Today we celebrated Thanksgiving, rather on a whim. One of the challenges of divorce is the division of time on the holidays. We swap Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday time on a rotating basis. It's a challenge for me on the odd years, when the kids are with their dad for Thanksgiving. It's my favorite time of the year, bar none. I love the cooking, the cleaning, the prep time and the general attitude of the entire season. I find it very difficult when I am not with the kids.

So, I got creative this year and decided to celebrate the holiday - particularly the food part - on Wednesday, prior to the kids' travel to their dad's place Thursday morning. They had a half day of school today, so I got busy as soon as they left. When they walked in the door, the table was set, the cherry pie was on the side table and the delicious aroma of turkey wafted through the house.

They were surprised - and quite pleased! I was happy, having an opportunity to cook all morning. All in all, it was a terrific day, followed up by a visit to the theatre to see Enchanted, which was a wonderful family movie. No cussing, no nudity - just a mean dragon and evil step-mother and a sweet story. It's rare that we encounter a movie that all the kids enjoy, from ages 8 to 17. This definitely fit the bill.

Tonight, on the eve of the 'official' Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with gratitude, thankful to be surrounded by my incredible kids, amazing friends and the ability to appreciate and enjoy it all.


Getting ready; the menu included sweet potatoe souffle, mashed potatoes with cream cheese, deviled eggs, hot rolls, lima beans and the standard turkey and stuffing. The kids always ask for sparkling grape juice, so we polished off two bottles today. Yum.

Our friend Katie is almost finished with her first semester at VCU. She came home today and headed to our house to visit. Lucky her, she was in time for dinner!

The cat slept through the days' events. Looks comfy out there on the deck...

I am grateful, as well, for any of you who read these words. I pray God's richest blessings upon you, along with a heart and home full of gratitude. Thank you for the ways in which you enrich my life.