I Have So Much to Be Thankful for !

I've learned that I will be off on Thanksgiving Day! I spoke with our boss on Thursday morning when I was getting off at 8 AM. He was relieving me because someone had reported out. I mentioned while we were talking that it would be nice if there could be a rotation that meant each of us got at least one of the holidays off. He seemed to think it was a good idea. I received an email and he came up with a rotation that means each of us will not only have one holiday off, but two of them! Thanksgiving Day I will be off and Christmas I will work 4-12, I will also be off New Years!

I took a few days off again this week. Rob's visit with Tyler, for this month, was scheduled for this weekend. We were concerned that his mom might not allow him to visit. She had really been angry when the judge ordered a decrease in her child support, because Rob is unemployed. She made such a scene in the lobby of the Courthouse we wondered what she would do next. But Rob did pick him up from school on Friday.

Bob and I went over Friday evening for a birthday party for Tyler. I am having such a difficult time realizing that Tyler is now a teenager!! How can that be? Honestly, it does not seem that long ago I was turning thirteen!

Kathy invited her friend Jennifer who has three boys and she came over with two of the boys Abram and Issac. The kids all had great fun together and Tyler was pleased with his model car..( a BMW from Grandma) and a Lego set and a cute robot bug from Jennifer and two nice games from his dad and Kathy. One for his hand held device and one for the game system Rob has and they enjoy together.

Then on Saturday I attended a baby shower for a friend over in Roanoke. After the shower I went to meet Kathy and the girls at the Mall. Rob had taken Tyler out for some dad and son time. The girls mentioned they wanted to go to the pet store. Turned out they meant the build a pet store!! They had some coupons available that no one told us about when we were in there. So when the girls rode the Christmas train we got three coupons for $5 and then another one for $10 and  took them back for a credit! It was worth it. I watched a couple check out their one little girl.  She had her decked out reindeer, just like one Emily selected, and she was paying as much for that one as we paid for all three. Paid to go back with the coupons!

Was glad the girls each had the one they wanted and even had some accessories. The Build a Bear store was huge fun for the girls. Katelynn choose a black kitty that reminded her of their solid black cat that died this year. Kathy had Blackie ever since she was a little girl and all three of the granddaughters really loved that cat. She was about 18 years old! They all miss her and Katie-bug wanted the black cat to remind her of Blackie. So sweet and it reminded us that little minds remember and miss those who die too. Emily got a reindeer and Hailey got a dog. Both of those require two sets of shoes! Now they are waiting and hoping Santa will bring them roller skates that attach to the shoes. Just too cute.  

Kathy, Rob and family came to Bedford today and she helped me clean and rearranged the living room in order to put the tree in front of the window in the living room. I love the way she has it arranged. Now just a few more decorations put on the tree and I will be done and ready for Christmas!
I appreciated Kathy's help because I was having a hard time getting in the mood to do any decorating this year. Now it is done early and I get to relax and enjoy the Season.

We decided to get it all done early so that when Brent and Lori are here we will all have a combination Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration together because Kathy and Rob will be going to her Mom's in Georgia for Christmas. Will be a very quiet Christmas at our house with just Bob, Aaron and I home. Drop by if you are in our area!