Gearing up for Turkey Day!

Well, we have all the groceries bought, the turkey is resting peacefully in the refrigerator, the roasting pan is on the counter. I'm picking up two Marie Callendar pies (pumpkin and cherry) tomorrow. I bought them from Ella's babysitter's son. They had a fundraiser at school, so not only did I get the pies for the same price as if I went to the restaurant and bought them, part of the cost went to the school. Now that's Thanks giving!

I have to say Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday of the year. I love everything about the meal and stuffing myself without feeling an ounce of guilt. Plus the Macy's parade, football, and that nice sleepy feeling you get for the rest of the day from all the tryptophan in the turkey. Although according to the "how stuff works" website, it's not really the tryptophan that makes you sleepy. If you're the curious type, check out: "Is there something in turkey that makes you sleepy?"

Anyway, we are really looking forward to our visit with our friends Erin and DJ. Andrew and DJ are planning on playing golf on Wednesday afternoon, while Erin and I get organized for our cooking extravaganza. Then on Thursday morning, Andrew will get the bird ready and start baking it while we sit and relax until all the side dishes need to be made. Then the rest of the day will be spent with good spirits (yay, a good excuse for some wine!) and good friends.

I'm also excited because I plan on decorating the house for Christmas this weekend. I want to maximize decoration time since we'll be traveling for Christmas. Also my mom and Dave are coming to visit Dec. 1-5 so I'd like to have the house ready for their visit.

As we think about everything we are thankful for this year, and with the holidays approaching, let's remember there are those less fortunate than us. Please think of giving a little. Toys for Tots is a great charity. Barnes and Noble also has a nice charitable opportunity. Our local store has a holiday book donation drive. You can buy a book for a child of a specific age (ie: Girl, age 2) and that book will be given to a child fitting that description for Christmas. I bought one last weekend with Ella in mind. I hope they are doing this particular drive in the future because I'd like for her to help me pick out the book and for it to come from her. This way maybe she'll realize she's fortunate to receive all the things she does and that some kids have a lot less than her. Plus, I love the educational value of giving a child a book.

Okay, I'll get down from my soapbox now.

Also, please keep my cousin, Michael in your thoughts and prayers has he gets ready to leave for Iraq. He is in the army and is leaving next month to go there for a year. We hope for a quick year and his safe return!

We hope all of our friends and family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to have all of you in our lives!