Thanksgiving Day  November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving actually started yesterday when the house had to be cleaned and the dishes had to be prepared. John made the comment that Thanksgiving was too quiet and easy this year because we were done with preparations by 3pm the day before Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day was actually a great day! We all woke to bustling around the house getting ready for the company coming over. Mike showed up first to help John with getting the meat on the grill and in the deep fryer. After the meat was on, we started doing the final touches to the other food. Dale showed next with more food and the games. Sean, Stacey and their kids showed up next. They came with Rice Krispy treats in tow. So yummy! I quickly put Stacey to work decorating cupcakes. Soon after, Judy arrived with the other part of the meal. I don't know what I would have done without all of her help. She is the best! During this time, Mike had left to go get Pavlina and the boys. They soon returned with more food. The counters were packed from one end to the other with traditional southern fixings. Then Troy showed up with homemade cheesecake. It couldn't get any better!!

John finished up the meat...along with the fried turkey. This is where it got emotional. My dad and John were always the ones doing the turkey. It kind of felt weird to watch someone else help John but at least Nick and Ryan got the tradition of their fried turkey. We all sat down to fellowship and a family meal. Everything was delicious!

Afterwards, Judy broke out the game Cranium and we all gathered in the living room to have some fun. We had a blast playing and it really felt good to laugh!!! The house was full of people all day long and I really felt like I had family around. Our friends over here may not be "biologically" related to us, but we definitely have a family away from home.

Honestly this week has been very hard for me. This is the first Thanksgiving that the boys and I have spent away from my family. I know I have driven all my Germany friends nuts by the conversation and tears I have shed about home. I do apologize. I guess this GA girl is just homesick beyond belief! But without Judy and Pavlina, I don't know if I would have made it out sane this week. Thanks girl for keeping my mind occupied. I love you both!