We had such a nice Thanksgiving. On the actual day, Wes had a meal with Alexis' family; Tom and Tyler made the trip to Columbia, SC, to see some relatives; Maddie and I hung out all day cooking for Friday and reading books. It was cold, cold so it was lovely to be home.  Yesterday I made a nice meal for us and can say I survived cooking my first entire Thanksgiving meal and it was a success. I especially loved cooking the turkey breast in the clay baker~very moist~AND knowing we'll have turkey for leftovers for a few days.

Today the guys are working at the church and Maddie and I are running a few errands. Then we're going to watch some football. I pray all of you had a wonderful, blessed holiday. Next week we're back at it with our regular school routines.

My little elves could stand it no longer and are putting up the tree. It's overcast and 39 degrees so it feels like December~actually that's more like January weather here.  I got to go out and have lunch today with my honey too. And, we're going to stay home and enjoy Thanksgiving as a family this year. I feel completely and utterly blessed.

I want to do whatever tasks the Lord gives me with an all-out passion from him. I want to do them well (not perfectly, but well). I hope my kids get this desire from me and our homeschooling years as well.

This little guy tells that story oh so well. So thanks, Mom~for the lessons and the great picture.

The peaking of our leaves has come and gone.  The days are shorter and cooler.  When I walk Tucker, the leaves crunch under my feet and the air is crisp. Yes, it's November.

We celebrated Maddie's 16th birthday on November 3. She was sick. I was sick. But, we made the best of it for sure. Wes and Alexis rented a silly animated movie and we curled up on the sofa and laughed. We played Apples to Apples.  We just enjoyed being a family. Isn't that what celebrations are really all about?

This week we're doing a fun unit study on Thanksgiving/Pilgrim's/Mayflower Compact, etc. Each child is doing work at their level and reading, writing, etc.  They are also doing math. That's shaping up to be a fun week since it's always nice to have a change of pace. Next week we're off all week and will go to the library and get lots of books to read. Maddie is reading a series now, Tyler two series, and Wes a series. I'm reading what they finish and say is really good. I love Young Adult literature!

Here are some pictures of my Maddie. She's certainly changed, hmm?  Sorry the first is fuzzy. It's a picture of a picture, taken with my cell phone!

I have much to be grateful for today. We had a good week of school; Wes' foot is feeling GREAT; Tyler, Wes, and Tom had a good overnight visit to Atlanta to see scarecrows at the Botanical Gardens; Maddie and I had a wonderful girls night alone.  I have heat in my house (and with the temps dropping to 30 tonight (weird weather) I need it!), food on my table, blue skies, laughter, and pets to make me laugh. It's all the little blessings that add up to making me smile with gratitude~when I focus my gaze upward.

I am feeling quite blessed today. Tyler got a package in the mail from Amazon.com.  It was a 7th grade Test Prep book and he was actually excited to get it out and begin working in it! ;)

Tomorrow Wes has his last game for football. It's an away game but he's still going with the team to watch and be supportive. Then Saturday he's going to Six Flags with his friend, Alexis. I've stated my opinion about walking around all day on his foot but he assures me he'll either wear his boot or have it heavily wrapped. Sometimes I wish I could strap him down to a chair. Although, he has been doing his school work with it propped up.  

Maddie had piano, Tom had a Business After Hours event, and Tyler has been selling popcorn for Scouts. So far it looks like he's the top seller. That's largely in part to his dad who has taken him all over the place. :) :)

I've started a new Bible study with some women at church called Stronger, by Angela Thomas. There is a simple but profound quote I wanted to share with you all today:  "God is always with me. His strength is ever-present, in every place, for every circumstance I face."  May you soak this in, enjoy his presence, and be blessed.

P.S. This is just to put a smile on your face!

Oh, goodness.  I've not blogged in a month. I've been thinking what to say and then, at the end of the day, just don't feel like being on the computer.  

In the last month we have:
Seen my mom have another birthday
Celebrated my folks' 50th Anniversary with a trip to Tennessee
Seen Wes continue to play football and score his first touchdown
Seen Wes have a season ending injury(hairline fracture in his foot)
Watched the leaves begin to change
Experienced cooler nights and days 
Worked together on school projects
Laughed together
Cried together (Maddie and I, of course~we're girls)
Enjoyed watching college football
Seen the kids attend the local high school Homecoming dance
Sent Tyler on 2 Scout Camp outs
Watched Tyler complete his Tenderfoot requirements and advance in Scout ranks

Among other things!  

So, today, I leave you with this thought from Max Lucado, and pray God has blessed your life in ways you never even imagined!

P.S.  A little Homecoming picture of Wes and Alexis. :)