Dear Aani,
Thank you for reading this blog every month. Thank you for giving me pictures to post every month. When I have been late to posting on this blog (2 times in my entire life), you are kind enough to remind me that I need to post. When I started writing here 20 years ago, it was my rambling thoughts as a new mom, an outlet for me, and a way to connect with other moms, too. Remember when we made you each start a blog, and you all hated it with the biggest passion? That was fun.
As you kids have grown up and your lives have become more your business than mine, the blog has shifted from me and what I'm feeling and experiencing with you to more of a simple record of what's happening... sprinkled with some thoughts and feelings. I try to be judicious in what I write, because really, your stories are not mine to share anymore. I think I'm the only person who still blogs, and I get it- it definitely isn't what it used to be, but this is our family story, so thanks for reading it and caring. I'm grateful to have had a place to document, and I'm glad it entertains you and your sibs. I hope my love for my family shows through, because you guys are all the best things ever, and the most valuable focus of my life. I love you, Queen. I'll keep blogging if you keep reading.
Love,
Mumsy
Okay, here's what been going on:
We finished the basement at some point in November. Let's call it November 18th. Since then, work on editing and building the basement finishing course has been the focus. We had confirmed to us that we are going to have to be very creative and open to all sorts of marketing strategies in order to get the word out about said course, but that's okay. We will figure it out. As Nils said today, "This thing's got legs." We're excited for the second half of December, when we plan on doing nothing! :)
We are going to use a property management company to rent out the house, which is 2 units, now. Hopefully that takes a big load off us.
Church: Church is churching. There has been a lot of heartache this month over some tough situations. Sometimes there are no easy answers or actual solutions and it's hard on everyone. I love my Nils. I said to him yesterday, "I love you and your kind heart", a minute after I nearly bit his head off for being so nice about something that I don't think necessitates any more niceness. Yes I'm being vague. Nils is a good human with a good heart. I'm an okay human with an okay heart. Balance?
There are also good things happening with church, hehe.
Kids:
Anders is live laugh loving life. He's leaving us and going to Hawaii for Christmas. He cooks dinner for a crowd most every Sunday night. Has shoulder surgery scheduled for late January. Car is almost paid off!
Addie is subbing and has decided she likes 5th grade the most. She gets a lot of notes and hand drawn pictures from the kids. She did a handstand at the end of one day as a reward for the kids not being annoying and that worked well. She is "winning at Christmas" by making her friends and family all a handmade gift, and a hand decorated gift bag.
Aani passed her state boards for cosmetology! Now she just has to complete all of her hours, which will probably take until the end of February. She is currently working on mission papers (thanks age change!) and hopes to leave in April. She gets her wisdom teeth out on Friday, has to meet with the Stake President, and then can submit them. On November 7, she received her temple endowment, which was very special. She had decided to do that even before the mission age change was announced.
Ava is grinding away at school, doing her best to not have senioritis as a sophomore, talks with Harper on the phone for hours every day and night. Received her patriarchal blessing a couple of weeks ago and that was also a very special experience.
Thanksgiving:
Made corsages for a YW activity
Primary Program featuring Aani and Addie. My how the turntables have turned.
"Northern Lights"
We parked next to each other at church because we're so cute.
DONE.
A very special day:
Anders and his winning Halloween costume, and all the people who were involved in its creation.
An expensive camera, ft. Anders.
Alright, peace out. I gotta make dinner.
