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

Packing // Give Thanks ~ Day 11

It's 9:33pm. I have a final music playlist syncing to my phone. I'm wracking brain of any items I haven't packed yet. And my family tells me that this is impossible considering the size of my bags (wasntme)

Mom comes in to give me final words of wisdom (yes, I will wear my purse cross-body tomorrow. promise) and ask for as many pictures as possible.

Melissa reminds me that she wants to be woken up and given a proper hug in the morning. Molly sadly says goodbye and reminds me that I'm only on loan-out for a week. She wants me back after all.

My whiteboard reminds me that the day has come. And my google messages with Dad this morning show evidence that one can never be excited too much ;)

My whiteboard which was creatively decorated by sisters about 45 days ago

I have the typical goodies from Mom. Tomorrow I leave for Iowa (where the temperature is less than half of ours). I'm going to see 20 of my fellow CP students -- and among them, some of my dearest friends =)

Mom is awesome about giving each of us a little something when we travel!

{as a note... We do definitely plan to keep doing our thankful lists. Whether or not they get posted depends on my ability/time to devote to the blog. Just bear with me and expect some long lists when I get back :P}

Mom
::God's constant presence in my life
::donut dates with Molly
::crockpot
::my computer
::friends
::heater
::inspiring music

Megan
::surprises being revealed
::google messages with my Dad
::beautiful fall-ish weather to enjoy before the cold
::goodies from my family
::blessing of resting in Christ
::a car to drive
::the excitement of this trip to Iowa

Molly
::beauty
::faith
::love
::kindness
::a new day
::squiggles
::seat warmers

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

Friday Family Fun // Give Thanks ~ Days 6 & 7

So I didn't intend to combine two days so early in the month. But that's what happens when school deadlines combine with some work assignments and yeah. We'll be sharing lists of 14 today to make-up for my lack of presence yesterday ;)

But first up. The most exciting part of the day (aside from the cleaning... but y'all really didn't want to see pictures and video of floor mopping and dusting to the sound of Indescribable, Strong Enough, In Christ Alone, and Bring the Rain) was spending some family time playing an over-the-top, typical-Weber-family, competitive ahem. friendly game of ping-pong.

Melissa and Molly...the team with a 1-1 win-lose record

Mom teaching me how to "step into" hitting the ball

Dad explaining the "Weber family house rules"

Mom
::Emily (our dog)
::extra drivers in the house
::popcorn
::sunshine after the rain
::Godly counsel
::prayer
::God's word
::lessons God is teaching me
::God's faithful love
::beanbag chair
::Family ping-pong games
::a working dishwasher
::clean house -- thank you, girls!!!
::Friday family night

Megan
::the opportunity to continue learning
::Mom and Dad helping me with some job applications
::God's love for us
::hot chocolate
::praying with friends
::scheming Christmas trips with Melissa
::my camera
::coworkers to laugh with
::a boss who gives me freedom to learn and grow
::my morning coffee date with Mom
::the years of time that Mom has invested in me (and Melissa, and Molly, and so many other young and mature ladies!)
::the peace that comes from resting in Christ
::friends who point you to set your heart on things above
::new instrumental and celtic music playlists for work entertainment

Molly
::surprises
::encouragement
::God's commandments
::being surrounded by other believers
::our military
::liberty
::union
::humor
::pretty colors
::autumn
::singing
::clean houses
::our senses
::muscles

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

Give Thanks ~ Day 1

Good evening :) It is time to once again start a month of blogging as Molly and I are attempting the 30-day Give Thanks challenge.

Megan:
::relaxing afternoon crochet time
::memories to blog about
::Christmas surprises
::emails from grandparents
::countdowns to seeing dear friends again
::book recommendations from Melissa
::a random, laughter-filled call with a sister-in-Christ

Molly:

::pillows
::hot chocolate
::cozy days
::words
::paper clips
::couches
::balls

Give Thanks ~ Day 30

Well, I've never noticed (and dreaded) the end of a month like I have this month. I'm sad to see this challenge come to an end, but I'm excited to launch into the Christmas season and share some of our traditions and activities on here!

Today is a special day to me -- it marks two years since I became a CollegePlus student! In short, CP has been one of the biggest blessings over the past two years. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to pursue my education in a flexible way that has given me numerous opportunities to serve my family and get involved at church and other local ministries in ways that would have been impossible if I would have attended a brick and mortar school!

But to me the biggest plus of doing CollegePlus has been the friends. Yes, with online college, you'd think I'd be pretty lonely... But that's hardly the case =) I've been involved on a private forum for CollegePlus students and through that forum have met many other CollegePlus students. And as I've gotten to know them through forum posts, skype calls, and even in person meetings, I've found that their a unique bunch that reminds me an awful lot of myself... That is, they are students from a variety backgrounds that share one very important commonality -- our faith in Christ Jesus and desire to honor HIM with our lives.

Other than that, we're a wacky bunch of young kids pursuing college at a speedy rate and trying to figure out what the rest of our lives should look like ;) Along the way, we do the same sorts of things that we'd do if we were on a "real" campus -- we throw online parties, run student body elections, hold Bible studies and prayer calls, do book studies, and help each other with our studies =) These kids have become my dearest friends and I couldn't imagine life without them!

Our final 'Give Thanks' Challenge lists...

Megan:
~CollegePlus
~that I can pursue my education through a flexible path
~CP friends who are like-minded, encouraging, and just plain fun
~the CP student body president (also know as my study buddy, dear friend, encourager, fellow schemer and the girl who'll sink or swim right along with me), Catherine K
~Jonathan Brush, a CP Admissions Representative, who not only explained CP and its blessings to Dad, Mom and I, two years ago, but has also been a great resource throughout the past couple of years
~the CollegePlus forums
~the opportunity to go see many of my friends in Texas next week

Molly:
~This challenge!  It has inspired me so much, and I realized just how much I have to be thankful.  I am very blessed.
~Sparkles
~Miracles
~Megan's friends for putting up with all the times I've interrupted their calls with her. ;)
~Mirrors (I know they make trouble sometimes, but they're awfully useful and necessary.)
~Sarah Lee Bryant for hosting the challenge. :)
~All of my blessings!  There are so many more that haven't made it onto the list, but I'm thankful for those too! :)

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

Daily Considerations ~ Day 27

No pictures of the family today... If I would have been home instead of at work, I would have gotten some of the kitchen crew. Mom, Melissa, and Molly worked hard throughout the morning and into the afternoon making the usual, delicious dishes that make up holidays around here (pictures of the food will hopefully be posted in tomorrow's post =) I'm very grateful for their hard work!!

We are also getting a good taste of winter weather around here. Although none of it is sticking to the ground, we had a few hours this afternoon of snow that alternated between true showers and flurries! It is exciting and I'm definitely looking forward to having it stick around so we can pull out the snow clothes and head out to play =)

Here's our thankfulness lists...

Megan:
~the traditional family (-Mom) game of Risk
~watching snow fall outside my office window
~time to explain the workings of Google+ to my grandpa
~my tablet
~that my student-led session ideas were approved for the CollegePlus Texas gathering!
~Pandora
~my family stepping in to do many of my responsibilities so I can work, study, and participate in many of the CollegePlus student activities

Molly:
~Snow! :)  (I just wish that the flakes wouldn't just fall at our house; they should stick too.)
~Thanksgiving baking.  So I know the holiday is about giving thanks, but the food is pretty awesome too.  Especially the part where I made jello with Lissy. xD
~Mail--it's soo exciting to see the little truck come down the street and hope that there's something for you.
~That I'm not in college yet (I mean, I want to get a degree and learn a lot and all; but seriously it's the night before Thanksgiving, and Megan's sitting here slaving away on some accounting thing. :P)
~Quiet, home-fire kind-of-days
~Sewing machines
~Scissors

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 25

The biggest excitement of the day is that Dad was home because he is on vacation all week =) Cue excitement, family activities, and plenty of distractions!

Actually life for Melissa, Molly, and I went on much as normal. Melissa had classes and tests and I trooped off to work this morning (no vacation for me ;)). Molly was home and worked on school while Mom and Dad went out on a coffee date and to do the Thanksgiving meal grocery trip. I'm already looking forward to eating all the delicious goodies on Thursday =)

Dad has a family trip to the ice rink in mind for tomorrow afternoon, provided that we don't get any snow or winter weather... Our area is right on the edge of most weather maps, thus it is always a question as to whether we'll get any of the snow or not. It's plenty cold enough, but it just depends on where the clouds decided to land ;)

Our Thankful lists for the 'Give Thanks' Challenge...

Megan:
~my health
~heat blankets
~a peaceful day at work
~my college presidential team
~that my professor posted grades :)
~having a weeknight with the whole family home
~times to quote movie and play lines with my sisters

Molly:
~water
~chocolate milk ;)
~numbers
~projects that go twice as easy as you expect
~my finger light (thanks again, grandpa! :))
~Melissa's good grades
~Shem (son of Noah as in Noah of Noah's ark)

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 23

When this post goes up, there'll be only 7 days left in our 'Give Thanks' Challenge...

I can't believe the month's almost over... In many ways there have been plenty of days where I didn't feel like sitting down to blog each night. But now, after doing it for 23 days, I'm having trouble thinking of quitting in just over a week. Suddenly I'm feeling the need to rush out and find another month-long challenge for Christmas :P

Well, maybe it'll be good to have a break... I've enjoyed this "blogging rush" and I'm already planning fun stuff that I want to do around here during December! Be looking for posts with plenty of pictures and stories of our various Christmas traditions and events =)

~Megan:
~special pizza nights
~people who actively fight for parental rights
~friends to do presentations with
~childhood memories-turned family jokes
~prayer
~making new friends
~time to plot and plan Christmas surprises

Molly:
~umbrellas
~suspenders
~boots
~vacation
~clocks
~time
~milk