thankful

My house is in shambles.  A mixed up jumble of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There are boxes strewn throughout each room with cherished ornaments spilling out, waiting to be hung on our Charlie-Brownish tree, and a table of overflowing pumpkins and leaves ready to be stored for another year.

I'm thankful for it all.  But mostly for my family.

Let's start with the baby.  She's always on the move...and not one to sleep if there's something better to do.  And look who's getting two teeth!!


Uncle Shep discovered that Carmen has a Williams family trait in her top lip...just like her great-grandfather.  I think she looks a little like Marge Simpson, myself.  But it is so amazing to see glimpses of your grandparents in your children.



Isabela has become Betty Crocker.  She cooked this cheesecake from scratch all by herself.  I did catch one measuring error just in time...she accidentally added 1 cup of milk instead of 1/4 cup.  I just poured most of the excess into the sink.  It turned out just fine anyway.



The annual Thanksgiving bike ride from Alexandria to DC was cut short this year because of the bitter cold...only 26 miles!



Joaquin was a little nervous but did awesome and even made it up the big hill on Connecticut Avenue from the National Zoo.  They were all frozen solid when they arrived, but thawed out after some snacks and drinks.



Here's our wonderful host Aunt Beth calling everyone to order.  It was a huge gathering this year.  Carmen kept me occupied most of the time, but she finally conked just after we ate.



And these two are becoming fast friends.  She lights up as soon as she wakes up and sees Diego.



How about that Native American headdress?  I helped with the feathers, but that design around the band is all him.  I'm impressed.



And this beautiful girl is the one that made me a mom ten years ago!  Sometimes she reminds me of myself, but she is still so unique.  I think she looks like my own mom in this picture.



She's beautiful and I love her.



And she's one great big sister.  I hope those boys will realize that one day!



And then there's this handsome man.  I'm so thankful for his unique outlook on each and every thing...which might sound like code for:  he and I agree on nothing...but it's not.  I'm old-fashioned and stuck in my ways, and he's a free spirit and ready for adventure.  He provides for us, goes along with my own crazy ideas, wears out the wild boys, and patiently calms most of our storms.  For him, I'm most thankful.