Thanksgiving

I am thankful for good friends and family and good times this Thanksgiving. The turkey was the juiciest ever, the cheesecake was the creamiest, the green bean casserole got just the right amount of crispiness on top, the pumpkin pies were perfect, the stuffing was the best ever. I hosted Thanksgiving with my friend Curtis in town to make his mom's famous rolls from scratch. I kicked off the day running a 10 K turkey trot with Mark, lucky to have Curtis at the house to pop the brining turkey in the oven! Nancy and Tamra came over around noon. We had the perfect dinner, then relaxed and cleaned up. Curtis made us all turkey sandwiches and then the Marin family came over for games, fun, and dessert. We had so much fun, laughing and gorging ourselves on desserts and lots of great drinks. Everybody stayed late, had a blast. I am thankful for my turkey day!

State Meet

Lizzy had her first state meet on Saturday. She competed against 30 other 8 year olds from around the state. they were all within 6 months of her age, they break it down further than by year since there are so many kids. She got her first 9, a 9.275 on vault, which was good enough for 6th place. Now I won't get the question, when am I going to get a 9 Mommie? The thing I love about this sport is that Lizzy can see her improvement. She works hard, and sees the results. Of course, sometimes the results take a while and in a sport where you are "judged" there is always subjectivity. Overall it was a great meet. She got her highest score on bars, 8.8. She didn't do so well on beam and looked great on floor, scoring her average. She did make her highest all around. Her team finished second in the state. They were going for first, but as we all know, anything can happen in competition. Today at practice they had a pizza party and played games. It is nice to see they gave them a little break at practice. As far as being a mom goes, I am glad for the break until spring season starts late January. It is a lot of pressure, she has to be there on time, or she can't compete, she has to have this certain bow in her hair, or she can't compete, she has to have the right leo on, (yes, there are two competition leos) she has to have the right color flip flops. I am getting tired just thinking about it. Anyways, she still loves the sport, and is starting to experience a little success, so all is well in the Lizzy/gymnastics world.

In honor of Veteran's Day, for all the Veterans.

(Anon - alleged to have been found on a CSA casualty at the Devil's Den, Gettysburg)

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for but got everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.