334. Lazy afternoon

The girl spent the night with my parents last night because the man and I got up at 1:30 a.m. to drive Drew back to the airport (it is two hours away) in time for his red eye flight.  We got back home just in time to see the sun rise and fall asleep for a couple of hours.

I am so thankful for wonderful parents.  They are amazing grandparents and Julia loves being with them.

Once home, Julia stayed in her pajamas all day and lounged about watching some Christmas cartoons.  We all felt a bit worn out.  Even Clementine got in on the slug fest that was our afternoon.

333. Hanukkah

We finally found time to slow down enough to light the menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.   We made matzo ball soup and spent time together with family and friends.

Mallory in London and Dalton traveling back to New Haven were missed.

332. Thankful

Flight delays can stink but my sister and I decided to have fun while waiting at the airport.  We made up crazy stories about the various people also waiting for loved ones to arrive.  At times, we were hysterically laughing.  Just like we used to do when we were kids.  Sleep deprivation may have played a part.  We weren't mean -- just silly.  It was 3:30 a.m. before we got home.  But we had Drew home in time for Thanksgiving.

Just a few hours later, we gathered at my grandparent's farm for a huge Thanksgiving meal.  The weather was cold and the sky was blue -- perfect weather to walk about in after the feast.

We didn't get my grandfather in the picture because he had gone to take a nap.  There was some discussion of gathering around his bed to take a picture while he slept but that got voted out.  Thankfully.

It was a wonderful day with the family.  So happy to have both my boys home.  For a little while.

331. Pine cone lilies

A run with a friend in town for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Baking and cooking and preparing food for tomorrow's feast.
Pine cone lilies cut from the yard.
Heading out in a few to the airport (it is a few hours away) to pick up the oldest boy.

Thanksgiving is so busy but I wouldn't want it any other way.

330. Gratitude

"Be thankful for what you have.  You'll end up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never have enough." ~ Oprah Winfrey

I am thankful for:
*rainy days and movie dates with the family.
*inside jokes.
*friends who help build memories with the kids.
*a running partner that will run in the rain.
*dark chocolate.
*a husband that I adore.
*the chance to do good in the world.
*a dog with a swollen belly who is home from the vet.

Now You
52 of You - Gratitude
47/52

329. Sleep-over

In that house on a quiet street, the girl is having her first sleep-over.  Ever.  There is a lot of squealing going on in that pink curtained room of hers.

The college boy will likely hear them in the wee hours of the morning.

When she first moved in, she often talked about wanting to have a sleep-over.  A few days later, she brought up the idea again but this time asked us to explain exactly what a sleep-over was.

So happy that she is getting to have these experiences.

Tonight, I'm missing my Mili.  She got so very sick yesterday and last night.  The vet thinks she may have pancreatitis and they are keeping her to keep fluids in her.  Clementine is home and seems lost without the supreme leader keeping her in line.

328. Beaming

Dalton arrived late Saturday night.  I jumped up and down when I saw him walk through the walkway at the airport.  Julia was happy, too.

Sunday was filled with talking and spending time together.  My parents, my sister and her husband, some friends, and Dalton's father all came over for dinner.  And Moscow Mules.

In the midst of all the company were two sick dogs.  Yes, two.  Clementine continued with the snotty nose and sneezing.  She curled up with Dalton to sleep.  And then there was Mili who was vomiting and panting.  We think she may have eaten something outside that didn't agree with her.

Regardless, I am thankful my friends and family are pet people.  I'm thankful one son is home and the other will be home in a few days.  I'm thankful for being surrounded by love.  My cup runneth over.