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My title is a little misleading. It makes it sound like we are celebrating Thanksgiving in a whole new way.  The truth is that today in Goes, Netherlands is no different than any other day around here.  The Dutch people obviously don’t care much about celebrating early inhabitants of the United States.  Everyone is working here today, including my husband.  If you are wondering what the picture of American groceries is about, I explain that toward the end of the post. 🙂

Since we don’t have people to commune with today, I thought I would use the blog to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I hope that you enjoy your time away from your jobs and your time with family.  

I took some time this morning to think about my thanksgivings.  The blessings are more obvious when they aren’t right in front of me.

1.  Years ago God led me to a man that supports my endeavors, overlooks my shortcomings, and allows me to endure his.  🙂  I felt we were an unlikely match when we first met, but over the years I see how we compliment each other and learn from each other daily.
2. I was blessed with the births of two children.  They challenged me and changed me and made me a better person. I love them with my life.  And after a few years, I was blessed with an Asian son who keeps us on our toes and who we love spending time with.  He also changed us in a positive way.  And a few years after that, I was blessed with a daughter in law, one who loves our son and purposely built a positive relationship with our daughter.  We love what she brings to our family.
3. This year I have a new thing to be thankful for, and that is my time here in the Netherlands.  Not every day is bliss, but the opportunity to spend time over seas is one I will never be able to thank God enough for.  Some days I don’t feel worthy and I wonder how I got here. 🙂  The rich history, fascinating culture and gorgeous landscape causes me to just shake my head in amazement.  I often wish I could give you all a taste of it. 

So what are Jeremy and I doing today?  Not much out of the ordinary.  Like I said, Jeremy is working today and I did some work around the apartment.  We did make a reservation at our favorite restaurant, Slot Oostende, for dinner.  It is our way of giving ourselves a treat since we are missing our kids and Thanksgiving food today.  

Last weekend we spent an afternoon in Rotterdam.  It was SO fun.  I should write a blog just on that fabulous city.  While we were there, we saw Kelly’s Expat Store, one that sells American and British products to those who are missing home.  And it sure did remind us of home!  Haven’t seen these products since early July!  You can see by the soup picture at the beginning of my post that they were catering to American Thanksgiving needs.  Jeremy and I bought Hidden Valley Ranch and a can of Cream of Mushroom soup.