November 20, 2007
Thankful me
So I totally stole this from Ames–told you I would! 
Thanksgiving is an odd time if you have a big family who all live within a 3o miles radius. It’s often a balancing act to see which house you will visit and when. Especially daunting when you have small kids who are easily annoyed and hard to entertain for hours on end–it’s not as if they’re bad–but after about hour seven in a sweater and seeing relatives who don’t even know how to use a computer because they’re older than dirt, the kids’ nerves have worn thin!
This year, I had an epiphany. I would host Thanksgiving at my house for the dh’s family (thankfully his dad, step-mom and brother are going to another state so we didn’t have to make plans around that extra schedule this year–that’s thankful #1). I have so far also invited BFF Sandy (thankful #2–did I remember to tell her I’d kill her if she doesn’t show . . .hmm . . . ). And last night I also invited my oldest Bro (thankful #3–we actually get along now that were are both adults chronologically, him, well . . . good thing he doesn’t ever read my blogs!). My mom is a harder sell, so far, as far as I know she will be by her lonesome, probably watching the boob-tube all day. I tried, but what more can I do? She takes to ultimatums even less now than she did when I was 16.
I have so much food I don’t even know what to do. I have cleaned every inch of parts of the house people will be–my bedroom: don’t think so, this kids’ rooms: enter at your own risk, there are some things even a mother shouldn’t have to do! (actually two of the kids’ rooms are clean with little to no bribery and mega threats of game system forfeiture)
But all in all life has been good. I have made some great new friends this year 
for which I am uber-thankful. Got to spend time with my dear friends in good times and in scary, but times we could hold each other up when need be and laugh at silly crap when no one else gets the joke! I have had some wonderful writing experiences 
and haven’t hung up the towel though I may have wanted to a few times. 
With so many things to be thankful for it almost seems a need for an extra day 
Maybe two to get all the thanks out. Hmm . . . That sounds like a good idea. Eh, I will just drink a couple extra glasses of wine, think I told everyone thanks and leave it at that–works for me 
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
And can I say: GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!
(You know where I will be Thursday afternoon!) 
mega threats of game system forfeiture
I’m thankful for gaming systems and computers to bribe/threaten my children wiht!
(Raine, checking mailbox for dinner invitation…sorrowfully shaking head as she leaves…).
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Dennie!
No lie, Ames. . . And Heir just lost his TV . . .didin’t think I’d check his grades while the kids are outta school SHEESH!
Raine, I , uh, hmm . . . you didn’t get it? That dernned old mailman . . .
Have a good Thanksgiving!
My kids tried to talk me out of making Thanksgiving dinner because they said they don’t feel like cleaning up afterward, and can we just get one of those ready-made dinners at the supermarket. My husband all but had a fit.
Oh that’s hilarious!
One year the dh’s mother made {gasp} Manicotti for Thanksgiving. The Dh whined and whined and threw a hissy-fit (when we got home, not in front of momma) so for the last four years, the Saturday before, I have been doing all the trimmings turkey early to ensure he got it.
hmm….. maybe that was why I offered to have, I still had to do it all, but now I get actual kudos from the not-living-in-this-house-family (’cause you know my kids have never said anything!)