Friday, November 30, 2007

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

So refreshed!!! Artie and I have had a tradition since we got engaged to be with his family on Thanksgiving. We spend Christmas at home in Tampa (being in ministry, Christmas isn't an easy time to get away) and with my family here in town it works out well. This year we traveled up to North Carolina where Artie's mom, Jean, lives and her twin sister has a big lake house on the same lake that Artie's mom lives on. What fun! My sisters and I would love to all live on the same lake. They have a pontoon boat that they drive in between the houses ... so fun! It's always so relaxing when we go to see his famiy. No agenda - just hang out with each other. It was so great!

Artie's cousin, Joe and his wife Nancy, adopted a little boy from Russia a few years ago - Nicholay. And his cousin Jennifer has a little boy, Joseph. And we're having our little boy in March. So - there will be all boys for grandchildren on Artie's side. Lots of fun boys to grow up together.

Speaking of our baby boy, he's doing great. I'm almost 25 weeks pregnant now. I'm feeling really good and loving being pregnant (now that I'm not sick all day anymore). He's got a routine of his active times of the day now. It's so sweet to feel him moving almost everyday now. He wakes me up at night occasionally, but Artie and I think it's just God's way of getting us ready for when he's here.

Entering into the Christmas season now, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I think Christmas is what inspired my blog when I began to write. There are always good stories to tell at Christmas. Like tomorrow is JOMOOO (those are my siblings and I's last name initials in order). It's our annual gathering after Thanksgiving to draw names for Christmas gifts. It is always such a blast to all be together, just the kids (and spouses and children). I'm sure I'll have something to write about, so stay tuned.

For now, here are a few pictures from our trip and our first Christmas picture...
Artie- driving the boat


Artie & his sister, Carrie
Me & Baby


The Whole Thanksgiving Gang
Merry Christmas!

1 comments:

Alicia said...

Only in Florida can you pick out a Christmas tree in flip flops and shorts!!!!!!! AHHH I miss it so much. Miss you both. Lela you look just radiant!