November is a month of thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost, we are thankful for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are thankful for our family and friends. We are thankful for all the blessings the Lord has given us.
The month kicked off celebrating Eli's 13th birthday. It seems like only yesterday that he was running through the house in his diaper and cowboy boots and now he is almost taller than Jeff! Eli enjoys playing the guitar and piano, swimming on the swim team, and hanging out with friends. He also likes to serve and bless others. He is a hard worker and loves the Lord. We are so thankful for the young man he has become and can't wait to see what God has in store for him in the coming year.
For his birthday, Eli wanted to go swimming with his cousins. The Ozark Community Center pool is about half way between us and the Andersons and made for a great place to celebrate both Eli and Seth's birthdays. We swam, had pizza, and enjoyed fellowship with the Andersons and Nana and Papa. It was great fun! We are thankful for new memories made with family.
We found out this month, after several weeks of illness, that Jeff's current medication is no longer working. After much prayer and talking with the doctor, he will be pursuing a new course of treatment in hopes of bringing his autoimmune disease under control. Would you join us in praying that the insurance will pay for the new treatment? We are so thankful for modern medicine.
This month brought a few days of rather nasty weather and with it the need for a place for Mac to go to get out of the weather. Jeff and the boys tackled the dog house project with gusto and in just a few days had an insulated house put together. It was so funny to watch our chicken go in and try to claim it for her own. We are thankful for Mac...and Mosey (the chicken). 😄
Eli had the opportunity to participate with the worship team for both Sunday morning services and Sunday night youth group. It was fun to watch him worship with his guitar. He seemed so nonchalant and relaxed on stage. He has been taking lessons from our worship pastor for a year and a half and really enjoys playing. We are thankful for his musical abilities and his desire to share them with others.
As the month wore on, it became apparent that Zeke was having some physical issues. After a visit to the vet and an incurable diagnosis, the decision was made to say good-bye. To say this was one of the most difficult things we have had to do is an understatement. Zeke was a part of our family and the loss we feel is so painful. We miss him so much and think of him every day. There is a hole in our family right now. He was such a great dog and loyal companion. We are so thankful for the many years we had with him.
Thanksgiving was an awesome day. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed sitting outside while the kids played. The company was great and the food was abundant. Having Nana, Papa, and the Andersons here was such a blessing. We are so thankful for having family close by again!
To end our Thanksgiving week, we headed to the Amazeum and decorated for Christmas. Although our time at the Amazeum was limited, it was a blast nonetheless. The kids made the most of every minute! We also had fun decorating for Christmas and kicking off the season with molasses cookie making. We are thankful for fun opportunities and the ability to do things together as a family.
We hope that you had time this month to sit and reflect on all there is to be thankful in your life. God has been so good to us and the only appropriate response is thankfulness and worship.
Click the link below to watch a picture slideshow from the past month:
https://desktopapp.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e4463774e7a55314e6a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true
