November Happenings

WEll, the month of November has rolled by. There have been some things going on, but mostly daily events. I turned another year older this month. Frankly, I don't feel any older. Marc and I had a discussion about this just the other day.... I feel like I did when we first got married. I wonder if I'll look in the mirror in 40 years and be shocked at the wrinkles and gray hair. HMmm.. maybe that is a post for another blog entry.

November also brought a much anticipated visit from my brother Al who has been in Afghanistan for the last year. My family (those who live close enough) congregated at my house for Thanksgiving and it was such a great time! I love to entertain. I really should do more of it, because it brings me such joy. It was good to see some family members that I rarely get to see, most notably my new grand nephew Aiden, whom I had only seen once in the hospital right after his birth. My mom asked me as I held him if it made me want more babies and I could honestly say no. I feel so content with my little family. Not to say that large families aren't great. I just feel very complete at this stage in my life. But boy was it fun holding that baby.

I also enjoyed getting to spend time with my brohter Al, although the visit was too brief for me (but maybe not for Al, can you imagine how LOUD my house must be to him, and how hectic!) It is always surprising where our conversations take us. I miss the days of having time to visit with him properly and talk for hours. I feel like we just get glancing views of each others lives in between interruptions now. But I am grateful for the views.

WE also took the 10 hour drive to Cape Girardeau Missouri. The kids travelled well, as always. It was sad to see how progressive the Alzheimers has gotten in Marc's grandmother. Such a sad diesease.

While there the hightlight of our trip was a hiking day at Giant City State Park in Southern Illinois. We ate lunch at the lodge and hiked the "Giant City" trail. Very cool to be among such huge rocks!

Well, there is our concise happenings for the month of November. I'll try to post pictures from the hike, and some more details later. We've been back home and back at school all week. The Christmas season is in full swing with the girls practicing songs and lines for the children's Christmas Choir. I'm sure that December will see us as busy as everyone we know. Hopefully we can remember why we celebrate the season amist all the hustle and bustle.