Today is a true day of Thanksgiving.  My Uncle generously gave one of his kidney's so that my Dad could live a long and healthy life.  The surgery's went well for both my Uncle and my Dad.  They have recovered and my Dad's new kidney is working well.  I am so grateful to loving family members who give of themselves time and time again.  I have been so blessed to be a part of my Dad's family. I love each and everyone of my extended family. 
On a different note I have decided that I am not the best writer and there are times when I am not sure what to write, however I love that fact that writing does not have to be rigid with specific guidelines.  I have enjoyed being able to get my thoughts down and letting them wander as I reflect on my day or experiences that I have.  Many of my writings have been a result of me rolling thoughts around in my head and then letting them flow out on paper.  I realize that writing doesn't always happen this way, but I love it when it works and the results are better than what I expected.  If I ever aspired to become a writer I know that I will have to do a lot more than what I have done so far, which is really just for college.  This experience of blogging has been enlightening.  I have always liked reading other people's blogs and thought "WOW!" they are awesome.  What it boils down to is just taking a few minutes a day(or hours for some) and letting our thoughts out and sharing with others.  I hope that I will be able to keep this up after this class. And maybe be brave enough to share with more than my classmates and my professor. 

I would like to think that I have learned my lesson in previous semesters.  I always say to myself at the beginning of each semester, "I will stay current with my work or get ahead so that I don't have to worry about stress or catching up at the end."  Do I ever do it?  No!  Life gets in the way and I lose track of time, then I realize that the end is looming and I have to hurry to get everything done.  I guess life it full of lessons and eventually I will have learned this one, but I haven't yet!
I have really appreciated this journey of going back to school and receiving my BA.   There are many good things that have and will come of it.  First and foremost is that I will have my Bachelors.  Second, I feel like I am a better person because of it.  I have met may people, professors and students, who I have come to love and appreciate for their individuality and differences.  Third, I am setting an example for my children, and my nieces and nephews.  I am showing them that college is important and that you can receive your degree at any time in your life.  (I do advise when one is younger, without a family that relies on them, but it does not matter when they choose to go).  And finally I will have a job that I love and will feel like I am making a difference.
My mother went back to college when her company downsized and she was in her 40's.  I know that it was a struggle for her, but she grasped the opportunity with both hands because she knew it would be the best thing for her.  I have talked to her many times about this experience and she did say that it was very hard for everyone involved.  My dad was not to excited about it, and I know that it was hard on my younger siblings who were still living at home.  However now that she has been finished for some time, she says that it was the best thing that she ever did in her life.  She has a job that she really enjoys, she learned so much about herself throughout the process, and my father came to realized that it was the best thing for them also.  I have learned from her and have leaned on her from time to time as I struggle through my process.  She is my rock and my champion as I work, stress and struggle my way through school.
I am thankful for my family who has supported me through this.  They have dealt with my crazy mood swings due to stress and anxiety, and have been patient if not understanding.  I know that they are just as ready as I am to be finished.  I look forward to spending time with them without having an assignment hanging over my head.  I am excited to not have to think about another semester looming once this is all done.  I thank them for all that they do and love and appreciate them even more.  I owe so much to them, along with everyone else who has helped my on my way.

Ladies I have loved reading each of your posts on your blogs.  I especially liked the 10 things that we may not know about each other.  You have all posted so now it is my turn.  So here it goes...

1. My favorite TV show of all time-MASH! I could watch this everyday and never tire of it.  I watched it so much when I was pregnant with my third son that when he was born he instantly recognized the theme song whenever it came on and turned his head toward the sound!
2. I dabble in wedding cake decorating.  I have done four so far.
3. I LOVE to read!  I can loose myself in a book and forget about everything else.  I have been known to start reading in the morning and not realize when it is evening.
4. I was raised on a farm.  I helped out with all chores-feeding the hogs, driving hay and grain truck, bucking hay bales, feeding cows, stacking wood, working in the garden, etc.
5. I have had a piece of my writing published in a newspaper.
6. I have been run off the road by a bee (it flew in the window and landed in my lap.  I did not want to be stung there.  You could say that I have a slight phobia of bees)
7. I have lived in Idaho my whole life.
8. I am a middle child (middle of seven)
9. I have had a henna tramp stamp once (a Mexico trip splurge).
10. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.