Mel's Box of Chocolates

Zoe came home today from school saying that she thinks our Elf has gotten lost this year because all her friends at school have been talking about the arrival of their Elf.  It's been a big debate in our house when the Elf usually arrives. Dave and I seem to remember him coming December 1st, but the kiddos seem to think he was supposed to show up the day after Thanksgiving. So help us out... Has the elf arrived at your house? When does he usually make his appearance for the season??

Are you a Black Friday shopper? I am so one of those nutso people who will leave before the crack of dawn to go wait in line with all the other nutsos on Black Friday. There is just something about standing outside the stores with everybody else as we wait to begin the holiday shopping season. I absolutely love every minute of it even the pushing (of course I don't push), shoving (none from me btw), and waiting in lines (now that I do!). Hey, I did tell you I was nuts!  Last year, I dragged my hubby and dad to Best Buy at 10pm on Thanksgiving where we waited in line until the store opened at midnight to score our Christmas tablets at awesome prices.  I don't think they minded too much as it was an electronic store. They were good sports though and went to the mall with me before heading home at dawn. Usually I spend Thanksgiving morning pouring over the ads while enjoying the Macy's parade, strategically planning my attack for the next morning.  This year ...

I have so much to be thankful for this year...a healthy, loving family, fabulous friends, a warm and cozy home, a new teaching job that I love...MY blessings are truly endless. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the "wish I had this" and "only if I had that" and it's nice to have the reminder to stop and just be thankful for everything we do have. My thoughts are with all my neighbors who have recently lost everything from Hurricane Sandy, those who are serving in our military overseas and cannot be home with their family, and those who are dealing with illness, other losses and/or devastation.  May everybody enjoy their day, however you are spending it, and find something to be thankful for on this day. Wishing you and your family a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!