Happy Thanksgiving

There are times that life gets so hectic I fail to stop and be thankful. So today, here's a look a some of what I have to be thankful for:

* my husband
* my sons
* our good health
* that my parents are both able to celebrate with us
* that I have such good friends to call whenever I need to talk
* my ladies in Bible Study
* the doctor and shot in my foot that made it possible for me to stand and cook for my family
* time way with my husband
* parents to kept the kids so I could get away.

Those a must a few of the things that come to mind as I sit here today. I know there's much, much more.

But most of all, I'm thankful for Jesus, for His willingness to take my place on the cross, and for the salvation He makes possible.

Progress, sort of

My dear husband had a long conversation w/ his parents today about living independently vs. living in an assisted living facility that can help with day-to-day concerns. From what he said, it was a positive conversation. They aren't thrilled, but who would be? Their legal documents are already in order, hubby now knows some about their finances, and there are insurance policies to be investigated -- to see if they can help pay for assisted living.

It's not perfect, but is is progress.

Another hard day

I finished up with my fall Bible Study today. We had a luncheon (fabulous), played trivia bingo with info we learned from the study and just had a nice time fellowshiping.

Then I got home and started making phone calls to assisted living faciities. I cannot believe how expensive they are. I am doing the legwork so my dear husband can make an informed choice when he narrows the field. Then he must present all the info to his parents and hope that they agree to go into assisted living.

And it all has to happen w/in the next 5 weeks, as we have a Christmas trip planned...and if his parents aren't settled, then we won't enjoy our trip.

November so far

I just returned a couple of days ago from a fabulous trip to New Orleans w/ my hubby. He had a conference there and invited me to come along. Many thanks to my parents for keeping the kids so I could go.

Now we're back and real life has hit hard. Hubby is behind (or feels that way) on some work stuff--due in part to the illnesses I elaborated on earler this month. Well, it happened again today. I believe that his parents need to move into an assisted living facility. This is hard on all concerned, as my hubby is an only child and his parents are rather "independent." I know my hubby is very, very frustrated by all of the issues and feels overwhelmed about how to properly address things.

I know he wants what's best for them. But older people can be very set in their ways. I hope that this is NOT one of those times. Help is needed and we cannot be the only ones to provide it. Boo..Hiss..Boo.

Sept & Oct

Well, it was an uneventful couple of months for mhy family of 4. However, that's not the case for our parents. My father-in-law has had two spells of extreme fatigue/weakness. The last one landed him in the hospital...for the better part of two weeks.

My mom is suffering from a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare. The first one she's ever had and it has almost killed her. The pain is so severe and constant that she can't do anything.

My eldest is doing well in school. He's currently 1st chair in his section (in the top band). He is currently in auditions for All-Region Band. He made the cut for the 1st round of auditions. The 2nd round is this week. He is constantly on the go working on group projects for school. I never know where he'll need to be after school lets out anymore.

My youngest is also doing well in school. He decided for himself that he would compete in the spelling bee in his grade. I am very proud of him for that goal. In part because he inherited my spelling gene! This will be an effort for him. I'm proud of him for the work he's already done.

My Bible study at church is wrapping up. Only 2 more weeks. The parenting class I help facilitate in our local school district is also wrapping up soon. This group has been so vocal. It's great to see parents helping one another with the unique needs of their gifted kids.

That's about all of note from here. Life with kids very busy. Life with kids and sick parent and sick in-laws us unbelieveably complicated when it comes to being in mulitple places at once. Thank goodness my husband works from home and can tend to his parents (for the most part).