This Thanksgiving we were visited by Michael’s mom, her husband, and their dog (also named Sadie, or Sadie II.)  It was wonderful to see them and have them here.  Not only that, but my mother-in-law is a FANTASTIC cook and she cooked her full non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner (the exact meal that she prepared the very first time I met her; Thanksgiving of 1994).

She had sent Michael the grocery list and we had everything that she would need, on hand, for the feast.  He even prepared some of the things like boiling the chicken for the corn bread dressing and chopping up the tomatoes, onions, and peppers for her relish.  Our pre-Thanksgiving dinner was also courtesy of Michael. He made us some awesome Muffulattas and cheese dip to go on the side.  Scrumptious, I tell ya, scrumptious!

The Winners are many this week; I hope you enjoy this peek into our Thanksgiving Holiday.

*You can also read my Thanksgiving day post: HERE!
*I also have a post at Blissfully Domestic | Photo Bliss titled These are a Few of my Favorite Things that is scheduled to post at 1:00pm EST.

Next:  Pre-Christmas with My Parents!

P H O T O H U N T

“Metal”

A Letter of Gratitude to My Family

I am here, sitting at our new table, thinking of ways to express to you all just how much you mean to me.  With your arrival into my world I have been changed.  I am changed daily, too. Changed by things you do, things you say, things I do, things I say, by this blessed life that we live together.   Let it be known that our smiles,  our angst, our laughter, our frustration, our happiness, our sadness, our love, our pain, all of our daily interactions ARE every single reason to be grateful.  Because life is not always meant to be neat and tidy.  Tables will never be free of scratches.  I don’t know why I forget that so easily?

Please continue to bear with me.  I was raised in a such a way where we put a tablecloth on the table to protect it from the spills or damage.  We never saw the beauty of the wood because it was brand new and we couldn’t let anything happen to it, now could we?   So, it’s hard for me to let go of that notion.   However this belief that when something is protected it’s out of all harm’s way is wrong.   It’s vulnerable, yes, but it’s also allowed to shine.

My solution for the table, and life–in general–is to love it, care for it, protect it, but also allow it to be exposed for it’s true worth.  Not one of us is without a burden or scar; no one is perfect.   I tend to forget this, however you make me remember.  For that, I am forever indebted.  For that, I thank you.

Michael:  Thank you for being the man you are.
You make me the most even when I feel the least.

Mikey:  Thank you for having such a good head on your shoulders.  You delight me daily.

Olivia:  Thank you for being caring and compassionate.  Your social graces make me proud.

Benjamin: Thank you for making me laugh and keeping me on my toes.  You are amazing.

David:  Thank you for being so sweet and lovable.
You have revived our family and my motherhood.

H a p p y T h a n k s g i v i n g
to one and all….