December already??

Whew - last week was a busy week! I didn't forget to be thankful, but just didn't have any time available to do any writing - or even more than thinking about it! It was a good week. Work was crazy as I had minutes to complete from the previous week - which took my early morning time I use to write the blog - and then on Wednesday morning I had another meeting for which I had to be at to take minutes. Workwise.... although I had a three day week with Thanksgiving and Friday off, which was really, really nice....those three days were extremely busy.

Thanksgiving morning was a fun one with my daughter, a grandson, and hubby and I. We met up for a 4.85 mile walk down by the canal. None of us had walked for awhile so I imagine we all were feeling it after awhile. All but my grandson, who is working out and staying in shape, that is! It was so good he came on this walk for it gave me a chance to hear what is going on in his life. Loved spending time wallking with him. (One granddaughter informed me she hadn't been told about the walk or she would have walked with us! I need to make sure everyone is aware of it next year!) From our walk it was back home to finish up preparation for lunch. Although we were eating at 2PM, I still got behind in my preparations as I would think of something else to prepare. Need to stick to what my instructions are! :-)

Thanksgiving lunch was wonderful, other than my beautiful daughter-in-law had a migraine. I was especially thankful that all my children and grandchildren were together for lunch. We haven't had everyone together at the same time for awhile for various reasons. It was nice having us altogether. There was plenty of food and lots of talking. I even got my fingernails painted with Christmas items by my granddaughter! We hadn't done that for awhile, although I know she doesn't mind doing it when she is in town, but I don't want her to ever think that is the reason I want her to come to town! I enjoy just spending time with her. It was fun spending time with both my granddaughters while our nails were being done.

Saturday I had our ladies' tea at my house. There were 12 women (well, 11 women and 1 child) who attended. I created three soups; we had salads, scones, desserts, turkey salad, tuna salad, and egg salad sandwiches. No, I didn't do it all, but a lot of it. It was fun, yet tiring. I was able to set out my china and teapots and offer different kinds of tea. It was fun having my daughter, daughter-in-law, my youngest son's financee, and three granddaughters attend. Love spending time with my girls.

Now onward to December! Tonight is the first of our Christmas parties/concerts/programs we are to attend. Tonight we have the AACOG Ministerial Assembly Christmas dinner. Wednesday evening this week is a Christmas concert for one of the granddaughters, Friday evening is a Christmas dinner with several friends from over the years (about 40+ people meet up for dinner and catch up on news). Saturday evening is my company Christmas party. It's the farthest away - but I need to go. In two weeks, I think it is, we have the Christmas program at church where I believe two of our grandsons are participating. Throw in shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and fun time with each of the grandchildren..... I just hope I can get it all done! I only have one vacation day left for this year so I have been trying to figure out when I can take it. Next week is out as my coworker is on vacation. I'm thinking of trying the following week, but it can't be Monday for I need to be able to tell her what has been going on when she returns. I'm thinking of that Friday so that I can have a long weekend. I will have to finish up everything that weekend as the following week is Christmas! I think we work 1/2 day on Christmas Eve and of course are off on Christmas day - but back to work the next day! It is going to be a busy month!

I was able to get out and do a little shopping after church yesterday. I actually think I did quite well on what I purchased. Even got my daughter-in-law's birthday gift so I'm ahead of the game. With all the grandchildren at different ages; most being teenagers, it is harder to decide what to get them. I may have to inquire of their parents - in case they have any ideas - as to what we can get. If not, then they will get what I can pull together for them. Most are happy with gift cards - even though I am reluctant to give them.

Groan. My phone just dinged. Macy's is calling my name! I should never have given them my email! If I spend $75 today they will ship free!! Really? I haven't been to Macy's in months. No reason, other than I haven't needed anything from there. I meant to do a walk through yesterday while out shopping, but that didn't happen. Maybe next weekend. Then again, maybe not. I won't have time to figure out exactly what I need to get yet until the weekend again so will see. I know I have finished on one grandchild. Instead of waiting until I wrap to write it down, I started writing it down as I shopped. That way I could see what I had already purchased.

And I haven't had a chance to start my baking yet! I suppose I could have baked last night, but I was working on a Christmas project and just didn't. Wish I had done both now. Oh well. It will get done.

I'm thankful....yeah, still that.... that God has gifted me in some areas that I can create things and bake things that other people enjoy. I'm grateful my boys like my salsa. I had to laugh at one of my granddaughters. She told me that if I would make her my cheeseball and my cranberry pumpkin bread, she would be happy with just that for Christmas - as long as she didn't have to share it. Hmmm, sounds like she likes them both - a lot! I won't do that, but will be sure to have when we go over Christmas day - so it will be shared!

I am officially today under my new boss, even though I won't be totally moved until after the first of the year, I imagine. They haven't hired anyone to replace me yet; hopefully soon so that they can be trained. I'm sure the temp they bring in will be grateful to have a job during this time of year. I know I am! I'm grateful for the promotion, for with that comes a raise. Plus the fact I get to work with my favorite boss! God has been good to me.

It's about time for me to get to work so need to hush and get my things out. It's going to be busy today since being off 4 days. It was well worth it. I didn't realize how weary I was from all the training, meetings, minutes, etc. Trying to work two jobs is definitely draining. I was praying on the way in for relationships and other things. People will never agree at all times. Things are taken wrongly by one or the other. Things said that once in the bubble can not be retracted. It seems healing and forgiveness doesn't come as easy as it used to. Why is that, I wonder. Stubbornness? Sometimes stubbornness is good though. I guess it is in how it is used.

And with that, I will close. I hope you continue to think of all that you have - from family, friends - to things - and are thankful. God prepared this day just for you. What you do with it, is your gift back to God.

Blessings!