Gobble Gobble!

We just celebrated Thanksgiving, Mary Frances' first!  We had a great time, spending the day with my family.  We spent the morning at our house and had breakfast.  Then we piled into our car (Maggie included!) and went over to my parent's house.  Mary Frances wore the smocked dress my mom had made for her.  My mom is learning how to smock and this was the first dress she had made!  Turned out wonderfully!  Anyways, we had a wonderful feast and had a good time hanging out, watching tv, playing with Mary Frances, going for a stroll around the neighborhood, etc.  I had to work on Friday, so we spent Saturday with the Cahill's and had a great time there as well!  Uncle Jim was in town, although he was sick, so Mary Frances didn't really get to hang out with him, but she had a lot of fun playing with Mimi!  We were able to take the Cahill Family Christmas picture and can't wait to see how that turns out.

Hanging out, waiting for Thanksgiving lunch :)

Chillin' with Papa

Family shot

Sally and Me

In honor of Thanksgiving, Paul and I made a list of the things we are thankful for.

- Jesus Christ and His gift of eternal life.  As we approach Christmas, our church takes part in Advent each Sunday.  One thing we learned this past Sunday is that Advent is not about celebrating Christ's first coming, but His second.  So we are thankful that He came to bear our sins on the cross, that He rose from the grave, and that He is coming again!  "Why should I gain from His reward?  I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom." - from How Deep the Father's Love for Us, by Stuart Townend

- Our little family of 4 (including Maggie :).  We are so thankful for each other and the way we have been blessed by each member of our immediate family.  Every person and canine brings so many different things, the most precious being joy.  While each addition has brought Paul and me more responsibility, I don't think we would change anything for the world.

- Our extended families, the Mercers and Cahills.  Paul and I are grateful for our families.  They have supported us our entire lives and have continued to do so since we got married 5 years ago.  They love us so much and desire to be a part of Mary Frances' life.  We couldn't ask for better grandparents and aunts and uncles for our little girl!  We know that she is and will continue to be well loved.

- Health!  Paul, Mary Frances and I have been blessed with good health.  Working at Children's, I see so many families mourn the health of their children and then turn to face the battle that is before them.  It is a tough journey and it helps me not take my health for granted.

- Good friends!  One thing that is hard to find when you are first married are other married friends.  We were so fortunate to have so many during our first and second years of marriage.  Married or single, our friends have supported us and walked along side of us during the past 5 years.  We really felt an outpouring of love as we prepared to welcome Mary Frances into our family.  What would we do without these great friends?

- Our church family at Christ Church Presbyterian.  There are so many churches in Atlanta and our church home is just right for us and where God wants us to be.  We have developed so many friendships and had many opportunities for growth, service and fellowship (Paul's favorite word :).  We are very thankful for it's leadership and the teaching we sit under and are excited about the new things in store for the church!

- Jobs that we both enjoy (most of the time).  I think this one is pretty self explanatory :)  Although, Mary Frances is probably more thankful for the days I am home than the days I am at work!

Mary Frances is ready for Christmas in her reindeer dress!

Thanks for reading through our list of what we are thankful for.  We are definitely ready for Christmas and cannot wait to celebrate with our little lady!

Love,
Katy