So Many Things To Be Thankful For

Just feeling grateful tonight. For those of you that haven't heard I'm employed again back at Webb Accountancy Corp. I think I go through these trying experiences to learn more about myself and to appreciate what I don't have and what I do. I am so grateful my job was not filled in my absence and that the Webb's were willing to give me a second chance. I learned that I don't want to go back into the insurance business but I will keep my license up to date just so I have it. I do love explaining insurance to those who don't understand it but I want to be able to do it on my terms. It's something I know I'm good at but I'll just use it as a way to help other people for fun instead of work. I'm very grateful for a supportive husband who was willing to let me figure things out for a couple months. I'm grateful Preston's business was doing as well as it was considering the sad shape of our economy. The timing of everything was terrible but amazed that it always works out if we keep the faith. And that's not easy to do as I found out. I'm grateful to be employed, to have an income to be able to assist in meeting our financial obligations and provide those necessities for our family. Things are way too expensive these days. Just the necessities, even. Poor Whitney wants to get her license so bad but it's so stinkin expensive for the "insurance" and gas and......Maybe in a couple months she'll have the experience she needs and we'll feel comfortable with her having her license. She's so patient with her imperfect parents. She's busy with the school district musical this weekend of "The King and I". I get to go see it tomorrow in the afternoon and I understand it's just wonderful. I'll post pictures just as soon as I can. I'm grateful for wonderful parents who always make sure that life is more than comfortable. Grateful for their advice and understanding and patience with their child who is not a very talkative individual. I keep to myself I'm sure more than I should. Grateful for a son who on my first day of work says "so mom how was your day?" He's always so thoughtful and thinking of what he can do for others. Grateful for the love and prayers I feel from family and friends all the time. I know I never say it so: I love you all. I am grateful for you all and appreciate each and every one of you for anything and everything you do for me and my family. I must be feeling the spirit of the Thanksgiving season and wanting to post it in writing. Happy Thanksgiving. Wish we could be with all our family and friends this Thanksgiving. So instead we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am grateful for the opportunity to be thankful.

Halloween Memories

This is how gross and morbid Preston used to dress up before we were married.

These next few are from the years we did the Haunted House down in the old Parsons building. They would dress up and scare everyone something terrible. I was so scared I never could go through the haunted house and I even knew what to expect. I haven't been able to do a haunted house since I was about 10 or so. I sure loved them when I was young. Not now.

Here's Preston climbing out of a funeral car. The spotlights were out and so were the scary creatures. About four of these scary men climbed out while the crowds went wild.

This was the whole cast involved with the haunted house. Quite the crew, huh? Austin thought this was great tonight to finally see these pictures.

Well here are the cutest pictures of all. My babies as they've grown up through the years dressing up or being dressed up. Aren't they cute?

Whitney's first carved pumpkins. I'm thinking she looks too big to be in a high chair but that kept her from getting hurt by the knives I'm sure.

I love her smile or scary look here below.

I think this kitty in a pumpkin costume has gotten a lot of use by several of the grandkids. Isn't that great?

This next pic was our warmest halloween ever. I think it was like 65 degrees. We were living in Tucson, Arizona. Kind of weird and yet really nice to not have to ruin the outfits by wearing heavy winter jackets. I had borrowed Austin's costume from a gal that was serving in the YW with me at the time. She had made it for her son. What a fun age both kids were here.

You can tell what the weather was since both the kids are carving pumpkins in shorts and tshirts. This sure was an interesting experience living in the desert for one year.

This next picture was just shortly after moving back to Wenatchee in the fall of 2000. We just had a blast reminiscing today about these costumes and everything they can remember from these nights of tricks and treats.

I know I have pictures from the last 8 years but I can't find some of them. For now I've scanned all these and more so I don't have to go through the actual pics again looking for one specific photo. Hope you all enjoy these photos. Our family enjoys this holiday and I can't believe tomorrow is Nov. 1st. Where does the time go? Trick or Treat.............

Reunion Photos Summer 2009 from Gma Pen

Whitney is not going to be happy about this picture but I thought it was cute of her and her Daddy. At least I didn't post it on Facebook. Got these pictures from Gma Pen and after seeing the ones from Mom thought I would post these. They are not great pics as they came off a disposable camera and then Gma made copies on top of that. Here they are anyway.

How often does Austin hula hoop? I've never seen him hula before. Glad someone caught a picture of him doing this. He really does exercise and this is proof. And keep in mind it was 100+ this day, so why is he working up a sweat hula-ing? And it looks like Whit is doing her usual..reading.

Us five kids with Gma Pen. Not a good picture but I know years from now we'll be grateful we have this picture. We all look a little HOT!