Wishing all of the SA Family a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, reminding us of what really matters (depsite the innundation for Black Friday and Cyber Monday). I am grateful to be part of this community, and I realize how far that I've come as an individual (person and money-wise). I've enjoyed being able to come here and vent (pout and whine) and just sort things out.
I am going to be taking a hiatus of sorts. Since were a Catholic family, we're embracing Advent in a new way. For Lent, I've been technology-free. For Advent, we're emphasizing being pro-active as a family and I will admit to spending a lot of time in the cyberworld or playing FB Scrabble. Guess what? My husband has committed to two games of Scrabble a week (in person)! My kids are totally committed to the idea and since we have most of our family activities between now and the holidays on Sundays it has sort of been dubbed "Family Day".
I had a really good conversation with our Pastor. He really helped to bring clarity to my situation (or where I've perceived myself). All of life is on a continuum, nothing is really all good or all bad (although I suppose in rare exceptions). I will admit to struggling what a deacon's wife look like. Guess what ... there is no really answer. Look in the mirror. I need not really worry about vows of poverty. I'm already embracing a heart of service by supporting my husband.
I'm reminded in small ways that it will be OK. I coordinated the Cub Scout outing to the local theatre (I did so grumling because it was sort of dropped in my lap last minute so everything needed to be frenzied). I ended up with two free tickets to the threatre. I gave them to a friend of mine (not very close) whose in a really tight financial situation (she called at the beginning of the school year to see if we had extra backpacks because DH works for a major office supply retailer and my kids regularly bring home tons of backpacks from Take Your Child to Work day.) So I gave her the two free tickets, she said I didn't know how happy that made her because she was wondering how to come up with the $30 from her paycheck which was already spent.
My oldest son plays soccer with the park district; most of his friends play with the elite travelling soccer team. DH's fraternal order sponsored a soccer challenge and my son advanced through four rounds and went to state on Saturday. He was up against the "elite" (the ones who wear the uniforms that look like they're on TV). My kid was in his sweatpants and pretty generic cleats. I am so glad that didn't shake his confidence (I realized those are MY hang-ups and my kids are fine and confident in who they are). My son went last and beat out the nearest competition by 15 points. He's the best in the state for his division. And DH who had partnered up with the local elite soccer club at the smallest level let the president know (there was another boy from the elite team who advanced to state, too). Anyhow, long story short, the club never wants $ to be a factor and my son(s) will get a grant in the spring to defray the cost.
I'm done with Christmas shopping (as part of our decision to embrace Advent). I spent a bit more on the kids after my biological father sent me more than usual cash for my birthday. I made 18 mini-loaves of bread yesterday for the teachers (today is last day of the school week). I've got a sick child home and had another sleep-deprived night. But it is all good.
Since I probably won't be back until after the New Year, I will go ahead and wish you all the best this Hannukah, Christmas, Holiday Season! I plan on reinventing myself (yet again) in January (sort of like anxiously waiting to see what generation Dr. Who will morph into!)
Happy Thanksgiving and a Hiatus
November 20th, 2012 at 02:19 pm
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November 25th, 2012 at 11:30 pm 1353886254
Jerry