Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2010

It is Thanksgiving Day- 2010! There is so much to be thankful for over this last year. The birth of our son, the move to the NW and our friends... new and old.
I was in Mass yesterday and I wept. It hit me- it has been ONE year. I have a new home, new life and new friends. It has flown by. I also have a beautiful family that is healthy and happy. We have had friends from Texas come and visit us from summer to November. It seems strange that they left and hard to think we might not see them until next year. Our best friends are here visiting us for Thanksgiving. WOW!
Nine years ago we started a Thanksgiving tradition with one of my college roommates. Her father had passed away and we didn't want her or her mother to be alone. Since then we have spent EVERY Thanksgiving together. It has grown.... into more friends who might not have family around. It has gone from cooking to catering over the years. It has been at Michelle's childhood house , our house and our ranch. There are many memories and many, many, many bottles of wine that have been enjoyed. We have sang karaoke. (I have LOTS of pictures) It has been a great 9 years!!

Thanksgiving 2008

Over the years my other college roomie joined in the fun. So did our friends, our priest, my ObGyn and others who would wander in and out throughout the day! It has been great!

Thanksgiving 2009

Now there is a new page that is turning! We are so blessed to have the Slevin Family here to be with us. We have spent MANY a family holiday together. I hope they will come back! My friend Michelle now has her own family ( twins as of 4 days ago) so she too will start a new tradition. I hope, my friend, we will reconnect and gather again in the future!! I am blessed. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally ( even when I gripe about cooking a turkey, dressing, etc) and a beautiful family that is healthy, strong willed and fearless! My grandmother is still with me and helps me in every aspect of my life. My Mom is here with us living in Wenatchee. I am making some lovely friends. God is good.
I cannot believe it has been a year. I miss some of the tradition... but today we start a new one.
I have made a Turkey, dressing from scratch and sweet potatoes. I have "catered" the pies. I here the children fighting and giggling in the background as I type. My husband and David are talking politics and the football game is playing. Tonight we go to the Tornabene's ( our first friends in Wenatchee) for dessert, drinks and a game of "flashlight freeze tag" in the snow. Tomorrow is sledding!
So, when you sit at your table.... slow down for a minute and REALLY take stock of what you are thankful for this day. Remember the past, remember the moment and pray for the futures.
May God bless you all and remember we love ALL our friends and Family!!!

"Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite. OnThanksgiving Day we come before you with gratitude for your kindness: open our hearts to concern for our fellow men and women, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. 

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. "