Thanksgiving...jumping into Christmas...to the New Year

This past couple of months have flown by so fast. I'm happy that Win will have almost 2 weeks off starting Christmas Eve. I'm looking forward to some down time with Win and the kids. We had a nice Thanksgiving at the Ross Ranch with my Dad, Joyce, Carol, Jeff, Sarah,Ryan,Sean and Lyndsey. Dad made the best smoked turkey ever. We all voted on having that than a traditional on for now on. We had all the traditional fixings. Friday went shopping at a crazy hour in the morning and with a bunch of crazy people too. I did get all the kids taken care of for Christmas which was nice since Win and I headed to Japan on the next day.

We left on the 29th for 10 days. It was a great trip. Lots of training for Win and Michael for their Japanese Sword. I did get to rest some and sleep in a little, chat with the kids most morning there. Afternoon here. Then took my time getting ready for the day and a walk to the coffee cafe. Then most days lunch with everyone and some sight seeing. Then training again for about 4 of the afternoons/night. Many of the Japanese spoke english this time around. Most spoke pretty well. Everyone is very nice and polite. Lots of walking, riding trains,subways, and buses there. We stayed in Gotanda, Tokyo. I pretty much remembered the area and could get around Gotanda just fine by myself. I did take a train ride by myself on afternoon. It was a first for me. Also many different kind of food to try too. You can see our pics on my fb if you would like. The American team got 1st in best team and other awards too. Win did well in his cutting and comp. It was good to get back and see the kids and sleep in my own bed. We came back with many goodies for the kids. My Dad and Joyce took care of the kids while we were gone. They were well taken care of and loved the time together with Pa Paw and Me Maw as well. Thanks so much Dad and Joyce!

So we got back to jump into the Christmas Season and finish up some shopping, to Christmas Practice, Christmas on the Creek with my Mom, more shopping, Christmas musical/program at Church, Will's Karate trounament, and more shopping. Abby and Will were in the Choir and Rachel was Mary and Grace an Angel for the play. Very cute! So that being said it lead to me being really drained and tired from the busy week/weekend. So most of this week I spent time trying to get rest as much as possible. I have wonder friends who offered to make us dinner and help out. Thanks you guys so much! What a blessing you are. When times are hard to keep going it's nice to know our family and friends are there. You all know I hate it when the fatigue from the MS kicks in and won't let me go anymore. Well, I'm feeling better for the most part.

This weekend was busy too but not as bad. We had dinner with my Mom's side of the family on Sat night and today Church, lunch and naps for everyone. Abby and Win went Christmas Shopping for the evening. I thought I was going to get some wrapping done and pick up a little but it lead into having to talk on the phone a lot with my Mom and Sister. To avoid all the drama and stuff I will just say. Please Pray for us girls and my Mom. She is having a Heart Cath done tomorrow and will be home on Tuesday. We are dealing with a lot of emotional stuff with her Medicalyl/Emotional stuff and we are having a rough couple of days with her emotionally. It's draining. I'm up way too late tonight and ready for bed.

I pray we have a good Christmas Eve with her and my Granddaddy and Sisters. That is our tradition to spend it with each other. Christmas day is with just us and then Dinner at Win's parent's and spent with his family. I'm looking forward to both. Now need to get started on wrapping gifts and more of baking cookies. So I'm looking forward to sleeping in a little bit this Christmas break and watching movies in bed with the kids and hot Chocolate and cookies. :0) Just time together. After Christmas we also plan to see my Dad, Joyce, Carol, and Jeff on New Years day which we are all looking forward to a few days at the Ross Ranch too.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

We Love you!