Brrrr

We are averaging 35-45 degrees most days and 30-20 degrees at night. We had snow flurries a couple days ago, and even more flurries yesterday, resulting in a tiny dusting of snow. I have the heat turned up, but having a three-level townhouse with poor construction and zero insulation, it's pretty chilly, even inside, unless you're upstairs in our bedrooms, then its too warm! Fortunately, I have enough to keep me running around and DJ is never still, so I think we will be alright. Feels like winter, for sure.

Hello out there

We're still here. In the home stretch of single-pseudo-parenthood. DJ's mother will be home in a week and we have been so busy preparing. Ok, I have been busy catching up on housework, teaching, chasing DJ around, dealing with endless insurance paperwork and phone calls.

Today was picture day at school. I took a couple photos of DJ before we left the house, but as usual, they look silly. DJ is a silly kid, so it's expected.

So much of me is excited for DJ's mom's return, but a signficant part of me is also very nervous. There is always a certain amount of behavior difference with DJ when his mom is around, because A) She has been gone for a long time B) She feels guilty for being gone for a long time and he knows that and C) She isn't big on discipline, which he also knows, so it changes the dynamic in the house a lot. To top it all off, we are entering the Holiday season, which brings a chaos all its own and we are going to be flying cross-country to celebrate with our families, so poor DJ has a lot going on in the coming weeks. He is very adabtable, but it's bound to create some issues.

With DJ's mom arriving the morning before Thanksgiving, we had originally planned to have a very small dinner at home, just the three of us. However, my pastor and his wife have invited us to join them at their house for Thanksgiving dinner and I accepted. It is so very hard for me to have a tiny Thanksgiving when I come from a history of large extravagant festivities. I am extremely grateful for this invitation, as I enjoy spending time with people from my church, DJ loves to play with the pastor's sons and I get to have a bit more of a gathering and real meal.

It's gotten very cold here and we had our first snow flurries yesterday. Snow before Thanksgiving. Happened last year, too. All those great fall colors are gone, the trees almost completely bare. It's almost winter. Are you ready?

Halloween

It occurs to me I haven't posted about Halloween. Life's been more than a little crazy this past week or so....

We had quite a few activities planned, one being his costume parade/party at school. I was on my way there when my accident happened, so I missed it, but one of the other moms took lots of pictures. DJ wore his Thomas the Tank Engine costume to school. We had also planned to trick-or-treat on Main Street that evening, as all the businesses are decorated and hand out treats. Due to the accident, we didn't make it to Main Street, but that's ok.

We did make it out on Halloween night, to trick-or-treat in our neighborhood. DJ wore his Monkey costume for this, and due to my soreness, we just did our block, but his bucket was still more than half-full, and he doesn't even eat candy!

Cars

Yesterday was a week since the wreck. I'm doing ok, still have a lot of back and neck stiffness and pain. My shoulder and knee bother me sometimes. I'm unable to do some simple household things and still can't fully participate at work or even get down on the floor to play with DJ at home. I have transportation, but it's not very reliable. It gets us to and from school and that's all that matters at this point. To top it all off, DJ has a cold and has been waking up in the middle of the night, coughing. For a kid who sleeps 10-12 hours a night, that's rough. I also started my new work schedule this week, so I have 2 afternoons and 2 mornings there. The extra money will be very helpful, now that I have to start making car payments, but its a little overwhelming, because my morning class is 2 and 3 year olds and thats certainly an adventure!

I'm going car browsing today. I found one that I'm very interested in. Another Saturn, but newer than the one I had. DJ is going to play at his best friends house, so I can do it without the joys of bringing a child along on test drives, etc.

I got the police report this week and found out that I had been hit by a Ford Expedition. That's a very large SUV to hit my little Saturn. I have been in contact with both my insurance and the other person's insurance. The police report clears me of any fault, but the other driver is telling a very different story, which is just bizarre. I could try to explain it, but if you don't live here, it wouldn't make much sense. She knows she was at fault and is telling lies to cover her tracks. Fortunatly, there are multiple witnesses on the police report, who told the truth.

All that being said, I am extremely grateful that this accident wasn't worse. DJ was happily playing at school, and my injuries are minor. I was talking to my mom the other day, I think after we had gone to church Sunday, and I said that I felt like I almost had more Praises to God than Prayers, after everything that happened. I am very grateful for all the prayers!

Two years ago, I would have never gotten back into a car after this. Now, I'm most upset at not having a car and having to navigate the insurance and car buying process. I have come a long way, and yes, I get a little nervous at that intersection, but I know God will protect me.

I guess the point of my rambling is just that no matter how stressed out you feel or things might be a little rough, find time to praise Him for all the little victories in your life. It may be hard to see them sometimes, but good things are happening.