{Brooklyn} Giving Thanks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I finished reading a book last night and I cried my eyes out in the ending. (Many thanks to my sister who recommended it to me...insert sarcasm here). It was a story of love and family and friendship. There were some wise words at the end though that made the tears all worthwhile..."you see that love and family are all there is. Nothing else matters."

I've had an interesting few weeks that have definitely got me thinking introspectively. I was in Mexico this last week and it was like reliving my experience as a 20-year old. I will never forget being in Guadalajara in 1995, walking through the public market, down a flight of stairs, and people stepping over and sometimes on a baby swaddled up in a blanket at the feet of her mother. It broke my heart to see this and the desperation of this mother/baby pair. They were begging for money and most people ignored their existence. If that doesn't slap you in the face as an opportunity to be thankful, I don't know what would. 

I am so thankful for my life. My jobs. Family. Especially my little girl. I have all sorts of hopes & desires for her. But my hope is that she will have big dreams for herself. I am thankful for her in my life.

I must say that Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I could really care less about the big meal but what do I love? I love that it is a holiday revolving around the concept of being grateful! So let us say thanks and strive for all the things that make us grateful.

{Celebrate} Thanksgiving

I hope you all enjoyed a day full of laugter, love, and delicious food! It was really awesome reading everyone's texts, Twitters and updates on Facebook for all that they were thankful. Here are a few that are near and dear to me...

Me: Thankful for an awesome night with friends last night, a day with family & friends today, & my cute little girl!

Cora: Love and thankful for my husband, our home, and our amazing baby girl. Life is seriously perfect!

My mom: Turkey's rubbed and ready for the oven, giblets are boiling on the stove, sale flyers are half read, football's on TV -- ahhhhhhh, it must be Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey day to all our friends and family and don't forget to count your blessings!!! Everyone has them -- sometimes you just have to look around for them! Love and peace to you all!

Kristi: Happy turkey day - I'm thankful for the love of my family n friends

Brian (my little brother): So t day with no bro and sis and kids. Just mom dad and a big turkey. First time in life the Avery family house isn't overcome with people. Should be intresting. Hope everyone has a great day. Oh and to the people that shop on Friday I hate you. Thanks for ruining my night tonight. Smiles

Isn't amazing how much Facebook, Twitter, and blogs can make us feel so much more connected and close. Especially on the holidays, when we wish we were all closer! Although I'm extremely blessed to have so many wonderful friends and in-laws in Southern California, I also get a little sad when I'm not with the Avery Family in Washington state during the holidays. The holidays were always such a big deal growing up and I long for them still as an adult. However, my favorite holiday is Christmas and I will be back home with Dan & Brooklyn this year. We can't wait and are counting the days.

In the spirit of gratefulness, I want to take this opportunity to thank every client, friend, and family member that has supported and encouraged me on this photography journey. I can't believe that this is the 3rd holiday season that I will be capturing the same families. It is so special playing a part in each of your lives. Thank you for your loyalty!

And from the Ford family session yesterday, here's a little fall fun & colors for the holiday!

 

Turkey Trot

Good morning! It's an absolutely beautiful day here in the LBC. I'm not a fan of the rain but I absolutely love the after effect. Especially since the air quality has been terrible here since the fires. This morning I joined Aaron & Cora in the LB Turkey Trot. Cora ran the 10k and Aaron & I walked the 5k. It was a great way to start the day. Brooklyn stayed home and slept in with her daddy (a rare occasion). I'm feeling especially thankful for all that I have this year.

Can you believe how beautiful the sky is?

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

OMG, this is so stinkin' cute & funny! My sister in Texas sent this to me today of her family featured in a thanksgiving card. Enjoy the show and have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Another funny vid I got in an email today. "I will survive..."