Season Gratitude

Thanksgiving 2022

 Thanksgiving 2022

We have kicked off the season for the long weekend before Thanksgiving at Big Cedar Lodge for twenty-one years. And as it turns out, having four children makes a big, growing family. We have a friendly competition on the property at the Big Bass mini golf course. Over the years, the course has been updated and refigured. In 2016, we started the perpetual plaque and traveling trophy for the winner. Next year, we will add a junior division for Amelia, Harrison, and future cousins.

I look forward to enjoying the relaxing weekend together before the holiday rush. (As an enneagram One, it is nearly impossible to relax at home).

This year we had two (nearly) one-year-olds and were blessed by Conor and Alyssa cooking and baking before the weekend to make eating convenient and absolutely delicious. We ate much better than the restaurants on the property (sorry, Buzzard Bar, Buffalo Bar, and Devil's Pool. We did enjoy a few morning coffees at Truman, however). Thanksgiving is when I reflect on the year and prepare for the season ahead. Seeing the many unexpected blessings, I can not help feeling gratitude. Gratitude does bring joy and happiness even when experiencing times of sorrow.

Thanksgiving 2000

Tradition Continues
(skipped 2021 because of the arrival of Amelia and the expectation of Harrison)

Thanksgiving 2002 Big Cedar

On Tuesday, we hosted the family in town at Brett's office. It was a fun evening; we topped off with a bit of B-I-N-G-O. Great-grandmothers, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters enjoyed being together to celebrate our blessings.

Searcy, AR Thanksgiving Eve Eve 2022

Thanksgiving Day was rainy and beautiful. It has been fun to watch my brothers become the family chefs. They spend two days preparing the family favorites and creating new favorites. We enjoy the Turkey gumbo for a mid-day appetizer before the main meal. My favorite, mashed butternut squash, always finds a way to the table and brings back sweet memories of my grandmother's Thanksgiving table. This year was no exception, and it was incredibly delicious. As I looked around the table, I saw glimpses of our loved ones around the table in the eyes of the sons, daughters, and grandchildren. It is a gift when we feel the ache of missing our family. "If you can really be mindful of not just the food, but also the atmosphere and the company, you will lay down the foundation for a rich memory that can bring lasting enjoyment that is a genuine source of happiness," Arthur C Brooks.

Little Rock 2022

Kim and Greg's home 2022

"There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink and to find enjoyment in their work." Ecclesiastes 2:24

Embracing memories

 G-Daddy

February 2022

    Walking into church with four young children a little late was a regular occurrence. I wanted to slip in quietly and not disturb those around us. Daddy would hug and kiss each of us as we climbed over to our seats. I remember thinking at that moment I would miss this someday. I do miss it. I was not anticipating how he felt when he saw us. Recently, I walked into the church my daughter and her husband attend. As I walked to my seat beside my daughter, I saw Amelia. A flood of sweet joy swept over me. Holding sweet Amelia while listening to the worship music was overwhelming. It was a beautiful moment, and I saw why my daddy stopped each one as we walked by him to our seats.