October (and November) was fun and of course BUSY.
I was under the false impression that with my youngest being in school, I would have plenty of time to do things that I have been waiting to do until I had this phantom "time". Ha! I have used this "time" by overscheduling myself, spending many a day at the school helping out, or helping others because "she has no kids at home during the day". Not that I am begrudging my time in helping others, I just feel busier than ever. So the few moments I do have to myself, I have done a few things around the house or taken Greg out to lunch. I haven't even turned on my computer for a month.
But I am back and will hopefully manage my time better and learn to say no.
I'm spending this weekend preparing my RS lesson and catching up on my blogging.
OK, so it's technically the day after Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for this year and every day. I truly have been blessed more than I deserve to be.
I am so thankful for Greg. We were telling the boys the other day about how we met and how little, seemingly insignificant choices we both made, brought us to a time and place that we met and then were able to become friends and start dating. Thinking about all of it made me realize how blessed I really am. We could have missed each other so easily. I am forever grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knew I needed (and wanted) Greg for a best friend and husband. I am eternally grateful for Greg and this wonderful adventure we have had for the last 18 years.
I am beyond grateful for my 3 amazing boys. We spent several years thinking (and being told by several doctors) that we would never have children, only to be blessed with 3 wonderful, active, smart, and funny boys. They have brought such joy and love and a lot of learning of patience to our lives.
I am grateful for my freedom and for the opportunity I have of living in this blessed country. I had the opportunity to vote a few weeks ago and they were saying that there was only a 20% turn out. REALLY?? i hope I will never take my freedom for granted and what that really means. This week Nathan had his 5th grade "Hero" program. I am feeling like a bad mom because I knew he had a program, I just didn't realize it was such a big and important one. Greg went to the morning program and called me to let me know it was a significant performance for him and that he wanted to invite my dad- who is a Gulf War veteran. Thankfully, dad was able to make it and came to the afternoon performance with me. The program was a Veterans Day program. It was amazing. Nathan did a great job and his "part" was representing the Army in honor of Grandpa. I cried though most of it- no, that's nothing new. I always get over emotional when it comes to thanking and remembering veterans. Having experienced the trauma of saying goodbye and watching someone you love leave for war and having to put their lives into the Lords hands - I have a greater appreciation for the men and women who do this full time - and their families. Most people don't realize the far reaching affects of war and deployment, on the soldier as well as the families. I think most people would have a different outlook on their freedom and responsibilities if they did. -Just saying.....
I am grateful for great neighbors and friends. I had the unfortunate opportunity to see the people in our neighborhood/ward come together this month. A few weeks ago as we were getting ready for school, I heard several sirens coming very close to our house and suddenly stopping at the corner of the neighborhood. We could see police cars, ambulances and lights on the corner. Then I heard Life Flight fly right over the house, land across the street and then take off again. I told Greg that I hoped no one had been hit by a car crossing the street. I found out a few minutes later that our neighbors son had been hit and killed crossing the street to the Jr. High. I immediately got a call to go to the house and help clean. Within a few hours, their house was clean and scrubbed, meals were arranged for several days and volunteers were lined up for whatever the family might need. It was amazing to me not only how fast things were put together, but the number of people offering help. I was able to help with a bake sale the neighborhood did to raise money for the funeral expenses, and was once again amazed at the outpouring of love and support from our neighbors and friends. I am grateful for the examples of my friends and neighbors and the chance I have to be a part of this community.
I am thankful for so much - I would be here all day if I listed everything.
It has been a fun and thought provoking Thanksgiving. This year we decided to have Thanksgiving with just our little family. We've done extended family Thanksgiving festivities since we got married. It has been fun, but we decided we were ready for our own family traditions. Wednesday night, Greg took Noah and Nicholas to karate (that's another story) while Nathan and I made rolls and cut veggies for Thanksgiving dinner. We listened to music, talked and had a good time. Thursday morning we bundled up and went to the school and played Ultimate Frisbee with some of the neighborhood families. I played football with Noah and Nicholas. Nathan came and joined us and it turned into tackle football. It was a lot of fun. It was 50 degrees, but the wind was so bad we were frozen by the time we got home. So I made French toast and hot chocolate and we snuggled and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The boys spent the day helping me cook dinner. Each of them were in charge of a dish and helped me cook it. It was great spending some fun time with each of the kids. I went overboard and still fixed enough food for the 25 people we usually have over. It all turned out great if I do say so myself. I have some talented chefs in the family.
We spent the evening playing games and watching Christmas specials.
It was a great day spent with the best family in the world!
