30 Days of Thanksgiving
In past years, I participated in the social media blitz of the 30 Days of Thanksgiving. In this activity, I would post each day one thing for which I am thankful. This year, I mostly removed myself from social media platforms, and I did not share the 30 days. But, I was lying in bed this morning thinking of the many thankful thinks in my life. Here are a few.
Family
Ian – My Husband
I found the man of my dreams. Well, actually, he found me. We met just about 7 years ago. I never thought I’d get married, but after some time of Ian living with me, I realized how much I wanted a person in my life full time. I proposed to him in 10/22/2021, and we married earlier this month. I’m thankful that Ian Kempton has come into my life.
Mom
Mom moved into my house over 5 years ago. When she moved in, she would play dominos, cribbage, or gin rummy almost every day. We had lots of good times. I recall the Summer of 2018 when we road tripped to Death Valley (with Jane and Curtis). I’m thankful I got to spend time with mom while she still played dominos.
Gabe, Katie, and the Boys
We shared a bedroom for a long time, and like any good brothers, we’ve had our good times and bad. I’ve enjoyed watching Gabe and Katie grow with themselves and the boys. I hope Ian and I have such a successful marriage (congrats on the lots of years BTW). At this point, I agree with Gabe, we don’t have to have the same blood to be brothers, and we are really good brothers. I’m thankful that Gabe and the fam are part of my life.
Svenja, Robbie, and Thomas (Tango Delta)
I remember the song by Elton John that was playing on the radio as I rode with Gabe and Dad to meet our new sister. This little bundle of joy helped me perfect the art of the Tickle Monster. When dad passed at a young age, Big Brother, came home to help out. When in reality, I was helped by Svenja and Ursula at growing into a more rounded person. The kindness of my sister infects every person she meets. I’m thankful that Svenja has found her husband and that Thomas is such a wonderful person.
Aunt Elaine, Uncle Jon, Jessica, and Alex
A long time ago, when big hair was cool, I started going to Aunt Elaine’s house for Thanksgiving. It became an annual tradition. In fact for 33 years, I missed just one year. The Thanksgiving Feast was prepared for 12 to 26 people, and the process flowed like oil from a bottle. These weekends were sacred, and I requested the time off at work a year ahead, every year. I’ve missed the past few Thanksgivings, and I miss the family, the friends, the fun, and the food. I’m thankful for the memories created with my aunt and her her family.
Friends
There are too many to mention them all in this post. I’ll pick a few, and more will come in future posts (think Christmas time). There were dozens of folks at our wedding that I consider to be great friends. There were several who could not be at the wedding who are also great friends.
Brian – My Best Man
30 years ago, we met at work. Shortly thereafter, we started a boy’s trip each year. Our first, taught me how to crash a three-wheeler (bonus: learn to fly). Another taught me to OVER-BUDGET every trip. But, all have shown that Brian and I have experienced much diversity that we will continue to have an annual boy’s trip until one of can no longer travel. (Yes, Ian is aware). I’m thankful for having Brian in my life.
Jane and Curtis
I had always wanted to live in a cabin on a mountain. That dream came true in 14 years ago. Shorly after moving into my new house, I became the treasurer of the local fire department. At our first meeting, I connected with Jane and Curtis. Our friendship continued to grow over the years. They recently moved to Arizona to escape the snow. The sunset photos are amazing, I can’t wait to take some pictures. I’m thankful for the years of fun times we’ve had.
JoEllen and Scott
I bet when these two purchased the house up the hill, they had no idea how much fun they’d have with the house and roads. Over the next several years, they spent a bazillion hours renovating the house. Over time, Scott and I had each purchased a Kubota to take control of the road and snow. We’ve built strong friendships and support each other in many ways. I’m thankful for the help you’ve provided with mom and the food you share and …
Jeepers Peepers
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the many, many great friends I have in the Idaho Off-Road 4×4 Club. When I moved to Boise, my first friends outside of my job were members of IOR. I became an officer of the club and remained committed for over 15 years. The past year has been a challenge to get to meetings, but I still look forward to the few events / meetings I do attend. I’m thankful for the supportive and friendly members of the club and lifelong friendships we’ve created.
And, there are more
Watch for future posts about family, friends, photography, jeeping, and other adventures.
Love this! Happy Thanksgiving Christian and family 🥰
What a beautiful posting! Congrats to you and Ian. I love the picture and seeing Dianne. So pretty in her dress 🥰
Happy Thanksgiving to all.