Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. I think it is because it's relatively stress-free compared with Christmas and I get to hang out with my most favorite people in the world. It also happens to coincide with the most exciting time of football season.

My mom's cake. It's so pretty I had to take a picture.

Erik, my brother, and his family.

Chad and my cousins Jay & Blake Berry.

(I took a picture of my mom and dad too, but it didn't turn out. That's why you should always take two!)

This year Chad and I hosted. There were 13 of us and everybody brought something, so it wasn't too difficult to pull together. I am so thankful for many things this year, but most of all I am thankful that we were able to spend it with my parents. Both of them have battled cancer and other health issues this year. Here are some other things that I am thankful for:

1. Chad's thoughtfulness- He kept my nephew last weekend so Karin could pack her house and Erik and I could go to the Little Rock game child-free.
2. Henry's hug-ability - He is a sweet little angel.
3. Grandma's wisdom - She is 90 and has her ups and downs, but she has helped me tremendously in dealing with my mother's cancer.
4. My co-workers who always have my back.
   
5. Some of the most dedicated, creative students I have had in years.
6. My extended family and friends.
   
7. Arsaga's coffee, iPhones, Bobby Petrino, dark chocolate, a fire in the chimney, and two terrier mutts.
   

I Got A Rock

Chad and I took Henry to the square to trick-or-treat. But Henry, getting his information from watching It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, informed us that you are not supposed to trick-or-treat on the square. You have to "go to houses." Once we got there and he realized that other kids were there and he was able to get a bucket full of candy without walking very far, he decided it was alright. After that we walked to a neighborhood party and hit a few houses on the way back. So Henry got his wish (and didn't get any rocks!) That's his favorite line from Charlie Brown.

Razorback & Pippi Longstocking

Henry graduated from Occupational Therapy on Oct.26

This I have mixed feeling about. I'm so proud of Henry for all he has accomplished, but he has been going to therapy since he was 18 months old and he has learned so much there. Now he only has speech therapy 3x per week and at school one hour per week.

If you think about it, say a little prayer for my mom and dad. Both of them are dealing with tough medical situations right now. Mom is battling pancreatic cancer and has lost almost 50 pounds and my dad has been in the hospital for organ failure. It has been a rough October for us. The only good thing this October was (surprisingly!) my allergies. Usually October is my worst month, but I have been taking my bee pollen religiously since September and I think it has helped.