Another Family Day to be Thankful For

We're extending the holiday in both directions this year, with family visitors now and then for a full week. Last Saturday, John's sister and brother-in-law Victor and Elaine H. and their son Stephen were with us overnight and at church on Sunday, on their way westward to visit family. On Tuesday night and Wednesday, our own Liz and George were here on their way eastward to visit family. We LOVE living 15 miles from the interstate, and acting as bed and breakfast hosts, so feel free to give us a call and come by if you're traveling through!

Now, my sister and brother-in-law are here for a few days, and Ben and Julie will be in tomorrow. So -- we're putting off our turkey dinner until tomorrow. Yesterday we just relaxed and visited all day, and today, we did some cooking and baking in preparation for tomorrow. We decided to get a head start on feasting, so after our pot roast dinner, we cut into the pie. Yum!

Aunt Jeanne, Teenager and Sarah had a silly moment doing "See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil," since they were sitting side by side on the window seat. Late this afternoon, I chuckled to see this sight in the living room:

That's Uncle Dave, with Teenager and Aunt Jeanne. Shortly after that, we had five (count 'em -- 5!) computers going in the same room.

Our Thanksgiving menu hasn't changed much from the one I grew up with -- it's just expanded, and been modified each year with special requests. We always ask what everyone's "must-have" dish is, and for some foster children, it's sometimes been pretty unusual. This year, it's pretty standard.
Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes with a hint of orange, green bean casserole, creamed pearl onions, baked cranberries, jello with apples/celery/pineapple, pickles and black olives, celery/baby carrots/green pepper strips, dinner rolls (with real butter). Then, there's Pie. With Real Whipped Cream. Pumpkin, minced meat, pecan, chocolate, and blueberry. "Aunt Marjorie" will be joining us too, and bringing her corn casserole. She probably thinks we won't have enough food. ;-)

We've been blessed beyond measure in so many ways, and we have much to be thankful. One of the most wonderful blessings is a gathering like this, of family and friends. And even after tomorrow, it isn't over yet, because Victor and Elaine will be stopping by again, on their way back home. What fun!