Thanksgiving

A Hermsmeier Thanksgiving

Our day started out like most American’s….I slept in {praise my hubby for that one} and rose to sweet laughter in the living room as the children started watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

We have watched it each year, but this year was the first that they enjoyed it, took joy from the floats and the entertainment. They loved watching as each float went by, excitement spilling over when Spider Man floated by, and the Power Rangers danced.

We then readied ourselves for our 1^st feast—my Dad and Step-Mom’s. My Step Mom Vickie makes an incredible amount of food, thank you for that Vickie! We haven’t always been close to my Dad, and spending time with him is something that warms my heart. I love him so! I haven’t been the best daughter, and that’s something I regret very much! This year was wonderful and I cherish the memories that were made!

 We sat around their table for 3 hours, chatting and enjoying each other. The hubby drank coffee, and I just sat, watching as my sweet little ones enjoyed their day at Paw Paw James’. BEAUTIFUL

We finally headed out, next stop, Aunt Sue’s. As we walked in her house, it smelled delish. 

I still expect to see my Uncle as I walked in. He would have been sitting on the couch, smiling, asking me how I was. But, there was silence and my heart hurt a little. But, the sweet aroma of turkey and candles filled the air and I saw my Aunt and dear cousin standing in the kitchen making the family stuffing—which is wonderful! No one makes stuffing like our family {I’m not bias or anything}.

We settled into her home, dropping off our insane amount of stuff because for goodness sakes we can’t go anywhere without luggage. A family of 6, who knew we came with so much stuff {wink}.

My Aunt Sue made the stuffing balls, and I ate the rest of the stuffing in the bowl {It was so yummy}.

Slowly but surely the rest of the family trickled in, bringing laughter and joy to our day. We ate a dinner topped with homemade mashed potatoes (and yes surprisingly some don’t make homemade, I found this out the hard way last year to my utter astonishment), mac & cheese, stuffing, turkey, green bean casserole, corn, corn pudding, and of course my absolute favorite—purple stuff. What is purple stuff you ask? Well that’s a simple answer—cranberry sauce of course. I have called it purple stuff since I was a little girl and can’t seem to change the name in my head. It always makes my mom smile.

 We laughed and laughed and laughed some more. We made silly pictures on my cousin’s awesome Mac computer, we drew names for the family gift exchange and we enjoyed the love that radiated through the house. 

29 people came together and made memories that will last a lifetime. It was a blessed evening indeed.

And the most amazing part, our Father in Heaven was given thanks for all things! It is He who gives us these blessings we relish in each year. It is He that deserves the glory. And it is He that I honor with my every breath. Thank you Father for all that you have blessed me with. Forgive me for the time I spent wasting this life, forgive those around me that may still be doing it—but love us always with the sincere love you so generously give!

Blessings