Happy Thanksgiving

Because John CANNOT STOP BUYING FROZEN TURKEYS -- even when we are invited OUT for Thanksgiving dinner -- I still cook a turkey. Our local grocery store, HyVee, has a deal where if you buy some $2.99/lb ham -- you get a turkey for free. Even though I was in Minnesota when the ad came out -- I KNEW he would not be able to resist buying another turkey...

These pictures are from Thanksgiving 2010...and here's John, getting the turkey ready to go up to Amy's house...
That morning, Lilly woke up and sat in my lap with Sophie for an hour or so...I love those quiet moments...

My niece Amy, the hostess for Thanksgiving -- wearing an apron I gave her...

And Lilly -- in her Thanksgiving leopard outfit -- her usual misery when I put a new outfit on her...

In a perfect world -- you would not be reading this blog on Thanksgiving Day. You would be far too busy visiting with your large loving family, enjoying the delicious food, eating and laughing and catching up...I hope that's what happened in your life today.

But maybe -- just maybe -- your holiday was less than Norman-Rockwell-perfect. You feel lonely -- or somebody hurt your feelings -- and you are already dreading Christmas.

Close your eyes, breath deep, and think of something nice you can do for another person this holiday season. Somebody who is not expecting it. An Aunt in a nursing home, or a cousin you've lost track of. Or maybe somebody you are NOT related to...Write a card, plan a surprise outing, deliver a meal. Be kind to a complete stranger. Do it anonymously. Cook a meal for the homeless shelter, take gifts to the local nursing home. Whatever. Forget about yourself and think about other people. Do one unexpected kind thing every day between now and Christmas...

You have the power to make a difference in another person's life...and maybe that's the point...

As I'm writing this, I realize it sounded a little too-Oprah-life-class-101. But, hey -- the truth is -- she made the world a better place...

And YOU CAN, TOO...