When we arrived home from Mass we made a small brunch of simmered apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, pumpkin bread, delicious coffee, and fresh whipped cream. The morning was beautiful: sunny and low 50s. We headed to our neighbors' for a visit before heading outdoors to play and then take a walk through the sun-lit sidewalks. The fresh air felt so nice and energizing. The girls layed down for a nap, while we tried to organize Christmas gift ideas. Dinner was in motion, and there was one last pie to make: a St. Louis Custard Pie. While I finished dinner, Madge awoke, frazzle-haired and rosey-cheeked and joined me in the kitchen. Caleb and Maddy took another turn outside with Maddy's friends and played soccer and catch. Pita didn't even eat turkey, but she slept over three hours. (Sometimes the habits of Thanksgiving are just instinctual.) Our dinner menu consisted of a turkey breast (made as closely to Dad's as I could); gravy with sautteed onions and celery; garlic mashed potatoes and mozzarella cheese; Mom's green bean casserole; Baking Powder Drop Biscuits; cranberry sauce; and, sparkling cider, followed by pecan pie and pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream (and maybe even some Custard Pie later). And, a larger-sized pair of pants. All in all, it was a very special day. I am thankful for so many things, but I was able to synthesize my thanks into five gifts this evening as we began a new tradition at our dinner table. We each had a cut-out of a hand and wrote what 5 things we are thankful for. We will tuck those away in a little envelope and re-read them next year while adding to our bountiful blessings as each year passes with abundant gifts. We are truly grateful to God for so many gifts including the love we have for one another, within our own family, and for our families on both sides. Each person has impacted us in so many ways, and we thank God for each member of our families as well as our dear friends and the graces we have been granted through these connections.
