Reflections

As I fell asleep last night, thinking about the events of the day, I realized I hadn't taken the time to update my blog on Thanksgiving!  What's up with that?!?!  So let me just share a few reflections on the day (I'm going for full disclosure here, folks!)...

• I seem to go thru a "I don't want to go" thing every year at Thanksgiving.  Although it truly is my favorite holiday, there's something about having the 4 days off that makes me want to stay home and get something done.  I'm so glad my PG talked me out of  "calling in sick".  He SO knows how to play me, y'know?? 
• There's a certain energy I feel when we all get together at Thanksgiving.  I can tell you that it's not just a "feel good" energy...it's an energy that has momentum.  I can't even fully describe it, but I can tell you that it feels like goodness.  You know how it's said that EVERY family is in some way dysfunctional.  (I'm one that believes that, but I also feel that labeling "dysfunction" is a judgment call).  But when we're together on Thanksgiving, I just don't feel that.  So to my brother and sister-in-law hosts, I thank you for providing us with an atmosphere that is warm and loving. 
• I am giddy with delight to see our family growing with the next generation.  We now have 4 grandkids and one on the way.  It's sometimes still mind-boggling to look at my siblings and realize that some are grandparents or mmmm.... grandparents-in-waiting!  (Sorry, kids).
• I admire people who are willing to step into the adventure of trying new recipes.  I tend to stick with the tried and true.  But there's a whole bunch of good food waiting for you when you take the time to watch the food channels.  We had some good stuff to eat yesterday.
• I am so thankful for so much in my life.  From the little conversations I have with my grandson ("Go away, grandma") to where I am in my life right now.  I am truly blessed.  I just wish I was better at putting the little things into words...I'm working on it, but it's likely to be dangerous, y'know...then I'll NEVER shut up!!
• Finally, a dear friend of mine lost his mother the day before Thanksgiving and my heart is breaking for him.  Although his mom was sick for a while, it seems that no matter how well prepared we think we are when it comes to the loss of a parent, it still catches us off guard.  She was a strong woman, a wonderful role model, taught her kids how to fight back from adversity, but it was time for her to "go with God".  To my dear friend, you and your family are in my prayers. 

Have a wonderful Black Friday, all.  I think I'm done shopping for the day, did it all online.  Now it's just a matter of taking advantage of the 3 days left.  I've got some cards to make, some gifts to wrap, and some pictures to take.  Have a happy day. 

Thanksgiving - Then & Now

It has become a tradition to have Thanksgiving at my brother and sister-in-law's house each year.  Their house if big enough to hold our whole family; brothers and sisters and spouses and kids and grandkids.  And the adults are in one room, kids in another, although the rooms are connected.  By the way, I use the term "kids" loosely.  Most are adults -- but they're still our kids.  My sister-in-law, Carol, does a phenomenal job (truly a job) at pulling this all together.  And she makes it look so simple. 

It's so much fun to hear the chatter from the kids' room.  Can't hear what they're saying, but the noise level is soothing. 

I found the black and white picture above while I was going through old pictures.  I can't help but believe it was of Thanksgiving.  If not, so what...it's my Dad, his sisters, their spouses and kids, Grandma and Uncle John gathering for a meal.  This warms my heart.  Can't you just hear the chatter??  And knowing my Dad and Uncle Jimmy, I can also hear the laughter.  Because one of them, just like my brother does now, would always be cracking a joke!! 

It's no wonder Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.