Wednesday, November 19, 2014

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!!

The Rambling Llama

23 comments :

  1. I love how you are all getting together as a family for Thanksgiving. It sounds like so much fun!

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  2. Thanksgiving aside from Christmas is the best FAMILY holiday. I so look forward to not just the food, but the awesome cozy loving feeling of family time. <3 Such blessings.

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  3. I couldn't agree more! it's such an amazing holiday!

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  4. It makes me a little sick to realize that Thanksgiving is literally next week. Like WHAT? Where has this year gone?

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  5. it's a ton of fun! We all eat waaayy too much and watch football. :) so relaxing

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  6. NO KIDDING!! this month is practically over. what the heck

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  7. I can't wait for Christmas so I am fine with November being 1/2 way gone! I am so thankful that I found your blog in this crazy blogging world! This is the first holiday without my grandma too. She was sick and tired last year so she either came and left the party early or didn't come at all. So it won't be as bad - I hope.

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  8. I am so excited for the holidays, but also sad. This year we won't be able to make the trip to Georgia to see my family. But I'm still excited, because I know my mom will find a way to make it special anyways.

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  9. I'm so excited for Christmas too! It's just so hard to believe that it's almost here. I'm nowhere near ready! and likewise my dear! I'm so thankful to have found you as well! <3

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  10. your mom is the greatest! you'll end up with an amazing surprise I'm sure ;) We'll be thinking of you here!

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  11. I think having big families is probably my favorite part of the holidays, even if it means I'll drive more between Thanksgiving + Christmas than I could ever want to...

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  12. Reason #384 why I love you...GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE! It's the only dish needed at Thanksgiving dinner if you ask me...not even the turkey! Thanksgiving makes me all sorts of happy, I'm excited for you and all your family to be together and I will be praying for you while you go through this time. Holiday's without our loved ones aren't easy but we can chose to celebrate them and their life rather than being sad they are not there. ox!

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  13. Such a great post! What a blessed family you have! And I can't believe thanksgiving is next week! Where has the month gone?!

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  14. we'll be all over GA come thanksgiving and Christmas. (grayson, acworth, chamblee, duluth) and then some. hahaha. I love it and I LOVE my huge family but we do rack up the miles!

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  15. thanks so much sweetie that really means a lot :) AND no kidding! Where in the world has this month gone??? I really hope you have a great time next week!

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  16. we are just meant to be friends! plain and simple! Green bean casserole is my all time favorite dish for ANY family get together! My mom used to make it then she passed the recipe onto me. Now she does the sweet potatoes. :) I seriously cannot wait to be off for two days next week and to spend time with family. I'm giddy. hahaha.

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  17. Love this! I am sorry about your grandma :( That is always so hard to have someone missing. Those are the times of year when it really hits home! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!!

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  18. Thanks so much for your kind words. I know she'll be smiling down on us, but it's still difficult. it helps with kind words and thoughts from sweet people like you!

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  19. :) I love your "favorite aunt" comment too! I am a little partial as well. I have some great ones. My mom has 14 brothers and sisters!! Many have passed away, but we have some amazing ones still with us, and they have played such a huge role in our lives (and in our girls' too). Blessings!!

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  20. Hehehe my mom is the youngest of seven and my dad is the fourth of six so I have Lot of aunts and uncles too!! It's so great isn't it?

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  21. I love Thanksgiving so much! Between Christmas and Thanksgiving, I don't think I can choose a favorite. I need the two together (separated by 4 weeks for the sake of moderation). :)

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  22. I couldn't agree more! I love the way you put it "separated by 4 weeks for the sake of moderation" I laughed hard at that one. lol

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  23. I just adore Thanksgiving. It always held these memories of family time together, giving thanks and then laying around stuffed to the brim. ;) It kicks off the best time of the year, in my opinion. We are both pretty blessed - having our kiddos surrounded by loving people is the best thing ever! :)

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