Happy Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving was a little different for our family this year. Typically, we have always gone to my grandparents house in Houston, where Mimi would prepare our traditional, and oh-so-yummy, Thanksgiving dinner. We knew this year would be difficult as our first one without Mimi, so we decided to begin a new tradition. We will begin alternating Thanksgiving between my parents' house in Austin and my grandparents' or aunt/uncle's house in Houston. And, of course, this new location tradition will be dictated by where the University of Texas vs Texas A&M football game takes place (Hook 'em!). Since some of us attend the game, we'll have Thanksgiving here in Austin when the game is here, and vice versa. Ahhh...turkey and football...is there anything to be more thankful for?

The game, and therefore the meal, was here in Austin this year. So, my mom was worrying about how on earth she would be able to fill Mimi's tiny little, yet oh-so-big, shoes. Everything was awesome!

Mom and my sweet PawPaw

I am very thankful for Vino!

Two veterans, two generations.

Chris Lopez, a Marine that served with Byron, came to Texas for an event with the Wounded Warriors and to spend Thanksgiving with us.

Byron is never far from our thoughts, especially during the holidays.



Later Thursday night...game time!!! Half of us are Longhorns, the other half are Aggies! Nothing like a little friendly family rivalry!

And who was the victor this particular year?!?!? Longhorns!!!!

My cousin, Jason, is a freshman at Texas A&M and in the Corps of Cadets. We saw him on TV, waiting to go on the field at halftime! I had to back up the Tivo and take a picture! He's front and center, staring straight ahead!

Seriously, this is a day to be grateful for everything we have in this life, which can be hard when we find ourselves so focused on the things which we've lost. I am most grateful for my family and for my husband, who carries me through each day. I am grateful for this country and for being so blessed as to be born an American, with the rights and freedoms that every human being should have. I am grateful for each and every single individual that has ever worn the flag on their uniform. I am especially grateful to those who have shed blood for this great nation, and for those who have laid down their lives so that I could have a better life. I am grateful for my brother and my hero, Byron, and for every moment we shared on this earth. I am thankful to know that I will see him again someday.

I hope that we can make each day in our lives a day of Thanksgiving. Each day is precious, and we never know when it will be our last.