A day of thanks….

I’m feeling grateful for a day to think about and appreciate all my blessings, with those I love gathered by my side.  I know that that alone is a huge blessing many people don’t enjoy.

The house is clean (mostly), the table is set, and the food plans are  underway.

We are looking forward to spending the day with most of our family (we will sure miss those who aren’t here) and we will feel a loss from those empty chairs at this year’s table (Father-in-law Reed and Aunt Mardene).

It will also be a day to remember my nephew Shane as we participate in a run/walk to honor his memory.  We can’t get together with all of his family and friends, but everyone does their own walk and then we post pictures on Facebook to share- so it seems like we are all supporting him together.

My son Robbie designed the racer’s bib for this year.

 

Here are my Thanksgiving hopes:

1.  The turkey won’t be dry.

2.  The rolls will rise in time.

3.  The weather won’t keep anyone from attending (a storm is predicted).

4.  Gratitude will dominate the day.

5.  Everyone everywhere will enjoy the blessings of this harvest season.

6.  The world can find peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough!”

JoAnn

 

Appreciating those who serve our country…..a day late

Veterans’ Day is one of my favorite holidays.

I love all the attention and appreciation that is shown to those who have sacrificed for each of us; for our safety, our freedom, and our sense of well being.

I’m sorry that more respect isn’t given every single day (we should change that), but I’m happy that we remember them on Veterans’ Day.

There are so many brave and courageous men and women who have left their families and friends to serve our country- many who never got to return home to their loved ones.

Our family has its Veteran Heroes, as I’m sure you all do, too.

We are so proud of them!

At my father-in-law’s funeral this summer, I was impressed by the Veterans who helped with the military rifle salute and the Taps at the graveside. 

These fine gentlemen were all getting along in age, yet they took their job very seriously.

As this flag was presented to my husband, the love and respect for our country was evident in the presenter’s eyes and voice.

These selfless gentlemen waited at attention for their powerful part in the program.

The walkers waiting behind them let us know that their service on this day was also a sacrifice.

Thank you to all who have sacrificed for our freedom!

God bless America!

JoAnn

P.S.  We loved seeing  all the Veterans who stood on freeway bridges yesterday, waving the American flag.