Thanksgiving 2010

Wow! Another holiday, another feast and another year that's almost over.

This year Kiel's family drove from the bay area, Utah, San Diego and Redondo Beach (that's us) to meet in the beautiful, small, always reminds me of Modesto/old Tracy town of Yucaipa!

The Jordan's (Kiel's sister and her husband) opened their home and kitchen so we could all prepare a feast and enjoy it together :) Unfortunately I left my SD card in my computer therefore I was unable to take any pictures. But I'm not opposed to stealing, so don't mind if I do:)

This was Bruce's first Thanksgiving so I thought it was appropriate to dress him up like a turkey. Here he is with all of his cousins on Kiel's side.

Jack, Bruce, Mariah, Logan and Sydney

I think it's neat that all of the cousins are so close in age and there are lots more to come! Baby girl Erica Brown is scheduled to arrive in February!

On The Menu: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn pudding, green salad, green beans, deviled eggs w/ way too much horse radish, home made bread, pumpkin, apple and icecream pie and chocolate delight.

I made the green salad, deviled eggs w/way too much horse radish and chocolate delight dessert.

Everything was delish! Kiel stayed back and kept the highways safe for us californians and made quite a few people NOT enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday.

After dinner and dessert we went home to feed Kiel and Friday morning we were on the road again to the Jordan's.

We ate more food, took care of our babies, tried to pack up lots of times and finally we were ALL out the door to Oak Glen where the Apple Butter Festival was lighting up the whole glen.

Since everyone was together minus Brigitte's husband Tyler we decided to take a family picture. Brittany is quite the talented photographer and probably has skills we haven't even seen in this department ;) So after in depth deliberation on the perfect spot, who should be where, and some sacrificing their "good side" so we could have a balanced picture this is what we came up with:

Pretty good eh? We told the children not to look at the camera...such good listeners!

And since Brittany is oh - so - talented and as of right now not charging anything we decided to take advantage of her services and had her take a family snap shot of us:

We also tried to get a decent shot of all of the Christensen grankids but of course there are a few unhappy campers...

And here are Bruce and Sydney:

After the photo session ended we explored the apple butter town and then went back to the Jordan's for more food. We then left Bruce with the Jordans and Keogans so we could go see a the new Harry Potter with Brigitte, Kerry and Patrice.

We all enjoyed the movie very much and can't wait for the huge finale! Bruce was peacefully asleep when we went to pick him up and stayed that way until 7 in the morning! I think the trick to get him to sleep through the night is to have someone else watch him. He has since given me a couple more good night sleeps so hopefully we are starting habit that won't be broken.

All in all it was a great weekend and we were excited for Bruce to finally meet his cousin Logan and Aunt Brigitte. He has now met all of his first cousins, a few of his second cousins, all of his aunts and most of his uncles.

We are looking forward to the holidays to come and wish everyone a happy winter. (I bet you thought I was going to say a happy new year, but I didn't. That's because I'm unpredictable at times!)

Gratitude Thursday

"He is a wiseman who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for the things that he has. "- Epictetus

10. I am grateful for the drive thru service at the dry cleaners. Seriously what would I do without this luxury? Instead of lugging a 20lb kid in his 20lb carseat to drop off and pick up uniforms and laundered shirts I can sit in my car and do the exchange while Bruce sleeps peacefully in his carseat.

9. Pacific Theaters and their "mommy and me Monday movie" specials! I don't go very often now but how nice it was to go see an adult movie while Bruce slept peacefully in my arms and the entire audience also had sweet little babies in their arms. Nobody cared if there was a fussy baby. The lights were left on low so us moms could see what we were doing and the movie volume wasn't blasting our little one's ears either!

8. Vons across the street. Oh Vons, how you have saved me! No need to pack up the car. Bruce LOVES his stroller rides to vons and flirts with the ladies throughout the store. Grocery shopping made easy.

7. Farmers Market Thursdays! I love chatting with my friend Cambria as we buy our weekly fresh flowers, veggies and fruits. Not only that, we have an ocean view since it's at Redondo Beach Pier. Which leads me to my next grateful thing...

6. Living by the ocean! I love this planet that God has created for us. It is beautiful. Strolling on the beach boardwalk, overlooking the ocean and being able to see dolphins, whales and surfers EVERYDAY brings happiness to my heart.

5. And I wouldn't be able to enjoy this beautiful Earth if it wasn't for Adam and Eve who partook of the tree of knowledge so that we may know good and evil.

4. My friends! Especially the ones made in the past 2 years. As you get older it is not easy to make new friends but I have to say the friends I have made these past two years are the bestest friends I could ever have. I am also grateful to my friends that embrace my new role as a mother and spoil my baby boy with gifts (Sunni) and love (Everyone.) My friends who go to "kid friendly" restaurants so I may comfortably enjoy a bite to eat but also exit quickly (shall I need to.) And especially to Jehan, Kim, Lesley, Rachel and Jenn who always want to know what Bruce is up to and insist on lunch once a month to stay in touch. I can't wait for Dec. 8th! Also my facebook friends, thanks for checking in once in awhile!

3. My family. And the family I married into. I picked the best in laws ever! Once you become a mother it is absolutely essential to surround yourself with people that will dote on your child and I am lucky to have my family and Kiel's family to do just that! I am grateful for all of the help I received when Bruce was born from both sides and am excited to see the relationship between Bruce and his grandparents grow. Also a special mention of my sisters! How fun is it that we all had babies this year? I remember being close to my cousins and hope the same relationships transpire for Bruce.

2. Our baby boy! How could I not be thankful for him? He is adorable! Has the best personality and is so much fun! He brings great happiness to our hearts and our home. He also brings peace when he's napping j/k.

1. My husband, who works his butt off so he can provide for his family. I am so grateful he knows how vital my role as a stay at home mom is to our family. He supports me, takes care of us and shows his love thru many avenues. High five!