Family...

Thanksgiving Day:
I spent my Thanksgiving with my dad's family - most of his 13 brothers and sisters (he is the oldest of 14) were present at our Thanksgiving Day dinner, and I was just so amazed at how many people have blessed my life. There were so many generations of adults, kids and their (even younger) kids...all gathered to give thanks and celebrate the gift of each other. There were MANY people squished (comfortably of course) into my Aunt Mary and Uncle Paul's house today. We had a great many turkeys and hams to go around, along with all the fixin's. :) We also witnessed a hilarious spectacle of a Christmas Gift exchange where my Aunt Monica voted that we "steal the crap" out of the presents that were passed around. All the kids got their own gifts and the adults spent about an hour or so trading the various gifts until all were happy with the outcome.

This is not uncommon for the Cherniawski's on Thanksgiving, and although it's been a few years since we've had such a tremendous celebration together. This year it was welcomed with the same love and care that has always blessed me as I was a child, and a teenager, and now as a young adult, I appreciate it all the more. Thank you to all my family who made this year particularly memorable.

My Grandmother: Laura Betty
(affectionately known to her grand kids as "G-Ma")
This week my family will be celebrating my grandma's 80th birthday.  Not that I am old, but from an early age, I remember looking up to my grandma as someone to aspire to. She didn't accomplish the "normal" things in life like many other people, she never finished college, she was never wealthy (monetarily), but she is someone who has spunk and generosity. She was and still is always very open to sharing what she has - it might not be a lot, but if she has something, it's yours. Often she will share a game of scrabble or cards with anyone who is willing to play. And then proceed to beat them at whatever game is before them...but that's besides the point. ;) She also raised fourteen beautiful kids who are all amazing in their own ways.

She is also a woman of faith - I am often amazed at her faithfulness after all she has been through in her life. Then I realize that it is because of her faith that she was able to make it through those things, and not just give up on life, but keep trekking through. She is a woman who is a leader to many, but a quiet, humble one. I will be happy to become half the woman she is. Thank you Grandma for all of your love and support. Happy Birthday!

Well Wishes:
To everyone reading, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend full of celebration and love of friends and family! Be happy, celebratory, joyful and peaceful!

C-Bear