Rosie Writes!: Thanksgiving 2014 in words and pictures!

Thanksgiving has always been a special family time for me. As a child, most of my memories include going to Judsonia, Arkansas, where my Aunt Rosie, Uncle Hassell, and their daughter lived. My grandmother Lucille, and my other Uncle Ralph, Aunt Jane, and cousin, Phyllis, would also come. We would all gather at Aunt Rosie's one year and our house the next. The big hits would always be my mother's yeast rolls and Aunt Rosie's fluffy pumpkin chiffon pie.
Years later after my brother and I had families of our own, we would gather at my parents' house. Daddy died in 1990 but we continued to go there until the tornado destroyed our family home in 2001. Sometimes Mother would come to Texas. All I can say is that Thanksgiving has always been a special family time.

Now Thanksgiving is special to me because that is the holiday that both of my sons are here at the same time. Along with them now come Mandy, who is Robert's wife, and Salome, who is John's girlfriend. It is also great when Josh and Lindsay are here with us, too. Great family.

This year Ron, the boys, girls and I shared our Thanksgiving over at the lovingly named Eiland Paradise! This is the home of David, Deana, and Chase. I will always claim Deana and her sister, Cindy, as my own. Their sweet mom, Dorothy, is so great to let me love them like that! David, Deana's husband, smoked prime rib and turkey that melted in your mouth. Zach, Deana's son, and DJ, David's son, and Tony, Deana, Cindy, Robert and Johns's dad were also there. We really missed Josh and Lindsay who went to East Texas to be with Josh's family. A fabulous meal was put together with many cooks in the kitchen. One of the highlights for me was hearing almost six year old Chase pray one of the sweetest prayers I have ever heard. That little boy is pure joy to be around.

We shared fabulous food, great conversation, and love of family. We made wonderful memories and that is what really counted. I am including several pictures to help tell the story.