As I sit here listening to Shelby’s music therapy session and know that within a few hours I will have a houseful of guests, my mind is not much for writing. This may not be my best attempt, but I have failed to set aside time as I’ve cooked and cleaned and made preparations for Thanksgiving. So it’s now or never (for this week anyway).
We observed the time change to usher in this month and we see the leaves changing and falling as we escort it out. And ready or not, the holidays are here. I want to go on record as saying that the first thing I give thanks for is Allie’s release from concussion protocol. The process stressed us all and taught us a lot. And I am not sad to see it go. A sweet friend of our family invited us to her wedding shower and Shelby and I gladly accepted and went. Of all people I know, this young lady is worth celebrating.
Our kids’ school district hosted a viewing of the documentary film Angst and my husband and I thought it important to attend since our youngest struggles with anxiety. A counselor friend of mine insists that most teens today probably suffer as well. The NIH says 1 out of every 3. I recommend looking at this website and seeking out a screening if you know or suspect that a teen you love is affected.
My sweet Mama invited me to a fall luncheon at her church where we heard Rachel Anne Ridge speak. She owns a donkey named Flash and wrote a book by the same name as well as Walking with Henry (another donkey), Made to Belong, and Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends (a children’s book). I squeezed in another lunch with a couple of cherished high school friends and loved catching up. We went to a dinner fundraiser for Allie’s choir as well as one for Hope Squad – a suicide prevention group Allie helps with at school. Whew. All this eating and as I’m writing Thanksgiving is still a day away.
I feel privileged to have added to my yoga teaching schedule two groups of special needs adults. Pretty challenging to instruct, but so near and dear to my heart. I also got to take a dear one to a big doctor’s appointment and provide meals for two others dealing with health issues. God is so very kind to allow me these opportunities.
One of the biggest highlights of the month has been Baylor football. I fall more and more in love with it every fall and getting to go to the game against the University of Texas with my best friend of 25 years was a treat. So much fun to get to see this team, who have fought back from so much, earn their spot in the Big 12 Championship game. Getting to spend the better part of the weekend with my favorite family (other than my own) iced the cake. I even blew up an air mattress on the floor of Patsy’s family’s hotel room for a night. I’m so grateful they let me share in their vacation time.
We took Shelby to see Frozen II and we all loved it. Then the girls and I took in Playing with Fire with my sister and two nieces. It was a weird movie, but I’m still laughing about parts of it. There are so many good movies out right now that I’m not sure how we can possibly fit them in, but I would love to try. But now, I must close and finish preparations for my husband’s family. As always, I love you, I thank you and I hope December treats you well.
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Can you believe it’s already the last month of the year! Time flies!
Here’s wishing you a great December!
#GlobalBlogging
Same to you, Veronica!
Baylor football is absolutely on FIRE! It looks like your November was filled with lots of special moments. Thanks for linking up with Hello Monday! Tanya – The Other Side of the Road
Sic ‘Em!
You’ve had a busy month. What a blessing.
So true, Calvonia. I hope your December has started off well.
November has kept you quite busy and I’ll bet December will do the same! Thanks for coming by and sharing on Legacy Link-up!
Thanks for hosting, Mandy.
Lauren, thanks so much for sharing all of your happenings!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks for coming along with me, Shelbee!
I know so many young people (and people my age!) who struggle with anxiety as well, including me. I don’t have it as bad as many, but enough to know that it can be debilitating. I haven’t heard of the documentary Angst. That’s wonderful that the school district is taking it so seriously.
We are big fans of college football too (Auburn). We had the sweetest of victories this past weekend to beat our rival Alabama. War Eagle! Looks like you had a wonderful November. Onward to December!
Yes you did have a sweet victory. I was so excited for Auburn. My best friend’s daughter attends school there. War Eagle!
Sounds a lovely month full go things to be greatfu for X #globalblogging
Absolutely, Sam. Thanks for reading.
Wow, Lauren, you are so busy! I enjoy reading all the updates. I love the book about Flash. I’m going to check that out. Thanks!
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thanks for catching up with me, Patsy.
My grad-daughter went on a date with her daddy to see Frozen 2, she loved it! Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish Jacqui
I loved it too, Jacqui!
Isn’t it amazing how much happens in a month?
I was intrigued by Angst, but I missed the screening near me. I am hopeful there will be another soon! It sounds like a good resource!
It really was eye opening for me. I pray they make it available to watch at home soon.
So glad you had a few moments to write. I always enjoy your recaps of the month. “Walking with Henry” has been at the top of my TBR list for a while now (especially since my youngest grandson shares the name of the title donkey!) Maybe someone will buy it for me for Christmas! 🙂
I have not read it but the author was delightful!
Fun times!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 7. Shared.
Thanks for hosting Dee!
What a great month with lots of opportunities for fellowship. I’m one of Rachel Ann Ridge’s subscribers. So glad you got to meet her!
Hope you have a wonderful season!
Thank you, Jerralea. Wishing you His best.
Your month was sure busy. We had a new grandbaby on the 12th so that has been a fun focus.
That is fun! Congratulations!
And equally wishing you a happy and peaceful December! Thank you so much for linking up to #globalblogging x
Thank you, Tracey!
You definitely had a very busy month, Lauren! It’s lovely to know that your kids’ school is so pro-active regarding anxiety in teens; that is so important these days. I’ve been wanting to see Frozen II – it’s good to know you all enjoyed it. I have heard good things about it. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Community! I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!
Thanks for visiting and being a great hostess, April. laurensparks.net
Hello, new friend!! I just found your post linked up with us for the Christmas bucket list series. Nice to meet you. Have opened several tabs for the links you shared. One of my activities was to read new holiday books to my grandbabies. Ordered the Flash picture book and pinned the others by the same author. Will check out Angst as I just began taking anxiety medicine. Both of my daughters struggle with anxiety, social anxiety, too. Glad you enjoyed some lunch dates and special times with family. I have so much to do around here before company comes the end of the week. Never enough time in the day! Hope you will join us with us again.
So glad to virtually meet you, Leslie. Thank you for reading and Merry Christmas!