Thanksgiving in Florida

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Tampa with Susan and Matt and the boys, but missed the rest of our family spread out in Texas. I hope everyone had a wonderful day, also, and remembered to be thankful for all our family's blessings. Here are a few moments of our time in Tampa. It was such fun getting to know Benjamin better. He's developed quite a personality--not only does he look like his PaPa, I think he probably acts like PaPa did as a toddler. He's an adorable little stinker! And it was a joy welcoming Alexander! He is so, so cute! After getting home, I put up the tree. It wasn't nearly as much fun as when all the little boys help, but I had to make do with help from PaPa. 'Tis the season! Merry Christmas!

Some things I'm thankful for...

I've been posting little updates on Facebook lately about the things in my life for which I am thankful. For my non-facebooking friends and family, I want to share them here...

Donna Thomas Goforth Is thankful for my three incredible kids who now have incredible kids of their own!

Donna Thomas Goforth Is thankful for all of her grandchildren. They are the greatest gifts we could have ever wished for!

Donna Thomas Goforth Is thankful for my husband of 37 years. Rodney is my best friend and the person who knows me best and loves me anyway! Through good and bad, happy and mad, we made a history together, raised a family, and are enjoying the best times of our lives!

Donna Thomas Goforth Is thankful for the accident of birth that made me an American. Having lived in another country, I appreciate so many things other people take for granted. I can vote, or not, for anyone I choose, and say anything I want about anyone in office. I don't have to worry about anyone in my family being dragged out of their beds at night by armed thugs. I can worship, or not, wherever I choose. I can decide my own career and know anything is an option if I'm willing to work for it. I can find anything I want to eat at the market and know virtually everyone else can, too, when obesity and not starvation is the major health concern of the poor. Everyone who wants an education can get one, when the biggest problem with the educational system is the lack of appreciation of the opportunities it can provide. I especially am thankful for all the men and women through the years who sacrificed, at the least, their innocence of youth, and, at the most, their all, so we can live in this incredible country of ours.

Alexander Joseph Gentile

He's here! He weighed 8 lbs, 9 ozs, and is 20.5 inches long. He looks like he's going to have curly black hair. Very attentive, looking around at everyone, especially big brother Benjamin, who very much wanted to share his graham cracker with Alexander.

The Day Before...

Susan is to be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning. We'll be welcoming Alexander sometime tomorrow!

Thank You, Rodney!

This Veteran's Day, I'd like to honor my favorite veteran. Thank you, Rodney, for your service to our country. PaPa served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He was so young, as you can see from the photos, so far from home, and so very brave. He was and is my hero.

Special Day!

I'm heading off to Tampa Monday to help welcome Alexander into this big old world! I'll be posting here and on Facebook to let everyone know the details of this very special occasion as they become available!

Letterboxing

A found a site perfect for young (and not so young) explorers in the family. Letterboxing.org is the site where you can find out how and where to begin. Getting Started explains how the "sport" started and how to get started on it yourself. At this site are links to kids activities that will introduce them to letterboxing and a map of the U.S. that will help you find letterboxes in your area. If anyone wants to take Nana letterboxing, let me know!

Pledge of Allegiance

Happy Halloween!

Cindy and Ray and their four came over Halloween day and the boys practiced trick or treating. They had some of Nana's chicken spaghetti for lunch, but the real treat was pulling long-legged plastic spiders out of the cup cakes we had for dessert. After getting those little boogers wired with plenty of sugar, we sent them home! Somehow, I didn't get a picture of Tyner, but he was decked out in hunting gear. I can't believe how tall he is! I stole a pic of Tommy and Allison's three little trick or treaters from their blog. Can't wait to see Benjamin!