Gobble 'Til You Wobble

Let's be real for a moment, shall we? I am blessed, or lucky, or a mix of the two. It doesn't matter how you label it- there are many things I am incredibly grateful for. My children (!), my husband, my family (in-laws included), my pup (crazy, loveable Finn), and the grace I am afforded on a daily basis top the list. But still, I have hard days. The day before Thanksgiving was a hard day- my car was broken in to while at the park with Reid and, although my purse and other items were stolen, I was most jarred by the feeling of being victimized. I mean who breaks in to a car (with a car seat and children's toys scattered throughout) in the middle of the afternoon at a park on the day before Thanksgiving!? I was frustrated, I was mad, I was sad, and I was more than a little bit anxious about everything I would need to get replaced and paid for (and the time it would take) to make myself and my car "whole."  But then,  I was able to spend the following four days surrounded by people I love and that love me - people that support me and are there for me. At the end of the weekend, I only felt sad- not for me, but for the person that broke in to my car. How desperate and lost that person must have felt. I am grateful that I do not understand that person's motivations and desperation and, hopefully, never will. Recently, I had a health scare (tachycardia episode), and in the hours that followed, once I knew that I was okay and my baby girl was okay, I was once again overwhelmed with gratitude. To be able to live my life with so much support around me (of all varieties) is a gift. Every time I walk around downtown Orlando during lunchtime and see the many homeless people walking around, every time I see a post about a sick child or a relative that has passed, every time that I experience a health scare or worry about a family member's health, and every time I am faced with my own insecurities and weaknesses, I remember soon after how much I have been given in this life.  I am reminded of the same during the happier moments of my day, too, which are too numerous to list here. I hope that Reid and Baby Girl grow up with a sense of gratitude that is always at the ready - in the good times and in the trying times.  Now, on to my Thanksgiving recap!

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Andy, Reid, and I (and Nee Nee and Apa) joined the Clark and Rios family at Grandma and Grandpa's for a delicious, early Thanksgiving.  From the fried turkey (thanks, Dad!) to the green beans, sweet potato casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, etc., the food was a hit (thanks, Mom!). The kids ran around like they always do and the adults were able to sneak away for some quiet-ish conversation in the dining room. At the end of the night, Olivia, Dylan, and Charlie treated us all to some dancing and song. Although Reid copied Olivia's moves and tried to keep up, Olivia was definitely the star of the show! De ja vu, anyone? Flashbacks to Thanksgivings when K-bo was a little star?

On Thanksgiving Day, the same crew (minus the Clarks) met up at my Aunt Suad's house for a larger Thanksgiving feast. Since I grew up with my immediate family (Mom and Dad) hosting Thanksgiving, the last few years have taken some adjusting to. It just isn't the same as years past when we would all gather at my parents' home, watch my dad fry the turkey(s) in the backyard and my mom run around the kitchen, and generally stress out together trying to get the house ready for 35ish people. Still, we had a very nice Thanksgiving, and I think this past Thanksgiving was my favorite one yet at my Aunt's house. Food was delicious and the company was great. Plus, Reid was able to proudly don his "Gobble 'Til You Wobble" shirt and chow down on cranberry relish (in between reading a book on the lazy chair and playing outside), so I know he enjoyed himself. Later in the evening, we were able to meet up with Dom, Aaron, Scotty, Gage (and re-meet up with N and A) at Linda DiPasqua's home. Although we didn't stay for food (no room in our stomachs!), it was nice to see everyone for a quick visit.  As icing on the cake, we were able to spend most of the rest of the weekend with the Layden clan, and we even had special house guests in the form of Scotty and Gage! Until next year!