Thanksgiving in the Mts. Of WVa

What an awesome Thanksgiving the Kendrick clan had in the wild wonderful mountains of West Virginia! We enjoyed an awesome dinner on Thursday evening prepared by Chef Mike & Chef Delores. Got to spend time with Steph, Chris, Kaitlyn, Madalyn, Mom and Mike. It was great! Friday morning Brian and I got up and drove the short trip down the Coalfields Expressway to visit Burning Rock ATV and Offroad Park. If you know anyone who enjoys ATV riding this is a must visit park. 8000 unspoiled acres with miles of ATV trails, beautiful views, and chocked full of turkey, deer, bear, tons of wildlife. On the way back home we went through the mountains to the old coal camp town of Stokesbury and it was really neat to see all of the old timey buildings that look just like they did years ago when the coal mine was booming. On our way back we got to see the two MONSTER BUCKS pictured above. They sure don't grow deer here in Tennessee like they do in West Virginia. One was a 14 pointer and the other a 13 pointer. The 14 pointer had one of it's tines broken off but we are still calling it a 14. What a lucky day that hunter had. Amazing!

I am thankful.

Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth; Count on God instead of yourself.
~~Author Unknown~~

It's that time of year. It is so hard for me to believe that Thanksgiving has rolled around once again. It is one of my favorite holidays because I love to EAT!!! I love to COOK!!! This is my kind of celebration! Whoo hoo!!!!! Bring on that turkey!

I also like to take time and reflect on things that I am thankful for as do most of us. I am especially thankful for my family, they have really been there for me this year and I have enjoyed them so much. I am also thankful for my friendships, new and old...I've truly been blessed in that department. I have a beautiful circle of friends and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for my home (which has recieved many face lifts this year). I am thankful for my job, I love it, and in this economy a person should be thankful to have one. I am so thankful to God for blessing me the way he has and the way he continues to everyday, I am thankful for the lessons he teaches me no matter how painful they may be. I am thankful that God blessed me with a healthy, beautiful baby boy almost 16 years ago, Ryan, who is no longer a baby but everyday turning into a fine, talented young man. Most of all I am thankful for my wonderful, loving, supporting husband who is my best friend in the world and whom I couldn't survive without.

Grape and Cherry and Apple...Oh my!!!

Last night our good buddy Pat stopped by with his latest and greatest recipes...grape and cherry and apple pie...oh my! It was YUMMO!!!!! Whitney and Daniel came by and had their taste test and absolutely loved it as well. We also had a surprise visit from an old friend from high school whom we hadn't seen in quite awhile. We had a great time last night with our friends. Good times, good times!

Last week Abby celebrated her 3rd Birthday. She had a really good party at Papaw and Nanny's house. She really enjoyed her cake and presents. Happy Birthday beautiful girl!