Seasons of Love

I have to say that today was one of the best Thanksgivings that I've ever had. I'm not totally sure why. It just seemed more relaxed. In years past, I was working full-time and had no time to think about the holidays until the night before. Last year, I was at home during that time but Erin was only a few months old and things were still wild. This year, we decided to not cook a full turkey. We got turkey breasts, turkey legs and turkey wings (all pre-cut) for the same price as the regular bird. There was less mess, less cook time (only about 1 1/2 hours!) and the kids went down for a nap during most of the cooking. We maybe had 2 hours of cooking the whole day. Mom and Brenda were gracious enough to cook side dishes and bring them over. For the first time (maybe ever), I got to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade from beginning to end. Another thing that helped is that I saw a sale at Party City on tableware the day before and went and got sturdy but pretty disposable plates and silverware. We never have enough silverware when everyone comes to town. Clean up was a breeze. I feel like I truely got to rest this holiday.

I am incredibly thankful for my family and friends. My life group is some of the best friends that I've ever had in my whole life. My brothers and sisters (Rod, Ryan, Kim, Doug and Carolyn) contantly humor me and love me when I'm bossy and crazy. I feel challenged by them and thank God that they are in my life. My parents have dealt with me for 26 years and yet my relationship with them only grows sweeter. I have the best mother-in-laws (Brenda and Pam) in the whole world! A girl couldn't ask for a better relationship with either of them. My extended family is always so welcoming and loving. My Ethan. He always makes me giggle with the way his little imagination comes up with stuff. I feel like a little kid again, exploring the world when I'm with him. He helps me to remember to delight in the simple and small things. I love his inquisitive spirit. My Erin. She helps me to live a little on the wild side. She's constantly reminding me to go after life with no fear, to loosen up a little and have fun sometimes. Yet she still shows me her calm, sweet side. Last night I cuddled with her on the couch and we watched Wheel of Fortune. Those moments with her are so precious and few.

And last but not least, my dear husband, John. I love him so much. Before we got married, I wondered what it would be like 5 years down the road. Now we are here and even past that benchmark. I thought it could never get better than the day we wed. But it has. We've had crazy trials and valleys to trudge through but we've made it and are continuing to travel on. I love him more than I ever thought was possible. I've never met someone who was more of a perfect match for me than he is. He is my helper, my leader, my confidant and friend. I love him so much. I am so blessed and thankful for the great people in my life. I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving.

"525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love." -Seasons of Love, RENT