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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! As far back as I can remember Thanksgiving was always a family holiday. Each year we would gather at Grandmas for turkey and football and hunting and it was always filled with that magical fun that children can sense the best. I’m happy that we get to continue with that tradition even though we’re in another country, so that Micah gets to grow up with those memories just like I did.
However, our family is an eclectic one. Rather than blood relatives we have spiritual brothers and sisters gathered around our table. And rather than all American, we celebrate Thanksgiving with members of many countries: Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Its such a blessing to have friends to share the Thanksgiving meal with and this year was another memorable one.
It was the Yates, the Bournes, and the Rankins with Usba and Diann too and all the kids. We had the best time eating and fellowshipping together. I think its definitely one of Emily’s favorite holidays.
I know this because she has been up cooking since 5:30am. Apparently she was so excited that it was Thanksgiving she just couldn’t sleep any longer. For Emily the traditions are very similar, however she has parts that are super important to her like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and that you ABSOLUTELY can’t listen to any Christmas music until after Santa Clause arrives on the float at the end of the parade.
She makes Thanksgiving so much fun. Our house certainly wouldn’t anywhere near as festive without all her hard work. She made homemade turkey cups and place mats and “fall” decorations and a hundred other little things that just make everything so festive.
Tonight we had the football game on and then everyone took their spots for dinner, with the kids at an official “kids table.” After the prayers were said and the turkey was carved we each went around the table to say 1 thing that we were thankful for this year. Most included all the friends gathered around the table and for the blessings of being at service here at Windermere. I however am simply most thankful for my dear wife who puts up with me and puts together such wonderful events like Thanksgiving to make everything special. Micah and I are most blessed.
I know Micah would agree with me, however I think he’d confess that his favorite part of the evening was the piñata that our Mexican neighbor made in the shape of a turkey. All the kids took turns smashing the stuffing out of that turkey until it rained confetti and candy. It was fantastic! Why is there not always a Thanksgiving piñata?!
Even Tag got in on the action after the dismembered bird lay strew across the floor, Tag (with some bird-dog blood in him) attacked the carcass and drug it across the house in prestige. It was hilarious to watch. While Tag was busy with the paper mache the kids were rolling around in the confetti and candy. This went on for about half an hour, until Emily got down on the floor with them and they piled on top of her. It was such a fun Thanksgiving.
We thank the Lord for His grace and kindness in our lives. Most of all for Jesus Christ and the payment for our forgiveness before Almighty God. We have much to be thankful for, and we hope you find the treasure of expressing your joy to the Lord through thanksgiving this Thanksgiving!