Welcome to Friday Fragments. If you haven’t fragged before, Friday Fragments is a place to share those thoughts, quips, and tidbits that don’t quite make a whole post, e.g. fragments or frags. I host every Friday and would love for you to join in. Please link up and visit other Fraggers.

 ***

It's Friday the 13th! It is also 42 days until Christmas and 49 days until 2016. How the heck did that happen? But before all that is Thanksgiving which I love, Love, LOVE. I love the food, the family, and the spirit of gratitude.

***

November has always been a big month in our family. My parents were married in November -- 48 years ago! My dad's birthday is on the 19th and my brother William would have turned 41 yesterday. Last month, I wrote about his loss on the 20th anniversary of his death. Still seems weird to imagine him as a 40-something. He remains the cocky 20 year old I knew and loved.

***

I have been a busy bee since last Friday. I attended MomComLife in Austin on Saturday. It was a wonderful day of inspiration and honest discussion. I have attended all four conferences and I always come out feeling ready to conquer the world. Catching up with several of my favorite Austin bloggers/friends was the cherry on top. Definitely worth the drive.

As was the drive on Tuesday to see "Kinky  Boots". If you have not seen this show, let me tell you, it is awesome. The music is by Cyndi Lauper who I have idolized for 30 years and she does not disappoint. The book is by Harvey Fierstein and it is funny and touching. Definitely a must see!

***

Wednesday was Veterans Day. This was the first year that hubby was fully retired so it felt a little more poignant. I am very proud of him and his service. I shared a cute pic on Wednesday. It's a collage of two of my favorite moments of Mr. Hero in uniform with the kiddos.

***

All that said,  I am struggling with my health. Many of you know I have been battling chronic illness for years. Most days I get by but the last few weeks have been a struggle. My days seem to be shrinking. I am not waking up early as I used to and I'm ready to fall over asleep around 8:30, plus I need a nap. It's sometimes hard to keep that conquer the world feeling but I'm trying.

***

Finally, in case you missed it, I have an amazing giveaway going with prAna. You can check it out here.

***

That's my frags for this Friday. What's kind of week did you have?