Between Halloween and Christmas there is a holiday so often forgotten. Well, not forgotten, but it kind of takes a back seat for the other two holidays because they are so much fun with lots of decorations and some candy and gifts. 

It is nonetheless a big, memorable day. It has nothing to do with a table laden with favorite, tasty foods set to bring out the most finicky appetite. It has to do with thoughtfulness and thanksgiving.

It is a time when we should junk all negative thoughts and ideas out of our heads and start counting our blessings for the nicest things a day could bring your way.

Take a few moments and think about the things that you are truly thankful for: a baby's first tooth, eight hours of sleep, smooth, muscular arms, Heinz tomato ketchup, snow white carpeting, horse-show ribbons on the wall, 50s music, waterfront properties, an alarm clock that will tell you when to wake up and why, picking out a card and sending it to someone who would never expect it, homemade pie, knee socks, smiles, chewing gum, sunrise, life at a more leisurely pace, cats, bountiful harvest, a scented bathtub, little princesses, deviled eggs, e-mail, sports, beautiful trees, scotch tape, ice skating, furnaces that keep our homes warm, phone calls, cranberry salad, neighbors, airplanes, clear, cold glasses of water, yard sales, cheese cubes, the four seasons, ice cream, winter coats and mittens, dinner, shoes, motorcycles, cheap gas, relatives, carrots, pets, health care, computers, Rice Krispies, sweatshirts, chocolate chip cookies, schools, grandma’s noodles, the American Flag, firemen, band-aids, church bells, and I guess the list goes on.

There was a time in my grandmother’s day when she would say, "Before you leave the table you are to write a note or brief letter and sign it for everyone in the family who isn't here with us to let them know they are here in thought and spirit. I don't care if you write ‘the gravy was too salty,’ or ‘that so-and-so ate the last piece of lemon pie.’ The most important thing is that feeling of togetherness, and giving thanks for all that you have been given and feel.”

Often times Grandma used that paper tablecloth to send messages in the mail to the absent family members. A coffee stain or two, cranberries and even that greasy spot from dressing was included. It is hard to know who enjoyed the game the most.

Our family has already had an early "what-cha-ma-call it dinner" because my sister, Kaye, was home from Arizona for a week, so we called it a late Halloween/early Thanksgiving gathering, as well as a "Hello" and a “Good-bye" with a few birthdays recognized, as well. 

My granddaughter, Mallory, who turns 10 years old on the real Thanksgiving Day this year, was asked what she would like for her birthday. Because she was caught by surprise she just kind of shrugged her shoulders and said she really didn't know.

However, my little niece, Ava, smiling ear to ear, said, "If I could have a wish I would wish we could all be together just like this all the time." Out of the thoughts and mouth of a four year old, I think it made us all think of what we were really thankful for. We looked at the four young ones in our family, who had donned their Halloween fancies, and I for one couldn't help but think what was most important to me: spending time with family and being thankful for what we have.

Children grow up so fast. We shouldn't waste a moment in enjoying them. As for our family, these little ones will never be 1 or 4 or 7 or 9 again. Make a point of loving every special moment you are able to spend with them. Let their happiness show.

Of course, before the day was over, we went on to take pictures of different ones together and of families and cousins together, pictures of black cats and pirates and lady bugs, which is what the kids had wore for Halloween this year, to be filled in albums to help us remember this special Thanksgiving Day!

We still have Mallory’s Thanksgiving birthday coming up, as well as the big thriller at Jim and Maryalice’s; the never to be forgotten super family holiday where everyone is asking "how are you?" or "look how you have grown."

After the dishes are washed, excess food is put away and before you know it, it’s time for coffee and such, enjoying life through pictures from now and then. Memories come forth of snowstorms that threatened to spoil the day.

Thankful yet? No, not until the last crumb is swept away, the leftovers shared with the party goers,  the dishes washed and dried, the departure hugs of the family and friends and as you tuck yourself into bed you say, "Thank You God for a beautiful day."

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

• Thursday, November 22nd - Mallory Luhring, her 9th; Whitney McCamish, Jodell Hanson, Keven Larson, Donna Maixner, Jane Tappe, David L. Hanson, Jason Peterson, Jacki Shadden, Elzo Peterson.

• Friday, November 23rd: Amy Hunnicutt Kromminga, Lisa Holmes Rietsema, Margaret Loven, Marietta Sommers Rupe, Rick Thompson, Sara Anderson, Joyce Ditlveson, Amanda Farr, George & Diana Ritz.

• Saturday, November 24th: Blaine Boverhuis, Bud Carroll, Deb Peterson Schmidt, Bea Bunn, Ellen Pearl LaFave, Heather Snow, Lisa Hunnicutt Vreeman, Bob Hanson, Rita Glynn, Abraham Ladlie, Kyle Layland, Scott & Lisa Reitsema.

• Sunday, November 25th: Scott Groth, Calista Lerum, Randy Born, Mitchel Hill, Joel Langlie, Brian Vogt, Gideon Jude Long, Daryl & Kathy Paulsen, Ken & Iva Sletten.

• Monday, November 26th: Darlene Krohnberg, Cody Christensen, Robert Gasner, Linda Stieglbauer, Drew Vangen, Ashley Bergerson, Al & Diane Lee, Jamie & Kate Cameron, Brian & Heather Schember.

• Tuesday, November 27th: Kyle Goslee, Olivia Rae Kohn, her 5th; Paul Kasper, Cyrstal Spurr, Mike Draayer, Lorna Berg, Sandra Tonsing.

• Wednesday, November 28th: Quinn Lauren Wayne, her second; Vicki Peterson, Jackie & Scott Miller.

Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!