Monthly Musings Round 1 - November

Monthly Musings... What is that exactly you may be wondering? Well, a "musing" is a period of reflection or thought. Lora and I created this linkup as a way to sit back and think about the finer things in life that we have going on right now. Life can get stressful, and painful, and difficult at times. And sure- you don't want to hide those feelings or keep them bottled up, but Monthly Musings is not a time for those feelings. Here, we want you to reflect on what's good in your life. What do you love about this month? What's something good that happened this month? Is this your favorite month? Why? All of that and more can be answered here!

It's November! We're a week away from THANKSGIVING! Thanksgiving is definitely my second favorite holiday. (Christmas is my first, but not because of presents for me!... that's for another post though).

This month I'm looking forward to seeing family that I haven't seen in almost a year. I have an Aunt and Uncle in Wisconsin. This Aunt is the "favorite Aunt"... even though some people think you're not supposed to say it. I said it, so there. With her and my uncle living so far away, it's difficult to see them as often as we get to see everyone else. This year for Thanksgiving, they'll be flying down and staying with my mom (her sister) for a few days. I'm thankful to be able to spend some much needed time with them and to let my kids get to know them better. I'm thankful that my family is so close and that we all enjoy each others' company.

Whenever my mom's side of the family gets together for Thanksgiving, it's like a big comedy club. We all joke around with each other. There's always tons of laughing. It's just so full of light and fun and happiness. I love it. I love spending time with this family. One of my uncles always cooks the turkey and everyone else brings a side dish. (I bring green bean casserole- YUM!!) If you saw my vlog last week, then you'll remember that I promised to share the recipe. Don't worry, I don't break promises.
This year will be strange because it'll be the first big holiday without my grandma there. I'm still anxious about that. We used to always have Thanksgiving and Christmas at Grandma's tiny little apartment with everyone crammed into the living room and dining room. It was small, but we made it work.
This year we'll be at my mom's new house. I'm not as sad about Grandma not being with us as I thought I would be. I know she's smiling down on us from Heaven. I know she'll be watching the whole thing. I'm also Thankful for blogging friends like Lora. Friends that reach out to you and say "hey, let's do a link up!" I'm Thankful for friends that do actually link up with our crazy idea! haha. This year has been a crazy one, but as it draws to an end, I love looking back and seeing I have so much to be Thankful for.

This month is the start of "family" holidays to me. It warms my heart to know that in a week from tomorrow I'll be sitting around the table full of family and full of smiles. I have a lot to be thankful for this month. For starters, I have a loving husband and two beautiful children. I'm blessed to have family all over the place. After dinner at my mom's we'll be having desert on the dad's side of my family. My mother in law will be joining us at both locations.
I'm blessed to have in laws that get along so well with my families.

As it hits me that November is halfway over, and I sit back and reflect on what this month means to me, I realize more and more about how blessed I really am. And how blessed my children are to be surrounded by so much love and happiness. As my kids grow, it is becoming more and more apparent that I have so much to be thankful for. Josh and I both come from large families. Our kids are surrounded by love, and that is all I could ever ask for them.

What are you thankful for this month?

Next Month: We're musing on CHRISTMAS!!! My Favorite holiday!!

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