thanksgiving 2007

We spent Thanksgiving in Annapolis with Bill's family. It was great spending time with them, especially having missed it last year. Last Thanksgiving, William had just been born, but I was so out of it, trying to recover and adjust to being a brand-spankin' new mom. There was no way I could leave the house because I felt miserable. But Carolyn was so kind to bring us some Thanksgiving food so we weren't totally missing out on the holiday. We were so appreciative of her incredible thoughtfulness. That time was so hard, but we were so touched by her extraordinary act of kindness, remembering us in our time of need, when most people were busy with their own families. I don't know what we were going to have for dinner that night... probably just fast food or something. We were and are so thankful for her.

Oops... got lost in some memories. =) It's amazing to think about all that God brought us through, and how He has sustained us over this year. Anyway, some highlights of this year's Thanksgiving with the fam...

Bill's family

The Sutphins (Mom, Glenn, Chris, & Gabi)

The Fowlers (Rob, Lori, Tessa, & Aidan)



The Stanwixs (Megan [Rob's sister], Matt, & their baby girl Lily)

A cool toy from Tessa...

And here's a top 10 list of things we are grateful for, in no particular order (well, except for the first 3):

1. salvation - "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21).

2. each other - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (Jas. 1:17-18).

3. William, our little monkey and gift from God

4. Our families - the Sutphins, Fowlers, Davidsons, & Chens

5. Our church

6. The Lord's protection and mercies over our dear friends Aida, Jane, & Michael - "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lam. 3:22-23).

7. God's amazing and ample provision over our family this past year. "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Eph. 3:20-21).

8. Our dear care group, all of whom we are excited about growing with and doing life with. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).

9. Our health

10. A new baby on the way... Gotcha! Just kidding!!! =) (Well, not yet at least.) But we are thankful for simple days. Busy? Yes, but simple.