Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Turkey Day from the Careys!

This year we went up to Michigan to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I worked from MI for some of the days while Doug watched the kidlings. I took vacation days for the remainder of our trip, which was nice. It's never enough time that we get to spend with family and friends in Michigan. We did get to: celebrate Thanksgiving with the Careys, with the Griffiths, with the Lawsons, visit with friends.

My sister and Mom have a Black Friday tradition of shopping for Christmas presents in the wee hours of the morning. So, I joined in on the fun and we marked some things off our Christmas list together.

It was the first time we had seen my Uncle Danny since he had a heart catherization. He looked great and is doing amazingly well. While we were in Michigan, Doug's youngest sister Tracy was VERY sick with mono. She then had horrible stomach pains and went to the ER with them. Long story short, she had a softball-sized tumor on her ovary that was so heavy it flipped the ovary and cut-off the blood supply. She had the beginning signs of appedicitis, as well, so they took out the ovary, a fallopian tube and her appendix (appendix was precautionary). Since her surgery, she had some fevers but they have since gotten better. She shouldn't have any problems in getting pregnant, as she still has one very healthy ovary. (So many people have mentioned that their friend only has one ovary and they've gone on to have numerous children). She had to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital, but was treated very well while she was there. Her husband Tim works in the hospital where she stayed. We visited the hospital with the kids, who did really well and hopefully didn't wear Aunt Tracy out too much.

Doug continues to search for a job, but is doing some freelance work on the side, in the meantime. God continues to provide for us in every way necessary, and above what we imagined.

So, I say all of that to say that this year, more than ever, I realize that Thanksgiving and all other holidays are about spending time with family and cherishing the time we have together.

While in Michigan, Ava and Liam enjoyed tickles from Grandpa Dean, enjoyed touching Grandpa Carey's beard, Ava liked doing puzzles with Grandma Carey, enjoyed playing at Grandma Pam's house (and plugging in the Christmas tree with every visit), liked getting "picked-up" and hugged by Aunt Sherry, making chocolate cupcakes with Grandma Dolly (Ava says "Grandma Dolly helped me make cupcakes, Mommy!" ;-)). Liam also enjoyed snuggling with Grandma Dolly, playing with blocks, trucks and cars.

We are so thankful our family members are all healthy and well. We send our love to you all and wish you the happiest of seasons together with your family!

Peace, love and stuffing,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam