Today was full of firsts - Sarah's first video to her Daddy, her first time making her own PB&J, her first letter to Santa went out in the mail, and the first major holiday of this season passed without any drama or tears.
Sarah was really missing her Daddy today and so I thought I would try my hand at making an amateur video to tell him she missed him and loves him.  It turned out to be heartbreaking for me to watch.  I sent it to Mr. Y and hope he understands the depth of her feelings toward him.  Daddy is her special guy.
Here is her letter to Santa.  Michael helped her to address it and I told her that the post office wouldn't even deliver it to Santa without proper postage.

It's amazing what I can do with technology.  Even klutzy me could pull this one off without falling down the stairs again!

Wow - What a Day!

Our table was overflowing today with excellent food and the air filled with entertaining stories.
Turkey with all the trimmings, ham, fresh sour-dough rolls, pumpkin pie, fresh whipped cream.  YUM!
My best friends were there, my parents,  my brother and his daughter came and brought an awesome lemon  jellyroll.
The night was completed by a call from Chris.  Nothing could have been better.  I miss him!

The Good Outweighs the Bad

I am reminded this time of year for all I'm thankful for.  I have an incredibly generous family, close friends and shelter.  I can't imagine being homeless today or any other day.
I could complain, but where would that get me?  A pity party?  No.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and there will be a house full of people. Cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and close friends gathered together in our home sharing food and stories.  The chaos is worth the fellowship.
I do remember that yesterday was my grandmother's birthday.  She would be proud to be at our table sharing stories of my father's childhood.  She was the one that gathered us together at her home for all the special occasions.  I miss her.
Mr. Y is always anxious when there is a house full of guests, but loves to have everyone over.  He is an excellent host and brags about the food we serve.  We will toast him tomorrow and pray for his safe return to us in the spring.  For now we will weather out the storm of his absence.

Beginnings

I'm sure from the title you're wondering what that means.  Well, this is the beginning of the holiday season. There are so many tasks to be completed between now and Christmas.  Today there is a birthday dinner for Lisa and then they are out of town until sometime next week.  Then next week is Thanksgiving and black Friday.  There is also a "friends/grandfriends" day at school on Wednesday.
A Test next month.
Our anniversary next month.
Christmas next month
A trip to the beach next month.
So many things..  Today if Chris was here, I know he would be in and out of the backdoor.  I'd grit my teeth because Sarah's napping and I would be studying.  I would have started dinner and he would be sneaking tastes of whatever I'm making and complaining there is nothing to eat for lunch.  This would start the on-going debate we have about how there is a huge difference between not having anything to eat and not wanting to cook what we have.  It really makes me laugh.
There have been other Saturdays when we sat on the couch snuggled up watching a movie while the rain poured outside.  Other times when we found out there were episodes of SpongeBob that we hadn't seen before.  Laughing about them.  Laughing about how we can nearly read each other's thoughts.
I miss these days where it's better to be inside than outside and to be snuggled up with him on the couch.
In march the rains will come and he will come home.  When that happens, we can spend that time together again.

For now, I need to be patient and wait for the next few months to pass.

From my kitchen window

From my kitchen window I could see the rafters for the new garage in place.  The dawn was breaking and it was unusually quiet and calm in the house.
I felt inspired and moved by the amount of love and labor that has gone into this job.  My uncle has been here, Sully has been here and my Dad has been here.  I'm sure they have seen my tension because of where he is right now, and their way has been to help.  This has never been about them. 
I'm not sure how I will ever repay their generosity.
I've heard them say this is nothing compared to what he is doing right now.

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day.  This is the day we honor those who gave their life in service of their country.
Mr. Y, and thousands more, are scattered miles away and the best we can do is to wish them well.  Thank you seems like such a small thing to say.  I wish I could hug every vet I know because they have given more than the bare minimum.  Ours is an all-volunteer service, so every one knows they can be called to war at any time.
I'm so proud of everything they have done for us.  When the jets flew overhead today I was filled with the sense of pride for our nation.

I bet you can't find a single person that hasn't been touched by something done by a veteran.  Family, friends, and coworkers are vets.  They give more of themselves and have a unity that appears unfamiliar to most.  The majority of the construction in my backyard is being completed by vets.  These vets have no reason (other than they want to help) and are giving more than I ever thought possible.
Be proud.  I know I am.

An Old-Fashioned Barn Raising