My life has been truly blessed and while I should acknowledge that fact on a daily basis I am grateful that we set aside a special day to remind us all to count our blessings. Growing up we always had the gathering at our house complete with any “strays” my mother could find – occasionally we would travel to Moberly, MO for dinner with my aunt and uncle and their kids – or go across town to my sister’s after she married. Later when I was married there were celebrations spent in Springfield with my in-laws and/or my parents – in fact some of my fondest Thanksgiving memories are the years that my dad and I delivered Meals on Wheels together. I only remember one other year when I wasn’t with at least one of my daughters but this year they gathered together in Des Moines and we stayed home. I really missed spending the day with my girls but I’m so thankful that they are best friends and that Julia and Lydia have a wonderful aunt and uncle to shower them with love.
One recent tradition that continued today was the Turkey Trot – despite a temp of 25 and winds about the same MPH Cindy, Tarah and I bundled up and “wogged” (walked/jogged) the 3.1 miles. Of course by mile #1 we were hot except for the sting on our faces but it was still fun – even though Tarah had to show off by running up the last hill and crossing the finish line first!
Dinner today was at Cindy’s where she showed off her excellent hostess skills – we even found a couple of strays to join us in the form of a co-worker and her 13 year-old daughter and they fit right into our crazy family. Burl is a true traditionalist for this meal so we had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes (white AND sweet), dressing and green bean casserole (gag!) – along with a wide assortment of desserts.
We’re home now for a respite before Cindy, Tarah and I venture out again. I’ve never gotten up to do the 5 a.m. Black Friday shopping before although last year Burl, Blair and Steve gave it a whirl. But when I mentioned to Cindy that Tanger Mall in Branson was opening at midnight for shopping she proposed that we go – and I was crazy enough to say YES. My theory is that I can stay up late and sleep in tomorrow a lot easier than I can get up in the middle of the night and fight the crowds. Wanna hear what’s really crazy about our planned trip – there’s nothing I really need to shop for! I’m just going along for the fun?!?!? Stay tuned – I’ll give you a shopping report tomorrow.
Right now I just want to give thanks for my family, my friends, my faith, to God who has blessed me with a life and talents far above what I deserve – I’m thankful for my health, for the education I’ve received, the opportunities I’ve been given, for living in a free country where our military forces fight for our freedom, for my dog and most of all for life itself. May I never forget who gives these blessings to me on a daily basis.
