A Gritty Thanksgiving...

Writing from Houston, Texas at Greg and Cheryl's house, the day after Thanksgiving. This is a tranquil few moments considering there are 16 of us basically living in one house, though the next door neighbors have loaned us their house for extra sleeping quarters while they are gone for the holiday.

This Thanksgiving is so hard and yet so wonderful that we got the opportunity to gather as a family. We know we have much to be thankful for: love for each other, new little grandson Reece, the finances to even be able to make this trip. Lost luggage did not even deter our spirit to enjoy ourselves. After a Mexican lunch Wednesday, all the females had a competition at Ross Dress for Less as to who could get the best bargain, complete outfit or most turkey-like outfit for $20. The feast of fabulous food created by Tommy, showing all his chef proweress and Ashley as his amazing assistant, was too fabulous. Really, acorn squash soup garnished with maple flavored sour cream! Two kinds of stuffings, heavenly green mashed potatoes flavored with chives, parsley, garlic saturated oil, more and more...We went to downtown Houston in the morning to see the Thanksgiving Day parade with crazy bands, floats, and Santa! All of us traipsing through the throngs to find the perfect spot for viewing, Grandpa Pete buying the little grandkids blow up Sponge Bob, Dora and Spider Man and a sword for Denver. What was he thinking?

Last night was finally peaceful when the little ones went to sleep and we took advantage of the pool and hot tub. Quiet conversations, laughter, tears. The hardest part of all yesterday was Greg beginning the grace before we ate. He asked Chris to end because he knew he would not be able to and he couldn't. He started by acknowledging God as the giver of all things and we came into this Thanksgiving gritting our teeth. Not having Laurie with us leaves a big gaping hole. Tears were falling, all were quiet, and Chris ended by thanking God again for each other, for all we have and for having had Laurie as our sister, aunt, daughter for the 20 years we did.

Was it only last Thanksgiving at Chris and Christa's where Laurie really introduced us all to Scott? So much has changed since that fun day! So much.