Today is Friday November 28th. I have so many things to be thankful for. Yesterday I made cinnamon rolls and Rylea and I bagged them up and drove around Yuba City, Marysville, and Olivehurst delivering them to homeless people out and about. One lady in particular left an impression on me. She was tall and very slender and had a dirty, black lab(skinny too) with her. They were dumpster diving at Burger King as we were driving by them. We put 3 rolls in the brown bag we gave to her,knowing she would share with her dog. Before I handed it to her, I saw her rummaging through the garbage she had just retrieved. In it were pieces of eaten burgers and bitten french fries. She first offered some to her dog, then she saw me and graciously thanked me. As I walked away a lump in my throat formed and I couldn't close the car door fast enough before tears started to form in my eyes. Yes I know this woman is probably a meth addict. Her skin and teeth reflected it, but yesterday I didn't care. We gave food to almost a dozen people, smoking, drinking and feeding their lifestyle, but yesterday I just saw them as a brother or sister. I was able to look past their habits. It was a good feeling.

My good friend is about to give birth to her 4th child. She is going to be induced tomorrow, knowing that her baby girl will either be stillborn or die shortly thereafter. She and her husband knew early on in the pregnancy that their baby had some serious medical problems. My heart is breaking for her. They have already bought the casket for their little angel. Last week when I went to visit her she showed me the dress her daughter will be buried in, the flowers have been ordered and they have already made arrangements for the memorial service that will take place next week. My friend has asked me to play the prelude music. I love my friend and I cannot even imagine the anguish she is going through.

I am most grateful for my devoted husband, loving children, extended family and friends and for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the atonement of the Savior. The purpose of life is for us to all help one another make it through this life and to be able to progress to the next. We need each other. There is no time for angry words that we can't take back. My motto this year has been to not be afraid of someone getting the best of me, but to GIVE the best of myself to everyone.....including those who have hurt me. I have been blessed with a strong healthy body that is pretty much habit free, if you don't count loving to chew gum. (My kids say I'm addicted) I have wonderful family and friends that love me and show me by their actions. I am very blessed.

At midnight, on Thursday (Friday) November 20th I took Rylea, Kalle, Katie Hood and Alika Riopel to Natomas to see "New Moon." We had a great time and even though the girls were tired for school the next day, there were No REGRETS! Then the next night two of my friends had a New Moon Party. It was awesome!! It was pretty funny, some of us women had already seen the film and one lady said, "They didn't make 17-year old boys like that where I was from when I was a kid!" I just looked at her and said, "Really?? Too bad for you!"

My wonderful friend Brandi is an art major and needed to create a portfolio for her class. She generously offered to take our family pictures. It wasn't the best day for us as a family though...the kids argued while getting ready to leave the house for the 30 minute drive and John and I argued....pretty much the whole way up to Brandi's so you see all these smiles...well they were a bit fake LOL! In one of the pics Brandi said I looked *%#$@!! John said, "that's a good camera" But we're all good now:)

Kade's kindergarten class took a field trip out to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm, complete with hay and train rides. Kade chose a pretty big pumpkin which he was very proud of.

Halloweend night Hailey decided she wanted to be Elfeba. So we took a couple pics out in the front yard before trick-or-treating.