Grateful

One of the simple pleasures in my life is a deep sigh. One that comes unbidden. It signals all is well. Early this morning I awoke with one- and thought "I love my life." I'm not all that gushy, typically, so it surprised me. 

Maybe because we had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day yesterday. Two Malm aunts/uncles came down from Cedar Falls for lunch, and in the morning I was song leader at church. I love the Thanksgiving hymns... those were the ones I'd go to the piano each year to play even if I didn't play the rest of the year. Maybe because they are rather straightforward and plodding, without many sharps and flats or fancy trills. 

The Menu

Turkey- Wyse Guide orange brine
Ham- Ramona's ham ball glaze
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy- Teresa brought
Stuffing Sadly, I just used a box
Cranberry Relish- from Wyse Guide
Oyster Stuffing- Linda's recipe
Barb's Sauerkraut- a tradition! even if I was the only one to eat it!
Green Bean Casserole- Maureen brought
Brussel Sprouts- Maureen
Healthy Rolls- from Mennonite Girls Can Cook which no one ate but me
White Rolls- made from frozen dough
Meat & Cheese tray- Made to look like a turkey
Pumpkin & Apple pies- Of course I had to bake pie

We had a tour of the shop/house and the shop. Aunt Eileen took our Christmas card pictures (another tradition) with Grandma and Mama shirts. The relatives left around dark, but the kids stayed until bedtime, watching football. Both dogs lounged around with us and made us laugh. We nibbled on leftovers and Doug made popcorn. Maureen dug out her baby pictures and compared them with a few of Nathan on their phone- trying to figure out what their baby will look like. Brent pondered whether or not he could adjust a girl (more drama- haha). I wanted to say that Brent was way more drama for me than Maureen, but I held my tongue (mostly). 

A perfect holiday.