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Ten Things of Thankful: Anticipation Builds

Oh, boy, oh, boy!  For the rest of 2014, it's just one thing after another.  This week has been one of preparation and excitement for the upcoming events.  I'm afraid this week's TToT post will be one big jumbled mess, but since I don't have time to sort my thoughts out well, I'll just spit them out and hope for the best.  


I'm thankful for the joy of anticipationYoungest son's return home next Friday signals the beginning of the arrival of relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, and anticipate lots of laughter.

I'm thankful not only for the anticipation of their arrival, but for the cleaning frenzy that spawns.  Don't misunderstand.  My family does not come wearing white gloves.  I just like the peaceful feeling a clean house brings, and if things are clean and organized by the time everyone arrives, I feel like I can relax and enjoy myself, too.  

Today, John said those magic words, "What needs to be done around here before everyone arrives?"  Not only do I start projects, but I have willing volunteers, too!  

Additionally, the teenaged girls in the church have been raising money for a trip, so I had the help of Karla one day this week.  She organized three of my kitchen drawers.  It is so wonderful to open a drawer and find utensils neatly organized!

Not only do I have Thanksgiving to look forward to, but my granddaughters will be celebrating their birthdays at my house next week.  My daughter has asked if we can do a BubbleGuppies theme.  I haven't watched the show, but apparently it's quite popular with the toddler set.  I've found a plastic tablecloth with the characters; I'm on the lookout for balloons.  

I can barely think beyond Thanksgiving, but my sister forced me to, and that made me happy.  In September, my sister asked me to build a snowman with her.  I didn't think we would actually end up in a snowy place, since she sees plenty of the white stuff where she lives.  After not too much discussion, we have decided to meet in Florida.  She's been wanting for years to show me DisneyWorld, so during the first part of December, we're going to spend time together there, just the two of us (and the million other tourists).  (As is always the case, I will point out that my house will not be unattended in my absence.  I will be gone, but John will be here--and he works from home.)

Anyway, DisneyWorld does fastpasses a bit differently than Disneyland.  Thirty days before arrival, at midnight eastern time, one can start reserving fastpasses.  So this past week, my sister would tell me daily which fastpasses to reserve, and I would get on the computer at 9 p.m.  (the advantage of Pacific time) and try to match her plan with available times.  I think I did OK.  I'm thankful to be able to turn the planning over to my sister; I trust her. 

Though much of the week was spent in anticipation, some anticipated events actually happened.  My brother had a business trip to San Diego this week, so John, youngest daughter, Willow, and I drove down to meet him for dinner.  It was nice to visit with him.  Youngest daughter took some photos for us; I'm posting the best people shot and the best Willow shot.  Too bad they weren't the same photo, but that was not the fault of the photographer.  



We arrived a bit earlier than my brother, and on our way to the meeting spot, we noticed this:




We spoke with the artist and owner, Larry.  (His parrot, "The Emperor" sat in the front seat of the car while we chatted.)  Larry spends his days adding to the festive scenes on his Christmas car and talking with people who stop by to visit.  He gave his permission for the photos to be taken and shared here on the blog, though he didn't want to be in the photos himself.  He had stories to tell, and though he hinted at some difficulties in his life, he really just wants to bring joy to others.  It looks like Larry really carries the Christmas spirit with him all year 'round.  (Or vice versa!)

There are plenty more thankful thoughts rattling around in my head, but my time for writing has long since passed.  Time to get back to work!  Looking forward to seeing all my kids as well as other family members soon!

What about you?  What are you thankful for this week? 

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Comments

  1. Anticipation is a joy in itself. I find that even more since we have our Daughter. Sounds like you will have much joy in your life and your home as the holidays unfold. Enjoy!

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    Replies
    1. Children do add to the joy of anticipation, don't they?

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  2. Busy times ahead so it seems. Sounds very chaotic but nice. Have fun with your sister. Having two of those myself, I know some quality time spend with a sister can be nothing but fun and laughter.
    Love the pictures, both of them.
    I'm thankful for Henk and my feline babies; they're the ones that keep me going.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, it will be busy, but it should be lots of fun, too. :-)

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  3. How nice that John not is willing to help, but that he ASKED what he could do to help!
    Happy birthday to the granddaughters!
    You're going to have so much fun at Disney World. It is NOTHING like Disneyland. I trust you will hit all the parks? Are you staying at one of the resorts with a meal plan? Get those meal reservations in early! And get your room near a bus stop. They changed the fast pass thing since we were there.
    The photographer did great on your pics in San Diego. Willow just wanted to show her good side as well as one facing the camera.
    That car is something else!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. We will hit all the parks, but just have time for one day in each. We are not staying at one of the resorts; my sister's in-laws have a time share they are allowing us to use. (Hurray!) Luckily, my sister has been to Disney World before. We do have some meal reservations made--I wanted to be sure to see the Candlelight Processional!

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  4. With you on anticipation! I'm anticipating a wonderful end of the year and wonderful, new beginnings next year for us all!! Have a great week ahead, Kristi!

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving!

    The power of the joy of anticipation is really great.

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  6. busy times, but sounds like the kind of effort that not only results in rewards, but the effort is, in and of itself, rewarding!
    (and… we know that, for the three worldviews, there is no other holiday more (something) for rogers…. it (Thanksgiving) has everything!)

    … this Larry, with the car, a clark, you think?
    lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely busy, but enjoyable, too. I love Thanksgiving and I love Christmas. And I won't disagree with your assessment of personality. :-)

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  7. Replies
    1. It was quite overwhelming to see. Apparently the angels in front are off of a Rose Parade float!

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  8. Sometimes the anticipation outshines the planned activity, but both are enjoyable.

    Wow, that car is unusual.

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  9. I, too, enjoy the peace a clean house brings. I wish I had a John at my house to help me out!

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  10. I am the same way about cleaning and I am slightly jealous you have volunteers. Disney world fast passes are worth the effort of scheduling!

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    Replies
    1. I believe it. I love using fast passes at Disneyland; I can only imagine how much time they save at Disney World.

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  11. Sounds like a lot of fun getting ready for all of these events! I agree about a clean house. We have a couple of things planned that may involve some of my husband's friends coming over to our new home. I will be all over the place and excited to get ready for that I'm sure. :)

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  12. Happy happy birthday to your granddaughters and I hope your visit is as wonderful as the anticipation leading up to it is. And Larry's car? Incredible!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Bubble Guppy balloons ordered today. :-)

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  13. My goodness, that CAR! Wow! Does it really drive? He'd never get it insured here. Goodness me! And he has a parrot which drives around with him, too?! What a peculiar character :) How wonderful to have met him.

    I'm so glad that you have such a lovely relationship with your sister, and that you're so excited to go to Disney with her. I hope that you both have a beautiful time, and that all your plans go without a hitch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it drives. He said he's only gotten 2 tickets. He's proud of the fact it is easily recognizable.

      I'm sure my sister and I will have fun together. It's too bad we live so far away from each other; it would be nice to get together more frequently.

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  14. Kristi - so much going on! You will have a whirlwind end of year for sure! It all sounds like tremendous fun. Family and travel, birthdays and holidays. Can't ask for anything more:)
    Enjoy the "ride"!!

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  15. John really is a keeper~! This week I am most thankful that my best friend came through her surgery OK. She has a long road ahead but at least she made it through. Makes you really realize how little your problems really are.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'm happy for you and your friend, and wish her the best with her recovery.

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  16. AW!!! I can just FEEL the JOY and EXCITEMENT of the anticipation and all GOOD things going on and coming up for you Kristi!!! May you be BLESSED through it all!!!

    And that car... WOW!

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