HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2016!

Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, so this is the last post I'll have until next week. Yesterday we had a spaghetti and lasagna dinner at our house for our entire family while Kurt and Bethany are in town, and it was so wonderful to have everyone together at the same time!

Today, I am giving thanks that our country has set aside a holiday for Thanksgiving, not only to commemorate its origins of when the pilgrims and Native Americans sat down to a meal together, but a time to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives and in our country. Have I had heartache? Of
course--that's the human condition. God never promised that life would be a bed of roses, but whatever comes, He is with His children and will carry us through. I know firsthand that He has carried Clark and I through two miscarriages, and He blessed us with two wonderful daughters, too. God always keeps His promises, you see. Those promises, however, are in His time and in His circumstances.

Since Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, I want to share some Thanksgiving pictures today:

Family Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2011 with Duke and Shadow

Thanksgiving 2012, spending the day with my mom
in her nursing facility--it was her last Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2013 at Holly's

Thanksgiving 2014 at Holly's

Thanksgiving 2015 at Holly's--she made most of the food

Wishing you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving, doxie lovers!

THANKFUL FOR MY HEALTH

Today, my November thankfulness post is about my health: I am VERY thankful for it, especially since I am getting older now. My birthday is this month, too!

Not my knee

The only major surgery I've ever had was my two knee replacements in 2014. Granted, they were doozies, but the knees are a godsend and are working fine with no complications. I am so thankful for medical technology that has allowed me to lead a normal life! I might add that Duke my doxie (with my hubby's help, of course) was a wonderful nurse, staying by my side all the time. He gave me lots of doggie kisses because he knew I was in pain. How sweet is that?

Others have had it far worse than I have, and the ability to walk normally, do whatever I want (I never did climb Mt. Everest, though), is a real blessing.

Those of us with knee replacements are told not to run, though. Drat it! NOT. Fast walking is enough for this grandma, LOL!

There are tons of other things I'm thankful for, but I'll refrain for now and save them for other posts.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Duke, my "nurse" (among other things)

MASQUERADE BALL PICTURES

Alexa's birthday party last night was so much fun! All the children and adults dressed up, and the decor and food were fabulous! On the menu was homemade lasagna (Alexa's request), garlic bread, salad, and birthday cake.

Here are some photos commemorating the event:

Alexa with a friend

Holly and Alexa

Holly & Philip, Alexa's parents

Waiting for cake!

All the party beauties--plus Dad!

Birthday cake made by Holly, her mom

Brother Asher: Phantom of the Opera!

Attendees enjjoying the deliciious meal

Learning to waltz via tutorial video

Sister Annika and friend Jean

Philip and grandparents:
Clark, moi, Joe and Sheila (Philip's parents)

It was a great party, and we were blessed to share in it with our granddaughter! Holly and a friend did all the decorating, and Holly make the cake and prepared the lasagna as well.

Have a great Thanksgiving, doxie lovers! Clark is taking me to St. Simon's Island for my birthday next week, so I won't be posting the week of Thanksgiving. We'll be back to join our daughter's family and Philip's parents and grandmother for Thanksgiving.

May God's blessings come your way.