Thanksgiving

Our camera was dropped in the sand...so although the pictures are few, the memories are innumerable. The picture above is the headband I wore in honor of the holiday...a little orange bird among orange berries.

We started our Thanksgiving festivities by running 5k for the local 'Turkey Trot' at the beach. What's not to be thankful about that? Gorgeous weather, supportive family, strong, healthy body, the beach!?! Hello!!

The Mr. then played tennis. The ktbunch and I enjoyed the rest of the morning slowly--with delicious oatmeal. It's amazing how much I LOVE oatmeal. Really. Growing up, we often ate it for dinner because it was cheap and that was all we had. It was nothing special and rather blah. I am so grateful for that hearty oatmeal though. And those lean times in my life. It made an impression on me, even though I will probably never know the complete scope of it. It is one of the most nutritious foods one can eat.

I like to 'gourmet' mine up though; I add dried, frozen or fresh fruits like cranberries, blueberries, apples, whatever is on hand. Filling fats like coconut oil, butter or even almond or peanut butter. Favorite spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Vanilla is always a staple. Can't forget brown sugar! Now I use steel cut oats for more nutritional punch and sprinkle with wheat germ as well.

We were blessed with a complete Thanksgiving meal from Mimi's unexpectedly. How amazing is that? Oh and totally scrumdillyumptious!

Later we went to my Mother-in-Love's to hang out. We had no idea they were waiting for us to start eating! My two sisters-in-love and MIL had set the tables so lovely. It is such a blessing to live only 15 minutes away from family. The meal was delicious, of course. We visited for a little while and the middles and little played. We laughed and joked around.

Then it was time to leave to my aunt's house. It was a drive but what's an hour when you've road tripped across the country, right? Everyone from my side was there. My side has grown the past few years with a couple new additions; the next generation of cousins, two more boys. It works out great because Kurtis will now have someone around his age to play with. He was so good too as the older cousin of the two younger ones is not used to being around other kids very much. Kurtis took it in stride and basically ignored his attempts at shenanigans and toy control. I was proud of my gentle toddler.

I felt like I couldn't hug my grandma enough. She is getting older each day and mortality seems closer and closer. I owe so much of who I am to my grandma. She was always one of my biggest encouragers, when I was young. When she said it, I believed; knew I really could become all I ever wanted to be....."as long as I knew how to read". LOL

Of course the middles adore their two same age cousins, my nephews from my brother. They could care less about the holiday, the food and desserts, all they want to know is if the 'M & M's are gonna be there?'

My aunt already had her tree up and lots of Santa knick knacks out. It all looked lovely. She gave Birdy a TON of jewelry she didn't wear anymore. Little did I know that she has two huge jewelry chests filled. Birdy was really excited about it all though. Isn't that so sweet? My uncle has a mini-man cave in his bedroom. The guys enjoyed watching the game on his big flat screen in there. My aunt met my uncle while he was serving as a marine. My aunts would go on base every weekend to go dancing--they met at the club there, fell in love & the rest is history. I didn't really like him when we first met--he was so 'sporty'--needless to say we didn't have much in common. Turns out he's just a big ol' bear when you get to know him.

The evening wound down and it was back to our home. Our cluttered, well-lived-in and warm home. The home we've rented for the past 13 years. That's a long time to rent. A long time to be blessed with ridiculously cheap rent. Our home that is filled with reality. A reality that is filled with blessings beyond measure when you want to see it. Which I do. It was wonderful to fall into my cozy bed, layered with blankets that are just the perfect weight to make me feel secure.

I am blessed, of this I know.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17