Thankful

We here at Fifty Below Zero might have had one of the most perfect holiday weekends to date.  We had a lovely Thanksgiving meal at Boston and Katie's house, where our children were well-behaved and enjoyed meeting Boston's parents, as well as playing with Mitch's side of the family.  It was a relaxing, wine-filled day (with a nap for Gonzo at Katie's, too - bonus!), and when we got home we were again able to put the girls to bed early and I was able to do some retail therapy Black-Friday style. (Side note - holy hell, Target was crazy-busy on Thursday night.  I have never shopped on Black Friday before in my life.  I was truly shocked that I had to wait in line to purchase my one doorbuster gift.)

Mitch and I had the day off on Friday, and so we took the opportunity to take the girls to the Children's Museum, something that we have not done ever as a family.  It had been since the summer since I had taken the girls, and so both were excited to see the new exhibits, which highlighted castles and science through golf balls (and giant exercise balls, which Gonzo loved pushing through a maze).  While Gizmo was sad that "George is gone" (they had a Curous George exhibit all summer long), both had a great time climbing through a giant anthill, learning about the life cycle of frogs, painting with feathers (and their own faces, too), and climbing through different habitats.  As a bonus surprise, we took the girls to Panera for lunch, where they were well-behaved and entertaining to both us and the people around them.  

While the rest of Friday and Saturday were spent in the house doing a major cleaning of the house and sanitizing of toys (we are hoping the germs are FINALLY out!), our family still had fun playing games, listening to Christmas music, and getting out the Little People manger in preparation for Christmas.  Gizmo has discovered the beauty of the Charlie Brown Christmas CD, and so if "Linus and Lucy" wasn't on repeat in her room, we were playing it on the piano upstairs.  Mitch put up Gizmo's tree in her room, but it is still waiting for decorations.  Mitch and I did some damage on Black Friday online.  We even watched a movie(!) Saturday night.  (Side note #2 - "Magic Mike" sucks.  Terrible.  Even with all of the almost-naked men, it was a disappointment.)  Katie was kind enough to bring out leftovers Friday night and unwind with a few beers.  

Today Mitch and I divided and conquered - I took Gizmo to church and Sunday school, he took Gonzo to the mall to shop.  We were able to build a fire in the fireplace this afternoon, and relax while watching football.  Gonzo learned to say her whole name this weekend, as well as sing "Happy Birthday" by herself.  I have food ready for part of the week, the house is clean, and Mitch is finishing the laundry as I type.  

We have a new visitor at our house until Christmas - Emma the Elf showed up the day after Thanksgiving on the mantle, and she has since watched over the girls from various locations in the house.  Gizmo was skeptical at first, asking me after a few moments of staring at her, "Mom, did you put her there?", but has since embraced our tattle-tale visitor who tells Santa of her naughty or nice status daily.  She loves wondering where Emma will be the next day.  I can't help but wonder if the greatness of this weekend was partly because of that Elf.  After one day, Mitch declared that Emma was coming out of her box after Labor Day every year if this good behavior is to keep up.  

There were countless small moments this weekend with the girls and Mitch that filled me with such contentment and gratitude for  all that I have in my life.  I am thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy children who amaze me every day.  I am thankful for a husband that I can still laugh with and still makes me feel special.  I am thankful for our jobs that are stable and provide, our house that keeps us warm on these colder Minnesota days, and for weekends like this, which make me feel truly blessed.

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