School, Work, Work, School

I read back through the blog posts recently and was appalled to discover that I had stated how busy we were for months now. I didn't know the meaning of the word busy until now. LOL. There is something going on every single night of our week and if there isn't anything happening that takes us away from home, then I am studying until 9pm. I have completed two courses in the past month and am nearly finished with my third (on Healthcare Ecosystems). I only have 2 math classes remaining to complete my first term (and will hopefully be able to take additional classes so I can finish up sooner).

We are still involved in RCIA as well as the Lay Ministry Formation (in our 2nd year of a 4 year program). Ken is also working from home part-time for, in essence, the COPD Foundation. He loves what he does and all the people's lives that he has touched. He is such a good man - I am truly blessed by having him in my life.

Ken's mom is visiting us the entire month of November and we are so excited to spend this time with her. We are planning on celebrating Thanksgiving as well as Christmas with her during this visit. She and Ken are going to be baking and preparing Christmas "goodies" for all the kids and grandkids - they all seem to enjoy them so much - and our house will smell wonderful! She will also be meeting some more of my family in Washington - my little sisters in the Tri-Cities and their families. I am excited for that as well.
Too much other stuff to write here; however, all the kids and grandkids are well. Of course, there are always issues coming up when you have 5 kids (plus their spouses) and 15 grandkids (several are blended from previous marriages, so that throws a monkey-wrench in once in a while). We love them all and are looking forward to our trip to Texas in June to see Ryan graduate from high school and visit with two daughters and their families. Will be a short visit unfortunately but we are riding the motorcycle so it will take a few days to go down and back.

Our oldest daughter, Mandy, has suggested that we have a big family reunion - wouldn't that be a hoot!? We'll try to get something in the works but with so many individuals involved -- ??? who knows.

Until next time, God bless and keep you safe. Pray for peace, love, and good health.

Get Out And Vote....

Thankfullly this presidential election is nearly over. It is pathetic the extent that both major political parties go to to dredge up garbage - some truths some lies - on the other candidate. Regardless of who are supporting, disregard all the negative garbage on the TV and most of the media. They are all slanted & each have their own agendas going into this election. Read lots of articles and bios and platforms of each candidate. Make your own decisions regardless of whether you grew up as a republican or democrat - think for yourself! Vote for the person that YOU think will lead this country the best for the next 4 years. Then get out there and VOTE. If you don't vote in this election, then I don't want to hear you bitch about this country's government, president or taxes!

On a bright note, I talked to our Army son today! He sounds great and he'll be leaving Baghdad the first part of this month!! He'll be spending about a month in KY before his 30 day leave but then he'll get to spend nearly a month with his wife & new family - just in time for Christmas and New Years. He is soooo excited! He actually apologized that they wouldn't get to see us much but I tried to explain to him that this is how it should be....he should be spending time with his wife and kids! He's turned out to be such a fine young man - we are sooo proud of him. And his wonderful wife is such a marvelous addition to our family (not to mention our beautiful, adorable, and loving grandchildren). We've been so very blessed.

The oldest grandson will be visiting us for Thanksgiving this year. We are thrilled that his mom is letting him come north for a week. He is hoping for snow the week he's here....I'm hoping for no snow at all for this winter!! He'll probably win. My sister & her family will be coming for Thanksgiving day - her youngest son and our oldest grandson are the same age and really enjoying hanging out together. So this year's turkey day should be full of love, food, laughter, and great family moments. We wiill be counting our blessings this year and thanking God for each of them - as well as for each of you!

Until next time...

Wedding....Receptions....New Family

Well, our Army son is happily married to the love of his life. Her two beautiful children call us Gramma & Granpa and are absolutely adorable. We are so blessed to have a new daughter, two new grandkids, and a whole new branch of extended family (that we love and actually enjoy being around!!). Our son will be returning to Iraq the middle of this week, so please continue to keep him in your prayers. He should be stateside in January - never to deploy again - hopefully! Also include his young family in those prayers as the separation will be difficult but I know they can handle it - with the help of our prayers!

Was watching my Cowboys on Monday night football - good game - against the Eagles. The Eagles tried a tricky little multi-lateral play in the final few minutes as a last ditch effort to get a first down at 4th and 17. But The Cowboys pulled it off - 41 to 37. Wooooohooooo!!

How 'bout them Cowboys!!!??

We are here, counting our blessings, and loving our family. We hope the coming autumn season will treat you well and that this winter will be mild and with not so much darn snow!! Until next time.....