Family Life // Give Thanks ~ Day 18-20

As of today, we are only 4 days behind in the Give Thanks challenge and we should be caught up before Thanksgiving actually arrives =)

Today was a productive day, albeit filled with constant comings and goings of our household. Dad, Mom, and I took two of our cars and RV for some maintenance and repairs. Molly volunteered for an emergency drill at a local senior-living center and Melissa headed over to our community college for a nursing lunch and study session.

As I type this, Mom and Dad are just pulling in the driveway from a date night while Melissa and Molly compete for the title of 'writing-the-most-words-in-an-allotted-period-of-time'...aka. a word war for NaNoWriMo. Before sitting down at our computers (me to blog and the girls to work on their novels), we once again dived into the buckeye process and this was the result...

round chocolate + peanut butter + powdered sugar goodness =)

{I'm posting this^^ just for my CollegePlus, Ohio friends to be jealous of}

Mom
::having all my girls home
::10+ sweet years with our dog, Emily
::encouragement from my family
::God's mercies in our suffering
::our veterinarian
::sleep
::coffee
::comfort in loss
::pots and pans
::bluetooth
::easy dinners
::afternoon walks with girls
::RV
::friends
::National History Day
::Molly's Greek teacher, Mr. Spotts
::haircuts
::kombucha
::kleenex
::water
::happy family

Megan
::the cars that God has blessed our family with
::8 consecutive hours of sleep
::texting with friends to share memories and get through the missing part of coming home
::the grace my family gives me as I re-acclimate into the family culture
::hugs and smiles from Molly as she shared the family news
::walking with Melissa (even if it was a little cold!)
::compassion
::Emily, our dog
::Melissa's strength and matter-of-factness in difficult situations
::sharing tears and hugs with Mom
::a nap to help with the sleep-deprivation
::girls' only calls to share life and pray for each other
::our family's thanksgiving tree
::laughing and dreaming with Mom and Dad (so grateful for the way you both invest and disciple the girls and I!)
::a home-day to catch-up on projects
::Mom's pumpkin muffins
::Scriptural reminder to "rejoice in all things"
::the four years we've had to live in Maryland and explore the East coast
::the two-hour drive to & from church with Melissa -- lots of girl time
::our pastors and church
::fellowship with believers committed to following Christ

Molly
::songs
::sisters
::parents
::eyes
::solemn faces that make me laugh
::Emily
::computers
::timers
::rope
::buckeyes
::masterminds
::November
::colors
::volunteers
::smiles
::poems
::precious moments
::spreadsheets
::teamwork
::recklessness
::private jokes

Sunday Stories // Give Thanks ~ Days 15-17

Happy Sunday =)

After our typically busy day, the three trays of buckeyes were remembered after prayer time this evening. We had planned to dip them tonight, but their storage location hadn't stayed as cool as needed. Due to our freezer layout, we have traditionally chilled the buckeyes in the backseat of our cars as this time of year usually has the garage at or below freezing. However we've had an unusually warm couple of days and the buckeyes were softer than needed :(

We pulled them out and decided to wait till tomorrow morning to complete the chocolate dipping stage. However that didn't stop all of us from consuming a few of the powdered sugar + peanut butter balls. From my typing vantage point of the kitchen table, I think I've counted at least a dozen balls disappear...

The tray that with a few new "holes"

Perhaps we'll make a second batch tomorrow to make up the lost-in-production difference ;)

Mom
::snow
::warm coats
::hot tea
::rolling backpacks
::sister talks
::clean desk
::salad
::Sunday mornings
::Sunday school
::Colossians
::drive to church
::last day of membership class
::warm clothes
::worship with my family
::productive Mondays
::wise spiritual counsel
::my daughters' voices
::walks in the rain
::tea
::vacuum cleaner
::washer and dryer (thanks, Kipp!)

Megan
::hot water
::Christmas music singing sessions
::ice skating trains
::friends who point me to Christ and whisper "I'm praying"
::doing a mall scavenger hunt (and winning!)
::Skype messages, texts, and emails from Mom encouraging me when I missed my family
::honesty
::new mornings each day
::radio dramas
::Mrs. Subra's awesome cooking :)
::going to church with the CP gang
::singing praise God in unconventional ways
::snow fights
::re-enacting memories from previous gatherings
::having friends who pull all-nighters with you
::getting a few extra minutes with Emily & Charity before they had to board their flight
::reviewing the whole gathering with Andrew
::talking and texting with Mom and girlfriends the whole way home
::Mom and Dad picking me up from the airport
::a safe arrival home
::selfie wars

Molly
::rain
::heaters
::cousins
::autumn evening chats with said cousins
::greek making sense
::elves (Tolkien ones that is ;))
::chocolate graham crackers
::mugs
::black and white
::restoration
::ribbon
::poems
::pain
::bookmarks
::snowmen
::whiteboards
::teapots
::pens
::Heaven
::coats
::pumpkins

Lunch Guests // Give Thanks ~ Day 10

As I worked on some trip prep projects in my room and Molly was doing school, I heard a bit of a ruckus downstairs. Further investigation revealed that Dad had come home to eat with us --a rather unusual and pleasant surprise! We enjoyed discussing the morning's work and read a portion of an evangelism devotion that applied to some situations we've been dealing with lately =) All too soon, it was over and he had to go back to work. But I think we all went through the rest of the day a bit more invigorated by our special lunch!

Mom
::home tech department...thanks Meg =)
::Kipp coming home for lunch
::chocolate chip cookies
::pillows
::Ibuprofen
::eye glasses
::God's faithful servants

Megan
::conversations with Mom

::God's leading through opened and closed doors
::sleep
::my electric blanket
::a clean room
::sister time with Melissa
::that Dad came home for lunch

Molly
::Word docs
::word wars
::promise of future
::prayers of friends
::paper
::Bible time
::my family

Sunday Prayers // Give Thanks ~ Day 9

I had all the best intentions of getting a really good picture of our family prayer time...

...aaaaand. It didn't happen.

But picture, or no picture, this tradition (going on two years now!) is one of my favorites =)

Pastor Scott, who teaches our community (a portion of our church that meets for small group teaching prior to our main church service), continually mentions that praying together as couples or families is a unique opportunity to grow our earthly relationships by speaking to our heavenly Father. We have the chance, through prayer, to let those around us listen and hear the burdens and praises that are on our hearts -- things that we might never voice in other circumstances, can be said through prayer...

It's a really cool concept and one I've seen played out in our own weekly times praying together as a family. One of the neatest changes that I've seen in our family prayer time recently is a move towards more specific requests and an inclusion of praise and confession. I am grateful to my dad for starting this time and leading it by example!

Mom
::late-night talks
::hugs
::family prayer
::warm blankets
::gloves
::our pastors that teach the word of God
::weekend family dinners

Megan
::Biblical teaching on the workplace
::honesty in relationships
::Spiritual growth in my family
::God's grace
::singing with my sisters
::memories of my years as a homeschooler
::God's provision to heal hurting situations

Molly
::water
::heaven
::lightbulb moments
::sticky notes
::the moon
::dry erase boards
::HSLDA

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Jane Austen // Give Thanks ~ Day 8

So today was a study/packing/relaxing/errand running day. No, none of us did all of things. It's a collective list =)

Molly was invited to a costume birthday party for one of her friends. So around 4pm, our house began to show its all-girls nature as the hair brushes, make-up, curling irons, and needles were produced. Mom had developed a plan to make a few alterations to Melissa's 19th century dress so that Molly could wear it for the evening.

The final product was beautiful -- all the credit to Mom and Molly for pulling off the alterations.

Miss Jane Austen

Molly & Co. (Emily and Abby)

Mom
::good conversations
::walks with Kipp
::daughter dates
::movie nights
::ice cream
::sleep
::carpools

Megan
::catching up with Miss Jenn
:: girl time as we dressed Molly up for her party
::Melissa who is willing to tackle another adventure -- and trip with me in December
::Dad's heart to continue family activities despite the challenges of planning around busy schedules
::God's forgiveness of me
::my "lessons of the quarter" -- Joy & Setting my heart on things above
::new babies on the way

Molly
::clocks
::time
::sleep
::clothes
::hospitality
::imagination
::purple

Give Thanks ~ Day 5

I honestly cannot speak for Mom, Melissa, and Molly's day -- as I was hardly home. I spent much of my day at work. Once home, we ate a lovely spaghetti dinner, while discussing our daily Bible study passage, Mark 13:1-13. After dinner, we watched Jill Duggar's wedding -- more accurately, we talked through the wedding, discussing various traditions and things we hope to emulate... or avoid ;) I finished out the evening by talking to my dear girlfriends, Catherine and Bridget =)

Mom
::access to medical care
::hot chocolate
::homeschooling
::girl time
::Megan,  who inspired me to make this list
::Molly, who inspires me with her creativity
::Melissa, who inspires me with her passion and drive

Megan
::a job with so much flexibility and variety
::the gospel message, full of hope and grace
::time with my mom and Melissa
::a family that lets me travel, but also misses me dearly
::heat and warmth
::special calls with my girlfriends
::prayer

Molly
::God's creation
::God's sovereignty
::numbers
::worship
::opposites
::love
::hope

Park Days // Give Thanks ~ Day 4

Today, Mom, Molly and I headed over to a nearby park to spend time with the littles (our affectionate term for our younger, but still very sweet friends) and their dear mommas...

L-R: Molly S., Benjamin S., Micah M.

 Between the three families we spent time with, there were 10 kiddos there. Molly and I stayed quite busy, chasing them, keeping them safe, settling the (rare) dispute, and just plain loving on them. In the quiet moments when I could grab my camera and coerce a smile (or simply get them to stop their play long enough for me to capture the moment), I noticed these boys hanging out together...

L-R: Micah and James

These boys comes from two different families. One is the oldest of two boys and the other is the third out of four kids with two sisters. One started life on the west coast while the other has lived here his whole life. One is eight years old and the other is two.

I could go on and on about their differences. But today, I saw them play together. Not just for a few minutes, but on and off for nearly two hours. I saw James come around again and again and invest in this little guy. I saw Micah chase after James and seek to follow in whatever the "big" boys were doing. As I hung with Micah and made sure he didn't go plunging off any 10' drop offs or eat an enormous amount of dirt, I had James around several times and ask, "Can I play with Micah?" or say "I like pushing him on the swing... Can I do it?".

I am blessed to spend hours at the park because these little ones are being trained to invest in each other. They're oblivious to the age and background differences. Their moms have taught them from such young ages to "build each other up to love and good deeds". These kiddos and moms bless me by their sweet words and examples. They're the ones I want to be like...

...when i grow up =)

Mom
::Bible study partners
::park day
::music
::priviledge to vote
::the green machine (aka. her awesome Prius V)
::a family that works together
::long walks

Megan
::our sweet friends in the littles
::their mommas who have invested in me over the years by sharing their lives -- and their kids
::my own mom, also know as best friend, confidante, fellow adventurer and so much more
::a camera to capture the sweet moments of life
::mild weather to accommodate our park adventure
::the freedom to vote and have a hand in the running of our country
::an impromptu sunset photoshoot with Mom

Molly
::thoughts
::calculators
::swings
::curiosity
::sharpies
::hiding places
::Littles

Productive Days // Give Thanks ~ Day 3

Meet some of my CP friends =)
Photo credit: Stephen P.

I spent much of my day working on a variety of computer projects -- applying to a few interesting positions, answering emails, and talking to some of my dearest friends (see the crazy picture above taken of my "black gob" of a friend during our afternoon hangout party). Melissa spent her day at clinicals and then preparing for yet another nursing exam. Molly stayed busy studying and I believe that Mom has to study twice as hard to stay on top of her study. Homeschooling is certainly a journey where the teacher learns just as much, if not more than, the student herself!

Work was accomplished today so that classes and a potential outing to the park to see our "little" friends can happen tomorrow.

Mom
::Kipp
::warm, comfortable home
::new seasons
::family traditions
::the end of laundry days :)
::leftovers
::God's patience with me

Megan

::new music releases

::parents who counsel and support me as I attempt to figure this "life" thing out

::hot chocolate

::Swagbucks

::daily Bible study with Mom, Melissa, and Molly

::friendships focused on sharpening each other with Scripture (Proverbs 27:17)

::that I am daily a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Molly

::pencils

::inspiration

::music

::good conversations

::chocolate

::Converse

::Amos

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever."

~Psalm 107:1

Sunday Sermons // Give Thanks ~ Day 2

I toted my camera along to church this morning fully intending to take a picture of something. anything. But the cloudy morning did not avail itself to photography. So I settled to wait for the drive home. And then slept the whole way. So it's a random picture. again. And the promise of something more exciting tomorrow =)

Our regular pastor was out of town, so one of the assistant pastors spoke on Hebrews 10:19-25. It was an encouraging sermon as Pastor Rod shared on the topic on holding to our confession of Christ (verses 23-24) by drawing near to God (verse 22) and assembling together as believers (verse 25).

The world will always run contrary to Christianity as our fleshly nature is to live life on our own terms. But it is out of love for Christ, that we strive to submit ourselves to God, rather than live as we would please. Pastor Rod pointed out that men will always be in servanthood to someone. We can simply chose to be servants of righteousness through Jesus Christ, or servants to sin.

The sermon challenged me to evaluate who I am confessing on a daily basis. Is it myself? Or am I confessing my God? I am also encouraged to daily spend time in Scripture to grow my affection and heart towards the things that God values -- as it is only through time spent with Him that I will seek after the things of God, and not those of the world.

Mom
::our church
::forgiveness
::supportive family
::sisters in Christ
::Mom and Dad (my parents)
::family prayer
::colors of the season

Megan
::laughter
::inside family jokes
::my dad
::sunny days
::the privilege of resting in my confession of Christ as Lord
::new church friends
::the extra hour to spend with my friends and not loose sleep

Molly
::NaNoWrimo
::Bible
::best savior anyone could wish for -- Jesus!
::that God created the world
::notebooks
::awesome pens
::paper

Little Lessons // Perfection

My sisters asked me the other day if I would participate in a novel writing contest with them. My first reaction was to laugh.

Me? A writer?

Sure, I halfheartedly try to blog a few times a year... But writing for school was torture. It used to take me days to motivate myself to sit down and actually get out a draft that was worth even considering to submit. I faced down some of my worst days of procrastination in classes that required regular essays.

As Melissa and Molly pressed for a reason as to why I wouldn't consider participating, I brushed it off with perfectionism...

"Guys, honestly, I'm too perfectionist to write 50,000 words on one storyline in 30 days. There's just no way."

And then I was talking to my mom this morning...relating stories of family and friends.

As I blurted out random happenings here and there, musing on the awesomeness of God using trials to bring us together. And really understanding that it's as if somehow making us vulnerable little creatures actually allows us to feel for one another and experience true Christian fellowship.

The irony of the situations came to light.

That perfectionist spirit that makes me over-the-top OCD and a crazy organized nut (but a terrible fiction writer) is also something that I need to leave in open hands. Because God takes this and molds it into those trials-turned-blessings.

Honestly, God's taken precious things in my life. Things that weren't perfect, but in my eyes, came about as close to that golden state as we'll get this side of heaven...he took those things, pulled back the curtain, and showed me the work that needed to happen, showed me that the "golden state" was merely an illusion.

Work isn't pretty. And this kind of work makes me think of a muddy field, a shovel, and some brown-splotched overalls. That kind of work and that kind of dirt.

(and this OCD personality isn't very keen on that kind of work...just for the record)

So when the cringing starts and I honestly have no clue how we're gonna turn the muddy field into something worth smiling at, much less just worry about salvaging my muddy overalls, well maybe I'll rethink things. Because I'm missing the point.

God's less worried about my dirty self being preserved and more concerned with dumping the muddy clothes altogether and just starting fresh. God's more concerned about turning the perfectionist-focused me into a Christ-focused me. God's more concerned about using this muddy field to help other farmers feel like they're not alone, than he is about pulling a magic act out of his hat and giving me a garden overnight.

It's less about making everything so perfect for me to be happy in. And all about sanctifying us, allowing us to minister to other believers as we all strive to glorify our Father in Heaven.

"...I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." ~Galations 2:20

A Glimpse of Life

These are always kinda fun to do =) And since I am between semesters right now and have a bit of time, why not?

Right now I am....

Seeing... emily's awesome post about a CollegePlus student gathering last fall
Hearing... miss catherine's grooveshark broadcast.
Smelling... cherry blossom hand lotion to help with the cracking hands.
Tasting... my favorite throat coat tea.
Needing... to send a dozen emails. clean my desk.
Wanting... to sew a new jean skirt.
Regretting... how late I stayed up last night.
Feeling... my desk chair which just isn't as comfortable after living in it for the last 12 weeks.
Wishing... I could get my CollegePlus friends together and pause time.
Thinking... about God's blessings in my life.
Laughing... at Molly's unique facial expressions.
Recovering... from finals' week.
Believing... that God is sovereign.
Anticipating... a trip to Texas next month.
Dreaming... about another CollegePlus student gathering.
Praying... for my friends.
Reading... Building a Godly Home by William Gouge.
Singing... 'On My Way' by Phil Collins.
Wearing... a comfy jersey skirt and layered turtleneck/t-shirt.
Preparing... for my next set of classes.
Remembering... an icy weekend in Texas with 80 CollegePlus students.
Trying... to be patient with my overwhelmed computer.
Questioning... the future.
Loving... my awesome family.
Googling... tax return forms.
Choosing... joy.
Working... on typing this post.
Emailing... some new CollegePlus students.
Texting... my dad with a Swagbucks code.
Considering... taking a walk in 21* weather.
Reducing... the time I waste checking social media.
Longing... to feel heat from the sun.
Recognizing... that God is the King of Kings.
Checking... my class grades.
Organizing... my school notebooks.
Reckoning... that I should start on my sewing project before dinner time.
and
Smiling... because I have Christ as my Savior and I'm blessed by an amazing family and close friends =)

Thanks to Olivia for the idea behind this post!

Goals

"Welcome to Life

I hope you enjoy it

In between yesterday and tomorrow

Welcome to Life

I hope that you get it right"

~Welcome to Life

This song was introduced to me by a dear friend and over the past several months it's become one of my favorites as it reminds me that life won't suddenly start one day -- I'm living it right now! In a time of year when life is evaluated and resolutions are made, I've been thinking about goals for my life...

Credit: Google

I've always been a girl who set New Year's resolutions, but, like many, I've generally ended up falling off the wagon when things got difficult. After all, lofty goals that require extreme and immediate change are usually a bit difficult to keep :P But over the past few years, I've discovered two things that are absolutely essential to accomplishable goals...

First is the acknowledgement that life change is possible only through the power of Jesus Christ. Recently I read Isaiah 64:8,
     
    "We are the clay, and You our potter;
     And all we are the work of Your hand."

God is the molder and changer of lives. He is the only one who can bring about change in my life. When I find myself seeking to improve little aspects of my character in my own strength, I realized that I have failed to remember that I am not capable of working any lasting change. What I do without dependence and trust in God, I am doing in vain.

The second item is that of accountability. While I set a goal, I communicate with the people in my life -- my parents, siblings, CollegePlus coach, and friends. Goals not communicated usually end up forgotten about and pushed aside in the busyness of life. However when I communicate my goals, I make a commitment, not just to myself, but to others and this accountability helps me stick to my goals in the difficult times.

I will never get life perfectly "right" as the song puts it. However, I do seek to honor Christ through my life. This involves challenging myself to deeper levels both in my spiritual walk and in the more practical areas of life and setting "goals". I hope that through this blog, you too are encouraged to,

"...walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." ~ Colossians 1:10-12

Happy New Year!

Give Thanks ~ Day 29

2nd to last day...

... of the 'Give Thanks' Challenge :)

We enjoyed hosting the B. family for an afternoon of fellowship! Mr. B. and Dad work together at LifeTech. While the parents talked up in the kitchen, Melissa, Molly, and I played with their 5 year old girl and 8 year old boy. We did everything from play Monopoly (I won!) to pet Emily (our dog) and take her for "walks" around the living room. It was a fun time and definitely a family highlight was getting to hear their Scottish accents and the many non-American phrases =)

Megan:
~showing hospitality with my family
~Scottish accents
~kid smiles with their excitement clearly shown :)
~finding a perfect pair of boots at Sears
~my dad's understanding and encouragement
~dinner conversations of "possibilities"
~the flexibility and learning experiences at my job

Molly:
~Accents (as in like Scottish accents, as in that I got to hear them all afternoon :D :D :D)
~That I spent the afternoon with two adorable kids
~Games
~When the Newsies' soundtrack is blasting, and Megan, Melissa, and I are singing as loud as we can to it. :D
~Christmas! (BEST. HOLIDAY. EVER. EVER.)  And now we get to decorate and shop for it and get all excited and sing carols and bake cookies and....yeah.....
~Running water (Have you ever thought of how much your life would be impacted if you didn't have it?)
~Whiteboards.  (If you've ever questioned their purpose, just spend a day with my family and count how many times you hear the phrase "Write it on the whiteboard." ;))

Give Thanks ~ Day 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Chefs

Today was a nice family day. Dad went out this morning to help a family from church move their newly acquired piano. When he got home, we all enjoyed watching the Macy's Day Parade -- seeing the scene from the Sound of Music play was definitely my favorite of the portions I saw =) In the afternoon, we played two sessions of the Risk (the game is now down to Dad vs. Molly) and ate a great dinner prepared by Mom, Molly, and Melissa.

I finished out the evening by studying for a few hours while everyone else hung out watching the Waltons and looking over the Black Friday ads. I'm so grateful for this day with my family to celebrate Thanksgiving and the rich history of our country =)

Megan:
~getting to play Risk with Dad, Melissa, and Molly
~our delicious Thanksgiving dinner
~talking computers and phones with my dad
~late night/early morning chat "parties"
~Christmas gift schemes
~the pilgrims
~God's provision for the founding of America

Molly:
~Scarves
~Abraham Lincoln
~That we have a day set aside to give thanks (it's a good refocuser, you know?)
~Unexpected friends
~When you're not disappointed about something that you feel like you normally would be
~That I'm Homeschooled :)
~That I survived our annual Risk game for another day

Give Thanks ~ Day 26

We went on a family outing to the ice rink today...

Melissa, Molly, and I
Photo Credit: Dad

Melissa and I spent quite a bit of the time working on our backwards skating skills. After mastering it, I decided to try and smooth out my transition of forwards to backwards skating. It was while trying this that I took the biggest fall of the day... Yeah, let's just say, I'll have some bruises tomorrow :/

But, fall or not, it was a great afternoon activity! I love the feeling of 'flying' around the ice -- forgetting all the school and work at home and just enjoying some free time =)

Our 'Give Thanks' lists...

Megan:
~a family ice skating outing
~the opportunity to have braces
~our clean house
~changing seasons
~the rain
~new songs (and quotable lines!)
~Christ's example of taking his message of repentance to the least of society

Molly:
~Maturity
~Ice
~Mom's chili after being out in the rain
~that flying feeling when you feel the wind blow in your wings
~Ruffled feathers (it's symbolism ;))
~Comfy jeans/clothes
~Private jokes that make you giggle awkwardly every other sentence (or in moi's case, every sentence)

Give Thanks ~ Day 24

As you'll see on our lists down below, the day's sights have signaled that winter is once again upon us...

Dad posing with his warm fire

On our way to church this morning, we oohed and aahed at the snow flurries that were blowing around. The "high" around here was 34* and the low was/is somewhere in the teens. Thus it was determined that an afternoon fire would be a great way to keep the main level a bit more comfortable =)

With seeing the snow flurries this morning, I thought back to my first sighting of snow flurries... When we first moved to Maryland three years ago, Melissa, Molly, and I were eagerly awaiting the first snow. We'd never lived in a city where it would snow, so this was going to be a whole new experience. Well, one day in mid-November on our way home from the library, we noticed some ice-like things landing on the windshield --and it looked like these things were melting! We all started eagerly proclaiming that "It was finally snowing!!!!"

We all decided it was a good thing that we were close to home because we'd hate to get caught on a blizzard! Confident that we would soon have a stack of snow (we were expecting feet upon feet of snow :P), we raced inside to inform Mom of the weather conditions outside. She took one look out the window and promptly informed us that there is a difference between snow flurries and snow showers.

Sure enough when we got up the next morning, instead of a winter wonderland, I saw a wet driveway and lawn full of green... Just one of the many things I'd learn and adjust to in that first year on the east coast :P

Our 'Give Thanks' Challenge lists...

Megan:
~Google Drive
~Swagbucks
~the first fire of the season
~seeing snow flurries
~Thanksgiving cards
~a beautiful bedroom
~my parents pushing me outside of my comfort zone

Molly:
~My iPod ;)
~Mysteries
~Faith
~Encouragement
~Warm fires when it is (literally!) FREEZING outside *chattering teeth*
~Green lights from God
~the Amy Grant Christmas cd (if you haven't heard it, then look it up RIGHT NOW ;))

Give Thanks ~ Day 20

Today is day 20 of the 'Give Thanks' Challenge. We have officially passed the 2/3rds mark =)

Today was another fun day that we got to spend with lots of our "little" friends from church! Mom organized a playtime at the park for some of the young moms and their kids. Call me weird, but I'm the high school graduate/college senior that can't imagine many things that are more fun than hanging out on a playground with kids piled around you because "they all want to go down the slide with you at one time" =)

Megan:
~clean water
~sunny days (but make no mistake, it was deceitfully sunny because once you stepped outside, it was frigid!)
~sweet "kisses" and adoring looks from Emily (our dog)
~good grades
~park day with my "little" friends
~time to sing Broadway songs with my sisters
~studying the end of Matthew 7:15-29 this morning in our family devotions and realizing how blessed we are to live in a time where we have easy access to the Bible and many Bible teachers. We -more than others in different times/places- have no excuse for getting led astray by false teachers

Molly:
~The seven adorable faces that were running (or in baby Micah's case toddling) around at the park today.  It doesn't get any cuter.
~Hash browns and eggs after a long (and chilly!) afternoon outside. :D
~That I actually got a good amount of words in on my novel today :)
~Notebooks (every story started with a blank page, right?)
~Hand lotion that moisturizes.
~My sparkly hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works. ;D
~The Apostles of the early church (my favorites are Paul and Peter.  If I ever have twin boy, they may or may not be named after those two :))

Give Thanks ~ Day 15

We've officially reached the halfway point! It's day 15 for the KBR 'Give Thanks' Challenge.

Mom, Melissa, Molly and I were chatting in the family room mid-afternoon and suddenly we saw a blur running across the backyard. After taking a better look, we saw not one, but three deer dashing across the yard and jumping our neighbor's fence.

I wish I had been able to get some pictures, but it all happened too fast and then were gone just as quickly as they had come. But it was quite a sight, especially considering that we live in a rather populated area. One might expect to see deer in the woods, but we live in the middle of a typical city neighborhood! Needless to say, it was the definite excitement of the day =)

Megan:
~the opportunity to go to Christ daily for repentance
~a girls' night (complete with Mac 'n Cheese dinner and old TV show reruns)
~family time watching the Waltons
~Home School Legal Defense Association
~virtual "races" to finish to-do lists
~the surprise of seeing deer dashing through the yard
~my family's flexibility and encouragement as I work on school assignments

Molly:
~That I can see

~Okay...so I kinda forgot about this on Monday (cough,cough) but I'm thankful for those who have worked to defend our country in the armed forces.

~(This is for my friend on her birthday ;)) Alayna, for just being you and always having your beautiful smile.  You are an amazing young lady.  Happy 16th Birthday!

~The nice chat I had with my grandparents today.

~The sister time with my sisters tonight. :) <3

~All the nice clothes I have

~That I have healthy eyes and can see. 8)

Give Thanks ~ Day 12

So I'm feeling a complete lack of creativity when it comes to opening this with something catchy... Maybe it has something to do with my exhausted state of mind.

Today was full of fun as we host the month church women's fellowship. This month one of our dear family friends, Mrs. R gave her testimony to the group. Between her two boys and a handful of other kids (ages <1 to 7), Molly and I had a hands full of cute energy (in the shape of lots of little people). We played legos, pony castles, and camping during the fellowship. Afterwards, we emerged from the basement and enjoyed lunch and some more playtime together.

I'm so grateful for the time that I get to spend with these families. Being around them and getting to learn from the moms and practice my "mommy skills" on the little ones is such a joy! As a young teenager, I often asked the Lord to provide opportunities to play with younger kids. I felt inadequate and awkward when it came to be around these young ones since our family wasn't blessed with a wide age range of kids. Now, I am grateful to see how the Lord has placed young families around us and I praise the Lord for the opportunity to spend time with these kids and their parents =)

Here's our lists for Day 12 of the 'Give Thanks' Challenge...

Megan:
~Church ladies' fellowship
~sweet little ones to play with and encourage
~babies on the way {not our family, but a friend of ours}
~repeated requests for piggyback rides -- irresistible!
~goodnight hugs -- virtual and real life ones
~spontaneous "how would you handle this situation" conversations with my sisters
~my sisters who gently encourage me in my struggles

Molly:
~that I got to pass 4 tricks at jump rope squad today =)
~facepalm "I'm a homeschooler" moments
~that I spent half my day with six children under the age of eight
~fruit (especially watermelon :D)
~that I have a mom and a dad like the ones I have
~pens
~paper

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."
~Psalm 127:3-5

Give Thanks ~ Day 10

Day 10 of the 'Give Thanks' Challenge. Today also happens to mark the fact that we are 1/3 of the way through the month =)

But I'm sure y'all don't need to hear anymore analytical or mathematical comments from me...

To see other posts in this series check out this link.

Today was a quiet day -- very typical of our Sundays. The morning was spent at church where one of our members filled in for our pastor and spoke on Psalm 11. 

Snapshots of the afternoon would have looked like this (but since I didn't take my camera on a tour of the house, y'all will have to be a bit imaginative)... Dad officially closed the camping season for the year by winterizing the RV. Mom worked around the house -- cleaning and tidying for the week ahead. Melissa and Molly headed to church this afternoon for children's choir and youth group. And I worked on various correspondence and organizing.

Today we're thanking God for these items (and many more!)...

Megan:
~the fact that God is a perfectly fair judge
~men gifted with expounding on God's word
~Scripture to fill my mind
~a Sabbath rest day
~early morning Bible study with sun streaming in my window
~a closet full of beautiful clothes
~friends who remind me of the blessing in the frustration

Molly:
~Days/daylight when everything is brighter
~Friends from unexpected places
~The words of encouragement that come right when you need them
~My daddy's ideas :)
~People you can be crazy with (like fellow NaNoWriMoers ;))
~That I have a Bible
~That where I live it's safe to be a Christian homeschooler.  I know there are many, many people across the globe who can't say that.