Thanksgiving

We spend Thanksgiving with my husband's family.  This year my job was to bring dessert for all of us.  I baked my usual cookies but then decided to venture out a little bit and do something a little more festive.  Actually my sister-in-law gave me the idea.  I googled mini pies and came up with a crazy easy recipe for mini cherry and pumpkin pies.

The girls and I had fun making them.  And, if I do say so myself, they turned out pretty good! 

Thanksgiving was great!  All the cousins did their annual Thanksgiving day play with a little twist.  "Yo, let's eat."  Pretty sure the Pilgrims and Indians didn't phrase it quite like that.  During dinner my niece announced she was engaged.  We like the guy she is going to marry.  He likes our kids and loves to hang out with them.  As evidenced by the following pictures.  

Dinner prep.

Everyone gathered around the Thanksgiving table.

The kids, young and old acting silly with their place cards.

The oldest and youngest brother in the kitchen.

Like father, like son.

Girls and hair.

EG is in there.

Missing two of my husband's siblings and their families.  But, a good family picture none the less.

Always fun to get together . . . 

Silent Sunday

Christmas Connection

This year we wanted to do a little more serving around Christmas time.  There really are so many neat ways to serve those around us.  Because there are so many ways, it can be hard to figure out what do to.  A couple of different people had mentioned how they were serving at Christmas Connection.  One church LifeGroup adopted a family and another family was going to volunteer at the warehouse.

I decided to give them a call to see what we could do.  I explained there were 5 of us, four of which were kids from 5-12.  She was a little hesitant about EG, but I told the lady we go everywhere together and I felt she would stay by me and not get in the way.  I told her if it didn't work out, we would just leave and she seemed OK with that.

So, this past Monday, the kids and I went to serve at the Christmas Connection warehouse.  The organization provides food, clothing and gifts for over 500 families in our county and surrounding counties.  It is a BIG operation.  Anyway, we checked in and met with a volunteer who coordinated our jobs in the warehouse.

Our first job was to go through a couple of bags, boxes and grocery carts full food and separate it all out.  The kids did awesome and took it very seriously.  When we were done with that, we went over to the toy section and helped to find all the toys that needed batteries.  We then attached batteries to those toy boxes.  We also helped separate some containers and carts of toys.  Our last job was to sort and separate donated socks and underwear.

Before we did our last job, a lady who has been volunteering for over 10 years, took the time to show us around and explain just how everything works and what the needs are around the area and some of the other ways needs are met.  She enjoyed talking with the kids and was so thankful for our willingness to serve.

We really appreciated being able serve and knowing we were helping others.  I think we were all kind of surprised by the needs just in our local area.  The kids were disappointed we couldn't go back on another day (or two.)  They made me promise to put it on the calendar for next year, in plenty of time so we could help out more than once.

It just reminded me how truly blessed I am, we are, with a happy, healthy family that truly wants for nothing.  I believe it helped all of us put things in perspective in such away that maybe it brought just a little bit more meaning as to how and why we celebrate the Reason for the Season.  And that being here on Earth isn't about us but about loving God and loving and serving others . . .

Camping and a Birthday

In November, we went camping for the very first time in over a year.  Even as I type that, I find it hard to believe.  The year before we camped probably a half dozen times.  From the beach to the mountains.  We had not used the camper in over a year because when we had camped in October 2012, we had taken our tent.

I will admit, it was a little more difficult getting ready, but, when we got to the campground it felt so good to there!  We had missed it!  I made it a point to schedule a couple of trips when we got back just so we wouldn't go so long without camping again.

Anyway, when we went camping in November it was on EG's birthday.  So, we had her party at the campground with her very special friends.  I think she enjoyed it!  We camped at one of our favorite campgrounds which just happens to be at the beach.  Gotta love November in the south.  When we arrived it was crazy cold.  A day later the kids were playing in the water at the beach!

EG's birthday party.  And her present from Mommy and Daddy.  A brand new bike so she can keep up with the big kids.

As the boys get older, the dads teach them all kinds of outdoor skills and they have a blast learning things on their own.  When I see them with hatches etc my heart skips a beat, but they love it and they are learning important life skills.

The view from our camp site.  Beautiful!

The girls and boys spent some time fishing.  One of EG's friend's caught a fish and Boop caught an eel.  No one was real sure what to do with the eel.

The beach at our campground.  One of the most beautiful places on earth.  I had hoped to get our family picture here this year, but EG ended up being sick, so while all the kids were playing at the beach, she was in the camper sleeping.  Maybe next year.

The playground at the campsite.  If you look real close you can see the littles with their feet stuck through the holes of the tunnel.

Boop fishing.

We have been camping with all the kids for quite a few years.  Our families continue to grow.  One friend is pregnant with baby number four and another friend is getting ready to adopt.  We love these families!

The kids loved playing at the beach.  On the other side of the dunes it was calmer and many of them got in.

It was a great time had by all.  We just love to camp . . . .