Friday, November 29, 2013

A Triple Bonus


It's over, done, complete and the only evidence remaining are the leftovers.  And who doesn't like leftover turkey day nibblings.  And yes, it was a near perfect day.  Cold, but sunny....the aroma of turkey baking in the oven, a football game on TV, lots of loudness from both humans & animals...Cinder definitely did not like Mac (the Huskie) and she let him know by her growls that she wanted absolutely no part of him.  The little princess's kingdom had been invaded by not one but two strange dogs....and no amount of growling or barking convinced either of them to leave.

My daughter was a godsend in the kitchen, helping me with the remaining cooking, and my son & daughter-in-law and grandson & granddaughter-in-law...did the clean up. If you dislike (HATE) cleaning up the Thanksgiving dinner mess as much as I do, then you know what a blessing that was.

Family pictures were taken and I don't know what in the world I was thinking (I am blaming it on the excitement of having my entire family with me and the stress of my sweetie being in the hospital....I just have to place blame somewhere) but I guided everyone right out into the middle of the sun, in the middle of the day.  Now how smart was that???  I think I was also worried about the temperature since it was hovering around 30 degrees and no-one had their coats on.  I am disappointed in the pictures because of the brightness, but it's all my fault, dang it.  Bright spots, shadows, and squinting oh me oh my....but I love every uncooperative dog, every squint, every blink, every bright spot and shadows because this is my family, this is love.


My sweetie was released from the hospital today returning once again to the nursing home facility. He was in much better spirits and I even got a smile, a hug, and "I love you" from him today.  That makes my heart sing when I get a smile, a hug and a "I love you" a triple bonus.   For all of this I am grateful.

Hope your holiday weekend is filled with joy and left-overs....!!

"Expressed affection is the best of all methods to me when you want to light a glow in someone's heart and to feel it in your own,"  ~  Ruth Stafford Peale

PS  If you hop over to my collaborative blog Focusing On Life, I shared one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes today.....

Sharing with
Kim Klassen dot Com

Until next time.....






26 comments:

  1. I think your family photo turned out wonderful. We totally forgot to take any- and I am so disappointed in myself for that!

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  2. Good morning Deanna,
    I love the family picture! It captures the absolute essence of what taking a family picture seems to be about, and it's so much more fun than a perfectly posed portrait. You will always remember the chaos of your fur kids not saying "cheese".
    Your table top is so beautiful, and it makes me wish I had a fingertip of your talent for putting colors and items together. You truly have a gift for that. I often think of you when I'm wandering through a home store that's filled with beautiful linens and table top items. What would Deanna do? Maybe Deanna should write a book on how to decorate beautiful tables! I think you could outshine Martha Stewart in a heartbeat.
    I'm so glad to hear that your Sweetie is back in his nest safe and sound, and a hug, a kiss and an "I love you" is truly a gift. Happy Thanksgiving lovely lady.

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  3. Now that sounds like something I would do. I get so nervous when asked to take family photos, I know I have done the same thing. But I love the way you turned it into a B&W shot. A great save my friend.
    I am so happy to hear your hubby is doing better. And those three little word mean the world don't they..

    Big Hugs~

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  4. i love the mix of family. :) glad your husband is back in the care facility and is doing better. :)

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  5. I love the photo! Everyone is smiling and together, and you captured that essence of family. I am glad your sweetie is out of the hospital. What an added blessing to receive his affection and love.

    Your table decorations are beautiful! I like that blue. I am with the commenter above--you need to do a book!

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  6. Lovely family group so natural dogs as well, glad your husband is better, such a relief for you.

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  7. Beautiful and natural family photo - the dog just makes it so special. How many vintage photos do we have of everyone, including the family dog ? - it is what makes those photos so precious. So glad you had lots of helping hands, good food, laughter and family and so glad your sweetie is better. xo

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  8. Hearing somebody say 'I love you' is always music to one's ears ... but I know hearing your sweetie say it is a symphony to yours.

    xo

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  9. Photos like these show the true happiness in people's faces... and of course a pet's natural personality! I am so glad your sweetie has shown a little improvement. xx

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  10. I'm so glad that your hubby could be home with you. It must have been wonderful!

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  11. I love the blue and orange together in that first picture. And the family portrait is a memorable one. So happy your husband is out of the hospital.

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  12. Great picture...a slice of life...thankful for your triple bonus!

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  13. Picture perfect I'd say!!! My heart is happy for you and your sweetie. I know how important those moments are. Xo

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  14. oh these are wonderful deanna. totally loving the blue and orange color scheme. and i'm sure you will treasure your family photo for years - shadows and all. so glad to know your sweetie is doing better. xoxo

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  15. That's a great looking family even if they are squinting in the sun.
    I love the blue with the pumpkins. I wouldn't have thought of that but I love it.

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  16. Usually the best photo memories are the ones that don't go quite right. So glad that your husband is out of the hospital and doing well again.

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  17. I really like your family photo...I keep looking at it...as all your family are doing something...they seem to be having fun and are engaged with each other. I thought it was a clever shot.

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  18. I love this family photo! Keeping it real! Glad your hubby is home with you. happy holidays.

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  19. Lovely shot in spite of the squints. Sorry that your hubby was in the hospital again, but glad he is out and ok now! Glad your Thanksgiving was great!

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  20. So glad you were surrounded by love on Thanksgiving, Deanna. You sure had a bit of stress leading up to it! Thank goodness your husband is comfortable once again and out of the hospital. It's snowing here in Breckenridge, and the forecast is for feet. The sky is pewter, and the temps are falling. Sounds like the perfect time for a cuppa something hot and a little treat! Sending you hugs, Deanna. I hope all is well at your house.

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  21. So glad your husband is doing well!

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  22. Love the family shot. They look like a happy bunch. I'm so glad that your husband's doing better.

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  23. Your described holiday just exudes joy, love, and blessings. Flawed family pictures are still treasures - flawed is more often than not "real" and truly tells the story and after all, isn't that the ultimate purpose of pictures. I am glad your husband got to go back to the nursing home and was able to express what does lie deep within him - his love and appreciation.

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  24. Haven't seen a post from you all week! I hope everything is okay & you are just BUSY with holiday plans, shopping, baking and whatever else is on your list?

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  25. Ditto Christine. Praying for grace and peace in your little corner of the world, Deanna.

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