We made it through Thanksgiving and my mother-in-law is improving and getting stronger every day. To make it easier on her, we cooked the turkey at home and then took it to her house. It wasn't too bad, but it's much easier when we don't have to worry about transporting hot food.
December was busy, as is expected for the end of the year. We had the grandhog for a few days while Daughter attended a racing event in Indianapolis. She made a lot of good contacts, but also had a little too much fun the first night. I get to remind her of the results before she goes next year. The big question is, will she have learned her lesson?
Mid-December we made a trip to St. Louis for Son to visit an animation studio there. We were nervous about traveling there with all the protests that have been happening, but thankfully our trip was uneventful. While Son was at the studio, hubby and I went to the zoo. The sun warmed the chilly air and it turned out to be a pretty nice day, although many of the animals were not out due to the cold. Although nothing came of the visit, it was a good experience for Son. I had hoped the visit would encourage him to return to college for the spring semester, but unfortunately, that isn't the case. I'm still sick that he is giving up the scholarship for 2 years of free tuition and fees at the local junior college, but Hubby and I agreed that at some point, he has to start making his own decisions and dealing with the consequences. We did tell him that if he is not in school, he has to get a job, which could be difficult given that 1) most businesses are laying off in January rather than hiring, and 2) he still has not been released by the doctor to lift more than 10 pounds. Ah, but what do parents know?
My family spent Christmas Day at our house. My parents arrived with Mom and my youngest brother mad at my dad. Nice start to the day, huh? Seeing how the day was going to play out, I went into referee mode. My brothers normally are moody - I think since they are both divorced, they find it hard to be around other "families". The youngest brother did much better than he normally does, but oldest was his usual argumentative self. Granted he is OCD. Hubby admittedly could not resist egging him on and arguing a different view when he started arguing, and that just escalated until my brother decided they should agree to disagree. That's a win, in my book, because normally he doesn't go that. Either way, I wish they would all just mellow out on Christmas!
There were a couple of other events this month that colored my life. Early in the month, my boss' wife was killed in a tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with their family as the go through this difficult time.
Also during this time, I learned of another family in need. Daughter works with a woman who is a single mother of three (ages 8, 11 and 15). The oldest has health problems, experiencing mini-strokes and recently suffering a major stroke the week of Thanksgiving. The mom has missed a lot of work because of the hospital stay and other bills, and she was very upset that she wouldn't be able to do much for her girls for Christmas. Wanting to help, I submitted a Christmas wish to a local radio station that was granting Christmas wishes. I shared this woman's story and said my wish was to provide her with a gas card and a couple of Visa gift cards so she could do something for her girls for Christmas. I was thrilled when the radio station called to tell me they were granting my wish! Three days before Christmas, I was able to pick up the gift cards and delivered them to the woman at Daughter's work. Some of her friends had heard the wish on the radio and told her about it, so it wasn't a complete surprise, but she still didn't know who had done it. I'd only met this woman once before, but I just felt that I had to do something to help. Having the radio station grant my wish was awesome, and a wonderful gift to this woman and her family. I'm so thankful!
During the final days of 2014, I want to reflect on all that I've accomplished, and all that I want to accomplish in the new year. I'll set some goals - maybe not resolutions since they are so hard to keep - but at least some goals which should be attainable.
I'm so thankful for all my friends and family who make my life complete. You're all in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis. Here's to you in the new year!
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