On the threshold of the Holidays…

My favorite time of the year! I can’t wait for the kiddos’ birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Yes, we are always busy, busy, but it’s still the most magical and wonderful time of the year. Lots of family togetherness, family traditions, and lots of yummy food (yeah, I know – counterproductive to the diet, but yummy nonetheless).

Yes, I have started a new job. My previous employer made some choices that made it impossible to be successful in the current market conditions. As a result, I moved to a smaller community bank with the loan officer who I assist. It has been a learning curve, but I think in the long run, we made the best choice.

Health – Like I said before, the Holidays are the enemy of the diet, but I keep telling myself: be active, and all in moderation. (Easier said than done, yes). I am up to my brown belt in Taekwondo, and I am constantly challenging myself in ways I never thought possible. I am also going to squeeze in a 5K in December to support a local women’s shelter. So, if you could all cut down on your baking some and quit sending goodies to my office, maybe that will help?... LOL! :)

Family – The kids got their first report cards. They both did great – A honor roll for Grant & A/B honor roll for Anna. I guess I worried over Grant’s grades for no reason, huh? He continues to love music/band & finished up his first cross-country season. He can run an 8 minute mile now – wow! That leaves my 13 minute mile way in the dust!

Anna successfully earned her 1st Degree Black Belt! I was one proud mama. What an awesome feeling that was!!! As soon as we heard the 2nd board crack, we all jumped for joy. It was definitely a learning experience for her not to achieve this the first time around, but it made the victory that much sweeter this time. Eight years old and out-ranks her mom. :)  We also took our annual trip to Topsail for a campout with the Girl Scouts. We had “Survivor” teams, and the girls had a blast competing against each other in mental challenges, physical challenge, and of course the most fun: eating challenges (gummy worms mixed into all sort of concoctions, all ready to be eaten by not so “hungry” little girls). :)

Thomas finished his applications for internship. He has applied all over the country: Tallahassee, FL; Lexington, KY; Butner, NC; Carswell, TX; Devens, Massachusetts (near Boston); Fort Worth, TX; Morgantown, WV; Los Angeles, CA; Rochester, Minnesota; Springfield, Missouri; Terre Haute, Indiana; & Terminal Island, CA. We are praying that God puts him exactly where he needs to be, but we are also keeping our fingers crossed that it won’t be so far away that we will only see him a couple times in the year that he has to be gone. He has also started his dissertation. So, these are all really big steps. Interviews coming up in the first part of 2012….

Crafts – I’m still sort of neglecting this. Too many things to do, not enough hours in the day. I do have plans for a few Christmas crafts, and of course Christmas cards are coming up too, but other than that, scrapbooking is pretty rare these days. As I always say, “I guess I’ll scrapbook when the kids go off to college”. LOL! :)
It is blowing my mind that I am about to have a 12 year old and a 9 year old. Where did my babies go? It is really cool to see their personalities grow and change and also to see what great kiddos they are, but I do miss my babies…

Oh, Halloween was fun – Grant was Albert Einstein, and Anna was a “pretty” witch. I say, “pretty” because she wanted to make sure I understood that she didn’t want to be an old, ugly witch with warts and a green face & stringy hair. I have pictures, but wouldn’t you know, they are on my other computer. I’ll upload next time.

I hope everyone enjoys the Holidays with your families. God Bless, and I’ll be back soon (in a couple months, lol.) :)

-Michelle