For those of you who don't know, Brad & I are avid "Jack" fans, from the TV show, 24.
LOVE IT! It's been off the air since the writers strike last year, and there will be a 24 2 hour event Sunday night to refresh our minds of our long lost show, as well as to explain where he's been all this time! I can't wait, and then in January; the 7th season will kick off. Can't wait!
So, pizza for dinner (paper plates), popcorn for the show, and all phones turned off for no interruptions!! Did I already say I can't wait???????????????????????? Wooooo-hooooo. Welcome back Jack!!
Other news, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Are you ready? I am not ready. Well, I am, but I'm not. I'm sure we can all relate. Where are we going, what are we going to do, what are we bringing, are we hosting or going, will there be tranquility and a great time of giving thanks, or will there be griping, complaining, and unpleasantness? With this time of year quickly approaching, I just love gatherings, preferably at my home, with my friends, and even maybe strangers (like when we host international students) to experience how we Americans celebrate our holidays. It makes me think back of the dear international friends (Nadia & Youngshin) I have made and have since gone back home, and how I miss their friendships dearly. It makes me excited to reach out and make more (friendships) with others. In case you do not know me very well, or know how stupid I was in my thinking when I was younger, I didn't have much tolerance for those who were not Americans. Since God has grabbed a hold of my heart and transformed it, I have a love for internationals that I have never had before, and I love how God does that. I love how God transforms you (if you let Him) and just fills you with His overflowing love, that spills out onto others. Thank you Jesus for saving me, and transforming me. So, this Thanksgiving make sure to give thanks, and take it a step further and give thanks with a happy heart, not just out of a "ritual" that you do on "Thanksgiving Day" - only.
It's snowing right now, and I love snow. I love the beauty of it, the calming of it, and the since of peacefulness. It just causes you be still and enjoy the beauty that God puts before you.
OK, so Christmas is like what now, 6 weeks away since it's almost Thanksgiving. What are you all doing for Christmas? We have decided that we are not doing a Christmas present exchange this year. (with our extended families). And for our family, we are doing a family gift. Just one, and I can't tell you in case of of my kids reads this! (ha-ha) And then do a few simple, but fun stocking stuffers. I am so excited and can't wait. They will be so thrilled. I am reminded each year that is is so easy to get caught up in the "act" of Christmas. It's so hard to keep it about celebrating Christs birth, and celebrating his birthday, and remembering Him who came to save us. Without Him, there would not be Christmas, and without Him, there would be no Savior. We should all stop to think of such things, and get "un-stuck" from the routine/religious acts of the "holiday season" that so many now call it. Well hello people, but exactly what "holiday" are we celebrating? Christ(mas) birth. Let's get it straight, so please stand firm this year to remember what holiday your celebrating, and why you're celebrating it, and then tell others to have a very Merry Christmas, NOT have a happy holiday.
It's been a long while since I've written. We at the Mehmen household have been very busy with many changes and new schedules, and many ups and downs. We closed the cafe from the middle of June to the first week in Sept. So, I had to go and get a real job to pay the bills from the cafe. Brad was trimming a house all summer. All the kids were off their schedule being summer, so it was very crazy, very chaotic, and I'm glad it's over. So, upon reopening the cafe, I open the store and close the store 6 days a week. I have 2 -3 girls helping me out during busy times, and they are great. They really fit in here. One of them was with us before we closed the store, and she's great! I love her. Since opening, I started working a few nights at the grocery store here in town to bring in a little more income. It's fine, but I will enjoy not having to work there when we can. With being at the cafe during the day, grocery store at night, I am never home, and I miss my home, my kids, my husband (no, not in that order!) I go go go, and am looking forward to being still! Getting my home organized, settled, in order, my children too, the laundry, you know, house stuff. Brad has been great to do all of these things while I am at work. He is great! He finished the trim job, and has now started a new job here in town. The company he works for builds farming equipment and ships worldwide. He has just started, this past week, so doesn't really have quite the feel yet for it, but I am confident that he will find the perfect niche to match him and his skills to fill a need and that he will really enjoy. We are very blessed to both have a job with so many who do not. I am looking forward to a new year. This year has been a challenging one all the way around, and we have grown spiritually as well as closer to one another. It's been tough, but we are both thankful for where God allowed us to go, so that through His eyes we could see the direction in which He wants us to go, as well as taking us to a place where we had no other option than to just trust in Him. Praise God for His faithfulness.
I have talked so much I don't know if there is going to be enough room for all of this to fit. I hope to get a new picture or two on here soon, but not today. Soon. Hope all is well with everyone on your end, and wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Love always,
The Mehmen's
