Thankful Thanksgiving!

It was a terrific turkey day yesterday!  We had my parents over and Mom cooked the turkey at her house - made life a little easier for me to get all the sides in my oven.  I prepped and pre-cooked much the day before.  Ah - I am doing this from now on.  So much more relaxing than doing everything on the same day.  I managed to have everything done at the same time so all was piping hot - that makes me happy.  What a feast!  We were all stuffed and now with leftovers I won't be cooking until Monday:)

Much to be thankful for during this time of the year:

My husband who works his butt off at both his job and at our house (he's working through the weekend to make some extra $ and missing out on football and leftovers)

My kids!  What can I say - we are truly blessed and lucky.  E- and M- are awesome in every way.

My parents.  We all are happy to have them near by and enjoy sharing our lives with them.

Family.  In-Laws, Sister, Brother, Sister-In-Law, and niece and nephews.  Even though we don't see much of them we are blessed with wonderful and supportive family.

Friends.  Both near and (mostly) far.  I am happy have made and kept such good friends throughout the years (especially with all our moves).  Keeping up with you all brings me much joy!

My house!  I love this house, this yard, this kitchen!  Most definitely my favorite in all our years.

My marriage -  20 years in January!  How lucky to have a fun, loving, supportive, helpful, good-looking, husband who makes me happy every day:)  

Health.  No medicine, no colds, no sleep problems, no allergies.  A life of moderation and green chiles must be doing something:)

Being a "stay-at-home" mom.  I am very thankful to be able to stay home, teach, love, and enjoy every moment with my children.  Not always an easy task, but definitely something that I cherish and always will!  

Happy Thanksgiving - 

Ann

Re-Cap of the past few weeks!

I absolutely LOVE the sunrises and sunsets out here!  I am sure there is some scientific reason that they become more brilliant in the fall, but I don't know it:)

We are ALL counting the days until Thanksgiving Break and *hoping to take it a day early if kids can finish by Thursday.  It is much needed as we haven't taken a full day off since September 1st.  

Kids and I went to an open casting call a couple weekends ago for the sequel to the "Maze Runner".  Turns out it will be filmed in and around ABQ through January.  No call backs yet, but now we are all in a database for Lionsgate, so you never know... Many movies filmed in this area.

The sandhill cranes are back!  I love these birds and Gifford and I get all excited running out of the house every morning they fly by.  You have to listen to the calls online - very distinct and when you have a hundred or more flying overhead it is quite the sound!

E- tested for her first belt promotion in Hapkido last night!  Pretty exciting - she loves it and is really strong... I wouldn't want to sneak up on her:)

We are heading to the "Hunger Games" premiere tomorrow night - arrrrr.  I really detest packed movie theaters and droves of people and standing in line in the cold, and late movies, BUT the kids love it.  I am doing it for them - what a good mom I am:)  

And last thing - I did it, I let go, I released my keys to my daughter and let her drive by herself last weekend!  Oh the freedom (for her).  Oh the anxiety (for me).  Tell me it gets easier?

Kimchi and Koreans

M- had the opportunity to perform with the Black Belt Demo team today to celebrate and honor Korean War Veterans.  The veterans were presented medals from dignitaries from Korea.  The Veterans Park is gorgeous - I am looking forward to going back and walking around to check out the memorials soon.  

M- learned this form (correo) in 2 weeks which is pretty impressive as the other kids have been doing it 6+ months.  The sound system wasn't great, so apologies for the music.  But the kids did great and the audience loved them - and I figured out how to load a video to my blog!  The quality isn't great (I don't know why!?) and M- is on the far right of the screen.

Here is the opening number.  M- is on the left side back (behind the kid who needs a haircut!)

The event was well run and educational - definitely counted for school today!  Lots of Korean culture!  Korean songs, dress, flags, and food!  We enjoyed a feast including Kimchi after the performance - spicy!  M - (my picky eater) did not want to try it, but his Master told him that as a black belt in a Korean martial art, he would try it.  Maybe he should come to dinner at my house so M- will eat his fruits and veggies!  Ha ha.  FYI - he didn't like it.

I loved the food!  And I loved the opportunity for my son.  He is really awesome at TKD!

Belated Halloween Fun

NMHS Teen Party 

Captain America and Captain Jack Sparrow

Meow!

We celebrated Halloween a day early enjoying a party with our homeschool teen group.  Great group of teens and creative costumes - my favorite being the Morton Salt Girl!

On Halloween, the kids and I volunteered at the food bank.  I've never done this before, but it was quite gratifying and they really do run on volunteer help.  In 3 hours we bagged 7000 pounds of spaghetti squash and labeled about 600 jars of jalapenos! 

Yes - We dressed up a little for the occasion.   We skipped trick-or-treating and enjoyed dinner at a Brazilian Grill (Tucano's).  Far too much food, but always fun!  

Onto November!  E- is doing NaNoWriMo this month.  What is that - National Novel Writing Month!  Basically, you aim to write a novel in the month of November.   I think she's been up past midnight every night since November 1st.  She is determined to get it done this year.  Go E-!