This year was our 8th year of Thanksgiving tradition gathering in beautiful Big Bear, California with some of my family, my godmother and her family and some great friends. It's so amazing how we can drive 2 hours out of Orange County and be in such a beautiful winter wonderland. We were lucky to have a white Thanksgiving this year, it's been about two years since we last enjoyed the white blanket. One thing about me, I absolutely love this holiday, HOWEVER I absolutely do not like the meal. Now I know all of you will probably freak out at that statement but I've never been a fan, still am not a fan and probably never will be. I tend to fill up on my mom's delicious 7-layer dip, Karen's scrumptious deviled eggs, champagne and then most likely mashed potatoes later during dinner. Don't get me wrong, I will have a bite of stuffing and a couple bites of turkey but it's not heavenly for me. The best part is the sounds I hear of conversation and the people that surround me. This year my tradition was changed up a bit but in a very bittersweet sort of way. One of my dear friends pointed out to me the positive in the situation....spending the entire holiday with just MY family. It's been many years since I haven't had to cut my time short with my family to share with another family and while honestly it was nice to not miss out on the evenings events like I normally do....there was still a pinch of emptiness that over time will pass. For now, I tell myself it's OK to feel that way. I know I am one of the lucky few with so much around me to be thankful for that 90% of the time I tend to forget what I don't have. I have my health, a job I love, a roof over my head...I have a family that no words will ever be able to describe except that they are the air in which I breathe, I have a variety of friends that overtime continue to make me laugh and continue to remind me of valuable things I sometimes forget, and most of all I have life.
I am more alive than I have ever felt and for that I am thankful.
Oscar - Unconditional affection, adoration, love...he will never know what he has done for me and the people in his life.
Brother & Sister-In-Law aka Jeanie & Miguel - Sometimes fate surprises you in the funniest of ways
Larry - So thankful for the smile he puts on my Nina's face and the love he fills her heart with.
Innocence - Watching Kaylee full of life and energy made me remember what it's like to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life. Not a care in the world but to enjoy and appreciate that very moment with everything you have.
Friendship - Lifelong, strong, true, and honest. I can't wait to be taking these pictures with my friends many years down the road. My Parents - Honestly there is no way I could describe why I am thankful for them without turning this into a novel. The best I can do while keeping it short is: my best friends, my rocks, my everything during happy times and sad times.
Nina - My godmother one of the most amazing people in my life that I thank God for everyday: sense of humor, strong, selfless, loving, generous, compassionate all qualities that are rare to find in one person.
<3 HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2010 <3
