Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day.

I am thankful for the unfathomable love of God who sent His Son to pay the ultimate price so that I can have a relationship with my Creator.

I am thankful for Dave who leads our family. He is an awesome husband and father and each day I love him more and more.

I am thankful for my children. Emily's compassion and loving nature for others inspires me to be more compassionate. Her creativity is amazing and each day she strives to do her very best. Matt is my little charmer. He can make you smile with just a look or of course one of his "Matthewism". He has such a sensitive sweet soul and did I mention what a charmer he is!!

I am thankful for my extended family. Although miles separate us, you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

I am thankful for my friends. In this season of life, God has truly blessed me with a core group of girlfriends who encourage me, lift me up and make my life just better.

I am thankful for our church. Not only do they preach God's Word but it is a true family of believers.

I am thankful for the creativity God has blessed me with. It is an outlet of calm for me and the results can be a blessing to others.

And this one you may find odd but -

I am thankful that God chose to have Dave out of work. This time has brought us closer together as a husband & wife and family. Dave has been able to connect with the kids in ways that if working he would not be able to. It has also brought us closer to our God relying on Him to bring about the right job in His time.

I look forward to the year God has in store for our family. With Him on our side, we can handle any disappointments or bad times focusing on the good and blessings He provides in our life's journey.

A Sampling for Matt's 1st Grade Class

Yesterday Dave & I helped provide a sampling of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Matt's classroom. Last year his teacher did this event all by herself, so this year being the class mom I volunteered to do it for her. The kids had a "taste" of turkey slices, stuffing, cranberry, potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. The item liked best of course was.........the pumpkin pie.

Another Busy Week

It seems like my weeks just get busier and busier and this week is no exception.

Monday I spent several hours putting up a new bulletin board at our church. The week prior I was painting those letters & cutting those note cards at home in the midst of doing other craft projects.

Yesterday I finished the gold painting detail along with getting some craft supplies for a birthday party I am decorating for next month.

After school pick up, we all headed to the food store to pick up food supplies for a Thanksgiving "sample" plate we are doing for Matt's class. The night included making potatoes, sweet potatoes (yes, I said sweet potatoes) and poaching chicken for tonight's dinner. Oh, I made last night's dinner during all that cooking too.

Today the morning is quiet until I have to get the sample plates ready. The kids dismiss at 1:05 and then the Thanksgiving break officially begins. Woohoo!! For me, the break includes a lot of crafting. December 3rd I am participating in my first vendor fair selling my crafts.

Yes, I am busy but I don't think I would like it any other way!!

Chef Matt

As I've said, Matt is always wanting to help me in the kitchen, well tonight was no different. As soon as he heard the clanging of the pans he came running. He was very appropriately dressed for the event - fireman pajamas, fireman rain boots and garden gloves he uses as fire gloves. I let him mash the carrot mash and help pour the ingredients in the pan for the chicken Marsala. The cutest part was after I made each person's plate he had everyone sit at the table and brought them their plate. It was like his own little restaurant. Oh and by the way the food was scrumptious!!!!

Sometimes You Need a Little Change

Lately, I've been craving change. Of course, it is not like our lives haven't experience much of that lately! :)

Okay, I already know what is on your mind.....isn't this the same girl who is constantly changing her furniture around. Yes, and I still needed some change. Dave & I agreed to change a few things up in the place where our family spends most of our time - the living room. We changed the paint color of the walls that flank the fireplace. They were a mossy green and now a cocoa brown. Check and like!!!

Then we decided our wall decor needed a little change. I've had the collage picture frame for months but just didn't know where to put it, same with our family rules canvas. Well, we found a place for them along with some iron fences I purchased when we took Emily on her first trip to Chicago. Check and like!!!

It is amazing how a little change can make a big difference.