Giving Thanks?

As we all know, Thanksgiving is coming along very soon. Unfortunately, for most of us, that means "quality time" with the in-laws. That is where I stop giving thanks.For the most part, my in-laws are pretty agreeable. They just get on my nerves and I dread spending time with them.

My reasons? They are constantly in our business. They have gotten better, I guess cause my hubby has put his foot down more than once. But it used to be that they wanted to know how much money we had in savings, telling us what kind of car we should drive, when we should get engaged (that was his sis) and whether or not we could live together before marriage.
It was bad.

Nowadays, it's when are you going to have a baby? How can you be democrats? Why did you buy such and such? When are you going to come back over and visit? (umm, thought that was what we are doing) It's enough to drive you insane.

Thanksgiving is even better, cause then the questions come in stereo. I get harassed by cousins, aunts, and uncles on top of the usual FIL, MIL and SIL. AGGHHHHH!!

My husband's biggest complaint is the food. It seems that everyone wants to bring the fanciest and most complex casseroles and it becomes a competition. He is looking for the mashed potatoes and lima beans when they are right in front of him mixed together in some kind of cream of something soup and dried onion creation. Peas, you want peas? Why eat plain peas when you can have English Pea Salad? Corn? We got corn. Right here in this corn, squash and green bean blend. What do you mean you don't like all of you veggies in one big freakin' dish? It's gourmet! I will make an exception or two to this, because I for one, will only eat green beans while in a casserole and absolutely LOVE my MIL's sweet potato casserole.

After dinner, we have the joy of pulling names for the Christmas gift exchange. It never seems to fail that I get the name of the one person I know the least about. At least, they have finally come to their senses and started a new tradition of the Dirty Santa game. Only thing is, all the gifts have to be Christmas related. I am so afraid that one year, I am going to pick a reindeer sweater like Mark Darcy wore in Bridget Jone's Diary.

Here is what I AM thankful for. I will be forever thankful that this holiday only comes once a year.