For Real?

Our heating system for the downstairs has died apparently.  My poor husband looks exceedingly anxious this morning, which in turn makes me feel panicked.  I feel worse for him than I do for the rest of us because I know he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.  Maybe the Navy will call today and reenlist him.  I loved KLOVE's encouraging word of the day, from Isaiah 40:11, "He will feed his flock like a shepherd.  He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.  He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." I cling to this promise today.

(To sign up for KLOVE's encouraging word of the day, go to www.klove.com.  Everything they send seems to speak to the crisis of the moment in my life.  Maybe it will encourage you too!)

A New Way To Help CABF Win $250,000 by Tuesday

We have only two days left to help the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation win a $250,000 grant to further their amazing work on behalf of our special kids and their families.  The latest winning strategy is to vote for eight organizations that have agreed to vote for us in turn.  The link to vote for these eight non-profits in one fell swoop is http://pep.si/fypFk0.  Please don't give up!  We can move up to number two and still win the grant!

Thanksgiving Was a Four

On of a five point scale.  So really pretty good as far as Thanksgivings go.  We saw family in the DC area, did a small bit of shopping (very small but it was fun), and in general it was great.  The only down side was that our hotel was too far away from the action, even though it was bed bug free, and we left the automatic pill dispenser at my husband's sister's house!  I am glad to be back but now the Nutcracker takes over my life until Dec. 13th.  I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving!

Off Topic: Shop for Diamonds the Ethical Way

We are not in the market for diamonds this year, and really mostly never.  But I have been eyeing a ring for our 20th anniversary which is coming up in a few years.  Hopefully by then my hubby will have a job!  Having heard so much about the shady diamond industry around the world, and being especially disturbed by the violence associated with much of it, I decided to look up diamond jewelry that is not obtained by the usual means.  A company called Brilliant Earth has a great website with all kinds of jewelry that is obtained ethically and without damage to the environment.  Just thought you might like to know.  The link is www.brilliantearth.com.  They have a great site and beautiful jewelry, not just diamonds.  Happy shopping!

I Forgot One More Thing That I am SOOOO Thankful For!

You, my blogger friends, who encourage me daily by sharing your own wisdom, experience, triumphs and trials.  You are my biggest source of blessing outside of my own family.  Thank you for reading and writing!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

What Are You Thankful For This Year?

We have had a rough fall, but I know we still have so much to be thankful for, like a roof over our heads, food in the pantry, cars that run, health insurance, a good marriage, great kids, and the privilege of living in a country that is free of war, famine, most of the terrible diseases in the world, and that we can vote for our government.

And I am grateful to God who has carried me for so many years.  What are you thankful for?

Making Up for Lost Time

That's what we have to do now that Caroline has missed over a week of school.  With the holidays approaching I am very concerned about catching her up on Algebra in particular.  I know that every year she will miss a couple of weeks in the fall and again in the late winter/early spring because of mood swings and med adjustments, but add in a physical health issue requiring hospitalization and I start to get very nervous.  I wish I didn't have to be responsible for her schooling but honestly there are no better alternatives right now.  Time to start the day!  I hope you have a great Thanksgiving, a peaceful one hopefully.