So Thankful

I am so thankful for the things that I have, the family that surrounds me and the friends whom I cherish.

I was reminded of this again today - specifically this morning as I decided to go out into the madness that is: Black Friday. (dun dun dunnnnn!) I went out around 7:15 am this morning to see what there was to see - mainly to go to JC Penny to get myself a new coat that was on sale. I did that - and a few other things (which ended up being my Christmas presents from Derick). But back to the point, the people were actually kind, courteous and most of them NOT on their cell phones and actually aware of themselves, their kids and their carts! It must have been a day after Thanksgiving miracle! I purchased my things at JCPenny, then off to Game Stop (to take care of Derick's birthday present) and then a random trip to Target (which is always a blessed occasion - although my wallet would like to disagree). I had never seen so many big HD TVs rolling out of a place! When I entered the store, there were 2 42" tvs on a dolly waiting to be placed into vehicles, and then there were 4 more I saw in carts while in the store, and 2 more large ones on my way out of the store! Since Target was going to be my last stop, I really was in no rush, and found myself sucked into the aisles. For a brief moment I was even in the toy section - I know, crazy! But Hallelujah I am done with Derick's birthday and Christmas presents!

Although Black Friday can be a bit insane - it is actually better when you go earlier, but not so early as to be considered one of the "crazies" that gets up to go to the 4am open of a store...There is not enough coffee in the world for that one... I kind of like the quick fast and furious burst of shopping. It gets me more in the Christmas mood and ready to tackle the beasts that come with - decorating the house, making plans for parties, making cookies, wrapping gifts, making Christmas cds, listening to said cds... *sigh * And the weather is even getting colder - a sure sign that Christmas is on its way!

For Thanksgiving yesterday, Derick and I watched almost all of the Macy's Day parade before we traveled over to Maple Grove to my parent's house. It was my parents, my sister and her boyfriend (Matt), my uncle - Dan, aunt-Gail, cousin - Nathan, uncle-Dale, aunt-Marilyn, and their three boys - Eric, Keith and Craig. It was a fun time to get together and eat some of the best food that I wait anxiously all year for! YUM! After "dinner," we continued a newer "tradition" of getting our family Christmas card pictures taken. I took Dale's family's pictures and also Dan & Gail's family. That got me thinking that I need to look through and see which photo(s) I want to use in/on our cards from this year!

So, yes, thanks for all of you out there who have had something to do with me in my life! Whether you know it or not, you have influenced my life in a big or small way that has shaped me to be who I am today.

THANKS!