A Small, But Important Thanksgiving

For the first year in many years, we decided to forgo travel and family for a simply stay-at-home celebration. We typically love turkey and all the fixing's, but this year - because it is just the three of us and mom - we decided to just enjoy the time together and not worry about turkey and everything else. Then on Monday I went to my child's preschool where the teacher read a book about turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes. As we left the school yard, my two-year-old sang, "turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes" and I knew we could not rob him of an amazing tradition. Last night, I hit the grocery store to buy everything I needed. The store was crowded, the turkeys were few, there was pushing and long lines, but something about the entire experience brought back memories of all my past Thanksgivings and gave me a lot of unexpected joy. I am grateful to my son for reminding me how important traditions are and grateful that we're carving out time today to celebrate the most meaningful holiday and tradition of the year - even if it is just a few of us.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Keith Urban in Pasadena at the Verizon Store!

We heard a rumor this weekend that country superstar Keith Urban was going to be in our neighborhood playing a free concert at the local Verizon store and thought we'd check it out. The concert was supposed to begin at 2 p.m. and we arrived at that time. As we searched for a parking space, I had visions of that U2 video "Where the Streets Have No Name" where the band sings on top of a building to thousands of people on the street below, yet as we drove up, there were probably only about 150 people total. I thought to myself, how could a Grammy award winning singer only attract 150 people? Was it just a the rumor after all? Yet, sure enough, there was a stage and Keith Urban posters everywhere. My wife, 2 year-old son and I waited about half an hour and about 30 minutes and another 300 or so people later, Keith Urban came out on stage- just a man and his guitar.
Now, I had seen Keith Urban perform on award shows and knew how talented he is, but I've never picked up one of his Cd's. Well, that was about to change. He sang five different songs, each sounding more top 40 than country. His voice was simply amazing. His guitar playing was unbelievable. (I should note that my two year-old never puts down his ukulele and was mesmerized by Keith and his guitar). Keith took questions, joked with the audience and even invited a young guy on stage to play guitar with him! My wife and I instantly became full-fledged Keith Urban fans, immediately heading to our local Target store to buy the Keith Urban Defying Gravity CD. That night, our two year-old played his ukulele to "I'm in" and "Kiss A Girl".
Not only was it a fun day for my family, but it was truly an amazing honor to be there and we're grateful to Keith and to Verizon for bringing that opportunity to us.

$10 Free From Coinstar!

I was browsing sites the other day and came across this great deal from The Suburban Jungle. It's from Coinstar and all you have to do is turn in your change that you have laying around the house in for cash! Last year we did it and we had $50! A nice little boost for Christmas time. You just need to turn in at least $40 in change! Great for the holidays!!!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

We didn't really have one, but I had to post this picture of Winnie the Pooh. My son loves Winnie and my wife found a carving photo of Pooh. It looked a bit challenging, but I gave it a shot. It was a lot of fun! Too bad that a week later, it started to mold on the doorstep!!!