Thanksgving 2010

Thanksgiving: A holiday known for the lavish turkey feast that tends to be the signature of the American household was pretty much exactly that in our home again this year. I started baking last night, making pumpkin bread, corn pudding and cookies (all gluten free). Before bed, I stuck the frozen block of a turkey into the oven, left it to cook overnight on low heat and awoke to the glorious aroma of a fully cooked bird. Satisfying as it was, the cooking wasn't over. I had yet to create the gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing (Two kinds. One gluten free for me. One from a box for them.) I made gluten free rolls from scratch (which failed miserably) and thawed then baked the good yeasty ones for the rest of the family. (They looked almost too good to resist but I did it!).

When the time came to eat, it was almost seven, but the timing was perfect as our friend who had to move from his foreclosed home on Thanksgiving Day walked through the door with his girlfriend. He wasn't going to get to have a good dinner today because of his forced move, but John helped him throughout the day (What an awesome, giving man my husband is!), and the two had most things done in time. And thus, dinner commenced.

With all the work put into it, the meal was over within thirty minutes. Seems to me like people should have lingered longer and savored the yummy dishes, but after smelling it all day I can't say I am surprised. It was satisfying for this mother's heart to look around the table and see the faces of not only family, but friends and know that everyone was well cared for. For while I might have prepared the feast, God provided it through the hard work and earnings of my husband and the bounty of the earth through the animals and plants produced to meet our needs.

And that is what I am most grateful for this year. The fact that Grace is such a huge part of my life; That I get so much more than I deserve and could ever repay. I am thankful for the family I have now, and the wonderful family that I grew up surrounded by. My parents, my brothers, my aunts and uncles, and my grandparents now with the Lord; My adopted family of in-laws and all those who are brothers and sisters in Christ; My friends who already know Jesus and those who don't; And my three sons who are awesome despite the terrible teens they are navigating. I am grateful for them all because while house and food and comfortable bed and mind-numbing television are all nice, it's these people, these relationships that are built here in a chaotic and difficult world, that will last through my forever.

And that, my friends, is grace. And that is what I am thankful for today. Just a shout out to my family far, far away - Thanks Mom and Dad for doing right by me, loving me and showing me the meaning of commitment in marriage and to your family. Thanks Dan for taking such an interest in me growing up and taking me shopping and to movies, and always remembering to send cards. Thanks Mike for not throwing me down the steps when I was young and couldn't get my name right (Who was "Puddentain" anyway?) and for showing me the meaning of truly never giving up no matter what life throws at you. You have all influenced me to become who I am today and without you my life would not be complete.

But, yeah... the meal was pretty dang good, too! ;-) So here are a few pics of our casual (for the kids) day at home. John and I worked hard, but it was oh so satisfying! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Time flies...

So I know I said months ago I planned to begin trying to fill in the blanks of the Hergenrather clan since the last post, but as we can all see - that didn't work out so well. So my proposal to myself is this: I will make a year in photos to share with everyone for Christmas! Yes, lads and ladies, I will take the time to go through our iPhoto albums and bring about the best of the best of the year and share it with you all.

The kids have changed, of course, as kids do. We have changed, not usually something adults do a lot of but we have both lost some weight this year. (YAY!) We have enjoyed having all the boys in online school as it's taken more stress off me and given me more time to be mom rather than teacher. Overall, it's been a good year despite my relapse in April. God's had his hand on our lives and seen us through and in the end I think we're all better for it.

We visited family in Ohio last year for Christmas, and I think this would probably be a good time to put up the highlights of that trip, just to get us in the mood for the upcoming holiday season! Who knows, maybe I'll even post a few Thanksgiving pics of this year - Lord willing I can remember!

Anyway - without further ado, here is last year's Christmas. May it make you festive as it has me and look forward to another great time of family bonding a we recognize the true reason for the season - and not the toy stores.

(Just to recap - we spent Christmas day in Chicago airport. So NOT fun. The rest are fairly self explanatory - I hope!)