Take your time

That is what I ask of you this Thanksgiving day. My second cousins (my moms cousin) husband found out the worst possible news yesterday, the day before Thanksgiving. To be honest, we haven't been close to that side of the family for years. We exchange Christmas cards and talk when we run into eachother uptown, but that's about it. So I have been reading updates on his caringbridge site. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shawnberg Shawn turned 37 on Father's Day this year, a few days earlier, he found out he has cancer. Up until a couple weeks ago, they had no idea what kind it was, adrenal cancer. Yesterday he went for a scheduled visit in a lot of pain. The doctor told them that they were going to be taking him off of his cemo because it was causing more bad then good. They were then told the news you never want to hear, that they were sending him home with a hospice nurse and he should start saying his goodbyes to friends and family, including his two daughters, Isabelle - 7 and Peyton - 4.
This is why I say take your time. Not just today, but everyday. Take the time to think about what really matters to you. Take the time to thank God for what you have. The vaccuming, the dusting, the laundry - it can all wait - stop what you're doing and go play catch or barbies with your kids/nieces/nephews. It's a sucky realization that I have come to see, watching my grandpa lose his battle with cancer - watching my mom kick cancers ass (Mom, you are my hero!! I love you so much!!) You never know how much time you have, so spend your time with those you love most! I have been praying and continue to pray for my cousins family. And I am asking for your prayers also, they are needed and will be greatly appreciated. I commend my cousin for looking through all of this and seeing the good times that they have had and will continue to have.
I hope you all have a very Happy, family filled, Thanksgiving.

All in a days work

Our shed guys finally made it! I went to work at nine thirty yesterday morning and when I got home around four, this is what they had done...wow they are quick!

What I wouldn't give..

To be a kid at Christmas. Lately I have been having these...I guess you would call them memories...or flashbacks(??) of Christmases past. Nothing long enough to enjoy, just couple second clips when I see/hear/smell certain things this time of year. For example, in the grocery store the other day looking down the aisles and seeing the hanging Christmas decorations, it was a pretty easy flashback because I think the grocery store in town has had the same decorations for 15 years.
Every year the day after Thanksgiving, my dad would take us to the local Christmas tree farm and pick out a tree. We would go to a little rinky-dink resturaunt in town (now gone) and have fries and a pop and then go home and decorate the tree (lights first, then ornaments and the star last). The Saturday before Christmas was always the Milton Christmas (my dads family), my grandma and grandpa spent their winters in Arizona and would fly back for a few days to have Christmas. Above picture is the entire family (minus one, not born yet) Bottom picture we would take turns dressing up each year, myself as Santa and my cousins as Mrs. Claus and the elves.

Christmas morning we would wake up early, go downstairs and open presents, one at a time, youngest to oldest. After presents, we would get together with my aunt, uncle, grandpa, grandma and cousins (moms side) either at our house or my aunt and uncles. Bottom picture is Christmas morning, my cousin and I (in my favorite Christmas dress of all time).

I know this is kind of early, but I have had my Christmas decorations out since the day after Halloween - if you haven't guessed, it is my favorite time of year!