I just have to say...

I had a continual feast this Thanksgiving holiday (see Tuesday, Nov. 25 post). I'm so excited!! I didn't even need to resort to my chocolate bar at any time for comfort. I was reminded (and even quickened a couple of times) to walk in the Spirit. It was such a rewarding experience that I want to repeat it at Christmas! (I would say "every day," but I'm being realistic---I'll start with another holiday.) Last night, Andy even mentioned how "easy" this long weekend was---and that included visits from 3 kids and 4 grandkids, a continual houseguest, and visiting 2 mothers. That's pretty successful when your husband thinks it was easy---he tends to feed off of my stress and emotions! Thank you, Jesus!!!!

A Few More Pictures

It was so fun watching our grandkids with our adopted student, Amanda. They all fell in love with her, as you can see below.

David walked by the bedroom and saw Addie laying on Amanda's shoulder and called us all in to look. I ran and grabbed my camera!

Of course, we then got caught! Here you can see "Travis" joined the photo op. Ryan was acting as Travis in Old Yeller---pretty cute!

After the kids went to bed, we had a quiet night of guitar playing and praise music. Andy loved getting his hands on a guitar again.

David played some new songs for us. I love how he plays.

David & Lindsey sang some songs for us. It was a great night. I miss music in our home. When our kids were growing up, there was constant music. Good times.

A Day for Cousins

David & Lindsey & kids came over this morning and then Lisa & the girls came over this afternoon.  Caitlin had read in an email I sent out that we had a guest from The Congo here and she said she needed to come meet her.  There was an instant connection, as you can tell!

Caitlin getting cozy with Amanda.  Caitlin left her Bible here for Amanda to read.

Alexis, right, is introducing cousin, Addie Belle, to the wonderful world of false fingernails!  Press-on nails is something every girl needs to learn early.  Isn't Alexis adorable in her Santa's helper outfit?  I told her she looked like the little elf on Santa Clause that served Santa his cocoa.  Addie was impressed that Alexis had on pearls just like her!  (They both love to dress up!)

Addie Belle adored her new fake fingernails!  She clicked them on the table, scratched her face, and tried to eat with them.  She LOVED them!!

Ryan felt quite lonely, being the only boy here today...Later, he dressed up like Travis on Old Yeller and kept shooting his dad who was barking like a rabid dog.  I don't think that movie pulled his heart strings like it did mine!

The three girl cousins here today.  (They all three love having their photo taken, too!)  Alexis had changed so much just in the last month.  She's lost a few more teeth.  I kept staring at her all day because she reminds me so much of Amy at that age!!

Our Thanksgiving

We went to Pampa for Thanksgiving. We took Andy's mom with us. My brother & sister were there. I realized as I was loading my pictures that I didn't get one picture of all the great food!! Trust me....it was good...the first and second time!

My sister-in-law, Amy, in a cute Christmas apron. Scott, Zach & Shanna on the couch.

Amanda joined us for an American Thanksgiving. (She's from The Congo) She wasn't crazy about all of our food, but she did find some familiar things she liked. I could sympathize after having been to other countries and eaten their foods.

This is a picture of my brother, Gary, and Andy's mom, Liz.

My nephew, Aaron, passing through the kitchen as my sister, Sandra, and my mom are cooking. I guess I was hiding out behind the camera!! Busted!!

Zach & Shanna


The first shot of Zach & Shanna that we made Zach do-over.

The annual family football game begins.....

Zach takes off with the ball with cousin, Scott, right behind him. Later, Zach ruined the ball and the game was over!

A picture of the guys as the Cowboy game started. You'll notice where I get my desire to get all my Christmas decorations up early. Like mother, like daughter, like son....

Sandra's family introduced us to a new game: Apples to apples. Lots of fun! I think we played it for 2 hours. First, though, we played Catch Phrase. But some people never caught on to the rules! ha! You'll notice only one stocking hanging on the fireplace. My mom's youngest grandchild, Benjamin, found his and got it up there early!!

This actually took place yesterday. Our adopted daughter, Amanda, talked Andy into hanging the Christmas lights outside. He had no intentions of hanging lights. Daughters (adopted or otherewise) are pretty convincing!!

The finished result. Our little Gingerbread House.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I just want to say that I am so thankful for all of my blog friends. You make my day! I love reading what all of you are doing---and how creative each of you are. I sincerely hope this day is full of gratefulness at your home. I love you!
(I'm waiting up on Zach & Shanna to get here---so I saw the day in)

Hey Dalhart Girls!

Remember our scenario we broke into groups to plan for at the retreat in Cuchara? Check this out!

Have a Holiday FEAST!

I met with my prayer partners this morning and we all acknowledged that holidays are stressful. In fact, in different ways, we were all dreading parts of our holidays for different reasons. How about you? Any stress going on in your heart or mind?
Chow down on this verse:
Proverbs 15:15 (Amp)
"All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]."
WOW, you say. And you are exactly right! What are you thinking on? What evil forebodings are you entertaining? What is making you anxious? Examine what you're thinking on. Another verse that comes to mind is this:
Proverbs 23:7
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." If you're dreading the days ahead, what do you become? Because whatever you're thinking on is what you become or how you act out. But you don't have to have evil forebodings. You don't have to be anxious. Is it something you can change or control? Should you? The only person we can (or should!) control is ourselves--and that's only a fruit of the Spirit. God reminded us this morning that He wanted us to be the Proverbs 31 Women who laugh over our future! (vs. 25) He's told us not to worry about tomorrow, but each day is sufficient for its own worries. (Matt. 6:34)
So this morning, we three women (get it?) laid our worries down at Jesus' feet. We exchanged our heavy burdens for His light burdens. We reminded ourselves that we are not responsible for other people, other relationships--especially in these holiday seasons and situations. I even had visual aids for the girls this morning. And I just wish I could get one to each of you! A Dove candy bar. Chocolate for your comfort food, should you need it...and the Dove to remind you to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.
And remember the end of that first verse? "... but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]."
I don't know about you, but I want more than one kind of feast this week!! I bless you with a glad heart!!