Thanksgiving Weekend

First thing Thanksgiving morning I met Brooke and her family in Walnut Creek for a 10K Turkey Trot. Brooke ran her race then it was McKenzie's turn! She was so excited to run her first race. It was really fun to see how seriously she took this race. It wasn't very organized for the kids but she didn't know any different. She ran her race- all of 100 yards or so. She was very proud of her Participant Ribbon!! I had a fabulous dinner and fun time with Brooke's family for Thanksgiving! It was too short though. I had to get up and go back to Sacramento for work on Friday. Brooke cooked a great turkey and she made her homemade rolls. It was nice to be pretty low key. They went to see some friends for dessert while I stayed home with Brynn. I love the feast of Thanksgiving. But what was so cute was McKenzie- she made place cards for everyone. She loved helping to set the table. She wanted ketchup for her "chicken". Too funny.


I worked on Friday. It was so quiet. There were only 4 of us there. I didn't mind once I was there. I was able to get stuff done- there were no phones ringing. Chris and Lisa brought Thanksgiving leftovers in to share. That was nice and yummy!

Saturday was a crazy busy one. I hit the stores pretty early to do some Christmas shopping. For as long as I was out shopping I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. But I went with the flow and tried not to let the crowds get to me. I got one package in the mail which was quite an accomplishment! Then Marcia and I went to see New Moon. It was actually pretty good! But of course it leaves you hanging for Eclipse, which doesn't come put until next June.

Today was church. Then I spent the rest of the day just getting caught up around the house. I'm not putting a tree up since I won't be here... but I put a few things out to remind myself that it's Christmas. I talked with Aunt Rosemary for a long time. I hope when I am 89 years old I still have my memory and sense of humor like she does! She is definitely the sweetest person I have ever known.

In 3 weeks I get to see my other granddaughters for Christmas! I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot of gratitude in my heart.

Being Thankful

Twitter Backgrounds
I'm not creative enough to come up with new unique things to talk about---- so in the spirit of Thanksgiving..... I want to let you all know how thankful I am for all that I am, all that I have, all that I know, and all whom that I know...... I truly have so much to be grateful for. My family is my whole life, my whole purpose for being. I am so grateful that in spite of all the mistakes I have made in my lifetime I am still so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I worry that God is going to realize that my blessings really outweigh my adversities and he will think he needs to put more on the light side of the scale! So SSSSHHHHHH!

The older I get the more easily I cry, and the more easily I laugh. I have a different perspective to appreciate the small things. I find I am much more patient in my old age! Things that used to really frustrate me don't really anymore. I do admit though there are still a few things that push my buttons but for the most part I have really mellowed! I really appreciate the saying "If I knew then what I know now......" so true!!!

I am grateful for technology. I love that I can put two little buds in my ears and escape to a place where I can listen to my music and dream. I love that I can type on a keyboard and in an instant I can see my daughter's beautiful face and hear her voice from 7,000 miles away. I love the little box in my purse that rings while I am working at my desk- and I can talk to my granddaughter - changing my mood in a second to one that makes my day!

I am so grateful for my health. Since 1996 I have not taken my health for granted for ONE SECOND. I learned to be pro-active when it comes to my health. I am not afraid to ask for a second opinion, to insist on a test, to ask why or what if.

I am so very grateful for a Heavenly Father that has never left me alone- not for one minute. He has guided me, strengthened me, and encouraged me. He has blessed me with children that have far exceeded my every hope and expectation. He has blessed me with 2 son-in-laws and one daughter-in-law that I love very much. He has blessed me with the most precious granddaughters I could ever ask for. I look forward to more grandchildren to bless my life.

My life is far from perfect............ the list of things I wish I could change is a long one. But if I had to trade any one of my family members or friends to achieve that then I wouldn't do it. So I guess I will keep my wrinkly neck, my plus size, living in Sacramento, my out of date wardrobe, and my old car- and I will be thankful for it all!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Starting the countdown....

The past 2 weeks have been busy busy as usual... Last weekend I was with McKenzie and Brynn. Brooke and Evan were able to go to the temple during the day. So, I joined Chris and Bill with their grandson, MJ, and Brianna with her little one, Ivy (another of Chris and Bill's grandchildren). We all went to Super Franks! It is like a bigger and updated Chucky Cheese. Only more expensive!!!! But the kids had fun. By the time we got out of there I was exhausted. It was fun to watch the kids having fun. Saturday night after Brooke and Evan got home we ended up staying in. I love just being at their house and playing with the kids. Sunday after church I headed home and took MJ with me to get him back to his mom and dad's in Sacramento. That 2 year old can talk and sing!!! He kept me company the whole way home!


MJ and Kenzie having fun with the cars


Brynn loved the cars!!!


Bri and Ivy


MJ is such a serious kid- but he really had fun on this car!


Kenzie had fun with the puppets!


Short video of Brynn- she can only go backwards in this car!


Brooke and her girls before church

During the week I worked and also got my visiting teaching done! Usually I wait until the end of the month but with Thanksgiving coming I wanted to make sure I got it done early. I love having Robin as my partner for the visiting teaching. She is so fun. I have friends here in Sacramento but not too many reallllllly good friends. My closest friends are still in the Bay Area and Southern CA. That is really my fault. I need to make more of an effort with my friends here. But I am always gone! I am either working or in the Bay Area. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate my friends here.

This past weekend was one of the few where I really had time for myself. I had to prepare to teach my RS lesson Sunday. I had a great Skype conversation with Cami! I went downtown to the Capitol building for a project you will hear about later. Other than that I was able to get some Christmas shopping done. I always plan on getting it done early- maybe this will finally be the year. But somehow I doubt it! The crowds were already getting to me! And it isn't even after Thanksgiving yet. So I will continue to do it in small doses. 39 days and counting!

Here come the holidays.....

I never get too excited about Halloween. I did break down and go to a party a week ago! Friends from work dressed up soooo cute! I wanted to see everyone dressed up--- so I put a bunch of numbers on my sweater and went as "Someone you can count on". I know- I am a dork. But I'm not into the dress up thing at all! It was fun to be with friends and see everyone else though. For work we didn't do too much- we had a pot luck and a few brave souls dressed up- Yvonne was the best! There were lay-offs announced again at work but no one in my group was affected. I feel like the cat with nine lives and I am on number 7 or so!!

Chris and JD at Denise's Halloween party last week!


Bryan and Lisa at Denise's party! Bryan was Drew Brees and Lisa was Bumblebee!


Yvonne was a cute Raggedy Ann at work.


Judy was serenaded by Elvis!

Brooke and her family went to Fresno this weekend. I had a lot to do to catch up with at home. Talked to some good friends on the phone, went to get my flu shot, read a great book, and I even did some Christmas shopping!! They didn't need me at the church party after all so I went to the movies with Ronni-- and we saw Michael Jackson's "This Is It!" It was surprisingly really good!! I loved the music, I loved the dancing. He seemed almost normal in the movie! Such a sad story when you see all the work that went in to the concert and how close they were to the show. Then it didn't happen. Anyhow- the movie was great... I even cried at the end. What a surprise, I never cry at movies! =)

But today is the first day of November- and I am very nostalgic. The holidays are officially coming now. I miss my kids. I miss my grandkids. I miss my extended family. I just want to retire, so I can go be with them. I can't though. So I will get up and go to work tomorrow. I really am fortunate to work with people I care about. I just miss my family. I keep waiting to win the lottery. We play as a group at work. So whatever we win divided by 17 won't be a big fortune but it would sure help towards my retirement!! In the meantime- I will do my best to talk to my family and friends, and be mindful of how blessed I am. I will put my game face on.