food, fun, and festivities..

Still hanging in StL 'til tomorrow... Hard to believe the holidays are now in full force! White christmas lights are up, shopping has begun, tasty treats around the house (too many), christmas music isn't annoying yet, I guess only the christmas tree is left, and some snow! So many things I'm thankful for.. And since I'm feeling rather sentimental ;) here's a few:

- I love my Fam! Our full crew having Thanksgiving together was truly a blessed celebration! Its been over a year since we've all in the same place together. A few times this last year we came too close to 'downsizing' I'll say.. so there's a whole new appreciation for loving my family! Lots of joy & laughter around this house... which brings me to #2...

-AbbeyRae. Her 1st Thanksgiving, almost 11 months old. She is such a clown, and provides entertainment wherever she goes. My mom found an old "My Buddy" which has become Abbey's lifesize boyfriend. Its cute, but concerning she is hugging and kissing "Chucky". Here's a video clip- http://media.putfile.com/Abbey--Buddy (double click once video shows up)

-SuSu "BettyCrocker" Stevens. Thanks mom for setting up the Stevens Hotel-Motel and for making the awesome Thanksgiving Bistro! my pants are now a little tighter, thanks.. The best thing after Thanksgiving is Leftovers! yumyum..

-Rachel's Head! Its still all together, and she gets her cranium back for Christmas! Her side skull plate will be defrosting soon and scheduled to be back on Dec 19th. I'm sure she will miss her blue helmet and buzzing her hair. She's doing awesome by the way! Nothing like a sista..

- My life-long "st.louis buds"- Becky, Sarah, and Ria... "The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." How true!

- Family Traditions.. such as late night walks..brrr, family stories, TurkeyDay excitement, WG!, Dad wanting a family sing-along, all of us making fun of each other... wit & sarcasm keeps it alive!

- Good health, good genes,.. and some vitamins. (haha)

- and I have to say it, Blogging! As silly as this sounds, I've been more connected with family & friends this last month than in a long time. I enjoy keeping up with friends blogs, and guess its also a cheap form of therapy to have one yourself. Try it!

- More than anything else, I'm thankful for a BIG God who is alive with goodness, mercy, and immeasurable grace! He's given more blessings than I can realize or even blog about.

Here's to thankfulness & Happy Holidays! See you Memphis friends soon...