"Thankful"...just not a big enough word for my heart!

It was only 3 years ago, that I lay in a hospital bed, praying and hoping for the Thanksgiving that I could be home with my family, healthy and happy, enjoying the simple things in life. I have to say, reminiscing of the time prior to the birth of the boys, brings a flood of emotions back. I am so grateful, forever thankful, for the undeserving blessing God showered upon the Pate family. We will never forget.

(Brookwood Hospital Perinatal Unit, room 227, November 24, 2008)



Thanksgiving this year was incredible. Beck Beck and Ro Ro spent the week here with us. It is amazing how much we did in 7 days, just as it is amazing how fast the time went by. Our hearts are so full of "thankfulness" to have had the special time with them. The many pictures I took will help refresh our memory when time takes us away from the season. Our hearts ached this morning as we said goodbye, but we focus on the fun times and look forward to 'next time'.....


This would be the FIRST THANKSGIVING I have had in my own home with my family as an adult. Rob and I have been married for 12 years and never had "Thanksgiving" at our home. Thankful that Dad and Rose were here to cook our meal...Not sure if oatmeal or egg wraps would have been etiquette...bahahaha!


OH YUMMY....grape leaves, homemade hummus, tabouli, turkey, sweet potato, broccoli casserole (made with greek yogurt and feta), and a loaf of whole wheat lebanese bread:-) THANK YOU BECKY AND ROSEY!


Whole Wheat Lebanese bread chips...SO GOOD!


Coloring with my big girls during nap time.



James said, "I no yike da punkin pie, I yike da yemon pie"







ATLANTA HALF MARATHON! Rob and I have started a tradition together.....running the Atl. Half each year on Thanksgiving Day...


Atlanta Half Marathon....Great job Daddy! Finished in 1hr 58min....







Pictures from our family gathering at Papa and Mamaw's house...

"Give Beck Beck a kiss!"


LOVE


Absolute LOVE!




Papaw with the boys...


Hours of fun here...playing on Mamaw's IPad..making goofy faces with photo booth ap!


Seriously, could the kid cram his finger up his nose any further...!?!?!


Sam and James rocking in Mamaw's rocking chair wearing Papa's hats!



Here are some more pics from our week.

















Playing outside...finding worms, taking down trampoline (Claire's first trampoline Becky bought her 8 years ago:-(....LOTS of memories on that one!)



Getting ready to PAINT A KITCHEN! WHOOO HOOOO!


Becky's helper for the day....hey, what a minute, shouldn't you be in SCHOOL!!!




Well, as the old saying goes..."All good things must eventually come to an end..."

I savor the memories, the pictures and videos, the stories and 'remember whens' because at the end of our time here on this Earth, the time we invested with our families and each other will carry on....long after we are gone!

Take time to love those you love. Be grateful for what you have. I know I am.