I am here

I know it has been awhile since I have written.  I just haven't been able to put my words down.  I think about what I am going to write and then I just can't get the words to go from my head to the page.  Lots of things have been going on -- not bad things -- but just a lot for me to keep track of.  Not doing the "multi-task" things so well anymore so everything just seems to pile up in my brain and I can't sort through anything.

Since I last wrote we have been to my son's in Atlanta for Thanksgiving. We shared the day with my great niece who goes to Emory in Atlanta, my daughter-in-laws parents and her sister.  It was a great day....quiet and Jen and Alan did the cooking so it was an easy day for me.

Last weekend we spent time in Memphis with my nephew Jonathan and my sister-in-law Fran.  Jonathan ran his first marathon there.  I was so proud of him.  He ran in the St. Jude marathon.  Many years ago my great nephew had leukemia and was treated by St. Jude.  When Jonathan was looking for a marathon he chose the St. Jude charity as they had helped our family so much.  Jonathan came down from Champaign Illinois and brought his mom -- Fran. I was so glad she could come as she has been pretty much housebound the past six years caring for my oldest brother who passed away this summer.  We rented a house while in Memphis and spent some time catching up and enjoying Jonathan's accomplishments. But it was a tiring weekend and it took me all week to rest up after the long drive to Memphis. 

Now that Christmas is almost upon us, I am trying my best to stay with my routine but it is hard.  I feel like I am a "day late and dollar short" with all the things I want to do, but feel overwhelmed.  I've asked my family for no presents this year, as I really don't need anything and I just want time with my family.  That is more precious to me and the best gift of all.