'Twas a great week....

What a wonderful week we had! Heather was home 10 days for the Thanksgiving break. It was so nice to have her back home. The day before Thanksgiving, we spent at Concord Mills Outlet mall, a new tradition for us. Other than that, we did absolutely nothing. It was WONDERFUL! Friday morning, Lindsay and I woke at 5am and headed to the mall. Sadly, it was not crowded at all. Sadly, not for us, but for the store owners. We decorated our tree, watched movies, played lots of games, and relaxed.
Except for stockings, our Christmas shopping is now complete. We like to get done by the first of December so we can try and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. With our Christmas performances at church, work and Sunday School parties, family visits, and other obligations, it makes for a very busy, yet enjoyable month.
Heather will return next Wednesday, December 10th for her Christmas break. She will be here until January 18th. Hard to believe her first semester at college is just about finished.

Blessed...and thankful!

Okay, even though it's very true, I am definitely not thankful for my thighs!
On a serious note, though, I am extremely thankful that the Lord died for me and that I will spend eternity with Him.
I am thankful for each morning I awake, for my health, for my home, for the job(s) that the Lord has graciously given me..and allowed me to keep for now, for a church where the gospel is preached, for wonderful friends...
On the top of my list, I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord and me! For our three beautiful children who also love the Lord. For a day that never goes by that I'm not clothed and fed, for that I am thankful.
There are just way too many blessings to mention, none of which I am deserving!
My prayer is that each day, not just Thanksgiving, I will realize ALL that I have.
I Thessalonians 5:18 In EVERY THING give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

7 more hours...

That's the text I just received from Heather. That's because that's how many more hours until she drives in the driveway. It's been a long 7 weeks, but we finally get to see her and spend the next 9 days with her. She'll be bringing Lindsay home with her. Lindsay traveled up to Liberty yesterday morning with her best friend and spent the night with Heather last night.
It will be an enjoyable week with lots of family time, putting up our Christmas tree, shopping, and watching It's a Wonderful Life. That's been our tradition for many years...watching that movie while putting up our tree. My heart was crushed several years ago when Scott, Heather, and Caleb told me they only watched the movie because it meant alot to me; they could take it or leave it (preferably to leave it). Isn't that sad, I mean, who doesn't like It's a Wonderful Life? Lindsay is happy to watch it with me, but I think Heather told her Dad that she wanted them to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas....pityful!
Oh well, we'll see what happens. Remember, if mama ain't happy, nobody's happy. I'm sure we'll all be watching my movie :-)

You go #20!!!!!

Lindsay was chosen to represent Charlotte at the North Carolina All-State Volleyball Independent 2A Tournament. This was quite an honor for her as only 12 girls were chosen from the state. They will be playing against the South Carolina All-State team today at 12:30. They have been practicing for two weeks and Lindsay is very excited....she is in the starting line-up!
I'll share the outcome and a picture or two later on today.
Congratulations Lindsay! We sure are proud of you!
11/18/08 Update: They won 3 straight games!!!

Flourless cookie recipe...

Caleb introduced us to this cookie. He made them for us one night and they were delicious...couldn't tell the difference from the real deal. Great recipe when you need something quick. Enjoy!

Flourless peanut butter cookie:
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg

Mix ingredients together. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. Dip fork into sugar and make criss-cross pattern on cookie. Bake at 375 for 9 minutes.

Optional: As soon as cookies come out of oven, place hershey kiss in the middle :-)