Thanksgiving 2011

This has been a long and glorious Thanksgiving weekend - it's not over.  But, the important part is.

Table is all set for Thanksgiving feast

Using my nice china for dinner!!!

My little scare crow center piece - adds to the season

Wednesday:  Wednesday is when my family had their Thanksgiving feast.  Because Rodger had to work on Thursday, we had it Wednesday - since it would be too hard for him and his wife to get here and back on Thanksgiving itself.  Unfortunately, Brandon ended up working.  So, KayeLynn and I worked from the moment we got up, cooking a gorgeous and delicious dinner.  Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, corn, yams, olives, pickles, cheese-stuffed celery, home made cranberry relish. I also made a dutch apple pie.  Crystal brought green bean casserole.  My mama brought pumpkin and cherry pie to go with the other one.  It was an amazing feast.  

Pizza for dinner!!!

Thursday:  We had so much fun!!!!  I actually woke up around 4:00 in the morning and couldn't sleep.  I got up and watched The Biggest Loser special that I had recorded the night before.  Around 5:30 I decided to run to the grocery store and pick up a newspaper, so I could read the ads.  Crystal texted me and asked me if I wanted to go to a movie with them.  We went and saw Puss 'n  Boots.  It was pretty adorable.  We decided to go back to the house and go through ads - so a game plan could be planned for those going out to SHOP!!! I realized I was starving - we started calling pizza joints to find pizza.  Little Caesars, CLOSED.  Dominoes, CLOSED.  Papa Johns, CLOSED.  Big Daddy's, OPEN!!  I tell them I will be right over.  Drive over, the open sign is on, door is locked.  WHAT THE HELICOPTER????  So I call them again, it's the one on the other side of town - but, they tell me they will deliver.  So, after a short negotiation, pizza is on the way.  So, we ate pizza, read ads, headed to Walmart and then to bed.  Crystal and Brandon went out at 9:00 while KayeLynn slept over with the kiddos and were out for about six hours - and back out again early in the morning.

Black Friday line to go in to Staples

Friday:  Ted and I were up at 5:00.  Ted actually wanted to get up at 4:00 - but he set his alarm for p.m.  I can say, I was not sad about that at all - I did not want to get up at all!!!!  Headed to Staples first.  We were there for the opening.  Were about half way up the line for opening.  That part was pretty organized, inside was not as organized.  We were there for about a half hour and on to Sam's Club, breakfast at IHOP, Best Buy, Target, Kohls, Shopko, Michaels and finally Walmart.  I got a lot of major gifts purchased.  I got myself a couple of things (gots me some 3X sweatshirts - they are huge and very comfy).  

So, I thought I would end with a few of the things I am thankful for:

Ted:  someone who is so good to me - and I should appreciate him more.  He makes me laugh, he makes me cringe - and I adore him.  He is the sweetest man in the land.

My kids:  I was privileged to have three of the most awesome kids ever.  Each of them have forged a way in this world.  It has not always been easy for them - but, they always persevere. I love each of you so very much and I am proud to call you my children.  I love my son-in-law and my daughter-in-law as if they have been in my life since the days they were born.  They fit into my little crazed, mixed family as if they have always been here.  Ted has also given me two daughters - I feel of them as I do all of my kids.  They are all such a piece of my heart that it's crazy to think all of these people have room to exist in there.

My grandbabies:  Never imagined that you could love anyone like you do grandkids.  It's amazing to see them learn, develop and grow.   Never in my life could I have prepared for this emotional bond.

My mother:  My mom is the sweetest little old lady around.  I would do anything for her.  I love her dearly.  Even if it means climbing up and down stairs, moving this and that and the other - I would do anything for her.

My in-laws:  I love the time I get to spend with them.  I learn so much.  They are amazing people and I am proud and happy to be part of their family.

My sisters and brother:  I was the luckiest girl in the whole family - I was the baby.  Spoiled, rotten and loved. They broke my dad in for me and I had it easier than all of them - and I also got three wonderful older sisters and the best big brother around.

My friends:  I have so many wonderful and great friends.  Each of them hold a special place in my heart.  My BFF Elaine, my very good friend Patti, my once-a-month lunch buddies, boss lady Roxann, Princess Sara - the list goes on and on.  But, I am so lucky to have you in my life.