Emmy's Birthday and Thanksgiving

I'm so glad we visited Emmy, Jordon and Joe for Emmy's Birthday. We made it over the pass with no problem weather. It was nice to be out of town for the big election day and we had a grand time hanging out with each other at Emmy's. Brian and I had the whole basement to ourselves and we were to blessed to not have to get a hotel. The Minky store was a highlight and hit with the christmas music going and the great discounts. Emmy finally got a hugs blanket and one Minky in crimson red. We ate lunch at the Red Iguana and it was so good. We were thinking we wanted to go hiking in the canyon by Payson, but by the time we got to the site, it was almost dark and the trail was covered in snow! I guess hikes in Utah are only for summertime. We got to visit for five days and I missed pickeball. When I got back to my routine, I went a little to agressively and threw out my back somehow. Most of Novemeber was me trying to get my back back in a healed shape. I feel so much for those who have chronic pain, it is a hard thing to bear. I'm doing much better now, but I'm glad November is over and that makes me more careful when doing things to take care of myself. Joe came for Thanksgiving and I'm so glad. I picked him up from SFO and we had the best clam chowder by the bay with all the Christmas decorations which was so cozy and such great ambience. Some higlights were going out to eat with Joe at Al's and getting good pizza. We got a free carrot cake since the waitress spilled water on the guys. Thanksgiving was fantastic with the grandparents on both sides and Scott cutting up the turkey. It was impressive how it was carved. Jason and Robyn made it later that evening so it was about 11 people spread through two meals on Thanksgiving. I felt so happy and Joyful to give at the Giving machine this year and last. Charity brings the spirit like nothing else. I'm glad we have all the happy family times mixed in with the challenges of life. Spencers washer is broke once again and there are always mishaps and dramas going on. I just trust in the Lord, do what I can and try to have a good attitue and everything works out. Joe and I had fun on Black Friday and I still need to wrap all those wonderful gifts. The holidays are great and I want to spend them serving others, being grateful, and staying cozy wrappied up in my Minkys.