And then there was....

Thanksgiving in Chicago... the home of my childhood and the place I refer to when I ask other Americans around me "When are you going back home?"

And, much to your astonishment, I'm sure, I spent those days in Chicago without the kids and without my loving hubby.

I can tell you that it was beautiful, relaxing, happy (not that my time at home in Sweden isn't)....

And I was thankful.

For the prep work and the life in mom's kitchen. Why is there no place on earth like your mom's kitchen at Thanksgiving?

For the chance to share that special holiday with my amazing parents

and my wonderful brother who can always make me smile

and my loving sister-in-law

and my adorable nephew

and my bubbly, beautiful niece.

And grandpa. Do you realize how much I adore and respect grandpa? He's my hero. I'll need to write a whole blog on that topic alone.

Need I mention the food? Two months later and my mouth is still watering.

And today, after watching the news on what's going on in Haiti and hearing about Jamie, a Peace Corps volunteer who is a best friend of a colleague and has been in a terrible car accident while serving those less fortunate... today, I am so thankful, still, for all of the amazing blessings that fill my life.