GILBERT FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2013

(See MENU at bottom of page. It will be updated regularly)

We are looking forward to having us all together on Saturday, December 28 at our house for the Gilbert Christmas. Here are the 7 things you need to know:

1.  Every Adult/Teen (13- geriatric) bring a wrapped "White Elephant" gift.  Gift can be legit or funny. You decide. Don't stress over it.

2. OPTIONAL: Gifts for the pre-teens, children and "furry children": Kayden, Rebecca, Austin, Lanie, Lexie, Taylor, Quinn & Sean, [Georgia and Milo] )😄 

3. Traditional Pork Barbecue will be served. Bring something to add to the buffet: Slaw/salads, chips, drinks, dessert, appetizers, ice, buns, etc.  Let me know what you plan to bring. 

4. Gilbert family photo will be taken and will be a primary part of our agenda. This is Grandmother's request. We MAY have a photographer, but that is still being determined. Regardless, we will be making photos.

5. Plan to arrive around noon (or before) for pictures. We will eat around 1:00. 

6. We suggest taking the family pictures around noon when everyone arrives to insure that we make it happen. (Snacks will be available to avert blood sugar meltdowns.)

7. All plates, cups, napkins and dinnerware will be provided. Updated menu located below.

MENU:

Barbecue Pork - Joan & Gordon

Sweet Tea - Joan & Gordon

Desserts - Starchers

Slaw, sweet'n low decaf tea &

Dessert - Tricia & Kimmy

THANKSGIVING 2013

With highs in the 40's and lows in the 20's, it was the coldest Thanksgiving that I can ever remember, but there was warmth in our hearts. 

The bird was prepped and in the oven at 8:06 am, after having cooked a large Mac & cheese for an event taking place for people who did not have a safe place to go on Thanksgiving day. 

Jeannine and Georgia Girl arrived at about 5:15pm. 

Jill and Jarrod at about 5:45pm. Jarrod chose to work at his Kroger job on Thanksgiving, so we had dinner instead of our usual lunch. Jarrod came in waving the $19 he made in tips. He said the Kroger was slammed. 

We each told what we are thankful for (except for Georgia who is generally always thankful. (Welcome to a dogs life,)

We thanks God for the blessings of life and for family here and away. 

This THANKSGIVING spread included:

Turkey, dressing and gravy, Stove Top Stuffing, Mac & cheese, squash casserole, sweet potatoe soufflé, deviled eggs, turnip greens, green beans and pumpkin and key lime pies for dessert. 

We got a call from out Joy and Naperville extension saying they were ready to Skype. (#IamthankfulforSkype)

After Bobby and Nick left (to go back to their football game on TV), Anelise and Joy did their regular antics. They are always clowning around. 

Bobby hears the laughter and returns (or maybe it was a commercial...)

The day concluded with everyone going their separate ways, but we proved, once again, that geography is only a technicality and not a deterrent. Family finds a way. 

FREE AT LAST! ANELISE GETS HER BRACES OFF

OFF: Tuesday, November 26, 2013

TURKEY TROT 2013: NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! It warmed up outside...it feels like 14 with the wind chill!! 

Finished...Turkey Trot 2013 in the books! First race we have ever run together. 5 years post heart surgery.

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS

Nick celebrated his 16th birthday with a total surprise birthday party arranged by his mom, sister and dad.  He was definitely surprised.  During the party, this video that Joy put together was played to represent 16 years of an amazing life.  (Happy birthday, Nick!)

COUSINS ARE FOREVER

Cousin Josh has just moved out to San Diego, compliments of the U. S. Navy. Jeannine had a job assignment there this week so they hooked up. Those are two good looking cousins. :-). One girl told Jeannine, "Dang! He's related? That stinks, cause he's cute." :-) (I love it.)