Two’s company, three’s a crowd. That’s what they say anyway and I know what they’re referring to, but, “crowd” is usually what most people enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Our crowd on this past Thursday was three. My brother Phil, his wife Susan, and me. Everyone else was scattered around with other relatives or separated by distance. And although they were missed, still it was OK.

We had a very nice dinner which I, for the most part, prepared and Susan added the vegetables and cleaned up the kitchen. They had just returned from Branson for a quick visit to celebrate Susan‘s birthday and a time of getaway for them before my brother has hip replacement surgery this week.

While they were gone, I kept their dog, Howie. He was somewhat disoriented at first, but he came around and made himself quite comfortable here. 

I think Annie was also disoriented and wishing she were still the main dog here. (Kind of funny to see the luxurious bed Howie has compared to Annie's plain little bed. Hmmmm.)

On Friday, I began to bring down from the attic my Christmas decorations. I discovered the lights weren't working on my larger tree, so I decided to get over to Hobby Lobby and get a new (and smaller) tree. What. Was. I. Thinking!??? Clearly, I was only thinking about the tree because I completely forgot it was "Black Friday." Ugh! Crazy traffic and the parking lots were full. Amazingly enough though, I selected my tree, got through the checkout line, and had my tree in the house within 30 minutes. That is the difference when you live in Tulsa as opposed to the Dallas metroplex. 

I have another tree like this which is my Jessie Tree and I will put an ornament on it each day of Advent. I look forward to this as I read the Scripture for that day and look forward to Christmas.

I’ve already listed in a previous blog most of the things I’m thankful for. The thankful list goes on and on and is never ending because we are so richly blessed. But now another Thanksgiving is in the books and we are moving into Christmas to see what that brings. Life is good, and as I reflect on this past year In a new season of life and a new location, I am amazed at all the wonderful people who have come into my life and how very much I have to be thankful for in this place. For all these things, I give thanks. So hard to believe next week it will be two years since Jay passed. 

This time two years ago, we had just returned from Branson and were celebrating Thanksgiving with a bigger crowd. I’m so glad we had those times together.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 

I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; 

therefore, I will hope in him!'" 

(Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT)

Garage Selling Weekend

I confuse myself sometimes. This claims to have been published in October, but I see it as a draft. I am publishing now to get it on the books.

After spending the last couple of weeks in preparation, this past Saturday turned out to be one of those absolutely perfect October days and perfect for a garage/yard sale! We pulled out most everything except glassware from the garage to set on table outside. The lady who was in charge of organization was truly one of the most organized and energetic women I have ever met!!! Several of the people who came to our sale commented on how organize everything was. We had a kitchen section, bath, crafts, linens, patio furniture, baskets, jewelry, clothes, art, glassware and so on!!!

Like the energizer bunny!!!

Anyway, long story short, it was a tremendous success and the next door neighbor to the president of our women's association said he would match whatever we made. Wow! Did he know what he was getting in for? The profit far exceeded what any of us had hoped for and he not only matched it, but added another few thousand dollars on top of the match! (I am not sharing amounts since this is to benefit the boys' home.)

I arrived at 6 am on Saturday (on time dark o'clock) only to find busy bees already at work. 

Saturday night everybody was wiped out! What a day! So pleased to be a part of such a worthy cause. 

Loading up leftovers for Salvation Army. 

Lots of good stuff left over.

Thanksgiving week and my list

This is my list. This list is not indicative of the order of thankfulness and it is definitely not a complete list!

“O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for me. Your plans for me are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." Psalm 40:5 

God chose to give me life; my dear husband, my parents, my siblings and their families, my grandparents, my family and extended family‘s health. 

I have the blessings of Jay’s children, their spouses and the grandkids, 

I have been physically able to run and play all my life (maybe a little slower now, but still …); 

Thankful for my education, being able to read and learn; 

I enjoyed a great childhood; good teachers; parents who cared about every aspect of my life; parents have helped me with homework. 

Thankful for every Sunday school teacher, every pastor, every person who ever prayed for me. 

My childhood friends, the knowledge of God, and need for him and his forgiveness. 

The Bible, being born again at age 8 into God’s kingdom, God’s patience with me, joy of singing, my health. 

God‘s mercy to me and surviving breast cancer and other health issues, the opportunity to be the bone marrow donor for my brother in his cancer. 

Direction from my dad about working and the work ethic inherited from parents. 

My jobs, my marriage, the churches I have attended. 

Food: I have never gone hungry and always had clean water to drink, 

Shelter, I have always had a place to live, warm and safe. 

I have always had clothes to wear.

I’ve enjoyed my pets, books to read, bookmobiles and libraries, transportation.

Thankful for medical insurance, life insurance.

I’ve had God‘s provision in every situation and I have been blessed to be able to give to others. 

Thankful for the rescue by God from messes I got myself into … and things He rescued me from that I wasn’t even aware of.  

Windows, sunshine, cool water, lakes, His creation — nature, the beauty of it all, grass, trees, different seasons to enjoy,

Vacations and holidays. Sick days, candles, fire, washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, hot and cold clean running water, carpet, showers, AC in the summer, heat in the winter.

freeways, chocolate, freedom, the strength I have in my mental capacities. 

My memory, being able to simply enjoy life, prayer, my friends now and through the years. Travels I have gotten to do in places I’ve seen, my computer, the exhilaration of snow and water skiing.

Going through this very long list of all these things I am thankful for. What a long list and it doesn’t even include everything I’m thankful for. But You, Lord, You are the giver, the One I’m thankful for. You gave me life. That song — it’s Your breath in my lungs, so I pour out my praise! How great You are! I am forever grateful. Remind me each day, Lord, for You have dealt bountifully with me. 

Halloween fun and a hayride

Sweet Jack

Jason and family

Sara and family

Growing grandkids

Serving Thanksgiving lunch to seniors

Ladies retreat

Susan's birthday

Not that good at selfies!

Ukelele group

Garage sale fun for Tulsa Boys Home

Maverick and Tenley

Another one on the way in December!