Thanksgiving Weekend

I thought last weekend was busy. This one was, too. Because all our daughters are married with their own families and in-laws, we had our Thanksgiving dinner with them at our house on Friday. That worked well, not only so we could all be together, but also because it gave me the whole day on Thursday to prepare. I cooked the turkey and carved it, as well as a fully cooked smoked turkey I had bought. I also made 2 batches of rolls, au gratin pineapple, cornbread stuffing, and a cherry pie.While I was baking and cooking, Andy needed something to do. I had been thinking we needed to have his paint supplies a little more organized, so encouraged him to build shelves to store his paints in a more pleasing way. So we went from this:to this:
Nice!!! I love organization.

On Friday morning, Andy and his dad set up the large tent in our upstairs attic room. There are 2 twin beds in that room for guests when all our other spaces are being used. But it is a large room and kids like it in there because it's cozy and feels like a den. We had told the 4 oldest grandkids they could stay overnight with us on Friday after their parents left for home.
Early in the afternoon, a young girl from church came over to take our family pictures. That was an interesting adventure trying to get 8 adults and 8 children all looking the same direction with a reasonable expression on each face! She did manage to get 91 pictures. Don't worry, I won't post them all!

For our dinner on Friday, we had 17 adults and 10 children at our tables in the dining room. (Andy's mom and dad, his brother, Dan, and 3 of his married sons and their wives also were with us.) The kids had fun playing. I have a toy chest in the front room and they go right to it when they arrive. Chase always looks for the trucks and cars, and this time, Joanna found the high heels.After everyone left, Grace, Aiden, Naomi and Chase stayed with us to spend the night and most of Saturday with us. The kids slept in the tent and Andy and I slept in the twin beds. I thought I would read to them to put them to sleep, but they kept sitting up to look at me and ask questions of the stories I was reading. I finally had to tell them to lie down, close their eyes, and try to get to sleep. I was too tired to keep reading. And believe it or not, I slept till 7:30. I don't know that I've EVER slept that late. Wow!So Saturday was more fun...we ate breakfast, read some stories, watched a movie (The Fox and the Hound), wrestled and beat up PopPop, went over to the church to help Andy clean up a little, and the kids played in the church gym, had lunch and got ready to go home.

I left our house at 3:00 pm and got back around 6:00, in time to get my bass and music together and get to the church for 6:30 worship team rehearsal. This morning, Andy and I played in all three worship services. At 11:00, Dawn hosted a choir breakfast and rehearsal at our house.

I am very grateful for the many blessings I enjoy:
1. Knowing God and enjoying his grace, mercy and love.
2. The family He has given me.
3. The home He has entrusted to us.
4. The abilities and gifts He has given
5. etc. etc. etc.

Here are 3 favorites from the 91 pictures of the family: