Long Time, No See

My apologies for not writing very often over this past month. Things have been quite busy, and I felt like I blinked and November was over.

Work: Lately work has kept me feeling very overwhelmed. I've been working everyday (pretty much) except for a day here and there, one for being sick--which I am thankful to my body for fighting off very quickly, unlike many of those around me. I've been getting around to a variety of schools and grades, but was thankful to spend most of the month of November back at my student teaching school- Truman Elementary. It was fun being with familiar faces and seeing my students from last year. November also brought a long weekend for Thanksgiving (which wasn't a help to the paycheck, but was helpful to the soul--I think I needed it). December brings a 2 week vacation, and I suppose more help for the soul with some much needed time in the kitchen (holiday baking!!!).

Brother: Brody came home for Thanksgiving! He was home for about a week or so. It was nice seeing him and spending time with him over the holiday. He returned to Montana this past Monday and said he was glad to return. We're all hoping to see him again for Christmas.

Thanksgiving: Boy oh boy, who knew one holiday could be so busy?! Not me! Guess that's what happens when you inherit another family. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Steve and I went out to my dad's house for dinner. The evening was spent with lots of talk about guns and hunting, and chowing down on some good food. Wednesday also meant a quick stop on the way home at my mom's house to help prep the turkey for the next dinner. Thursday (as I like to remember it as T-Day!) was filled with lots of travel and food. The morning started off with Steve and I over at my mom's house, dogs in tow as well. He watched football, while I helped cook dinner/lunch--whatever you want to call it. Uncle Dave and Natalie came down to spend time with us. Our dogs (Izzy and Zeus) loved being over at 'Grandma's' House and seeing new people. After the meal at my mom's house, we packed up our little family and headed over to Steve's mom's house for another splendid Thanksgiving meal. By the end of the night, I was exhausted-- not sure if it was because of the busy day or because of all the turkey, either way, I got a good nights sleep--until it was time to get up again for BLACK FRIDAY!

Black Friday: was it just me, or did it seem like black Friday was not nearly as crazy as it normally is?? I got up in the morning (granted it was not as early as most crazy people) and hit the stores. To me, there were not as many good buys this year, but I did manage to get a few things out of the way as far as Christmas presents go.

Dogs: Izzy is growing like a weed! She has her big girl teeth coming in and everything. She is currently all done with her puppy shots, and had her first rabies vaccination. My how time flies. Now the big question is whether or not we want to breed her...?? Kennel training is going well, she still has some issues with holding her piddle all night/day. This means... a lovely 2 am wake up call to take her out-- just until she gets the hang of it. Hopefully this wake up call with be pushed further and further ahead so that it meets my actual wake up time. Yesterday while looking at the weather forecast, we realized that it was going to get down to freezing at night (and boy did it ever!) We decided to bring the dogs in at night for a trial run. Zeus slept on his bed at the end of our bed, and we brought Izzy's kennel into our bedroom for her to sleep in. She was surprisingly a good girl throughout the night! We only woke up once to her at about 4 in the morning (aside from the 2 am potty time). She was whining a lot and we tried to just ignore her so she would go back to sleep, but then a few minutes later, she decided to have a mini vomit episode. Being the wonderful parents (hardy har har) that Steve and I are, we knew just what her noises meant and both shot out of bed. Lovely, just lovely!

Life has been crazy lately, but I suppose that it no different then normal. This upcoming weekend we are going to (hopefully) get a Christmas tree and decorate the house.

'Tis the Season! ♥