I love Thanksgving. I love the drive to my parents' home, the full house of family, the cooking, the smells, the sleeping-late, hanging out with my sibs, and the parades. It's easy for me to get a little overwhelmed (read: crazy and overtired) this week as I prepare for the holiday, how about you? Let's all take a deep breath, and take a few minutes to remember those things we are grateful for, big and little. Here are mine:
Christy's Top Ten Reasons to Be Grateful, 2009
10. I am grateful that my car battery died. It died in my garage, yesterday morning, when I had very little to do. The wonderful man from AAA came and replaced it for me right at my house. I am exceedingly grateful that I wasn't at a McDonald's in Columbus on the way to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving, or driving somewhere late at night. Did I want to buy a new battery yesterday? No. But am I grateful to have one? Yes.
9. I am grateful that I have been given a writing challenge this November. To those of you who have come across me when I am babbling and drooling, I apologize. It's almost over.
8. So thankful for the abundance in my life that is present in both little and big ways. This Thanksgiving, there will be no need to rent movies; we can watch "old"ones from our own collection. I observed the kids sharing their collection of video games for the upcoming car trip so that they would each have "new" stuff to play with. Without breaking my neck (or the bank) shopping, there were plenty of clothes, more than enough food, and even a few treats to throw in for the road-trip to Cincinnati. Less really can be more.
7. Speaking of the road trip, I am always grateful for those four hours in the car. This year, I feel like the kids are stretched to their little limits, I've been packing (and writing) and Adam's been traveling. When we all finally settle in, claim our small personal space, and hit the road, we are a happy family capsule traveling south on I-71. I like having my people all in one place. We can talk, we can sing, we can laugh. It's a good start to the long weekend. And I usually eat a cheeseburger at some point. (I also look forward to napping for a good bit of the drive, while Adam drives us safely to Cincinnati. Sometimes I am asleep before we leave Hudson.)
6. I am grateful for our parents. For my mom and dad who are currently preparing for the onslaught of . . . us. They're about to get hit from both sides with children and grandchildren. Brace yourself, Grandma and Pop! Hide the remotes, get the game table ready, don't carve the turkey without Abby, and prepare for the Thanksgiving madness. For Adam's parents, who come in a pinch and steal the kids for overnights, it is a true blessing to have you nearby. (Although, you are currently in South Carolina, which makes me less grateful and more jealous.)
4. This year, I am thankful for this gorgeous weather we've been having. Even as it starts to look a little damp and gloomy out there, I can't imagine how we got so lucky with all of those warm, sunny days. It has kept my spirit lifted, and made the days fly by! (Which is not a good thing, as I count the shopping days left until Christmas. Yikes!)
3. I have the world's most excellent friends. Near and far. You support me and lift me up on a daily basis in so many ways and I adore you. Grateful does not even begin to touch it. (Brothers and Sistas, include yourselves here, please :)
2. My friend Lisa is healthy. Thankful. Thankful. Thankful.
1. I'm more than grateful for my crazy, happy, healthy, normal, silly, wonderful, surprise-me-everyday kids and husband. Adam, Jono, Abby and Sam. . . you are the joys of my life, and I adore you, you turkeys.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Have a safe and wonderful holiday surrounded by your family and friends, and please know that I count you among my many, many blessings!
love,
christy
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