The house is clean and smelling like Cranberry Pumpkin Bread! A mix from Trader Joes, I added the cranberries.
I am ready for my 14 guests to arrive, and feeling very, very thankful.
{Thanksgiving Day 2010}
Last year at this time, it was chemo week, the last of my 4 month cycle. I felt sick, weak, in a fog, my taste was off, my hair was gone, and I felt my body breaking down. I slept through most of Thanksgiving Day. I remember feeling so thankful that I didn’t have to have another cycle of chemo. I knew my body would not have done well.
{I felt weird when photos were taken, like, are they taking my picture just in case? I really didn’t know if there would be more Thanksgivings. I was so fearful, despite the brave smile.}
I have had no trouble giving thanks this year. I do not take life for granted, and feel extreme gratitude for each and every day! I especially feel thankful that the feeling of fear is gone. I hated that.
I am so excited to be hosting Thanksgiving again this year. I decided to keep things casual and simple, so I could really focus on the meaning of the day. Paper plates pretty much rock…
…and so does Pumpkin Butter from Trader Joes!
My sisters laugh at my organization. I like to know what dish is going where, what order I will be cooking/baking it all in, and if I have enough pots. I do the same with my serving dishes.
My two youngest are home from school today, and have been great helpers.
My youngest sat in the kitchen with me, in her fuzzy froggy jammies, and asked if she could “help.” She loves writing lists, so I put her to work. It helped to get the thoughts out of my head and on to paper! Don’t you love the spelling of a nine year old? So precious.
Happy Thanksgiving To You All,
gotjoy3
November 24, 2011 at 9:01 pmI am so Thankful to read your post today. I loved your decor and organization. I am similar in the serving set up.
Bless you.
Shannon
November 24, 2011 at 12:59 pmThat list melts my heart! Happy Thanksgiving!
Janice
November 24, 2011 at 2:59 amI ran across your blog on Pinterest. Saw your photo of you last Thanksgiving with your hat on, sacked out on the couch. 5 years ago that was me as I had just finished chemo. Just had my final oncology appointment last week, praise God! Glad you are healthy and loving life! Rock on sister!
jeana
November 23, 2011 at 8:14 pmEverthing looks beautiful! So thankful for you friend. Happy Thanksgiving!
rkbsnana
November 24, 2011 at 1:26 amI was just thinking the spelling was pretty darn good and such a long list she made too. A blessed Thanksgiving for sure.
Jenn
November 23, 2011 at 10:21 pmI almost bought that bread mix this morning, as I have the cranberries already. Now I wish I did; I looks good.
I am super organized when I plan Thanksgiving. I list everything out, how long it will take, every detailed step of what happens when (15 minute increments, and 5-min when needed). My mom and aunt laughed and wondered whose daughter I was (as my dad silently pointed at himself).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy Kinser
November 23, 2011 at 9:44 pmI am so thankful that you are where you are this year. I am so thankful that you are healed. I praise God with you, Amy.
Jessica @ This Blessed Life
November 23, 2011 at 8:41 pmi’m so happy you are here, as well! i love your blog and have learned so much from you over the past few years. have a beautiful thanksgiving with your family!