I am sad to report that Jared brought a very special friend home from work yesterday - a microscopic, infectious, puke-inducing, super-congtagious friend. Although I usually enjoy meeting Jared's friends, this is not what I had in mind.
He and said friend have been quarantined to the master suite, and the baby and I are trying to carry on as though we aren't afraid of or grossed out by the assortment of sounds that are coming from under the bedroom door. I have periodically gone in with Gatorade and saltines, but that's it for contact with the diseased since yesterday at 6 p.m.
So far, Henry and I are showing no signs of being taken down. So far. But, anyway, speaking of puke viruses on New Year's Eve, who remembers the glorious take-down that occurred on the evening of December 31, 2006? My, my, that was a doozey, no?!? On THAT New Year's, we had plans to watch fireworks with the Burgess family at midnight. Jared started feeling puny that morning and got progressively worse as the day went on. By the evening, he was burning up with fever and puking every few minutes. So, we resolved that I should go over to the Burgess' with Jared's friend, Appie, while Jared slept it off. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I returned at around 12:30, with an unused sparkler so Jared and I could celebrate when he felt better, only to find him bundled in two thick blankets, sweating, shivering, burning up with a 103.6 fever, and not completely coherent (said: pretty much didn't recognize me when I came in). At this point, I sort of panicked, because I had never seen him sick and I had no idea where anything was in Orlando -- drugstore, family, doctor, etc. So, I called Jerry and Betsy...totally wrecked their New Year's plans (on a sidenote, I still love the fabulous black pants that Betsy had on that night)...and, oh yes, on THAT New Year's, Jared was the first patient at the hospital in 2007. 5 hours of IV fluids later, we went home, forgot about the sparkler, and finally got a little pukeless sleep. Yay, memories.
We can only hope that no one in our little three-person family repeats this marvelous accomplishment in '09.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A Make-Over Story
Until today, I was in the dark about how to change a blog background. As it turns out, it's really easy, but being new to the blogging community, I just hadn't found the right buttons and widgets and whatnot to get it done. So, once again, I find myself thanking Sara Bading for keeping me hip. Although she has been known to go MadDogJr. on people for copyright infringement, I didn't think she would mind if I used the link from her blog to go find my own blog background. So, big ups to you, Mrs. Fine-Arms Bading...you complete me.
In other news, Henry has 2 (very sharp) teeth, can roll over both ways, is almost sitting up, likes iced tea from the end of my straw, tried cotton candy flavored Italian Ice last night with the Burgess family, is sleeping 11 hours a night, says 'mama' and 'dada' when he sees us, makes itsy bitsy spider fingers by himself, loves children and doggies, thinks it's funny to blow raspberries with his mouth full of baby food, can splash tub water in a full 8-foot radius from the kitchen sink, and wants a cell phone of his very own as soon as possible. If you want/need a good laugh, just call us so that he can share his thoughts and lamentations with you. I promise, you won't hang up disappointed. Evidently, Grandpa knew what he was talking about when he said that Henry was going to be a talker just like his daddy was.
As for our New Year celebration plans, well, we have none. I know...booohooo. No, not really. We're looking forward to doing nothing, because we've been doing everything for too many days in a row. IF (and that's a big 'if')anyone is lucky enough to get us out of the house to join in their festivities, we will gladly show up unshowered and in our pajamas.
Oh, and two more things. First, please forgive my inability to post pictures on the blog for a few weeks...my camera was eaten by camera-gnomes at my grandmother's house on Christmas morning. Second, do you know the significance of the number "47"? No, it's not the number of hairs left on my head...I think that's more like 42. Nice try, though. No, the big 4-7 is, in fact, the number of pounds I've lost since the day Henry was born!! That's all of the baby weight plus some...woot woot.
In other news, Henry has 2 (very sharp) teeth, can roll over both ways, is almost sitting up, likes iced tea from the end of my straw, tried cotton candy flavored Italian Ice last night with the Burgess family, is sleeping 11 hours a night, says 'mama' and 'dada' when he sees us, makes itsy bitsy spider fingers by himself, loves children and doggies, thinks it's funny to blow raspberries with his mouth full of baby food, can splash tub water in a full 8-foot radius from the kitchen sink, and wants a cell phone of his very own as soon as possible. If you want/need a good laugh, just call us so that he can share his thoughts and lamentations with you. I promise, you won't hang up disappointed. Evidently, Grandpa knew what he was talking about when he said that Henry was going to be a talker just like his daddy was.
As for our New Year celebration plans, well, we have none. I know...booohooo. No, not really. We're looking forward to doing nothing, because we've been doing everything for too many days in a row. IF (and that's a big 'if')anyone is lucky enough to get us out of the house to join in their festivities, we will gladly show up unshowered and in our pajamas.
Oh, and two more things. First, please forgive my inability to post pictures on the blog for a few weeks...my camera was eaten by camera-gnomes at my grandmother's house on Christmas morning. Second, do you know the significance of the number "47"? No, it's not the number of hairs left on my head...I think that's more like 42. Nice try, though. No, the big 4-7 is, in fact, the number of pounds I've lost since the day Henry was born!! That's all of the baby weight plus some...woot woot.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Our new digs...
Well, the inspection is tomorrow...but lots of you have asked about the new house. So, without further ado, I present you with (drumroll please) the almost-Chesser abode.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
News on the HOMEfront...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE CHESSERS!!! As of this very afternoon, we have a contract on a home in Kingwood, Texas. Pending inspections, appraisals, and the like, we actually have a place to tell the movers to take our things!! Closing is set for January 28th...say a prayer that we don't hit any hiccups between now and then.
I'll post pictures after the inspection report comes back (don't want to put the cart before the horse), but for now, just know that it's a sweet little house made for a growing family. If we stay for a few years, Henry will actually go to my old elementary school, and we are very close to family and the neighborhood park and swimming pool. Florida friends and family, our door is always open to you, and there is AMPLE space for guests to visit as often as they like.
In other news, some close friends of ours have signed on to rent our house in Orlando for the next year. As you know, we were very concerned about trying to sell that home in the current market, so we feel so blessed by the way this worked our for everyone. They needed a place at the exact same time we were leaving. Henry, that's what mommy calls a "mutually beneficial agreement."
Look for Christmas pics soon!
I'll post pictures after the inspection report comes back (don't want to put the cart before the horse), but for now, just know that it's a sweet little house made for a growing family. If we stay for a few years, Henry will actually go to my old elementary school, and we are very close to family and the neighborhood park and swimming pool. Florida friends and family, our door is always open to you, and there is AMPLE space for guests to visit as often as they like.
In other news, some close friends of ours have signed on to rent our house in Orlando for the next year. As you know, we were very concerned about trying to sell that home in the current market, so we feel so blessed by the way this worked our for everyone. They needed a place at the exact same time we were leaving. Henry, that's what mommy calls a "mutually beneficial agreement."
Look for Christmas pics soon!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Dashing through the SNOW...in Texas!!!
We love surprises...especially during the holidays. So, you can just imagine our delight when snow began to fall from the Kingwood, Texas sky last night!!
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Henry loved it outside last night. We didn't keep him out long, but in the short time we were out there, he was thoroughly amazed by the wonder of the falling snow...didn't seem to notice the freezing temperature a bit.
When the subject of 'snow' comes up, it always brings back memories of Jonathan, my brother, when we were little. Jonathan, like me, loves Christmas. He is the one in our family, more than anyone else, who always ALWAYS believes in the true magic of this time of year. He was the one who could always hear Santa's sleigh, was sure the reindeer had just landed on our roof, and who noticed if even the slightest crumb was missing off of the cookie tray on Christmas morning. He was the one who could sleep on the ground at a Mardi Gras parade (true story) but couldn't sleep past 4:30 a.m. to save his life on Christmas morning.
Anyway, one year, when I was about 7 and Jonathan was 5 or 6, he became obsessed with the idea of a "White Christmas." He didn't really know what it meant, but I guess he figured out that it must be pretty amazing if a whole song was written about it. Anyway, my parents told him that a White Christmas was a snowy Christmas, and after that, all he wanted and wished for that year was his very own White Christmas. Living in Houston, you can imagine the chances of him actually getting his wish.
So, sure enough, at 4:31 a.m. on Christmas morning (right on schedule), little brother comes running into my room to tell me that we had had a White Christmas. I don't think anyone could stand to break it to him that all he was seeing was some frost on neighboring rooftops - not snow. But, nonetheless, the magic of the season lived on a little bit longer for Jonathan...and, come to think of it, most years, he still ponders aloud whether or not the Christmas will be white...and hearing that the magic is still alive in him always makes me smile.
Big week ahead...look for pics soon!
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Henry loved it outside last night. We didn't keep him out long, but in the short time we were out there, he was thoroughly amazed by the wonder of the falling snow...didn't seem to notice the freezing temperature a bit.
When the subject of 'snow' comes up, it always brings back memories of Jonathan, my brother, when we were little. Jonathan, like me, loves Christmas. He is the one in our family, more than anyone else, who always ALWAYS believes in the true magic of this time of year. He was the one who could always hear Santa's sleigh, was sure the reindeer had just landed on our roof, and who noticed if even the slightest crumb was missing off of the cookie tray on Christmas morning. He was the one who could sleep on the ground at a Mardi Gras parade (true story) but couldn't sleep past 4:30 a.m. to save his life on Christmas morning.
Anyway, one year, when I was about 7 and Jonathan was 5 or 6, he became obsessed with the idea of a "White Christmas." He didn't really know what it meant, but I guess he figured out that it must be pretty amazing if a whole song was written about it. Anyway, my parents told him that a White Christmas was a snowy Christmas, and after that, all he wanted and wished for that year was his very own White Christmas. Living in Houston, you can imagine the chances of him actually getting his wish.
So, sure enough, at 4:31 a.m. on Christmas morning (right on schedule), little brother comes running into my room to tell me that we had had a White Christmas. I don't think anyone could stand to break it to him that all he was seeing was some frost on neighboring rooftops - not snow. But, nonetheless, the magic of the season lived on a little bit longer for Jonathan...and, come to think of it, most years, he still ponders aloud whether or not the Christmas will be white...and hearing that the magic is still alive in him always makes me smile.
Big week ahead...look for pics soon!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
5 things that have happened since my last post that you don't need to know but I'll tell you anyway
5. We put in an offer on a beautiful house. Sad to say, the owner and listing agent are punks, so it's probably not going to pan out.
4. Jared went back to Orlando last Saturday, but the baby and I stayed in Kingwood to wait out the news on the offer. No news. It's okay...he comes back to Kingwood tonight and will be working in Houston until Friday.
3. Henry is cutting another tooth and has consistently been using my boobs as his own personal chew toys.
2. I said "no no" to Henry re: boob-biting, and now every time someone says no (in any context), he starts crying.
1. I've lost 400,000 more hairs off the top of my head and am actually considering...gasp...bangs. It probably won't happen, but I've just never seen anything like this hair loss. It's been bad since the day I had the baby, but it's recently become VERY disgustingly noticeable around the hairline.
We're headed back to O-town on Friday morning, have Jared's work's Christmas party on Friday, are going to the Singing Trees on Saturday, having our little family Christmas at some point, and are turning around and leaving for Baton Rouge the following Thursday. Heather decided that graduating would be a good idea this semester, so we're headed to LSU to witness the big occasion...and Jared will have a meeting with some of our favorite people, Ronnie Rab and crew.
In case it isn't abundantly obvious, we're freaking busy right now. So, please forgive all broken plans, unreturned calls/emails, and lack of yummy baked Christmas trays this year...we'll be back on our A-game next year...
4. Jared went back to Orlando last Saturday, but the baby and I stayed in Kingwood to wait out the news on the offer. No news. It's okay...he comes back to Kingwood tonight and will be working in Houston until Friday.
3. Henry is cutting another tooth and has consistently been using my boobs as his own personal chew toys.
2. I said "no no" to Henry re: boob-biting, and now every time someone says no (in any context), he starts crying.
1. I've lost 400,000 more hairs off the top of my head and am actually considering...gasp...bangs. It probably won't happen, but I've just never seen anything like this hair loss. It's been bad since the day I had the baby, but it's recently become VERY disgustingly noticeable around the hairline.
We're headed back to O-town on Friday morning, have Jared's work's Christmas party on Friday, are going to the Singing Trees on Saturday, having our little family Christmas at some point, and are turning around and leaving for Baton Rouge the following Thursday. Heather decided that graduating would be a good idea this semester, so we're headed to LSU to witness the big occasion...and Jared will have a meeting with some of our favorite people, Ronnie Rab and crew.
In case it isn't abundantly obvious, we're freaking busy right now. So, please forgive all broken plans, unreturned calls/emails, and lack of yummy baked Christmas trays this year...we'll be back on our A-game next year...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Milestones
We've hit a few milestones this week!!
On Monday, after two weeks of weird sleeping and random fussiness, Henry's first tooth emerged!! Then, today, while he was playing on the couch, he looked right at me and made a noise like this - "mamamamamamamaa" - and he's been doing it all morning. Do I think he knows what he's saying? Not really. Does it give me warm fuzzies anyway? In the words of the great Sarah Palin, "You betcha."
We're off to Texas again this afternoon, and we'll be back home on Saturday night. Happy birthdays this week go to Jonathan (my brother) and Amanda (longtime friend of Jared's...and now mine!), who are celebrating their 27th birthdays on Pearl Harbor Day - December 7th. Live it up, guys!!
On Monday, after two weeks of weird sleeping and random fussiness, Henry's first tooth emerged!! Then, today, while he was playing on the couch, he looked right at me and made a noise like this - "mamamamamamamaa" - and he's been doing it all morning. Do I think he knows what he's saying? Not really. Does it give me warm fuzzies anyway? In the words of the great Sarah Palin, "You betcha."
We're off to Texas again this afternoon, and we'll be back home on Saturday night. Happy birthdays this week go to Jonathan (my brother) and Amanda (longtime friend of Jared's...and now mine!), who are celebrating their 27th birthdays on Pearl Harbor Day - December 7th. Live it up, guys!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ho! Ho! Noooooooo!!!
Well, they say a picture's worth a thousand words...
Poor Henry...hims don't like Santy Claus...
Poor Henry...hims don't like Santy Claus...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving
We spent Thanksgiving at Jerry & Betsy's house this year. Betsy did a beautiful job with everything, and we all enjoyed being thankful together. Henry was especially thankful for the vast amounts of spoiling that he received this year.
Henry with Nana, Grandma, and Grandma Rosie..JPG)
Nana proudly showing off her delicious pumpkin pie. Look how pretty she smiles as she sabotages my baby weight diet.
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Grandpa put Henry right to sleep for his afternoon nap. So sweet.
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Nana and Henry share so many secrets.
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Henry with Nana, Grandma, and Grandma Rosie.
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Nana proudly showing off her delicious pumpkin pie. Look how pretty she smiles as she sabotages my baby weight diet..JPG)
Grandpa put Henry right to sleep for his afternoon nap. So sweet..JPG)
Nana and Henry share so many secrets..JPG)
Henry loved Grandma Rosie's scrunchie shirt...such pretty colors and bumpy texture...4 month old DE-light.
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Henry and his daddy!
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Henry and Santa Claus (minus the beard)....just kidding...that's Uncle Charlie.
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Henry chillin' in Anthony's big boy chair
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Henry and his mamamamamamamama...
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After the feast, all the Chessers slipped into something a little more comfortable...for H, this always means almost nekked..JPG)
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Henry and his daddy!.JPG)
Henry and Santa Claus (minus the beard)....just kidding...that's Uncle Charlie..JPG)
Henry chillin' in Anthony's big boy chair.JPG)
Henry and his mamamamamamamama....JPG)
After the feast, all the Chessers slipped into something a little more comfortable...for H, this always means almost nekked.With the coming and going of Thanksgiving, the holiday season feels officially upon us. This time of year always reminds me of one of my very best friends, Charity. I don't think I've mentioned her on our blog yet, so here's a little shout to my homegirl. She just finished up a 3-year stint with the U.S. Army JAG in El Paso, Texas, and is (hopefully) enjoying a little time off before the humdrum of civilian life sets in. Chair is engaged to be married to a real gem of a guy, Randy, and I am proud to take as much credit as possible for the setting up of the two. Their wedding is this coming March, and we are so excited to pump it up for her big day. When I think of the holiday glee that is upon us, my mind goes straight to Chair because she and I share a mutual appreciation for all things Christmas. From the hot beverages to the beautiful music to the theological contemplation to the presents to the smell of fresh pine to the spirit of giving, sharing, love, and brotherhood...I guess this makes her my kindred Christmas spirit. Love & miss ya, girl.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
4 months old!
I forgot to post official 4-month photos. So, here they are....JPG)
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Sad to say, the mobile comes down this week...and we're moving the mattress down a notch or two as well. My baby is turning into a big boy way too fast. :(
Monday, November 24, 2008
North Carolina...raise up...take your...errr, nevermind
This past weekend, we flew to Raleigh for Henry's first wedding!! My cousin, Rachelle, married her long-time sweetheart, Keith, in a gorgeous nuptial mass inside of the prettiest chapel I've ever seen. It was a family weekend to remember...
Here's Henry on the airplane making his pissy face. Just prior to this picture being taken, he had his cheeks puffed all the way out...so cute...
Jared and the baby take Rehearsal Dinners very seriously. Here's Daddy teaching Henry good table-manners..JPG)
My sweet boys cheek-to-cheek..JPG)
The bride and groom busting a move!.JPG)
My dad, Lande, teaching my cousin, Ashley, how to dance. This was hilarious...especially when she was better than him after 5 seconds of learning..JPG)
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My musically-gifted cousin, Miles, took to the stage to sing a few for Rachelle's reception!! .JPG)
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The cousins (+Renee's fun friend who didn't get the memo that it was a family pic!) standing front row for Miles' performance - clockwise from top left - Michelle, Rachelle, Renee, Elizabeth, Ashley, and Hailey..JPG)
Ashley and me....I remember racing to New Orleans to see her the day she was born...now, she's a supermodel with a boyfriend of 2 years. Crazy..JPG)
Ashley, Hailey, & me - if you add their ages together, I'm still more. By the way, it was Hailey's big 9th birthday on the day of the wedding!!! Sooooooo, a BIG PINK HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Hailey....one of the sweetest cousins and cutest flowergirls in the history of the world!.JPG)
Just for funsies, here are a few photos of Hailey as a flowergirl in my wedding...BEAUTIFUL!
The Chesser family!! I know I look slightly preggers in that dress...but trust me, it's just the dress...we're crazy, but not THAT crazy..JPG)
Daddy and Henry at the wedding..JPG)
Jared and me in a rare pic of just the two of us. Amy, I hope you like our matchy outfits....JPG)
Grammie and Henry at the wedding. Notice the baby's red chin...he got a little dry and patchy in the cold NC air despite being perfectly dressed for the weather. If anyone knows the remedy for chapped baby skin, mine has patches all over and could use some TLC. .JPG)
The morning after the wedding, Henry got to meet my cousin Renee's 6-month old baby boy, Brayden!! In the first photo, you can see me and NayNay with my mom, her dad, and their mom(our grandmother, Maw Maw, and the babies' great grandmother!!). The second photo is just the cousins with the babies and Maw Maw..JPG)
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Henry and Brayden sizing each other up. Brayden smiled big at the H-man, but Henry just wanted to grab at him (we're in a grabbing phase these days)..JPG)
Hi baby!!.JPG)
Crappy picture of the two breads (bad angle)...but the meat of this sandwich is looking pretty cute! My mom's cousin Alice with Henry and me!!.JPG)
Henry saying bye-bye to his Grammie and Grumpy at the hotel. aww, he's about to cry because he's so sad to see them go back to their house....JPG)
Uncle Joey with Henry!.JPG)
Henry and me with my Great Aunt Nancy..JPG)
Henry and me with my Great Auntie Norma..JPG)
Maw Maw holding Henry just before we had to leave for the airport..JPG)
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend in Raleigh. We were so happy to be able to share in Rachelle and Keith's special day, and we loved seeing so many family members in the same place. We can't wait to see everyone again in June for Jonathan & Stephanie's parrrr-tay!!
Next up, though, Thanksgiving!! Yippee!!
Here's Henry on the airplane making his pissy face. Just prior to this picture being taken, he had his cheeks puffed all the way out...so cute...
Jared and the baby take Rehearsal Dinners very seriously. Here's Daddy teaching Henry good table-manners.My sweet boys cheek-to-cheek.The bride and groom busting a move!.JPG)
My dad, Lande, teaching my cousin, Ashley, how to dance. This was hilarious...especially when she was better than him after 5 seconds of learning.My musically-gifted cousin, Miles, took to the stage to sing a few for Rachelle's reception!! The cousins (+Renee's fun friend who didn't get the memo that it was a family pic!) standing front row for Miles' performance - clockwise from top left - Michelle, Rachelle, Renee, Elizabeth, Ashley, and Hailey.Ashley and me....I remember racing to New Orleans to see her the day she was born...now, she's a supermodel with a boyfriend of 2 years. Crazy.Ashley, Hailey, & me - if you add their ages together, I'm still more. By the way, it was Hailey's big 9th birthday on the day of the wedding!!! Sooooooo, a BIG PINK HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Hailey....one of the sweetest cousins and cutest flowergirls in the history of the world!Just for funsies, here are a few photos of Hailey as a flowergirl in my wedding...BEAUTIFUL!The Chesser family!! I know I look slightly preggers in that dress...but trust me, it's just the dress...we're crazy, but not THAT crazy.Daddy and Henry at the wedding.Jared and me in a rare pic of just the two of us. Amy, I hope you like our matchy outfits...Grammie and Henry at the wedding. Notice the baby's red chin...he got a little dry and patchy in the cold NC air despite being perfectly dressed for the weather. If anyone knows the remedy for chapped baby skin, mine has patches all over and could use some TLC. The morning after the wedding, Henry got to meet my cousin Renee's 6-month old baby boy, Brayden!! In the first photo, you can see me and NayNay with my mom, her dad, and their mom(our grandmother, Maw Maw, and the babies' great grandmother!!). The second photo is just the cousins with the babies and Maw Maw.Henry and Brayden sizing each other up. Brayden smiled big at the H-man, but Henry just wanted to grab at him (we're in a grabbing phase these days).Hi baby!!Crappy picture of the two breads (bad angle)...but the meat of this sandwich is looking pretty cute! My mom's cousin Alice with Henry and me!!Henry saying bye-bye to his Grammie and Grumpy at the hotel. aww, he's about to cry because he's so sad to see them go back to their house...Uncle Joey with Henry! Henry and me with my Great Aunt Nancy.Henry and me with my Great Auntie Norma.Maw Maw holding Henry just before we had to leave for the airport. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend in Raleigh. We were so happy to be able to share in Rachelle and Keith's special day, and we loved seeing so many family members in the same place. We can't wait to see everyone again in June for Jonathan & Stephanie's parrrr-tay!!Next up, though, Thanksgiving!! Yippee!!