Catching up

Wow, it feels like forever since I've been on here!  Here's some catching up for you...

Liah and Zerin both entered the Reflections Contest at school...Liah drew a picture entitled "Together we can plant the earth" and Zerin wrote a book and took pictures to illustrate called, "Together we can..."  They both worked very hard, and both of them have gone on to the region level (9 elementaries combined together compete).  They were both sooo excited :)  Aunt Jenni was even able to come down and enjoy the evening with us...so much fun!

I jokingly asked a member of our bishopric if I could be released from my calling this week...he didn't even flinch or pause before telling me 'no.' So, I guess I'm stuck. I feel like I need to have an emotional vomit session to purge all of my yucky feelings about this, but it will have to wait. I need to get through this Christmas Party first, and then maybe I can take time to play Dr. Phil ;)

Our sweet friends, Chris & Laura, came for a suprise visit with their two boys for family night.  It was so so fun to see them, and such a welcome diversion from the craziness that has become my nighttime routine.  They even brought us cookies!!!  The kids had a couple few, but as I was polishing them off, I noticed a gift card to toys 'r' us shaped like a cookie on the plate.  I am not a fan of being on the receiving end, but it was so heartwarming to know someone was thinking of us, and I know that whatever we get with the card will always be a physical reminder of the kind of friend I hope I can someday be.  We are so blessed!

Our weeks have been pretty chaotic lately.  Bryan has added responsibilities for his on-line university job, and is going through a several month process of being hired at University of Phoenix as an adjunct professor.  If all goes well, his first class he will teach will start in March.  As it is, we maybe have one or two nights together tops right now, so it is making us appreciate the time we have together a lot more.

Then I got the surprise of my LIFE this week when this person, we'll call her "Lynne" called me and told me she had found us a piano.  I told her that was all well and fine, but there was no way we could do it right now, but thanks anyway.  Next thing I know, she calls back telling me it's paid for and will be at my home on Friday!!!  Seriously, I feel so much guilt you have no idea, but it looks so beautiful sitting in my front room :)  I find myself wandering in to sit and play at it constantly...I am SO rusty!  But it feels so so good to play again.  For a long time, piano was my therapy.  It feels like a long lost friend I've regained contact with, and it's wonderful :)  Lynne, you will never ever know how grateful I am.

Let's see... I've been trying to finish of loose end projects.  You know those that you put off for whatever reason for months (or even years in my case) because you just can't seem to muster the motivation to finish them off?  Well, I finally did a few of those this weekend...blissful!

Aeden still has night terrors about 5 times a week.  The doctor isn't concerned and says he'll outgrow them, but can I just tell you how much I hate them.  Poor kid :(

Tonight, Bryan and I went to see Harry Potter with Alex and Danelle.  I loved it!  Although the "controversial" part I thought was completely dumb.  It was like the director ran out of imagination and just threw it in there...that part wasn't even very well scripted...stupid morally-challenged people anyway!  What I do love about Harry Potter is how since it is complete fantasy, I'm able to leave everything behind for a few minutes, and just escape.  I sat in the theater for 140 some odd minutes and didn't give a thought to laundry, projects, whininess, health, cooking, presents, painting, or any of the 100 other things that usually riddle my mind on a constant basis.  Bryan doesn't particularly like going to movies, but he knew I really wanted to go, so he came, and I was glad :)

And this week of course is Thanksgiving...one of my favorite holidays!  So we're busy getting things ready for that. 

That is all. :)