November memories

A Time of Loss
In addition to happy times, November held some very unexpected losses. Thanksgiving was more somber and reflective for me, trying to focus on the positive and the many blessings in my life. Three dear lives were lost to me and many other loved ones within a few weeks. First, my dear friend lost her precious baby thru miscarriage. I want to be a comfort to her as I remember how sad and disappointing this season of life can be.

Then a friend and co-teacher of 14 years passed away from cancer. She was a trusted confidant, barrel of laughs, and a woman whose opinion I trusted and valued. Her family is grieving and so is our school for her huge loss. I hate cancer, it stole our friend. But I can be thankful to know that she is with the King of Kings, still the tears come for her husband and 2 sons.

Finally most unexpectedly not 10 days later, our school lost another beloved teacher. Her death has been sudden and shocking. She was an outgoing, friendly, hilarious co-teacher. A new friend to me but someone I quickly grew fond of because she always made us smile and just feel good. Her family is grieving and so is our school for the huge hole she leaves behind. In the hearts of her students, too. And the tears come for her 2 sons, too.

So all right, God. You have my attention. I thought I learned that lesson in October with my mom's illness, you know life is short, don't take it for granted, every day is a gift. Our pastor has been teaching us the importance and priority that gratitude and thankfulness MUST have in our lives. The power that a life of thankfulness can bring I am trying to comprehend. I AM trying to be more thankful, in between tears and empty classrooms that our friends have left behind.

We have so very much to be thankful for, it is so true. Each day is a gift, each moment, each breath. Each laugh, each tear, each hug, each kiss. I want to freeze them and yet the clock ticks by. Time to turn off the computer as Kaitlyn repeats, "Mommy, see me... Mommy, look!" Here I come, Kate.




Happy Thanksgiving!
We did something different this year and traveled to Aunt Rachel's house in Springfield for baby Garrett's first Thanksgiving. The girls had A BLAST playing with their baby cousin, and talked about him for days. Plus they had more time with Grandma and Grandpa Herrin, going out to eat, swimming at the hotel, and hanging out.

Kelly's highlight was helping Grandma fix our Thanksgiving dinner. Grandma taught Kelly how to make Kel's favorite salad from Grandma, cranberry salad. Kelly loves helping out in the kitchen.

Kaitlyn's highlight was playing with baby Garrett. "He So Cute, Mommy!" was all she could say. That and "We have baby sister and baby brother, right Mommy?!" Yikes, time to pull out those dolls and pretend!

Happy 6th Birthday to our cousin Sam!

Wow, when did this happen? Sam was the "baby" of our family for the longest time until Kaitlyn came along. He is one of Katey's best friends (right along with Kyle). The girls had fun at his party playing games, eating pizza and cupcakes, and running around spending their tokens.