The Mandatory Zoo Excursion

sent from my iphone - if all else fails, there could be several picture posts via i phone!

The Week of Thanksgiving

What a week!! It was great visiting with family in Jacksonville, Florida!  My Heavens, the weather was fantastic all week.  The girls "heelied" (those crazy roller skating shoes) several afternoons, we ate out and shopped at some outlet malls, and went to the zoo and a very fun craft fair.  The zoo, the shopping, and the craft fair are annual Thanksgiving events... I'm glad the weather was nice!

My sweet, wise G-Ma is getting very old but is still so wise.  I worry about her because she is so very sweet, and insists on doing things herself (which is great for independence, but not so great for those of us who worry about her safety).  Pray for my G-Ma! Please!  And for my uncle who takes care of her and her old house!  I wish I could live in Florida and help take care of her... 'cause that's how I roll... I like to take care of things (people, situations, etc.).
Our Nutcracker performance is this Saturday!!!  I can't wait (for it to be over)!  Everyone is getting super excited about the performance. Of course, there is some drama... but I hope and pray for the best.

I'm sorry to have to post without pictures, but the computer is apparently having a crises... I will hopefully get this fixed by tomorrow!

whirlwind-ish

                                                     

dance time... Nutcracker time.... 

Dance rehearsal, costume (but not a full dress rehearsal) required, today.  I have created stressed out girls by not letting them open their brand new tights.  Dance tights are $10.00 per pair, times two per dancer, times three of us equals waaaay too much money for the brand new ones to be opened for the costume rehearsal-but-not-the-full-dress-rehearsal. Hmmmmm.... I know we have tights, the required tights, from the recital a mere 6 months ago, somewhere... BUT, I can't find my white tutu!  Now, that is something I know isn't heard in every household across the world, but it's actually kind of funny! But really, I know I wouldn't have thrown my white tutu away (even though the leotard part of it was very hideous)...

Anyway-  I know a lot of people are travelling this week- so, many, many prayers to you all for safe journeys!  I also pray for a refreshing holiday for everyone.  I hope everyone can give thanks and glory to God for the blessings in their lives.  I know that we get caught up in the day-to-day, but Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the good things.

                                                                    

I'm thinking, also, of my friend that is fighting ovarian and breast cancer.  She is so brave and sweet.  I don't talk to her like I should, but I pray heartily every day for good news and an effective treatment.  I also have a friend that is moving into a brand new house.  While exciting, this time is so stressful for her and her family.  She is trying so hard to make things right for her girls and her husband, and I admire her so much.  I wish I could be there to help her with decorating decisions! 

So.... Happy, happy holidays to everyone!!! Have a good week, and enjoy each other!

(Thanks, graphics fairy for the best clip art ever!)

yes... another update

Oh yeah... we are gearing up for next week's Thanksgiving Holiday!!! 

I love to eat all the yummy food, visit with relatives, see my nieces and nephews and cousins, eat the yummy food (oh... did I already mention the yummy food?!), and visit with sweet, wise Grandma.  She always has the best advice, and the best yummy Thanksgiving food (I know, I've got to stop that)...

I am so thankful for my friends and family.  Truly, I am blessed beyond measure in the family support category.  I'd love to be able to see everyone all the time, whenever I want, but no one wants to live with me in my crazy life, in my crazy house, with the crazy kids because they are all doing their own crazy things.  I think that's why we celebrate holidays together.  It kind of knocks us down a notch or two... to see that everyone else is caught up in trying to live life and make good decisions and they are just as busy as we are.

In school this week, the kids and I have been reading about Mary and Elizabeth getting their miraculous news that they were to have sons.  Talk about crazy times: winged messengers, virgin conceptions, strange messages!  I can only imagine the huge, immense trust in God that these women needed to keep moving forward, and to keep living their crazy lives in their crazy times (and don't worry- I don't mean crazy like insane; I mean crazy like busy and getting ready to reveal miracles).  I admire that trust when I'm wondering only if we should have pizza (again, and really, the perfect food), or switch it up with a balanced Happy Meal from McDonald's!  These awesome women were carrying sons that were about to change history in the most profound way!  I can appreciate these women so much more now, because I am a mother, too.  Parenting is not always going my way... it's not even usually going my way... but I need to remember to have that TRUST.  God knows what He is doing.  It really is all about perspective, isn't it? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

still here

I know, I know... keep in touch and all that stuff!  It's crazy time, and as usual I have just not had time for just ME (my blog time).  I love to write and post pictures!  I miss not checking in!  As we continue to gear up for the Nutcracker performance, though, I expect that my posts will be fewer... but I am praying constantly for my friends and family and all that may come across any of these musings of mine... that they may have purpose for someone, somewhere, somehow. 





Happy Veterans Day!  Happy (belated) Marine Corps Birthday!!  I am so very thankful for our military men and women... past, present, and future!!