on the tenth day of thank you’s: october

My mom & Allen: My mom and her husband Allen usually live up in Washington, but he got a job for a few months down here in California, so I got to experience what it’s like to have family in town for awhile. It was really special to see them develop a relationship with Taylor over the time they were here. And when it came time for me to have Chloe, my mom moved in for a few days to take care of Tay and the needy dog, Bradley, while we were at the hospital. Lucky woman got to experience what it’s like to not even be able to go to the bathroom by herself. 😉 Anyway, we would never have been able to relax and enjoy the birth experience without her, and I am so grateful she was able to be a part of Chloe’s birth.

Small Group: I wish I had a picture of my whole small group, but I can’t find one where we are all together. But they really are some of the most important people in our lives. In fact they are more than a bible study, the whole gang is one big extended HAPPY family. We have all been through so many ups and downs over the last couple of years collectively and individually, and no matter what is happening, we stick together. When we had Chloe, they were so amazing in coming to the hospital, coming to our house, bringing dinners for weeks….and on and on. My family is ever so grateful that we have each and every person in this group in our lives. Jill & Greg, Bob & Dorothy, Gary & Sue, Jamie & DeWayne, Kristen & Joseph, Dennis & Angie, and last but not least, Kevin & Breanne….we love you guys.

Neighborhood: I don’t know how we got so lucky as to find ourselves in a neighborhood with so many fun young families. There must be over ten families within a few mile radius in which we all have kids right around the same ages, and we all get along and hang out (as far as my naive mind knows!). It’s so much fun! We’ve had Bunco groups, walking groups (some call it the gackle…I can’t bear to claim that title though.), and we all even joined the same gym. Any excuse to have a party: birthdays, Halloween, Oktoberfest, Hannakuah, Christmas, New Years and so on, we will do our best to get together. And anytime somebody is sick, has surgery or a baby, there is a neighborhood evite that goes out so that the family in need is taken care of with dinners as long as is needed. Our kids all get along, the parents all get along, and life is happy happy happy. 😉 It’s very Stepford-ish actually. Ha! Kidding. Actually, if you go to the park on any given day, you will see at least one of us in tears as our child is shrieking on the other end of the playground. Really, we’re just one big old support group. P.O.T. is what we call it. Parents of Toddlers. We have wine at every function, did I mention that? Very Important. The wine, the support group, the friendships…it what keeps our neighborhood sane.

© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”