Giving Thanks

The day of Thanksgiving is upon us.... I am busy in the kitchen as I am the host this year. I have prepared my pumpkin pies and prepared in advance any part of any dish that is possible without losing the delicious tastes that await us. I will have 19 this year at our home. That takes some planning as well because our family, deep in tradition, has the sit down meal. I have to borrow chairs and over the years have just bought folding tables to accomodate everyone. It gives the opportunity to focus on being thankful and that is good for everyone. I am thankful for my family and each year seeing the kids change and grow in their own ways - it's nice. We have a few issues with in-laws we have to grin and bear - that's a bit tough. One of which is a greed/manners issue - that is the hardest one for me. I like decent manners and I don't like someone else's hands in my food. We do taste and try things as we cook in my family, but it is done in the right way - clean hands, clean utensils etc. No " double-dipping."
We usually have a good time when we all get together, there is a lot of laughter in our brood. I am thankful for that. I think we are all very different , but there are strengths in all of us. I promise myself I will try to focus on the good in each of them and try very hard not to focus on the quirky things that drive each of us crazy in others. I find when you do that and try not to get stressed out - it makes your time more enjoyable in the long run. Too many times I set myself up for what I plan and think our gatherings will be and when something or someone falls short it ends of stealing my joy. I am fighting that this year. We are still missing our dog and I am praying very hard for the hearts of whoever has him - or has seen him - to be changed and they will contact us soon. I know it takes a lot for some people to step up and do the right thing, but I am hoping. Short of posting someone at every street in our entire neighborhood all day, I can' t "catch" the offender- if there is one.
So, I wish you all a very Happy, calm and fun Thanksgiving where you realize there is much to be thankful for and not so much to be stressed about.
This is what matters - love, God and family. Enjoy !