How the weeks fly

We are two days from Thanksgiving, and I have never approached a holiday with so little preparation; at least that is how I feel right now. I also realize I have so much to be thankful for, and feel very blessed. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday, and Christmas on Saturday, while we have all of our kids here. Emily flys in tomorrow, Wednesday, and Elton and Lauri and family will arrive either tomorrow evening or Thursday morning. It is wonderful that Brenda is able and willing to host both parties, as we are in no shape to have a party or anything else for that matter to be held here, and Brett and Roxanne are getting close to having their project in the kitchen/dining room finished, but also not ready for a party. Lauri said we could come there too, but at this point it was easier to have 6 come here than to get 11 to go to IN. Just wait Lauri, one of these days we will all show up at your door. At this time I am looking forward to having the holiday celebrations close together, so we can take the time to enjoy the season. Emily was glad to be able to come home in the fall for a change too. Not sure what kind of weather she will encounter, and we pray that the fog will not be an issue for her flights.

I have been having fun getting a few gifts for the grandchildren, and stocking stuffers for both adults and kids. I am also grateful for the help from the mothers for ideas and purchases. It all helps, as I am not a shopper at heart.

We had lots going on here the last few days again. Gord was here yesterday till noon, and got more finished on the flooring project, but when I got home he had left a note saying he was in great pain in his back. I did not expect to see him for days, but he was back this morning. He is dealing with herniated discs, so he knows what pain is. The Dr. prescribed a medication that made him feel much better, and he was here a full day, putting on door knobs and pulls. The painter was here today, and did a lot of preparation so he can start painting tomorrow, I think.
We also had the counter top and sinks installed in the master bath, and a guy was here to check our furnace. Now the interesting part of the day took place. He quickly informed us that there were numerous holes in the heat exchanger, and immediately shut the furnace off, and said we should not run it for safety sake. We now are committed to getting a new furnace on Friday. We had not planned on that expense, but you can not play with such hazards. We are thankful the problem was found before it caused health problems for us. They left two space heaters and we have the fireplace, which has kept us toasty warm this evening.

I picked up Aidan, Olivia and Regan at school at 11 today, and then we went over to Brenda to drop off some gifts etc. Emma was jumping for joy when she saw her cousins. We only stayed a short time as the kids were hungry. We got home before one, and they ate, and then they played and helped me. They all came to the apartment and helped me dust and vacuum so it will be ready for Elton and Lauri when they get here. Brett brought over a container of chili and I made corn bread, and it tasted so good. The kids loved the corn bread, and Aidan and Regan loved the chili, but Olivia was glad she did not have to eat the chili, and was happy that she could have chicken noodle soup instead.

It is bedtime, as the guys said they would be showing up at 7:30.