Fakesgiving

My family and I have always been HUGE fans of holidays + celebrations and the champ of it all is my mom. She can turn any small congratulations into the event of the year that you wouldn't dream of missing. Last year I met a fellow that is quite amazing to say the least, I never knew the extent of his amazingnessesses until November rolled around and we began discussing our plans for Thanksgiving. Then the question came out of his mouth as easy as asking someone to pass the salt. "When are we doing Fakesgiving?". Those five words have created countless memories + traditions that are now a part of my life.

As most of you know I will be spending the next nine weeks teaching on the island of Leyte in the great country of the Philippines. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity, however, in the next nine weeks there will be two celebrations I couldn't bear to miss.... So clearly the only answer is to celebrate each month into one week + a Fakesgiving celebration to top it off. So I have spent the last two weeks cramming to complete every possible october + november festivity. 

this is my final day of my november celebration and of course it has to end with thoughts of being thankful.  here comes the mush. i have been blessed with so much in this world but something i can't comprehend is how i lucked out with the most unbelievable family out there. my family is not perfect nor flawless in fact whenever a date asks me about my family i make a quick decision in my head.... if the date is going well and i think i might see this person again i ask if they want me to bring out a map to explain the crazy mess that makes up my family because thats exactly what it is. a crazy mess. although, it makes something beautiful that is united + irresistible. in fact once ya meet them, you won't want to leave them. so here is to them. thanks for being who you are. the examples + playmates + kinfolk. one last grateful glump goes to my bfffff, my motivator, my biggest supporter. my mom. i wouldn't be where i am today without this woman. she is remarkable and has the biggest heart. love you.