Happy Thanksgiving

I know I'm a couple of days late, and I don't even have any pictures to put up tonight. But I just had to write a word on the Thanksgiving-ness we've had around here. I went out shopping for a few hours by myself this afternoon, which was heavenly. (I mean really, how often does THAT happen!?! ALL. BY. MYSELF.) That was a blessing to be grateful for, right there!

Well, as I was driving home, I just felt soooo happy and grateful for all the blessings in my life. Even though I don't always "feel" it, I'm a really, really blessed person, I realize. Brian and the kids top the list, of course; he's always sooo good to me, and we really don't ever fight (because he just doesn't.) And the kids are really sweet, good, healthy, happy kids, for the most part. And they love me, in spite of my not-so-nice mothering moments. And then there's the rest of my family, too --the sweet relationships with my parents and grandparents, and all my siblings, nephews and nieces. Then so many friends, and people who have changed my life for the better... I was thinking about all these people as I drove along listening to sappy Christmas songs on the oldies station.

Then I started tearing up, thinking how lucky I am to live in a free country, drive a car, eat food every day, turn on lights, tick the thermostat up when it's cold, flush a toilet, buy coats for my kids (which I did today), feel safe when I go to bed each night, etc., etc., etc.... The list really does go on and on, doesn't it? Lots to be thankful for, indeed! (I can say "indeed" because I've been reading Pride and Prejudice lately! Indeed!)

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we got together with our friends, the Youngstroms, and the Moons. A two-bedroom house, two dining tables, six adults, nine kids (including 5-month-old squishy twins! so yummy!). It was really fun, if a little bit crazy at times. I was so excited for all the delicious "eats!" Our/my contribution was the mashed potatoes (loaded with sour cream and butter), the sweet potatoes (with pecan crumble topping), the stuffing, and a fresh pumpkin pie (yes, I really cooked a pumpkin, scraped it, mashed it, and put it in a pie. And it was worth it, I tell you!). I also made some kick-in-the-pants, stinkin-good cranberry sauce (best batch I've made yet, in my humble opinion!), to have with our leftovers. The stuffing was the prize... apple/sausauge/fresh-herb/dried cherries stuffing. No StoveTop here, people. (And nothing against StoveTop, for those who are feeling offended at my stuffing uppity-ness.) Sadly, the stuffing was so well received, that there was only about 1/2 cup left for leftovers! Oh well. We ate ourselves silly, played a few games, and stayed until the kids were crashing the party with their whining... all good things must end when kids get cranky, eh?

Then yesterday, we went into the City, and went to the top of the Empire State Building.
Oh yes, we did.
But that's another story... with pictures. I'm sure y'all can't wait!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you feel as blessed as I do!!