Our Thanksgiving Plans 2013

Ah, Thanksgiving! Here it is…already! I had a marvelous (if quick) visit with my parents here this past weekend, and now I’m getting ready for my 2 of my 3 siblings to arrive later today.

My brother, Joel, and sister, Mikaela, – along with her new husband, JohnDavid, are driving up together from St. Louis. They arrive later this afternoon and plan to stay through church on Sunday. It’s rare for all of us to be together – and for such a lengthy visit at that. We will be missing our sister, Liesl, (over in Okinawa) but enjoying our time together.

We are celebrating Thanksgiving with Andy’s family in town. All of his siblings will be home for Thanksgiving which is wonderful, too. My mother-in-law is hosting Thanksgiving dinner for all of us. I’m contributing creamy cheesed corn and mashed potatoes. Thankfully, I can make both of them later today and reheat them in crock-pots tomorrow. I’ll also bring an apple pie and pumpkin butter cake for desserts.

Some of the Barz relatives will be celebrating Thanksgiving in town so we plan to visit with them a bit on Thanksgiving afternoon. Then, Grandpa and Grandma Barz are coming to stay at our house for two nights. We’re going from a house of two to a house of seven this week. I love having company!

The sheets are changed and clean towels are waiting. My menus are planned and the fridge is full. The bathrooms are cleaned and the carpet is freshly vacuumed. Now, I’m ready to relax and enjoy the time hosting family!

We don’t have a lot scheduled. Of course, there is Thanksgiving Day worship, followed by Thanksgiving lunch with the Whirretts. We’re cutting our Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving. Other than that, there could be an ultimate frisbee game for the guys and perhaps some antique / thrift shopping for the girls in downtown Grabill. I don’t know! I’m planning to be flexible and spontaneous as we simply enjoy our time together.

I hope you all have a very thankful Thanksgiving! Whether you are spending time with family or friends, may you be truly thankful for the blessings God is pouring out in your life. God is good! Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!