Friday,  November 20, 2009,  Nashville, TN., 10:17 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here. Doing laundry (off work today); thought that I'd write in my journal while I am waiting for the clothes to finish going through the wash cycle.  Two loads in; have at least ten more to go.  *Sigh*  Laundry sorta got away from me ...  LOL

I figured I'd get this done before Sunday:  several of my kids are due in.  Anh and his wife-to-be, Thu, are coming in from Oklahoma, as are Steffi and her boyfriend, Tank Griswald, who are driving up from Texas.  Then on Monday, the 23rd, Dwerlina and her family are coming from Louisiana.  Later that day, Melizza and Dianna, who live a few blocks away in an apartment for people with disabilities, are arriving. 

As if that isn't enough, Johnny's brother, Erick, is coming in from New York on the 24th, to spend Thanksgiving with his little brother and us.

So the house will be full, almost near-to-bursting.  I just don't know where I am going to put everybody!  I might have to spring for a motel for some of them, or else there won't be room to move around!!  LOL

I don't mind:  I love having the family home for Thanksgiving!  We can spend time catching up on each other's lives and then go out for a fresh, home-cooked meal at Golden Corral, which will be open that day.  (They're also open on Christmas Day.)  I also get to see some of the grandbabies and spoil them.  :)

Unfortunately, Lightning and her family, who live in Colorado, won't be joining us this year.  They're having some marital problems and are seeing a marriage counselor to work things out.  It's been very hard on them as of late, plus Darnell might be getting laid off.  Times aren't that good for them; I am praying for them, praying for a miracle!

The rest of the children are looking forward to the turkey and all of the trimmings.  Personally,  I think they're looking forward to being off from school more, or going to see Santa Claus at the mall!  LOL  They're also looking forward to the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree/Christmas Parade of Lights/fireworks, and performing in the Christmas Cantata, which is going to be held at our church the week before Christmas.

Busy times ahead for our family, as you can plainly see!  *sighhh*

Ronee' will be singing during the Cantata:  she will be doing her rendition of "O,  Holy Night".  She has been practicing hard, and she sounds great!  I just wish I had her singing ability:  she sings like an angel!  God's really gifted her with the gift of music!

Now I will have "O Holy Night" running in my head for weeks!  LOL  Don't mind because I love that song!  LOL

I can sing somewhat, but nowhere near the caliber of some of my children (Deborah, Ronee', Dwerlina, Michael, Porter, Gemini, Sunshine Lee, etc.).

I just wish I could hear Johnny sing again:  unfortunately, because of his MD getting worse (and being ventilator-dependent), he can no longer do so.  It breaks my heart; Johnny had a beautiful singing voice, too.  This is when I hate his disease because it's taken so much away from him:  his ability to walk, breathe on his own, take care of his personal affairs, move, and his strength.

I am thankful though:  I have my health, my beautiful family, a loving husband, my career as a nurse, a strong, steadfast faith in God, a loving church home, my talents, and my time spent with others.  I also have two beautiful little boys who will be two years old in just a few days:  Ian and Isaiah were born on Thanksgiving Day two years ago, and they've grown into two active, adorable little toddlers who live life to the full.  They are so cute; I love watching them as they discover the world around them!

I have plenty to be thankful for.  This Thanksgiving will be memorable, as all of them seem to be. 

Going Christmas shopping (very) early the next morning, plus taking the kids to see Santa, you know.  Tradition in our family; I love the holiday atmosphere, and I love the bargains most of all!  :)  I can save a bundle by going out in the Black Friday crowd early in the morning!  :)  (Bargains come in very handy for families of our size!  LOL)

Have most of the Christmas shopping done; just getting the last bit done.  (We start in August; usually done by October/early November.)

Well, the laundry needs tending to, so I will run along.  The washer just stopped; it's time to put this load into the dryer.  I will write again soon; until then, let me be among the first to wish y'all a very happy Thanksgiving Day and a wonderful Christmas holiday season!  May it be full of joy, love, family, turkey, and most of all many blessings of thanksgiving to our Lord God above!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :D

P.S.:  I know another thing I can be thankful for:  CLEAN CLOTHES!!  LOL