A weekend to be thankful

It is easy to see by the smiles on our faces that we were happy to be together and very excited for it to almost be dinner time. I have actually been thinking about turkey dinner for several weeks now. In years past I have often forgotten how much I love Mom's dinner, and I have to wonder if I could ever pull it off myself. Turkey dinner in our house = turkey, stuffing (made in the bird), gravy, cauliflower with cheese sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, jelly mould salad, and cranberry sauce.

**missing is Ryan and Ashley ( make a go of life in London,UK) and Michael and Sara ( attending a 10.10.10 wedding)
Thanksgiving, is more than turkey dinner for me/us...... it is about being together. For years when we were younger the 6 cousins and the 4 adults used to cram around a table at least once a week. As we grew this was not as practical or possible. So holiday meals became a bigger thing. Every year Mom and Aunt Marie switch off who does Thanksgiving and who does Christmas. It has become a tradition we are have become very accustomed to. Five years ago our household began hosting Christmas Eve. It is a tradition that we are now proud to have and continue. Every year we work hard to make it better, yummier, and more relaxing (dinner planning, prep and clean-up sometimes takes over socializing and enjoying each others company). For me, there is something special about hosting a family holiday meal. It makes me so excited. I think this is why, when we started a family 2.5 years ago that we were so adamant to continue traditions, and make some of our own. Family traditions make me proud and I think give one a sense of belonging. I am so thankful for our traditions, for our family's commitments to one another, and most of all for the blessings that we receive each day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Everyone!