By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Creek View Elementary School third-grader Gabby Nosmer impressed her grandparents while waiting to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at the school on Nov. 19.

“I’m thankful for Esther,” Nosmer said when asked what she was thankful for this year.

“She’s talking about the book of Esther in the Bible,” Nosmer’s grandmother, Shirley, chimed in. “She’s learned a lot from that book recently.”

Shirley Nosmer and her husband, Terry, also shared similar thoughts of thanks.

“I’m thankful for Jesus,” Shirley Nosmer said with a smile.

“He’s my Lord and savior,” Terry Nosmer added.

The CVES cafeteria was packed on Nov. 19 with parents, grandparents and loved ones who came to enjoy Thanksgiving lunch with their kids, many of who were dressed in pilgrim and Native American attire.

D.J. Stafford, who was preparing to eat with his mother, Lisa, took a look at the big picture before declaring what he was thankful for.

“The life I live,” D.J. said.

“I’m thankful for my son and for having a warm place to call home,” Lisa Stafford said.

Third grader Molly Gray took a similar approach toward answering her question.

“Life,” she said, as she ate with her mother, Elizabeth, and grandmother, Margaret.

Elizabeth Gray said she was thankful for her family and job, and Margaret Gray was happy for her church: Liberty Baptist in Chelsea.

Abby Mohon, daughter of CVES physical education teacher Catherine Mohon, wanted to make sure the soldiers serving the United States weren’t forgotten.

“The soldiers, my mom and our symbols, like the American flag,” Abby said.

Catherine Mohon took a moment to reflect on her community.

“I’m thankful for my family, and for what a great community we have,” said Catherine Mohon, who recently headed up a fundraiser to help the city’s former police chief, who is battling a rare lung disease. “I’m happy we can all come together as a city and support each other.”

Some kids didn’t have to look far to find what they were most thankful for.

“My mom and dad,” Kaylor Oden said as the turned and looked at her mother, Brigelle.