I tried to will it away...not think about it...push through the pain...

because I don't have time to be sick!  Why is it that sickness usually hits at the most inopportune times?

I don't want to be in a fog...my sister (and family) is coming.  I don't want to cough through conversations.  I don't want to spread cold germs!  Ted says I should have listened to him and done the garlic.  I've been taking vitamins...today I bought Dayquil.   Tonight was our Thanksgiving service and I coughed through the song singing...that was very disappointing!  Psalms and hymns...What a blessing!  Now I sit upright in a chair...debating...stay put or try to lay down.  I need good rest to get rid of this crud. 

At least I know I won't be in a fog.  Most likely I will cough...but it won't smell like garlic! 

The very thought makes me want to gag...which triggers a cough...which makes my nose run...

good thing I have kleenexes, cough drops, and hand sanitizer!

Yep, we're ready for Thanksgiving company!

How the turkeys defrost around our house!

In the sink...till the bathtub is free and cleaned!  "Hey, Mom, did Dad move and carry the turkey for you?" Teddy asked.  "Why, yes, he did!  He's the strong one!  He's the turkey handler this year!"

On the couch watching Leave It To Beaver!  Instead of gobbling...they were giggling.

It's been awhile!

An appointed trip to the eye doctor for both adults led to the perfect opportunity for a date!  It had been a long time...again.  It happens...life gets busy and it is always the first thing to be pushed aside. 

We tried out 5 Guys Burgers and Fries.  There were so many fries in our bag, we laughed.  We spent quality time together and I really needed it!  We had fun walking, talking, and laughing up and down the aisles grocery shopping.  No matter, how you do it, the total bills make you wince these days!  I was so glad to have a handsome date for the evening.  He makes everything more fun.

As His child, I am thankful for time.

Time in God's Word.

Time with my family.

Time in God's house.

Time with friends.

Time to work.

Time to sleep.

Time to play.

Time to "Be still and know..."

Time to read.

Time to listen.

Time to date my husband.

Time to laugh.

Time to go and do.

Time to go home.

Times that we have "made it through".

Times that are yet to come.

Starting to go a little crazy around here!

Only two days left...till our cousins come!  The kiddos are a little wound up about that fact.  It is a fact...only two leaves are left hanging from our classroom ceiling!  They may also be a little wound up from the bag of candy they gathered last night during the "Light Up the Park" Parade. 

It is official in our town now...it is the holiday season!!!

Teddy conducted the start of the festivities with his glow sticks as he drifted off to sleep.

Thank goodness...only two school days this week..."That's all we can handle, Mom!"

As His child, I am thankful for good minds that invent useful tools!

As I sit and use the computer, answer my phone, heat up my coffee, flip the laundry, run to the grocery store, and cook/bake for the holidays, I am thankful for all the things that make my life easier!  Often, I take these things for granted, only to be quickly reminded when something stops working for whatever reason.

We live in a country that is blessed with the freedom and resources to create and invent. 

How often we forget to be thankful for such privileges!

As His child, I am thankful for times of rest.

Time for curling up with a blanket and a fuzzy, white dog to keep me warm! 

I was reminded the other day, that one of the best things you can do for yourself...and everyone around you...it to take a nap!  Twenty minutes can change your perspective and give you a boost of energy.

The Neverending Story

Once upon a time two girls shared a room.  There were double the clothes, double the toys, and double the trouble.  They had two parents who loved them and cared for them.  The parents were convinced that the girls should keep their room clean and they did many different things to make it happen.  Sometimes the mother would clear the closet.  Sometimes the father would clear the closet.  But the parents continued to be frustrated with the short amount of time that the room stayed clean.

One afternoon, the Dad cleared the closet and the Mom hollered about what she found under the bed.  The two girls spent a great deal of time sorting and cleaning.  They filled up a bucket for the garbage can.  They filled up the laundry hamper.  The Dad cheered them on as they filled a large tote with all sorts of things, "Anything that doesn't go in the closet...put it in that tote!" 

Finally, the tote was full of all the special things the girls could find.  The Dad told the girls thank you, explained how to get the tote back, removed the tote, and claimed "the mean Dad award".  The Mom observed the tearful girls, reminded them of the plan, and gladly relinquished "the mean award" for the time being...at leasst till the next time anyway.

The End.

The moral of the story: 

Children, clean your room...the right way!

Parents, inspect what you expect...regularly and thoroughly! 

Because a child's version of cleaned up is far different from a parent's version...

you must take time to teach, correct, and repeat!

As His child, I am thankful for the abilities that God has given me.

I don't ever want to take credit for the blessing that God has given me to be able to do a variety of different things...many of which were learned at my parent's side.  So many people have shared so many of their wonderful talents with me through the years.  I am so grateful for their investment of time in my life!  What a blessing to then be able to teach our children many different things that they will be able to use in years to come!  What a privilege and responsibility God gives to those whose lives are touched by children!

I couldn't help it...I just had to...

see if it was a possible craft that the girls could do during the Thanksgiving weekend festivities!  I was having a fit about paying 4 and 5 dollars for white styrofoam cones.  I found cheaper ones...they are green.  I went digging around and found that I had a couple sheets of lightweight cardboard...SCORE!  We have grown past the coloring book, construction paper, and tape stage.  It is time to find things that are more challenging!

It will work!  And I think the girls can have fun creating and embellishing Christmas trees.  I love the retro look.  What fun gifts they would make too!

I should be cleaning and organizing.  The planning part is done and on a paper crammed in my purse.  Only 5 days till company arrives...

and here I sit...playing with glue, paper, ric-rac, and such.  That is what I get for blog-hopping during school hours...I find fun things to make with the kiddos!

We are nearly beside ourselves with what we will be making next week...

lots of noise, food, fun, messes, and memories with our family!

As His child, I am thankful for words...

but not just any old words!

I am thankful for words...

that bring life...not death.

 that edify...not tear down.

that are truthful...not false or slanderous.

that are healing...not hurtful.

that are gracious...not harsh.

that are loving...not flattering.

that are encouraging...not despairing.

that are appropriate...not rude and obnoxious.

that are cherished...not regretted.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

We hit a brick wall today...

in division and had to pull out some helps!

It is easier to put things together and get more!  It is more difficult for third graders to understand  division...until they can physically work it out. Today...I pulled out something he uses with Dad.  Tomorrow...I will pull out the M&Ms!