Thanksgiving 2009

We are in the midst of a snowstorm here in VA and I decided it was finally time to get caught up on the Booker events. I'm in denial that I still have a TON of wrapping to do, lucky for me I have a wonderful husband who loves to wrap.
Thanksgiving this year was a little different than previous. Brent woke up that morning not feeling too well and slowly but surely starting breaking out in hives. This was eerily similar to our trip to Boston when we spent the weekend in the ER, wasn't looking forward to that possibility so we loaded him up on Benadryl and sent him to bed. Allison and I then headed to Jeff and Debbie's house in Woodbridge for the feast Ferlazzo-style. It really didn't feel like Thanksgiving since Brent wasn't there but I got to spend time with family and hold some babies, so it was good. <
The next day was the Booker fest. I worked on the day after Thanksgiving, I usually do and I usually don't like it, but this year every patient that I treated actually said thanks and expressed their gratitude for us being there and working. I think we were the only office open! That kind of makes it worth it...
We did our usual kid crazy Thanksgiving and it was chaos for sure. Brent and his brothers were highly entertained with the water resistant tablecloth. I think we spent about an hour chasing water beads around the table cloth. It of course became a competition in true Booker style. Andrew was Andrew when he found Gigi's hiding spot for presents. Fortunately for us they were all for Allison's birthday.
We had a lot to be thankful this year. Brent's brother Michael made it safely home from Afghanistan. We spent our first year in our new forever home. Allison continues to thrive. Brent is greatly enjoying his shorter commute to work and me too! I am thankful to work for a boss that helps me balance my profession with my family. We are eternally grateful for family that are there for us at a moments notice. And we are thankful for friends. 2009 was a bittersweet year but we have a lot to be thankful for and we are definitely looking forward to 2010.

Giving Thanks

Brent and I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. First is Allison. She is a wonderful gift and a true blessing. Days are long but the years are short and I wouldn't change a second of it. I am also grateful for my husband. He is supportive, loving and a wonderful best friend. He is truly the love of my life. So, thanks.
Second we are grateful for our parents. Our Dad's and Stepmom do what they can from a distance but our moms truly step up to the plate for the daily challenges. Between late night phone calls, date nights, sicknesses and babysitting they really help us. So, thanks.
Third we are grateful for having a new house to move in in early December. This move is not without it's struggles. We acquired a house through a short sale process. When we make it to settlement, it would have been six WEEKS since we presented the original contract. That's a record. It couldn't have happened without the help of our agent, Lisa Lieu, our loan officer Maria Vasilakos and my mom. There were numerous sleepless nights, angry phone calls and tears shed to get us to this point. But we really feel like we did it. It was a true Team Booker event. So, thanks.
Finally I am grateful to have a job outside of the house. I choose to work because I really enjoy being a physical therapist and I feel like I have a positive impact on people's lives. It is not without it's guilt. I don't exactly enjoy dropping Allison off at daycare, but she likes it. As far as I can tell. I know it makes me a better mom, which at the end of the day is all that matters. I also have a wonderful boss, Barbara Vogel. She isn't too worried about the financial aspects of healthcare, she just encourages us to do the best we can for the patients. How refreshing is that. So, thanks.

The Bookers hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Yummy Turkey!