GRATITUDE

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010

 

"A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart"

 Jr. Asparagus  from Veggie Tales

This was almost the Thanksgiving that "wasn't" given that I came down with a nasty little bug on Tues. evening while in the midst of cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  I am ever so grateful for my sister Sarah, brother-in-law, Dan, and niece Ericka who drove 10 hrs. from NC only to arrive Wed. afternoon and ALLOW ME TO PASS THE TORCH!  

My oldest daughter  jumped in to HELP finish what I had started.  I, on the other hand, LIMPED OFF to bed for 2 hrs., got some sleep and allowed my medicine to work it's magic.  I woke up feeling 200% better, most all of the food cooked and put in storage containers for warming up Thursday, and a feeling of "order having been restored".

Thursday morning found my son and his family of 6 all down for the count with a stomach bug as well.  What more could happen to steal Thanksgiving?  

Dinner was finally served at 1:00 and portions were promptly sent to feed the sick and afflicted who only live 2 miles away.

 Once Friday rolled around, everyone was feeling much better, and the annual trip to the mall for Santa Picture was back on.  This year, it was an all girl trip and Santa was dressed in his Alabama football gear (not a fan of my Santa dressed for a football team).  The entire trek to the mall went off without a hitch unlike in years past when we've  had to wheel one of us out in a wheelchair (story for another time). The Group Santa picture has been a tradition for over 10 yrs.  I especially love getting the pictures out at Christmas and lining them up on the fireplace mantel to see how we have all changed and grown over the years.  The first picture began with my sweet Mama in a wheelchair and it never fails to bring back wonderful memories of the many shopping trips on Black Friday.  Mama and I would get up at 4:00 to make it to the early sales, dig thru the mountains of shirts at some Dept. Store, and then cruise for a seat in the food court.

Christmas Season 2010 is officially open

 Tonight we sit with tummies full and hearts grateful for all that family means.  A simple game of Apples to Apples brought rounds of laughter and team competition...cousin vs cousin...sister vs sister...Grandmother vs Grandchild...all in the spirit of fun and togetherness.  Enough Football has been watched and pies eaten to put everyone into a sports/sugar coma!!  The Grandsons have pulled enough pranks to make us all lovingly distrustful of a simple pat on the back, handshake, or offer to help.  Mischievous minds were in Thanksgiving overload and Oh so Happy for a receptive audience!

 Thank you Dear Lord for the many blessings bestowed on my family this year...even in the trials and tribulations we Give Thanks knowing that You, Dear Lord, are in the details.  Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with my family!

.Enjoy the rest of your weekend to all my American Blogging friends and blessings to all my Canadian friends and around the world.

GMAMA JANE