A Sisters' Afternoon

Melissa came wandering into my room yesterday with another crazy typical idea.

"I'm gonna go to Harper's Ferry to look at the location of the train tracks so I can more accurately write this scene in my book"

"Okay. That sounds like a smart idea"

silence

..."You want me to come along too, don't you?"

"Yeah, that'd be nice"

When you've lived with someone for 18+ years, it doesn't take much to read their mind... especially Melissa. She and I are opposites in most ways, but having been raised by the same parents in the same house and, for 15 years, the same bedroom -- we're about close to married as siblings can be -- I mean our fights, the way we tackle household responsibilities and our ability to live with or ignore the issues of the other resemble couples who've been married as long as we've been alive.

That said... I took 12 hours to think through my options

a. spend a hour convincing her that pictures on Google should suffice and the 90 minute round-trip drive was really unnecessary

b. pray that God would send the snow ~6 hours early so that she'd be forced to cancel her trip

c. just give up now and say "yes, dear"

-----------------

I chose option c. It's not my usual option, but I reasoned that next week she returns to school and I should take advantage of the sister-time. I am so glad I did...

...not only is sister-time virtually free therapy (after all, she does know me better than just about anyone else and it's rare impossible for me to keep a secret from her), it's a music sing-along, random Q&A session, movie quoting war, explain-every-detail-about-CollegePlus-for-the-one-millionth-time time session, and much more...

We captured some potential authoress individual shots...

But mostly we spent the time touring without being the stereotypical tourists, which according to Melissa involves...

::climbing walls (there weren't any signs telling us not to)

The afternoon was filled with "Well. I need to try this <insert impossible/crazy/dangerous activity> because the kids in my story will want to try this and I need to know if it's possible"

::studying small spaces

::wandering around condemned houses

It was staring at this from the path that had me telling Melissa, "We shouldn't go up there. That's the kind of houses that mothers tell their daughters to stay away from"

...and yet, here we are anyways. >.<

::hiking muddy paths

We were a good mile into the completely vertical hike by the time we saw this sign

::stepping out on walls that were a little too far away from the ground for my liking

The ledge that Melissa is standing on was a drop off of 15+ feet on either side -- too much for me to stomach!

It was a lovely -- albeit cold -- afternoon! I'm grateful that I took the time away from seemingly urgent to-do list and spent it with Melissa exploring the history around us =) We definitely had a blast and the afternoon was filled with memories that will hopefully tide me over till she re-emerges from her textbooks in May!

Christmas, Edition 2014

So we can all just move on and ignore the un-finished Give Thanks challenge, right? Life gets busy and the thankfulness didn't stop...it just didn't managed to get documented here. ;)

Okay. With that out of the way...

Merry Christmas =)

Our Christmas season has stayed blessedly busy with a variety of activities....

::buckeye rolling

::tree picking

Molly & Mom, the tree selection team 

Dad, who kindly held multiple trees while we made our selection

::a trip to Ohio for Melissa and I to see the gang that I worked with on the CPE3 project

the group having an impromptu meeting

::the annual town parade with Molly's jump rope team

dressed & ready to jump

::surprise creations (no pictures of the works-in-progress...they were surprises after all!)

::seasonal gatherings with our church family

Family Photo before the Christmas Eve Service
Photo Credit: Dad/Kipp

...and we are topping off the season with a beautiful day at home =)

an impromptu "couple" picture

capturing the "sister selfie"

Molly's gift of "sister" notebooks with personalized lists of what she's learned from Melissa and I

Presents were opened this morning and now various family members are relaxing in their own unique ways -- Molly practicing some Hobbit songs courtesy of Melissa who gave her the Hobbit piano music book and Melissa is spending time with a new book. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad have ventured outside for a walk before eating more food ;)

There were beautiful gifts, but my favorite theme this year was watching Dad open multiple gifts and seeing the picture come together more and more clearly:

First, the golf club appeared...

Then the very nice and fancy bag with a built-in stand...

The matching jacket was the next addition...

...and the sunglasses completed the outfit :)

God's been teaching me a lot lately...unrolling the picture of sending Jesus Christ to earth as a baby for the salvation of the world. In many ways, the deeper understanding I have come to this year is much like the revelation of Dad's golfing outfit in the pictures above...

...clear, but incomplete.
...wonderful, but only on a surface level.

As more and more is unveiled, the picture is made whole and ever so much more amazing than it was just to start.

God's been teaching me more aspects about himself and giving me situations where I am forced to seek out the Biblical response. This search, albeit painful, has showed me what it means to forgive and just how deep the pain and how great the gift of forgiveness is.

It seems like more of an Easter lesson, doesn't it? After all, when it comes to the story of the life of Jesus Christ, we think of his miraculous birth at Christmas and save the forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation stories for Easter.

But what is Easter without Christmas? If there was no baby, then there would be no forgiveness...no heavenly example...no hope.

The lesson that I've learned this Christmas is just how powerful and just how pricey my salvation was. God's taken me beyond the cute nativity sets...and awwing over the youngest baby playing Jesus in a live nativity. He's shown me the price that Christ paid by coming down into my dirty world to offer us hope. He didn't have to do it. He wanted to do it.

That is the miracle of Christmas.

"Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Fragile finger sent to heal us

Tender brow prepared for them
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God"

~Excerpt of lyrics, Welcome to our World (Michael W. Smith)

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

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

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

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

Let It Snow...

Snow has been in the forecast and as a result I haven't seen the grass in over a week!

8" fell last Sunday making it an "at-home" day. I was flying home from a CollegePlus retreat in Dallas, TX so I missed seeing the beautiful snow fall, but Dad took these pictures in the afternoon as he worked with Melissa and Molly to clear the driveway...

Melissa with a shovel full of snow

Molly with her own version of a "shovel"

While I will do a separate post soon sharing memories and pictures from the CollegePlus Dallas retreat, I just have to mention this... Mom and Dad worked very hard to get me home on Sunday. Due to an ice storm in Dallas and the snow in the DC area, flights that actually got from one place to another were hard to come by. Mom and Dad spent most of the weekend finding me a flight and Dad also drove to DC in the snowy and rainy weather to get me when my flight got in at 9:45pm. They are awesome parents, just sayin' =)

Tuesday brought another 4" and this was on top of Sunday's 8" as the weather stayed beneath freezing. To get out of the house, Melissa and Molly headed outside and I followed with the camera...

Melissa with her snow shovel and Molly with a snowball

While Melissa shoveled, Molly made some lovely snow creations.

a heart made out of footprints

a smiley face - with Molly's smiling face

The temperature has stayed around or below freezing for the rest of the week meaning that the snow is sticking around longer than it usually does... It snowed on and off today totaling around 2" on top of 8" left over from the last two storms =) 

No snowmen yet, but maybe one will be produced this week as Melissa is now done with her community college classes. I am still busy with school and have three midterms this week. But once those are done, I will have a bit of free time. If one is made, I will be sure and post some pictures on here!

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 21

This afternoon, Melissa got a new look

Notice anything different?

Yup, she know sports a pair of very cute pink glasses. All evening, she kept exclaiming that things look so much clearer! As she said, "I can know see a blade of grass as opposed to just green" None of us realized her sight was so fuzzy, but we are so glad that she can now see clearly =)

Our 'Give Thanks' Challenge lists...

Megan:

~impromptu "I want to hear your voice" calls

~the opportunity to go to Texas in 14 days!

~my mom -- to bounce ideas off of

~radio dramas (Adventures in Odyssey, Jonathan Park)

~John MacArthur sermons

~my sisters' friendly teasing :P

~a well-running heater

Molly:

~That the inside is more important than the outside

~Stories that remind us of our roots and where we came from/humbling experiences.  Sometimes they're one and the same thing. ;)

~Toasty wool sweater. :)
~Pajamas  (can you imagine sleeping in your clothes?)

~The moment today when I had to laugh.  Let me tell you a little story.  This afternoon, the mail truck pulled into our driveway.  This made me very excited, because it means that we are receiving a package.  I eagerly rushed out the front door to take the mail from our friendly mail person--by myself--and was greeted by the chuckling comment, "Just one of you?"  Packages generally elicit no small amount of excitement around here, obviously.  I don't think our mailwoman will ever forget the day we got Steve in the mail. :D
~Skype

~That Daddy just got home :D  

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 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.

Give Thanks ~ Day 9

Day 9 of the 'Give Thanks' Challenge =)

Mom, Melissa, and Molly enjoyed going to a friend's jewelry party this afternoon. While no one came home with any new accessories, they did come back talking about the beautiful pieces and potential gifts for others! I didn't go with them as I had an assignment that I was still working on. And Dad? Well, one assumes that this party didn't exactly catch his attention ;) And he also put in a lot of work outside cleaning up the leaves that are falling like crazy around here.

And here's the lists of the day...

Megan:
~encouraging friends
~my parents and their example of a Godly marriage and Biblical roles of men and women
~family movie nights -- a tradition that holds many memories for me!
~God's absolute truth -- a strong foundation on which to base my life
~the promise of a perfect eternity with Christ
~movies that proclaim Biblical truth
~a variety of communication avenues with my family and friends -- this blog, the CollegePlus forums, Skype, texting, phone calls

Molly:
~the hope that we have in Christ
~pretty things
~blankets
~cozy time with your sister as you watch a movie :)
~the thoughtfulness my daddy showed this afternoon
~my common sense family ;)
~those who have suffered for the prolife movement
~things that refocus me on Christ

Yes, you did read that right! Molly wrote up a list of eight things today =)

Give Thanks ~ Day 8

Today is Day 8 in the 'Give Thanks' Challenge.

As I sit down to write this, I'm listening to Melissa and Molly sing Newsies music while getting ready for bed... I love my sisters -- how they can read each others' minds, laugh over inside jokes that none of the rest of us get, disagree with each other one minute and be working together the next. Mostly, I love their playful attitudes. Together, they ham it up quite often (tonight's girls' discipleship group skit is one example) and they're always making the rest of us grin =)

Megan:
~packages in the mail
~girls to study Scripture with
~my mom for stepping in to help lead the church girls' discipleship group
~a multitude of books
~a house that we can open up for hospitality
~gusty winds that blow leaves down the street -- love the signs of fall :)
~my Bible -- so often I take it for granted knowing that it will be sitting on my desk from day to day. But it's such a privilege, not only to have it, but also to be able to use it openly!

Molly:
~That we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", not "evolved".
~That I wasn't aborted.  (I know you're thinking, "But your parents didn't even consider abortion."  Well, that's true.  But I am so blessed to have been born the child of my parents."
~Our girls' Bible study (the leaders who do it, the girls who come, the yummy things to eat [just kidding ;)], etc.)
~Musicals!!! :D :D :D :D (Melissa and I were walking around singing the Newsies' songs today. :D :D :D  And then there's the Sound of Music, the Music Man, and many, many more that we love. :D)
~Mom's chicken soup on a cold, windy day.
~Giggles
~Apple Juice :D (How could you not love fruit in drink format? ;D)
[Note from Molly: sorry for all the grin faces...I'm a little hyper right now. XD)

Summer in Review

Twas the night before school and all through the house
every creature was talking of the summer past...

Okay, so maybe I wasn't cut out to be a poet?

In any event, the lack of posts around here has two meanings:

1. Summer gave me plenty of "bloggable" moments, but not much blogging time
2. School has been ramping up, thus leaving me with an even greater lack of blogging time :(

I hate dragging out the past on blogs or journals, so buckle up 'cause I'm about to drive you through the 60 second version of our summer :)

June:

Dad's company sponsored an annual company day at a nearby amusement park. Melissa, Dad, and I enjoyed the thriller roller coasters, while Mom and Molly rode many of the non-roller coaster rides (ie. the carousel, swings, and bumper cars).

Melissa and Molly also participated in the national level competition for the National History Day contest. They each worked on a history project throughout the school year -compiling first-hand information onto a website. Molly chose to document the start of the FDA, while Melissa, and her partner, Pryia, studied the ethics behind the Atomic Bomb.

 After winning at both the county and state level competitions, the girls spent a week down in DC attending judging sessions and relaxing with friends they had made through the competition. Unfortunately, they did not win, but the competition was very tough!

July:

We spent the first week of July camping at a nearby state park. The covenient location meant that Melissa and I could return to Frederick for our various work commitments while still enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the RV and campground.

Mom, Molly, and I on a hike

Two weeks later, our Weber grandparents flew out from California and spent a week and a half on the east coast. During that time, they treated us to 5 lovely days in NYC. Our days were jam packed as we saw:

the Broadway show, Newsies

the Empire State Building

the Twin Towers memorial

the Statue of Liberty

...and so much more! Grandpa Jim did a fantastic job of planning the trip and, though 5 days is not nearly enough time, we saw a wide sampling of NYC's attractions! Thank you for the trip, Grandpa and Grandma :)

During their visit, I was also able to host this little fellow:

Meet Steve, the traveling Chameleon

Steve is a beanie baby sized Chameleon who is traveling the world vising various CollegePlus students. On average, he is spending two weeks at each student's house. I invited him to come on vacation with us and he enjoyed the opportunity to explore NYC. Some of his trip highlights included:

Riding in this car at the American Girl store

Visiting the NYSE (although he was disappointed to not be able to tour the inside)

and seeing this touching mural at Ground Zero

Another round of applause to my grandparents who kindly included this "unexpected" 8th person in our NYC adventures and by the end of the trip were asking after his well-being and including him in many of our pictures :)

The past month has been much quieter as Mom has spent much of her time preparing for school. Melissa and Molly have enjoyed relaxing together, working on their novels, and, for Melissa, working as a lifeguard. 

This summer has been full of adventures, but it's time is at an end as we prepare to start a new school year tomorrow. Life is never dull and I look forward to sharing pictures and posts about a special graduation and the start of school year, soon!