Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!  Hope today finds everyone well.  We have much to be thankful for.  I am very grateful to God and my Lord for His guidance and friendship.  He has continued to bless us even though at times life can be stressful. 

We had a small gathering at our home today, yet filled with love and fellowship.



We were joined by Michael, Valerie, Dad, Sandra (who is hiding behind Grandpa), Jim, Clif, Barbara, Pete, and Diane.  Stephen and Amber popped in to say hello before heading off to her family for their celebration.  It was a pleasant surprise!  I was glad to have a small group today because it was chilly by Florida standards...63 and breezy.



After Chloe got up for her nap, she was brought out in her "Thanksgiving Outfit" provided to her from Nana (Valerie's mom).  This outfit was absolutely adorable! What a pretty girl on her First Thanksgiving.  :)

Weekend at Aunt LaDon's

We had our annual cook-off weekend a couple weeks early this year.  Being Thanksgiving is later, we agreed it best to meet the weekend before.

LaDon kicked off the weekend Friday night with tasty fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked in her crockpot.  Nereida supplemented with roasted brussel sprouts, and Michele with a fresh salad.  I must admit I am not a fan of Brussel Sprouts, but I have to give Nereida credit.  They were delicious. :)

After having Sandra's breakfast casserole, we swarmed the kitchen to begin our bakeoff.



Sandra made veggie pizza to snack on throughout the day.



LaDon had me make these popcorn balls she wanted to try.  They were popped in oil mixed with sugar, than coated in marshmallow colored with orange food coloring, and mixed with candy corn and peanuts.  They were tastier than I thought they'd be.



I also made the traditional popcorn ball, but didn't heat the corn syrup hot enough.  I didn't have a recipe to follow to know what temperature to cook to.  Needless to say 225 was not hot enough.  They tasted best when eaten freshly made. The next day they were mushy.



Next up were Peanut Butter Cup Temptations.  I overcooked these.  Then I decided I'd leave the rest of the baking to the pros.



Sandra made Toffee Almond Bars.



Nereida made Pignoli's and gluten free Chocolate Chip cookies.



 Michele made Russian Tea Cakes.  Diane cleaned up our mess!  She cleans a mean kitchen.



Instead of cooking, I decided to play the piano and provide "live" Christmas music.  I could hear Aunt LaDon and Michele harmonizing along with the accompaniment.

 

Next up was decorating.



Then we had our Holiday meal of chicken, green beans, and salad.  It was yummy. :)



We posed for our traditional picture before opening the presents.



After Aunt LaDon turned in for the evening, we finished a puzzle.  Each year brings something different.  This year we didn't play any games, but we had fun just the same.  I look forward to opportunities to spend time with family.  And, I know Aunt LaDon does too! :)

A month later

It has been a month since we've seen Michael, Valerie, and Chloe.  I can't blame them for staying away.  Who wants the flu?  It's been 4 weeks, and he's still not at 100%, but he is SO much better.  He just needs to get his energy back!  I am just happy I didn't get it.  I feel blessed. :)

Michael and Valerie treated Clif and I to lunch at Margaritas in Avalon.  It was a belated birthday celebration.  We enjoyed our outing, and Chloe was well behaved. 

I felt so spoiled this week because I was taken out to breakfast on my birthday with my friend Jennifer, Clif took me out to dinner, then Stephen and Amber took me out for breakfast the next day,
and now plans are being made for several friends to get together for lunch over Thanksgiving break to celebrate not only my birthday, but another dear friend whose birthday is 5 days before mine.  Nothing like celebrating the whole month!



Of course the first thing Valerie did was open the floor mats I had bought for Chloe a couple weeks ago.  It didn't take me long to join Chloe on the floor.  Chloe was mesmerized by Grandpa's voice.  She kept staring at him instead of the mat.



She enjoyed looking at all the Princesses and bright colors.  She kept picking at the colors with her fingers.  Hmmmm, what's this?  It was something new for her to explore.



Once she realized Grandma wasn't going to stop, she gave me a pretty smile. :)



She's finally old enough to enjoy the swing I got her on clearance back in July.



This brought back great memories of when we would swing the boys.  The anchors are still there.  They were just waiting for another season for their time of use. 

I am very grateful for time spent with family.  God is good. :)