Thank You

Thanksgiving, a year ago, we had already made the decision to strike out on our  little business venture, but for the most part had kept it under our hats. We were excited, but plenty nervous and honestly didn't know how things would be going by this Thanksgiving. And really, we don't know how things will be going by next year this time. With more Thanksgivings behind me than what I have ahead, one thing that I've learned is to be thankful for today.

Thanksgiving morning I attempted to sleep in. But after years of getting up early, I just couldn't do it. A little after five AM I found myself tossing and turning and wanting to get out of bed. It's funny that someone like me can take a nap almost anywhere anytime, but struggles to sleep past five AM. Nothing feels better than lying flat on my back on the floor and taking a fifteen minute nap in the middle of the day. And I can usually be sleeping within minutes of lying down. But trying to sleep in, now that's a tough one.

And so Thanksgiving morning I got up and took my bow for an early morning walk and watched the sunrise. I had everything ready to go and had my boots on when I realized that my binoculars were on the desk beside my bed. I really wanted my binoculars because I love picking the woods apart, looking at birds, looking for deer, looking at the intricacy of leaves etc. Well, I really didn't want to disturb Jenelle, as she was getting some much needed sleep, and so I left without my binoculars.

And so instead of peering through my binoculars all morning, I sat and watched the sunrise and took in the big picture. It was beautiful!

And when seeing beauty like that, the big sky coming to life, the silhouette of the trees, the mountains, everything coming together into one big picture of beauty, I can't help but give thanks to God.

And in looking back over this past year, and thinking about what I am thankful for, I would like to do the same. When looking at the big picture of our family, our little business, I can only say, "God, thank you! You know how to make things beautiful!" 

We've had our ups and downs. Like in the picture, we have a lot of trees growing up straight and trees that are leaning and broken. Clumps of grapevines that sometimes seem to be pulling us down but also bearing fruit. Not everything developed exactly as we planned. Then there are those things that seem even better than what we hoped for. All of those unexpected tints of color that bring us joy and hope, so much like the kind words and support that we feel from all of you. But most importantly, it feels like we are in the right spot, right where God wants us.

So this Thanksgiving season, we just want to say thanks to each of you! We are so thankful for your support! Whether it's following along with us, buying stuff, or just giving a word of encouragement or even asking how we are doing. All of those things mean so much!

And as the official Thanksgiving season comes to a close and the Christmas season enters in, we continue to give thanks for each of you!

This coming Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4, we will be at Christmas in the Village. This event is at Penn Alps and Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville MD and we will be located in the Great Hall. Stop by and check out the village and say hello if you get the chance.

 This will be our first time stepping out into the public and so we are excited. We're not exactly sure what to expect, but we are excited that we can be a part of Christmas in the Village and look forward to seeing some of you there!