Turkey day

Well not turkey day for us here in Montana! We decided to stuff a chicken, make shebzi (an arabic stew), my sweet potato casserole (primarily for me), mashed potatoes, salad, and hummus. What a hodgepodge isn't it? I really don't like turkey and it would be dumb to make it and throw most of it away. My neighbor is getting up at 4:00 am to start cooking his turkey and he said he would bring some over so maybe we will get a taste of turkey. Summer and Adam decided to make a Thanksgiving party for their stuffed animals and have it all planned out. They will be getting up at 9:00 to watch the parade and then have various activities planned.

I have been feeling a little down the last few days and I am not sure what it is. I know that I am missing having family around for the holidays. The first time ever I think in my whole life I will not be with some family. Please don't get me wrong we are so thankful to be here and I would not change a thing but its still a big change and hard. Beyond that I am feeling a little bummed about my weight loss/fitness progress. I am thinking of starting a weight loss/gain blog. More for myself to track progress and just to whine and complain. Don't know if anyone would be interested in that but I think it feels good to write. I know that I look better and my clothes are looser. I am phasing into a size 8 but I haven't bought or tried on a pair yet. I know that my 10s are getting ridiculously loose though. I was trying to remember the last time I was an 8. Maybe in college?

I think I am feeling a little lost with what I want to do with this new phase in my life. This is a perfect time for me to rethink my career and what I want to do. I know that I don't want to stay home forever although I am enjoying it now. Ali keeps encouraging me to use this time to really think about/and start working on what I want to do. Whether its go back to school, start a business, etc. The problem is I am not sure. I keep thinking about what my passions are. I LOVE to teach but I don't think I want to do that for the rest of my life. I am seriously thinking about a business. I have a few ideas floating around in my mind that I don't want to share yet until I am sure of what I want to do. It's amazing how our work defines who we are. I keep going around telling people that I taught for 10 years. That took up most of my life the past 10 years and who I was. That is not me right now. I still volunteer teaching a class at Summer's school but I am not defined as a "teacher" anymore.

So, I decided since I am feeling lost to make a "to do" list of things that I would like to work on. They are mostly related to volunteering and researching some business ideas. I prayed to God when Ali was out of work for Him to help us so that we can help others. So that's really important to me. I need a kick in the rear! Get up and go out there! Too bad I am so content to stay here in this cozy place :)

Thanksgiving

Have no idea what we are doing/making for Thanksgiving. None of us like Turkey but then I feel bad that I am not making a "traditional" meal. I might miss the gravy and mashed potatoes. Thinking about making a roaster chicken. We are not going anywhere or having anyone over. I was thinking about all of us volunteering but then time just passed and I didn't know if anyone wanted a five year old volunteering. Feeling a little down about it...

Adam's question

Adam woke up this morning came downstairs and before I could even say good morning he asked me this question: would rather be happy or surprised? Cute! I said happy and he said don't you want to be surprised on your birthday? I said yes but I can only pick one! Then I asked him and he said - happy.

A wonderful trip

Well, we made it back in one piece thank God! We went to bed last Wed. night with NOT A DROP of snow on the ground. Woke up Thurs morning to 12 inches of snow. Progressively throughout the day ANOTHER foot fell. Hamed called me and said r we going? I was like h### yes!! So we left when he got home at 2:00 and a few times we seriously considered going back. I kept getting updates on my phone for the weather of the next town ahead. It seemed like it was tapering off so we kept going. Thurs driving was fine but it ultimately took us 24 hours.

It was an unbelievable feeling being surrounded by family. I guess I didn't realize how much I missed being around family until I saw them! My auntie Carol and Uncle Tom always go out of their way to make sure we are comfortable and happy. (Thanks auntie!) She even made a list of things we like when we come- so nice. The memorial was so sweet. You could really feel all the love there. Nana touched so many with her love and sweetness. Everyone had a different thing to say in a different way. It was a perfect day seeing cousins and some family I never met.

The things that people said about Nana really got me thinking about how much of that generation will be lost. Just taking the time to cook the certain thing that one person enjoyed. Or putting out the guest soaps. How special are those things?

I am incredibly blessed to have such a loving family between my mom's, dad's, and Hamed's. Love you all so much. It made me sad when we left- but its bittersweet cause we love it here so much. I don't think we will be making that driving trip anytime soon though. The kids were sooooo good in the car but its rough for everyone. Still trying to catch up with wash!

Sorry

We've been in Chicago since last Thurs. for Nana's funeral. Ali had my phone. Thank God. I will do a nice long post tomorrow. We just got home from driving for 2 days. Good night!

My life has stopped...

I LOST MY PHONE!! I looked all morning and took Summer crying to school cause we were late. Then, I was late to an interview for a part time job in a preschool because I went back to look for it. I spent the last hour looking for it. I tried to call it from a neighboors phone but the battery must be dead cause it went straight to voicemail. I feel sick...all those numbers, Summer's school can't call me or Hamed cause his phone doesn't work on the ranch. UGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

The Prayer of Jabez

I had a small piece of paper with this prayer taped to my desk at work. I was just wondering if its still there? I couldn't imagine someone tearing off a prayer. I prayed this prayer everyday a few times a day:

Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause any pain.

I Chronicles 4:10