{A Thanksgiving Blessing}

This Thanksgiving we broke tradition and hosted friends at our house instead of spending the day with family. The idea came about when our original plan of traveling to Ohio was scrapped and we heard that a family new to the area was going to be spending the day alone. It immediately brought back memories of our Air Force days, when holidays were spent gathered with close friends who felt like family. TJ and I knew breaking tradition might cause some riffs, but the Lord worked it all out for the best!

I planned and prepared in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, and when I bought the turkey, I chose the largest one I could find. We were feeding 13 people so I chose one that was 15 pounds. It would be enough for the day, but I wasn't expecting leftovers. Our guests were bringing side dishes and desserts, and I was making additional sides and desserts, so I knew we would have plenty of food for the 13 of us.

A few days before Thanksgiving, I ran into a long-time friend of mine. Our Thanksgiving plans came up in conversation, and when I heard that she and her family were planning to eat at a restaurant, my heart-strings were tugged and I invited them to join us. She accepted and we worked out details of what meal items she would contribute.

Adult table all set and ready for guests

When I informed TJ that I had invited another family of 6 to join us, he was immediately concerned about having enough food, particularly turkey. He suggested I buy a ham to go with it. I went to the store to buy one but could not bring myself to pay $1.99/lb (10 lbs was the smallest ham I found) so I returned home empty-handed. Thanksgiving day arrived and as I was putting the turkey in the oven, TJ again shared his concern over having enough food. I assured him that I had faith the Lord would work it out.

Panoramic view of the "big kid" table

I am so blessed that I was able to see the Lord work that day! The fellowship was sweet and everyone left feeling refreshed, encouraged, and genuinely thankful for a wonderful day together. But most importantly, the Lord showed His providence and presence by providing more than enough turkey for all of us! I had enough leftover for 2 additional meals for my family of 8 (since Ruthie isn't eating solids yet)! It truly was the Lord's doing!

Some of the kids before the start of the scavenger hunt

This is a Thanksgiving I will never forget. I shared this story with my children in hopes that they, too, will remember this day and see how God took care of us. He blessed us greatly not just in the physical sense of providing enough food, but in encouraging our spiritual walk with Him.

Wow!

Couponing

As you probably noticed, I added a new ticker to the top of my blog. I have recently started to be more diligent with my use of coupons because of the fact that we will soon need to buy a larger vehicle. We do not currently have a car payment and would like to keep things that way, but quite honestly, we don't have the cash saved up to pay for a vehicle in full (at least not enough cash for a newer vehicle). My goal is to save $2,000 by the end of January 2012. That equates to a savings of about $250 each month. I have always used coupons if I had one, but never really made an effort to maximize my savings potential. Until now. And it's awesome!!! I wish I had started sooner because the savings available are crazy. I love the feeling I get when I save 50% or MORE on foods and items we use every week. Our grocery bill is typically $80-$100 per week or $320-$400 per month. That seems high but considering we're a family of 7, that averages out to about...

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 jobs I have held. . . 1. Special Olympics Swim Coach Best job ever and very rewarding! 2. Preschool/Youth swim instructor My first job (I volunteered until I got hired on at the Y, then I was paid.) 3. Lifeguard This was my first paid job. 4. Crew Chief/aircraft mechanic on the KC-10 I loved it- I saw the world on this plane and pushed myself the farthest mentally and physically I ever have or ever will again. Of course I missed my family and friends, but if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. 5. Debrief personnel I talked with aircrews after they landed about their flight/mission. I learned the logistical side of flying. 6. Tool Crib personnel I gave the mechanics tools for various jobs needed to fix the airplane. I also inventoried and ordered new tools, and that was fun. Until this job, I had no idea that tool companies have a representative drive around in a truck full of tools for people to use and try. It was during t...

{Updated Blog List}

I updated my blog list to include some blogs that I have been following for a while but weren't linked. I also removed some of the links to blogs that were no longer being updated. I may add some more to my list, time permitting. This clean-up/update has been long overdue! :)

A Lifetime of Love

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