I’ve been away from my blog for a little while, having traveled to North Carolina to attend my grandfather’s funeral and celebrate his long life. But, as we were mourning the loss of one family member, we were celebrating the “birth” of a new family member who has joined us this week! He’s not a new pet and I didn’t go through nine months of pregnancy before he showed up. So, who is this mysterious new family member? He’s Colorado Princess’ new imaginary friend and his name is…Prince Phillip! Naturally

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, since I also had an imaginary friend when I was growing up. His name was “Sicky” and he went EVERYWHERE with me. Yep…Sicky. My mom insists that it was because I liked the cartoon “Ziggy” and so used a similar sounding name, but I’m pretty sure it was because he showed up when I was sick. Either way, he became part of our family and had his own chair at the dinner table.

I’ve always wondered what it is that makes some kids have imaginary friends and some not. For me, I think it might have been because (at the time) I didn’t have any siblings so wanted some one to play with that didn’t have to go back home to their own house. But, that’s certainly not the case with Colorado Princess, although her brother isn’t really into playing “prince and princess”, so maybe that’s why Prince Phillip has arrived. And why did Colorado Boy not have an imaginary friend? He was an only child for the first five years of his life… It’s a mystery, I guess!

Whatever the reason, we are happy to have Prince Phillip with us for however long he stays, although I am having a hard time learning not to sit on him and making sure I kiss the correct cheek when he goes to bed And, while I’m sure his singing voice is beautiful, he really needs to stop asking Colorado Princess to join his middle of the night concerts, because we’re starting to have some sleep issues!

What about you? Did you have an imaginary friend growing up? Did any of your kids?

• My family (the ones I live with):This is probably pretty obvious, but it is so true. We just spent a few days up at my parents’ house in the mountains as a mini “staycation” and while there were a few grumpy moments, we shared a LOT of laughs, some good relaxation and a little bit of healthy competition (I won Phase 10 AND pinball. HA! ) Thank you for helping me enjoy this life to the fullest!

• My family (the ones I don’t live with): From my mother-in-law who watched our dog while we went to the mountains, to my mom who came over to check on our house while we were gone, to my sister who encouraged me to start blogging, to those relatives that live in North Carolina and Georgia that I don’t see enough, I have a great extended family and I am truly blessed for all the help and support I get from them throughout the year. Thank you!
• My coworkers: I know you probably don’t hear this very often, but honestly, my company kicks a**. While there are occasional bad days, I can always count on my coworkers to make me smile, and I honestly count them all as “family”. We laugh, cry, fight and celebrate just like any other family I know. Thank you to all of you for getting me through the day with a laugh or a smile.
• My home:
  

  Rocky Mountain National Park, outside of Estes Park, CO

  I take it for granted a lot, I think, but we really live in a beautiful state. Although we don’t have an ocean nearby (something Colorado Dad reminds me of EVERY DAY), we have the mountains. And they ARE beautiful. I hope to always have Colorado in my life.

And finally:

• My friends: Whether I have known you since kindergarten or have just met you virtually for the first time, I am so grateful to all of you. No matter how well I know you, you are part of a group that actually knows me the best and give me encouragement and support, no matter what –  for that I am so thankful. I’m looking forward to expanding all my friendships in 2012!

So, to all that I am thankful for in my life, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that your celebrations are full of love, thanks, good food and great friends!