Traditions

I started dating Heath in the spring of 1995.  That year I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for him, Papaw, and his sister Heather.   It was the first big deal meal I had ever prepared.   I loved it! I thoroughly enjoy making a great feast for the people I love.   I have cooked Thanksgiving dinner every year since.  Each year we see new faces around our table.    We like to open up our home to those who like us might not have family living close by, or college kids that can't go home, elderly widowers, lonely neighbors.  I come from a big crazy family and holidays are my favorite part of being a part of that family.   So I open our home never knowing how many people will be around the table.   I could be noble and say it's all about helping others, but honestly it provides me with the big family holiday surrounded by people to love and be loved by.  

So you can imagine, it was very hard for me to cancel our Thanksgiving dinner this year when all this tumor business came to light. It's funny how things work. The whole "you reap what you sow" business is the real deal.  Our friends, the Cushings, cancelled their travel plans and would be home for the holiday.  My friend Leigh, like myself truly loves the family traditions, and like me was going to be missing them this year.   God makes the most beautiful music! I love how He brought our two families together to provide each of us with what we were missing.   It was a wonderful day we got to spend in a warm and welcoming home with great friends.  It was perfect! 

Leigh for you I give thanks.   One of my favorite verses is from Philippians chapter 1 verse 3.  I than my God every time I remember you.  Thank you friend. 

Our dinner plans may have taken a detour but we were still able to take our annual Thanksgiving trek to the Christmas tree farm and get our tree.  The kids love this adventure for many reasons.   One,they love having the Christmas tree up.  Ryan especially enjoys the tree, and is usually mad at me for a few days every year when I take it down.  Secondly, Heath lets each of the kids sit on his lap and drive around the farm.  Last year it was a bit ridiculous looking when Patrick took his turn as he is about the same size as I am.  This year was a huge deal for Patrick and Ryan because they would get to drive, actually drive, not just steer from their dad's lap.   I should state that this was not only a big deal to the boys but to Heath as well. I'm sure he had mixed emotions of excitement for the boys and fear for the safety of his truck.

Power tool in hand, Heath is in his happy place.  

  All in all they did a great job.   Our tree picking on the other hand was not so great. In an effort to maintain circulation in my feet and hands I chose the first decent tree I came across.   I love our tree now, but let's just say that it needed several adjustments to get there.  

At the end of the day we smile and are thankful for all that surrounds us.   

This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24