Monday, November 29, 2010

Little Joys

Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful and joy-filled for our family.  It's been a long year and we have much for which to be thankful.  The Lord has certainly has given us strength and blessed us each step of the way.  Multiple surgeries, job concerns, anxiety and school trouble, my migraines and trouble with prescriptions, and so much more!  But this weekend was all about joy, praise, family, and giving thanks.  (not to mention pie!)  Here are a few highlights...
Homemade cream cheese frosting on Thanksgiving (to go the pumpkin cake with chocolate chips.)


Oh, yes.  It's that good!

My niece. She's only been walking for a few weeks and I got to see her do it on Thanksgiving.



Such a beautiful November and unseasonably warm. (okay, it's still chilly. But this is Michigan!)




Everyone (including the Truman, our labradoodle) had a chance to play outside. In late November, in Michigan, without snowpants. It was amazing!


Well, kids played outside.  Bruce worked on the cars and I cleaned the chicken coop.  At least the sun was shining!


Soaking up some vitamin D and playing with their best friend.



Hubby and I managed a full 24 hours away from the kids (which never happens!).  They had a chance to spend quality time with my fabulous and generous folks.  Bruce and I were able to spend some much needed grown-up together time, dinner out, and shopping for the kids.   As much as I love my children, it was very very nice to focus on my husband for a time.  I love that man!  I know I am blessed and am truly thankful...

Monday, November 22, 2010

First Grade Feast

Okay, so here is the thing.  I volunteer for everything.  Really, I do.  (it's a problem, I know!)  I always want to help out and be involved.  Especially when in comes to helping out at Carlie's school.  I don't get to work in the classroom because, honestly, busy 3 year old boys don't do well in structured first grade rooms.  :)  I love my boy dearly, but he makes that brand of volunteering pretty well impossible. 

Each fall the kindergartners and first graders have a Thanksgiving feast together.  The littlest tykes make apple pie, the teachers make some turkey, and the older students make stuffing and cornbread.  I was unable to come in and help the kids crack eggs and mix up cornbread, so I inquired about baking.  I like to be in the kitchen and sticking in a few pans of muffins during the evening didn't exactly seem like a hardship. 

I ran up to the school at the end of the day and - lo-and-behold - my little first grades did not mix up cornbread.  Apparently they ran out of time.  (the classroom is always disorganized and seems to run out of time to do important things on a daily basis.  Like send home important notes.  On one occasion - we had to sent Carlie in paint clothes for 2 weeks straight because they never seemed to get around to it!)  Anywho... 

I now find myself with boxes of Jiffy mix and dozens of cornbread muffins to be made.


all the goodness for cornbread muffins - yum!


I truly don't mind helping.  I just don't always (or usually!) think before I volunteer.  Oops.  I guess that's something I need to work on.  The third batch is in the oven now. Wish me luck on finishing them tonight and on safely transporting them to school tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

This is What 31 Looks Like

Me... taken by my multi-talented 6 yr old daughter.
My birthday was yesterday.  It was an amazing, blessing filled day.  Making me smile and bringing me to tears, all at the same time.  The thoughtfulness of my children, the kind words from my parents and in-laws, the happy wishes from old and new friends alike.  Dinner with me husband (no cooking!)  Wonderful thru and thru.  I am blessed.