New Traditions

One of our long-standing Thanksgiving traditions was to drive through the light display at Our Lady of the Snows after dinner. When we started this tradition, Jessica (with some help from me) would read the boards along the way that set out the story of the birth of Jesus. As Kelli got older, she and Jessica would alternate reading, and then our last time through, Maddy was able to read some of them as well. We listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack and slowly drive through the display, marveling at the beauty and just enjoying the time together.

We didn't go after our last Thanksgiving together. We had planned to go on Friday.

This year, we'll be out of town after Thanksgiving, and Maddy will be spending the holiday with her dad.

I decided this year, instead of being crabby that yet again one more tradition was ruined, we would try to start a new tradition and go through the light display early. So, we went last night. It didn't quite work out the way we planned.

I never thought I'd say I like it when it's packed, but that's part of the experience. When there are so many cars you have to turn your headlights off and idle through at a speed slower than walking, you have time to look around and see all the displays, and have time to read the boards. As we went through last night, the cars behind us that apparently wanted to go a little faster than we were, so we felt rushed. Poor Maddy was trying to read the signs as we went by, and when she came to the one about the shepherds "making haste" to see the baby Jesus, I thought, how appropriate, as that's what the people behind us are trying to do.

She did get her stuffed sheep at the end of the tour, and she decided to name it "Baaaaxter." Clever, huh?

I think we'll be going back on Sunday night when she gets home, so we can drive slow, enjoy the view, and read the signs without feeling like we have to rush our experience.

Enjoy your holiday with your family and friends.

Thank You

Thank you to all who came to Applebee's last night.

Thank you to all who have attended our past fundraisers.

Thank you to those of you who have emailed, called, texted and Facebook'ed me today.

Thank you to my friends and family who help me get through every day.

Thank you to the strangers who say "I'm sorry" when they find out who I am.

Thank you. Mere words cannot convey how grateful I am.

Just One Glass

I stumbled across this on Jezebel. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "I'll just have one glass of wine."

This glass holds an ENTIRE BOTTLE of wine. I guess if you're a red drinker it's okay, but for those of us who like our white a bit chilled, we'd have to drink fast.

I can think of several people on my Christmas list who would enjoy this.

A Good Cause

On November 17, from 2pm to 7pm, a memorial blood drive will be held at Morrison Hall on the campus of SIUE in Edwardsville. Also, since New Moon opens that Friday, November 20, we are doing a Twilight-themed blood drive - inspired, no? We will have several prizes to be raffled off, all pertaining to All Things Twilight. Sadly, neither Edward or Jacob will be present.

I think my girls would have loved Twilight. I bet Jessica would have been Team Edward, but I'm thinking Kelli might be Team Jacob, given her penchant for animals and nature.

On November 22, to mark the 2-year anniversary of their deaths, Applebee's Restaurant in Collinsville will be donating 20% of your total food bill (excluding alcohol) to The Jessica Uhl Scholarship Fund at SIUE and the Kelli Uhl Scholarship Fund. You can either eat inside or you can use their Carside to Go feature. Please stop by, grab some good food and help us raise some money for their memorial scholarships.

Two years. My God. It still feels like yesterday.