On November 22nd those of us in America celebrate Thanksgiving. A day filled with football, turkey, pumpkin pie, and the occasional visit from the fire department to squelch an out-of-control turkey fryer.  Many have their own traditions that they do each year, whether it be a game of turkey-ball (backyard American football), visiting friends and relatives, or just putting on elastic-waist pants, eating like there's no tomorrow,  and kicking back on the recliner. 

For my wife and I, this year marks a first for us.  This is the first year that one of our children won't be with us at Thanksgiving.  Our eldest graduated college last May and is now working as a nurse in Arizona.  We'll all be together at Christmas, but our Thanksgiving will be without my most beautiful girl.  As a dad I couldn't be more proud of my daughter, but I can't help but be a bit sad that she won't be with us. 

Christmas is nearly upon us.  Some of you got up in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday to wait in line for that bargain-basement flat-screen TV or ultra-cheap notebook computer.  Others of you went online on Cyber Monday to snatch up great deals on Amazon, Ebay, or some other etailer.  Or perhaps you frequented your favorite small business on small business Saturday for a special stocking stuffer.  Still others have decided that your shopping doesn't start until December 24th and will frantically plow through your shopping list and still be home in time for Christmas eve dinner.  Ah the joys of a low-stress season :-).

For this report I'd like to hit the pause button for a minute.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in the stresses of shopping, parties, or the occasional crazy relative who comes to visit.  Take some time this season to think about the wonderful things you have to be thankful for.  None of us is pain-free or lives life without disappointment; that's just the way the world works.  I'm most definitely thankful for a wonderful and loving wife, terrific kids, and a supportive extended family.  Whatever your belief system take the time this season to be thankful for what you have and remember those who are in need.  

In closing, see below for some interesting Christmas facts for you to enjoy this Holiday season.  My very best to each and every one of you.

So it's been a few months since you heard from me.  Rest assured it's not because I've been sipping iced tea on some remote beach.  Since May my family and I have done the following:

• Put our house on the market that we lived in since 1993
  
• Sold and closed on said house
  
• Donated/sold most all of our furniture and many other items
  
• Finalized renovations on a new waterfront home

Our son Trevor is a Junior in the film program at Arizona State University.  He was recently asked to speak about what it's like growing up autistic at Ignite@ASU.  Patty and I couldn't be more proud of our son and the amazing things he's been able to do.  For more information about growing up autistic, go to growingupautistic.com. Check out this short five-minute video; he's one cool kid!