Since our retirement, my husband and I have found that our home and family life has improved and we have grown so much closer to each other and to our children and grandchildren. Our biggest joy has been the second home we purchased at a lake along with a pontoon boat. What fun it has been to spend every weekend there at the lake, entertaining family and friends. And all the new friendships we have made since going to the lake are priceless.

We try to get the whole family together, (there are 26 of us) for at least one weekend a summer. The tents are put up in the backyard, the cornhole games come out of storage, the coolers are filled with beverages, and the frig is full of oodles and oodles of food. The kids all have a great time boating, water skiing, and tubing. And these are the times we feel the most blessed. We remember to give thanks each and everyday for this and all our blessings.

Last year, 2010, was a very special year for our family. My husband turned 75 and the kids wanted to celebrate in a big way for that occasion. So a full year and half previous to the celebration the plans were made for the whole entire family to go to the Outer Banks for a week. We could only find one available week when each of our six children and their spouses could get away for a week and we were just hoping and praying that we would have a good percentage of the grandchildren able to come for at least part of the week. The emails started flying back and forth fast and furious. The house was reserved in Nags Head.....oceanfront, 10 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, a game room, a private pool, the whole works. And come June 26th, the Kehres family was on the road to the Outer Banks. Believe it or not, all the family was able to come at least part of the week except one grandson. Oh the fun we had and the memories we made. The program the kids and grandkids put on for my husband's birthday was priceless. All returned home safe and sound with prayers of thanksgiving.

So as the holidays once again descend upon us, we will gather for Thanksgiving at our daughter's. Some of our family will be there, but some will be with their in-laws. And that's OK. But we know that we shall all be connected in spirit and the prayers for another year of love and family get togethers will be proclaimed around the the table at each and everyone of our households.