So, apparently being warm and cozy and filled to the brink with delicious food puts me into a writing mood. So I’m double posting today. Because I spent a little time reflecting on Thanksgivings past and it made me all the more grateful for this awesome holiday.
I distinctly remember our first Thanksgiving together in New York. We attended the Thanksgiving Service for the first time, and I had my picture taken with Olivia Rosado, who is now in college. Which makes me kind of old. Anyhow, I remember missing my family terribly. Because every Thanksgiving up until that point had been spent at my Grandpa and Grandma’s home, with lots of extended family and lots of yummy Thanksgiving foods.
We were however, able to spend the next Thanksgiving with my Michigan family. And I’m so thankful that we did.
After our delicious meal, these two caught a Thanksgiving nap in Grandpa’s chair.
We also got a chance that year to see Jeremy’s brother Corey and his amazing family.
Somehow, the year after, we spent Thanksgiving in Seattle with Jeremy’s family. We also made some special memories with his family. Having moved away from both of our families right after we got married, I always treasured the times that we were able to be together.
One of my favorite Thanksgivings ever, was the year we brought our sweet Ellee girl home from the hospital, on the actual day. Our dear Grammy Joy shared a delicious Thanksgiving basket with us and it was one of the best Thanksgiving meals I’d ever had.
Thanksgiving is also a time of celebrations, and I’ve loved being at the ones that our kids have been a part of.
Christian’s church Preschool teacher, Miss Debbie, put on a feast for them one year. It was so sweet and they all had such a good time.
Both kids also enjoyed some pretty memorable Thanksgiving parties at Over the Rainbow Preschool. I’m so thankful for that preschool and for the time and energy that the teachers put into each special celebration.
I’ve also always been a huge fan of the Thanksgiving costumes.
Ah, where have the years gone?
More recently, our Thanksgivings have involved Turkey bowls and football games.
It’s given us the chance to connect with friends on the morning of Thanksgiving.
But, as I’ve mentioned before, our most recent Thanksgiving traditions have involved making the holiday all our own. We’ve replaced the turkey with steak and added other fun little traditions for our own little family.
This year was especially special, because this sweet girl helped me make most of the food. There have been times lately, that it’s a little sad to me just how quickly she is growing up. But with that, is coming some really special times for her and I together. She’s a huge fan of cooking with me, and I’m loving every minute of it. So we cooked up our meal, and it was delicious. We loved every bite of our steak, ham, chicken, broccoli, sweet potato fries, squash and apple pie. It wasn’t traditional, but it sure was good.
And tonight, this is happening.
And since the Seattle Seahawks are doing really well, this is happening as well.
And lots of this. And after everything, I have to say that I’m so, so thankful. For food, for my family, for my ecstatic husband and his love for football. I’m thankful for God’s blessings on our family and for all that He’s doing in our lives. I’m thankful for our church and for my photography business. I’m thankful for the big things and for the little things. And most of all, I’m thankful for a God that loves and cares for me. Happy, happy thanksgiving everyone!
Laura Herr Photography 