Thankful Hearts

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and I am reminded that being thankful is a daily, hourly, minute by minute thing. I so enjoy the family gathering and celebrating a special time for being thankful, but overall, my prayer for my family is that we are thankful all the time in all things.

Our family gathered along with dear friends and had a great meal and time together. Jon, as usual, did a super job on the turkey using the Weber BBQ and all of the usual side dishes were included in the dinner. Chloe and Claire each made a vegetable side dish and Chris helped make a dessert. I think they all felt important and I enjoyed the one on one time with each of them.

Claire made the traditional green bean casserole and Chloe made a corn casserole that my Mom and sister made often. Below you see Chloe, hard at work, in her apron and her tiara. Both girls came dressed in tiaras and Claire in a very fancy dress.

 

 

Before dinner, when the children were in and out of the house they picked some weeds (shamrocks) and made a bouquet for the table. They were all excited that it would be part of the centerpiece.

 

 





Norm had set up the old electric trains that we still have around our home in the garage and that gave some additional entertainment to both kids and adults.

After dinner Claire went upstairs to the "fancy box" that is in the guest room where the girls always sleep when here. She found some additional fancy stuff to add to her already fancy dress. :)

Below you see Chris enjoying some pie later in the day and Chloe gets a little photo op with her brother as well.

 

 

 

The last picture shows a lovely bracelet that Chloe brought to me. She had made it for me and pointed out the bead with the "S" on it that represents my name. I will treasure this bracelet always and plan to wear it at every opportunity. She knows me well, that I love flowers and sparkly stuff, and she included all of those loves in the bracelet.

 

 

We are blessed beyond measure with our Grandchildren and I thank God every day for the fact that they are healthy and strong and that we are honored to be part of their lives. I am looking forward to spending this upcoming Thursday morning in Claire and Chloe's K class because it is the last I will see them before Papa and I leave on another wonderful adventure. I'm sad that we will be missing Christmas musical celebrations here at home and that we will miss the children's programs at their respective schools, but I know we will enjoy our time together and with friends as we travel. Yes, we are blessed beyond measure in many ways!

 

We will return to the U.S. on December 23rd. Merry Christmas to all of you!