Thanksgiving morning, everyone’s asleep and I’m alone in the kitchen, savoring the time for myself.  I open the front door for trip to the driveway to pick up the ad-laden newspaper, and the 70 degree morning greets me with the promise of a lovely day ahead.  Back in my kitchen, I put together some lemon poppy seed muffins for the family to devour for breakfast, pour myself a cup of coffee and sit down with my recipe books to find my ‘Best Candied Sweet Potato with Marshmallows” tried and true recipe I am bringing to Bruce & Kim’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.

Usually I host all the major family holidays, but my brother and his wife love to host Thanksgiving.  I am grateful for being able to just show up with my side dish and enjoy their hard work and the spread they have assembled.  I am looking forward to spending my time with my husband and daughter, my Mother, sister and her husband, brother and his wife and assorted nieces and nephews.  We are a nice, not too large family.  I miss my Dad at these gatherings, but I’m sure he is smiling down at our family gathering from Heaven.

I am grateful for all the love that surrounds me, having God in my life and the promise of many more family gatherings to come.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, enjoy your special day.