Today I am thankful for family who come to share thier lives with us. My children live out of state and we only see them when we are able to make the trip. We talked together about thier activities for the day and I smiled as my son described his part; chasing his very active 19 month old son around as he "explored" electric cords and other various accessible and interesting things at the home they visited. I am grateful for their family ties my daughter-in-law's have with thier families,I long to be with them but I am joyful they are happy where they are.
Our celebrated traditions are a way of weaving our memories tightly with our love for one another another. They present us an opportunity to laugh together, serve one another and share in each others joy and sorrow. I feel truely blessed even as I process those melancholy emotions of missing my children, then the JOY of the Lord fills me with appreciation for all that surrounds me.
In case you're interested, our family menu for 2011 included:
Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Veggies & Dip
Relish Tray
Cranberry Jello Surprise
Pistachio Salad
Mandarin Orange salad
Asparagus Bake
deviled eggs
jalapeno wraps
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin Pie
Cherry Pie
Apple Pie
Whipped Cream
Ice Cream
A few other dishes also showed up ha-ha...we all just want to make sure that there is plenty to go around! Thank you dear family for all the memories.
