I Am Thankful....

Thanksgiving has come and gone with a blink of an eye and a few stuffed bellies. Between 2 Thanksgiving Feast at FBK w/ the P's and our regular Thanksgiving lunch at my Grandparent's, we were definitely eaten' good for about a week straight.

I look forward to Thanksgiving and my Grandmother's cooking ALL year! As a matter of fact, I'd venture to say, that anyone who has a lick of sense eaten my Grandmother's Thanksgiving Feast would say the same thing, it's that good. I pretty much fast for 2 weeks leading up to the day so that there is plenty of room in my tummy for all the goodness. Creamed potatoes- SHUT YO' MOUTH! There are photo's and videos of me dating back to age 4-5yrs old eating her creamed potatoes, licking the bowl, spoon, counter, whatever may have a smidgen of tater left on it and yes, if you're wondering, you can still catch me acting like an unfed animal when it comes to getting the last bite. That Craig's one lucky guy ;)

My brother Josh came out Thanksgiving Eve to hang w/ Craig and I for a bit. We watched I Love You, Man and called it a night. I needed to be well rested for the run I committed to the next morning. He says he does this every year, that way he doesn't feel so guilty for all the carbs he eats and because he's always been the smart one, I decided to tag along. I woke up, prepared frittata's and met Josh for our first annual Thanksgiving run annnnnnd struggled. Running in 30 degree temps is no joke, especially when you've never done it before, my chest was on fire. Needless to say, it wasn't my best, but hey, it was a solid effort and I will do it again.

When the Orrell " We're always running late " Family finally arrived in Trenton, GA- it did not disappoint. Babies, Grandbabies,Great Grandbabies, OH MY! There were 22 people in attendance this year. I remember the days where there were less than half that. 2 plates at lunch, 2 pieces of cheesecake, followed up by another plate a couple of hours later and I was finally content. Mmmm mmmm good! You out did yourself again this year Grandmother, and me and my 5 extra pounds, Thank You.

It's only appropriate that on Thanksgiving, we give Thanks for those things we are Thankful for.

I Am Thankful:

-That I get to attend Thanksgiving with my family as I have every year since I can remember

-That I have a husband who attends that Thanksgiving me with every year, for 7 years, while missing his   own family meals, because he knows how important it is to me.Who isn't turned off by the fact that my plate may be piled up just as high as his is with food.

-For a Grandmother who spends 24hrs preparing /cooking  for 4 generations of family on Thanksgiving and a Grandfather who mans ship and offers full support. For the 2 who love nothing more than to have all of their family under one roof, if only for one day and a few hours a year.

-For my Mom and her unbelievable amount of strength, dignity, and grace. One who always does for others before herself and who can still rock a pair of skinny jeans and high heels. Funny, smart, successful and beautiful, she is the Mom I aspire to be everyday.

-For my Stepdad, who without his inept ability to scare the absolute crap out of my brothers and I from birth to graduation, I would be the biggest baby this side of Paulding County. The one who took me to get my permit at 15-which was the first mistake considering the 2 dented family cars, 2 totaled cars as a teenager,  1 burned out clutch, and 1 curbed/busted tire later. All that and he has yet to charge me for his labor.

-For 2 younger brothers who now, I actually claim and even consider them my friends. Who have turned out to be quite alright regardless of the mass amounts of torture they endured on my behalf.

-For pretty amazing In-Law's that I love and enjoy spending time with. Who treat me as one of their own, accommodate me in anyway ( ex.preparing 2 beef hamburgers just for me while everyone else eats deer ) and love our little P's more than I could ever ask for

-For each and every one of my girlfriends, for without each of you, your lending ears,and a great glass of wine, I'm quite sure I would have lost my sanity.

And last but most importantly, I Am Thankful and beyond blessed for this little brown eyed beauty and this little strawberry blonde cutie, who remind me each and every day what life is all about.