Happy Thanksgiving

Well, we hosted our first family Thanksgiving and it went well.  We had 22 people, mostly Jason's family (parents, 2 sisters and their families, gma, aunt, cousin and his 2 kids) though my parents were also able to join us, which was so nice.  We are truly blessed and it is good to set aside a day to be reminded of that.  I am thankful for this house, which we moved into almost 2 months ago now.  I am thankful for Jason's job, here in Rockford.  They love him there and gave him an unofficial bonus last week (meaning cash under the table) just b/c they like him and are impressed with the good job he is doing.  I am thankful for 5 beautiful, healthy children.  I am thankful that I can homeschool them.  I am thankful to be living near family again.  I am thankful for all my friends.  And food to eat and clothes to wear and the list goes on...

Man, I am tired!  And I only had to make the cranberry sauce!  Jason did the turkey, and the rest of the family each brought something.  A very nice way to do it!  I was going to do the turkey, but last night Jason informs me he has a great recipe and our 23 pound turkey will cook in 3 hours...not possible, I say.  But it turned out great.  So he had to miss church to get it ready, since it had to go in the oven when church was starting.  

Jason's aunt played the piano (our free one off craigslist!!) and we sang several thanksgiving hymns...We Gather Together, Now Thank We All Our God, Come Ye Thankful People Come, and Let All Things Now Living.  And earlier in the day, my mom and Jason's mom serenaded us with that last one, "Let All Things Now Living!"  No joke.  You can stop laughing now.  But they both love that song and one thing led to another...

So be thankful today and spend time with family and remember how lonely life would be without them!