still here, still enjoying everyone's blogs

I haven't blogged in a while because of 2 things -- busyness and possible carpel tunnel syndrome. My right hand has been slighly numb lately. Also, I have a hard time holding things (even light things like coffee mugs) and opening bottles and such. When I try to carry something in my right hand, I have pain in my index finger and wrist.

This is bothersome for so many reasons. It hurts to write which I love to do and have kept a journal for years and years. I can't seem to do routine things like type or use a mouse without noticing that my right hand feels "weird." And I miss blogging and commenting on other people's blogs.

So, I'm here, but trying to take it easy. The less I do the better, I think.

P.S. Had a great Thanksgiving!!!! Yea for me! I came up with an activity for the kids (7 of them) that kept them quiet and occupied for at least 30 minutes (maybe even 45). That may not seem like much, but it was enough to get dinner served without 14 little feet traisping through the kitchen -- "when are we going to eat?!" "I'm thirsty!" "what are we eating?" "I don't like _____!" "do we have to have _____?!" etc.

Instead, the kids were making lists of things they are grateful for and doing a search for the secret word that I had hidden in one of 20 "hidden picture" sheets that I had tacked to the wall. The older ones helped the younger ones with their lists and they all had a different color marker so I could tell who had found the special word, which was justice. I had made a list of things that I am grateful for and hid them in the pictures (using colored pens). Ellie found the special word, so she got the prize ;)

When dinner was ready, we called the kids upstairs and had a fabulous dinner (thanks to all my siblings and my mom who all helped me cook in my tiny little kitchen and I didn't even get freaked out or clausterphobic). Oh, and I read the President's Thanksgiving Proclamation for this year. It was AWESOME!!!