Why I Am So Thankful - Reflections on Thanksgiving

Last week I enjoyed my home being full with the sounds of laughter, crying, screaming and more.  Yes my grandkids were down for a few days as well as others.  It is always nice to have a house full of people.  The life it adds to air is priceless. 

We did the usual.. Watched Alice In Wonderland, the new one of course.  Their momma had not seen it yet so of course we had to watch it with her.  We read stories, colored pictures, and played for hours.  Vincent shared a new toy with them.  Needless to say they loved it and spent most of the day before Thanksgiving outdoors.  Yet it was a wonderful 80 degree day; something one does not experience much in Oklahoma in mid November.  

 Of course though the following day was to bring colder tempertures so we were sure to take a few moments to fill all the bird feeders as well as leave some corn out for the other animals that may wander through the yard on Thanksgiving.   

The feast went wonderful.  A tradional meal of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and so on.  But the highlight for me was a wonderful 4 layer Carrot cake that my oldest son made.  He is not an avid baker but every so often he gets a wild hair and when he does his result is always totally yummy.  I have already put an order in for this to be my birthday cake and present from him for the remainder of my days.  It was totally made from scratch even to the point of grating his own cinnamon.  Believe me it tasted soooo good. 

As soon as all the fun started it was over and the house was once again silent except for Winston and I.  Yet there are many things to do.  Christmas cards to write, presents to wrap and goodies to make.  I hope all of you had as wonderful of a holiday as I was blessed with. 

Thought To Ponder - Give Thanks

Thanksgiving day comes,

by statue once a year;

to the honest man it somes as frequently as

the heart of gratitude will allow

Edward Sanford Martin

Wanderlust Wednesday - The Joy of Little People (especially grandchildren)

I know I have carried on and on about my grandchildren several times yet I am sorry to say that I do not forsee a time when I will ever tire of doing so.  So I give fair warning to any who have heard enough to stop reading now.

Being the week of Thanksgiving, of course the three f's will run freely.  If you do not know what the three f's are; they are  Food, Fun, and Family.  This year I am graced with my table being full of my children and grandchildren, save my middle son and his fiance who decided to spend their Thanksgiving in the South of Spain.  Can't say I blame them, I would have to think about it abit if that option were open to me also.

Seeing that the kids will be here, that means grandchildren also.  So of course I am happy as can be.  I have taught my grand daughter the love of letter writing and we converse back and forth during the times we are apart.  She has already sent me the grocery list of items that I need to be sure and have on hand as she is going to be my little helper.  She is in full charge of the pumpkin pie, which will also double as her mommy's birthday cake.  Yes, her birthday occasionally falls on Thanksgiving; how fun is that.

Her brothers will also be along for the ride.  I am counting on Vincent to keep her oldest brother busy with a new toy he just had to get for them.  Lets just say it has four wheels and is alot of fun.  Her little brother is crawling like a bug so I am sure we will be chasing him to and fro yet how much fun is that. 

My oldest son and his family will also join us.  He has been out this week deer hunting and has promised to bring me some fresh meat as he put it; as he got a buck yesterday. Although Brandi already has two sons, they are in hopes that they can add to their family soon.  Because of issues, this will have to be done with fertilization.  Yet they are planning on starting the process after the first of the year.

Vincents daughter and husband will also join us.  They are expecting their own little one next summer.  A possibility of twins is highly likely and we can not wait for verification as to whether or not we will be blessed in this way.  I guess I should say, Vincent and I can't wait as the thought of two little ones I think scares them to death.  It will be nice to have a baby (especially a grand child) near to us again.

So although we will have a full house this year, and there will be ample little ones running and crawling around, next year could prove to be even more abundant.  There is a joy that grandchildren bring that I know any of you out there who have experienced it, know what I speak of.

I always wanted to have 12 children when I got married.  Everyone laughed at me and thought me silly. In fact I think my first husband feared I may just try and attempt this feat as it was he who went in and got snipped after the birth of my daughter.   Vincent and I have talked about the fact that it was probably best that we did not get together earlier or that could have very well have happened to us;  being the good Catholic boy he is and I being the wonderful fertile goddess I am... ( my doctor used to call me the fertility goddess). 

I have always loved a big family and even more so with lots of little ones running everywhere.  I was blessed with three children of my own and I consider Vince's daughter the same.  Each one of them have their spouses and/or fiances so that is four more.  So I figure in all I have 8 children.  It's not 12 but it is a good start and the grandchildren are coming along nicely.

Some day I expect I will sit around while everyone else tends to me but for now I am the momma and I like it.  I hope this week as each of you gather with your friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving that you likewise have your share of the 3 Fs.  And if you are blessed to have little ones around take a moment to stop and watch... They grow so fast and before you know it they are gone.  The laughter and smiles of a child can do wonders.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving

Preparing To Be Thankful

This week the holiday season officially begins. Many are preparing to go and visit friends and/or family and share with them Thanksgiving dinner. Turkeys will be bought and roasted, fried, and/or BBQ (although a BBQ turkey, just doesn't sound right). A variety of side dishes from candied yams to oyster dressing will be prepared and many of us will sit down to fill ourselves with all the yummy flavors of the season.

Eating is definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving; that and the ritual of preparing the feast.  I have opted for an organic bird this year.  Trying to accommodate every one's taste buds can be a bit of a challenge yet I think I have it handled.   An array of dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce, and of course the deserts will all be present. 

Then there is the Macy’s parade Thanksgiving morning which for many (especially us older ones) is somewhat of a tradition. Of course it is not quite what it used to be. I remember vividly watching all morning long Thanksgiving day. Eagerly waiting for each huge balloon to come by. The last time I watched there were not nearly as many balloons and most of the time was spent with whoever hosted the televised event. Maybe I am just becoming a crabby old person but it just did not seem as good as in younger years. :-)

Football is also a big thing on Thanksgiving day although for us here in Oklahoma it will occur a few days later. A couple years back Bedlam (Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University) agreed to play their game the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is really great as it is a big game anyway and to place it during this time just makes it that more special. With each of my children representing one corner of the great football triangle (OU, OSU, and UT) it lends itself for some great times. Football also gives the men a good excuse to nod off to sleep after eating to their hearts content. Blaming it on the turkey of course, yet I heard the other day that there is little if any truth to this claim.

So what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Are there any traditions that you share on a yearly basis? Whatever they may be here is wishing you and yours a wonderful blessed time.