ICE--a fun tradition

The nativity at ICE (near the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN)

Abigail and Bruce before entering ICE

Abigail and Laura with Kris Kringle and Jessica (young Santa and Mrs. Santa before they were married)

Abigail at the beginning of the exhibit

Bruce and Abigail..soon after Baby Santa was found by the elves

We enjoy visiting Nashville each year around the holidays.  This year we visited ICE again.  The theme was Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  The carvings were incredible..and boy was it cold..about 17-18 degrees!!!  They issued us parkas to wear as we toured the exhibit.  As usual, we had fun..but it was nice to exit into the balmy 30-something degree weather :)

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

Most of the family--front row--Maddie (the birthday girl), Abigail and Ben; back row--Laura, Bruce, Grammy and Vincent (dad of birthday girl)

Grammy with the three grandkids

three silly grandkids...waiting for everyone to arrive so they could order and eat :)

Maddie turned 10 years old this week.  We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Olive Garden with most of the family.  These children are growing up WAY too fast.  Happy birthday sweet Maddie!!

Adult One Sunday School Party

Tony, Cindy, Sharon (background) and Joe look on as Loly opens her 'dirty Santa' gift....

Mike and Debbie wonder what could be in that package....maybe some more Santa shorts or a hat??

Bill, Scot, Kitty and Steve are watching poor Cheryl choose another gift..she held the record for being stolen from the most at the party that night....

What will Chris get????

George, Cindy and Suzanne.....



Bruce loved his hat..until CINDY took it :)  but here he must be telling a story.....




...or opening another gift....

We had a wonderful time at our annual party!  Thanks for hosting us Bill and Kathy!!



Running....

 Back in late September, Abigail attempted her first one mile "fun run".  Considering that she did not train one bit, we were very proud of her for finishing the race :)  Next year, we plan to train a bit beforehand..and I hope to run with her also. 

Before....

During.....

Finish time...and getting a drink of good cold water :)

a few special memories...

Our first year with Abigail......

The "kitty" ornament is the first year we were married....We finally got our tree decorated last Saturday....and as we did, I photographed a few special ornaments. Our tree is not 'themed' like so many beautiful ones that I see in magazines or on other blogs....and while I admire them, I doubt we'll ever imitate them. Our tree is beautiful to us because it is totally full of ornaments...and the vast majority of them have a story behind them. So, I guess our theme is 'sentimental' which works for us..... Our tree won't ever grace the pages of a magazine..but that's okay. It will always hold a special place in our hearts anyway.

Sick House.....

Ugh...we have ALL been battling sinus/allergy stuff for the last several days.  Abigail was first.  She saw the doctor TWICE and walked away with an antibiotic, inhaler, decongestant with cough suppresant and nasal spray.  She was pretty much laid out from Tuesday thru most of the weekend.  The cough is lingering, but thankfully is not too bad.   Bruce started feeling rough on Saturday.  He has the same allergy/sinus induced symptoms.  He is hoping to get in to see the doctor today.  I am dealing with just sinus stuff and have been fighting with everything in my personal arsenal to keep it at bay.  The oil of oregano and nasal flush is helping me..and I am trying to get extra rest.  Thankfully I don't seem to feel quite as bad as either of them because SOMEONE has to be the nurse.  At least we are not contagious...just feeling icky :( 

Thankful Thursday.....

Well, another Thanksgiving has arrived.  It does not seem like it could possibly be November 25, 2010.  Where has this year gone!?!?!?!?  As I sit here typing, my 20+ pound turkey is finishing up in the oven, my potatoes are ready to go into the pot to start cooking and I still need to mop the kitchen floor..but, it's only 7:45 a.m.....so I have a little time :)

I cannot adequately express my thankfulness....words fail me miserably.  But, I am thankful to God for giving me life and a family, friends and a wonderful church family that are such a blessing to me and give me great places/opportunities to serve (which I love to do).

I am thankful for a husband who is caring and understanding.    He is supportive and a hard worker....and Godly man who cares for our family.  He has had to deal with a lot and overlook a lot since my recent surgery as I have not had an easy recovery...and I am still adjusting to life with artificial hormones.  But, he has handled it (and me) with grace when so many spouses would not not have done so. 

I am thankful for our daughter, who is really becoming quite a young lady.  She is eleven and plays the part well (for better or for worse), but I have seen her mature in so many ways in recent months.  I am proud of her and thankful for her kind and helpful spirit when that shines through.  Her sense of humor is incredible...and I am SO glad that God gave her to us. 

I am grateful for my health.  It's not perfect...but at one point this year, I was concerened about a mass.  We were relieved to learn after a LONG wait from pathology that it was not malignant.  And, even with another recent procedure...even though we were not too concerned about a blockage/tumor causing the symptoms I was having, it was nice to get that 100% confirmation..again nothing of that sort.  Yes.....I am facing some challenges that still have to be ironed out....but nothing that is life threatening...and for that, I am grateful :)

I am thankful for my parents and my mother in law as well as other family members who are so kind and loving and supportive. 

I am thankful for the freedom to make a school choice...and at this time, we have felt led to homeschool Abigail.  I am also grateful that I am blessed to teach two outside classes (American History and Latin) of which Abigail is a part....as well as teaching piano and voice lessons to several children.  I love teaching in various capacities and working with such WONDERFULLY sweet children.

I am thankful for friends near and far...and for things like Facebook and email that have allowed me to reconnect or simply help me stay closer to those who are my friends when I cannot always see them in person due to schedules that just don't mesh as often as we'd like. 

I am grateful for scrapbooking...my most favorite hobby and part time business as it has brought me many friends and an opportunity to relive many memories as I commit them to the pages of a book.  It also allows me the opportunity to set up 'memorial stones' (Joshua 4:7) for my child and future grand children/great grandchildren....to share what God has done in our lives as a family. 

I could go on and on....but my turkey needs to be tended to as do other lunch duties.......so I will stop for now.

But, I will say, that I am grateful...so grateful for God's love for me...and all that He has done for me and through me.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!

lazy bones.....

Two weeks have passed since my surgery (well actually two weeks and two days)...and I still feel like a big old LAZY BONES!!!  I returned to the doctor for my post-operative visit on Monday (a bit earlier than scheduled..because I thought an incision was infected).  While the incisions were healing pretty well to the outside... I learned that the stitches that were supposed to be dissolved were not cooperating...thus causing some issues..not really an infection, but an inflammation.  So, Dr. Purvis removed those stitches and that problem was solved :)   I also had been battling a secondary infection since just after the surgery (unbeknownst to me).  It was fairly mild until last Friday...but enough to make me feel a little icky and finally escalating to a point that I was having some pretty notable symptoms.

Now I am on antibiotics for the infection and meds for the spasms....and if I can just get over this allergy/sinus stuff, I think I will be feeling almost normal again!

At the visit, I got my pathology report and praise the LORD!!!!  the mass was not malignant...though it was large (half the size of the ovary) and the type of mass it was is known to be quite painful. 

I will return for a follow up visit two weeks from today...and we'll discuss my next round of treatment.  Every case is different....and in my situation (because of age and family history) I have decided to follow the protocol until I reach my 50's unless there is something that pops up along the way to let us know that is not wise.

My advice to anyone reading....listen to your doctor...but also know your body and do your homework..then prayerfully make the choice as to how you will proceed.

Happy Birthday, Grammy!!

Today is Grammy's birthday!  (Bruce's mom)  I won't say how old she is....but I will say that she seems WAY younger than her years!!!  We love you and we are blessed to have you as a part of our family :)

It's almost here....

Well, tomorrow, Tuesday (October 19) is the big day--LOL!  If you don't mind saying a prayer for me around 8:30 am central time, that is when my surgery will be taking place.  Bruce will be calling the church and posting on my facebook page when the surgery is over....so you can get updates there.  He will also call the house and tell my parents/Abigail the lastest so they can field a call from anyone who cannot get it from the church or facebook.  As soon as I am able, I will update here as well. 

I think I have tended to most of the little details...at least the ones I can think of :)  Some very gracious friends have offered to provide meals for 3 different nights...and mom will be cooking another night too (before they return home).  I have stockpiled a few meals in the freezer as well.....that is one benefit of having a little bit of advance notice on a surgery.  With that help, Abigail and Bruce assisting with cooking and household chores and other friends who have offered to help if needed, I know we will get through the recovery without any problems.

But mostly, I am completely overwhelmed by the number of people who have told me that they would be praying.....that is more special than anything. 

Through a special set of circumstances at church yesterday, a friend of mine shared her testimony as a part of the morning service.  She invited some of those instrumental in her care (who were nurses at the hospital employees)  got to be there to hear it.  The Lord used that as an encouragement to me...because one of them will be working tomorrow morning and will get to be my recovery room nurse.  She is a beautiful believer too :)  And, I think God gave me a little 'hug from heaven' in getting to meet her ahead of time and let her know to be looking for me.  And, I learned that upon arrival I can request Sherry....and I will. 

Thanks again for your prayers. 

Looking ahead....ugh...

While I am glad that the pain will be gone (at least once I pass the recovery phase), I am not really looking forward to Oct. 19.  The reason..I am facing surgery  (BOS) .  These are the initials of a really long string of scientific words that basically amount to one thing....I will have both ovaries removed..so in essence, my hysterectomy of 6 years ago will be more or less 'completed.' 

With this surgery, I will face some choices...as I have learned that there are risks with choosing to take hormones and with refusing them as well (due to my age).  If I were 50 or older, it would not be a factor.

So, please pray for wisdom in decision making, the least invasive type of incision, and the quickest/best recovery as well as a clear report from pathology (you know everything removed during surgery  goes there..it does not mean the doctor suspects anything bad).

 If everything goes as planned, I will be able to come home the same day and I will have a few small incisions with only about a one week ban on driving and hopefully not too much longer after that before I feel back to normal. 

Also, please pray that I will remember all the details I need to tend to before surgery and that they will be taken care of easily :)  I am making my list and checking it twice...but somehow it seems to be growing...how does THAT happen??? 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers!!

Birthday Fun..the Slumber Party

 all of the attendees.....M, Mac, S, J, Abigail, A and E.....

Abigail requested banana pudding as her birthday dessert for the party with her friends.  We also had dominos pizza for dinner. 

 This was taken around 8 a.m. on Saturday morning....when they were actually sleeping.  I suspect some of them had only been asleep for a few hours. 

 "Craft Time"...we each made a scrapbook page to go in Abigail's scrapbook.  They got to tell something special about Abigail or something they like about her...or simply how they met her/their first impression of her.  I also took a photo of each girl with Abigail at the party to add to the page.  They left a spot on the page for this as well.  I know this will be very special.

Abigail got many wonderful gifts from her friends, one of which was this shirt. 

What else did we do at the party??  We had a scavenger hunt (in teams).  We decorated pillow cases.  We played Mad Libs (Shrek version).  The girls ate and ate and ate...and talked and giggled.  They also watched a dvd and made up their own games...and just had fun :)

A few snapshots from our eleven year old's big day...

So sweet and pretty too :)

I just love these photos....taken on Abigail's eleventh birthday. 

Happy birthday, Abigail!

Yes!  Today, Abigail turned eleven years old!  I have LOTS of photos to show from her slumber party with six buddies on Friday....to her family gathering on Saturday.....to some great great GREAT photos taken today of just her being HER!!!  But, alas, I have not dumped my camera yet.  So, for now, I will say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Abigail and a huge thank you to a wonderful young lady who so graciously chose LIFE when she could have chosen an abortion when she had an unplanned pregnancy.  Because of her choice to give life to her child, we now have the joy of being the parents to a wonderful young lady whom we have parented since she was one month old.

We pray that we will be the parents God wants us to be..and that Abigail will grow up to be a Godly young lady.

School is in session...

Abigail before she went into class on the first day at Wall Highway Christian Academy...

just before leaving home on the first day of school...

..on a field trip with our group from Wall Highway....

..being silly at Cook's Museum....

...standing by the golden eagle (whose Latin name is AQUILA)...

..group shot outside Cooks.....

Back to School...

Yes...We are back at it.  For us, school never really ends.  Our calendar runs from June 1 through May 31.  So, between June first and July 31st we got in 14 days...but this week, on Tuesday, we start our first 'real' day of fifth grade with the new textbooks and such.  The previous 14 days were mainly just continuing the math curriculum (which was already 5th grade stuff) and reading/science/health. 

We have cracked the new books and we have begun classes at one of the two schools we will be attending this year.  Latin and American History will be part of the curriculum at this school...classes taken with other children.

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected problem at the school facility, we did not get our traditional picture at the brick wall by the school sign.  The roof at that facility collapsed and we cannot meet there :(  so we are meeting in another part of the building.  But, I do have some photos to post.....if I ever get them downloaded.  My fifth grader is getting taller by the day!!

A month in review......

I know...I have fallen down on the blogging lately, so let me see if I can bring you up to date on our last month or so....

1.  As of yesterday, Abigail was released from the care of the orthopaedic doctor.  He feels her foot has healed sufficiently.  She is to hang onto her brace and use it as needed (when doing LOTS of activity).

2.  As of Thursday, we got a new heating and cooling unit installed.  We upgraded to a  Carrier 3.5 ton  unit (from a 3.0 ton) and we are pleased so far.  Unfortunately, the wrong thermostat was installed, so we are awaiting the fellows to come back and replace that as well as do some  painting where the ceiling was damaged by leaking when they drained the old unit.  It was FULL of dirty water....as the drain was going 'uphill'.

3.  Abigail is recovering nicely from 'walking pneumonia'.  I had NO idea that one could get such a thing this time of the year, but thanks to a mycoplasma type of bacteria.....she did.  The bacteria is leaving thanks to a great antibiotic...but the cough will likely linger for a while....maybe as long as a month.  Many at church and in our community have or have had this and it is contagious.....but since it is often misdiagnosed as just a symptom of allergies.....it is spread a good bit. 

4.  In the process of being diagnosed, Abigail had blood drawn from her arm for the first time ever.  She handled it okay....but was not too sure about the whole process.  I guess it is scary if you only ten years old and see a rather large needle coming towards you.  The lady who drew her blood was good with kids thankfully and talked her thru the process.

5.  Tomorrow, Abigail will be leaving for Camp Ponderosa in Mentone, AL  with some other friends from church.  She is very excited.  I have already begun making a list of the many chores I need to tackle in her absence.  MUCH lesson planning, touch up painting, room organizing.... will be tended to during the week.  Please pray for her to draw closer to the Lord and to be safe and healthy while away from home.  She will return on Friday afternoon.

6.  We celebrated the Fourth of July with family ( a day early) with a cookout.  Bruce's family came over and we grilled and 'chilled' (as he would say).  Then on the actual fourth, we went to a big church event....hot dogs, pool time and fireworks.  It was a LOT of fun!!!!!

7. Bruce was able to take a week off at the end of June.  We basically just relaxed and we did go see a movie (Toy Story 3) as a family.  We did not take any trips  or do anything along those lines this summer.....but we are hoping to do a nice trip to Washington DC/Virginia/Boston related to our country's history in a few years since it is of interest to all three of us... once we have finished our two year course of US History and when our finances allow.  For now, we'll enjoy more low key stuff...staying at home types of things :)

8.  Abigail went to VBS at Wall Highway and had a great time.  She was also able to visit with Granny and Granddaddy and her Georgia cousins.

9.  On June 17, Bruce and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.  We were had dinner out at Connor's which has become our 'tradition' as of the last few years.

10.  Abigail and I both joined the summer reading club at the public library.  Yes...there is an adult club this year as well. We spend time reading every day....together and alone as well.  We are reaching our goals and most of all, we are enjoying a LOT of 'reading together' time.  It gives us great opportunities to discuss things and actually has given us a head start on a series of books I wanted us to read for school that relate to health/Bible and relationships and 'girl' issues in general....so it has been a great way to accomplish several goals at once :)

I think that is it for now.....basically, we are enjoy the summer....getting in a few school days here and there so we don't forget our math (much to Abigail's chagrin)....enjoying lots of play time....

I hope you are enjoying your summer as well!!!!

Carrots and Cars

Yes!  A carrot can be a car..and actually win first place in speed in the AWANA grand prix :)  Abigail's brain never ceases to amaze me....she had eaten carrots at Grammy's place one evening in the spring, so when she came to church that evening, she decided her car should be a carrot.  You can click on that photo for a more close up view.  Well....her carrot won the race..thanks to Mr. Steve and Mr. Richard who helped her design, cut out, prime and paint it :)  She had a lot of fun making the car, but even more fun during the year in AWANA, learning about so many wonderful things about God's Word. 

Yes, GOD still does miracles!!

Well over 21 or maybe even 22 years ago, a dear friend of mine was in a car accident on her way to teach her classroom full of children.  She never made it to see those children....and she never saw life the same way again.  When Bruce and I married, she rolled down the aisle to support me as a bridesmaid and her husband was the minister who married us.  They have always held a special place in our hearts because they introduced us....then later they became adoptive parents....and we followed them in that path as well. 

Cindy was told she would not walk.....and she has been in a wheel chair for well over 20 years.  BUT, God has other plans it appears.  After not walking for a long time, click below to see how God is using a new therapy to change what the doctors told her.

To GOD be the glory!!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=115963271776221

Happy birthday, Bruce!!

Today is Bruce's 51st birthday! That does not seem possible...considering we met when he was only 28 years old.... Where have the years gone??  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE!  I love you :)

Where have we been??

Where have we been?  Well, since the end of January we have been practicing for a drama/musical called Bow the Knee.  Bruce played a 'BAD' guy named Marcus.  He is shown below with two of his 'soldiers' (Drew and Zach).  Some of the cast is shown in the group photo.  And the three of us are shown below as well.  Abigail and I were part of the crowd..she as a child...me as a crowd person, a 'gossip', and  part of an angry mob at times and later with a small solo part who finally figured it all out and gladly realized who Jesus was :)  We had a LOT of fun, but spent a lot of time in practice between January and April.  But, given the opportunity, we'd do it again in a heartbeat!   A hats off to ALL those who participated, directed, worked in costumes, lighting, sound....It all came together and in the end, God was honored.

Two Hundred, Already!!??!!

When I started blogging a couple of years ago, I did so to let those both near and far see what is going on inside our little family and sometimes in our 'schoolroom' or even just inside my head from time to time.  Sometimes my random posts are pretty random, but I do enjoy sharing.  But, 200!!! Wow...that's a pretty big number.....so I'll celebrate that by sharing a 200 thoughts let's do 10 percent of that and say 20 thoughts or things you may never have known before. 

1.  In the last year or so, I have almost become a vegetarian.  I do eat a little bit of chicken and bacon or ham every now and then, but I truly prefer veggies and fruit.  I will eat dairy products though, so I am not a vegan.

2.  If I had nothing standing in the way, I would most likely have some type of animal rescue and would have LOTS and lots of pets in my home/on my property...but lots of things prevent that from happening currently.

3.  I never ever dreamed that I would have an only child....Bruce and I always wanted a large family.   We know God must have a very good reason (and I'll put that on my list of things to ask Him).

4.  That being said, we LOVE our daughter....and she is truly a joy.  If we had more than one child, we'd probably be totally exhausted.....because between her activities and ours, our lives are very full.

5.  The older I get, the more I realize that I still have SO much to learn!!  I thought I was pretty smart when I was younger....but I am seeing that I was wrong!!! 

6.  I think I am at the point in my life where I am not young but I am not old either.  But, depending on who I am with, I may be considered one or the other at any given time.  And that is a strange place to be.

7.  I LOVE books and it pains me greatly to get rid of them...but  I have had to do so lately.  Yes, even old college textbooks that are no longer useful should find a new home...but it hurts me to let them go..especially when I see the price tags still on them!

8.  I am truly a 'nerd' and if money and time were no object, I'd be back in school getting my PhD right now.  I enjoy learning THAT much!!!

9.  I really really hate disorder and dirt...but my house does not always reflect that. 

10.  Homeschooling is the most rewarding thing I have ever done...though I vowed I would never do it...and at one point in my life, I was VERY opposed to homeschooling.  I now believe that there are good public school, private school and homeschool options available....and each parent must carefully consider what is best for her child in any given case.  I have taught in all three :)

11.  I did not live in a neighborhood for the first time until I was 29 years old.  I am still learning the dynamics of how that all works.

12.  The more I do it, the more I enjoy and prefer online shopping.  Even if I am going to shop for an item in a store, I usually compare prices online first.

13.  Even though I am the teacher and I really do love school and learning, I am ready for this year to be over.  When we do SAT's and have that pressure behind us, my brain tends to say that it is break time!!  Strangely, I am excitedly looking at 5th grade curriculum and thinking ahead.

14.  Even though I love to scrapbook and I am pretty much up to date on my family scrapbooks, I still don't have Abigail's baby book completed.  And...she'll be 11 years old in September.

15.  I am very excited about the ministry opportunities the Lord has opened up in recent times!

16.  In our recent Easter musical, I got to be a part of a 'gossip' group...and part of an angry mob....two things I would not do in real life......it was SO strange to play these roles....but someone had to do it.  If that helped to make the play more realistic, and ultimately led someone to God, then I am glad I could do it (even if it was hard for me personally).

17.  I don't have a favorite food.....and I really don't like chocolate all that much.

18.  I used to be painfully shy.  Most people don't believe that....but I am still very uncomfortable in large groups...and have to force myself to work the crowd and talk to people.

19.  My nails will not grow without breaking and splitting.  I'd love to have long nails...but unless I do acrylics....it just won't happen :(

20.  I enjoy cooking so much that I collect cookbooks :)  But, even though my family enjoys my meals, after 'slaving' over the stove for hours....the food does not appeal to me by the time it is cooked...and I'll often just want a salad or some fruit instead.....strange???

Purple....

Abigail and her friend M were enjoying a playdate after church on Sunday afternoon.  They had been doing the wii, but I guess after a while, it just got tiring to them.  So, after I retreated to the bedroom to work on some ironing, they retreated to Abigail's bathroom...with the cat.  The door shut....and the cat inside.  Of course, I was ironing and did not realize this....just thought someone (just ONE person) was in the bathroom. 

So, after a bit, I did not hear the normal silly girl giggling....and I noticed that Midnight had not wandered through to check on me and it seemed strange. I heard Bruce asking the girls what they were doing and I could tell he was at the bathroom door.  Hmmm...

So, I ask him...and he really does not give me a reply, but tells me that I need to ask.  So, being nosy curious, I ask and get a very honest answer.  I learn that they are in the midst of painting the cat's nails!

Now, just in case you don't know much about cats, their nails retract.  So, the girls were polishing a nail, holding it out until it was dry, then letting it go back into place.  They had gotten one front paw complete and were working on the second one when they were caught.

Midnight did not seem too happy about the pedicure!  Purple nail polish..on a boy cat!! 

Needless to say, we did not torture him further by using polish remover on him.  We figure it will wear off, eventually.

Poor Kitty!  I guess he'll hide the next time he sees a playmate coming over...or the next time he smells nail polish.

And, I guess I really should not share any more stories about the time I painted the dog's toe nails with my daughter....should I?

A walk down memory lane

When one of my face book friends (the teacher's daughter) posted this photo a few days ago, I could not believe the memories that flooded back....first grade....1974....Mrs. Crews...and these classmates!!  I don't remember everyone's names...but I do remember most of them.  As best I can recall, two of the classmates and my beloved teacher have passed away.

The school is no longer there (at least not as a school), and wow!  many of us are parents and even grandparents now.

But, I have to say that the one memory that comes back is that in the little classroom at Armuchee Valley under Mrs. Crews' teaching I learned SOOO much.  She was a wonderful teacher...and because of her, I am now a teacher.  As a matter of fact, when I decided to teach and finished my student teaching time but still had to do observations, I sought her out and observed her teaching and I was STILL as impressed as a young adult as I had been as a child.

The neat thing is...she not only taught me in first grade..but I had her for reading in second grade....and then she moved up to third grade and taught third for the rest of her days of teaching.  She died prematurely shortly after her retirement.....I believe it was a type of leukemia.  She will never be forgotten.

Me?  Which goofy kid was me?  Well, I am on the top row...second from the right.  Yes, I KNOW I look like a boy....thanks to the easy to care for hair cut :(  But, I promise, it is me...and I am a girl....

Thankful Thursday.....

I am thankful for so many things in my life!  And these photos represent just a few of them.  I am thankful for my family...my dear husband of almost 21 years and our precious daughter, brought to us by God after over 10 years of marriage.   I am thankful for our pets which include a sweet stray kitty that joined our family this year (Midnight) and two dogs, Princess and Allie.  I am thankful for good friends for my daughter...even if they are really silly together.  She has so many good friends between church, school and the neighborhood (as do I)...in that we are truly blessed.  I am thankful for my good health.....no it's not perfect, but all in all God has blessed me and provided me with good doctors when needed as well.  I am grateful for the seasons.....the snow has been nice..and I'll enjoy the spring weather we'll soon be having too :)  I am grateful for a nice warm home that's not too large and not too small, but just right for our family.  I am thankful for God's provision of EVERY single thing we need and many things we want...and most of all I am thankful for His love and care for me.