A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, the kids started anticipating the day. One day Kayla said, “Mom, listen to me tell you the whole story of Thanksgiving at our house.” And then she proceeded to list everything we do from the morning until evening time – wake up, eat breakfast, mom starts cooking, set tables, watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, make place cards, cook more, lots of people come over, drink apple cider, pray and say what we are thankful for, eat turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, green beans, have tea and coffee and lots of different pies, play games, watch football, people leave, eat leftovers, more pie, go to bed! She actually added a lot more detail with a lot more excitement, and it made me realize how much the kids look forward to these traditions and special holiday activities.

This year we looked at the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and discussed it before singing it together. Robert got to use his new birthday guitar for the occasion! We had quite a crowd, as usual, and I always think people are going to feel too crowded, but they never do seem to mind. I think we set a record with 26 total people this year. We had to have the kids (Age 15 and under!) eat in the basement! A new friend from church, Jenna, came over early to help out and I don’t think I could have pulled it off without her. She and her husband even did dishes afterward while I played Scrabble with the other ladies. And we enjoyed having Josh’s (from church) mom Lynda stay with us for a couple of nights all the way from Colorado.

This is only part of the living room crowd – sweet girls from church, our friend Tim, and his parents from New Hampshire. After the meal there was game playing and football watching and second rounds of pie and coffee. It was, and always is a fun day.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!