Thanksgiving — Christmas Celebration

Earlier in the week, we saw all four of our city kids, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. We didn’t see six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

This weekend, we gathered with three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren—all intending to celebrate a combined holiday together. We didn’t see six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

I count my nephew and niece, my sister's children. So, with them, we didn’t see two children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Cards are in the mail for three, and the others will be delivered this week.

We all have lots to be grateful for. Everyone is doing well as far as we can tell, and we were able to catch up on work and family life. We are doing well. My husband tells people that he is living his dream. I am happy and take my life one day at a time, and it works best that way!

We are trying a white elephant exchange, rather than presents for everyone. Everyone who gets into the White Elephant brings a present and gets a present. It is fun. I got an electric blanket this year, while the hubby got a Risk game.

The same game he got last year, and gave it back to the grandson. The grandson put it in again. And then convinced his grandpa that it would be a good choice. I said, don’t give it back to him, as it will be in again next year. The grandson’s birthday was today, so he gave it back to him for his birthday.

Crazy guys. The babies were all so darn cute. There was Julianna, who is going to be six on New Year's Eve, Greyson, who is four, Alaska, who is 2.5, and baby Kaija, five months old. It is fun, loving those babies. They grow up so fast.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

Turkey and ham

talking to Mary Sam

Cooking wild rice hotdish

Chilling while making a wish

Bringing a large cookie dish

Books for the grandkids

Gift baskets for each of the kids

Gift cards for older single grands

There was green bean casserole

Then a big cheeseball roll

Macaroni and cheese was delish

My congratulations on the dish

Cards were played at a slowdown

Cribbage with a frown

A granddaughter and I were skunked

And it was by her mother that punked

We played up and down the river

We went up, then went back downriver

After dinner and the white elephant.

All was well, fun times were had by all

Next year, same time, same place y’all

Nice time of year to have a ball!

Some work experience is going well, while others are not so much. School is going well, while others aren't interested in school. Family life is busy, and comments were made like, "When the baby was just three days old, I said, how does anyone ever do more than one child at a time?"

I told my son and his fiancee that they should get married before acting like an old married couple. He said, "This is how we show our love for each other, Mom!" I laughed and later caught them snuggling. Now that is how an engaged couple acts!

The cooks were all wonderful, and the food was delicious. There was the grandson who made macaroni and cheese, a granddaughter who made green bean casserole and deviled eggs. Then there were the cheesy potatoes and the ham and turkey.

Lots of Christmas cookies, cheese and crackers, soda, water, coffee, and tea were available throughout. A fun gathering that we will do again next year.

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Published first by Mercury Press on medium.com