Giving Thanks...

November has come and gone and I have neglected to blog it! 
It was a wonderful month of much to be grateful for... beginning with the fact that Jeff got to keep his job!
At the end of October, the company claimed bankruptcy and sold at auction... the new owners shut his store down... he had to lay off his entire staff!  It was difficult, to say the least, but we are grateful he was
saved! 
I am grateful, that Jeff's Aunt and Uncle, Mark and Tricia just happened to be in town visiting for Halloween when it happened so they could help me with the kids, and I could help Jeff break down the restaurant and close it up!  It was sad.  As Jeff said, he openned it... so he saw the first check come through the window and the last!  We ended up with a lot of great loot out of the deal, they were just getting rid of stuff... so we took a lot home with us... which Jeff considers his payment for running the restaurant for 3 months with out the title or pay.  Anyhow, that chapter is closed.  He is now working closer to home, and still working... so it's all good.  We're anxiously awaiting to see what else they change in the new year as they close escrow and take over the reigns!  BIG thanks to Mark and Tricia for all you do and have done to help us, and the kids!  Taking the kids shopping for toys and costumes, on walks to hunt for snails, decorating pumpkins and swimming at the hotel!  Don't know what we'd do with out you!!  We sure enjoy our time together, and we all treasure you and the memories!!

Also in November, my Mom came for a visit for 10 whole days!  She was sick and tired from traveling, and let's face it.... overwhelmed because my 3 kids are 5 and under and loud and need something constantly, and my house generally resembles this!  So it took a couple days for her to settle in and get used to us, and me a couple days to figure out what roles I should be pickng up as she lent a much needed hand with the house and kids!  Then of course we're still adjusting to her being gone now, and it's been a few weeks!  We miss Grandma every day and can't thank you enough for all you do for us!  She even helped me paint the family room walls while she was here which are like 30 feet plus high?!  I felt so bad cause I could tell she was not really in the mood to tackle such a project, but I persisted that I would do it if she could help with the kids, cause I couldn't bare the thought of another long winter with cold white walls.  She gave in and of course ended up helping me paint as well!  :)  Thanks again Mom!  Also we celebrated our own Christmas morning with presents under the tree while she was here too... the kids love the hot wheels toys and the moon dough collections!  And we made pickles and jam, and cookies and soup, and ice cream and candy... Mom cooked and baked up a storm and we all REALLY appreciated it!!  I've still got the extra pounds to prove it! ;)

I also finished my kitchen island I built out of a cabinet for extras storage and counter space, mom helped me finish the grout on my kitchen tile backsplash, put up chair rail and wainscotting in the family room and on the stair case and alas, the house is finally starting to feel like a home, esspecially with family in it and the Christmas decorations up!

before

                                   After

Before 

After

corner/contrast

We enjoyed Thanksgiving as a family, at Jeff's restaurant with him...since he had to work.

Austin brought home the flu bug this week from school I imagine, it's presently working it's way through our house!  So far, poor Jack has suffered the worst!  I'm doing my best to beat it, armed with Vitamin C, Lysol, Bleach, my washing machine and Chicken soup w/ lots of garlic and ginger..... good news is, we got it out of the way for the season!
Uncle Mark just flew in for the day on December first to go to the UNLV vs. IL. basketball game, where the Rebels slaughtered 'em by 30 points!  It was a lot of traveling for a short amount of time... and he may have even acquired our flu bug while here?!  Hope not..... all proof positive how much he loves his God Son and his very lucky family!
Maddie took her very first step on the 18th of November and then took 5 whole steps before sitting on December first, while Uncle Mark was visitng!

So here we are, in December already!  Just can't believe another year has come and gone so quickly!  Time to get the Christmas cards out and the cookies made... and enjoy another beautiful season with the one's we hold dear!  Wishing you and yours the sort of love and peace that only the good Lord himself can provide!
BELIEVE in the joy, love and miracles of the holiday season! ♥ the Sugden's