WRITTEN SATURDAY 11/17/12

Turkey is in the oven, cans of black olives, cranberry sauce and corn are at the ready to be opened..table is set and all the other "must do" items on the Thanksgiving To Do list are almost done.

The beauty is this....my family and I are celebrating Thanksgiving in just a few hours. Family is on their way in from NY, as the smell of turkey wafts through our home.

We have had this tradition for several years....different years for different reasons...but all about family & being together. I must say it's much easier having it earlier...markets are not crazy busy, turkey selection is plentiful, travel is smoother with less people on the road and the "other" Thanksgiving on the Thursday, can be about visiting just my husband's side of the family and we don't have to dash off. 

Perhaps the most beautiful part is the additional time to reflect on all that I am thankful for. I will share with you just a few. Now before you read my list...don't get me wrong I am so very Thankful for family, health and being together...but now I am going to share other things that I appreciate and give thanks for all year long.

                      The warmth of the electric blanket as I crawl into bed 

      Laughter & shouts of father & son playing Madden Football on the Wii

                             

                                       Crisp, bright sunny mornings

                               Tea and toast w/ a dab of peanut butter

                                 The words "can I get you anything?"

             Sound of "love you"...each morning before my oldest son leaves  
             for school or says goodbye on the phone

          

                    My thoughts, words and a clear mind to process them

                   

          The whisper of "wake me if you need anything" before my husband

          falls asleep

         ....and yes the gift of family, friends and the feeling of being Loved!