Hope Continually -- Psalm 71:14

I think everyone is saying this year...it is already December?!  With Thanksgiving coming so late, it did seem that December arrived quickly.  What a full month it was! Of course, we had our normal school routine, work at Chick-Fil-A and such.  A big part for the girls and I was participating in the preparations for The Living Nativity.   Then of course, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.   Now it is time to go full-swing into Christmas mode!  I will be sharing little tidbits of Christmas traditions and fun as the month goes along.   Goodbye November!

Today is the day after Thanksgiving.  I thought I would reflect on previous Thanksgivings in my married life.   I haven't always blogged every single one.  To be honest, there were years when I was incredibly bogged down.  Being a mom and homeschooling, being a pastor's wife, and working a job.  I was completely physically exhausted.  I literally didn't have time to do everything that needed to be done and blogging was usually the last on my to-do list. And there were seasons that were so very hard. I was drained and going through personal battles.  Battles mentally.  I didn't have anything to share.  I was fighting silently and alone.  Yet every year holds a sweet memory.  Here are the ones I shared in years past on my blog.  I hope it brings you happiness and good thoughts today. What Thanksgiving Means To Me Holiday Traditions - Christmas Tree Thanksgiving 2015 Thanksgiving 2016 A Northwest Thanksgiving A Lost Treasure ...

Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends! I am so grateful today.  Though life isn't perfect, we have a perfect Father.  That is all we need. "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful."  Colossians 3:15 "Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians 2:7 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" Psalm 100:4 "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." II Corinthians 9:11 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2 "And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name." I Chronicles 29:13 Thank you, Lord, today for all you have given me.  The free gift of salvation, my earthly family, a church to serve, my...

Saturday, November 23 Today, we have a TLN (The Living Nativity) workday from 9am-2pm. It was a COLD morning. I wanted to stay home with Jackson on my lap! Can you see the frost? Progress photos on TLN. A couple photos from Brad, Addie, and Autumn at Christian service. I spent the rest of the day working on preparations for Thanksgiving and the girls' visit. Eric wanted to watch a Christmas movie so we watched Mickey's A Christmas Carol. I ordered this book.  Excited to read it!

Thursday, November 21 Beautiful fall morning here in Florida!  It was 48 degrees when I got up but will get to 66 degrees today with full sunshine and blue skies. :) A wonderful day! Sierra is working today from 8-3pm.  So it will just be Summer and me for most of the day.   I am so glad I had a loaf of sourdough ready to bake this morning.  Just makes the whole day better with the smell of bread baking!  Can't wait to have some! Enjoying the sunshine of this cool day. I love these ambience videos. :) The kitties enjoying a nap. I received an email regarding the theme for Teen Extreme Camp.  It reminded me to register the girls and I'm glad I did!  One week is already closed for registration!  Gah.  I did get the week I wanted though.  Praise God! I would say this applies to the Midwest too. :) Hannah and Autumn getting their special dinners before Christmas Lights at PCC. The girls doing a painting activity - painting Christmas orn...

Tuesday, November 19 Today was a quiet day.  I was able to work on school work.  Grading, prep and giving Sierra and Summer quizzes and tests.  Can you believe we are over halfway through November?  I really want to stay on track to get done with this nine weeks before Christmas vacation.  With our busy schedule, we may not be able to do that but we will just do our best. My little beauty posing for me. :) Cuddling with the cat. Summer's work for one of her American Heritage Girl badges. A memory that popped up recently.  Sisters. :) I downloaded photos off my phone and updated some blog posts.  I do this in the morning.  Once I start on other things, it seems I never get back to it.  So I do it first thing in the day. Summer wanted to make dinner - a recipe she found.  Sheepherder's Breakfast.  It was good and I love that she loves to cook and bake. I took Summer to her horse riding lesson at 5:30pm.  Autumn called and we talk...

Monday, November 18 Time for a Monday reset!  I actually got a lot accomplished yesterday which makes for a good Monday. :) Sierra and Summer worked on school.  I had to go to Wal-Mart to get groceries for the week.  What is on your menu for this week?  This is mine. Monday - Spaghetti and garlic knots Tuesday - Sheepherder's Breakfast (recipe Summer wants to make) Wednesday - Thanksgiving dinner at church Thursday - Chicken noodle casserole Friday - Cheeseburger soup Saturday - Creamed eggs on toast Sunday - Corn dogs and ranch pasta salad New scents I got to try for my home! Submitting the volunteer hours for American Heritage Girls stars. I did my grocery shopping which took a little longer than usual. I worked on school with Summer.  Did the dishes and a load of laundry. We then went to the church for rehearsal for The Living Nativity.  We were also fitted for our costumes for the event.