Thanksgiving Celebration and Memories

This year we sent a video invitation to the family for Sam's Birthday/Thanksgiving celebration. I thought you would enjoy the video so here it is.

Invite customized with Smilebox

Sam loved everything about this day and we were blessed with family, great food and some unexpected blessings. Sam's brother Ben is fifteen, an age where they know more than you and they are smarter than you, they doubt you understand anything and challenge you at every turn. But on Thanksgiving Day Ben was in rare form. His father and I told him that this day was about family and we are celebrating Sam's birthday, so pleeaasssee no issues. And I should have known that when it comes to Sam...Ben has a weak spot, you could even say a soft spot and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Ben not only had no issues...he was darn right helpful, attentive, interactive and an all around great kid. For those of you who know Ben personally...possibly I should provide some pictures.

Here is Ben attentively getting instructions from Grandpa Jay on preparing the potatoes. Notice the apron which was put on him by Grandma with little to no struggle. Here is Ben proceeding to work on the potatoes with no protest or comment.

But he didn't stop there, he went on to help Grandpa cut up the ham and turkeys....and he did dishes. Who is this kid...or should I say young man????

Now before you get too excited Ben is making up for some bad choices in the past few weeks and...well....he wanted to buy a plow for his truck. He had ulterior motives but I choose to just believe it was all because of his love for his brother Sam.

Sam enjoyed special time with individual family members and with everyone as a group. He was happy and talkative. Danielle was her usual "ray of sunshine". I sat back watching my three children...so proud of each of them for the wonderful individuals they are. I was counting my blessings and for a moment I forgot all about Sam's upcoming surgery. Here Sam is hanging out with Uncle Randy watching some football on TV.

My brother-in-law Rick and sister-in-law Deb made awesome turkey/ham, stuffing and more, everyone else added their specialty and we feasted on amazing food.

Some of us ate a lot more than others. Ben had a mammoth plate of food and he finished almost all of it. Aunt Annie just watched him eat in amazement! Ben even messed up and complimented me on something I made...by accident of course!

All of us enjoyed every delicious bite!!

But the best part was watching Sam call everyone over to open his gifts and watching him tear through them one right after the next. We all remember when he would only open one gift at Christmas...those days are obviously over.

And of course my favorite part is lighting the candles and watching Sam sing "Happy Birthday"...twice! His smile was from ear to ear and you just couldn't help but smile with him!

I am thankful for my children, my family, my faith and the joy of gathering together for good food, good fellowship and Sam's smiles! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!