So Many Things to be Thankful For.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!

This year I have so many things to be thankful for.  My family, my friends, my health and all of you!  So many exciting things and changes have happened over the year.  Some good, some bad, some life changing but I know that whatever path I am led down, it is where I am suppose to be.  

About two weeks ago, we were able to bring my mom home from the nursing home.  It has been a long time coming.  Although, very chaotic and challenging at times, we are so happy that she were she belongs.  She is very happy to be home.  The road ahead will not be easy, but we know it is the right road.   My dad is truly remarkable.  He lives this challenge 24/7 and that is not easy at his age.  My parents truly are my heros in life.  I live by their examples.  I am so thankful for how they raised me and I am so proud of the strength they show everyday.

The kids are doing great.  

George is in 10th grade and taking driver's ed.  I will be taking lots of meds to get through it.  LOL  Just kidding.  Well, maybe....  I can not believe that he is 16 and not only will he be getting a driver's license, he has colleges already looking at him and sending him packets about their schools.  These are the times I use to look at him in his crib and wonder where he will be, and what he would look like, and what kind of person he will become, and now we are living it.  Although, my baby has grown up, I am so proud of all his accomplishments and the person he has become.  

Anthony is in 7th grade and he always gets so mad at me because I always have to think about how old he is.  For some reason he will always be my 10 year old little boy even though he is 13!  Even writing this I put he was in 6th grade instead of 7th.  For some reason, I do not want him to grow up.  He is loving school this year.  He is always there when I need someone to pick me up.  His gentle and kind ways make me so proud of him.  He has a heart of gold and always brings a smile to my face.  I am always amazed at how he understands things way beyond his years.  

Ashley is being home-schooled this year at her gym.  She is loving it.  Watching her blossom into a lady and a fantastic athlete is amazing to me.  She had her first meet of the season and not only received her highest vault score, she also has already beaten her highest all around from last year.  Amazing!  I am so thankful to her gym and her coaches.  They are without a doubt such a wonderful influence on her and push her to be the best she can be.  I look forward to a wonderful season ahead for her and can't wait to see what the future holds.

As far as Tom and I, we started on a new adventure and bought a house. I am so thankful for this beautiful home.  I can say that for the first time, I have found my forever home.  We have a lot of work ahead of us with the house, but I look forward to making it all we ever wanted!  Did you ever wake up every day and just know that this is where you are suppose to be?  Well, I can't explain why I feel like that, but that is how I feel everyday in this house.  Things that we originally laughed and said we would change have now become favorite parts of the house for all of us.  Our "wood" room as we call it, has become the favorite and the kids have taken it over.  So much for a bigger kitchen, but that does not even bother me because of all the time the kids spend in it.  I would much rather have a "family" place then a bigger kitchen.  Plus, I am kind of getting use to this old kitchen!  There is something sweet about it.   There is just enough room for all of us and we love it.  Our family is complete here.  Oh, and the best part is that we finally got internet back after almost two months!  It was so relaxing without TV and internet, but now it is time to get back to work.  What I have learned from that experience is that you never know how much it takes over your life.  When we didn't have anything to do at night, we spent more time together talking.  It was certainly a lesson we have learned now and have limited our time on these things so we can spend more time as a family.  

The dogs...... well what can I say about our "well behaved"  (NOT) dogs.  LOL  They have already learned how to open the door to the house and get out.  My heart has stopped both times they have done it.  They like to "explore."  So now we are saving for a fence.  I am WAY too scared that they will get hit by a car.  So for now, they are walked, but I know someday they will love to be able to run in the backyard.  They love that the house is a ranch.... No more steps for them!  I agree with them.  They have adjusted well to the house and enjoy watching the deer and foxes from the window.  Dudley saw a deer one day while Tom was walking him and Tom did not see it..... well, Dudley took off after it.  After being drug across the lawn, Tom had to let go.  Dudley realized he was not fast enough to catch the deer.  I hope this is a lesson he remembers for next time!  

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for all of you in my life!!

Donna