I despise breakfast, but I love holidays, and it just doesn't seem right to let a holiday get off on the wrong foot by not having something great for breakfast! So last year, we instituted:
"The First Annual Thanksgiving Chicken & Waffles Breakfast!"
Last year was also the:
"LAST Annual Thanksgiving Chicken & Waffles Breakfast!"
Don't get me wrong, we LOVED the breakfast, it's just not the kind of meal you take in on this particular holiday with so much delicious fare waiting to be consumed throughout the rest of the day!
So what did we opt for instead?
How about donuts from Raleys?
It's simple, convenient, FUN, and also gave us an excuse to pick up a paper with those coveted Black Friday ads!
After our donut-run we made it back in time to tune in to another of our traditions:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
While we watched, Gabriel experienced the wonderful world of rice cereal for the very first time! What's the verdict? Quite a lot of spit-up. I think he's holding out for some mashed potatoes and gravy...
This little guy sure is a comfort to his momma. I can't tell you how many times he's cuddled close only to make my heart warm and swell with gratitude. All of my children are great blessings from the Lord. Every single one of them brings joy beyond measure.
After a morning of cooking and baking we headed off to our various destinations. We ate dinner at my mom's and she had an incredible spread!
My girls...I love them so!
The kiddie table!
Owen taking in his first course.
Iris sampling the buffet.
Way to practice good sanitation practices, honey!
My mom and I.
More and more I'm realizing how much we have in common. She is one strong woman, and I admire so much her tenacity, her inner strength, and her ever-cheerful spirit. She is a great example to me and it is a privilege to be her daughter.
Later in the day we visited my in-laws for dessert. I regret only getting one picture of the evening, but it captures the spirit of another tradition: Street Football!
The man you see here is so dear to my heart. I love him so much, and am truly grateful to be his wife.
What am I most grateful for this Thanksgiving?
FAMILY
One of my favorite songs shares this:
"The Family is of God"
(Words and music by Matthew Neeley)
Our Father has a family. It's me!
It's you, all others too; we are His children.
He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,
To live and learn here in families.
A father's place is to preside, provide,
To love and teach the gospel to his children.
A father leads in family prayer to share
Their love for Father in Heaven.
A mother's purpose is to care, prepare,
To nurture and to strengthen all her children.
She teaches children to obey, to pray,
To love, and serve in the family.
I'll love and serve my family and be
A good example to each family member.
And when I am a mom or dad, so glad,
I'll help my family remember.
Chorus
God gave us families to help us become what
He wants us to be-
This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.
God did give us families. And they do help us become what he wants us to be. I know families are how he shares his love for us!
Happy Thanksgiving!
