Grateful

Grateful for so many things this Thanksgiving....

Like this new face in the midst of our table:

Abby thoroughly enjoyed her first Thanksgiving. I think she has a good understanding of the history behind the holiday, and more important, the special meaning we personally find as a family in setting a day aside to thank God for our blessings. Surprisingly, she actually really enjoyed all the food. And she also demonstrated incredible grace by forgiving me for forgetting to add tomatoes to the feast. Her absolute favorite at any time!

I do think the highlight of her evening was playing pin the hat on the turkey. Even though Daddy won the highly coveted prize - a bag of M & M's.

And, just so you don't accuse me of leaving anyone out:

Karate Kid*

We rented the new Karate Kid* the other night, and the older kids in particular were super excited to watch it.

Poor Abby was sobbing by the end of the very first fight scene, so she came and cuddled on momma's lap. My super sensitive girl.

Then about halfway through the movie, we realized she thought Dre (the Karate Kid*) was a GIRL!!

Glad we figured that one out before the kiss scene..........

Which, by the way, is a whole other post, because I don't really get why TWELVE year olds have to have kiss scenes in a movie.......

Do Pumpkins Break???

Yesterday I was busy doing something in the kitchen.

I really can't remember what it was I was doing, but for a mother of five whose laundry room IS the kitchen, there are endless tasks in there.

Anyways, there I was busy with my motherly tasks when Josiah runs up to me and says "I made a mess."

So I said what any reasonable mom would say "Well, go clean it up".

To which he replied "Do pumpkins break???"

Huhhhh??? "Did I hear you right?? What did you say?"

"Do pumpkins break???"

Then I remembered the ceramic pumpkin I had (stupidly) put in the bathroom - to "spruce" it up, you know.

Sure enough, it was shattered into countless pieces!!!!

Better be glad he's so darn cute. AND my last lil' baby.

Someday He'll Hate Me For This

I walked in and he was just sitting there, with the ENTIRE roll of TP rolled out in his hands!!

Who Doesn't Love a Giveaway??

I have to admit, I sure do!! And Stefanie over at Ni Hao Y'all is doing a BIG one. Basically, thirty days in a row with a giveaway EVERY day. And considering that the people contributing to this giveaway are the readers of her blog, I'm expecting some pretty neat stuff to be part of the prize stash. Because, well, her readers just happen to be a very creative and talented bunch. I know there are certain things in the blog community I'll be hoping will show up....

So, do yourself a favor and check out her giveaway. You might just have to write me a little note sometime in the next six weeks to thank me when you win some fabulous prize!!

Sports Don't Keep Us Busy Enough

so, today Lanie started her piano lessons. She has been waiting for this day for YEARS. We adore her teacher, who also happens to be her ballet teacher. Multi -talented lady in every artisitc way, wonderful for a homeschooling momma who completely lacks in that department. We tried to sign her on to teach us all Japanese, but she said she is not a "professional".

New Sports Season

It's a new sports season for the kids.

Jacob will be trying wrestling. He has practice Monday through Friday from 2:45 until 5 pm.

Luckily, they only have four meets the entire season.

Lanie is playing volleyball.

I could've sworn when I went to the parents' meeting, they said TWELVE year olds and older would be having away games. Well, the first week of practice they hand out game schedules, and out of six games, FOUR of Lanie's are away games.

When I say away, I mean at least a two hour trip each way. Not looking forward to that.

On the bright side, Jake's wrestling matches are mostly in January, and Lanie is done with volleyball by then. Which means, for a season, we might actually be able to ALL be at each other's sports events every weekend.

And THAT sounds like a lot of fun.

Shout Out

I will probably lack the words to correctly express myself on this post.



But, I wanted to give it a go anyways.



Because somebody out there totally deserves it.



I want to give a special "shout out" to my mother in law.



So many people out there struggle with their relationship with their MIL, a lot of them for good reason.



And although I don't remember ever praying specifically about my future husband's mother and our relationship, God chose to bless me anyways (don't you just love it when He does that?).



I am blessed to share a special bond with her - not only because of our mutual love for her son and her grandkids (and actually, her daughters too. They're my own little sisters in my mind). We share an even greater passion for the Lord.



How awesome to be able to call on her with any prayer request, and KNOW that my needs are covered in prayer.



How reassuring to know she will never call me with criticism, but instead takes the time to call me with encouragement. Not once in our 16 years of marriage have I heard her even show even a hint of criticism for my performance as a wife, or as a mother for that fact.



She praises our homeschooling efforts, always calls me on my birthday, and NEVER plays the jealous mom game.



She is very conscious of boundaries, and very careful never to cross any that might even possibly exist. She is almost TOO careful - but I DO appreciate it that so!!



She truly treats me as one of her own daughters - and I LOVE that I have TWO wonderful moms to shower me with love.



And I won't even get into how she spoils (in a totally positive way) the grandchildren.



So, thank you, Grandma, for showering Christ's love on us continously.



Thank you for going well out of your way in pretty much everything you do.



Please know that I count myself BLESSED for having you in my life!!



P.S. I would love to throw a picture in here, but I really thought I'd better ask first. And I didn't want to wait to ask to write the post!