Give Thanks....

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving meant a few key things. A ton of good food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the company of my parents and my brother. It was always small. Holidays with the Denticis were always small. I'd watch the parade with my mom, and comment on all the floats. I remember telling my mom that I bet the Rockettes were cold since they were not wearing any pants. My mom assured me that they were wearing flesh colored tights, so they weren't cold. :-)

Every year, we would sit at the table and go around naming the things for which we were most grateful.

Well, over the years, our gathering has shifted. Since my brother and his family now live in State College, PA, there are definite empty places at the table. Nothing ever stays the same, and time marches on.

Well, today, I ate lunch with my parents. Afterwards, we came back to my apartment, and decorated my Christmas tree, while reminiscing about the stories behind each ornament that adorned each branch. We got to have a brief video chat with my brother and niece, and that has been something I'd been wanting to do for a while. My little niece is my heart. I love that little girl. My nephew was napping, but I will get to see him when they come to visit in about two weeks, so I am VERY excited for that. When my brother and his family moved to Pennsylvania, my nephew was a baby. He is now a little person, and it is hard to believe how much he has grown. It will be good to see each of them, again, and to give them each a hug. Two. Weeks.

I rounded out my Thanksgiving at a friend's house, and we discussed everything from life, the mercy and mystery of Christ, and some other odds and ends and whatnots. Fun times. Ginger beer and spiked eggnog accompany conversations quite well, by the way. :)

I am thankful for so much. SO. much. I might not vocalize each and everyone/thing, but I have so many blessings.

Here is a picture of my mom and me. As she put it, "I look a little goofy." Well, mama, I think I am the one that looks goofy. YOU look fabulous. :)