So…beginning this week the holiday season is officially upon us. And for that I am both so very thankful and a little anxious.
I’m thankful because it means that time is passing. The passage of time is a balm for my heart right now. Each day is another day down and another day closer until I see my husband again. Another day closer until we get to move forward.
I’m also thankful because I truly love the holiday season. I love Thanksgiving’s reminder to be thankful for our abundant blessings. We have so much to give thanks for…even during difficult seasons! And Christmas is just my favorite!! To celebrate the sacrifice of our Savior coming to earth as a humble baby. To celebrate the wonder of that moment when God became man. There’s just no better season of the year! I look forward to it so much!
I’m a little anxious because even though I dearly love the holiday season, I also know that it’s going to be a difficult one for us.
With my husband in Korea and our extended family states away, it will be just the kids and I celebrating together.
There will be lonely days when I yearn to share this wonderful season with my husband. He is my best friend, after all. My heart will be saddened to see my children experience another special moment without their Daddy. I’ll miss being around family during this time, too. I always do.
Tomorrow we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving, our first holiday of the season and I’m excited about our plans for the day.
I was invited to join friends for their Thanksgiving dinner and I appreciated that invitation and their thoughtfulness so much. I was also invited to join other friends for dinner at the DFAC (think cafeteria on an Army post). I was tempted to accept each of these invitations, but in the end I decided that the kids and I are going to have a quiet, simple (stress free) Thanksgiving at home that we can all look forward to.
I’m actually really excited about making this a special day for the five of us.
We’re going to begin the day slowly. I’ll let the kids sleep in and stay in pajamas through much of the morning. I am planning to make a breakfast for us all…cinnamon rolls, bacon and eggs.
The kids are looking forward to watching the Macy’s Day Parade. They love this tradition. They’ll watch that while I’m preparing our dinner.
While I was pondering the possibility of joining other families for dinner or to eat with friend at the DFAC I realized that I really enjoy cooking and preparing Thanksgiving dinner for my family. It’s something that I love doing and would really be sad to miss.
I purchased a small turkey and the kids helped me put together a simple menu with our favorites! Here’s the menu we came up with for the day:
I’m printing it out and putting it up on the refrigerator.
After dinner we’ll spend the afternoon with quiet relaxing activities including reading and coloring together. We’ve come to love our quiet reading times!
I’m sure we’ll get to talk to Keith on Skype at some point in the day as well. With the time difference between Kansas and South Korea, he’ll be waking up on Friday morning after we’ve had our dinner and are enjoying the afternoon.
In the evening we’re planning to watch the new Anne of Green Gables movie on PBS. It’s my daughter’s favorite book and she’s never watched the movie, so she’s greatly anticipating watching this!! We’ll have leftovers or turkey sandwiches and enjoy our movie before going to bed.
I’m not so naive to think that the day is going to go without any hiccups at all. The kids will have arguments. I’ll be sad at some point. There may even be tears, but we’ll get through it all with gratitude in our hearts.
To me, this sounds like the perfect day. Completely stress free and relaxed.
Deana says
God is with you Monica and will comfort you as you continue to live for Him. I will pray for your family today and ask that even though miles away from each other that all of you will feel close to each other.
I love following you! You are a real inspiration to me.
Blessings,
Deana
Jinny Newlin says
So glad you were able to make Thanksgiving beautiful, memorable, and priceless for your family, Monica, and that you got to cook ;)! We started our day with the exact same breakfast. My Great Auntie Myrt taught me how to make cinnamon rolls, and I can finally do it without crying, now that she is no longer with us :). We had planned to go to my parents’ in the afternoon, but Kaden had a 103 degree temp. It only lasted about 36 hours, or we would’ve been at his pediatrician this am. It’s been under 100 all day today. Fortunately, meds have done their job, while they wouldn’t touch it yesterday. BJ went to the store to see if he could find a turkey, but all they had was frozen; and we didn’t have enough time to wait for it to thaw. So, for the first time EVER, we had chicken on Thanksgiving day. It was perfect, though. Everything was delicious, and we spent the whole day watching the parade, which we NEVER get to do, and the lighting of The Plaza; snuggling; playing games; and just being together. Together is the best place to be. Thinking of you tonight! XOXO
Jinny Newlin says
Oh, and my big kiddos got to go see Mohana with my hubby ;). So fun!
Monica Andrews says
I am so sorry that Kayden was sick and you had to miss Thanksgiving with your parents’! I’m glad to hear that he’s feeling better now, though! That sounds like a wonderful day…you’re right, being together is the very best place to be!
How did your kiddos like Mohana? The kids and I went on Wednesday and they loved it!
Jennifer Scruggs says
AAHH! How did I miss the premiere of Anne of Green Gables?!? How was it???? I will have to find out when it is airing again and record it! Love your guts sweet friend! Re-doubling my prayers for you and your family during this holiday season!
Jenn
Monica Andrews says
Thank you so much friend!!! EA really enjoyed Anne of Green Gables, but I didn’t think it quite compared to the original. Love your guts!! <3