Thanksgiving Upon Us

As always, and it seems with every year I say it sooner than the last; it is hard to believe Thanksgiving is upon us.

Every day life is always so busy and hectic it is often that we don't really take the time to really reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. I find Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.

The year goes by so fast. In the business I am in, the wedding and event planning business, I am often planning and thinking two years ahead of the present. It really does make the current year quite a blur.

As I know it has been a difficult year in the world we live in; and believe me, our family is not without its struggles, we do have so much to be thankful for and truly are blessed.

This year we have been blessed with healthy newborn babies in our family of relatives and friends and we have been blessed with healthy growing toddlers. Learning new things and discovering the world around them every day. Our own children are growing taller, stronger, wiser and coming into their own more every day. It truly is a blessing to watch them challenge themselves and make us proud with every passing day.

We are blessed with our own good health, happiness and strength to overcome the challenges we all face on a daily basis.

We experienced much sorrow this year, in the unexpected death of Dave's brother Ron. We are thankful and forever grateful to all of those that paid their respects and shared the joy, love, memories and experiences they shared with Ron in his journey thru life. It is amazing and something not to be forgotten, how one person can touch many people, of all different ages and walks of life, each in a different way. It doesn't take much; it can be as small as a smile, hello or a laugh. People don't forget it and we were reminded of this with Ron's passing. Let those you love be themselves and enjoy and love them for who they are. Be thankful for their individuality and embrace it. We were shown life is too short, live it to the fullest. If we all really took this to heart, how full and rich our lives would be.

In my career I have been blessed with many amazing, special and heart-touching weddings this year. The couples I have worked with and their families have all touched my life and I take something with me from every one of their friendships and acts of kindness and love that I have shared with them. There really is no greater blessing to me than the honor of sharing the beginning of their life journey together and watching families and friends come together in fellowship, joy and love.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to share these weddings and events with an amazing team. I cannot thank everyone enough that has assisted, for their creativity, hard work, dedication, attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the events everything the couple wanted and more.

I have shown my appreciation to everyone in a different way. A few of them I invited on an "Enchanted Evening". A getaway to a Bed & Breakfast in southern Minnesota; the Berwood Hill Inn. We had such a wonderful time. The Bed & Breakfast was amazing, the food delicious and the company fun and exciting. Thank you again; Kathy, Loran, Kris, John, Stephanie, Josh, Sarah, Andy and Dave for a wonderful weekend getaway!
I have posted a video of the "Enchanted Evening" for those of you that wish to view it.

I also wish to thank Bobbie, Kyle, Shannon, Kim, Kimberly, John, Kristine, Andrea, Amanda, Katie, Choua, Xeena, Emily, Kaitee, Fhoua, Natallia, Cherie and Karen for all of your assistance, hard work, dedication and everything you do to help make these events possible. I also want to say a special thank you to Pete and let him know that he is in our thoughts and prayers as he faces his health struggles.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband. We are very thankful that despite the economy, and unlike many in the industry we are in, has maintained his employment. I am thankful for all the guidance, assistance and hard work he provides to me and my business throughout the year. His creativity and knowledge are vast and these events would not be the same without him.

I am thankful for all of you, my family and friends. For your laughter, wisdom, communication and for sharing your lives with us.

I am thankful for our forever barking, forever in mischief (Theodore), lovable, playful, forgiving, fun and forever loyal wiener dogs. My days just wouldn't be the same without them :)

We are upon many new experiences in our lives. Each of us individually, as a family and as a country. We have children that are getting ready to finish high school and go off to college and explore the world on their own. We have children that are just getting old enough to be in school sports and the challenges and excitement those bring. We have just moved into a new house, new community and new state. We look forward to learning more about our new surroundings and the people that live in it. As a country we are filled with many changes, challenges, hopes and dreams. As a country we are blessed with the unlimited opportunities available to us and vast amount of resources available to bring about the changes and promising futures we all are seeking. I am thankful for those that show care, kindness and generosity of their time, knowledge and resources to others and I hope and pray that those that do not begin to.

No matter the situation we are in, we all have blessings upon us and much to be thankful for. We wish all of you the ability to reflect upon your blessings and be grateful for what you have and not be consumed by what you have not. May you embrace your family and friends and country and reach out to those in need. I pray that everyone has the ability to feel this and be touched by this, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout every day of their lives.

God Bless You All.