Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving as we give thanks to God for our many blessings, we are looking forward to welcoming our children, son-in-law and grandchildren to the ranch along with my sister and brother-in-law for a traditional meal.  I’ll prepare the ham and turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry casserole, homemade rolls, pecan pie and bumbleberry pie and my sister will bring broccoli casserole and salad.  We discovered bumbleberry pie while on vacation on Vancouver Island a few years ago and it was quickly added to our menu for family celebrations.

This year we have an extra celebration, the first birthday of our granddaughter, Campbell.  Lindsey will bake cupcakes and we will sing to both Campbell and Steve, who will be celebrating a birthday as well.

We will laugh and take family photos, watch the Cowboys and Texas A&M football games, take a late afternoon drive around the ranch to look for deer and sit by the fireplace outside.  Most of all, we will treasure our time together.

There are so many things for which I am thankful.  Besides my health and family, I count the many dear friends I have made in DAR among my richest blessings.  I truly treasure the sisterhood of DAR members worldwide.  I am thankful for the opportunity to serve with an outstanding group of Executive Officers as President General as we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the over 940,000 women who have built this society. 

Gratitude is extended to the dedicated staff and many volunteers who ensure that our buildings and the work of the National Society run smoothly on a daily basis.

Finally, I am thankful for each of you who so willingly serve your communities. I have no doubt through your unselfish service our Celebrate America! tally can record 5 million hours of community service for 2014!

Blessings to each of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people you love.