A post about our Thanksgiving (Late...I know)

You guys.....its five days into December and I haven't posted anything about Thanksgiving!!!! :-/ Its been quite a busy last couple of weeks and I have been left in the house dealing with an injured pup. It's really a long story, and one that I have no idea where to begin with it either! Let's just say she spent 12 hours at the 24 hour emergency vet, went to our vet and has been bandaged up for two weeks. She's healing...but has to wear the cone of shame.

I started Thanksgiving week making our cranberry pear sauce. I also made a cherry pie and two pumpkin pies for the first time ever! Granted I bought the dough, but it still tasted pretty yummy if I do say so myself.

We awoke early on TG to get ready. We needed to drop off all the sweets and the pup at my in-laws before heading out Thousand Oaks to visit my grandfather, who got to spend the holiday in the hospital because of heart complications....all is well now with him thank goodness. We swung by my grandmother's house on the way back to give a quick squeeze to all the family there as well. Once back to my in-laws....the grazing began. We watched football and Christmas movies all afternoon, in between naps, and enjoyed the small but cozy Thanksgiving with D's family and grandparents. After all the yumminess was eaten we called it a night because D had to work the craziness over the weekend.

Black Friday I shopped the sales from my phone and babysat our little fur invalid. We watched television and cuddled on the couch under my electric blanket all day. Saturday was more of the same. Sunday D's grandparents and mom came over to asses the crate situation. My mom swung by on her way home and we all chatted for a bit. It was a really nice afternoon. After a quick visit to hell Costco, D pulled down all the decor while I made french toast. We put up the tree and started to decorate the apartment. More on our festive decor later!

I hope you all had some wonderful food and family and all were thankful for the many things that life brings! Happy December!

Coffee n Conversations #2 - Thankful

Here it is week #2 of coffee and conversations. Although for me it's more Caffeine and Conversations or Coke and Conversations as I rarely drink coffee.....but anyways that's not why we are here is it! I am linking up again and every Monday with Lauren at Simple Free and Kalyn at Love, Laughter, Happily Ever After and this weeks topic is: What are you most thankful for this year so far?

I am sitting to write this post several days early as we are currently in Florida visiting family. I did write an I am thankful post back in November for Thanksgiving, but I figured that I could go a little more in depth. First off I am thankful to have such a wonderful support group that is my family including my extended family. When my dad was sick and when he eventually passed, family I had never met came to my side and was there for me. Even now, after only meeting them once or twice in my adult life as I head to Florida I have been swamped with facebook messages about wanting to see us and visit. I have gotten many notes over the last two years and our first day in Florida is going to be a mini family reunion as well as a friend get together of all the people that were there for me and my stepmom that year. I am looking so forward to seeing all of them. Also I am thankful for the relationship that I have with my stepmom. Our relationship hasn't faltered and we still talk on a monthly basis to catch up on each others lives. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

I am thankful for my parents; my mom and stepdad. They have always been by my side and truly only want what is best for me. They have brought in my hubby and have truly made him like a son to them. Our memories that we have created over my 30 years are some of the best times.....including the time you threw me in the corner dad! Yea! I know you know what I am talking about. To clarify, the abridged version, he didn't throw me in the corner. We had a ritual at night where he would take me to my room for bed and without turning on the lights would throw me from my door into bed, then we would read a story until it was moms turn to tuck me in......well one day my mom cleaned my room and, because she was unaware of this ritual, moved my bed to the complete other side of the room. Needless to say I was left in a crumpled mess on the floor and my dad was a wreck. Well its safe to say that ritual was shot to s#^t. Haha. Even though I wasn't the easiest child to deal with, they both always loved me with all of their hearts and still do. There support emotionally and financially growing up...their advice and ear in my adulthood is the best thing to have. I love them so much!

I am thankful for my little family. Our pup is the light and the silly in our lives! I am so glad that we decided to rescue her and bring her into our crazy family. I am so truly thankful for my husband. I cannot say this enough and many people I know are probably like *puke! stop talking about it!* but in all seriousness, I couldn't have chosen a better partner. Yes, marriage isn't easy. It takes a lot of compromising and forgiveness, but without that you never learn about yourself or the other person. Patience and a good ear for listening are key. Also keeping the love alive and a smile on your face. After 12 years we still love each other just as much as we did the first year! He is my rock and my warmth. I love you babie.

This last thing was more for last year. I am thankful for the lessons. Things happen in your life and either you can let them tear you down or you can learn and grow from them. I had my dark times and I needed that dark time. I saw the things that I needed to change and made the steps towards those changes. I still have work to do, because we are always works in progress, but I feel like I have made leaps and bounds towards a new and better me. A healthy outlook on the future and my life!

There you go. My philosophical moment is over. I hope you all will join in on this link up! The questions are great and insightful! Happy Monday!

Happy "THANKS" giving

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As we head into this wonderful holiday I have to take a moment and say what I am thankful for. Every year on Thanksgiving, my family gathers in a circle, grasps one anothers hands and states a prayer "Bless us thy Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to recieve. And from thy bounty through Christ, Our Lord. Amen" Then we all go in a circle and say what we are thankful for that year.

Since 2011 and 2012 have been rather hard years for D and I and our families it may sometimes be hard to think of the positive, but in all honesty I have a lot to be thankful for. So I will start the day off with a list of things I am thankful for this holiday season:

1. I have a loving, caring husband who is always there for me. In the good times we laugh, smile and enjoy life. In the bad times he helps to pick me up and move forward. He is my rock, my best friend and I could never ask for anyone better. I love you SO MUCH!

2. I have the best fur baby on the planet. Our little Shelby is my light and my happiness on a daily basis. Even when she is bad, its really hard to stay mad at such an adorable and loving pup. I love my Shelbydoo soooo much!

3. I have a steady full time job, with a company that is so wonderful to work with. It's a rarity to find such wonderful people that truly become like a second family. In this economy it's hard for a lot of people to say this. I am also thankful that D's job has become so much better for him! The stress is gone!

4. I am thankful for my close and loving friends. Those of you who have always been there, 12 plus years, to the re-kindled friendships and the close ones that are still blossoming. You truly are my light. Thank you for being there when I need to talk, laugh, drink, or just a hug. Please know that if you ever need a shoulder mine is available! I love you!

5. To my mom. My other rock and best friend. Thank you for always being my best and most important girlfriend. I love you!

6. And finally....last but no where near in the least. To my loving, caring family....every last one of you. Thank you for your support through all the hard times. I know things can be rough at times for everyone and I am glad to know that I have so much support in my corner. I love you all!