling him I am always a bit homesick during Thanksgiving and after such a difficult week, I wasn't sure if I was looking forward to it or not.

But the Lord was so good to sprinkle the day with so many blessings from start to finish that it was just one of my favorite Thanksgivings ever. Since we were not planning on doing school yesterday, I told the children they could sleep in a bit. Daniel and I decided to sleep in a bit too; I awoke around 6:30 am and heard some little feet walking around, but the house was quiet so I stayed in bed and rested. I was suddenly awaken again, shortly after 7 am by a line of 10 neatly dressed children, coffee in tow, telling us good morning and that the breakfast table was set and chores were done. Abigail brought in Eliseo's bottle as Rebekah changed him and brought him to me to hold. I was blessed to tears!

While we were up north, my mom, who bought us all the yummy Thanksgiving food to bring back here, also bought the children a big bag of cereal for a treat Thanksgiving morning. Normally, I always make a special breakfast that day (sweet rolls and hot cocoa or something), but I was so thankful as I was unable to cook yesterday, everyone had a special treat for breakfast anyways.

As soon as breakfast, family Bible time, and clean up chores were done, the children set to work on making our delicious feast. The younger ones played in the play room, the girls pulled out all the food to start working and the older boys alternated between helping cook and entertain the younger ones.

With Christmas music playing, the voices of happy children singing and working together, a Daddy who planned on being home the ENTIRE day, and the table set, I just thanked the Lord so much for blessing me so much more than I deserve.

My mom and dad sent us home with name cards to put at each place in which they had written each of us notes telling us why they were thankful for us. We read them outloud as we began our meal and even with our family so far away, we felt so close knowing we were in their hearts.

I don't think the girls had ever rolled out a pie crust on their own. Rebekah looked a bit worried, but I thought they were the most beautiful pies I had ever set eyes on. And considsering how much pie we have left over, I would say they tasted pretty good too!

They brought over Nehemiah to help crush the walnuts...he did great and it kept him busy for at least 15 minutes :)

With the food all prepared and the turkey baking in the over, they began to clean up the kitchen.

Daddy read to the little ones before their nap...Oh, I just love that man!

And my big helpers even cleaned up the toys from the little ones play time.

Happy first Thanksgiving my sweetest littlest man!

While the younger ones napped, the older ones did our annual Thanksgiving tradition of making turkeys from apples, raisins, and marshmallows.

Before we knew it, the turkey was done, the house smelled soooo good, and everyone gathered around to watch Daddy carve the turkey.

And we all gathered around the table to thank the Lord for his goodness, abundant blessings, and mercy toward us.

I just love these children soooo much!!

Timothy reading the place card Grandpa and Grandma gave him.

Josiah was shocked at how much bigger a turkey leg is than a chicken leg :)Again, after supper, everyone pitched in and cleaned up....Many hands make light work!

Did I tell you how much I love this man? :)

Then, my camera ran out of batteries, but we had so much more fun. We all went to the family room and shared what we were especially thankful for this year. I just love hearing what the children say.

I then lay down to rest with Eliseo and Daniel went outside to work while the children played with some friends from the neighborhood who had arrived. We took over some dinner plates to our neighbors too and shared with them why we were having a special day.

Soon it was getting dark and while the children took their baths, Daniel got down our Christmas decorations. As soon as bath time was over, everyone helped decorate the house as we spend the next month especially remembering God's wonderful gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Savior!

With the most of the children now snug in their beds, Daniel and I sipped hot cocoa together as I felt little Lockwood #12 kicking me. :)

Ps. 23:6 Surley goodness and mecry shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I hope you all too had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The Lord is so good and faithful!