Thanksgiving @ Our House

We all gathered at our house this year to give thanks for our blessings. Needless to say, it was very emotionable. The absence of T and Betty was felt by everyone-even little Harlie. She said to Chip, "Where is your mother-I've been looking everywhere for her?!". Poor Chip-it really caught him off guard. He finally just told her his mother wasn't there. She seemed to accept that and didn't ask again.

As always, we had more food than we needed and it was all delicious! Mother bought Honey Baked ham and turkey; Ellen brought chocolate cake (see above) and 2 pecan pies; Pam made squash casserole, sweet potato casserole and T's carrots; Talya made real mashed potatos and pineapple casserole; Chip made Lula's peas; and I did dressing (from our cafeteria at work-everyone said they liked it!) and green bean casserole for Jimmy (and I forgot to add the French's onion rings!). Tina and Gary (see below) were able to come and she brought apple salad and tomato aspic gelatin (both were wonderful) and a cheese ball with crackers!!! This was the first Thanksgiving they have spent with us in many, many years (so long ago, I can't remember when it last was!) Mother was very excited that they got to be with us and we were too!

After lunch, Michael helped Jimmy move some rocks into the flower bed out front. They worked until sunset-Harlie helped too! This was such a help for us, Jimmy can't and shouldn't be lifting those heavy rocks. I didn't get any photos but they really did alot-got a whole pile moved!! Just one more to go.

Harlie was afraid of Uncle Gary (he had been playing monster with her earlier), so she wouldn't sit with him for a picture! :) Cotton was her stand in!

Harlie singing us a song, which involved clapping.

Bella playing and crawling after everyone was gone.

Every year at Betty's for Thanksgiving, she would give everyone a Hallmark ornament. She had bought some before she got sick, so Jim brought those to give out. However, he had no idea which belonged to who! Jo he and Jarrett decided and Jarrett handed them out. Next, Pam told us she wanted to continue Grammy's tradition and she handed out Hallmark ornaments too! It was so sweet and everyone cried over this!
Here are some of the ornaments received:

For Harlie

for Isabella

for Harlie

for me

everyone got this with a photo of T and Betty in it!