I think it is often times so easy to focus on the sad things that happen in life. They seem to make me step back and start worrying (something that I find  very easy to do!). But then I try to remind myself that the reason God brings tribulations into my life is to remind me of my fallen condition and complete dependence on Him, and to help me grow closer to Him.
"we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

God works all things together for good. What a comforting thought to know that he is in control of everything and that it is not good to be anxious about anything as that is a sin. 
 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -philippians 4:6-7 

And lastly, reminding myself to rejoice in tribulations.
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." -Romans 5:2-5


I'm so thankful that God has given me life. Given me the opportunity to serve Him and honor Him through my life.  I heard this song the other day on the radio and thought- man, it is so
good to be alive. Had to share it with you all.
-HeidiGrace-

Wednesday afternoon we went in search of a christmas tree...

...and after much searching we found the perfect one!

That evening Dad took Mom out for dinner and the rest of us kids had a pizza/tree decorating party! It was great party and why do we do it every year you ask....tradition!! ...ahem-sorry, just had to quote that movie as we recently watched it. ;)

After indulging ourselves in delicious Leonardo's Pizza, we (girls) set to work decorating the tree.

Ah-great times. 
-HeidiGrace-

Once again we had a glorious Thanksgiving celebration spent with family! This year I felt like we did so much in such a short amount of time (two days). Thursday morning we started off on our 3 1/2 hour journey to Southern Oregon with  plenty of delicious snacks to enjoy along the way and a short detour through Corvallis, OR (home of the Beavs! :)) where Mom and Dad gave us a tour of the beloved OSU campus where they met.
(Click on the photos to make them larger)

After arriving in Deadwood and reuniting with our beloved relatives-the women set to work preparing the Thanksgiving Feast while the men set themselves in front of the television to watch their yearly fill of football. :)

Then, after the long wait, the delicious feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, stuffing, pickles, olives, etc...began! And boy was it amazing and very satisfying. :) 

Before it got dark we got outside to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful fall weather...

After it got dark we all gathered inside to enjoy eating more food (dessert! :)), watching the guys play the traditional poker game, and just hanging out and relaxing. Twas very, very fun- love my family! :)

That evening, after a random-last minute decision, Maria, Elise, and I packed our bags and headed off to spend the night at our Aunt Tricia's so that we could wake up the next morning at 4 a.m. head into Eugene with her and our cousin Makenna to do some BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!! :) Yeah, it was painful getting up that early on vacation, but so worth the fun that was had going to Fred Meyer's, Target, and IHOP for breakfast with some of my favorite people. :) 

All the fun though had to come to an end. So after finishing off our visit by taking more walks, going on a run, and shooting some guns, we all headed home where we finished off the evening by watching "Brave" together.
What an amazingly enjoyable and exhausting Thanksgiving. 
Every year, even though you can get easily distracted by all of the activities that surround the occasion I'm reminded of all that I have to be thankful for. God is very good.

-HeidiGrace-

Mom was cutting Micah's hair today, so I thought I would take some pictures of the cute fella! This was the result...

Haha-he's quite a kid! :)
-HeidiGrace-

... you can create “junk food”  yourself that is healthier than what you buy at McDonalds and more delicious!
Here's a preview of what we had for dinner last night...

we had potato fries w/ ketchup...

w/ deliciously juicy hamburgers & kombucha strawberry smoothies.

feasting on a delicious dinner with your family-what a great way to end the day!

Thanks Melody for the awesome dinner! :)
-HeidiGrace-