This is us trying to get a good family pic before leaving the house… These were our best results… lol!
My parents always used to host Thanksgiving when we were kids, so having them host again this year felt so nostalgic and special… I love how my Mom decorates so cozy and warm, and Dad’s always working hard in the kitchen to prepare the meal for his family… Mom makes a few delicious things for dinner too of course, but Dad has the true love for cooking! She had crystal from both sides of the family, my Onie’s (her mom") and my Nana’s (Dad’s mom), which was so sweet and special. Nana passed away this March, so it felt really nice to honor her in this way, along with having her picture from a Thanksgiving past, making her fried oysters like she always did, next to the century-year old family turkey platter. Every year we have the fried oysters, and Dad has taken over making them in recent years. And each year I enjoy them more and more! I never used to like them as a kid. Mom also makes her hot apple cider every year too… It’s so good by itself, but especially with a little bourbon!
Aunt Nina (Mom’s sister) and Uncle Denny came to join us, as well as Uncle Rich (Dad’s brother) and Aunt Bonnie. It’s not a true holiday without Aunt Bonnie’s appropriately-themed Rice Krispie Treats! Ever since we were little, they’ve always been present at any gathering… complete with cutouts of hearts, stars, shamrocks, etc, and topped with colored jimmies and sprinkles! She also makes a Mince Meat Pie for Dad, which he looks forward to every year. This year Uncle Denny made the cutest turkey cheese ball, and each of us contributed to the meal in some way. Aunt Nina’s signature Corn Pudding, Rich’s famous Gravy, and of course Dad’s ham… We brought tri-colored sweet potatoes and Karlie (my SIL) made a gorgeous Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (pie pic later in the post)!
Before dinner, we spent time outside on the porch, each reading a Bible verse that Dad picked out regarding gratitude, and God’s provision. It was really special and grounded our hearts in truth and comfort. Next, we listened to Ben Rector’s Thanksgiving Song, and there were definitely tears… Have you listened to that song? Gah! It’s awesome.
Then it was time for dinner… :)
^ That’s Karlie’s pie!
Towards the end of dinner, Dad said, “ooo, look outside"!” so we turned around and peeked out to see a row of Christmas trees he’s made for each of us in our little family, with our favorite colors that represent us. He puts them out every year. :)
L-R: Karlie, our niece, Jesse, me, Baxter, Tyler, Mom, and Dad.
We spent the rest of the evening talking out on the porch with cigars, wine, and lots of laughs and bonding. It was special, cozy, and sweet… We are grateful to be so blessed by one another. :) And I’m so thankful for my parents who have instilled such a love for family togetherness and tradition in my heart and shown me how to make our time together special. It’s a feeling that I hope I’m able to share with and give to others because we all deserve to feel loved and valued as a special part of a family, especially during the holiday season.