CASology Featured Designer Final Post, and Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a pleasure to have been November's Featured Designer over at CASology. A huge thank you to Melissa for having me. I've enjoyed sharing with you all. Be sure you make time to play along with their challenges; you'll find Melissa and the whole Design Team as wonderful as can be, and the Cue Cards are always inspirational.

By today, all my American friends should have tummies full of turkey, dressing and all the fixings. And pie...Oh yes...pie! We're celebrating our Thanksgiving today; some of the children or grandchildren had to be elsewhere yesterday, so we're dishing up today. I have made Thanksgiving Dinner for more than 35 years. Hosting small dinners, or full-on feasts. This year we'll be 16 only. Poor Tad and his family had to attend a wedding in Cancun...isn't that just a shame...? Missing out on cold, wintery blasts in Minnesota/Wisconsin and having to spend time on the beach instead? And no pie! Don't worry, though. We've decided to have another "Thanksgiving" type meal at Easter time so he doesn't miss out on mom's delectable dressing and the rest of his favorites!

Last year, when all the little ones were here, they wanted to help grandma with the meal. Now I love my little helpers, but pans full of boiling potatoes and such aren't conducive to their help. So I have them do other things; they set the tables, they fill relish and veggie trays, and still they want more. Last year, a light bulb went on in my head and I made up place cards that they could color, put together, and write names on. I managed to grab a few after the meal. Most of the family and guests took theirs home. What a delight to see all those little ones in my craft room having a blast. Here's what last year's place cards looked like:

They were so proud! And I was delighted to have them feel like such an integral part of the festivities. Gotta love Kaylin's pink turkey!

We've also started the tradition of an olives on the fingers photo. Here are all those little helpers from last year:

Back to front and left to right:

Carter

Grant and Drew (my little ginger-haired boy)

Kaylin, Samantha, Lily and Avery.

Like most families, the kids sneak olives from the time they're set out on the table until we sit down to eat. I keep enough on hand to refill the dish several times, and just laugh, remembering all the olive snitching over the course of my life. Several generations now...

I have one last photo for you. Again it's from last year. This was one of three tables set up, and it was the kid's table. Guess which table grandma sat at? Mmm-hmmm. The kid's table!

Drew loves grandma's cooking; I think they all did. And see those three big granddaughters on the rightish? Guess who helped with dishes? Aren't they wonderful?!! I couldn't find a shot of the whole table where you can see everyones face, but Drew's face...too cute not to pick this one! That's my dil, Katie on the far end. I sat next to Drew and Lily, about where Jess is. I'll be at the kid's table again this year and it will be lovely. 

DH and I have been blessed with a large family. We are very thankful for our children and grandchildren, and all of our families and friends. We are very thankful for all the blessings God has given us. I hope your holiday was filled with family, friends and delicious foods. You are blessings in my life and I am truly grateful to count you as friends. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!