I  am blessed beyond words to have my Mom....... ...........

I was again reminded this Christmas how unselfish she truly is. She worked herself tirelessly to create a wonderful Christmas for her brothers, sisters, and her Mom not to mention the days of work she put in to creating a perfect Christmas for my family. It was difficult for me this year because I was not able to help as much as I would have liked due to my knee, but even with that she didn't make me feel guilty or feel like I wasn't doing my part. As I grew up I watched her take care of everyone else and even now she continues to be such an example to me. God blesses her for caring for her family and gives her such joy as she works. She is fulfilled and the happiest when she is "doing" for her family. I pray I am as dedicated as she is and that I don't sit until the last dish is done! 

I have gone well into December without blogging and I am not sure how that happened!! We are now in Memphis with Mom and Dad (NeeNay and Poppa). Christmas is just days away and the boys are giddy with excitement. I on the other hand not so giddy!! Last Sunday, December 14 I was having a lovely little Christmas party with my 9th grade girls and we had had 2 hours of laughter and fun. The party was coming to a close Alfred was upstairs and had put the boys to bed. We were playing a dancing game and to my dismay I suffered a small spill. Well okay not small in fact quite major....I jumped up in the air and when I came down my body was facing one way but my right leg was 180 degrees in the other direction. Needless to say I was down for the count and in more pain than I care to remember. Alfred took me to the emergency room after assuring the girls and several parents that I was okay. Now one week later am facing surgery which looms sometime the first week in January for a torn ACL. I am grateful for a precious extended family, Momma T and Aunt Holly, that pitched in and helped with the boys. I know that is only the beginning however.......

I am in such good spirits and I know that my God is in control and He has ordained this time of listening so I am.....listening that is to His heart and what he'd like His child to learn. No this indeed wasn't planned and it interfered with what I thought I wanted my Christmas to look like, but I a  grateful that I have a heavenly Daddy that gives me opportunities and takes care of me in the mist of my silliness. 

Giving All Thanks

I am so grateful each time I am allowed to "go home". Reverting back to what I knew so long ago and becoming someone's child once again. I am at such contentment at my parent's home and I am thankful that they allow my very loud bunch of Burgess men to invade during the holidays. I can close my eyes and store up all these memories....I am grateful they last all year through!

This is two of Barrett's good friends Isaac and Lanning. Before this year he didn't really like other little boys nor did he interact well. It's nice to see him growing up and God shaping him. 

Holly's Birthday

Last night was fabulous, Alfred and I had the honor to celebrate our dear precious Holly and give her a surprise party. We had lot and lots of friends and good food at the Oasis. We were able to sit inside in a private dining room and make as much noise as we wanted which was good because 5 of the 7 Day children came with Tracy:) I haven't smiled and laughed that much in a long time and it was long over due. It was one of those rare and perfect times when everything truly comes together and God is there in our mist.  

Pilgrims and Indians

Here are a few more pictures of our precious Bear and the Thanksgiving program that has consumed a large portion of my time as well as attention. He and his little brother are singing all the songs and probably will continue to do so over the next few weeks. Although there were a couple of times his enthusiasm made me want to scream (he was singing ahead of the music because he wanted to say the words first) his smile and his love for me and music flowed over his zeal. I will remember these short years where he was able to go to OLC and be with me at the same time. It is a gift that I am able to work and they can be at the same school and so close to me. I remember my Mom talking about that very thing when my brother and I were with her at Avondale. She always talked so fondly about those years and others that allowed her to be so close to us. I love how much I am like her and how much Bear is like me. God is good and generous in that way!

Barrett's School Feast

Today was our OLC Thanksgiving Feast and it was wonderful. Barrett was so proud Momma T sat at our table as one of our family members. Earlier in the week he was counting up all our family members and he said, "Momma we have 14 people in our whole entire family." I said, "Baby, who are those 14 people." He replied, "Well you know NeeNay, Poppa, Daddy, Brockie, Aunt Amy, Uncle Gabe, Ethan, Evan, Momma T, PaPaw Rich, Hillary, Aunt Holly, and you." I am so thankful we have "family" here in Austin and that my boys are so loved. After the feast today Trexa took Bear for the afternoon and spent time with him playing and at the park. So nice for him and for me too:) I am grateful for the Hilderbrand family and the blessing they are to my family.