Beyond the Norm

As cliche as it may be, there is something to be said for taking time out and being thankful. Consciously listing the things that make our life easier, fuller, lovelier. So, as I sit in my tryptophan-induced haze, I’ll join the chorus of many, listing my blessings. Only, let’s go with the obvious assumption of being grateful for family, friends, health, etc., shall we?

Yes, I figured you’d agree.

• The tractor tipping scene in Cars – never not funny.
• Hugs…in hoodies. So far superior to just…hugs.
• Baby smell. And breath. And giggles.
• Wrinkles on the faces of lives well-lived.
• The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy forkful. Especially? The first one of the meal.
• Etsy.
• Sewing on a button the last minute before we leave for dinner.
• The warmth of a cat on my lap.
• Pug snores. And chins. And tails. And kisses.
• My kids’ heads on my shoulder asking, “When are we leaving?” because as nice as it is to visit, it’s nicer to be home.
• “How did you make that?”
• Conversations that sound like this:
  

  General chat about Abby’s figure drawing class and the nudes.
  Me: Didn’t you have a real heavy, older man last year as a model?
  Abby: Yeah. *scrunches up face in disgust* And? He had a really small…
  Everyone: *giggles*
  Me: Belly button.
  Abby: Yes. Belly button.
  Aunt Jane, age 83: Was it an innie or an outie?

• Daddy’s grace before dinner.
• Living out in the country enough that we basically do go “over the river and through the woods”…just, you know…to cousin’s house, not grandmother’s.
• Sugar pie when you thought Aunt Jane wasn’t well enough to make it. It tastes sooo much better when it’s unexpected!
• Aunt Jane’s face when each of us exclaim, “Wait? What!? We have sugar pie!?”
• Coming home and throwing on pj’s before 7pm.
• That my son seems to be getting into Adam Lambert, sprinkling his songs in the midst of his loud metal music.
• Having my daughter’s feet on my lap as she draws.
• Feeling sad about the missing persons in our celebrations and not having anyone say, “He/She’s with you/us spirit.” I don’t want them “in spirit,” I want them in person, thank you.
• Knowing that tomorrow, my lunch will again be the turkey, mashed potato, stuffing and gravy pile. And maybe even the day after.
• Having so many things to be thankful for on one day that I’m afraid my list is getting too long to keep any readers’ interest.

In the words of my lovely mother-in-law, uttered when there was nothing left to say…

…and that. And so.