Friday, November 23, 2012

Grateful

Reading posts on Facebook and message boards it is abundantly clear that there is a large margin of people who do not enjoy spending time with their families for the holidays.  Stories are written and advice given on how to get through the holidays with your in laws, your difficult mother, and your horrid siblings.  So many people comment that they just wish they could spend the holidays alone or that they will have to drink heavily to get through this family time.  

Last night as members from both sides of the family sat down to the table to eat it hit me once again how lucky I am.  Not only do I love my family and look forward to the time I get to spend with them, but I could not have picked better in laws as well.  We prayed together, we laughed together, we shared stories, and we ate delicious food together with full grateful hearts.  Just the way Thanksgiving should be. 

(I always mean to take a picture of the table all festooned with bowls and platters of gorgeous food but every year it is such a rush setting the table and getting the kids' plates going that I never get the chance.)

I hope your Thanksgiving was peaceful and warm, and filled with family love and fun and grateful hearts.
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18 comments:

Mom24 said...

I'm so glad for you Kat. That's really wonderful. I loved our Thanksgiving too, though some year I'd love to have a chance to get out of my "cooking clothes" and dress up a bit before we sit down.

Bijoux said...

Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm in that category of 'complicated relationships' with family members. At least I can laugh about it! I'm glad you have a fully functional family and enjoyable holidays.

Kat said...

Bijoux- Trust me, my family is super complicated too. We went through it for years (three siblings with bipolar disorders, strained relationships, etc) and we have a few clashing personalities at times, but at this point we've just all tried to accept each other for who we are. I think the past 5 or ten years with my dad's Alzheimer's and my mom's cancer has really brought us all closer.

And like you said, at least you can laugh about it. That helps! ;)

Lynn said...

I too, fall into that "other" category. But am so thankful there is a handful of family members I can share the holidays with. I terribly miss the family as it once was, but I just try to deal with it, laugh, cry...whatever it takes. I am glad to hear the wonderful stories like this post. I think that's why I love you and your blog so much..... Have a fun filled remainder of your holiday! God bless you and your family

lime said...

it does make me sad to think how many people find it all something to endure. i know some of them have good reason too and that is truly sad. i am glad for you it is the time of blessing it is meant to be.

Unknown said...

Indeed! I love my family, both sides. Maybe it's a result of being the military family and we rarely get to see everyone It's such a blessing and fun time together when we do.

dawn klinge said...

What a wonderful thing to read. I love hearing about families that love each other and get along. Your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful. :)

nbrsspot.blogspot.com said...

We spent it with his mom and partner this year but one of these years I would love to have my mom and dad and his mom and partner all under one roof to cook for. I know those feelings you are talking about. I miss having a big family to cook for.

momto8 said...

your Thanksgiving sounded like another blessing! good for you!!!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

You are so very, very lucky!

The table looks great! And chaos getting the food out and served and kids served? What ever do you mean?

Cyndy Bush said...

My relationship with my family has been complicated and strained at times in the past. And my last MIL was just awful.
But now, I've put the past behind me and my relationship with my family is good, and my boyfriend's family is WONDERFUL. Makes for great holidays!

Rima said...

I'm glad you had a nice Thanksgiving, Kat. We enjoyed ours, too. And BTW, your house was practically *made* to host Thanksgiving in!!

Anonymous said...

Awww, so nice! I love spending time with my family (and Daryl's) during the holidays. :-)

Hilary said...

I'm sad for those who have difficult families and also feel very grate for for mine and for Frank's. I'm happy for you too, Kat. I trust you had a lovely Thanksgiving. :)

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

How sad for those people, Kat...and how wonderful for YOUR family that you don't feel that way. Your table is cozy, warm and inviting....just like YOU sweet girl~xoxo

Kat said...

Carol- Thank you. That is our main table. One of the only years I haven't had extra chair jammed into it. Course we had our kitchen table all full and then another table set up too, but still. ;)

Unknown said...

Your table is GORGEOUS! And you are TRULY blessed.

xo

Karen Deborah said...

AMEN and family is what we make it! We give love and thanksgiving, food, stories and all of this and it creates a beautiful family experience. Family love isn't an accident. We work at it. Some people just gripe but don't want to give and make the effort that mothers and fathers make to gather the family together and lead. Family is leadership, it is everything, joy, blessing, thanksgiving and the future hope. i am grateful for your family and for you and your husband.

Words To Live By

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson