With Thankful Hearts

I have thought of tid-bits to add the last few months, but never took the time to update or put my thoughts into words.  Fall seems to have turned to winter, but the wonderful weather of September and October was so much appreciated.  Sam finished his first Highschool Cross Country season, was named 'runner of the meet' on the week I thought he had his worst race, but he took 3 minutes off his time.  Shows you how much this mamma knows.  He got to know some really great guys and is now considering running track in the spring.  He enjoyed cheering on a senior who was ranked second in the state.  I am very thankful he had a coach who encouraged him and really instilled confidence in him.  Owens really could be a Coach Sam never forgets.  



Nick has been making HUGE improvements in Math.  The transition from the Downtown School to Southeast Polk was difficult, but he is doing so much better.  He made mostly A's, for which he is very proud.  It is hard to hear him compare himself to Sam and wanting to do just as well as his older brother.  Nick still loves his games and Ted the dog.  I would like to find something for Nick to be involved in either sports or music or a hobby of some sort.  It may be that computer games are it.  Or maybe board games.  Maybe he can be a dog walker for the neighborhood.  Nick has his own style and wanted to wear a bow tie and his sport coat at our nephew Drew's wedding.  Cousin Ben loaned him one of his bow ties for the occasion.  So darling!

Jake had a great time playing football this fall.  Until the last week of practice when he broke his wrist.  He ended up with a compression fracture of his left radius and had to wear a splint for 3 weeks.  He sort of wanted a cast, but was glad he ended up with the splint he could take off for showers and such.  Much better.  He played safety mostly, not much offense.  We will have to see if he decides to play next year.  He is playing piano, still and is getting better.  He is playing Fur Elise.....  ah, the classics.  His teacher, Zeljka just loves him.  She is so sweet.  He would like to stop, but I am going to really encourage him to keep it up so he has that skill for a lifetime.  School is fun for him and he has the same teachers Sam and Nick had.  He can be a bit dramatic at times, but he is also a friend to everyone and talks to anyone who will listen.  Probably not always appreciated in the classroom.  It is hard to believe we are in the final 2 years at the Downtown School.  I remember bringing Jake with me when he was in preschool and he fit right into Nick's class.  The boys are growing up before my eyes.  

This Fall found me and Scott at FXB (or as I like to call it, Fat Camp).  I was in dire need of working out and really need accountability to accomplish it.  It has actually been fun and I have been able to keep up my daily class.  I have gotten to know some great friends and though I won't share photo documentation of before and after, I have lost some pounds and body fat, feel tons better and have a wicked round house kick.  

I am truly thankful for my family, our health and the love of friends.  I think of the families in Honduras who live with dirt floors, not knowing if they will have food or water each day or even families here in Des Moines who don't have homes. I forget how much I really have and all the blessings that have been bestowed.  I miss my mom and dad, sisters and far away cousins.  I wish we had the option of spending holidays with them every year, but I love that I talk to my mom and dad almost daily, and I am thankful for technology like this fair blog or facebook or email that keep us involved in each others' lives.  God is good and I never want to take for granted even the little things.  

We are traveling to Chicago for Thanksgiving with many of the Beattie sisters and cousins.  A destination holiday should be fun.  May not be as traditional as we would have here, but we are looking forward to being in the city and being with Ohio cousins.  As we enter the holiday season, my I always remember how much I have been given and be willing to share any of what I have with others who do not.  

Happy Thanksgiving to the four people who may read this.  :)