November Nonsense

I'm sitting here at work (although I haven't done much work!) realizing that I don't even have a complete week left of work days in the month of November - our office is closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. What happened? Where has it gone? What have I done? What haven't I done?

What have I done?
--Went to Park City with Shalise, Michelle, and Amy for a scrapbook retreat. I took crafts to work on instead of scrapbooking - I'll post pictures as soon as all the Christmas decor is up.

--April and I hosted a Neighborhood Holiday Open House. This is the second year we have done this. We invite the people in our neighborhood and ask them each to donate a can of food for each member of their family. We serve donuts and hot choc and visit with everyone for an hour. Visiting is our Christmas gift to each other and it relieves the stress of "neighbor gifts" at Christmas time.

--Held Activity Days and assigned Secret Sisters to the girls. I remember doing this is Young Women's and loving it! The girls were crazy excited - almost more than I could take! They all seemed to be worried that I would know who my secret sister was since I made the assignments. Funny thing is, I can't remember who has me! Those girls don't realize how much junk is floating around upstairs and I choose to only remember the necessary things!

--Went to a Veteran's Day Assembly at Kody's school. Kody had a speaking part so Todd and I went. The school has sent home a note every year inviting parents but I've never gone before -- I was missing out! Holy Cow! It was an awesome assembly! Only problem -- I didn't bring a tissue. I'm sure that those young voices don't really understand what the songs they sing or the words that are spoken mean but as an adult it was such a powerful reminder of the blessing of freedom. Since Audrey's brother was killed in Iraq (about 1 1/2 year ago), I stop and think every time I hear of a soldier being killed that that is some body's sons, some one's brother, some one's nephew, etc. Unfortunately, until things hit close to home they really don't impact me much.

--Kade left on his mission. Wednesday morning I was at the kitchen sink washing dishes and I saw him go out to feed their dog. I realized that he was taking pictures and playing with Trigger one last time. He stayed outside for a little while longer than usual. I had tears running down my face watching this happen. I almost felt like I was invading his private time with Trigger -- but I was really just washing dishes! It's been fun to watch his excitement gown and his desire to serve the Lord. I can't say again how grateful we are for such awesome neighbors!

--Kody plays his last basketball game in Brigham on Tuesday night. It's been fun to watch his team develop into a team instead of just 8 players who happen to be wearing the same jersey. They will be playing in a tournament in early December at Sky View and then again just after Christmas in Idaho Falls.

--Kody got his headgear yesterday. He's been a trooper although having been there, done that, I know his teeth hurt. He has the same small mouth I have and I think he's just beginning the fun of having teeth pulled and braces. But I'm so glad that my parents took me to the ortho so now it's my turn to be the parent.

This post seems to be a lot about Kody -- I do have a second son (in birth order, a first son!). Tyler's calendar hasn't been too full this month but the usual basketball, Young Men's and school.

That's what I've done in the month of November!