Sorry, blog.

I'm sorry for neglecting you, bloggy. Life has been hectic.

So, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, it was Thanksgiving Eve. My siblings were home. And I was happy. Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. This year it was small--only my mom, siblings and our grandparents. Just the way I like it. This year I truly realized the meaning of Thanksgiving. Of course, we all realize the original meaning of Thanksgiving...being thankful for the "bountiful harvest" but we don't stop right there. This year I had so much to be grateful--it ranged from a sweet dog who loves to snuggle to the awesome job that I scored this past year to a warm house to finding a million reasons to smile each day. But, as Kelle Hampton so nicely put it, "that's not the heart of it. That's not the meaty core of Thanksgiving...the kind [she wants her] kids to grasp and feel." The thankfulness that I felt this holiday came right around the time that my mother was frantically trying to heat up all the food (that we had already cooked the day before), Henry and my grandfather were talkin' football talk in front of the tv, the fire was blazing, Lucy was working on a puzzle, the dog sprawled out beneath her feet, my grandmother was telling my mom old stories and I was roaming amongst them all, drinking in the happiness and the warmth that I have in my family and in my life. This holiday was everything I had envisioned and more--It was as peaceful as ever, I was surrounded by those I love and we had delicious food.

The family fun came on Saturday night. Henry, Lucy, my mom and I drove to my grandparents, where my mom's brother Bruce and his girlfriend Sherry were. We laughed SO many times that night. I wish I wrote down every word that was said. I absolutely adore the openness of my family and our ability to be sarcastic and funny with each other one minute and then move to a more serious topic when appropriate...and then go right back to laughing after.

See what I mean? Silly to serious in a second.

Sunday was sad. Saying goodbye to my favorite (and only!) siblings in the whole wide world was hard! It was one of the best visits we've ever had...each time we get closer and closer. The distance is suddenly killing me. At first it didn't bother me that Lucy and Henry were a couple hundred miles away from me. When they left after this visit, it really sunk in. My heart felt so full and happy while they were home and now there's a large void.

Anyway, this just means that I'm extra excited for Christmas break. And speaking of Christmas...I'm starting to get in the mood more. At first I couldn't decide if I would like this holiday this year...but I think I've decided that I do. I go through this every year. I love Christmas. No matter what.

I'm aiming towards a hand-made Christmas (aka all hand-made gifts) which I know will not happen, but I'm going to do my best. No time to blog...I gotta get craftin', folks. More to come.

Thankful for....you ruining my day. (NOT.)

Dear Mom,

Thanks for ruining my day. My day today AND my day yesterday. Last night I actually went to bed angry...and going to bed angry is a big no-no for me. And this is a letter, not for you, but for me, to get all this anger out. Because god knows...if I sent this letter to you you'd probably kill me in my sleep tonight. So, it will stay right here on this blog and you will never have to see it.

Let's get the facts straight. Last night, you BEGGED me to watch the Biggest Loser with you. So, I came into the living room, and pulled up the big brown chair next to you. You were sitting in the green chair, right next to the fire. About halfway through the two hour show, you got up. I stole your chair. It's a usual routine for us. Either I steal the green chair by the fire from you or you steal it from me. We're both kind people so usually we just accept it because it's only fair...You get it for one half and I get it for the other. Last night was different I guess. I stole the chair and you went ballistic. Being the stubborn curmudgeon that I supposedly am, I didn't budge. Why would I? You got it for half the night, I got it for the other half. I thought the whole situation was funny, that you were getting so worked about me stealing your chair. You did not. You were being immature and selfish. I suggested that maybe you could have the green chair if I could have the brown one by the fire. No. Not an option apparently. Eventually, after a little arguing, you yelled "Fuck you, Sophie. You're so selfish. Enjoy the fire." And you stomped up the stairs and SLAMMED your door. Wow. That's really all I have to say.

Around 9:30, while I was thoroughly enjoying the fire and the television, I got really sleepy. I moved onto the floor with a pillow and a blanket, curled up, and fell asleep. I went into a deep sleep. Like so deep, that I didn't even notice when you mom came downstairs and shut off all the lights except for the ones in the living room. I woke up at 12:30am, SO confused. What was I doing asleep on the living room floor at 12:30am? Would it have been THAT hard to wake me up? Did you really not have the courtesy to simply tell me to move upstairs? Thanks a lot. I woke up and was really tired and I contemplated staying down there, but ended up going upstairs. It was so late and I was so tired that I didn't have much time to process the night, thus, I went to bed feeling angry.

This morning I prayed that you had forgotten about last night and that maybe we could completely forgive and forget. I guess not. We put it aside for most of the morning until we started arguing about my buying a new camera (honestly?) and you completely lost it...and then I did. We had a good fight....and by good, I mean....you won't talk to me now. And I'm feeling mad and upset that my day is already ruined.

I'm really hoping that you will chill out before we have to get Lucy. Sure would suck to come home to this.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Eve...I hope yours is better than mine.

Is this cute or what?

In response to my mom's Thanksgiving food list that she sent my grandmother:

"Hi Nan and Soph,
Thanks for the list. Nifty! I will love doing my chores. And I love using our crudite dish.It has to be a real antique, and beautiful. If Sophie lets me know when she is free next week--we could go to WF together, and scoop up our goodies. Be fun. I had Tues. in mind. When does school shut down? Soph can let me know.
Goodnight beautiful ladies, Nonny and Ho (in the shower)
Oh----love you so much!"

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my grandparents more than they even know. And I can't wait to go shopping at Whole Foods with my grandmother next week! What a sweetie.