Thanksgiving- at my house

So I cooked this year. Yes, it's true- and everyone survived. It was something of a gathering of odds and ends. My sister, Stacey, and I gathered up our remaining family members and had a very memorable Thanksgiving, to say the least. I hope it's a new family tradition. I really enjoyed having everyone together in one place- if only for a short time. I've always sort-of passed by thanksgiving, as if it were just a pause in the time between Halloween and the much anticipated Christmas. This year I stopped to give thanks for the people and the blessings in my life.

Oh the Holidays!

Well here we are. It's the end of 2008 and the Christmas season is upon us.
I'm not sure what's wrong with me (something SURELY is!) but I'm not one bit interested in shopping this year! Is it the current economy or just the sheer fact that shopping is overrated and I need something more challenging? Who knows. I plan all year for this season by shopping early and slaving over the stove making homemade goodies for family and friends. I wonder if I've just stockpiled enough that I can't justify spending? Either way, I feel great! (and you thought I was going to start complaining!)
Our friends, Mike and Aimee, had their baby Lucy today. 8 months ago I would have thought 'that's cool, good for them' but today I know it's the single most incredible thing that happens to us in our lives. I'm excited for them! I'm so grateful that I can appreciate that. I LOVE being a mom! Who would have thought...