Thankful

Thanksgiving is always a special time of year, but this year it was extra special. #1 turned four on Thanksgiving day and is innocent enough to think that the turkey, cranberries, stuffing AND the two-story spider-man cake was all for him. We celebrated with our southern contingent - which was a good time as always. #1 got a bike from his parents for his birthday. We should have learned last year when he was underwhelmed with his like-a-bike. He opened the packaging and declared, "this bike is broken; it has no pedals!" This year, it was the real deal and he brushed it off just the same. It's tough being a parent! Hours of searching for the perfect present and wham - no love. ... and so begins the search for the perfect Santa gift.

Our added Thanksgiving bonus this year - my sweet niece JoJo finally made it out of the NICU in Portland and is settling in beautifully with the rest of her family in Eugene, OR. JoJo was born with VATER association and after 3 surgeries and healing time she's well on her way. I couldn't be more thankful for that. The Ronald McDonald house took excellent care of JoJo's parents while she was fighting away in the NICU. Regardless of your thoughts on our plump population and BigMac's responsibility for that, this charity does it right. Remember them in your holiday donations.