As I write the,the big kids are all piled on the couch,laughing like crazy and telling stories.The littlest ones,Charlotte and Zoey are snug in their beds and Mark is upstairs doing the bedtime books and prayers routine, with the boys.I probably will have to wander up in a bit and see if Mark has dozed off along with them.Poor guy,he is exhausted.He has been working like crazy on a new show,Find My Family and pulled an all nighter helping with the end of "CNN Heros:An All Star Tribute" program.He really needs this long weekend but I am not sure how much rest he will get.We have some things we really need to check off on our to-do list.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.I mean truly wonderful.Although I did most of the baking and cooking and spent the majority of the day on my feet,it was a actually a very relaxing day.Jess did make an awesome apple pie,as well as the yummy cranberry-orange sauce.However,an addendum to this sentence would have to be,I HEARD both those things were yummy because neither I actually eat.And while I'm at it,some know this,some don't,but I don't actually eat much of anything on the menu.A spoon full of corn,potatoes and some gravy to disproportionately top it and I'm good to go.Although I LOVE the time together,Thanksgiving and the fixings are not my favorite at all.What I do love though,is looking around and seeing all my children together.Danny and Matt blending in because,after all they are family too.Our friend Amanda joined us.Okay, technically she is Matt and Jessica's friend but I consider her my friend also. She is an absolute sweetheart and we are so lucky that she wanted to spend today with our crazy crew.Not a moment went by in this day,especially in this very moment,that I wasn't reminded how blessed my life is.
I want to back track a bit and address the CNN Heroes show.For the third year in a row,CNN showcased 10 extraordinary everyday heroes and from the 10,1 is chosen as hero of the year.This years winner,Efren Peñaflorida,said the following things,all of which bare repeating:
"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry," Peñaflorida said upon accepting the honor. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.
"So to each and every person inside this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dream, and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."
If you have an opportunity,the show will be replayed a number of times on CNN and I encourage all of you to watch it and unleash the hero within you.
*A few pictures of the day.The kids LOVE Bananagrams.Played twice today.Highly recommend it as family fun ... again,I can only recommend it via watching them play,I can't spell worth a darn.thank goodness for spell check!
21 comments:
From the pictures I can see what a lovely holiday you must have had, there is nothing like having one's family around you, everyone in good spirits, really precious times. I'm looking forward to Christmas myself, that's when I get to celebrate with my family. although it's quite crazy really when so many of us get together.
Looks like you had a whole lot of fun. That baby is just a little darling. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend. Hugs
Loved the pictures of a wonderful day of family! And your words, as well as those of Efren, were absolutely right on target! I think we'll pull out our game of Bananagrams today!!
What a gorgeous family you have! I am so glad that everyone is well and together. Who could ask for more!
Your grand baby is such a cutie...but of course you already know that. lol I still have a hard time telling you and your older daughter apart..you look so much alike! Anyway...give sweet Zoey and little snuggle from me.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Glad you were able to spend it with your many blessings! :)
I love that pic of you, very cute. I bet you were in heaven with Taylor home,and Cailtin and sweet Charlie there too. Kisses to everyone!
Love all those photos! Looks like everyone had a super day. Jess - the pie maker! Kudos to you! you and Poppa should get together (Mark's dad, official pie maker here on the east Coast) ... And, I especially enjoyed speaking with you Mark if only for a few moments. I watched CNN Heros last nite and I had picked the winner in my mind, altho of course they all were true heroes. Yes Heather his speech was indeed awesome, and so on target.
Mark - I did watch "Find My Family" pilot this week - a keeper for sure. Just curious have you met Tim Green yet? - you of course know that you two have something in common - raised in Syracuse, NY
Take care
Aunt Bluebelle
What great family pictures!! Glad someone got one of you working hard. Thanks for all of your support the last few days. I am getting ready to start heading to the hospital in the next couple hours and hopefully be able to bring Miss Ella home!!!
what a great post! It is evident through the pictures alone, that you and your family are very blessed to have one another.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just perfect!!!!!!
Heather, you have such a beautiful family! You can see the love overflowing in those pics. Thank you so much for sharing!
(I hope you got my email a few weeks back?)
Take care xoxo
So glad you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. I wish I didn't LOVE the Thanksgiving day fixings, then I would not have packed back on the few pounds I've been working so hard to lose :(
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time, and the pictures are terrific!
{{{{{HUGS Heather and family}}}}
For All of you blanket makers- Jo Anns is having a sale on fleece today and tomorrow for 2.99/yd plus 20% off entire purchase (including sale) are avilable on line.
Weve been out of the loop for a little while. Decided to take an internet break and enjoy as much time with our family as possible and leave the computer alone.
But, I wanted to stop in and tell ya how thankful we are for Zoey and your family. The pictures speak a thousand words about how much your family loves being around each other.
Love you guys and hope the weekend was the best!!
What an amazing quote. Love it. Glad your day was so wonderful!
You had your oldest at home too. My heart smiled to have all my family together. The little ones are growing fast arent they!
I thought of you a bunch this Thanksgiving. So glad you guys had a wonderful day together as family. The pictures were perfect! Love you!
That is one nice looking group of nieces and nephews and nephew-in-laws! It looks like you had a great day together. Wish I could see you all soon! Aunt Lisa
I'm trying to play a little blogland catch up tonight. Just wanted to let you know how absolutely gorgeous your family is.
Glad to hear you had a good holiday. How lucky are you?!?!?!
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