So I just got back from dropping 6 of the 7 nieces and nephews on Adam's side back home. It was a long but fun enough night. I decided to take a few to talk about Thanksmas. Michelle (Adam's sister) and I went up to Michigan to surprise Adam's mom. Michelle brought her youngest Micah, 3, and I brought my boys. She was totally surprised so that was great. She has been struggling this holiday season because she just lost her mom this past summer. We wanted to go cheer her up so we had our first annual Thanksmas. For the slower folks that is a Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration combined. I made a ham and we all pitched in for the sides. We flew Adam (another surprise) in Saturday and had a good time. Me being the person that I am, have decided to push this rather noncommunticating family into the world of communtication. So I forced (and I do mean force) (it helps if they are scared of you) everyone to go around the table and share one christmas memory, one thing they are thankful for, and one goal they have for this next year. I know that this might not seem like a big deal to the O'Call family but trust me it was. When Adam and I first married it was culture shock for me to be a part of a family that has boundaries! So that was a good time, and then we gave Therese a video we made where everyone said something sweet to her (mine was the best). I even coarsed everyone into a game of charades. It was actually fun and was a bonding experience that bridged the gap between the generations with some older grandchildren playing as well. I think that I heard Therese say that this was a Bruso Family first. Michelle told me that this was the most positive experience she has had with her family in a long time so that is good. It was a really special time for me to as I am feeling more and more a part of their family and really loving them all. Brennan loved the snow (around 6-7inches) and Isaac hated it. I had a great time getting out there and just being a kid with Brennan and Micah and being a part of a experience that they haven't really been able to have before. Brennan wanted to be burried in it maybe I will attach a picture. We didn't get to do the snowman thing though, the snow wasn't wet enough to make one. Maybe next year. For the first time ever coming back from Michigan I was truly sad to go. Usually I am ready to jump back into home life after a few days up there. So all in all even though I am still trying to recover from not having a weekend (usually my organizing, grocery shopping, planning time), it was an awesome trip! So tired I am seeing crosseyed now spending the evening with 7 kids can take it out of you.
