Thanks to the Giving 2010

You know what....I like tradition.  I like things to just always be the way they were.  I love having everyone show up at Mom and Dads house, stuffing it to the gills, sitting around in a giant circle and telling what we're thankful for.  I love knowing that I can count on Turkey made by Troy, perfect banana cream and coconut cream pies made by Jenny and my Mom, rolls by Dixie, Ham by Porter, Deviled eggs by Jody and divinely inspired pretzel jello and stuffing made by Dana (I bring mashed potatos and corn).  I enjoy knowing that there will be singing at some point after dinner.  And at around 5:30 the black Friday ads will be busted out and plans will be feverishly made.  I love knowing that Troy will ALWAYS be in front of the TV watching the game, and someone else will be asleep on another couch.  I love knowing that all the grandkids will run and play and laugh through the house and yards.  And sometimes, just sometimes I like when new traditions begin to be incorporated, such as the revealing of the Greer DVD, and some are let go, such as going to the movies (too many kids now).  I just LIKE that I can count on all these things, and they won't let me down. 

Thanksgiving has been my Moms side of the family thing my whole life.  I MISS not having Jill and Charlie and their family there anymore (we just got too many people), but I love that our family is all together.  This year was a continuation of tradition and it was wonderful.

We had a lot of extra visitors as well, since Lanas parents and brother were there, as well as Dixies in-laws and grandma in law, Jeres Mom and sister (they're always there) so it was nearly as full of in laws as just immediate family.  We had nearly 50 people there, crammed into my parents house (which was built in the 70's, therefore not built with wide open spaces) and it was GREAT! 

So, what I'm trying to say is....Thanksgiving 2010 was a rousing success!  And I am TRULY and incredibly grateful for the amazing family I'm blessed to be a part of.  I'm thankful for loving and caring parents who have taught us so much by example.  I'm thankful for brothers and sisters that are my best friends.  I'm thankful for my beautiful children and their health.  I'm thankful for Jere and all he is.  I'm thankful for the gifts and talents I've been blessed with. I'm thankful to be an American.  I'm thankful for my Faith.  I am blessed, in spite of my struggles, I am BLESSED.

So now...a brief run of pictures, and if you behave, a short video of me and my sisters and Mom singing. 

Lets just get one thing straight.  My Moms countertops are NOT yellow.  They just appear to be in pictures.

Turkey, ham, gravy and THREE crockpots full of mashed potatos.

Stuffing, sweet potatos, corn and the delicious deviled eggs

veggies, fruit salad, pretzel jello of the Gods. Not pictured...rolls.

As many as we could CRAM into the family room (and there are a bunch you can't see in this pic) to watch the Greer DVD.  53 minutes of pure bliss!

Genius work by Adam.

Maggie was in a mood to beat all moods and was pissed she had to be dressed, wear shoes or have anything to do with anything.  Therefore, no adorable pre Thanksgiving pic with both my kids showing off their specially bought Thanksgiving shirts.

However, she got over it and here she is in her cute shirt.

How cute is my Mom?  I just love her.

This is her adorable youngest brother Scott.  I lurve him so much.  We basically get to see him at Thanksgiving.

I really do love my Uncle Scott.  I love that I grew up with a Down Syndrome Uncle.  He's hilarious and awesome.  And I could tell stories for days.

Partial view of the room telling what we're thankful for.  It's always such a tender moment.  I love hearing what people have to say.

Why are kiddos so drawn to the back of trucks?  They just thought this was so guh-reat!

Hey there.  Just a random shot of the Jerster and me.

What's this?  Well....Jere had said he would do the thanksgiving day tri.  But, he literally went to the gym 3 times, and trained not at all.  Plus, we couldn't afford the entrance fee, nor did I want to drive an hour away at 6 in the morning.  SO, he was fiercely determined that he would follow through and do his own tri.  He went to the gym and did it all, run, bike, swim and FINISHED in a good time.  NO training and he just did it.  I'm so proud of him.  And HE'S so proud of him. haha

And finally...a brief snippet of a random song we sang.  My sister playing the piano is singing the middle part and you can't really hear her.  And I'm, well, sort of loud, and a little sick therefore not loving my sound.  But whatevs. Wish I had some video of my nephews incredible 4 part harmonies they did.  They are an amazing "group" together.

All in all a picture perfect day.

Until next year......gobble gobble