Friday, November 23, 2007

The Best Thanksgiving

We had such a glorious time yesterday. It was our first Thanksgiving where we had family over and it was wonderful. We figured that if we're going to be cooking turkey anyway, we might as well have others over to share it with us. And for the first time, we actually live close enough for family to take us up on the offer. Mom, Dad, Mama, Laurance, Kimberly, and Jonathan joined us for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. What a treat! Ma-Ma had been telling us for weeks now that she wanted to see our new place, and we're so glad she was feeling up to the trip. We made turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, and brownies; Kimberly brought delicious green bean casserole, and Mom brought yummy sweet potato and squash casserole, as well as potato salad and pecan pie. We did the turkey in a bag for the first time and thought it was our best one-much more moist than our previous 2 years. And it was our first attempt at making homemade mashed potatoes w/the skins left on-we used the red potatoes and it turned out great. Our hopes of making a homemade pumpkin pie (using a small sugar pumpkin) were dashed due to time constraints, but we're hoping to attempt it this weekend.

During dinner, Mom broke out singing a couple songs including "I'll fly away" and we all joined in. I think that was my favorite part; a spontaneous, joy-filled family sing-a-long. And I loved not having to feel like I had to impress-they saw our bare walls and sparse furniture and still thought we had a lovely place. Ella gobbled up Mama's attention, especially when she fed her ice cream, and she thoroughly enjoyed Mom pushing her on her swing and Kimberly's chasing her all over the yard. "Imly, Chase Ella!" she'd say over and over. Jonathan was a little angel-he even got a nap in and we all managed to just barely fit around our table (though we did move it into the dining room to have a bit more room). Will showed off his new toys (I mean farm equipment)-namely his 1962 red Massey Ferguson tractor, disk harrow, bush hog, and trailer (all bought used and for a great price), and Dad advised us on starting our own Pick-Your-Own garden for next year. :-)

They all left around 4:30 and then Will, Ella, and I hung out on the hammock for some snuggle time and even had Mandy and Marlo join us. Until Marlo breathed too heavily in Will's face-then they had to snuggle together some place else. And yesterday was a 1st for our little girl. She petted both dogs on her own and she repeated it today. So maybe my goal of her not running away if the animals get too close will be accomplished afterall. We ended our day by watching We are Marshall. Speaking of movies, a recent favorite of ours is Amazing Grace,the true story of William Wilberforce and his tireless fight to end British slave trade.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for. Children who delight us, family and friends who encourage us, spouses who continue to love us, and our Savior, who loves us most of all.


7 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I was so hoping you'd post!
What a wonderful thanksgiving! Your yard is amazing and so inviting: I'm coming soon, I promise. Ella is too precious with her blonde curls and Ma Ma looks so happy. I'm glad you could have everyone and am quite impressed by your menu: you were quite ambitious! Congrats on a wonderful thanksgiving and many more to follow. Thanks for the pictures too.
Love you!
Liz

Anonymous said...

It thrills my heart to hear of your wonderful thanksgiving! We had a really nice one too in Aiken. I miss you lots and look forward to talking to you soon!
Love,
Sarah Grace

Emily said...

Wonderful pictures and so glad you had a good Thanksgiving! Ella and Ma-Ma seem to have a special bond...it is so sweet to watch! Reading this I really wish I could have been there. The warmth and fun really came through in your description! Well, I guess I can try to be patient another month... :)

rcsnickers said...

You have an amazing family so to hear of your wonderful Thanksgiving Day and spontaneous singing is no surprise! Glad you are closer and can have family get together more often. What a beautiful yard you have. I love Bradford Pear Trees. White in the spring, green in summer and red in fall.... just gorgeous!!!

OH yeah, I am going to watch "Amazing Grace" tonight. I am so excited!!!!!

Erin said...

Sounds wonderful! Wish we could have been there!

(what's your current email address? I keep getting emails to you send back...)

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

You live there? Wow! I want that so badly... but nothing here looks even remotely like it! :)
What a wonderful time it sounds like... simple, joyous, laughter-filled, I'd wager.
Enjoy this season, friend!

Emily said...

I love the new blog look! :)