"Father, we gather today in thanksgiving for all the blessings in our lives. Even in this season of pain and sorrow for our family, we have much for which we are thankful, most especially Rob, whose life You blessed us with for 35 years. His loss reminds us that we are all your creation, and to you we all hope to return when our years on this earth are complete. We give you thanks for all the good things we have, the family here gathered, the beautiful prairie around us, the abundance of food before us. Help us always to have grateful hearts to appreciate your good gifts, and always to remember those less fortunate. We ask your blessings on them, on family and friends not present, especially those in most need of your help, on all of us gathered here, and on the meal we are about to enjoy together. We ask these blessings through Jesus Christ, your son, Amen."
While home, Emma had a blast playing with her cousins and the girl LOVES her Uncle Jared. Jared may not have enjoyed the fact that she was in his lap whenever he was around, but I've never enjoyed a meal more than when we ate at Buster's the Friday after Thanksgiving. She sat in his lap the whole time we were there and didn't make a peep.
This is a fairly hodge podge group. My Dad's first cousin Marty, one of the deer hunters, Kirk (my life long neighbor and third brother I never really wanted :-), his girlfriend, Lindsey (I approve by the way), Jared's clan (see Fancy on his lap? It was GLORIOUS not wrestling her all dinner), I think you can tell which one is Matt and Ma and Pa.
On Thanksgiving Day I tried to get a decent pic of the 4 generations, but I didn't get a very good one because I looked like crap and Fancy wouldn't cooperate.
We'll have to try this again at a later day. Maybe when I can threaten Fancy with corporal punishment unless she cooperates?
Also tried to get a good pic of the cousins and Mom with all the grandkids. Can you tell which two are the clowns of this bunch? Poor Brooklyn, she's always trying to do the right thing and behave, and then Emma and Ethan act like fools. And the younger two are usually fighting like they are brother and sister. It's kind of funny.
"Emma, don't make me hurt you."
"Mom, tell Ethan to QUIT touching me!!!!"
"Can I turn this fire on and push him in it?"
"Okay Emma, let's take a serious one. I heard something about a 'Christmas card.'"
As Brook asks herself why she even bothers.
"What did I do?"
I think I'm about to give up on pictures. At least they kept each other entertained the whole day. And of course I have to mention that Fancy had a good time playing with Stella and Annie as well. She has started saying "NO NO DOGGY" to Stella. Think she's heard me say that before? She can't say Stella so she just goes with the generic "doggy."
Seriously? Why does Stella sit ON Annie all the time?
She's not sad, her fat face just makes it impossible for her to show happiness. She is truly loving life right now.
As Grandma and Grandpa were leaving to go home we went to Belvidere and stopped at the cemetery. I still can't quite believe that visiting my brother at a cemetery is our reality. It's a beautiful spot, but I still wish this wasn't happening. I want him here. I want to be able to pick up the phone and call him. I want to hear Emma call him "Bob." I just really miss him.
You can see almost all of the North End of the ranch from Soldier Creek Cemetery.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human eye has conceived all that God has prepared for those who love Him. "
1 Corinthians 2:9
1 Corinthians 2:9
Be confident in Jesus' victory.
Prepare for the glorious beginning of eternal life.
Walk in faith, not doubt.
Be full of hope, not anxiety.
Seek to grow in love, not fear.
Jesus has overcome the world.
He has defeated sin and death.
2 comments:
Oh My Goodness!! Those pictures are pricless. I think they would make a perfect Christmas card just as they are. As hard as it was to celebrate without Rob, I am sure it felt good to be home and among family.
Very nice Jenna. I wish I had that view!
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