Happy THANKSgiving!

It's early, I have many things to do to turn this house of toys into an 'entertaining mecca', and I'm not particularly coherent at this hour, but I felt like getting into the spirit of the day---hence, this post. Sorry if this makes no sense to anyone reading it.

I am thankful for the following things (in no particular order and incomplete at best):

* for Belly, Jilly and D, who I just left sleeping in my king-size bed (I'm thankful for our bed, too, although I could use a few more inches on either side!);

* for the Coffee Exchange's mail order since I don't live close enough to Providence to just 'pop over' for more beans, nor would I drag three kids into a place with tippy tables and hot beverages;

* for my nephew and will-be-birthed-this-spring niece/nephew because it is SO MUCH FUN to get to do all the loving on a little person without having the responsibility of parenthood (I now understand why my brother-and-sisters-in-law--who do not yet have children---will use their precious vacation time to fly up here to see our munchkins);

* for being able to stay home with the children and for actually enjoying staying home with them even though they are TOO LOUD and so very messy;

* for having the opportunity to homeschool my brood; at our own pace, without tests, without threats; no matter what Dr Phil says;

* for friends I have had since I was a tot, those I made in school(s), those I made while working or through the kids, and those who I have never met in person (my 'virtual' friends) but would still grab in a bear-hug if ever given the chance to meet;

* for my old, grumpy, fur-shedding cats, C & Z, who have been with me longer than almost everything else;

* for the Ikea that opened less than 30 minutes from us--and for posts like this and this that have kept me laughing for over a year;

* for TALL sizes in pants--praise the Lord--and for having a great metabolism (thank you Daddy!);

* speaking of my Dad, thanks to him for drilling into my head that "credit cards are to be paid off every month";

* and (you know I saved the best for last) for Fairly Odd Father, as we quickly approach the tenth anniversary of our first kiss (that story to come), may we have many, many more years together, and may I get to be drunk, wearing black velvet and a pink bra again.

Happy Thanksgiving! I will be stuffing myself with mushroom pie and drinking champagne punch so it should be a good day!