Five Days of Fun

I can tell it was a good Thanksgiving break because I'm not so anxious for the kids to go back to school tomorrow. In fact, I enjoyed doing so many things with the family over the break that I kind of wish we could keep the good times rolling and not go back to reality. There is too much of a good thing, though. At some point we'd decide we'd had enough of each other and the money would run out (if it hasn't already!) So I guess it's a good thing holidays don't go on indefinitely.

I actually couldn't believe myself this past weekend. I have NEVER gone shopping the day after Thanksgiving and I went all weekend long. The worst line was at Gymboree. But while I waited I met a couple of women and we became fast friends. We saved each other's places when our eyes would catch something else so adorable that we just had to take a little peak. People were nice and friendly. Of course I wasn't in line at 4 am trying to be the first 20 to get some fancy gadget. I was hanging with the civilized shoppers--those who want a good deal but aren't about to lose a night's sleep in order to save $10, $20 or even $50. Plus, Darren and I discovered that you can get almost anything you see in the ads online for the same price. You just don't get the amazing doorbuster stuff. We don't want that stuff anyway.

It was a great weekend. We had a divine Thanksgiving dinner at my sister-in-law's house, Kim, who is just the best pie-maker ever! She made something like 10 pies because she just loves to do it. I talked to my brother who was preparing to tie his turkey carcass to the back of his Chris Craft boat to attract crabs which he would eat with all the other boaters and their turkey-caught crabs. That sounded like a lot of fun to me. I talked to my sister who was cleaning baby toys out of her son's room. How fast the kids are growing up! My kids had tons of fun having sleepovers with their cousins.

Darren and I got to have dinner with his best friend from high school and his wife. We got to have dinner with our good college friends Steve and Danell Murdock. I got to have lunch with my girls while Darren and Nathan watched the BYU-UTAH game. What a bummer that the Utes lost! I feel richly blessed and spoiled for how much fun I had over the holiday. Looking back, there was a lot of food involved in this holiday. I guess it's time to be good again tomorrow.

I have watched Hairspray (the movie) three times since I bought it Tuesday! I just love that movie. I took the girls to see Enchanted--everyone loved it. I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. This is a good feeling. I got Thanksgiving decorations down and will clean (well maybe) tomorrow so I can start putting up Christmas. This weeked we will shop for a tree and have a candy making party as well.

Back on the Blog Wagon

My friend Alison told me she missed my blog and I see that it has been some time since I last wrote. Those who check (maybe 2 of you--Mom and Alison) know that I've been engrossed in a novel. Writing a novel really takes over your life. I wrote it September, kind of let it sit in October, and got back to editing and rewriting in November. Now I'm busy writing a cover letter and a synopsis to go with it. Writing a synopsis is hard work because it forces you to see that there are many things that make entirely no sense in your novel. So then you go back to the novel and rewrite, then back to the synopisis and write it again. At that point the cover letter needs changing too.

What a beautiful fall it has been. I have loved being at recess every day in 60 degree weather as Mrs. Duty Guard. I am seeing it all every day. Blood, vomit, tears, and bumps the size of oranges. Fights, cliques, pure joy, pure pain and naughty language--all the stuff that makes up life you can see right there on the playground. Kind of like that book "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." I am learning it all--again. I am learning which kids my children will NEVER play with and what kids I hope they become friends with. I saw great Halloween costumes and a couple of kids whose parents don't believe in Halloween and didn't dress up.

Four square, hopskotch, jumprope, jacks, girls chasing boys and boys chasing girls---nothing 's changed much since I was out there running with my hair in the wind 35 years ago. Bruises and scrapes, chattering, hurt feelings, imaginary cuts and bruises, imaginary pets, imaginary friends--every child trying to fill some need for 30 minutes on the playground.

There are some very sad kids out there that break my heart. There are very angry kids out there that try my patience and make everyone feel bad. There are some incredible athletes out there who are destined to lives filled with sports. There are quiet kids that sit calmly and watch. There are kids who need major therapy. There are kids who are fun and outgoing, and attract other kids like the Pied Piper. There are those who desperately need friends, and those who have too many friends. There are kids who can't tell truth at all and others who can't tell a lie. There are kids who help the ones who struggle, and they are the ones who will be truly great in life. The ones who can see other children suffering and ease their pain--they make it all worth it.

It is supposed to turn cold this week. I can't complain. I have been spoiled out there on the playground in the gorgeous fall sun. I am thankful for that. I'm thankful to see my kids for a few minutes in the middle of the school day even though they bum money off me for beef jerky. Now that's one thing that's changed. I couldn't buy beef jerky at my elementary school. Now it seems to be a staple of life. How strange. Kids want it like candy--more even.

Only two days of school this week and then we're all home together feasting and playing and deciding weather to put up Christmas or wait another week. Happy Thanksgiving!