Giving Thanks

November has been busy and I haven't taken time to post much. We've been going to basketball games to cheer on Sheridan, Richard has been traveling, and I've been shopping for Christmas as much as possible so I won't have to do much in December! We all looked forward to going to Mountain Home to be with my mom and dad and be THANKFUL for our many blessings! 

There's always going to be challenges packing and traveling with 8 people, finding a place for all those people to sleep, keeping everyone getting along and loving each other...but it's worth it when Mom tears up and tells us it's her highlight of the holiday. I'm not sure how many more years we can get everyone over the hills to MH, but I'm glad we got to be there this Thanksgiving. 

Another highlight, getting to see where Becky lives. She is my dearest friend and lives in the beautiful woods of Marion County. We weren't in a hurry to get home, so we were able to drive to see where she calls home. I love this precious friend and her woodland home is so beautiful. 

Giving Thanks in Heber

This picture captures what I'm thankful for...and these things:

1. Gramps making his famous food (mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc)

2. Cameron getting out of the car and yelling, "Cousins!" when he got to Heber.

3. All 21 of us in the beauty of Gramps and Mimi's house, singing worship songs after lunch while Ben and Ryan led us.

4. Having my 6 kids, plus Kate, with us the whole weekend, not because we made them, but because they wanted to be with us. 

Sunshine

The girls disappeared outside for awhile on Thanksgiving and came in with beautiful pictures taken on Lauren's phone. I wish we had all gone out for a family picture while the sunshine was just right but I guess we were recovering from our food consumption!  

 

 

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Thanksgiving in MH

Thanksgiving is filled with food, family and games in Mtn Home! We had the extra blessing of taking two U of O girls with us to Grandma's house! Gabi is from Mexico, and Liliam is from Honduras. Liliam is one of our host "daughters" and she was one of several who are traveling home for Christmas but not Thanksgiving. We had a great time playing games with them and sharing their sweet friendships with our family. Grandma headed up the kitchen (as usual) and Lauren, Sheridan and I got in on helping with cooking.

Gathering around the kitchen is the climax of the day!  Turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet green beans, crock pot corn, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole, grape salad, jello salad, olive/pickle/celery tray and Sister Schubert's rolls. OH MY. Pecan and pumpkin pies for dessert. We have SO MUCH to be thankful for. It was a beautiful day and a great meal, it's always awesome to go home for the holidays.

 

The secret is out...Santa and Mrs Clause DO eat with us on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving at Big Cedar

 

 

 

SUPER weekend in Branson, at the Big Cedar Lodge. Mimi and Gramps hosted all of us at this beautiful location and we shared lots of laughter, food and games. The cousins all get along, not sure if that had to do with lots of space to run and play or not. We spent Saturday afternoon at the Dixie Stampede and had a great lunch and lots of laughs. We cooked several of our favorite dishes for dinner that night and then had a very special brunch at the Big Cedar restaurant on Sunday before we all went back to our homes/schools.

 

I was so thankful to have my whole family together, along with Katelyn and her sweet self. Sheridan is the beneficiary of her willingness to play games and Gramps treated her to the first taste of his homemade ice cream (which is a stamp of approval and an honor in our family). It was also a great time to get to know Rebecca's new husband, Rob. He joined right in our crazy Nertz game and entertained the little cousins just like all the rest of us. It was absolutely freezing outside for the whole weekend and we were thankful for fireplaces, heaters and laughter to keep us warm. We have MUCH to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.