What I'm Loving About November

It is early days in November but so far I'm loving this month. October was so busy that it almost seems like a little reprieve before the holidays begin. Things I'm loving this month are leaves even though there will be raking involved. I love seeing them piled below a tree. I'm also loving Gingerbread Lattes, I had my first of the season today. Yesterday was the day that Carrie Underwood's new CD was available and it is so good. You've got to listen to Temporary Home, it's a tearjerker. I love this CD. Days like today are just blessings.

Sometimes Winning Doesn't Involve a Trophy

October was so busy with football games and band competitions. My younger son's band worked so hard this past month in anticipation of the big competition which took place yesterday. You may remember last years post in October when they won the competition so there was a lot of excitement this year among the kids as well as the parents. This one didn't end up quite like it had been envisioned but may be one great life lesson for us all. We all thought they did a great preliminary performance but the judges did not place them in the top 8 who went on to compete in the evening. All of the other bands who did not place were able to leave in the afternoon but our band because they won last year was expected to play The Star Spangled Banner prior to the final awards. That meant staying and watching the other bands. The kids were amazing. Sure there were a few tears shed but they quickly disappeared and they sat in the stands and cheered on the other bands with great enthusiasm and when it came time to march in and play they did so just as if they had won the competition. I think they won a great deal more and I am so proud of each and every one.