Holiday Recovery

THAT was a whirlwind weekend! It was go go go most of the time, with not even a morning to sleep in and be lazy, but I'm actually not complaining. Those were four full days, at then end of which I can look back and recall lots of new memories made, and things to be thankful for.

Thursday
Turkey Day! We went up to my parent's house to be together, where both my brother and Hubby's brother joined us, and we enjoyed a delicious feast. Well, most of us did -- my son didn't exactly want to join us, and we didn't fret about it. He had a cold and it wasn't worth forcing him to eat something that didn't sound good to him. My daughter was there for a bit, and the cutest moment of the day was how she answered the question of "What are you thankful for?" She said, "Uncle Michael." (Hubby's brother.) I think he's probably still smiling from all the love she showered on him that day, and I'm so glad she did, after all he's been through this year.

Friday
No rest for the weary, though we didn't get the early start that we have in the past. My mom, daughter and I left the house about 7:30am to hit the stores. I didn't end up doing much shopping myself, but I did help pick out presents for everyone, including me. Later in the day, after the "boys" played golf and we all had a nap, there were leftovers to be eaten. (Including my chocolate pecan pie, which though it needed a little more cooking time, was DELICIOUS.)

Saturday
We got an early start towards home due to a detour we needed to take through San Jose. My dear friend Lisa lost her mom last month, and the family was gathering for a memorial service that morning. We're all so glad we went -- though I only knew Jean as "Lisa's mom," I now know she was also a beloved sister and friend to so many. The church was standing room only, and almost everyone in her close circle got up to share a wonderful memory or feeling about her, leaving me to realize there was so much more there. What I did know was that she was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, and I'm glad I knew her.
Afterwards we went to the "party," as my son called it, and visited with people there. My kids were delightful to Lisa,Mark and the other guests, even though they were driving my husband and I up the wall, which must mean we're doing something right.

Sunday
The Annual Girls Shopping Day! Every year my girlfriends gather up and we spend a full day out shopping and eating and shopping some more. It's a different crew every year, based on who's available, but the agenda remains the same. ToysRus and Cost Plus, followed by lunch (and drinks) at the Cheesecake Factory, after which we spend hours at the mall hitting every store we want to. We usually break up into smaller groups, or people shop individually, until the predetermined meeting time. I did a little of both this year and got a LOT done. Plus a little clothes shopping for me, which was very necessary. If I'm working for the President of the company, I need to dress well, right? You can't really argue with that.

And now back to work today, whilst fighting a little cold that I picked up from certain children I know. My husband and daughter are home with it, too. I wish I was there with them, but there's work to be done and money to be earned. You can't really argue with that, either.