"...but, what if.......?"

Thanksgiving is just a week away.  I am now putting together my "to-do" list.  All of the kids put in their requests for their favorite dishes, and just as I predicted, it will be the same menu, once again.  No need for a shopping list, I can do this shopping with my eyes closed.  I will start the cooking this weekend and everything will be ready to go for the "repeat meal with the flightless bird".

When I can bring the chatter in my dining room down to a gentle roar, I often ask my guests what they are most thankful for.  My kids are used to this as we often do it when we are gathered together.  The answers are always the same  (my spouse, my kids, my family, etc.),  I know this even before we start.  I just think it is a good opportunity for each of us to say it out loud.

This year will be a little different for me.  Whereas I am always grateful for my Mr. Wonderful and my children, this year is special.  When confronted by serious illness and the threat of potential disaster, it is hard not to play the "what if...?" game.  Watching my kids 'step up the plate' and create a protective wall around Mike and I was truly a gift. 

This year, I am thankful that I will never have to say "what if?" anymore.  My kids have already answered that question for us.

Seasonally speaking....

And so the season has changed once again.  Out come the hoodies and uggs (and knee socks).  We have been jolted into the Fall with a glimpse of what the Winter will bring.  I am almost glad it happened so I can once again pay attention to the beauty of the changing leaves and the awesome sunsets that happen in the Autumn.

Some people grumble about the cold weather year after year - as if it's a suprise that Winter has arrived.  We live in the Northeast people!  We have 4 seasons.  Each one has a magical property, yet it is up to each of us to seek it out. 

Spring brings the budding flowers and the promise of new life.

Summer brings the warm sunshine and family BBQ's.

Fall brings the beautiful changing landscapes.

Winter brings the cold air to kill off all the nasty germs to allow a fresh start again in the Spring.

Change is inevitable in life.  Seasons change... people change... life changes.... It is up to us to find the magic everyday.