Thanksgiving Dinner '08

We gathered at the Gregsons this year for the big dinner. From the turkey cooked to perfection to the homemade pies...everything was delicious. Dustin had the honor of saying grace for the meal and a prayer of Thanksgiving for God's goodness. God has blessed me with such a wonderful family and the time we spent together was precious. Enjoy the pics.

Save some for the rest of us, Daddy.

The older boys played outside all afternoon, but took a break for some pie.

Aren't they cute?

The little ones had lots to say to Grandpa.

A few games add to the fun.

See-see oh, playmate!

I love my daddy.

My Joyness :D

Across the room, but he still had his eye on me. Awe.

The younger boys played a few games of baseball.

While some of the children got wagon rides.

The Christmas Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags are so much easier, but not a good idea for the kids presents.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Not sure yet for this year.

3. When do you put up the tree? I don’t like to rush through the Thanksgiving season, so I wait until after Thanksgiving

4. Do you like eggnog? I have to be in the mood for it

5. Favorite gift received as a child? my Hollie Hobbie Sewing machine

6. Hardest person to buy for? Dad

7. Easiest person to buy for? My Joyness

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, but I want a new one.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? An ugly granny Christmas sweater back in the 90’s. I won’t say who the giver was.

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? ELF!!!

12. When do you start shopping? Last minute :(

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? guilty

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom’s frosted Sugar cookies

15. Lights on the tree? Lot’s of white lights…but the kids like the colors

16. Favorite Christmas song? So many favs. O Holy Night is one of the best

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually spent at mom and dads. I would love to go to Virginia and stay with Dustin’s mom some Christmas.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? yeah, but I won’t bore you

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? It’s been an angel for years but I have a star for my tree this year

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve, the rest in the morning

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Shopping in the crowded stores (I know, that's what I get for waiting till the last minute)

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Fancy snowflakes

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Spiral brown sugar ham

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? an electric fire place with a pretty mantle

25. Do you enjoy a white Christmas? YES, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

26. Mittens or gloves? mittens

27. Hot chocolate or hot cider? again, it depends on what I am in the mood for.

28. Did you believe in Santa growing up? no, we use to pretend sometimes, but we all knew he wasn't real.

29. Have you ever been in a Christmas play? yeah, several as a kid and a few church plays.

30. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe? yes

(Okay. I TAG Donna G.)

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Bountiful Blessings

Psalm 13:6 “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

I love this time of year, with all of the joy that it brings. A gathering of friends and family from far and near; taking time out from our busy day to day lifestyles, to be quiet, and enjoy one another’s company. It’s a time set apart to be thankful for all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us. As I sit here contemplating what I want to say, I find that I can not put into words the great appreciation that I feel right now, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with me.
I am thankful first, for Him who chose to love me even when I have failed Him. He is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother, a present help in time of need. When I felt that I could no longer be used by Him, He is the one who picked me up and set my feet upon the Rock. I praise Him daily for His grace and mercy, which far outweigh my weakness and short comings. I am thankful for His Word, and for all those who sacrificed their lives so that I could have it today.
I am also thankful for my husband, my best friend, my life long companion. I believe it is a miracle that we are still together today. A picture of what God can do if we will give Him the broken pieces of our yesterday. I find myself loving him more each day, and I look forward to greater days ahead, as we learn to serve each other in the way that God has intended.
I am thankful for my 3 healthy children and that they too, know and love the Savior. I can remember a time when I didn’t think I would have a child of my own, but God has graciously given me the desires of my heart. Each one, a unique creation that God has placed in my hands to care for.
And where would I be today without my family and friends? I am so thankful for each one of you. God uses the friends in our life to encourage us and to hold us up in prayer. I am so very grateful that I have a plethora of friends who do this for me on a daily basis. (yeah, I know, that’s a big word for me. Hehe).
We are told to give thanks always for all things. Here is an abbreviated list of some of the things I thank God for…things that make the journey a little sweeter: