November 22nd

On Saturday it will be my 29th birthday. I am not one to "freak out" about my age...so it is no BIG deal that this is my last year of being a 20-something....

Instead, I am very excited. This year, I have the honor of doing something great on my birthday. Something selfless, something that gives you something that no amount of money can buy.

I will be handing out thanksgiving baskets.
My father started this when we were young. We would get a small basket together, (turkey,stuffing, milk and so on) and take it to my fathers aunt who lived in downtown Detroit. But one year, she was not home. So we decided to take a drive and see if we saw someone who was needy. Then as we were about to give up, we saw couple going through a dumpster behind a building. They did not have a home to live in, they did not have any material possessions except what they had on them. As I look back I think they may have been abusing some type of drug. BUT, my dad got out of the car and offered this couple a full Thanksgiving dinner. I remember him asking if they had a place to cook it, and they were so excited and replied with a YES! They were able to take it to a friends home and cook it.
I also remember the car ride home. It was sad and lonely. At that time, I was kinda bummed that our day had been ruined so to say. But now, as a soon to be 29 year old, I see why it hit my dad so much. It hurts when you go out there and give. It hurts because of so many reasons. One, that you feel like you just will never have enough to give. You want to give so much more. Two, it kinda slaps you on the face to see how "self fish" you can be. A want that seems like a reasonable one, seems like you are asking too much. Three, It makes you see how well God has blessed you. Not only with a home, good food but with a loving family who loves each other.

So this is Christmas???

So far in my house, it kinda is!

We have our outside lights already up (heard it might snow this upcoming weekend) and I have my village up! Both look so pretty!

And an update:

Things have been busy around here. I organized the Farrand Fall Festival at the kid's school. That was a great success, but took so much of my time. Then Kevin went on vacation and will return to work tomorrow.

I have been watching my little nephew 1-2 times a week. But I do not get him this week :(
He is going to Arizona with my sister and mom to visit my grandparents. They won't be back until next Sunday. I will miss that little guy! And same with Matthew.... He is always asking for "iya"...hehe

But hmmmm.....Oh REALLY GOOD NEWS! My husband...Kevin, passed his test to be a licensed plumber! He gets a raise tomorrow at work and received a better work truck! Now he really has a "truck-like" truck!

Other than that, just to same with the kids. Growing and Growing. Eating and Eating!!!

Hope to hear from all my friends out there...Miss you all!

Economy

It seems like the economy is hitting hard around us. So many people we know has lost alot of money due to the stock market and with prices of EVERYTHING going up, up and up...there is not telling what kind of Christmas anyone will have this year.

Here is a story I read in the Observer this week. This is my children's school district.

http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810160692

Welp...

I gave in.

I had a cigarette.
I was a mess. So I just gave in.

Any smoker knows that it is hard.

I have set a new quit date:

Thursday Sept. 25th

The day after my husbands test.

I had

my first crying fit.

I was really hoping I would not, but I did. I just pulled myself together and now I am fine.

I am really trying to use NOTHING.
But I do have nicorite gum ust in case.

It has been 15 1/2 hours since my last cigarette.

So far is has been 11 hours

Since my last cigarette.

Other than having to stop myself from the "habit" of going outside this morning, I think I have been doing good.

I have to remind myself that I am quitting because I will die.

And so I can get a good nights sleep again. It has been over a week now since I have had a good nights sleep. I am sooo tired.

Just wanted to update.

I ended up having my last cigarette a day early b/c of my breathing problems.

Kinda want to revise what I posted a few days ago

I am still quitting!

But that will be the last time I refer to it as quitting.

Now I see it as going back to that moment before my first cigarette.

See, non smokers do have have to need of a cigarette. And on Monday, I will not have the need anymore.

So....on Monday...I will officially be a NON SMOKER!
I will have the feelings of "needing a cigarette". And get this......all you friends of mine...ones who have smoked or not......

I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE FEELINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Instead of them making me need a cigarette, they are CONFIRMING TO ME THAT I AM NO LONGER HAVING ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXICTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be on here on Monday.

I am still asking for prayer.....Everyone needs prayer. Pray that my mind stays focused on the "prize" of being a nonsmoker and not my "old" addiction to nicotine.

God Bless and have a great weekend!

Jackie