Ten Things I'm Thankful For

These are not ALL the things I've been thankful for today, but they're the first ten that came into my head ...

1) That my husband understands when I forget to do something I've said I would when I'm overwhelmed with other things. This one came to me about 2:30 AM, when I woke up to go to the bathroom and realized "Oh gosh, I said I'd ........ on Wednesday, and it's already Thursday."

2) Four part harmony. Our choir sang at mass this morning, and it always makes me happy to hear the different parts fulfilling and enriching each other. A metaphor for some things in life that I would do well to remember.

3) Grandchildren. Camilla and Daniel are the cutest and sweetest little ones anywhere.

4) My turkey roaster. My husband has always done the turkey, and with the Nesco roaster I can use the oven for other things while the turkey cooks merrily away.

5) My good china. When we got married, we and most of our friends were poor, so our wedding presents were things like a handmade comforter and a big basket of kitchen staples that a bunch of people went in on. But I already had a set of very nice fine china that I'd bought at an auction sale back when I was in college in Pennsylvania. It has most things for ten people (it was originally for twelve), lots of serving pieces, and cost me $68!

6) Systemization I am an anxious person, more Martha than Mary, who tends to obsess over getting everything done. Many years back I put my standard Thanksgiving menu, shopping list, and work plan (what gets done in advance, what last-minute things come in what order) on the computer. Every year now I print a copy and follow directions. It doesn't make me stress free, but it sure helps!

7) The Internet We had a nice video-chat with George after dinner. It's so much fun to see the babies going crazy over his picture on the screen. They'll know him when he gets home!

8) Everybody will be home for Christmas Maggie flies back from Austria on Dec.18, and George and my brother "Ace" and his wife "Tink" all arrive on the 22nd. It'll be a full house, a madhouse, and just plain wonderful.

9) Pumpkin pie (and pecan, and apple, and ....) We made 6 pies for 10 people counting the babies. Pie for breakfast tomorrow!!

10) No school tomorrow! An "alarmless morning" is a rare treat. Even today I had to be up because the choir had a run-through before mass because some extra musicians were joining us. Tomorrow ... z.z.z.z.z.z.z.z.zZZ!