Busy!

I realized that I haven't blogged much this week! It has been a busy, busy week! So, what have I been up to?? Well, I got clued into a FREE snapfish deal, and was able to get a free digital photo book. I couldn't decide what do do, but Thursday night decided to make and ABC book for Ryan's Christmas present. So, Friday and today were spent taking pictures of things Ryan knows for each letter. So, M was for Mommy, N is for night night, etc. (Randa, I stole a pic of your cat off your blog for K is for kitty! I was at a total loss for K!) Anyway, I finally finished it--it had to be done by midnight to get it free.
We also had some wonderful friends for dinner, who we do not get to see enough! Ryan had a blast with their kids and they played hard! Their kids are so much older, but they play so great with Ryan!
Okay, after my LONG day, I am headed to sleep!

Raking Leaves

This weekend, we got all the leaves in our yard raked--until our neighbors tree dumps the rest of them in our backyard that is!

Ryan wanted to help of course--he had so much fun!

Envious....

I will confess that I have been so envious lately of those of you who are able to read actual books for pleasure right now! (as much as busy moms ever really get to read!) I am smack dab in the middle of my research class, and am gathering and reviewing preliminary sources for my thesis. I'm SO tired of reading articles and am no longer curious about my topic, because I just read 30 articles about it! I am LONGING to read an actual book about something other than research papers and not have to outline and review it!
Just about 4 more weeks, and I'm done (until January), but I have big plans for reading over Christmas vacation. Any recommendations??

Joy

"Oh come let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thatnksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to him with psalms." (Psalm 95 1-2)
I was reading this yesterday, and started wondering about my own joy. It's been a busy week, lots to do, some stress...but shouldn't I still be rejoicing? I think of the hymn and the words, "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Do I do that? Most often...no.
There is so much to rejoice over, but I think I get bogged down in the daily grind and forget to take joy in the Lord. I do take immense joy in Ryan and thank God every day for him, but it is not always easy to rejoice in the little things when I don't want to make dinner, or mop the floor. However, I think I need to change my thinking.....

Ummm...

Well, I haven't blogged in almost a week, but don't really feel like I have tons to post about! My parents came down this weekend and it was great to see them. Ryan especially loved having them here--he only wanted Grandma and Grandpa to read his bedtime story on Friday night! We had our grading day today--so I got a good amount of stuff done, but still feel so behind! I've got massive homework assignments due for my class this week, so I probably should stop playing online and get to work!!

Letdown....

While I have no wish to be political, I will say that I am disappointed at the outcome of the election. I guess the best word to describe my state of mind is deflated. I understand that there always is a winner and loser and that my candidate will not always win.....but in this election, I don't think any of the major candidates I voted for won! Seriously, while this will probably never happen, it does make me feel like moving to a "red state" where politicians who agree with my views are elected. Just a lament over the liberal state we live in....

Trick or Treat!!

I know I'm late getting these up, but I've been knocked down with a bad sinus infection. Here are our pics from Wednesday night at church and on Friday!