Another Thanksgiving is in the books. Or blogs. Whatever. Anyway, as usual we (meaning my wife, child and brother) went to Cape Girardeau for the family Thanksgiving. It's kinda like a family reunion for my mother's side, except it only lasts one day and we don't play any retarded games.
Anyway, it was a good turnout this year, a few no-shows but a good sized crowd nonetheless. The best news was that my great aunts Stella and Marguerite (or Deet as we call her) made it this year. As I've mentioned before Stella had a stroke earlier this year and Deet has Parkinson's disease. They've both been in and out of hospitals and rehab for months now and them showing up was a question mark. Stella appeared to be doing well, though a bit weak. I realised after we left that I don't think I actually spoke with her. I meant to, and feel bad that I didn't, but I know she was able to see Tessa for a little bit, so that's good. Sometimes when you're in that situation with so many people you just don't get to visit with everyone like you should. I will rectify my error next chance I get...even if that's next Thanksgiving.
I'd heard that Deet wasn't doing well and was having trouble focusing in on conversations. In fact, my brother said that when he spoke to her she was almost incoherent. Fortunately my brief conversation with her was perfectly fine. It felt good to see her again. Deet got to hold Tessa from her wheel chair, which would have been a great picture had I been able to find the camera. Oh well, still a nice moment.
Then there was Uncle Bob (who I like more and more as an adult). He decided to get my wife Valerie, and cousins-in-law (if that's a thing), Julie and Jennifer to stand together in a picture. Because they're all pregnant. His exact words were "Maybe we can figure out what's causing all this." Which is funny. I mean, I can't speak for the others, but I'm pretty sure I know what happened in our case.
In all, it was nice to see everyone and of course the food was awesome. Rich, home cooked Southern comfort food can't be beat. It was a good day. And Tessa argued with the prayer.
Let me explain that. We have been teaching her to pray at home, but we don't shush her if she talks during the prayer. Well, in public she needs to shush. So as we were trying to get her to sit still and pray, she kept saying "no" and it sounded like an argument.
Here's pretty much what it sounded like when my brother began to pray:
Derek: Lord, we're so grateful to be here today...
Tessa: No.
Derek: If you were to ask anyone here what they're thankful for, the first would be your son...
Tessa: No.
Derek...And the second would be this family.
Tessa: No!
And that was my family's Thanksgiving.
Valerie's family celebration was last night. The food was good (though not like Cape-sorry), and everyone seemed to have a good time. My evening started off questionable when Glen thought I called him Mike which I didn't (I was saying "hi"). No big deal, but always a weird feeling when that happens.
My Brother and Sister-In-Law Ron and Stephanie brought us an old crib they're not using so we can get a head start on preparing for the twins. My trunk didn't exactly stay closed on the way home but we made it. Thanks guys!
The Seibert family (our hosts) have a Wii system and the "Rock Band" game. Tessa was fascinated with the drum set. She probably played it on and off for an hour...with sticks! Johnny, you've got competition. Kidding!!! It's nice that she has such an interest in music though.
So now that Thanksgiving is over we can move on to my favorite holiday...Christmas. I am a Christmas guy. I'm a sucker for it. I love the music, the decorations, the shopping malls (and I don't mind the lines either), the T.V. specials...all of it.
I guess I just never lost the magic of Christmas. You know how you felt about it all as a kid? I still have that. But there's even more to it now.
You see, Christmas is what you want it to be. If you choose to focus on the headaches and stress involved you won't enjoy the holiday. I choose to focus on the fun stuff, the whimsical side of the secular, and the peace of the religious side. We sing carols in my house. We decorate. We tell The Christmas Story. We watch "A Christmas Story." And we give gifts to show our love for one another. We also give to honor Christ in this season. We put money in the kettles and participate in our church's Christmas programs. It really is my favorite time of year-except for the cold and snow which I normally can't stand, but even that's acceptable. Until Jan. 2nd, at which point I want it back in the 60's. Unlikely. but a man can dream, right?
Anyway, the season's upon us and I'm sure I'll talk about it some more, along with whatever else pops into my head. See you soon, have a good one.
Dave.
P.S. For those it concerns, Valerie now has my list and you should get it soon. Sorry for the delay-been a bit busy.
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