Thanksgiving!

 Well…A, B, C, skip a lot, and Thanksgiving is here (and gone!) My dream and ambition of keeping up with the alphabet and naming things we are thankful for drifted off somewhere over the course of the last 16 days of just being busy with life. Just know…we are thankful!

Photo credit: freepik.com

We traveled to the western part of the state last Saturday to have Thanksgiving dinner with my aunt and family. The boys kept on driving towards Wisconsin for a week of deer hunting and to spend time with my parents. Jen, Emma and I put up a few Christmas decorations at my Aunts house, and then we went to the mountains for Saturday night/Sunday. We had a great time visiting with my aunt, her grandkids, and just relaxing in the mountains for a few hours. We did some walking, talking, and just sitting around enjoying the mountains. It was so good to get away for a just a bit before coming back for two crazy days of school.

It’s just been Emma and I this week at home, and Emma has loved every moment! We’ve cleaned house, taken several bags to thrift stores, put up Christmas decorations, and of course, we went to school on Monday and Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, Jen, Emma and I went to the beach as it was about 73 degrees here! It was a beautiful day at the beach, and we enjoyed a long walk on the beach, time at the park, and we visited several thrift stores. We intentionally went on Wednesday as the weather has turned significantly cooler the past several days! 

The boys enjoyed their week in Wisconsin, but I think they are all tired and ready to come home! Garett got three does for the freezer, and Wyatt got one. This was the first year that Chandler didn’t get any deer, but that’s the way that hunting goes sometimes. Travis would’ve liked to have shot a deer, but let’s be real, he went to Wisconsin so that he could get out of school! Roger said that the boys put wood in the basement for my dad, did several community service projects for some folks in the church, and they got up early every morning for hunting, so yes, they are tired! 

I have missed the boys and Roger a lot this week, but it has been so relaxing and refreshing to be at home and get things done at home. (I hope the boys don’t notice how many items have vanished to the thrift store! Just Kidding!) It’s been a good week, and I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for each and every day and not just at Thanksgiving. Jen, Emma and I grilled out hamburgers for Thanksgiving dinner. There was no way that we were going to make a turkey and all the fixins for the three of us, and since none of us are crazy about turkey anyways, that worked out just fine! I called our friends, the Mortvedt’s in Alaska on Thanksgiving day, and it was so good to just listen and visit with them. They’ve remained our friends for almost 13 years now, and I just really appreciate all their wisdom. I should really call them more often as it blessed my heart to speak to them. I was also reminded that we are all getting older, and it’s been almost thirteen years since we were in Alaska- time really does fly by! “Life is a vapor”, as the book of James tells us, and the older I get the more I realize that!

Roger and the boys left Wisconsin this morning to head back to North Carolina. They were planning on staying around to hunt one last time this morning, but since snow was in the forecast, Roger decided to get on the road. Garett is driving back a vehicle that my parents have given to the boys, and Roger is driving the mini van. Roger said that they probably didn’t get above 50 mph until they were somewhere in Indiana. Once the snow started coming down, the roads became snow covered very quickly. Roger told me that Garett did a great job driving the stick shift car on the roads, and that they passed about 19 cars in the ditch. I am thankful for the Lord’s protection, and the boys are somewhere in the state of Ohio for the night. They’ll have about seven hours to go tomorrow, but hopefully, without snow! 

Photo credit: Chance Howard 

We are certainly blessed to live in the United States of America. Almost every day there is something in the news that is heartbreaking, discouraging or just plain evil that is happening in our country. I am thankful that regardless of the craziness and chaos of this world, God has never relinquished His control. That doesn’t mean that I am going to just sit back and let “everything be what it will be”, but I can rest in the fact that God is in control. However, as long as I have breath, I plan to praise God and be a thankful American. (I will also vote, exercise my right to amendments, and raise our children to be involved and thankful Americans, Lord willing). 

The next few weeks til Christmas break are going to be crazy in so many ways. We have been busy with what feels like 1000 ornaments in our art room, but it’s probably closer to just about 500-700. Let’s just say that there are ornaments everywhere, and I have to constantly remind my students to watch where they are stepping or putting something to dry. Someday, I’d love to have more shelves for drying ornaments and projects, but for now we just shuffle, slide, and shift everything from each class. My goal is always for each student to make two ornaments as many children come from split homes. I don’t want them to have to choose which parent they are going to give an ornament to, so we make two. It makes for a bit of craziness, but thankfully, I have an amazing art assistant, who just rolls her eyes and keeps on hot glueing or making piles for the next class. I am so blessed to have Kaycee in my art room. God knew that I would need her organizational skills! 

Emma is going to be in the elementary Christmas program which is going to be in just a few short days! She’s in the choir, as she didn’t want to try out for a speaking part. I am sure that all the teachers and the music directors will be happy to have that performance behind them. 

We will be having an art exhibit for the Middle School and High School students on the last day of school, so my mind has been busy with what that will look like for my students. It can keep me awake at night (so can a lot of other things) but I know I will be excited when it all comes together and is behind us. There’s always something! 

As we wrap up November, and we head into the busyness of December, I want to make sure that I am intentional this month. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “doing” of this month, that it can be easy for the “reason” to take a back seat in my life. My sister, Jen, bought me a devotional book on Advent for this month, and I am going to work at being intentional in my time to really study out Advent. Don’t let this Christmas season just become one of busyness and activities, but let’s be intentional with our days! 

Photo credit: istockphotos.com

Day(s) # 7, 8 (Oops!)

 I do not love combining three days into one post, but at this point I also realize that if I don’t do some combining, I may not make a comeback! :) 

The past few days were busy (obviously) because I didn’t get on here and give a daily thanks update. On Friday, the boys had their first basketball game. Chandler was gone to Liberty University for the College for a Weekend, but Wyatt played in the game. It was actually a bit of a boring game as the score was 76-9. (We won.) It’s exciting to win, but those games are definitely not very fun for watching! 

On Saturday, the boys all played in a golf tournament for church (except Chandler). The golf tournament was originally scheduled for back in October, but it was canceled due to rain. It was moved to Saturday, which didn’t work for Chandler due to the Liberty weekend. Travis and Roger ended up being on the same team with two other guys. Travis was happy to be on a team with Roger, and Travis is not flashy or showy, but he is very, very steady! Their team ended up winning the tournament, so that was very fun for them! 

Emma and I went to Fayetteville to work in a Holiday Fling Festival with some friends that we work for in the summer and other events. I wasn’t sure about taking Emma as it was going to be a long day, but since Roger and the boys were gone and Jen and Chandler, she came with me. She was a pretty good worker, and she stuck with the tasks on hand. She was happy to go home, and so was I! It was a 11.5 hour day of working at selling chocolates, caramel apples, and about everything that can be covered in chocolate! I think I can put on my resume that I now can dip caramels and chocolates, which I can, but I’m surely not amazing at it! 

Chandler enjoyed the weekend at Liberty, and I am thankful that he had the opportunity to attend. He was the one that set everything up as far as the meetings for financial aid, several other meetings, filling out the application, etc. He really did take the initiative on this, and we were thankful for that. He told me today that he was happy that Aunt Jen was able to go with him to the meetings because he didn’t know what questions to ask. I was very thankful that Jen was able and willing to go with him to the college, as that helps us get a better perspective. Oh, there is just so much to think and pray about here! We are asking God for great wisdom and direction. Jen said that she was very impressed at the parent meeting when the college made it very clear that their mission was to either help your child have a relationship with Jesus Christ, or help your child develop and mature in their relationship with Jesus. I’m not sure what God has for Chandler, but I do know that if this college is God’s will for Chan, God will make that clear. He will provide for all of Chandler’s needs just as He always has for ours. 

Ok, back on track for the last few days that I’ve missed. 

Day # 7 (The letter “G”)

Grandparents- this was Garett’s word for today. He said that he is very thankful for his grandparents on both sides. He also said that he is thankful for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms (so guns.) We are thankful for that as we need some deer meat in the freezer! 

God- this one goes without saying, but in case anyone was wondering, we are so thankful for the sovereign, Almighty God we serve! 

Google- Travis’s word for today. He said that he is thankful for the ability to search up and look for information quickly. I guess he is right! But I don’t allow the kids to use Google to search up their words each day. They have to do their own thinking! 

Grandparents- also Wyatt’s word for today. He doesn’t love hunting like the brothers do, but he is looking forward to going to Wisconsin to see Nana and Papa. We are thankful for grandparents. 

Grace- I am thankful for the abundant, never ending, grace of Jesus. We are studying the attribute of God “graciousness” in art class, and I am so thankful that God never runs out of Grace!

Gorgeous wife- Roger’s word. (Not sure I agree, but ya know!)

Generosity- I am thankful for the generosity of so many that have helped provide our children with their Christian education. I am thankful for those that give generously of their time, energy, and efforts to pour into our children and our lives.  

I am sure that we have many more “g” words to be thankful for, but my brain is kinda tired right now. And I want to catch up on the days that I am behind on!

Day #8 (the letter “H”) 

Home- Travis’s word for today. He said that he is always  thankful to come home. He is a little bit of an introvert, and often home is his favorite place to be. I am also thankful for our home. I’m not always as thankful as I should be like when I see a mouse in the house, shoes not picked up, laundry piled high, and everything else, but oh, how thankful I am for our home. 

History- Garett picked this word for today. We are thankful for our history, both as a nation and the history in God’s Word. History is so important to teach our young people, because those that “don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” I am thankful for my sister, Jen, who works hard to teach history in a way that is engaging and fun but also teaches the importance of the subject. 

Heritage- my word for today. I am thankful for a Godly heritage. I am thankful that my parents worked hard to instill in me a love for God and His Word. I am thankful that they taught me to work hard, manage a budget, be creative and innovative, and enjoy the moments and memories. 

Hope- Emma gave me this word for today. She said that she is thankful for hope in Jesus and knowing that He has a perfect plan for her. 

Hospitable wife- Roger again. Although, this is something I do enjoy. I usually enjoy having people over in our home for a meal, or making meal for someone that is going through a hard time, or inviting people to stay for a meal or an overnight stay. I appreciate the opportunity to show hospitality to others, and I do think that hospitality is a bit of a “lost art” in our American culture. So many Americans (and Christians) are busy with working, making house payments, or lot of other activities, that we just aren’t as hospitable as I think we could and should be. We’ve been on several missions trips, and often people with a LOT less than we have are far more hospitable than we would dream about. Being hospitable is definitely something that I want to teach our children, and I think it’s probably best taught by being “caught” (observing it in person). 

Hot water- life is so much more enjoyable with hot water! Hot water makes cleaning so much easier, showers a lot more enjoyable, and I am very thankful  for hot water! 

We are also thankful for hamburgers, health, and a whole host of other “h” words that I can’t think of at the moment! 

I said that I was going to catch up today, but I’m not going to today. I’m going to wrap this up and be thankful for beds and hot water! 

Day #6 Giving Thanks (The letter “f”)

 Today’s letter was “f”, and there are a lot of words that start with “F” that we are thankful for in our lives. Faith, family, and freedom are at the top of the list, but we are also thankful for food, Fridays, friendships, finances, flowers, fields, and so much more! 

“Food”- Emma said that this was on her list for today, but she is especially thankful that God created FRUIT! 

“Freedom and Firearms”- These were both Garett’s picks for today, but freedom was also on my list for today too. We are so thankful to live in the United States of America, even when it seems like common sense and thinking have completely vanished from our culture! I am thankful for “elections” (a word that I forgot to add yesterday, but I am thankful for the opportunity to vote.) Garett is also thankful for firearms, as that makes deer hunting a lot more fun!

“Faith” -Wyatt’s word for today. We are so very thankful that we can cling to the Rock in the midst of any storms of life. Faith allows us to rest in the fact that God is working even when we don’t feel or see it. Faith in Jesus is what secures my eternity in heaven, and I am thankful for the opportunity to live out my faith. 

“Faith” Travis also chose this word for today, but it was in regards to the school at which the boys and Emma currently attend. It’s not perfect, and there are some things I’d change, but since we aren’t perfect either…it works! We are thankful for the opportunity to have our children receive a Christian education, and I am thankful for the opportunity to teach in a Christian school. Travis said he’s not always thankful for school, but he knows that he should be anyways! Well, yes! 

“Future”- I am thankful that God knows the future. Because of my faith in Jesus, I can also trust that He holds the future confidently for us. “Friends” - I am also thankful for friendships. This one has been a little bit of a struggle for me since we’ve moved, but I’m reminded that deep, meaningful friendships take time, energy and effort. I often miss my friend, Allison, in Maine, as we did lots of church and school activities together and could read each other’s mind across the room. We have some fun memories of many “terrible, awesome ideas” that we did together. Terrible because they were a lot of work and energy, but awesome because the end result was usually pretty amazing! I am thankful for my friendship with Roger. It sounds kinda odd to even say, but sometimes I feel like a lot of married people aren’t really good friends with their spouse. It’s work, for sure, but I am thankful that Roger and I are friends…best friends. We have made many friendships over the years in Alaska, Arizona, Wisconsin, Maine and North Carolina, and each one is a special gift to us. We are thankful for friendships. 

“Fantastic wife”- Roger’s word.  

Chandler is missing a word for today because I forgot to ask him about it this morning. He is attending College for a Weekend at Liberty University. Chandler and Jenn left this afternoon to head to Liberty for the weekend. Chandler is looking forward to seeing more about what the college has to offer, and we are looking forward to hearing about scholarships and how will we possibly afford this?! I told Chandler for several years that I didn’t think that Liberty would be a good option for us due to the cost of the college education, but then I was really convicted about my lack of faith in the whole thing. Just because I don’t think that we could possibly afford it, doesn’t mean that God is without the ability to provide for Chandler in this. Chandler went to Liberty University two summers ago to attend a soccer ID camp, and we were all really impressed with the college. I’m definitely not saying that is where he will end up, but it’s an option that he is exploring. I am so thankful that Jen was able to go with him to the college weekend, as I don’t really have days I can miss at school, and Jen will be able to help him remember to ask questions about many, many things! We signed him up for a college tour, a meeting with financial aid, the admissions office and who knows what else?! Chandler is not 100% sure about what he wants to major in, and sometimes I think he gets overwhelmed and discouraged about not knowing what God wants him to do. But we just keep encouraging him to explore options, pray diligently and keep talking through his ideas. He did mention to us about while back that he thought he might want to go into dental work. Umm, absolutely not! As Chan’s family, we adamantly told him that we thought this was a bad idea for Chandler! He likes to move very quickly, sometimes too quickly, and the thought of him rushing around in someone’s mouth is probably a really, really bad idea! He is currently thinking about a business major, but he thinks he also might like to pursue a trade option. Like I said, we have no idea, and we are all busy praying about it for him! 

Friday- tomorrow is Friday, and I am very thankful for that! Hooray! 

             

                                                        Family trip on a missions trip to Haiti a few years ago 

Day #5 Giving Thanks (the Letter “E”)

 ”E”?! Our kids were a little stuck on this letter today, and there’s not a whole lot of words that start with the letter “e”, but they figured it out. 

“Energy”. Emma’s word choice for today. I asked her why she picked this word, and she said that she is thankful to have energy to run and play with her friends. That’s a good reason to be thankful!

“Effort” This was one of my words for today. Especially as I teach a lot of students in a week, I am very thankful for those who put forth effort into their projects rather than not seeming to care or rushing right through it! 

        * Tea Bag Art- these projects are done using the tea bag as the canvas. It’s a lesson in limits and creativity. I think a lot of them turned out really well! 

“Elena” and “Emma”. Travis told me that he was thankful for his little cousin Elena, and his cousin Emma, and he guess that he was kinda mostly thankful for his sister “Emma” too! Haha! Well, I am thankful for Emma! 

“Endearing Wife”- Roger..sigh. I do not think I was an endearing wife today when I called him to tell him that I had locked the keys in the van! I finished up art classes today, and my assistant and I ran over to the liquidator store as I like to look there for art supplies first. It’s just a short 1/3 mile over there, and I never lock the van…except for today. We only found some Christmas stencils today for art class, and when we walked back out to the van, uh oh! I called Roger to ask if he knew where the extra keys were to the van. Kaycee and I walked back to school to finish up the school day, and then I took Chandler’s car home to get the extra key to the van! Ugh- that was frustrating, but I just realized that I have another “e” word! I’m super thankful that we have an EXTRA key to the mini van! 

“Everyday” This is Garett’s word choice for today. He said that since every day is a “day that the Lord has made, we should be thankful for everyday too. That’s very true, and something that I need to remember. 

“Experiences” Wyatt chose this word for today, and he said that he is thankful for all the fun and interesting experiences God has given him in his life like Alaska, Arizona, Wisconsin, Maine, and all the adventures in between. We certainly have much to be thankful for as we look back on so many experiences with fond memories, smiles, and opportunities to be thankful. 

“Equations” You’ll never guess that the kid that doesn’t love math picked this word- Travis. He actually said that he’s not exactly sure that he is thankful for equations, but he is thankful that Mr. Kidd (his math teacher) knows how to help them do the math equations! Yes, we are thankful for equations and Mr. Kidd. Travis also picked “Easter” as his other word for today. The resurrection of Jesus is definitely highest on our list of things that we are thankful for every day! 

“Economics”- Chandler picked this word for today. He said that if more people sat in Aunt Jen’s class on Economics they would better understand that money doesn’t grow on trees! Hmm…I can think of a lot of people in our world/culture that also need to understand this concept!  

We are also thankful for eggs as we get those from Aunt Jen’s chickens. We are thankful that we have an everlasting Savior! 

I really enjoy this song! 

Day #4- Giving Thanks (Letter “D”)

 Today is day #4 in our “giving thanks” blog post series, and today I am thankful that we have next Tuesday off due to Veteran’s Day! Tuesday is my craaaazzzyyy busy day without time really to even think about anything other than what the next class is doing in art! My high schoolers are finishing up their “art on a tea bag”, and I’ll have to take some pictures of those as some of them turned out really well! They are going to begin constructing a series of three Christmas ornaments that will be of their choosing, and I’m excited to see what they turn out!

The letter “d”…Well, every kid immediately said “Dad”, and we are very thankful for Dad! Roger works hard to provide for our family. He faithfully serves us every day, and he works hard to spend time with our children. I am very thankful for all of Roger’s efforts in demonstrating to the boys character traits like patience, discernment, hard work, etc. 

“Doughnuts” and “Delicious food” - Emma’s word choices for today. She is a fan of doughnuts, and although we don’t have them often, she likes just about every doughnut! Emma told me that delicious food is definitely something she is thankful for in her life. Me too! 

“Deer hunting”- Garett’s word for today. He is especially looking forward to going to Wisconsin to deer hunt with Papa and his brothers and dad. We are praying for a successful hunt for the boys as the freezer needs some meat!

Not sure that this kid will be successful! :) But actually he did get two deer in one evening two year ago! :) 

“Dreams” Yup, this would be Travis’s word for today. I was like “Why?”, and Travis replied, “Well, mom, dreams make my sleeping more interesting. I like dreaming of food and sports as those are some of my favorite dreams.” Well, okay then. 

“Dunkin Donuts” Another word that Garett picked for today. He actually doesn’t stop for Dunkin much as he’s busy working, but I sure agree with this one. I like Dunkin coffee too! I am also thankful for Dunkin, especially after nights when I don’t sleep well! 

“Doctors”- This is my word for today. With Wyatt seeing the doctor this past month for a few concerns, it’s a blessing to have a doctor that was willing to take action to get Wyatt a referral for the lump on his head and our other concerns. I am thankful for doctors. 

“Delightful wife” sigh. This one is Roger’s word for today. I told him that he needed to be thankful for something else this month too, and he said he is thankful for other things, but he’s currently sticking with the theme. Well, okay then! 

Chandler and Wyatt missed adding their words to today’s list as they’re currently at basketball practice tonight. Maybe I’ll have a chance to add their thoughts later. 

                           Thankful  for dear friends and family- Photo taken last November 2024 

Day #3 of Giving Thanks = Children, Championships, Christmas, Christianity, Coffee, Cookies, Co-workers, Cash

 And it's Monday again! I don't know that I've ever heard anyone say that Monday is their favorite day of the week, but I am thankful it is another day "that the Lord has made." 

Today marks another day of giving thanks, and this time it is with the letter "c". This one was a pretty easy one- Christianity, Christmas, Christ, Church, etc. 

"Children"- This was my word for today. It would be weird to be teaching children and not to be thankful for them! And if ever I get to the place where I am not thankful to be teaching children, then it is time to be done. I am so thankful for the opportunity to pour into these children and to hopefully impact their lives in a positive way for Jesus Christ. 

“Championships”- Another thing we are all thankful for this year! It was fun to win the championship for soccer this year. 

2025 Championship 

"Christmas" Emma's word for today. She is very excited about Christmas, and everything that comes with it. It's a good reminder to be thankful for the real reason to celebrate the season and that is Jesus, of course! 

"Christianity" this was Chandler's word pick for today. He said that he was thankful for Christianity, and that it's not about a religion but a relationship with Jesus. Chandler has learned a lot about relationships this year, and I think that he is realizing that the most important relationship is with Jesus. 

"Coffee"...um...this was also my word! I am so thankful for coffee. I love the smell, the taste (but NOT black), and it marks the beginning of another day for me as I read my Bible and drink coffee. I am very thankful for coffee! 

"Chocolate Chip Cookies" - Guess who picked this one? Wyatt loves cookies, and almost every cookie he likes to eat.  Chocolate Chip Cookies and Oreos are his favorites. He told us when he was about five that he likes about every cookie, but not "church" cookies. I was like, "What are church cookies?" He said, "Church cookies are like the generic Oreos that don't taste the best and those wafer cookies that don't have any flavor." But other than that, he is thankful for cookies! 

“Co-Workers”- this was Garett’s word today. I think I am just as thankful as he is for his co-workers! Garett is blessed to work with two Christian men, and it has been such a blessing to him. I know that God provided these men and this job knowing that Garett would need the fellowship and mentorship especially since graduating from high school. 

“Cash”- Travis’s word for today. He told me “Yes, mom. The love of money is evil, but cash is helpful!” Well, I agree! We are thankful for cash and the work that provides the cash! 

“Cute wife”- Seriously…Roger’s word. I asked him if he was going with a theme throughout this Thanksgiving season, and he said that so far he’s come up with a word that matches the letters. I’m thankful for Roger. 

Day #2 of Giving Thanks

 Today’s was an interesting day as Roger, Garett and Travis went to Aiken to visit with Roger’s parents as it was “Grandparents Day” at their church. Emma sang in kids choir, Chandler went to church with a friend, so we were kinda spread out all over. My favorite part of today was during the last song when I put my arm around Wyatt, and he lifted his arm and put his arm around me. It reminds me that these days are fleeting so quickly, and I am so thankful for hugs from our kids. I updated our post from yesterday because I forgot about two very important things that I am thankful for! Read about it Here

Day #2 - Letter “B”

Bible- I asked Emma what was a word that started with “b” that she was thankful for and without even thinking, she replied, “Bible”. What a gift we have been given to have God’s Word in our own language and have access to read it every day! Also, I take this gift so much for granted! 

Basketball- Wyatt’s word for today was basketball. He probably enjoys this sport more than any of the other boys, and it shows. He will practice whenever he has an opportunity. This is not the word that I would’ve chosen! I don’t mind basketball, but the season is so long! However, I can be thankful for this opportunity for the three boys in school to play this sport. 

Brothers- Chandler’s word. I asked him which brothers he was thankful for and he replied, “It definitely depends on the day and the situations!” Haha! The good news about having a bunch of brothers is that if you’re mad at one there’s another one you can have a conversation with or do an activity with. (Not that I want them to be mad at each other, but let’s be real- it happens!)

Baptism- This was my word for today. Baptism does not get us to heaven, but it is an outward profession of our love for Jesus. Emma was baptized last Easter (2024), and it was such a special moment for her and us. 

Bathrooms- Guess who picked this word?! Travis! He said that he is thankful for bathrooms and especially ones that have toilet paper! Okay then! 

When we were in Arizona, we had to go to the laundromat to wash clothes. One day while we were there, I told Chandler to take Travis to the bathroom. They came back and Travis clearly still needed to go. I asked what was the problem and Chandler replied, “We can’t use the bathroom, we don’t have a costume!” I was like, “What in the world?!” But the sign does say for “Costumers” only! Haha! Spelling does matter! 

Beds- Garett’s word for today. He said that he can about sleep anywhere, but he is thankful for beds to sleep in. He is thankful that he does not have to sleep under a bridge tonight. 

Beautiful wife- totally Roger’s word! I certainly didn’t pick this one, but I am thankful that Roger finds me to be beautiful. 

So many things to be thankful for today!