This week has been difficult with everyone recovering from a viral infection but now that we are all getting back to our rountine....I have been making preparations for next week's Thanksgiving.  Hubby and I cleaned the home over the week instead of Dh's usual "do it one day" approach.

For years we have cleaned the entire home one day and I have been telling Timothy that it gives everyone nothing but stress not to mentioned an aching back. Well, I think the Lord was on my side and Dh admitted defeat and this time we took 7 days: working on one area/room each day.
I like it better this way and so do the kids! 

Yesterday, I finished the kitchen pantry, counters, cabinets, etc. All I have left is to clean the oven Sunday. I used to do the fly lady thing but I could not keep up with everything..all those emails she would send and keeping your sink shiny...
I mean I am all for cleaning but I need time for me and my family! I woud rather have a not so tidy home in favor of quality time with my husband and kids. I am sure there are other moms out there who feel the same way. So I will go first, MY NAME IS SANDRA AND I CAN NOT FLY...!  There I said it and I feel better!

Today, my parents stopped over and took me and the boys to get our thanksgiving turkey and food (groceries).
I made my list and Timothy wanted me to add a boneless ham. He likes both Turkey and ham on Thanksgiving. We traditionally cook the Ham on day before for dinner and have leftover ham and biscuits in the morning while watching the Macy's Parade.

This year I am cooking my turley in a cooking bag for the first time. Last year, I did a "Food network: A la Sandra Lee's Garlic herb Butter Turkey and I was the only one who liked it.  I have a Turley roaster that had been in the family for three generations and I use it to cook my bird in but I always have difficulty having a moist Turkey. In my opinion, my Turkey is a bit on the dry side so I am trying something different this year. Keep me in prayer on this one...

I was reading a friend's blog entry about her pastor's weekly email. It was a link to a Thanksgiving Moment.
It was humorous like she said but she was right in also noting that many people forget what Thanksgiving is all about. 

I told her: So true... I immediately thought of my Husband who wants everything picture perfect... it mainly reminded me of the story of Mary and and her sister Martha.

Martha was most excited to have him there in her home, so much so that her focus became centered around the events of the evening in preparing, serving, organizing everything to it's perfection. Mary was also most excited to receive her guest, but her excitement was centered around yet another opportunity to sit at the guest of honor's feet, and HEAR HIS WORDS which would ultimately feed her spirit.

Here's hoping that many of us feed our spirit this Thanksgiving and not just center it around our appetite. Remember to thank God for your blessings...

Hebrews 13:15-16
(15) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. (16) And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Happy Thanksgiving...
From our Family to Yours