Thanks! Giving!

I'm going to skip the ramblings about how much I love the holiday season and get right to the point. (BTW: I love Love LOVE the holidays!)

First of all today was a smashing success. My first holiday as hostess was beyond my own expectations. I've never fancied myself particularly strong in the culinary department, I can bake with the best of them, but cooking has never really been my forte. Those days are soooo over! I hate to be bragging about my own food but when "this is the best meal I've even eaten" gets bandied about a girl really starts to float on air. From the appetizers to the desserts the meal was incredible. (Menu and photos to follow.)

One of the reasons I love the holiday is the family time. I love me some family time. What started out as an orphan Thanksgiving quickly turned into a G-Fam extravaganza complete with a few rousing games of Loaded Questions thrown in for good measure. I started a new tradition this year one that I'm sure will be around for years to come. Instead of the cliche talking points for dinner with everyone listing all they're thankful for we anonymously wrote our responses down and stuck them in the centerpiece. During the dessert we read them. Tears were shed. Laughs and giggles followed. It's what I love about holidays. The security, the vulnerability, the moments to take the time to enjoy life, to take stock of our lives and be glad.

So.....Thanksgiving 2007....in a year that has been so freaking crammed full of life moments here's my list of what I'm thankful for, not just today, but all through the year:

1. My incredible family. Yes, all Fiasco 5 in all of our glory. I don't know who I'd be without them.
2. The new family members we've gained. With a wedding and two new babies this year we've certainly been blessed.
3. Snow tires. Already on my car in preperation for the week ahead and what's been predicted as much snow to put them to good use.
4. Sweet Pototoes. Ymmmm...Brown Sugar and Butter. Even better! :)
5. My job. And the paycheck that allows me to live the life I want to.
6. My apartment. My pretty apartment that is just what I want it to be....my home.
7. Diet Coke. And Coffee. Equally.
8. Today's dinner and the moments before and after.
9. Belle. Even though she is a very naughty kitten.
10. Christmas music.
11. Going to the 3-cities to see my sister!
12. Christmas shopping with my mamma and my sissy.
13. My health insurance.
14. The pumpkin caramel cheesecake that turned out fabulously both in the vision category and the taste competition!
15. My grandma. Lately I'm realizing how lucky I am to have her in my life.