November 2008

November 2008

Hello! The last few months have been a very busy time for us. That hasn't actually changed, what with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, but I wanted to take a little time and catch up before things get really crazy.

In August we saw our son, Matthew, get married. Sure was a lot to do to get ready for that even though the kids chose to have a small family wedding with everyone bringing a covered dish for the reception. It was held at a county park near here so most of the details fell on me since no one else lives close by. Matt and his bride, Ashlei, chose a Roaring 20's theme for the wedding. It sounded a little strange, but everyone looked great in costume and it was a lot of fun. The ceremony was on a stage that sits out into the water and very simple, but lots of people out for a day at the park stopped to watch. It really was a lovely day and it was wonderful to see Matt so happy.

August also brought the start of school for Megan and I. She is a junior this year. So far she seems to be doing well.....as far as we know. I guess we will just have to wait until that first report card arrives, which should be sometime soon. I just wish she was a bit more focused on and interested in school and just a little less interested in her boyfriend, who is the same one she's had since Mothers' Day. They talk about "forever" and I just bite my tongue because she is only 16. Anyway, I started my third year with Lodestar driving for the Ligonier Valley School District. I still like it. I have a pretty easy route with no mountains to deal with and the majority of the kids are good kids. The company's nice to work for and generous to boot. I've made some good friends among my coworkers.

In August we also went to a Pittsburgh Pirates game as a family. We're not baseball fans, though. We went to see Lynyrd Skynyrd play after the game! I also treated myself, a friend, Megan and her boyfriend to a Toby Keith concert in August to celebrate my birthday. Toby is my favorite country star and Montgomery Gentry opened for him so it was an amazing show!

Two other happenings are on my mind these days and taking a lot of my time. The first would be that come January I'm going to be a grandma! Matt and Ashlei are expecting a little girl, Sora Odina, on January 10. Tim's sister, Megan and I just hosted a big baby shower for them this past Sunday. There were a lot of guests so it was a lot of work, but so worth it. Ashlei seemed to enjoy herself and everyone was amazingly generous. Sora has plenty of everything to get started in life. I honestly don't think they will need to buy that child a thing for at least a year and a half. They even got the nursery furniture they wanted, the stroller/carseat, play yard, high chair, etc. We packed the kids' car and Ashlei's mom's car solid to fit everything in.

The second thing occupying my days is that Megan was chosen to be a People to People Student Ambassador next summer. We are so proud of her. She had to be nominated by a teacher (we have no idea who it might have been) and go through an interview process and submit letters of recommendation from two more teachers and an adult she knows well. She is going to be going to Austrailia for 3 whole weeks and doing the most amazing things! There is so much to do to get ready.....not the least of which is raise the funds to cover the $7000 cost. We can cover part of it, but the total amount is a bit much for us. People to People suggests fundraising and sponsorships. I've already sent for one fundraiser and will soon be moving on the sponsorship letters. Megan is excited, but also pretty nervous about going so far away. I am so thrilled for her and think it will be a huge boost to her self confidence, which in school matters has always been low thanks to her difficulties with A.D.D. I'd also find a way to stow away in her luggage if I could!

Tim and I are celebrating our 24th anniversary on the 17th. We aren't doing anything until the weekend, though. Our niece is employed by a very nice hotel in Erie and she got us a poolside (indoor) suite with her friends and family discount so it will only cost us $40 per night. We plan to take some time to relax in the hot tub, sleep a little extra, and of course, try out the new casino. We are really looking forward to the time away as Tim is still on the same project he's been on since Spring. It just keeps growing and growing and he puts in at least 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, with an hour commute each way. He is exhausted and I'm tired of it. Neither of us can wait till it is finished, hopefully in February.

Anyway, that's the big stuff going on around here. Hope everyone is well and enjoying themselves!