More Fun and, of Course, Thanksgiving Food!

As the little ones napped the afternoon away, we ladies were busy in the kitchen. Gigi showed Tara all about preparing a turkey, and then she made her first Waldorf Salad. We substitute light or sugar free Cool Whip for the mayo, as quite a few of the men in our family aren't fans of mayo. Just love having three generations of ladies in the kitchen!

Next we set our rolls out to rise, then prepared our stuffing, sweet potato casserole and spinach souflle`.

Gigi had been busy Friday making some deviled eggs to have as appetizers in the afternoon, along with artichoke dip (not pictured), little smokies, and cheese/pepperoni crackers. Certainly a bountiful harvest of food!

Our resident artist, Natalie, spent quite a bit of time designing our dinner place cards while the boys were playing with the train. She carefully chose a sticker for each of us, then decorated our cards, front and back. They turned out so beautifully and were definitely made with love!

Children love to be helpers, so we got them busy setting the dining room table for our special meal. Even the Sams could carry silverware from the buffet.

Once the table was set we had some time for blowing bubbles and enjoying the beautiful fall day outside.

Then it was time to carve the turkey, put the food out and enjoy the fruit of our labor. What a feast!

Twins certainly enjoy a special bond as evidenced by Nathan and Natalie considering considering one another their best friend. At this age, they really wish they could marry each other when they grow up.

We were all tickled when Samuel wanted his shirt off after dinner. Think he got hot. Well Samantha spotted him and wanted to do the same. So here they are, playing a little game together by hiding in a corner, totally "twin play"!

Finally, it was time to retire to the couch and recliner to watch some football...well sort of.

It was a wonderful day filled with family. From breakfast (with monkey bread of course) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, to a dinner filled with traditional fare, we count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord.

We Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good!

As we reflect on Thanksgiving 2011 we have much to be thankful for...faith, family and friends being on the top of our list.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God..." Psalm 95:2-3

For our family, this is what Thanksgiving is all about...coming into His presence with thanksgiving and shouting joyfully to Him for His provision and blessing. It's about acknowledging all that He has done for us, individually and collectively.

Our day began with a scrumptious breakfast with the Dews. We count it as such a blessing to be right next door! (Unfortunately we were missing 4 of our family members as Nick was away and Leah, Kyle and Emery were celebrating down in Georgia...we sure missed them).

We look at EZ and can see answered prayers every day regarding his health and stamina. We look at our children and are so very proud of the adults they have become. We look at our home, and the fact that we are still in it, and stand amazed. We look at our five healthy, beautiful grandchildren and see them as gifts from God. We look at our church and reflect upon the special people who teach us, pray for us and come alongside us. We look at our parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, neices and nephews, cousins, and friends, and feel so blessed to have them in our lives.

After breakfast EZ, aka Grandpa, unpacked his beloved train set. Were Nathan and Samuel ever thrilled! They dove right in as his assistants and got it all set up and running, with Natalie occasionally becoming a human bridge and Nathan helping out as an "engineer" driving the train. The Sams loved placing toys in one of the train cars as it stopped right in front of them. Our granddog Buddy wanted to be right in the middle of things...literally!

At this point the little ones had to head home for a nap! Stayed tuned for tomorrow's post all about THE MEAL, our tiny helpers, some time outside, twin bonds, and food comas!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Servant Hearts and Helping Hands

Last Saturday morning we awoke to frost on the ground and a brisk 29 degrees. However, that did not deter the youth, parents and brotherhood of Stony Hill Baptist Church! They showed up bright and early to rake, blow, and move some leaves. By the time I grabbed my camera they had already done so much work, and it was only 8:30am. We were amazed! Note the gorgeous green grass that emerged from under the leaves.

Carol, Pops and Novlen

That is one full tarp of leaves

Bobby and Derek hard at work

Nick joining in

Lee tackled the side yard

Novlen

Mollie, Sophie and Rebecca

EZ joined in this year!

Every country girl needs a t-shirt like this:

Beautiful Sophie

As everyone worked their way to the front of our yard, I grabbed a group shot.

Now...time for jumping in those huge piles of leaves and indulging in Krispy Kremes, hot chocolate, and coffee

Carol showing the youth how it's done!

Sophie, Suzanna and Monica followed suit

And now for the big reveal:

During this season of thanksgiving, we are so very grateful for those who were willing to brave the cold, and give up their Saturday morning, in order to help us. We sure do love the body of Christ at SHBC! Many thanks to them and we hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!