Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Friday, November 19, 2010

November 2010

Yesterday marks one year since my Grandpa passed away. I can't believe it's been a year. It still seems like he'll call at any minute, or that I'll get a newspaper clipping from him in the mail. My mom called and sang me Happy Birthday on the phone on my birthday (well, she tried to sing a week early, actually)- and that's sweet... but it's his job. I think regularly as I'm watching Alex, how much they would enjoy one another- I can totally picture grandpa sitting at the dining room table with Alex on his knee, singing and doing his Donald Duck impersonation. I have a vision of him hugging Abby, SO proud of his granddaughter as a new Girl Scout. Then I remember. He's not there. Hell, the TABLE isn't even there any more. I have to keep reminding myself that he's here-there-wherever- he's watching us, and I know that he's singing to Alex and laughing with him. I know he's proud of Abby and all she does. I just miss him so much.

Abby's doing wonderfully in first grade. All "threes and fours" on her report card (that means she is 'meeting' or 'exceeding' expectations for first graders in ALL areas). We started up a Girl Scout troop and Abby is a Daisy Scout. She's loving it and so am I (as a leader of course- I SO have volunteer-itis). We're both making friends and learning a lot. <3

Alex is growing like a weed. He's up to 30 pounds at 14 months old! He's wearing mostly 24month size clothes. He has yet to walk, that lug. He says "Ah-ee" for Abby- ALL THE TIME. LOL He says Dah/Dadadada for Chas. He says Ewee for Kelly. He says EEEE for kitty and leaf and tree. Cutest is "MOO" for moon. <3 Not sure if he says anything for me. He says "mamamama" but it seems random. He says "oooh-eee" and I think maybe that's for me sometimes? Anyway, it's fun to listen to him. :)

Thanksgiving this week, then three more weeks of school before Christmas break. Where does time go??

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Scrappy SATURday?

OK- so MaryLu is coming to visit tomorrow and I probably won't get around to posting- but I did get a couple pages done today, so I thought I'd go ahead and post them. :)

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

End of November / Florida Trip

What an eventful (and not in a fun way) month we've had.

Car accident- NO FUN. Can I just tell you- I am now looking both ways about 20 times before I pull out into traffic. *sigh*

Grandma moving into assisted living. I'm not there to help, but get frequent updates from my mom about the moving and decluttering process. I cannot fathom the STUFF that accumulates when a family has lived in the same house for SIXTY years.

Grandpa passing away. After discussions went on for nearly a week, he was moved to Hospice. My grandma spent the night with him for the first time in about two months. He passed away the next day. My mom and grandma were with him; he closed his eyes and just didn't draw another breath. I'm glad he went peacefully. I'm thankful that he's no longer in pain. I am grateful beyond words that I was able to visit last month- to take the kids and see him one last time. I am glad that I was NOT there for the cruel, hateful things that were said to my mom, aunt, and grandma by my uncle. I don't know that I could have responded respectfully.

Even though it may not have made sense financially, Chas agreed to acompany me and the kids to Florida for the service. Abby and Alex both behaved beautifully at the church, but you just never know how those things are going to go- and I couldn't bear the thought of having to walk out with the crying baby or something. A week in Orlando was a bit trying- especially on a shoestring (maybe a threadbare shoestring!) budget, but we relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. The service was nice, and most importantly, my grandma was pleased.

My mom offered to watch the kids, and Chas and I took a SUPER-rare night out. We had the early bird special at a local seafood restaurant (Straubs, for those familiar with the Altamonte area- yummy and great service, too!) and then went to the movies! I can't even remember the last time I went to the movies!! LOL We saw "Men Who Stare at Goats" and we both enjoyed it. :)

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Aunts, uncles, and cousins all present (well, except the one who might have gotten beat up if he'd attended). Wonderful company, excellent food, and an overall great way to spend the holiday.

We went to a "Black Friday Brunch" at the home of one of my sorority sisters. There were a bunch of us there- spouses and kids in tow. I think there were a total of NINE little ones- ranging from a few weeks old (Teresa's twins) to four and a half (my big girl!). It was wonderful to share our little bundles of joy- and to reminisce.

After all that time in Orlando, we headed to Jacksonville to see Chas's family. We were only able to stay two nights- but they were nice. I always enjoy spending time with my in-laws. We were sad to find, Friday night, that my mother-in-law's aunt passed away. She lived 95 wonderful years, but it is always sad to see someone go.

We're now home. Thank goodness. And entering the crazy holiday season. I can't believe Christmas is 23 days away! There's so much to do! ACK! This Saturday alone, I have four places to be... pretty much at the same time. LOL We're going to try our best to make it to three of them- family photos, brunch with Santa, and a birthday party. I'm sad Abby's missing the opportunity to be in a parade- but they were the last ones to advise us of the event... so they didn't make "the cut". ;)

Enough blogging for one lunch time. More another time. :)

Thankful Project recap

I was unable to complete the thankful project in realtime because I ended up in Orlando and without internet access for over a week. But here are the remaining items on the list.



11/19 (Day 10) I am thankful for my husband. I appreciate, so much, the fact that you put aside what seemed practical, in order to support me this week.

11/20 (Day 11) I am thankful for my children who are amazingly well behaved when the situation calls for such.

11/21 (Day 12) I am thankful for reason, which my grandmother retains, regardless of what anyone else says.

11/22 (Day 13) I am thankful for beautiful weather, and the opportunity to spend time outdoors with the ones I love.

11/23 (Day 14) I am thankful for credit cards, and sleeping at the Sheridan.

11/24 (Day 15) I am thankful for modern medicine and its ability to erase minor discomforts.

11/25 (Day 16) I am thankful for having fun with my children- and also for the rare opportunity to spend adult time without them.

11/26 (Thanksgiving Day) I am thankful for my family, for the opportunity to gather with them, and for the food and togetherness we share.
I actually think I will add "Gratitude Journal" entries to my blog here, as I know it will help me to focus on the positive throughout the year.



Post-Thanksgiving entries:

I am grateful for my in-laws. I am a very lucky girl to have married into such a sane, supportive, loving family.


I am grateful for the car-knowledge held by my brother in law. Thank you for saving me from overspending at the auto-shop!


I am grateful to finally receive a (nearly) whole paycheck, after two months of measly ones. Phew!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Thankful




















For whatever reason (family stress, work stress, random emotional turmoil), the past few weeks have been rough for me. My husband and friends have been super-supportive... but it hasn't changed the fact that I just feel blah.


A friend of mine made a challenge on Facebook- that I accepted and would like to both challenge in turn- and record here on the blog. :)


The challenge is this: Each day, from now until Thanksgiving, share a new something for which you are thankful- not repeating any...


Acknowledging my need to focus on the positive, here I am. :)


Day 1: I am thankful for that sweet smile my baby boy makes as he's falling asleep. <3