Gratitude

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies.

The man who forgets to be thankful has

fallen asleep in life." - Robert Louis Stevenson

I've been reading everyone's Facebook posts about what they are thankful for each day. I know it has gotten on some people's nerves, but I personally think it's been great. It's nice to get on Facebook and see positive comments instead of "poor me" posts or complaints. We have a lot to be thankful for in life... simple details to major provisions. Though I did not join the multitudes posting on Facebook, I am abundantly thankful for many things in my life. Last year, I made a Thanksgiving list of all the things I am thankful for - and I'm grateful all the more this year.

Mom was in TN with my grandfather this year so she could not be here for Thanksgiving with us! She was missed! As TC says, she is the "Commander of Fun," the "General of Good Times, the "President of Partying". Seems funny but my mom (and my aunt) add a ton of fun to every family holiday. Though it was different from last year without my mom, sister and brother-in-law, Dad, TC and I had a fantastic time relaxing and enjoying  the lack of an agenda (except, of course, for our thorough planning of Black Friday).

I managed to successfully cook Thanksgiving dinner. (*Brag moment*) Because I love Thanksgiving dinner (Christmas dinner too) so much, I could not figure out what to sacrifice, so I cooked everything we usually do, but halved the recipes. Delicious. This year we missed the paper...:( We forgot it was on Wednesday night (see what happens when people are missing...I tried to keep everything up to par, but ehhh). For the most part we managed to squeeze in every part of fun and relaxation we could. Snapshots of the week are below. I hope everyone had a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Treats to start the week off

We worked on a Christmas puzzle

Dad and I prepared the turkey

Watched the Macy's Day Parade in our Christmas pjs

Enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner

Prepared for Black Friday!

 **Baking, Thanksgiving dinner prep, a Christmas puzzle, Christmas movies, white chocolate milkshakes, Black Friday list making, late night movie, last minute Walmart run, Christmas music, pumpkin bread, pecan pie aroma in the air....I love it!** - Facebook post from Thanksgiving night

Thanksgiving

Many thanks. For many blessings. Thanksgiving was a gift.

I'm thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  

I'm thankful for my precious and wonderful husband who continuously amazes me with his joy, kindness, leadership and immeasurable fun. Who is slow to anger. Always patient (Even when I am incredibly frustrating). Keeps no record of wrong. Who I can always trust.

I'm thankful for my wonderful family, the family both here- my parents who have done so much. My sister who always brings a smile-  and there - I miss the family there very much, but Christmas has big plans this year.

I'm thankful for friends. Friends who send me Thanksgiving cards with reasons to be grateful, friends who let me be a part of their wedding celebrations, for those who are there always, and for those who go the distance to stay in touch.

I'm thankful for a job. A job where I grow and am stretched. A job where I find joy each day.

I'm thankful for dreams. The hope and courage they bring. For memories. The inspiration they create.

I'm thankful for traditions.

I'm thankful for laughter.

I'm thankful for time and health.

I'm thankful for my past, present, and future.

I'm thankful for the grace I am given and the mercy I am shown.

The blessings are countless.

My family is more fun than I can capture into a few words. They are more loving than a blog could express.

Thanksgiving was truly a day of many thanks to God.

A turkey made for Hollywood

They are the reason the holidays are always so magical

My sis and brother-in-law

Love TC

Family pic

In honor of the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Everyone joined in.

Feast time

Baxter looks comfy

Last minute prep

Waiting on Britt to arrive with an early Christmas present

We've always been this crazy, thanks to our parents. We've now passed it on to our husbands. Our kids will love us.

Letters from friends

Thanksgiving Eve

It's Thanksgiving Eve. It's also late and everyone has gone to bed. I should be there too so I will feel rested bright and early, but it feels appropriate to reflect on the day. I want to record what I've done so I'll always be able to look back and reminisce on the traditions of my family. Reminisce as defined by my google search is to "Indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events." Perfectly defined. I want to always indulge enjoyably in all of our good memories.

Sis and her husband are coming in the morning and I can hardly wait. Mom and I spent the day getting all of our casseroles and pies ready. The sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese bake, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, red velvet cake, dumplings, dressing, turkey, cranberry sauce...divine. Usually the same menu every year. Slight variations, but usually these are the traditional dishes. And because they are traditional, I love them. Actually, I love them because these dishes are absolutely delish. I wait for this combo every year. My two favorite meals - Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner - the two meals that deserve the "you've out-done-yourself" reaction, the "how will we ever eat all of this" response, the "this is my favorite food ever" smile, and the "I've waited all year for this" excitement. Christmas dinner looks very close to Thanksgiving's, but with even more food... Amazing... 

Nanny and Papa came this afternoon and joined in on the baking and taste-testing. After dinner, TC, mom, and I went to retrieve an early release of the Thanksgiving Day newspaper. This is the second year our local newspaper has done this. It's been quite a success. Tonight the lines were massive and moving slowly, so mom and I decided to walk the rest of the way. We divided and conquered. Good thing...they were running low! We did not go through the paper when we got home, primarily because of... tradition (surprise!)- that's a Thanksgiving Day activity. Instead, we started another activity...but that's a secret. Until tomorrow....

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my dear friends and family. Count your blessings. We have many.

Dinner prep

Downtown's Christms spirit

Not the only one's with this tradition

Our Thanksgiving Day newspaper



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