Part I of II – I have a lot of photos to share!!
We spent Thanksgiving in in the middle of Tennessee this year with Matt’s mom’s side of the family. His aunt and uncle have a river house here and we fit about 15 of us – including two little ones – inside for the holiday.
It was a 7 hour drive from Cville, so we split the trip in two on the way out and spent the night in Abingdon, VA. Mazen hadn’t been in a hotel room in a long time, and was thrilled to be in “such a big house!”
We ate leftover chicken, mac and cheese and green beans from a meal earlier in the week for dinner while we all watched Survivor live!
Thanksgiving morning we got up early and finished our drive. We were so happy to arrive and be greeted by friendly faces – some of them new! It was our first time meeting Matt’s niece, Ava! Mazen was smitten.
Karen joined us from California and shares the news with you all that her cancer has returned. While this new is not good at all, she is a fighter and is going through chemo once more to try to buy more time – and maybe beat it once and for all!
Gran Bett was also with us and celebrated her 85 birthday on Saturday!
We had a lovely feast on Thursday with all the Thanksgiving favorites – turkey, potatoes, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and more. Delicious!
DESSERT! Pumpkin / chocolate chess / red velvet cake.
Thursday night we sang songs around the fire pit and ate lots of s’mores.
Friday we did lots of hanging out and relaxing.
Turkey sandwich and grapes!
Afternoon hikers!
Friday night Ashley and Andrew made us a turkey and andouille gumbo!
Boudin balls for appetizers –
Back tomorrow for Saturday’s finale!
Terry says
Looks like a wonderfulThanksgiving and time with family! So sorry to hear of Karen’s cancer returning, praying for her and the strength to overcome it once more!
Laurie says
Sounds like a great Thanksgiving with your family! Praying for Karen!
robin says
Oh I’m so sorry Karen has got another fight ahead of her. If anyone can beat this it will be her. I believe in the power of prayer and will put her on our prayer list at church this morning. God bless.
Chiara says
Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best especially to Karen. Her presence on your blog all these years has been so authentic and true.
Kori says
I am so very sorry to hear of the news for Karen. ???? She most definitely has shown perserverance & strength, so hopefully she can beat it once & for all.
That’s neat that you were able to celebrate Thanksgiving in TN. ???? The food looks absolutely incredible, & everyone looks great! Beautiful big smiles. Looking forward to yoir next post!
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
So sorry to hear about Karen, she has so much to live for… Bon courage!
Lindsay says
So sorry to hear of Karens prolonged battle. Prayers”
Bev says
So very sorry to hear about Karen . I don’t know what kind of cancer she has but here is something to look into : https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/stars/stars-video/jessica-bowen/
Marsha says
I’m so sorry to hear about Karen. She looks like she takes such joy in her grandchildren and the rest of her family. Best wishes to her for strength and love as she takes up the fight once again.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Gumbo sounds awesome!!! Will definitely be doing something similar post Christmas! LOVE leftovers!
Elisabeth says
So sorry to hear Karen’s tough news. Thinking about her & hoping for quick work from the chemo!
Randy says
I am so sorry to hear that Karen’s cancer has returned; sending her best thoughts and prayers along with biggest hugs.
Your trip looked so fun Kath and your Thanksging dinner looked superb.
nancy says
So sorry to hear about Karen. Sending good thoughts and prayers.
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
What a lovely way to spend Thanksgiving. So sorry to hear about Karen’s cancer—sending you all lots of good thoughts.
Erin M. says
I am sorry to hear bout the news from Karen. Thinking of you, Karen! Sending hugs and best wishes to you.
Heather R says
Your trip looks wonderful. TN is a beautiful state, my husband went to school there 🙂 So sorry to hear about Karen’s cancer returning. She will be in my thoughts.
Eileen says
Lots of prayers and positive thoughts to Karen! It looks like a wonderful setting for a family get-together!
polly says
praying for Karen, Kath. bless her heart, she always has a smile. Hope she can beat it and enjoy her boys and your families for years and years. HUGS to you, i am sure you brighten her day as it’s obvious you love her very much! XOXO
polly says
not sure my first comment posted…
so here goes a second! 🙂
I am so sorry about Karen but will pray for her! She is blessed to have you Kath as it’s obvious how much you love her like your own momma. She always has a smile and I pray she get kick this and enjoy her boys and their families for years to come. Here is a HUG for YOU so you can be strong for her. XOXO
Kelly says
Where were you in Tennessee?! We live in Nashville:) I am terribly sorry to hear about Karen! I just hate cancer. Will be praying and thinking of you guys!
KathEats says
Quebeck!
Jen says
Looks like a great holiday, beautiful house!! Big hugs to Karen, so great you all got to spend the holiday together. That must have given her a ton of happiness and strength to keep fighting.
Tonya says
You know we all love KK and will be praying for her!!
How did Mazen handle having to share Karen with his new little cousin?? Was he like “move over, that’s my KK!”? LOL!
KathEats says
He did well!! He also did well sharing with Ava (probably because she’s not old enough to crawl and take his toys!)
Kate says
Sorry to hear that the cancer is back for Karen – I hope that the strength that she showed the first bought with it helps her have even more strength this time. She has lots of well-wishers via the internet behind her.
Be well – good luck to Karen.
Lisa C says
Praying for Karen. She is a beautiful woman who just glows around her grandchildren!
Rafaela says
Hugs to Karen– she WILL beat it. Sending her all the best cosmic energy in the world.
Karen H. says
Looks like a lovely Thanksgiving! Sending best wishes to your mother-in-law for a complete recovery as she battles once again.
Sara says
Wonderful family time for all of you. Thinking of Karen and her courageous battle. ????
Christine says
So sorry to hear of Karen’s news – sending her positive vibes! Looks like you had a wonderful time with family, probably just what Karen needed too!
Denise says
Thinking of Karen and of your family who loves her. Sending positive energy and hugs. xo