This year, we celebrated with brunch. Parish and I had the opportunity to visit Smithfield over the summer. We stopped by the Smithfield shop and bought two Smithfield Country Hams. They were selling out their inventory because they were not selling as many country hams as they did in the past. I guess folks do not want to spend the time soaking a country ham for at least 36 hours and changing out the water every 4 hours. We bought one for my brother, too. We grew up with our mom soaking hams for the holidays.

Our Menu

Country Ham and Biscuits

French Toast Casserole

Sausage balls

Egg Casserole

String Bean Casserole and Ham, regular beans

Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly

Chips and Dip

Lucky Charms Cereal 🙂

Cheesecake, pecan pie, coconut custard pie

Assorted Bagels with cream cheese

Linda brought amazing crafts for the younger kids and the older adults. For one particular craft, the children put their handprints in the word “joy.” We had not really talked about it before, so the Spirit wove a beautiful story of seeking God’s joy and practicing joy. The children played outside, and the laughter was contagious. It was great to see folks relaxing and talking—catching up.

Spencer, Jr. stayed a few extra hours with us while his family went home to rest before Thanksgiving with Lambma. We enjoyed dancing and karaoke and playing ball with Grandma in the front yard.

I’m grateful for the family that fills the home and generously gives of themselves.