Happy Thanksgiving!

I was reminded by my friend Mike at last nights Hockey game that I haven't blogged for a while. I actually have a few drafts started, but I supposed that doesn't really matter if they're not published! I'm glad that he said something, because today of all days I really want to blog for a few moments. Not only is Thanksgiving my favorite day of the whole year, but it gives me the opportunity to to acknowledge the amazing people in my life. I have a lot to be grateful for this year!

Ms. Bean - a peppy and bright voice woke me this morning telling me "Its Thanksgiving!". Ms. Bean is the kindest, most generous, and sensitive person that I have EVER met. Her love of music, art, and beauty influences every word she says or look that she gives. I am grateful for every single moment that I get to spend with her.

Little Bee - Little Bee is an absolute delight, and has transformed into a social butterfly this year. While her sister is shying away from adults, Little-Bee marches right up to them and introduces herself and her sister using all three given names. Of course the people that he is speaking with must be over age 9 (with the exception of her sister) or she wont speak to them at all. While she still loves to dig for bugs and worms, she now does it while wearing princess pink! No pants for Le-Le. She is a "Tinker" and I suspect that Tom might have found his engineer. Little bee makes me laugh every day, and warms my heart always!

Tom - Tom quietly moves around the house taking care of things and managing the chaos. He absolutely adores the three of us, and we adore him. 14 years ago today (well, on Thanksgiving) I started to date him and began this adventure. Together we have built a home that consists of many drawings, several pairs of sparkle shoes, music boxes, laughter, and a goldfish named Petals. I am not sure this is what either of us envisioned when we met for that first cup of coffee, but I am certain that neither of us would change a thing.

Susie and Jeff - there is no way to express how thankful I am for Susie and Jeff. Their assistance with the kids and willingness to be "part time care givers" has given me the piece of mind I need to go to work every day. without their love and support, my life simply wouldn't be as rewarding. Mostly, I am grateful that my girls know and love their grandparents and will treasure the memories they are making forever.

The Caps - A year ago yesterday (well, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) I sat in the stands of the Verizon Center, pissed, and calling for the firing of Hanlon with 15,000 of my closest friends.! Christmas came early, in the form of an odd looking man from Hershey. In 1 year, the caps have gone from last place in the NHL to a team that should at least clinch the SE Division if not the Conference. I am grateful for Bruce Bourdeaux.

There are many other people that I have to be grateful for this year, and while they didn't get top billing they are still very significant. Just to name a few, I grateful for Good Friends that I have known most of my life; neighbors that can be counted on always for everything; the voters in this country who decided to step up and demand change; and the guy at Market-Market off 3rd street that makes a PERFECT egg white and provolone on whole wheat!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! XOXO

The Circle of Teeth

On December 19, 2003, Ms. Bean got her first tooth. It was white and beautiful, and was on the bottom, in the middle and on the right. Ms. Bean was 6-months old.

Today, November 17, 2008 at the age of 5 1/2 ......... Ms. Bean lost her first baby-tooth. It was on the bottom, in the middle, and on the right.

This is the last known photo of the "complete-baby-tooth-smile":


And here is the same smile taken the evening of November 17, 2008:


It gets more beautiful with every milestone.

Homework

Ms. Bean had 2 small homework assignments this week.

"Write down three things that you are Thankful for"

1) I am thankful for my Sister Leah
2) I am thankful for Susie
3) Cats

"Write down 5 things that you would take with you if you were going on a trip"
1) A Doll
2) My stuffed cat, Skippy
3) A Purse
4) A Hat
5) A peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich

Happy Birthday Daddy

Tom's Birthday was November 8 - and between the election, a hockey game, and a cold, it was "overtaken by events". However, 2 little girls were not going to let it sneak by without baking a chocolate cake and breaking out the crayons. He is certainly adored by us all.

An Apple for the Principle

Last week, one of Ms. Beans homework assignments was to make a birthday card for her principle, Dr. Zissios. I gave her a blank piece of paper and walked away for a few minutes. when I returned, she had completed her picture. Isn't it interesting that apples seem to be the standard grade school theme, despite the generation or position?

Fish Shopping

Today we went fish shopping. We needed to replace our much loved, yet departed "violet". So, off we went to PetSmart looking for "Petals" new partner. The girls had mutually decided to name their new pet "Obama", and we were looking for one of those "black" goldfish like Arnold had on "One Day at a time". Finally, we spotted the perfect Fish! It was a brownish-black fish with personality and a fresh outlook! We were sold!

That is until the lady at PetSmart told us that we shouldn't buy a second fish for our 10-gallon tank, because the water would turn toxic too quickly and kill them both (which might explain the sudden tragic death of "Violet"). So we left PetSmart empty handed with only the memory of Obama-the=fish in our hearts.

The Petsmart woman was either the worlds WORST fish salesperson OR a very disgruntled McCain Supporter.

The Pot of Gold

This morning I can say for the first time in a long time, that I am proud to be an American. History will tell us if electing Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States was the right move for our country, but I honestly believe in my heart, that it was necessary for the people of America.

We have been under a dark cloud for 8 LONG years, and yesterday we saw hope in the eyes of people across the world. More importantly, I saw hope in two bright blue eyes that I adore. I know better then to believe my 5-year-old understands the true significance of yesterdays outcome, but she recognized the world she knows got better in a single day. When you still believe in Fairy tales, the euphoria of a single day lasts a lifetime.