Saturday, November 28, 2009

THANKSGIVING DAY 2009

Thanksgiving Day 2009 is history. For our family, we did it well. It was bittersweet for us. We missed Mom so much...but John Thomas was a wonderful addition to our clan. Oh, that sweet baby is going to be so surrounded by love. Between our family and Will's family...he has a tremendous group to care for him through life. Oh, that every child born this year could say the same.

Joy and I shared the cooking duties. When I started mixing up the sweet potato casserole, and I saw this bowl full of ORANGE...I thought that this is definitely the color of Thanksgiving!


Of course, when you add the topping ingredients, it really gets to smelling yummy!


Here is the table, set. NO! I DID NOT HAVE MY CHAIRS!!!They are now on backorder!


Lori came in with these cool ALABAMA (ROLL TIDE) gloves. We're sort of split as a family when it comes to the rivalry with AUBURN (WAR EAGLE).


We were so glad Tara could be with us. John Thomas is only 2 weeks old! And, since she had a c section, she's really not supposed to drive yet. Will was off on a hunting trip, so she came anyway! We're glad, too! She is looking great! And, she is going to be a great mother. Very laid back and easy going!


Here's Tommy holding his grandson! Isn't he proud?


The men at the table...


Alex holding the baby for the first time!


Pop and I warming by the fireplace...


Alex and Ben doing computer things after lunch...


After lunch,we visited with each other. Suzanne and Adam came. They had eaten lunch with Suzanne's family.

Then we all...except Don and Tommy...'cause they are just old men!...went over to Pop's house. We put Adam and Ben up in the attic, and began pulling out the Christmas decorations. We all worked like little bees. Got the mantle fixed, the dining room, got the tree out (but not decorated), got the wreaths ready to go up, and worked on several other places.

I think Pop was a little overwhelmed. He said, with tears in his eyes, "I am so blessed. Just look at this...all of you over here, doing this for me. Look how everyone is working together-just to help this old man's house look nice. This is what a family should be." And I had to agree. We were all tired, but happy. We laughed, tried this, tried that, changed this, left that,took out of the attic, put back in the attic, got out of the attic again! Joy and I will finish up next week...but it sure helped us out to have all that help!

Now, I think Pop lucked out and got the choicest job of all! So sweet!


Ian just wasn't sure he wanted to hold the baby, but Joy put JT in his arms...does he look uncomfortable or what?


Joy and I. I know what she's gonna say. "I should be holding him! He's MY grandson!" Too bad, Sis. I got him first! :)


Our work had to come to an end. Sweet Tara and little JT had a 40 minute ride ahead of them. So, we packed them up, and got them headed out. And the rest of us followed suit. JT is changed, fed, and already asleep for the ride!


A wonderful day! Family, food, fun...a winning combination. We had a moment before we asked the blessing on our food. Several of us talked about the things we were most thankful for. How blessed this family is! We all belong to the Lord. We all have made our reservations in Heaven. We will ALWAYS be together! We like each other as well as love each other. When one or another one is having a difficult time, we walk along side them until they find their way. We support. We forgive. We strive to show grace to one another, because we know how much grace and mercy God has shown to us.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow...!"


PS...if you did not read my previous post...be sure to do so! It was a very special part of our Thanksgiving!

8 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

I do love that sweet potato casserole!!! No one makes it like that up here - - - you need to show us a picture of your finished dish!!!

Those Bama gloves are the bomb, and they HELPED the Bama Tide beat the Auburn Tigers, didn't they!?!

Zaankali said...

Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Smiles!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What beautiful memories you made this year. I know that your father will be forever thankful for all that you are doing for him during this difficult season in his life.

nancygrayce said...

I make a similar sweet potato casserole! Yummy......The baby is so sweet! Your dad is blessed....

Could you bring your crew over to decorate my house for Christmas????? That would be so nice!

Justabeachkat said...

Your family is blessed indeed.

Hugs!
Kat

Jean said...

Can't help but feel the love when reading this post.

June Bug said...

With tears in my eyes, I read your blog just now and rejoiced to know that your Thanksgiving was as special as Ella would have wanted it to be.

Also today, I saw the little Dough Boy somewhere and can't remember exactly where...I just thought of all of you!

Now it's time to put your pumpkins away and get out the holly! Enjoy yourself!

I love you.

Gram said...

Sounds like you had a very busy day. We also had a bittersweet day, so many blessings, but missing Tito's father.