simple gifts....

Today the sky was gray and the weather is cool and downright dreary...the weatherman missed his forecast of sunshine. Yet despite the weather status, today was a great day in the memory already preserved in my heart. Ken made his world famous pecan pies and we visited a dear friend who is in recovery from her surgery and Ken made her one of his pies for her to share with her family this evening. We then settled in with Tina and Ryan with their three daughters and Sherry Lynn came over with her son Antonio. We set up the card table for Art and markers first and then added the table cloth to feed the four hungry hungry kids. The turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes were creamy, the delicious corn, rolls and dressing filled the bill as well as one huge salad! The real gift is just being together ...sharing the kitchen rituals...taking photos ... trying to teach the dog Domino how to catch a piece of Turkey... and lots of whipped cream on our pumpkin and pecan pies. The adults had wonderful hot coffee and the little ones celebrated the closing of the dinner with hot chocolate with what seemed to be a million small marshmallows. Erin and Chance were with the other side of the family and Chance is on a new rotation ...nights this month so they had an early Thanksgiving with the children out numbering the adults at the dinner table. Now as I fall into a sleep of contentment and watch Lady Gaga's Thanksgiving special. Life does not get any better.

I pray for Peace and practice gratitude for the smallest gifts of kindness to share with others. Antonio led our prayer before our meal...simple elegant and out of the mouths of babes a thank you for all the gifts we were about to receive. The three little girls went home with Aunt Sherry for a sleep over and a swim in her indoor pool...now that is a great way to close the day! Imagine a world without war...a family for every child.. dinner on the table for all... serenity in each day's journey.... and the Love we have been given we will pass it on to those who forgotten they too are loved!!! Peace be with you, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

p.s. Sorry there will be NO black Friday shopping in this household. Thanksgiving is for families.