Thankful Thursday, a day late

Well yesterday was a success. The food turned out well and everyone had a nice

time. It was not a big crowd(11 including us) but enough to make it a party. It rained here but not until the afternoon and so Macy's in NYC got their parade in and we watch

it every year whilst getting ready for company. So here are the things I am thankful for concerning yesterday.

1. That I used a meat thermometer in the bird which was done 2 HOURS before it was supposed to be. I really have to get an oven thermometer. I think my temp is way off.

2. The gravy worked!!! Ya know how sometimes it thickens and other times not? Well it was a

smashing success yesterday.

3. That my nephew and the dog did not get into any real scuffles. He thinks kicking her is funny.

She's not smart enough to stay away. When you tell him to stop, he sticks his fingers in his ears so he can't hear you and says, "I not doing anyfing." Like the puppy, he's too darn cute to stay mad at.

4. That I did not eat too much to make myself feel sick but nonetheless, thank goodness for stretch fabric pants.

5. That out of the million pictures that were taken with 3 cameras of the 3 of us and the dog, we

have ONE that will be good enough for a Christmas card photo. Unnerving how hard it is to get a good photo of us.

And to get down to the serious stuff.

I am thankful to have my husband here. Having just heard of another devastating loss of a

valiant and beautiful man to MM, not a day goes by when I don't realize how blessed we are to

have Tim doing well.

I'm so glad my parents are here. I know that not everyone gets to have their folks around into their own middle age so I am so thankful for that.

I'm grateful that during this economic depression, my family is all doing OK. Many are not and that is very sad indeed.

Things are not perfect around here to be sure. It still hits me like a ton of bricks all the time what the reality of our situation truly is. I am amazed that the 3 of us are able to live a somewhat normal life despite that but it really is due to the remission. I know that someday, this reprieve will end, but if cancer does anything positive, it makes you look real hard at your blessings. You don't take even the simple things for granted. I am saddened by the rifts that are in both of our families right now but realize that we do have to keep ourselves away from negative people that bring us down. I am glad that we have others in our family, neighbors, and friends who are all so supportive. It is very hard to always feel thankful when the cancer cloud hangs over your head but one learns that the price of not counting your blessings and finding some kind of peace is to go to a place emotionally that none of us want to go to. 2010 has been a pretty good year for us. A far sight better than a few of the years before it. I hope that 2011 is just as good and I sure hope these scientists that are working so hard to find the cure for MM are gaining on their goal FAST.

Today, we decorate the house for Christmas. I just love days like this. Happy holidays y'all!!!