Give Thanks...

It is Thanksgiving....a day to give thanks.   We should give thanks every day...but this day is set aside for special remembrances and thanks.   I am so thankful for so many many things in my life...my beloved family, my friends, my health, my job, so much.   I am also thankful for my blogging community.  Thank you, my fellow bloggers for sharing with me and for allowing me a glimpse into your souls as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Survivied....

Wow, it has been nuts.  I had to "present" for  trainings and on top of doing a bunch of other stuff, I had to get that ready, so did my first ever PowerPoint presentation for the two trainings (three, but two were the same)   I was on overdrive...just heart racing and in a panic for two days...trying to do that and get ready for our trip to the Wyoming mountains to see Tina and Adam for the holiday....and just everything.   Mostly just in a panic about standing up in front of people and talking, I think.

The trainings were today and I survived.  Not sure how I did because I was still nervous and probably talked way fast.   But, I survived.

And, now in the car...on our way to Dubois in the very cold wind.   I'm excited to get there. 


Sissy and Sammy were none too happy with us leaving.   Thank goodness for Crystal dog sitting!

More tidbits...

1)  I had someone buy my coffee just because in line at the coffee shop the other day...so I payed it forward the next day to a stranger as well.  It felt good on both deals!

2)  Learning is never ending.  I keep learning and can never know enough!

3)  Work can be overwhelming and yet rewarding.

4)  Winter is nearing.

5)  I am lucky to have so many great friends and such a wonderful family.

6)  Sissy and Sammy remain my bestest buds.

7)  I am finding more peace and contentment in my heart these days.

8)  I cannot make the whole world happy.  No matter how much I wish I could, or how much I can try, it is an impossibility.   I cannot do all for everyone.  I cannot be all for everyone.  I can only try to be a good person and do my best.

9)  I need to start jotting down blogging ideas when they flash into my mind because I can't seem to remember my ideas later.

10)   Have a great weekend, blogging friends!

And...it's Empty Nest

On Tuesday night, our youngest moved out.  She is 21.  It is time for her to start her own life.  I am ready for her to do that.   I know she is wanting to do that.   She has left home a couple times before for brief periods and lived with friends, but it was brief and not really permanent and we all knew it wasn't permanent. 

This time is different, and again, yes it is time.   Yet, it felt bittersweet.    But, better than when the older three left...it has become easier as time moves forward.   So, it's down to us old married people and our dogs.   The quiet.   The house to ourselves.   Our time.   Hmm.   Am I ready to not "parent" on a daily basis?  

Oh, yea, she (#4) moved a whole five blocks away. 
  
Ha!

Champions

Well, the Cougars remained undefeated, and Brooklyn and his dad were very hyper and excited about the final game...sounds like it was very exciting.  What great father/son memories!

Got this photo on my phone on Sunday:

The smile says it all...

Time

Do you ever wonder about time?   I sometimes do.  

Time flies.  

Kids grow.  People change.  Things change.   Sometimes things change before we even know.  Have you ever looked at something that you see every day and all of a sudden, it seems different?  A house that was green is all of a sudden yellow?   And, if you mention it to someone, they will say to you that it was painted months (or even years) ago?  Why, all of a sudden, do I notice the difference, when I pass by every day?   Why do I feel like days can fly by with a breath?   And, yet...some things seem always the same.


Time flies....

          And, yet...

                       Time stands still.

Good Thoughts

I came away from Mass on Sunday morning with the best intentions ever. It was one of those moments when you think the sermon was meant especially for you. I had the thoughts I wanted to blog about, but of course, now I cannot remember the words I wanted to write. Let's just say this...it was a reminder about living in such a way that you don't feel that when "judgment" day comes, you all of a sudden need to change. We need to share all of our gifts and live our lives in such a way we don't feel that way...share our best---at home, at work, with friends and family...do our best. It is so easy to feel that way...but so easy as well to also forget and not do it. I hope that I can try my best to be a better person to those around me...at work, at home, with family and friends...share what gifts I have in the best ways that I can. Wish me luck.

Well...

I had this post in mind.  It was going to be called Tuesday Tidbits.    Well, Tuesday came and went.  It's Wednesday now.

But here are my tidbits:

1)    Fall is here in full force....brr!   Had some wet stuff come down and some cold breezes.
2)    I'm tired.
3)    I don't think that this season of Biggest Loser is as good as some of the past ones.
4)    Sissy and Sammy are the bestest friends ever.
5)    I wish people would be more accepting of others.
6)    I think I'm confused lately.
7)    I love my family.
8)    I miss my family.
9)    I still like the Golden Girls
10)  I know, I am tired AND confused.

Vision

So much for the tough game of football...this is the photo that grabs my heart...this shows my grandsons spirit and heart...look at #56...hands on the shoulders of his teammates...perfect!

Satisfaction!

Do you can? Did your mother? My mother did, and still does, and so does my mother in law. I wonder if this will someday be a lost art? I know two of my sisters can, but none of my children. I enjoy it. I used to do more...fruit, jams, jellies, vegetables, apple butter, pickle relish, salsa, etc. My failure was always at pickles...except for bread and butter pickles. My dill pickles were the worst ever! I usually can a bit each summer, but not nearly like I used to. I usually at least do tomatoes, and maybe salsa. This year my little patio garden produced enough green beans for me to can them! I was excited. When you get all done, and see the jars sitting on your counter, waiting to be stored for later use, it is so satisfying! This year, I wanted to try canning green chili. Usually I just freeze my roasted chilis and add them to my tomatoes later. My mother in law always cans green chili, and we steal a couple jars when we visit. So this year was my first attempt at green chili. Here are the results:

I was proud...yay me! I got several jars, so we are good to go! (If they don't get stolen by my kids...the circle goes on!) Now, for canning my other box of tomatoes this weekend!

Last weekend!

Our son and Grandson...coach and player!

Looking tough and ready!

Brooklyn and his best buddy, Jabari...(love that mouthguard!)

Cougars finished their season undefeated!

Halloween Pics