Thanksgiving 2022

Thanksgiving has come and gone a number of times since I began to blog,

so by now it's no secret that I love to add a bit of something pretty to the table. 

I set it the night before, so that I don't feel rushed 

and I can enjoy looking at it and anticipate the time together. 

This year I set for eighteen, sixteen of our family plus two friends.

For the centerpiece I got out a silk Christmas arrangement 

and stuffed it full of cuttings from the yard,

adding some tiny pumpkins.

I made pies ahead of time, froze them unbaked and

baked them while the turkey was sitting. 

The kids are at the age now where they come in and look to see what's for dessert. 

They know the best is yet to come!

After appies, most headed outside.

It was such a beautiful day ... another day of summer! 

Some made bead bracelets,

others played lawn games. 

Finally dinner was ready! 

Natalie with two of her favorite cousins, 

Tehya and Paeton who have rarely celebrated this day with us! 

I loved overhearing Koen's comment, as he was filling his plate,

"I like Thanksgiving more every year!" 

(a twelve year old's way of saying he was excited about the food) 

To see the family (almost all) around the table is a feeling hard to describe.

It goes something like ...

"Why me, Lord? What have I ever done, to deserve all of these?"

How we love them all! 

I found some paper in my scrap box that was perfect for table doodling ...

everyone could jot down what came to mind and pass it on. 

Last week I read that gratitude means not taking anything for granted.

On this Thanksgiving day, 

I still feel like a lot of my gratitude was tucked within my heart,

treasured ... wishing I could find a way to express it. 

Maybe one day they will understand. 

🤍🤍🤍