In Honor Of Thanksgiving

Today in America it is Thanksgiving Day. The first couple of years we kept the tradition up with friends but it got to be too complicated here with kids and so on. In fact we actually gave up doing much for Thanksgiving when I got pregnant with S while we were in America still. Not because of religious reasons particularly, but logistical reasons. Thanksgiving is always on Thursday, followed by Shabbat. That means cooking two major meals in a row. Being 9 mo. pregnant does not inspire one to want to either A) cook two large meals or B) go anywhere that might require too much effort. Incidentally we met my in-laws and crew for drinks at a near by restaurant and then went home to watch movies on the DVD. Now that's Thanksgiving! My parents came for brunch the next AM.

So now here it is 7 years later and in honor of Thanksgiving I am counting my blessings and listening/ watching Operation Petticoat while I blog and then start work. And for those of you who GASP! don't know....Operation Petticoat is a 1959 movie with the suave Cary Grant and the handsome Tony Curtis. My kids have a vague idea of what Thanksgiving is, which in their case includes cards and goodies from America and the notion that is an American holiday. But they certainly are "grateful for the goodies.

As for the grown ups, I don't speak for my husband, but I have fond memories of Thanksgiving. We used to go skiing a lot. No crowds and lines, my mom had peace and quiet, she doesn't share the kitchen well.. and my sister, dad and I had an amazing dinner when we got home. I have a lot of other good memories too, but those are some of my favorites. Now I am a grown up and I understand even more that there is plenty to be grateful for. So here is my list of things to be grateful for on Thanksgiving.

First, that we have all that we need. While our budget is tight, we do have all the basic necessities and as hokey as it sounds, we are grateful that we have lights, running water, food to eat and work to do. We read about the tsunamis, earthquakes and the dire situations here and all over the world and know that we are blessed by just having the basics in life. I include my job with this as the unemployment rate world wide is a scary thing right now. But not only do I work, but it is the most ideal situation ever.

Second, I am grateful for my kids. They are a challenge, a blessing, my joy and my undoing as I told my aunt recently. Today M started her new school FINALLY! And although she was very nervous about a change and she did not really want to go, she was such a trooper. She jumped right in, participated in class and her teacher said she did great. Whew, what a relief. It is nice to know that even though they balk at home and can be stubborn and difficult and so on, when they are away from home they know how to behave. Grocery store moments not included........... My boys too get compliments frequently from school and friends' parents and so on. Nice to know we are doing something right.

Third, I have amazing in-laws. Most people dread visits from their in-laws and most women I know hold their breath in particular with their MILs'. I happen to adore my mother in law! She is just so thoughtful and caring and I really just enjoy talking to her. She calls nearly every night to talk to the kids and about once a week or so we catch up to find out what's what on the other side of the pond. My husband actually gives me a bad time (he's joking of course) about how much time I spend talking or on-line chatting with his mom.

Fourth, of course I am grateful for my own husband. We have very different ideas frequently and we have very heated debates, but I am grateful to have him in my life. With out him I would not have 3 wonderful children and I would not be where I am or what I am doing today.

Finally, I am grateful for my own family. I think my mom single handedly keeps her local post office in business with the amount of stuff she sends. Plus she is my mom and she has always been wonderful, so what more can I say? My sister and I are very lucky to have grown up in our family with our parents. We have a lot of good memories as a family,and despite my being over here away from the crew, we do keep up. In addition to fabulous parents and a lovely sister who has always been a challenge and a.... challenge, I have two wonderful Aunties and an Uncle. Between the three of them I have gotten to do some really cool things. Including living in Hawaii for 6 months. I also have an extensive knowledge of the California wine industry as well..also very handy and Yum!

So there you go, in a very long detailed blog, this is what Thanksgiving is to me. We may not be eating turkey or watching football, but I do have Cary Grant and I will be rooting for the Ducks tomorrow and I am truly thankful for all that G-d has given me and my family. So to all of you where ever you are, have a Happy Thanksgiving no matter where you are or what you are doing. And bundle up, because if you are not here, it is probably cold out there!