Gobble, Gobble

I -- of course -- haven't been as good about my grand return to the blogging world. Regardless, I am here with the best of intentions.
I think back on the many (and the "many" is getting exponentially bigger with each year) Thanksgiving's past. Back to the hand print turkey's that we all did in school. The Pilgrim outfits that each of you wore at some point in your fall presentations. The dioramas of the landing of the Mayflower -- and trust me, never a more sea-worthy boat was crafted than the Popsicle stick creation that I spent hours over in 3rd or 4th grade. All the way through the night-before-bar-hopping insanity that each of us enjoyed (in excess) the night before Turkey day and creating some seriously hung-over Thanksgiving mornings.
My watching of the Macy's parade while knocking out apple pies -- killer apple pies I might add -- and its my blog, so I will add.

And then of course, the exercise of what we are "thankful" for. When you are little its the simple things..
I am thankful that I have my own room
I am thankful that I don't have to walk my sister to school anymore
I am thankful my parents didn't know that we cut my friends hair behind the house
You get the idea.

And then you come around to playing like an adult. And doing all the things that you  **thought** would be cool. Like your own place (and paying rent and utilities), staying out as late as you want (and paying for a night out), wearing whatever you want (and paying for all your own clothes) and eating whenever and whatever you want (and realizing that ramen at $2.00 a pack is a heck of a deal).

Now - I am wiser, a few pounds heavier, bank account a little more stable and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. And here is what I am thankful for this year...and there has been a lot in the last few years.
My beautiful children. I can't imagine a world that they are not a part of. And as crazy as they make me some days -- and they can push me to the teetering, edge of sanity -- my days are better with them in them.
My amazing husband (and yes, its still weird to type that). We have had our fair share of ups and downs. But I am so proud of the man he has become and the goals he is working every day to achieve. He makes me laugh, balances my type-A tendencies and keeps me sane.
My family -- the immediate and extended. Your willingness to stay on this crazy roller coaster ride we call life has been amazing. Your generosity is overwhelming, as is your invaluable support.
Our friends - we have a large and spread out group that supports us every day. Blessed. That is the only word.

And for those of us that are not here anymore -- the list grows sadly longer with the passing years. But the traditions and examples you have set continue each year and we relish the opportunity to pass them on to future generations.
I didn't think it was possible to miss my mom more than when she passed away - but I do. Now having a family of my own, there are so many conversations I always envisioned having with her. The advice that she should be able to give me when the two year old throws a fit because he can't take his fruit snacks into the bathtub with him.
And lets not kid ourselves, the buttons that she always managed to push. She was great at that too.

So make sure to take a few minutes today in the flurry of driving over the river and through the woods. As you sit across the table for what may be your 2nd or 3rd dinner, contemplating where in your stomach you are going to find room. And enjoy the moment. That is what today is all about.
Happy Thanksgiving.