Surround Yourself With Good People

The Easter Bunny Visits Westfarms Mall

Start off the Easter Holiday right! "Hop" on down to the Westfarms Mall to meet the Easter Bunny!

Beginning Friday, March 13th, the Easter Bunny eggcitedly awaits visitors in Bunnyville, a charming, three-dimensional Bunny town featuring the Hoppin’ Fresh Bakery, Hare Salon and 24 Carrot Bank. The last stop in Bunnyville is a professional photo with the Easter Bunny in front of his Bunny House. Children will receive a small gift from the Bunny just for visiting. 

Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM through Saturday, April 4th.

About Westfarms:

Westfarms, the premier shopping center of central Connecticut, features anchor stores Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and JCPenney. The shopping center offers 160 stylish retailers and restaurants, many unique to the trade area, including Anthropologie, Apple, The Art of Shaving, Athleta, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Coach, Free People, J.Crew, Kiehl’s Since 1851, LEGO, Louis Vuitton, LUSH, Michael Kors, Microsoft, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Tiffany & Co., True Religion Brand Jeans, Tommy Bahama, Tory Burch, Urban Outfitters and many more. The shopping center straddles the towns of Farmington and West Hartford, and is conveniently located at the intersection of I-84 and Route 9. 

For more information, call 860-561-3024

visit www.ShopWestfarms.com 

   (Photo courtesy of Sirica Marketing and PR)

My Family Makes Me Who I am

Forever grateful!

Sound Tigers 1st Responders Day April 19th 2015

April19th is The Sound Tigers1st Responders Day where they will be donating a portion of ticket sales back to benefit 3 different charities that are involved with First Responders, including Children's Connection in Norwalk.  Buy your tickets today: http://heroeshope.org/forms/1st-responders-day-2015.pdf

Your Life Is Your Story

Qdoba Mexican Grill Steps Up Their Queso With Two New Flavors

Have you ever had Qdoba Mexican Grill's Queso? No then you're def missing out. Don't believe me then go give it a try! http://www.qdoba.com/ 

Their queso is sooo yummy and gooey and perfect over nachos and on your burritos or tacos. Well now they added a new twist with introducing their new Bacon Jalapeno Queso and Quesomle-their blend of guacamole and queso.  I may have to order both next time I go! Check it out!





Qdoba Mexican Grill Queso

Motherhood: it's so hard yet so beautiful

I sent my husband pictures he replied he loved them and was a little jealous. He was envious that he was at work all day and I was with them. He wanted to make sure I enjoyed the kids. Of course I do I said. But it's hard. I am exhausted. It's a lot of work and I work and taking care of them is work too. But it's beautiful and I love it and wish I could be with them all the time. Just like this. Calm and happy but that's not how it always is. But we work hard for them. To be able to give them what they need and want and in return they give us this unconditional love and understanding. They will grow up so fast and all the other stuff won't matter. I keep trying to tell myself to sometimes forget everything else and cuddle with them as much as possible. To play with them as much as I can. It's ok if dinner is served late or the house isn't spotless. It's ok because that doesn't matter to them. Me being with them matters to them.

Strong Women

Cheers!

We Are All Connected

It's a small world and boy is it true! We are all connected one way or another.

She was my dental hygienist. I knew her for 17 years. So sweet and always happy. I became friends with her sister and cousin without knowing the connection. One day she messaged me that she saw a picture of my daughter with her niece. The connection clicked. Later found out her husband was good friends with my husband. We were connected and meant to be friends.  Small world...yes indeed!

How many times are you out and hear a friend knew another friend from completely different parts of the state. Or your friend's boyfriend went to school with your friend. The examples are endless. 

Even with dealing with business I often get calls "do you know..." And a message "hey I just got referred to your husband or parents business". My parents will call and say a girl came in and said she knew you.

 One day I was getting a mortgage broker and told her my husbands line of business she said wow I could use his help and after she helped me we hung up and he helped her. 

We are all connected and can learn from

one another. Never burn bridges with anyone. You never know when they will be circling back into your life. 

Always try to keep friendships open so you never run into an axkward moment. Always treat others the way you wanted to be treated. And most of all embrace the relationships you do have and connections you make. 

Skeleton Video: Diversity & Inclusion – Love Has No Labels (Gender, Color, Race, Disability) Skeleton Love Dance

Great Message! Under it all we are all the same!

She turned 2

Each child is unique but this one she's definitely one of a kind. Her beauty is striking. Her independence is admired. Her ability to tell you want she wants and needs without saying much words is impressive. She saved my life. I am forever grateful for her!

Sometimes People Don't Know

We all think that people can read minds. As if people know you are having a bad day or life is rough or you accomplished something. Fact is people don't know unless you tell them. Life is always so busy that we assume "word" got out. Well people they haven't. So if you need something tell the person you need something before being angry they aren't there for you. You can't judge the way some treats you if you haven't given them the chance to be there for you or deny being there for you.

Don't assume people know, because 95% of the time they don't! Speak up and then you can judge!

Why Networking is Important

There's never enough time in the day to accomplish what we need and want to accomplish. A lot of times we make plans and later wish we could stay in. Take my advice and GO OUT!

Here's why: Everytime you meet someone new or spend time with someone who has been in your life forever you learn something new and you grow as a person. 

Think about it! We all have knowledge to share with eachother. We all have different lives, go through different experiences. Know someone who can connect with someone else. Know someone who can help someone else. 

I like to believe I am a well rounded person with different groups of friends and people I associate with. I LOVE giving my opinion and share my life experiences and help others. 

Well I knew a friend looking for a job and when a company I used to work for asked for me to come back I said I couldn't but I know someone who may fit the job well. She went in for an interview and said it went well. 

I am a huge fan of the Jamberry Nails. My friend is now a consultant. I got invited to a Stella and Dot party and because I promote Jamberry so much on Social media because I am addicted my friend hosting the party asked me to bring my friend as well so she could sell Jamberry there. 

A new family moved into town and at a school meeting I was talking to the mother. A couple weeks later she reached out to me and asked for recommendations to daycares. I invited her to join some mommy sites so she could be familiar with things in the area for child services and activities. 

NETWORK! Granted I helped those people but other people have helped and continue to help and teach me. We are all teachers and learners. When was the last time you networked and helped or had someone help you?

It's Ok To Talk About It

 Growing up I had this impression that if someone went to therapy they had a rough life or hit rock bottom! Now a days you can talk to someone just for some guidance. 

Therapy is a way to release what's bothering you and teaches you how to handle the way you feel. I have gone to therapy before, family members have gone to therapy, friends have gone to therapy. There's nothing wrong with seeing someone to help you deal with a situation in your life. 

Couples therapy is great. It is great because the therapist hears what you and your spouse are complaining about and teachers you how to COMMUNICATE! 

Communication is the key to a successful marriage and life. You need to be able to communicate without it turning into a fight. 

Life isn't easy and we are constantly being tested. No one expects people to deal with issues and rough times on their own. I loved speaking to a therapist because once I heard my issues out loud it was easy for me to find a solution to them. 

If you need a therapist or someone to talk to them best place to start is asking your insurance company to recommend one in network. It's amazing how good you feel once you do it!

Believe in Yourself

Importance of Social Media

I had no internet and I was getting the run around from my provider. It was a cold day but nothing else out of the ordinary with the weather. I woke up and noticed my internet was down. I called my provider and they said a tech would be coming in the area before 5:00 pm. So I went to my moms and worked. Well I got home and no service still. I called again and said they would be coming to fix it. Next morning no service. By now I am fuming. I mean have you ever had power but lost your internet for 24 hrs?!

The girl on the phone wish she never spoke to me. She was rude, defensive, and told me a tech would NEVER come to a residential area within 48 hrs. Um how is that acceptable?! 48 hrs?! I lost my mind. I knew she too worked remotely because when I asked to speak to a manger she said they would have to get back to me within 20 minutes. So I said I know you are working from home right now. If you had no internet for 48 hrs and couldn't work what would your boss tell you? You would lose your job. Get me my internet. She was speechless.

At this point I wanted to cancel them. So I pulled it together and I emailed customer service, I went on thier Facebook and Twitter page and posted "48hrs without internet. How is this even possible?!"  I wasn't rude. I was stating the facts. Within 1 hour I had their head of Social Media contact me.  She assured me that they had a tech in area working and said me and a dozen other homes would be having internet by the morning.  Morning came I had internet. I received calls and emails confirming I was back up and running and received a credit on my account. 

By me taking the time and posting a comment that wasn't rude or obnoxious just stating the facts caused the problem to get fixed. See we all depend on social media these days as a form or free advertising, connecting and branding. My comment would hurt their image.  No one should go 48hrs without any type of service especially the internet. Would I change providers- probably if a reliable one came around. Did I like the service I received yes just wished it didn't have to take two days of my time. 

Winter Days

The beauty of winter days...

Happy Valentine's Day

Feel Good Song: I Lived by One Republic

Great Song!!! Gives me goose bumps! If I could dedicate one song to my three girls it would be this one! I hope they live their life to their fullest capabilities even when I am long gone!

You Control Your Own Thoughts

Feel Good Song: Ghost By Ella Henderson

Snow Snow and More Snow

2015 has been pretty cold! December was so mild that for a while I thought we got lucky and were going to bypass seeing snow this winter. Well I was WRONG!  It has probably snowed at least once a week in 2015 and to be honest I am kindof sick of it. I am a Fall and Spring lover. Winter and Hot Summer Days I could do without. 

Set A Goal, Stay Focused

"Set a goal, stay focused, reach the goal!" Sounds easy but we all know it's not. I will tell you though once we set our mind to something it makes staying focused easier. Don't look back. If you want something put your mind, body and soul into getting it and making it happen. 

Super Bowl Food Recipe: Qdoba Mexican Grill Nachos

Looking for some great Super Bowl snacks to serve this Super Bowl weekend? Qdoba Mexican Grill has some great Dishes! Below is a perfect guide on how to make the ultimate game day nachos! YUM!

How to make the ultimate game day nachos
From JP Patrick, Director of Culinary, R&D for Qdoba

Everyone knows nachos are the ultimate game day crowd pleaser. To take your basic chips and salsa to the next level, it’s all about adding flavor!

· Start out with your tortilla chips, they’re best with just a hint of lime and salt for that added flavor. If you can fry them fresh like we do at Qdoba daily, even better.

· Then, add everyone’s favorite ingredient, queso. And, for anyone who really loves spicy foods you should try a queso with a kick, like our Queso Diablo!

·  Next, turn nachos into more than just a side dish by adding your favorite  protein – ground beef, steak or grilled chicken all work really well.

· Now, it’s time amp things up by adding your favorite flavors. Drizzle sour cream across the pile, load up on guacamole, maybe even add some veggies before tackling the dish with your favorite salsa. Now you have nachos your guests will rave about.

For those of you who would rather stay out of the kitchen on game day, you can always call Qdoba catering to bring the nachos to you! There are four Qdoba locations in Connecticut

 Qdoba Westport - Playhouse Square, 275 Post East Road, Westport, CT  

 Qdoba Norwalk – 652 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT  

  Qdoba Fairfield – Black Rock Turnpike, 2222 Black Rock Fairfield, CT

The Most Important Job You'll Ever Do

Support Small Businesses

Treat People The Way You Want To Be Treated

It's a simple rule yet easily forgotten. People need to treat people the way they want to be treated because it's true that people tend to remember the bad in a situation vs the good.  Maybe if adults practiced treating people the way they would want to be treated there would be better role models for children and less selfish people in the world.

Remember history repeats itself. If your children see you doing something then you are teaching them to behave the same way.

People fail to remember that when you hurt the people who help you most you are only making yourself look bad. Think before you react. Life is short. Things change. People aren't around forever. Never down play that they are important for your selfish desires.

 Today's world really needs to stop being selfish and rude and show a little more compassion and love!

Unique Baby Shower Gift

Baby showers are cute and sometimes super boring. I will admit it. Mine kindof was. We ate, chatted and said a lot of "ohhs and awes". I loved my shower cause it was mine. Well now my sister is having a baby and always being the pain in the ass prankster baby sister I am I decided that me and my other sister should get her a unique fun gift. Besides her normal big gift we are making a "Gift bag to help you get through the "shitty" parts of parenting".

It goes something like this "the journey of parenthood can be a real treat and joy but we all know that their are some lows. Here's some treats to help you deal with the shitty times" 

*Diapers

*Rectal thermometer

*wipes

*Butt paste

*Breast pads

*nipple cream

*dirty diaper bags

*voucher for a girls night out

See all helpful and useful things to help the "mom to be" handle the shitty parts of being a parent!

What would you add to the list?

Jamberry Nails

I have a new love and it is called Jamberry Nails! I have three kids and work from home, I have NO Time to grocery shop alone forget about going for a manicure. I kept getting invites to these Jamberry Nail parties and didn't pay mind to it until I saw my college roommate with her fancy nails. The minute she told me what they were I put in an order and hosted a party---I know not like I do not already have a full plate. Ok so here's how it works:

• You get a sheet of wraps-really look like stickers- for $15 to do both hands or feet.

Below are some examples of designs

• You then get the size that fits the width of your nail. Put it on, cut it down to fit your nail and blow dry it on.
• You're done.
• They say for nails it lasts two weeks and toes six weeks.

AMAZING I KNOW!!! I mean I walk out of a salon and mess up my nails. These survived numerous diaper changes, washing dishes at least 10x a day, giving baths, and even a couple of crafts where paint ended up on me more than the paper. Now I feel sexy with fancy nails in my yoga pants!

 

Interested then check out this site to learn more Http://suzannamayhugh.jamberrynails.net/

Be Silent Influencers

I recently was flipping through the channels on a rear occasion when Nick Jr. was not on and came across Joel Osteen doing a serum on how we all should be Silent Influencers. It had me thinking. I mean we all should do good without shouting it to others or making it known what we have done.

Our mission in life really is to leave a special mark in people's life, to be good to others, to be kind to spread kindness and knowledge. Now I am not trying to be all deep but I am trying to say to all of my readers that we all have something good to give and not in ways of money or tangible items. We all have knowledge to share and learn from each other.

Every new situation and new person we meet we have a lot to gain from one another. We also should be silent leaders, meaning spreading kindness and looking out for one another without the intentions to gain for ourselves because in the long run we do get rewarded.

When was the last time YOU did something kind for someone without the intentions of getting something in return?

Feel Good Song: Like A Stone

Powerful words: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Feel Good Song: Dream On By Aerosmith

Fun Fact: Sea Otters

A Good Life...

A good life...

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Holiday!

Santa Came Early!!!

Clean Scans for ME!!!

Hoping For The Best!

All I Want For Christmas Is...

All I want for Xmas is... A Clean Scan!! 

Having my 1st follow up scan today for my Thyroid cancer.  Nerves are setting in. I mean I feel pretty good since I have been off meds but who am I kidding it's been an awful ride. I haven't gained much thanks for doing gluten free and then low iodine- yuck I know but at least I am only mildly puffy.

So I went to my local hospital and took 7 tablets by mouth because there is radio active material on them so I can not touch them. I took them, drank my glass of water and have to go back this afternoon. During scan you cannot move. You need to stau still. So of course my eyes will be wondering toward the screen to make sure nothing lights up! 

They say I am safe to be around the children's but not to hold the baby up to my chest. Of course when I get home my middle one is screaming "UP, UP!"  So I bribed her with a mini ice pop and she left me alone after that. 

Gratefully my mom will have them soon so I don't have to worry about holding them. I am extremely lucky for the help and support system I have. 

I keep thinking.. It's ok if anything returned you'll have to just have another treatment and everything will be ok. I am more worried about my kids then me. I want to be healthy for them so I can take care of them. 

Once I get the ok I will definetly be going out for a cheeseburger, shakes and fries!! Wish me luck!!

Best Feature A Woman Can Have

Happy 4 Months My Little Angel

She's so calm and sweet and snuck into my life like a bundle of treats. She smiles and makes you feel so complete. She doesn't look like my husband or I With her big blue eyes that are still a mystery as to who she will be. My little one is now four months. Happy four months to an amazing baby who heals my soul and really brings all of us joy!

3 Step Journey to Having Three Kids

First Child

Everything is new. I was on bed rest and it was an awful pregnancy but I was so happy because it was new and I was pregnant and had this baby growing in my belly. She made a  "Mom" I was the best mom or would like to think that my first born was amazing because I was amazing. It wasn't because of me, she was who she was. I helped bring that out but she came out that way too.  She slept. She was sweet. We did everything together. I took her every where with me. Life was easy, even though with your first it is the hardest change.

Second Child

You began to feel you would be missing out with alone time with your first and guilty that you would not be able to love and give your second as much as you gave your first. You think "could I possibly love her as much as her older sister. " you start to understand the connection your parent has with her first and try to build it with your second all while you're still pregnant. 

Once she arrives all changes. Of course you love her as much as your first. She's another creation that is a different variation of who you and your husband are. You don't want her compared to her big sister.  You want her to be accepted for her own unique personality. You track her milestones not as best as the first but you try your best. You cannot image a third because how could you handle a third.

Third Child 

I never planned on a third- well at least not so soon. You're a little over the pregnancy thing and then as it inches towards your due date you think "OMG this is my last pregnancy. Maybe we should have a fourth". Once you realize you never napped like you could with pregnancy one and two the thought of another pregnancy disappears real fast. 

You hope your clothes from previous babies still look good to reuse- I lucked out having three girls so they could use each other things. You definitely don't go buy new maternity clothes. You think "I am sorry baby. I don't think I even talk to my belly and don't want you to think yelling is my permanent voice."  You feel sad your middle child is no longer the baby and she will now be labeled the "middle child" which she always acted like one but felt you could change her. You cling onto your middle one and try to baby her because well we all know once the baby comes she is no longer the one getting all the attention.

Milestones...you intend to write them down and like to believe that you will remember. Which we all know you won't.

Having Three Children

You wish your house was bigger so they all could have their own personal space. You don't rush the youngest growing up because she will walk and talk and be Independent soon enough. You try to take your first out once in a while alone so she doesn't resent not having any alone time with you.

Your second amazes you with her fast learned independence. She thinks and acts and does things like her big sister but in who own way. She wants to grow up fast and you take moments out of your day to try to sit with her so you can play with her and take in those special moments. You actually start to read books about having multiple children and how to handle different personalities. 

Your third, well mine at least, is calm and normally always some where her sisters can't fall on or touch so normally the pack an play while you try to shower and make dinner and clean and pack lunch and give the others a bath. 

When you pass by she looks up and smiles because for the quick second you finally make eye contact. You often apologize to all of them for wishing you could make each happy all the time but we know that is impossible. At night when the older ones are asleep you take out the play mat and play with her. You notice then how much she's already changed and grown and is rushing to be like her two older sisters. 

You love them all the same but enjoy their company doing things that they enjoy. They are NOT all alike but you cannot image your life without them. They are all your favorite in their own way.
 

Once Alone Time

Once you get a minute to yourself you miss them all. You miss the chaos and need for you to help them. You feel overwhelmed with gratefulness to have them. You realize you wouldn't change anything and they are three complete different variations of who you and your husband are. You rush and clean the house, cook and run errands so when they finally get home you think you will finally have time to give them all your undivided attention- which we all know is nice to think but can never happen because you are now and will always be a mother to three kids!

One More Week - Life Off Thyroid Medicine

One more week to go. Man this week has been tough! I have been off my meds for 3 weeks and on the low iodine diet for a week. My body is starting to really feel the withdraw of thyroid medicine now.

Symptoms:

* Metallic taste in mouth

* Hot flashes 

* Dry scalp 

* Loss of appetite

* Bad headaches

* Insomnia

* Extreme body aches

* Mood swings

* Puffiness

* Feeling mushy

* Brain fog

It's awful. I am beginning to now know what my doctor meant when she told me I will " feel like I'm torturing my body." 

Being a mom to three is tough enough so feeling like this on top of it adds more stress. My girls really have been great. I even gave my oldest a heads up incase I didn't seem like myself. I hate to have her think I am on a special "diet" for weight loss. I explained to her that I need to eat this way to make sure scar on my neck is ok. I never say Cancer in front of her. I do not want it to worry her. She understood. She even wished me luck on my first day!

It's really important to have a strong support system or someone who understands what you're going through. Gratefully I do. My mom has cooked a couple of meals for me and helped even more with my kids.  My dad has helped with bringing my oldest to school so I don't have to bring the younger two out in the cold. I have a friend with thyroid issues that I thank god for. I can turn and vent to her whenever needed. Don't ever do this alone!

Food Always Makes Everything Better:

In my life food always makes everything better. Here are some dishes that has been helping me. All made with organic and fresh ingredients and low iodine salt. 

Orange juice & banana smoothie (1/2 cup oj, 1banana, 1/2 cup water and ice blend together) and fried egg white sandwich on low iodine homemade bread. 

Low salt pasta with homemade low iodine sauce. (Sauté onions and garlic in Olivie oil, brown meat loaf mix add fresh diced tomatoes. Let simmer 20 mins. Add low iodine salt per preference)

Low iodine stew with beer. Add all the meat potatoes veggies to crock pot  Add 2 cups water. Oregano. Table spoon Olivia oil. Low iodine salt. 1 bottle dark beer. Cook low 8 hrs. 

Organic celery with no salt added organic peanut butter and raisins. 

Some of these recipes were inspired from the thyca.org. Low Iodine cook book. 

http://www.thyca.org/download/document/231/Cookbook.pdf

Stop Chasing The Wrong Things!

Parenthood:I Must Be Doing Something Right!

95% of the time they are happy kids. Makes me think I must be doing something right!

It's the Holiday Season

Cheers to a Happy & Healthy Holiday!

Qdoba Mexican Grill in Norwalk Plus Giveaway

I had the pleasure getting to taste a delicious assortment of Mexican food on behalf of Qdoba Mexican Grill in Norwalk. It was perfect timing to be selected for them to cater a party because we decided months ago to do a Mexican theme for my daughters 6th birthday this weekend. After Thanksgiving no one wants turkey or ham again so we wanted to mix it up. This time we got to have an awesome party with limited work and amazing Mexican food.

We had the nacho bar and it was awesome. We enjoyed fresh tortilla chips with all the salsas and guacamole and fixings. Their chips are thinner than your normal nacho chip and have a hint of lime with an awesome crunch for each bite.  They are perfect to top off with the huge tray of chicken and beef. We also got a tray of queso that has a tint of heat in the cheese and a tray of black beans. I can't forget about the tray of lime white rice- my favorite. I topped half of the rice with their fresh cilantro and guests even got warm tortillas to make wraps. It was a GREAT Mexican feast! Everyone left full and happy. 

Qdoba manager came, set up our taco bar and even brought burners to keep everything warm. They gave me vouchers to hand out in their favors so ALL my guests could visit their restaurant and enjoy a free entree. AWESOME is right and NOW you too can win a chance of getting a gift cards for free so you too can visit an Qdoba in your area. 

GIVEAWAY in Norwalk

Enter a chance to win a free gift cards for meals at Qdoba Mexican Grill In Your area.  Please share in the comments section YOUR favorite Mexican dish and if you really want to list the recipe too. A winner will be picked by December 8th. 

Good Luck!!

Happy Thanksgiving

When I think of Thanksgiving I picture a time to gather for a meal prepared by the ones you love and give thanks for what you have. Well my morning DID not start that way.

My second one did not want to nap. I finally put her down and after my daughter decided to be on speaker phone with a call she woke up.

Then I attempted to let the children get dressed because that at times calmed them. Well big mistake letting my second one be without a diaper while I ran into the other room and looked for wipes. 

By this time I am fuming. My husband turns to me and says "maybe you should go for a drive" Instead I say next life no kids for me and pack the diaper bag. 

Guilt took over me and at that moment they are all calm. They look adorable in their dresses. And are getting along. I knew at that moment that yes the chaos sucks and makes you want to hid in a corner and cry but then it stops and you remember the joys of being a parent.

I always sing in my head "no body said it was easy" as a way to calm myself. 

Shockingly they were great the remaineder of the day.

Parent hood is rough but then it's wonderful. Rewarding. Beautiful. Fun. 

I am thankful! At times it's too much for me but then it all seems to get better. 

I realized my life is real. It's no fairy tales. It's what you see is what you get. It's good times and bad times. And fights and screaming and laughs and kisses. It's real. And I wouldn't change that for anything. 

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!!

Thanksgiving Humor

Thanksgiving Joke

Why did the stuffing hide behind the Turkey? It was dressing!

"Friends"giving

"Friends"giving: a time to gather for a traditional Thanksgiving meal with those who are not family but feel like family! Grateful for this bunch!