Take the First Step

The Little Snail That Could

My Loaves & Fishes

Thankfulness and Traditions
Last week, we filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. We've done this every year for the past 3 or 4 years, and I think we've added a box each time. This year we made two boxes for girls, and two boxes for boys. Kathryn prepared the girls' boxes, and Lindsey prepared the boys' boxes. They wrote notes and included a family photo, and we're all hoping the kids write back. Collection day at our church was last Sunday, but it's not too late to send a shoebox yourself, if you're interested! (Click that link above.)

Friend Makin' Monday
I found a new (new to me, anyway) meme today and thought I'd play along. You can, too! Stop by Amber's blog to participate. 1. Turkey or Ham? Deep-fried turkey! Sounds weird, but it's quite yummy and never dry. Dad's bringing his turkey-frying contraption and he's in charge of that. But there will also be a sm

Homeschool Weekly Wrap-Up
I really like doing these posts. One of these days, when I finally "slurp" my blog into a Blurb book, it's going to be a great way to keep a record of what we've done! Wouldn't a blog book be a fantastic Christmas gift? {ahem! hint, hint!} This is another of those two-weeks-in-one posts because last week was busier than usual with a

Our Thankful Tree
Can you believe just one week from today is Thanksgiving!?!? With that in mind, we're trying to be intentional about giving thanks. One great way to do that is to work on thinking of things we're thankful for, and putting them somewhere to remind ourselves -- and each other! Last year, I had an idea about cutting out leaf shapes and letting friends and family write things they are thankful, and collecting them in a basket, but... I didn't follow through. So when I saw Kris' idea to do a thankful tree, I knew we had to do it, too!

PowWow with Dad
Last Saturday, Ken was at an overnight men's retreat, so the girls and I met my dad at a nearby American Indian festival. Usually we go to this on Mother's Day weekend, but this was the first year they held another one in November. I wouldn't have known about it if Dad hadn't told me, and I think he only knew about it because he's friends with the guy who organized it. This "Veterans Pow Wow and Warrior Salute" began with a prayer, then an opening dance that included veterans from many wars carrying flags, led by the United States flag. I loving hearing prayers in other languages; part of the prayer was offered in the Sioux language.