Post Thanksgiving Post

Yes these are my children.  The picture makes it look like they even dressed alike! We had such a good time having them home for a week.  David was asked why school let him out early...he said "I left...they didn't LET me do anything". We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Beth/Uncle Mike & Aunt Julie's house.  It was great...good food, relaxed atmosphere, and just happy times.  So grateful to have them close by!

I feel like I accomplished a lot this last week....so I am going to list them so when I feel like I was a slug I can look back at reality!
1. Thanksgiving/Autumn decorations put away - Christmas put up (I had help with that)
2. Christmas cards written out and Christmas letter written
3. Bathrooms cleaned!
4. A new zipper put in Sami's skirt (sorry it took so long Sami) - never put a zipper in, so it was new experience.
5. New pants shortened and a tie repaired.
6. Made the best apple pie EVER
7. Shopped on Black Friday in less than ONE HOUR!
8. Ordered my new printer with David's encouragement

Of course there is another list waiting to do...always is...but I would like to take the time to be thankful for what is already done.  Woo HOO!

They're HERE!

It seems like a lifetime ago when we drove Sami and David to college.  At the time I felt like Thanksgiving was YEARS away, and that it would be much too long before I saw them again.  The time passed slowly at first, but then as life intervined it picked up the pace and moved quickly. All of a sudden it was the day before they came home (Friday).  I scurried around trying to make sure the sheets were washed and their beds were made. We had shopped and put groceries we knew they liked in the cupboards.  Saturday morning dawned and we drove to the airport.  We didn't park and go in to wait, much to their disappointment, but met them at the curb, bags in hand. It was SO exciting to hug my babies again, holding them to my heart.  I am SO glad they are home and look forward to spending this week enjoying their company. Pictures for sure next week!

Travels to Ohio

As mentioned last week, I traveled to Ohio to visit this guy (affectionately known as dad).  It was a crazy busy trip of 6 days.  Ariana (my sister) and I were able to pretty much pare down his belongings to a couple of suitcases.  We sold his car, some of his furniture, donated the rest of the furniture, met with doctors & nurses, met tons of family members, and bonded together.  I think we did a good job. Dad is on his way to recovery (medication and gallbladder issues) and he will be moving to Florida on December 1.  Things I learned on this trip:

1.  Always get the story first hand.  Don't rely on second and third hand accounts when it is important.
2.  Love your family.  You may find it hard to like them, but love them. Everyone needs love.
3. Stay close to your family. In the end, that is all we have.
4. When someone says, or implies they are lonely, believe them. Reach out - see number 2.

Here are some more pictures - I really loved seeing everyone. The last time I saw these people I was three years old!

                                        Veronica & Dad - Aunt Helen & Uncle Peter's daughter

                                  Aunt Helen & Uncle Peter Horatschki - dad's sister & bro-in-law

                                                  John Horatschki  - Helen & Peter's son

                                                            Tanya - Mary's daughter

                                                        Mary - Helen & Peter's daughter

                                                                Ariana, dad and me



Ohio

Just a quick note...I  am in Cleveland Ohio visiting my dad. My little sister, Ariana is with me.  What I've learned so far...
1. Wheeled carryon bags are the way to go.  No sore back, and not sweating when I get to my gate are pretty big in my book!
2. It is cold here.  A coat is a necessity....glad I am not here for long because my coat is a "Washington" winter coat...more made for rain than snow.
3. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt...no further explanation needed.

that is all for today. I'll fill in more with pictures next week when I am back home. Love to all!