TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE...thanks that is

Ok, so of course the answer is "to give thanks". I was just trying to think up something "clever" to put in the title.

Thanksgiving was typical this year with one change- Mike was sick. We went to Cedar and had lunch/dinner/breakfast for the next ten years at Mark and Stacy's house (Mike's Uncle and Aunt) with the majority of the Bradshaw family. It was rather laid back. A little football, no board games, just friendly conversation and food. Well, there were those tormenting Krista about politics. I did not join in on the tormenting and I felt bad that she was being picked on. I think she was happy to leave when it was time to go home. I would feel the same way. Anyway, like I had mentioned, Mike was sick. Whenever he gets a cold it turns into a sinus infection and this time it was like he had a constant bloody nose for 2 days (sorry to those who are getting queasy). He was in a lot of pain. We didn't stay in Cedar too long because of that. We came home and got some Christmas decor out, uprooted our home, and created a jolly wonderland for our kids. We even put lights on the outside of our house! That's a first for us! We were so excited until tonight when the neighbors put a Wal-Mart display complete with a million lights, blow-up Santa's, those creepy deer that look like skeletons but move their heads (you know what I'm talking about) and all the glittery flashy outside decorations you can think of. Compared to them, we look like the energizer bunny with no batteries. JUST WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR! IT WILL BE WAR!

On another note, we found an AWESOME new kid restaurant right by our house. It's called Pirates Island and the inside looks like a cave. It has a talking bird and skull at the entrance that are very Disney-esque and a little gift shop. There are lights, sounds, an arcade that is NOT part of the eating area, and the kitchen is a pirate ship. There's even a little area for tiny kids to play. The best part is that it's a real restaurant with waiters. It's not one of those places where you have to get your own food while trying to avoid the kids running around. It's an upgraded Chucky Cheeses. Needless to say, the kids loved it, and we didn't mind it either. It was nice having a place to play while we waited to be seated.

So, I have gone off on a few tangents when my real purpose for this post was to "give thanks", remember? SO, how 'bout I do that really quick, hum?

I am thankful for: -my family (I must mention my wonderful husband who keeps me laughing and whom I truly love) -my parents -Mike's parents (his Dad has helped us SO much this year with Anna's school and this weekend helped us so much with groceries and food storage) -
baby hugs -the Gospel -I never thought I'd say this, but GAMEBOY! It has saved my sanity at times when it comes to my son -modern technology -my families health -cars -blow dryers -sleep....and about a billion other things that keep me going everyday. It's amazing how much good is in my life when I sit down and list things. How easily I forget at times.......