We had Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 23 this year. Never done that before. Chuck had taken the day off from work to stay home and cook. He's the cook in our house. I went into work and when I got home, there was turkey, stuffing, mashed potatos all ready to go! Ryan, Sharaya and Allison came over and after dinner we played Mexican Train. It's a domino game. Chuck and I had never played it before but it was really fun!
Wednesday I stayed home and Chuck went to work. That evening we went to church to get our final instructions for Thanksgiving Day.
Each Thanksgiving our church hosts a free dinner for the community. (This was our 16th year.) We have 3 seatings, with about 450 people each time. Dinner is served Family Style, with 9 people at each round table. (There were 45 tables this year!) The food is brought to the table and a table host facilitates the conversation and serves the guests. The dinner is free; there is free transportation if needed; we have a reception area with puzzles and games while you wait for your dinner seating. You can have family photos taken or look through our food and clothing bank. For a few years I ran the Staff Childcare (more than 400 volunteers to make it all happen!) while Chuck worked in the kitchen. For the last few years, he has driven the shuttles while I am in the 'pantry'. I prepare the condiment trays that go on all the tables; pickles, black olives and cranberry sause. Plus prepare the roll bowls for each table. And we cut and plate over 1300 pieces of pie, complete with whipped cream! I'll admit it's exhausting, but we love doing it. One year our family decided not to participate and we all felt strange being at home knowing everyone else was at church!
I had to leave church a little early yesterday because we took Diana to the airport. She got on a plane at 7:30 last night and headed to Australia. Yep, the Land Down Under. All by herself. She isn't going with anyone and no one is meeting her there. I am slightly nervous. She is very excited though! Planning to see the Great Barrier Reef, visit a rain forest... her week is packed!
Came home from the airport and Allison arrived. We watched our 1 year old granddaughter overnight last night! The first time! Oh my gosh she is a doll. People can describe to you what it's like to be grandparents, but you can't really know until you become one! Allison slept 10 hours last night, not too shabby! I brought her into bed with us this morning. She smelled so good! All warm and squishy.
We've never had a Thanksgiving quite like this one!
1 comment:
Hi Cindy! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for leaving a comment! I am glad you had a great Thanksgiving!
Your blog is sweet and helps me to know that I am not alone. I have a child with mild developmental cognitive delays.
I attend Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC and our Special Needs Ministry (called Mustard Seed) has been in existance for about 3 years. We have mainly older students but that's just what God has brought our way. We'd take any kid! :)
The best resource for me has been Joni and Friends. They have an office in Charlotte and hold training sessions where we can meet other churches with spec. needs ministries.
If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask! :)
Post a Comment