Our Thanksgiving

We had such a great Thanksgiving.  I was so organized.  I put all my food together except the turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes together on Wednesday.  Everything was ready and waiting in the fridge for the oven.  I actually had room for all of it and my kitchen stayed clean all day.  In an old house with a small kitchen which also is the door everyone uses to come in my house it is an art form to cook a big meal and have the kitchen tidy but I did it.

The highlight of my day was spending time with my 7 year old nephew and my 4 year old niece.  My niece isn't really sure about me, but my nephew is starting to remember previous Thanksgivings and my food, lol.  Which warms my heart.  I don't see them very often even though they live near my mom.  It makes me sad but sometimes you just have to accept the way things are.  We loaded in our van after dinner and took them to a park.  Brittany followed them around and played with them as my mom and I walked around the perimeter of the park for exercise.  My brother and Dennis through the football around.  It was nearly 60 degrees and beautiful and it felt so good to be out.

After our fun day Brittany and I decided that we would stay awake and try Black Friday shopping at midnight.  We went to Kohls.  We ran into one our studio families...which was fun.  I picked up a couple of things for myself and Brit did the same.  Then we made our way to the end of the line.  Yea...I am embarrassed to say that we waited close to 2 hours in line.  Our friends, went to the jewelry counter...where there was no line.  Who knew?  We aren't professional shoppers.  I would have gladly dropped everything but Brittany was holding tightly to a couple of sale items.  She did get a great deal on a jacket that she has been eying for weeks.  So I did what all moms do...I had patience and waited with her.

Friday...we rested most of the day just hanging around getting ready for the Santa Parade in our small city.  We heard rumors that the balmy temperatures that we had been having for over a week were about to end.  And so they did the morning of the parade.  We awoke to flurries and and near freezing weather.  Most of the kids did great with smiles.  The younger kids cried, some throughout the entire parade.  You just have to keep smiling and encouraging.  Brittany fell on her backside during practice.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  It was like something you see on television.  She was okay other than a swollen ankle the rest of the day.  But our dancers looked beautiful and we finished a second. 

This week, I am getting ready to head to the great state of TEXAS with my husband.  His company is having a Christmas party at the JW Marriott in San Antonio.  We are heading out there Saturday morning.  He took a vacation week and we are extending our stay through Tuesday.  I am not even sure what we are going to do with our free time but we'll nose around and just enjoy a few days together.  I CAN"T WAIT!!!

Until tomorrow,
Have a blessed night!