Giving Thanks

It's been so long since I blogged. I was thinking I had given up, but here I am to give it another go. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and it was really quiet at our house. My parents have started a tradition in the last couple of years in which they prepare a brunch and then a holiday dinner. They have done it for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas in the last 2 or 3 years, and it is fantastic for us, but a lot of work for them. (It seems that my Dad has taken up most of the cooking during holidays. He gets really excited about trying different recipes and my Mom does so much of the regular day-to-day cooking that she loves getting holidays off!)

So for brunch we had my Mom and Dad, my Aunt, myself, my brother Jeremy, cousin Nick (who lives with us), and Jeremy's girlfriend Jess and her 20 month old son Caden. Jess and Caden had to go to her family's house after brunch, so the rest of the day was just immediate family. It was our first holiday without my Uncle David who passed away a little over a month ago. It was so hard not having him there. Typically he was a bit of a curmudgeon on holidays, but we even missed that. It of course was hardest on my Auntie Wendy, but she has amazed me with her strength during this difficult time.

So today I am thankful for my family. I'm thankful that they are healthy and happy and that good things are coming down the pike for us all. I am thankful for the wonderful friends I have, even though I have been terrible at keeping in touch with them now that I have started working. I need to be better in that arena. I'm thankful for the new job I have and that it is secure. There are so many other things, but these are the ones that are in the forefront of my mind right now.

What are you thankful for?

Peace and Love,

Jen