I got a duck!!!!!

So if you have been following; our neighbors have several ducks and ducklings, who occasionally visit our yard.

Today was great fun. I (Chris) caught a glimpse of them and jokingly told Luke to go chase them. He said OK and was out the back door. Our second son (in bed not napping) heard the door open and was outside in less than 10 seconds after he heard our alarm system beep (barefoot and coat-less at about 35 degrees). Which by the way works great for keeping track of wayward children. Luke was doing his best sheep dog impression around the backyard. I didn't expect him to actually catch one (he did). I got a second one and tried to get Hannah and Andrew to pet/touch it (no success). It all happened so fast; we only got a short video, but you can imagine the fun had by all.

A Glimpse of Today

Finished Project

Luke's Contribution

Reflections on Black Friday

Today was a first for me - hitting the Black Friday sales as soon as they opened. Actually, I did this one time several years ago, but that was for one item and then I headed home. Today, armed with my list, store coupons (of course!), pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for breakfast on the run and my bottle of water, I headed out to several of my favorite stores. Here are a few of my observations.

• You know it must be early when Jimmy's Egg isn't even open.
  
• The line at the McDonald's drive-thru had a least a dozen cars lined up at 3:30 am. I'm sure they were only selling coffee.
• I wonder what in the world possesses some people to spend hours standing in 30 degree temps for hours. I got to the store shortly before the store opened, but enjoyed my first muffin in the warmth of my car until the store decided to officially start the Christmas shopping season.
  
• It takes at least 45 minutes to check-out at Kohls if the end of the line is at the back of the store.
  
• What a trooper the gentleman in front of me was as he stood in line with his wife. Happy birthday to that stranger.
• I can move a lot more quickly with no shopping cart, stroller or my dear little trio in tow. That was quite advantageous today.
• Thankfully, Kohls was the longest line I stood in today. The others were running no more than 5 minutes.
• I enjoyed my first caffeine in the wee morning hours. I seldom have caffeine and if I do it is never before lunch. So, my free soft drink from Target was a bit much on the system, but it did keep me functioning. I hope this is not a taste of things to come. . .
  
• The kids are enjoying the free mini snow globe that JC Penney's was passing out.
• People were generally friendly. I really only ran into one disgruntled patron. Thankfully, they were on their way and I never encountered another one.

That's about it. I had fun, but at the same time, the whole concept of Black Friday is just a bit weird to me. I don't have a better word to describe it. I'll have to get back with you to let you know if I attempt this again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was a rare Thanksgiving - we were home, together as a family and it was just us. For that I'm quite thankful. The day was rather uneventful. The kids played outside for quite some time while Chris got caught up on a few items on his to do list. We definitely spent a few minutes watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I spent a big chunk of my day in the kitchen, but that was definitely by choice. I can't leave out the time Chris and I spent perusing the Black Friday ads that appeared on our doorstep this morning. The day is nearly over and our tummies are quite full. I know it is the little stuff, but I'm very thankful for today, my dear husband who was home, loving and happy kids and just being together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, in case your wondering, here's our Thanksgiving menu. Baked pork chops, corn casserole (Chris's favorite), mashed potatoes, pumpkin dinner rolls (the first yeast rolls I've ever made & I think I might make them again), sparkling grape juice and buckeyes for dessert. There is cherry pie for Chris to enjoy later. Yes, I know it was a bit nontraditional, but it was good and filling and I'm so thankful we are blessed to be able to have time and food like this.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

It takes a lot of effort to completely surprise me. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever been as surprised as I was yesterday - 100%, completely surprised!

Chris left a week ago for what was scheduled as a three week trip. There was the possibility that he would be home early, but never did I dream that it would be just a week later. I thought maybe sometime after this coming weekend. Well, was I wrong. Yesterday, I was at church during the worship portion of the service when I feel a tap on my back. I turn and there was Chris! I had to look completely stunned. I was so surprised! Then, I burst into tears. Thankfully, they didn't last for long and there was music to cover my sobs. I was just so thankful that he was there!

Hannah's Interpretation

After listening to a VeggieTale CD a few days ago, I told the kids that I had one of the songs stuck in my head. So, today as we're listening to the same CD, Hannah informs me that the song is stuck in her hair.

Can It Be True?

I know for the vast majority of those of you who read this blog, this is not exciting news, but it was for me today. I can now make a left hand turn!! Let me explain . . . We live just a couple of miles from one of the city's busiest intersections. If we want to go either north, to go shopping or west to go to the zoo or church, which we frequent quite often, we have to go through this intersection. The west direction is what I'm most excited about because I have to make a left hand turn. We've lived here nearly 16 months and I haven't gotten that chance - until today (I was taking an alternate and I think slower route). The intersection has actually been under construction for 3 plus years. We visited this town for a weekend when Luke wasn't even one year old and we're pretty sure that intersection was under construction that weekend as well. Luke is now 4. They were changing it from a four way stop to a limited access interchange. All of that to say, I am thrilled that I can now turn as I please and not have to think so hard about getting to my destination that I can see, but can't get to.

Grateful

I love Operation Christmas Child. I enjoy going shopping for those that usually wouldn't receive a Christmas gift and some children that may have never even received a gift. What's even better is that the good news of Jesus is shared with them when they receive their boxes. Many children have gotten to know Jesus this way. My kids are even learning that there are kids in the world that don't have what they have and beginning to learn what it means to give. If you'd like more information, please check out this wonderful Christian organization here.

Anyway, last night, I went out of my comfort zone and out on a limb. Another lady and myself hosted a social for the spouses' in Chris's squadron here at our house. We were briefed on the reasoning behind how deployments, temporary assignments and leave were granted. Let's just say complicated! I digress . . . We also asked them to bring gifts for Operation Christmas Child. I had no idea what would happen. The squadron is obviously not a Christian organization so I was somewhere between, I'm going to get reprimanded for this to there will be no gifts for the kids to I absolutely don't know what to expect. However, I was stunned and abundantly grateful at the generosity of the ladies that attended. The boxes have yet to be packed, but my heart is overflowing with gratitude and prayers that these gifts will be used to reach more children that don't know our loving Father and Savior.

Thoughts on Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day has definitely taken on a new meaning in just the last few years. Before we were military, in our former civilian life, I basically viewed it as possible day off and a day when we didn't get our mail. However, that all changed once Chris joined the Air Force and people began thanking us for his service for our country. That makes me uncomfortable to be singled out, but I think it's mostly because it's quite humbling to be in that position. Those thank yous make me think of those that have fought hand to hand combat for our freedom over the decades. Those are the people that need to remembered. Don't get me wrong, I deeply appreciate the sacrifice my dear husband makes today for our freedom, but it looks so different from what it used to look like. For that, I'm deeply grateful.

The thank yous have also made me consider others that sacrifice so much, but don't have a "Veteran's Day". I especially think of those serving God. My sister is a pastor's wife. Her and her husband sacrifice and give so much of themselves to the people in the church and those in their neighborhood that don't know Jesus. Time is of great value to me (yeah, quality time is my love language). So, the time they have to sacrifice from their families at usually short notice is so important. So, today, on this Veteran's Day I would like to thank my sister, her husband and all of those that serve our loving and gracious Savior, Jesus Christ, for their service that will last for eternity.

It's Been Awhile . . .

It's been a few days since I've written primarily because I can't think of anything too creative to write about. So I guess you could say here is a hodge-podge of events and thoughts I've recently had.

• I really like this new computer Chris put together for us (it's great being married to such a smart guy!!)
• My daughter is ALL girl!
• What should I use for Luke since he insists that his trucks need something to dig in when the weather isn't conducive to using the outside dirt?
• I think only a baby could eat and sleep at the same time as evidenced by Andrew at lunch today.
• I had a wonderful time visiting with some dear friends from Oklahoma last week. That time will be full of fond memories to me.
• I'm beginning to get the Christmas shopping bug, but still feel it's a bit early to begin all the Christmas activities. I have a lot to do between now and Thanksgiving before I give Christmas too much thought.
• Hoping the spouses' social for Chris's squadron goes well this week. This is the first one that I've hosted in our home.
• Praying that God will change my heart attitude regarding Chris's absences due to work. I want to glorify God, honor Chris and his work and be a witness to others. God is thankfully working on me.
• Thankful for this somewhat wet and dreary day.
• It was fun to reconnect with a friend on Facebook that I last saw when I was in the fourth grade.
  
• Enjoying the quiet of naptime.
• I can't hear Luke say this enough, "I love my beautiful Mommy"
  
• Happy day to all of you!