What's up Wednesday? November 2018

Hold on here!  Wait a minute!  How are we already at the end of the month?  November, I hardly remember you, but here's what we've been up to.  

What we're eating this week?

Trying out some new low carb meals.  We tried a chicken cordon bleu low carb casserole.  It was pretty good.  I didn't have as much chicken as the recipe called for so it was a little too saucy.  I would try it again with the full amount of chicken next time.  

What I'm reminiscing about?

Friendsgiving!  It's actually mostly family but they are great friends too.  We do it on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It's changed over the years, there are 5 kids now.   It's a lot of fun!  So much fun, I have zero pictures.

What I'm loving?

Decorating for the first Christmas for the first time.  Once again, I am putting all the things out.

I've got TWO trees.  A 7.5' tree upstairs and our old little 4' tree downstairs.  

I made 3D paper trees for a garland.  It turned out really cute!

What we've been up to?

The usual.  Nothing new.

What I'm dreading?

We went out to lunch with family a couple weekends ago.  There were some tasty appetizers and I knew there would be dessert so I ordered a salad.  Can you guess where this is headed?  It was before the announcement to throw out all of your romaine lettuce.  Thankful I only ordered a small salad.  #sosick

What I'm working on?

Remember that baby blanket I was working on?  It's finished and that baby made an early entrance into the world.  She was due next month but came on Thanksgiving.  I did a pink gingham blanket.  It was a fun pattern to work.

What I'm excited about?

We got a new tree and I put it up the day after Thanksgiving.  That box is full of ornaments but it looks pretty good without.  We'll finish decorating this week.  

What I'm reading?

I'm about a three-quarters of the way through and this is good.  I hope to have it done by the end of the week.  I like the main detective character and this is a series so I will have to check out more.

What I'm listening to?

I'm getting started on this on Sunday, November 25.  We're in the middle of a blizzard warning and I'm listening to the wind whip around.  

What I'm watching?

My blood sugar!  But seriously, I don't know if I've mentioned that I was diagnosed type 2 diabetes two months ago.  It was frustrating because I had been trying really hard with diet and exercise.  I tried one medication that helped, then switched to another that did not, so back to the first one.  Still figuring things out.

What I'm wearing?

I busted out the winter box recently.  Big sweaters, sweatpants, hats, gloves, winter coats.  Which, BTW, my winter coat fits much nicer than last year - thank you low carb diet!

What I'm doing this weekend?

My college friends and I used to have a yearly cookie exchange.  It's been forever since we've gotten together and we're bringing back the cookie exchange.  I can't wait!

What I'm looking forward to next month?

Christmas, a much needed trip to Florida, and Emma Marie turns 1.

I'm not going to lie, next month is going to be hard.  Thanksgiving was hard - holidays are great but also prime time for grief to rear it's ugly head.  I truly understand the word bittersweet.  Putting up the tree was bitter, but sweet.  Thanksgiving with our families was bitter, but sweet.  Being able to see the sweet through the bitter is an exercise in prayer, a testament to allowing yourself to feel all the feelings that come with loss, and putting your faith and trust in a God that cares.  Bitter, but sweet, Sweet, but bitter will probably be the title of my memoir.

What else is new?

We are getting family photos next week.  Matt, me, and Pickles.🐶

Bonus:  What is your favorite elf on the shelf trick?

My favorite trick is when he goes away.  LOL!!

Linking with the party.