I had such a precious time with family over Thanksgiving.  There were a few things missing, two of which were people who I love.  The food as prepared by the ladies in our family was perfect.  The laughter, fellowship and games as we watched a little football and ate yet another piece of pie was life giving to me.  As is tradition in our family, very early Friday morning all of the girls go shopping!  Madi who is my 10 year old angel has participated in the annual Christmas holdiay season kick off since her very first shopping adventure in 2001!  We have a ball and I have seen some of you fun-loving crazy girls scurring the mall each year. 🙂  Our men have a tradition of their own…they hunt together the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Which brings me to the addition to my life that has blessed me more than words.
<div ><a href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6nJZCjEbtQ/TtVAna6i9AI/AAAAAAAAAHM/BXymNyN7hqc/s1600/bracen+hunting.JPG”><img src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6nJZCjEbtQ/TtVAna6i9AI/AAAAAAAAAHM/BXymNyN7hqc/s320/bracen+hunting.JPG” alt=”” width=”238″ height=”320″ border=”0″ /></a></div>
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<div >This is my grandson, Bracen, with my man and his Pop.  He went on his very first hunting trip at the ripe age of 4 months!  As I have shared with you, 2011 has held many ups and downs for the Gibbs family.  In January, we found out that Bracen was on the way and there were many parts of that news that were difficult.  But this Thanksgiving…while I missed my sweet mom beyond words, I was blessed and filled up with wonder and love.  I have a grandson. I have a new, beautiful daughter-in-law.  My family is healthy.  My kids are following Christ.  My husband is my best friend.  My extended family is near and precious to me.  Christ is on the throne.  Christmas is coming.  I am a Gigi.  I am thankful.</div>