Kennetta's Blog: Thanksgiving and then some

It is frightening just how quickly this semester has passed by. These last few weeks since Thanksgiving even more so than the beginning of the school year. This last holiday was really nice and relaxing. I don't believe I have ever had such a quiet Thanksgiving. Just Dirk, Mom, Dad, and I spent Thanksgiving day together. We did our best to make a dent in the huge (and delicious I might add:) meal my mom prepared - I think she is still used to cooking for an army:) What was particularly difficult for me to comprehend is that two children is the average size for an American family. Don't get me wrong, we did spend time with Brett & Amanda, other family members, and lots of friends. My mom completely crushed us all with her Farming Game prowess (which was to continue in Scrabble and pinochle...I just couldn't win:). However, once Dad and the boys left to go hunting (late Thanksgiving Day) it was just me and my mom for the rest of the vacation. We shopped, watched movies, spent time with friends, and even attended a pinochle party! Good times;) Once I returned to Missoula (with only two weeks left before finals) I had to get myself in gear for the madness that was to come. I did my best to balance all of my papers to be written, my classes to teach (with papers to grade), my time with friends (and boyfriend), and my quiet times with the Lord. Now, on the eve of finals I find that I am surprisingly - and perhaps concernedly (if that is a word) - calm. I believe that I am more than ready to turn in my papers and do my presentations next week. More than that, I am ready for Christmas break! This promises to be a very interesting holiday and I will surely write about the crazy times at the Aune and Lorang Christmas parties. However, I must always take a step back this time of year and remind myself of what this holiday is truly about. May the true joy of this Noel be with you and your family and may His grace and mercy overwhelm you this holiday:)