Black Friday: Derek and I went last year. It was fun, and exhausting. This year we had intentions of going. However the fact that we just don't have any money was a big detourent. Instead, I slept in until 10:00! My body needed it. Even with all that sleep I was still falling asleep everytime we were in the car and felt like I needed a nap around 4:00. I thought that was odd.

Thanks Giving Dinner: I am amazed at how much effort we all go through for this meal. The annual turkey fest was held at my house this year. My parents couldn't get a truck load out from Florida in time so they didn't arrive until yesterday morning. My sister and I were the main cookers. Thank goodness she was here. I really enjoyed cooking with her. My sister in law was a liefe saver with drink and snack trays. I learned so much cooking this dinner. #1 being, I do not like the roll recipe I used this year and last and will not use it again. #2 It's probably a good idea to check the roasting pan every half and hour to make sure it didn't mysteriously stop working and cause your turkey to be 2 hours behind schedule. Oh, guess what people. There wasn't one adult squabble at my house. Even with several cooks in the kitchen. Loved it!

Gratitude: I love all the thoughts and feelings this holliday has brought. For me it all started last Sunday and has just climaxed. The whole week was one big thankyou, and man it feels good to be grateful continually.

Gone are the days of building forts all day in the basement while the parents slave away above. Indoor tag, trampoline marathons in the cold, movies and turkey coma now belong to a different generation. I really loved all the cooking and responsibilities however I wish my sister could have stayed longer after our main responibilities were over. The cooks need a vacation too!

I hope you will join me in keeping gratitude in our hearts hour by hour day by day. Gratitude to that God who have us life and his only begotten son who gave his life for us. How blessed we are to have food, heat, indoor plumbing, time for recreation, healthy bodies, and people to love.