A Time of Thanksgiving.

It's that time of year, the time for family, food and giving thanks. I think I like this time of year so much because I have some great Thanksgiving memories with both sides of my family. On my dad's side, we had the Ledbetters, a rowdy bunch (and I do mean BUNCH!) that got together in any one of our small houses to feast and watch football. Everyone had their own things going on during the year: Dad pastoring, Uncle Otis touring with his choir, Uncle Bill and Aunt Jo working with their church in Bakersfield, Uncle Terry and Aunt Linda working with theirs in Oildale, and of course Mimi and Papa in Fresno. Uncle Mike, Aunt Teri and Uncle Johnnye were also in there doing their things. But we would manage to gather, feast and give thanks, and because of that there are some great memories.

The Ferrell side of the family was smaller, but no less rowdy, especially when it came to football. We'd meet at Mamaw's tiny house, but I say tiny now as an adult. It didn't seem tiny then. We had pallets all over the floor at night, sofa beds spread out, but it was the mornings I loved there. We always woke up to homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy and bacon. And coffee. I didn't drink it then, but I loved to smell it. And Mamaw always started cooking two weeks before anyone arrived. She knew all of the grandkids' favorite foods and deserts and made sure we had it. We also had plenty of my favorite meal: black-eyed peas, cornbread, squash, carrots and zuccini. I'd choose that even over a turkey dinner! On Thanksgiving day we'd lay everything out on the table, give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives and then feast. But that wasn't the end. There was always an inevitable game of tag football in the yard. It's the stuff home movies are made of. And great family pictures. It's where we get the great photos of Ledbetters making their silly faces, or Ferrells posing with the winning football, everyone laughing, joking and enjoying the celebrations.

Now we are charged with making the memories. I have provided a few of my own, mainly for the mishaps. Let's just say I'm not known for my ability to cook turkey, and the one time I did get it right I was accused of ordering in. But they are memories and our kids will someday look back fondly at the different places we have lived and talk about their extended families. The ones here who are like family and the ones we share our lives with here.

We are blessed and we have much to be thankful for. Here's to wishing everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving, from our house to yours.