10 on the 10th

I'm joining my new blog-friend Meredith for a fun little ditty. My friend Susan and I were recently discussing our commitment issues when it comes to weekly themes, but I figured I could handle a monthly theme. So in honor of 11-10-09 (sounds like a count down) here we go!

1. My parents celebrated 42 years of marriage this month. It is cause for celebration because they have been a lifelong example of a beautiful marriage to so many people, especially me.

2. I started my Christmas shopping this month. Sigh. I used to start in August and be done by November.

3. Veterans day is tomorrow. Please take the time to appreciate the sacrifice of our military.

Only 2 people have volunteered to die for you.

Jesus died for your soul and eternal freedom.

Soldiers have died for your earthly freedom.

4. I visited the mall yesterday for the first time in months. My kids were confused when we passed 2 Santas.

5. At the mall, I was disturbed by how many kiosk vendors spoke in a French accent wanting to give me lotion samples and play with my hair. Personal space, people!

6. Don't even get me started on the Asian men wanting to give foot/back/head massages. In the middle of the mall. For all the world to watch.

7. I made a pumkin pie from scratch yesterday. It was so easy and delish, I'm sharing the recipe with you tomorrow. Not sharing the pie, just the recipe. Sorry.

8. Christmas music is playing at our house. It's never too early for Christmas music.

9. I attended the annual women's event at our church - the one where I come home with lots of table decorating ideas. I'll be sharing those this week, too.

10. I'm so thankful for you, my faithful (or maybe new) readers. Leave me a comment today... it's like a hug from you to me.

One Last Hoorah

We celebrated fall with one last hoorah this weekend. We took advantage of the mild weather and invited our Sunday school class over for a chicken pickin.'

Hubby did his thang and fired up THE grill. Those are 1/2 chickens sizzling over the flames. Since I had a big event at church that morning, I took the easy way out and provided drinks.
And napkins.
My friend Leslie found this cute paper table cloth on clearance and gave it to me saying, "I know you'll use it for something." Thanks, friend, it went perfect with the fall theme.

Nothing says fall more than a bonfire. The kids did s'mores and the grown-ups warmed themselves by the fire.
I got to hang out with old and new friends...

and talk blog-speak with Sus and Suz.

Happy Fall!!!

Sunday Rest

Jesus said: I have told you these things,

so that in me, you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Friday Why

Some things I've pondered this week:

1. Gwen Thompson is the newest addition to the American Girl Doll collection. Each doll typically represents a certain time period and comes with her own series of books. Since I love all things history related, I was excited to find out what Gwen's story would be. History? Not so much. So what's her story? She's keeping a secret: she's homeless.

Really? The makers at Matel really want to touch that subject? And then charge $95 for a doll? A little ironic, doncha think?

2. Gwen's dad apparently skipped town and left them homeless. Hmm... sounds like a theme. Remember Kit? Her dad skipped town during the depression to "find work."

3. Speaking of parental themes, ever noticed how the mother is eerily absent in most Disney princess movies? Snow White, check. Cinderella, check. Jasmine, check. Ariel, check. There is a new princess movie coming out soon and I'm interested to see if momma's on board.

4. Why do I feel so cool when I wear jeans with a hole in the knee?

5. Why do some women think it is okay to wear pajama bottoms in public?

6. I heard this little jingle on a cartoon this morning: practice makes progress, practice makes progress Hmm... I think this is much more realistic than practice makes perfect. Nobody's perfect.

7. Why do weirdos like to hang out at the public library? I wish the library had a separate building for the free internet and weirdos.

8. Why did I schedule 2 major events in the same day? Why, why, why?

9. Why would someone do that? asked my 10 year old after seeing the news about Ft. Hood. Why do I have to answer such a sad question?

10. Why does Starbucks wait until November 17th to sell Gingerbread Lattes?

Turning Six

My little superhero.

Full of life, snuggles, laughter, emotion, imagination.

He was put into my arms and filled my heart six years ago. Thanks to him, I know each of the characters in the Justice League, Star Wars, and Bibleman. Because of him, my prayers as a mother have changed. For my girls, I pray for their protection, their hearts, their future families. For a son, my prayers gravitate toward his character, leadership, becoming a man of God, integrity. Even though I want all of these things for all of my children, my focus is different for each child. Since he is my youngest, I think my heartstrings hold on a little tighter as each year passes. As I watch him grow and mature it is bittersweet. I want him to fulfill all that he was placed on this earth to do. But for now, I want to make time stand still and enjoy the moment.

We celebrated number six with just a few friends. It was what he wanted. For me, it was the easiest birthday I've ever planned. Hubby made the cake:

I planned the scavenger hunt, the girls decorated. The boys were entertained with roasting marshmallows and playing in the fort...

while saving the world, one villain at a time.

Hiding in the Bushes

It has begun. The 55 days of annual weight gain. It begins on November 1 when I pilfer through the leftover Halloween candy and ends with my momma's cooking on Christmas day. Anyone else have this problem?

I'm taking a stand!

No more holiday weight gain!

Wow. I sound so sure of myself! So in control!

If only you could have seen me on Friday...

My mother, who lives next door, called around 10:30 and asked me to come over and help her with a computer issue. I told her I could come, but I was still in my pj's. Her reply was, "good! me too." So I slipped on some shoes and ran across the yard, giving my 10 year old a good excuse to be the boss for the next 20 minutes. As I left, I reminded her to not answer the door if someone rang the bell, which is silly because we never have anyone come to the door in our neighborhood.

After being the geek-squad at a reduced rate, I was standing at the fence in my mom's yard when we noticed a car pull up and park in front of my house. Are you kidding me? What are the odds?! Realizing it was the men in black toting the book of Mormon I started across my back yard trying to make it home before they rang the door bell and scared my kids. I know my mom totally had my back in her cute little nightgown.

I was just about half way to the door, when I realized that they were not coming toward my house, but heading across the street to the neighbor's house, so I quickly ducked behind a bush. Darting behind a second bush, I watched them head up his driveway. As I made the last dash to my back door, a movement caught my eye.

It was a man and a woman walking up my driveway no more than 30 feet away. I stood frozen. I think I squeaked a hi!

The woman graciously said, "I can see you are busy, so we'll only take a minute of your time."

Yes, yes, I'm quite busy practicing my stealthy geek-squad moves.

In my pajamas.

At 11:00 in the morning.

In the back yard.

Thankyouverymuch.

Sunday Rest

For what does it profit a man

to gain the whole world,

yet forfeit his soul?

Mark 8:36