::Dance::

Last Friday night Merci went to her first school dance. I know...5th grade seems so young. We deliberated for days on whether to let her go or not. We figured we'd get her dressed up and have Josh take her on a date or something, but Josh needed to go be with his moms and aunt because Grandma was going downhill again (she died on Sunday 12/5).




So we decided to let her go, because of a lot of reasons, #1 parents were encouraged to come, so I went with her. #2 most 8th graders would not be there and from talking to moms, this 8th grade class is not as mature as some. #3 I didn't want her to miss the social aspect of it.



And let me say I am so excited we let her go, but man did it bring back memories and make me what to dance! I didn't know this until we got there, but no slow dancing was allowed, and the kids would get a time out if they didn't anything unacceptable. There were about 50 or so adult to about 100 kids, so it was a great atmosphere for the kids to just have fun! They all danced all night long there was no awkward girls in one corner and boys in the other. I love our school!

While there I realized my brothers wedding is coming QUICK and soon Ill be a dancing queen myself=) Just last week Ethan and Josh went to get fitted for their tuxes...and boy is Ethan going to look so HANDSOME...Josh too;)
All the girls bridesmaid dresses are in, Merci has her dress, so things are getting pulled together quite well. After the new year it will be all about showers and bachelorette/bachelor parties!! Woo hoo!

Really? & New family photo!

You have definitely heard me whine about car insurance if you have been following this blog for any length of time. It is a sore subject for me. I HATE INSURANCE. All these what if's, and sue happy people in this world cost us thousands of dollars year. I know it is good, I definitely understand that. But just the politics behind it etc, is what really gets to me.

So last week when our homeowners renewal policy cam in the mail ad hundreds of dollars higher than last year, I was PEEVED. My insurance company has heard from me lots over the last few months, that is for sure. In this instance they got my rate lowered, so A+ on that. But F- in getting me cheap car insurance. My rates are $40 a month higher than last year, and last year was higher than previously...yet we have never used it or gotten anymore tickets (well I got one, but 1 in 10 years come on...).

Maybe I should become an insurance agent, make tons of money off other people and not care whether they can afford it or not, just know they legally HAVE to so why not make $ off them.

URGGGGGGG.

In other news, isn't this a great family picture??

Mounting

The pressure is mounting as the days get closer to Christmas.
Will I have enough $ to get everything I need?
Will I get everything done that I want to do?
Will I get a chance to be an example of how I want my kids to see Christmas?

I already feel the rush, rush and I want to slow down.
I try to get my running done when the kids are at school, but I also need to get stuff done around here.
Maybe it has just been a stressful week with 2 Christmas concerts, our regular obligations and Josh's grandma not doing well.

Hopefully I will get a chance to breathe sometime soon...like in 10 minutes when I pop in a movie for myself!

I wish things were easy and that I could just click here and it all be ok! But since that is not likely I will just take deep breaths and remember the reason (JESUS) for the season!

Not bad

Like I mentioned before, I was hoping to get back into things at the gym. I did!! Monday morning!
I'm still sore, Thursday=) Also yesterday a friend and I walked about 2.5 miles or so...even though it was in the 30s and we had a tiny bit of snow flurries. We are good like that=)
For those of you body builders, I found a site that compares different creatine powder. Just in case you were wondering;)

Besides getting a few workouts in, it has been a crazy week.
Monday we found out that Josh's grandma is going downhill quickly. 2 weeks ago she was walking around with her walker and now she is in bed not moving and barely responding to things. She is 93. We were very blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with her and even get a whole huge family picture with everyone in it!
Tuesday the kids go to Awana, so Josh and I got a hour to spend together, we hit a strip of store and got some Christmas gifts!
Wednesday I walked with my friend, shopped, had lunch and watched Biggest Loser at her house, the shopped some more and then Merci has a Christmas concert for band. She started playing trumpet (actually a coronet) at the beginning of the year. She did great!!

Tonight is Ethan Christmas concert, and we get to sit through K-4th singing songs all night...Merci will also play her trumpet again!

:SIGH::

I'm ready for an easy weekend!