I truly hope that you had a most wonderful Thanksgiving, one that was filled with joy. Our family was able to do something a little bit out of the ordinary.

My brother-in-law, Charlie, found us a big red barn with sleeping rooms and an industrial kitchen, just a short drive from McAlester, Oklahoma.

The cousins were over-the-moon excited since the barn had enough indoor space for roller skating, rollerblading, scooter riding and even the two-year-old could happily vroom-vroom his tricycle.

The adults were able to just hang out and simply just “be” together. And we needed it desperately, as this was our first Thanksgiving without Dennis’s dad and his younger brother, Nathan.

Give thanks for time spent with loved ones.

You know, the ability to have white space and time together to just “be” together is very important.

If you grew up in the 80s, a popular parenting theme was making the rounds, which stated that quality time together is more important than quantity time. I don’t know what your feelings are regarding that statement, but I can tell you mine.

I think that spending lots of time together with a loved one builds trust and shows commitment. I’m thankful that I am living a life without regrets. 

Give thanks for simple foods.

Isn’t clean eating the best?

No need to worry about shuddering with dismay and fear when reading the ingredient list… because simple foods have simple ingredients!

I’m really proud of my family as they call dibs on their favorite foods to prepare, such a turkey, roast, lamb, homemade dressing, salads, and all the yummies in between. 

I am thankful that we are blessed with a beautiful family to share many simple meals with.

Give thanks for multi-generational moments.

Cousin time spent on skates, watching movies, and spending all night telling stories in the room next door are the best! But it’s more than that, isn’t it?

I am thankful that the little ones are learning from aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Not everyone is lucky to have these kinds of memories.

Give thanks for the little things.

As you are well aware, this blog is about finding joy in the little things and the big things. It’s about pausing and being grateful for what we are given. I’m making more of an effort on presentation when it comes to food.

Not stuffiness.

More about adding a special touch here and there. Making your loved ones feel a little more loved.

I am thankful for the little things and never want to take them for granted.

I’m also thankful for you. Thank you for stopping by and reading this far… it means so much to me.

What are the ways that you try to incorporate gratitude in every day life?

Eat well, my friends.

Lyndi