Thankful

We have too many blessings to count. The 3 of us, our families, our friends, our health, our pets, the food we eat, the home we live in, the jobs we have, modern conveniences, freedom.... We are blessed beyond measure. I'm so thrilled that we're here in IL this holiday season - that we can enjoy so much time with our families without all of the stress of tying up loose ends at work, working over the holiday (at least I don't have to worry about that :o) ), packing, traveling, leaving our kitties. What a relief!!

I had the pleasure of joining my father-in-law's side of the family for their Thanksgiving last weekend. Unfortunately, Ben was busy with the BRMM and then later played a gig with the ISO in Springfield, but Charlotte and I felt so welcome and loved by the family. We were also missing Ben's cousin James, who is serving our country overseas in the USMC, his cousin Kate, her husband Steve, and their little girl Isabella in NV, and his Uncle Tim who was under the weather. I got a little teary-eyed as we all gathered in his Aunt Terry's kitchen, joined hands before eating dinner, and heard blessings by Ben's cousin TJ and then his Aunt Peggy and her grandson Drayson. I think I counted 29 people. It was a large gathering - full of love and joy. I'm so honored to be a part of the family.

I'm looking forward to spending Thursday with Ben, Charlotte, and my mother-in-law's family, and Sunday we'll share a feast with my family. Again, we'll all hold hands, and say Thanks for all that we have, and for the time that we have together. Those who cannot join us will certainly be on our minds, but then again, they always are.

I can't write a Thanksgiving post without including Charlotte. This little girl... words could never explain how thankful we are to have such a healthy, happy, sweet little girl.

From my family to yours - I hope you're all able to enjoy a good meal with good friends or family this week. I hope you all have lengthy lists of gratitude.