Thanksgiving
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon with my family today. I can’t even remember the last time that all of us have been in the same room together, so it was a delight! So how did it happen – the same way any family gatherings happen – I offered to cook, and everyone showed up 
My turkey came out fantastic! (Sorry to all my vegetarian/vegan friends!)
Thanksgiving Turkey 2009
Mom helped make the rest of the fixings, so we had a huge amount of food, which is a good thing because we all came hungry. So, here’s the round-up: my parents, my sister, my brother and his wife and 2.5 year old, me, and my husband. I made a 15 lb. turkey, so Dan and I brought home lots of leftovers for us to enjoy this weekend.
We drew names for a secret santa Christmas this year for the adults in the family, and then everyone can give gifts to Matthew, the 2.5 year old. We still have to figure out what day we are all getting together on, which is always difficult due to all our work schedules, but I am sure we’ll work something out. A secret santa is much better than feeling pressured into getting gifts for everyone, especially since our family is growing!
I found out that my sister-in-law is trying to get pregnant again, so it’s a very exciting time in my family. I have to admit that Dan and I talking about trying to start a family beginning in January 2010, but I am a little freaked out about the idea. There are so many complications that comes with that big decision, but the fact remains that I am not getting any younger! I am afraid that I might let the years slip by and miss my chance.
I know Dan thinks he is ready to start a family right away, but there are bigger decisions that need to be made before we can move forward. I will need to sacrifice things that are close to my heart, essentially closing the door on my own dreams, if we decide to start a family, so I am very torn with choosing between my own future goal and that of my family. Decisions, decisions…Don’t get me wrong, I know that starting a family will be a blessing, and I am preparing to enter motherhood, but a part of me doesn’t want to let go of my maidenhood just yet. Can’t I be irresponsible for just a little longer?
I suppose that these days any family gathering is going to churn up these maternal feelings, so denying that is like denying that the sun rises every morning. Watching my brother, wife, and son interact makes me so excited about the potential of having a child to teach and play with. In times past I admit that I have rolled my eyes at the thought of motherhood, choosing to put my energy into my career and educational pursuits, but now that I have achieved all my goals, I can finally open my mind to how wondrous parenthood can be. Also, as a Wiccan, I would like to have a chance to pass on my knowledge and religion to my children, even if they eventually choose not to follow it.
Anyway, I could go on and on about this, weighing the pros and cons ad nauseum, but I’ll spare you all that for now.
I think I am going to crawl into bed with the kitties and pop in a Charmed episode. I’ve been up since 6:30am, and I am totally exhausted. Happy Thanksgiving!
