Our Thanksgiving was as traditional as we could make it in the party room at my mom's condo. Mom and I set the tables for 30 the night before, complete with centerpieces--all from stuff I found in my basement! We also had an appetizer table which later on was converted into a dessert table, and we also had a separate beverage table. A long bar style counter top served as our buffet table.
Our menu was also traditional as they come: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, corn, squash casserole, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, jello salad, home made bread, pumpkin pie and other miscellaneous desserts.
There were extra tables where we had activities for the children set up such as card games, board games, and coloring papers.
Hubby made a turkey poster for the children and each told something they were thankful for to be written on it's feathers.
Other special events of the day included the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving DVD...
... a birthday celebration for Ethan, who turned two the week before...
...and Wii games for the kids.
The adults were serenaded by Andy and Ellie...
...and we also played a hilarious group game called "I have never..." You start by holding up your ten fingers and you go around the circle, each person taking a turn saying something like "I have never been skydiving". If anyone HAS been skydiving, they have to put a finger down. So the last person who has any fingers still up wins. It was so much fun and had everyone in stitches. We kept it clean and with no personal attacks!
Some of the family members who had their dinner elsewhere came later for dessert with us. Altogether, four generations were represented. It really was a very happy day and of course no one went home hungry! Another great holiday with family and some friends too...another chance to thank the Lord for all of His blessings, and another chance to teach the youngest among us that being together, loving each other, and building happy memories are important family values that we cherish.
Standing out among our blessings was my smiling nephew, Rick, who finished his second tour in Afghanistan with the Marines this year, and also the healing of some relationships within the family.
To God be the Glory, great things He has done!!
9 comments:
What a perfect place for your gathering! I enjoyed the pictures, Jacquelyn.
'Have you ever' sounds like a great game. Kudos to Rick! My son, Aaron, is spending Thanksgiving at the Navy base, so I really appreciate our soldiers who are away from home this holiday season!
God's riches blessings on you and yours this holiday season!
Oh Jacquie,
I LOVE your Christmas background and ALL of your family photos! Each one sooooooo precious!
What a wonderful Thanksgiving you had being together.
Your Hamburger ornament is the cutest! Have you had it long?
Blessings and Hugs~
Lovely Thanksgiving post, Jacquelyn...nice to have built in entertainment...Andy and Ellie!
Sounds like a blessed time together!
Ours was too.
What a wonderful gathering...it touched my heart when I read that your nephew who had been in Afganistan was able to be there and the healing of relationships in the family...I am constantly praying for that within my own family...we have come a long ways but still need more healing.
We play the game I never too..but have only played that you have to change chairs and whoever doesn't get a chairs is the one in the middle and has to say something. Fun game.
I am thankful that you have so much to be grateful for. XX
The hamburger ornament is one I just purchased last year. I saw it and thought it was representative of my life right now in the sandwich generation!
What a wonderful time you all must have had!
This post just oozes joy! What a wonderful celebration.
You have such a lovely family..you are all so blessed to have one another.
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