Should be finishing my grad school application, but . . .

I can't help writing on here instead because it is so much more enjoyable. Thanksgiving break actually felt like somewhat of a breather because I had just finished a 21 page research paper for a class, and I felt like celebrating. We went to a U of U women's basketball game on Tuesday with a good friend of mine who was in town. It was an excellent idea, and I think we'll start going to more. When we walked in, Grace asked if we were at "High School Musical". Once she figured out that she could bounce all she wanted, that was all she did the rest of the game. Complete bliss for her, even though the poor Utes lost.


Wednesday night we went ice skating. I was pretty certain I had lost it when I promised to take them - especially since Isaac and Grace had never set foot on an ice skating rink. Even a trip to the store with 3 children is a hazard. That's a story for another time that their dad can tell you. Anyhow, it was the most fun we've had as a family unit for ages. Collectively we spent more time falling than gliding, but the challenge was refreshing. Poor Grace did smack her face on the ice and ended up with a bruised cheek, but we all made it out with all limbs attached. They have great ice-side service at the Sportsplex (where Steiner Aquatic Center is), by the way. Every time one of us would fall, this guy in a yellow vest was right there within seconds to make sure we were all right. I can truthfully say that the for the first time ever as a single parent, I wasn't feeling sorry for myself for having to go somewhere without another adult to help.





We had a little bit bigger crowd for Thanksgiving than usual, up at the Presidential Villas (grandma and grandpa's condo), and the 3 kids didn't seem too bored being outnumbered by 14 grownups, although I can't say that I necessarily feel like we all fit into that category. Grandma Griffiths helpfully reminded us to use our manners, which we learned from all those years with the now out of print "Manners" book. We attempted a 1,000 piece puzzle (or was it 750?), which looked partly successful, only because of Diana's diligent and quick work on it. I was ecstatic about the 7 or so pieces that I got together in the hour I devoted to it. Next year we're going for a 300 piecer. Oh, and the food was excellent of course. The bleu cheese potatos and orange rolls were favorites. Everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and nothing felt too rushed. Although I'm pretty sure my mom did not feel relaxed at any point.






Friday and Saturday, Olivia ditched the rest of us to go skiiing with Grandpa and Uncle Ben up at the cabin in Alta. So on Friday night Grandma, Isaac, Grace, and I decided to brave the crowds and take Trax downtown for the Holiday Lights festival. We headed straight for Gateway, arriving just in time to hear Jon Schmidt play a little concert. The kids were dancing like crazy, but I actually got busted "air-playing" all the songs that Jon taught me himself when he was my piano teacher. After the concert ended, Doug Wright from KSL Radio asked the audience who it was that was "airplaying". I was so excited I forgot to be embarrassed, and jumped up and down. I'm pretty sure Jon didn't recognize me with my hat and all (and it's been some years), at first anyway. So I waited in line to have him sign my CD and by then he definitely recognized me and my mom. He hasn't changed a bit, as far as being his goofy self. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season.





As of today, I celebrate making it through my first semester of a grad school course. So I only took one course, and I'm not even officially in the program yet. But I did well, and I enjoyed using my academic brain again. And for the record, the kids all did wonderfully on their report cards - all great students. It is no less than a miracle that they attended 60 out of 60 days for term one. We count every single day of good health a blessing. We are looking forward to Olivia's 9th birthday in 10 days, and of course Christmas. The kids are especially excited to spend time with their daddy!