turkey day lovin'

happy thanksgiving, all.  excited about hanging out with my slightly different family, today. :)

it used to be that thanksgiving was a day my dad cooked everything for everyone and make special desserts and all that jazz.  so it kind of hit everyone hard last year when he wouldn't be around to do that.  mom was scared that we wouldn't do anything at all (after years of getting together, NOT getting together is incredibly weird for my family).  so Brandon stepped up to the plate.  he cooked EVERYTHING.  it was amazing!  he poured his blood and sweat into making 37 different little things...there was so much food, it was ridiculous.  so much so, that each plate would be packed and nearly overflowing from people trying to get a little bit of everything he made.

and not everyone came.  some were uncomfortable, some were weird...no one knew how to talk to my mom or what to say...  people so were so wrapped up in how they were feeling about what was going on with my parents that they'd rather turn into ostriches than talk or deal with things openly (note to self, write about the illusion of "growing up/being grown up" another time).  but this year's different.  mom's happier than i've ever seen her, thanks to John.

John's this neat guy that mom's known for a very long while.  they used to work together a while back, so it's neat that they've reconnected.  he cares for her deeply, as she does for him.  they're both like giddy little kids.  this last saturday was their engagement party, and it was perfect.  casual, lovely, fun... and their wedding is in December!

that's right, mom's getting married. :)

so this year, i'm especially thankful for:

• John, who brought the sparkle back into my mom's eyes.  it's been a long time since i saw her so carefree and so cheerful.  there was so much hatred before, so much regret...i didn't know if she'd ever be ok.  thanks, John.

• and Brandon, for instilling a new tradition for our family and helping to act as a pin that held the fabric together back when it was falling apart.  my life is much more fun with you around, and i eagerly await the day that you and i get to have our own kickass wedding.

<3 love you guys