Trippin' on Tryptophan

We had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday. We didn't get to go home (meaning Tennessee) for the holiday, but we hosted a few friends at our house, and we all contributed to what was a fantastic meal! It was nice not having to prepare everything myself, and I didn't even cook the turkey this year. I usually roast that big bird in the oven, but our friend Jim, who is the 'cooker' at his house and a foody, grillin', new gadget kind of guy, bought a smoker a while back and volunteered to cook the turkey. I thought that was a great idea, and it would free up my time and my oven to concentrate on some kickin' side dishes.

Everything was really good, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and the company. However, I think I have a turkey hangover. I'm not kidding. I've been dragging around here all day, and all I wanted to do was go back to bed and "sleep it off." I'm not sure if it's the tryptophan that has me trippin' or if there was something suspect in that smoke. I think I should find out.

Late in the afternoon, someone decided we should play a board game. Luckily, my "symptoms" didn't kick in yesterday, or Connie and I might not have been able to beat the boys (our husbands) at Trivial Pursuit Genus Edition. I have to mention it because, try as we might, we rarely win. I think Jim studies the cards at home...or just stores lots of random facts in his head. Either way, the guys regularly kick our butts.

Whatever.

I am so thankful...

1. for an awesome God who loves me, who saved me, who walks with me daily through my crazy life, protecting me from myself

2. for the kindest, most patient man I know--my husband for almost 15 years--who loves me in spite of myself and puts up with all my "stuff" (and tries hard to fly just below the radar on this "blog thing")

3. for my baby who begins my day, everyday, with the biggest, cheesiest grin you've ever seen simply because he's glad to see me

4. for my toddler who keeps me on my toes and has me laughing (and sometimes crying) throughout the day because of his antics (oh yeah, and he helps me with the laundry)

5. for my daughter whose love for music (and silly dancing in the living room) makes me smile, and that she is healthy enough to grow her hair and donate it to a kid who needs a little dignity and hope

6. for my son who can almost always makes me laugh, even if it's at myself because he's silly and witty at the same time (and he's a great jar-opener)

7. for being raised in a Christian home by my single mom, who no doubt made tons of sacrifices for us kids and didn't complain about it, and for my aunt who truly is my second mom

8. for being reconciled to my father recently and hearing him say he loves me for the first time at 36 years of age (it's never too late), and for meeting two aunts for the first time that I really like...they're "quirky" hahaha :)

9. for inlaws who love me like one of their own and only occasionally think about finding Jay a new wife (mainly when they read my blog)

10. for friends over the miles and through the years that have left their mark on who I am today

11. to live in a country where I'm free to worship, to homeschool, to speak my mind, and just about anything I can imagine or dream of and for everyone past and present who has fought to make it all possible

13. for love, laughter, music, good food, good friends, good times...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!