A Blessed Thanksgiving!

Well, today was a nice Thanksgiving Day. Nate, Meg, and their young parrot were up from Orange County. Ernie was quite entertaining, especially for Dottie.

Everyone got a chance to hold Ernie. This young parrot, a Caique, was so tame. Here Grandma Lois got her chance to hold and talk to Ernie.

We sprung Grandpa Clayton from the nursing home today to enjoy a wonderful family dinner. He was strong enough to make the trip and seemed to have quite a good time holding Ernie.

Nate demonstrated Ernie's tricks. This bird was amazing! Oh so tame and fun to play with. You can turn it upside down, rub its feathers under its wings, neck, head, back, and stomach. It was very gentle.

Nate gave Grandpa his Christmas present a little early. 5 pair of nice warm socks. Grandpa is pretty thin skinned and needs warm clothes. He had been wanting longer socks. These were perfect for him!

While we were waiting for Lyle to finish all the food, Cory called from NYC. He, Annie, and Bee were on their way to a friend's home for their holiday meal. We passed the phone around to the grand parents. Everyone enjoyed talking with Cory for a few minutes.

Oops, I forgot to pass the phone to Nate and Meg. But, no problem, Nate just called him up to send their greetings for Thanksgiving. Even though we did not have everyone at home this day, there was a since of blessing to know all is well with our kids and parents. We are blessed!

We had an amazing meal cooked entirely by Lyle. His bar-b-qued turkey and pork roast were unbelievably flavorful! The mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, red potatoes, and an apple pie, were not only delicious, but beautiful to see. Thank you Lyle, you did an awesome job!

After dinner, Nate entertained us by building the table decorations. The wooden leaves, Lyle had made years ago had never been placed vertically....only Nate would go for the record of height! Frankly, it was pretty amazing to watch! Relaxing after dinner, Ernie was the side show again. Ernie likes chocolate cream pie! Nate and Meg brought a fabulous pie from a wonderful French bakery near their home. It did not really travel well, but the flavor was very delicious. When Nate cut Meg a piece, Ernie helped himself to a few bites before Meg got there.

Nate helped Grandpa achieve a pirate look in this group picture. I love these guys!

Not to be outdone, Grandma got to sport Ernie on her shoulder in this group shot! It was a fun day!

This is my man! After 32 years, he is still the best! I am very blessed! I cannot even imagine how different my life would have been had I not found him. Not only is he my husband, he is my best friend! I love you Lyle!

Well, by 2:45, it was time to get Clayton back to rest up for dinner! He did very well today. We were blessed to have him join us for this wonderful holiday of giving thanks. There is so much to be thankful for.

We love and know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior!

We are blessed with so much!

We have wonderful family and friends.

(And...we are grandparents to baby BEE!)

I have a good job that gives me so much satisfaction to make a difference in young lives.

I tell my kids at school, "Don't just be a Thanksgobbler, be a Thanksgiver."

I hope they remembered!

Hope you did too!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Bruce's.