Giving Thanks ~ Day 21 & 22!

~I'm thankful that the pieces of the weekend are all fitting together perfectly. I was able to shop last night after PWOC.....and decorate this a.m. after cooking chapel breakfast....I think it's all going to work.

~I'm thankful that we have the chance to fill shoe boxes.

~I'm thankful I ran into Mandy at Trendsetters. An unexpected treat.

~I'm thankful for cool weather - 49* HIGH yesterday...or so they predicted. I know we had a slim sliver of frost on the windshield at 7 a.m. when we headed to the chapel.

~I'm thankful for Ibuprofen (Yeah - my hip is acting up again...but.... I'm thankful it's not giving out and I'm not in chronic pain as I was 3 years ago). ::snort::

~I'm thankful for Emma who helped with breakfast this a.m. and helped us decorate the Fellowship Hall too.

~I'm thankful that I got to visit a bit with Yolanda today - I don't see her nearly enough. I'm thankful the Army sent her husband here....and that he is willing to lead one of our chapel services. They bless us.

©2008 D.R.G.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 20!

~I'm thankful that there are never misunderstandings with God. How precious to know that He knows all my faults - as well as my heart for Him....and he looks at the heart. He loves me.

~I'm thankful that Heather was able to create a cute hairstyle for Stacia. We'll be having family photos this December. We may not all be together for a few years, depending on where our next assignment is. I really didn't want her to have to wear a hat. ::snort::

~I'm thankful for a 45 minute Nutcracker practice. This is just enough time for the littles to enjoy the house at the library and the computers. Arielle is finding some books. I found a few more on Thanksgiving.

~Now I have a bit of time to read a few blogs and maybe check facebook - all on a Puzzle Piece Thursday. How great is that?

©2008 D.R.G.

All-Time FAVORITE Inductive Advent Study

We've used THIS study for years in our home. I love it. There are coloring sheets for young ones to color as you do work aloud. Older students and adults can skip the coloring and do the study on their own.

It's meaty. I plan to post the link on both PWOC blogs and to print out copies to give out at our local PWOC Bible Study....but I couldn't help posting it today when I noted the 2008 study is up. It's available as a FREE download as either word files or PDF files.

I'm sure I'll have more Advent thoughts to share....and/or create a page to house links to all the other Advent posts I've written the past 3 years.....but for now...this is a FANTASTIC study. It has blessed our family year after year.

©2008 D.R.G.

Stacia's Grand Adventure

Heather, my hair stylist, was gracious. She had given me her cell phone number before and told me to call if I ever had a "hair emergency." I laughed and had a hard time imaging ever calling.

Stacia changed that. I am busy all afternoon, all Fri - Sunday and KNEW this would bug me to wait until Monday. Heather came in 2 hours early so she could take care of Stacia.

Heather assesses the damage


Then begins cutting





Heather put in layers and the look is good for Stacia


Stacia LOVED the blow drying and styling....she loves to sit and watch me get ready and NOW she gets to use the tools too.


There are just a couple of spots by her ears that don't hide well





Stacia asked, "How can we come back to see Heather?" as we left.














Dancing in the living room...if we were staying here I think I'd get her involved in one of the little girl ballet classes.

I am so glad I could fit this into a THURSDAY. I'll feel better about the weekend knowing I've dealt with the wild child and her style. ::snort::


©2008 D.R.G.

The Fright of my Month

It was after 10 pm. The house was quiet. I had shut down the computer. All were in bed.

The doorbell rang. For some reason doorbells ringing late at night scare me. LOL

I flipped on the light and this is who I saw. He brought me flowers when he got off work.

I love the flowers, I love that he thought of me, I love that his brothers raced to be by my side when I opened the door...he says he won't ring the bell that late at night again...he'll knock....will that be better? ::snort::

©2008 D.R.G.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 19!!!

I'm thankful for children that make me laugh.

I'm thankful for daughters that help me make beds.

I'm thankful for a husband that gently chides me when the Big Rocks slip.

I'm thankful I finished EVERY LAST ITEM in my "spiral notebook" today.

©2008 D.R.G.

As a Mother of Nine.....

...there are a few things I know for sure.

When you see something like this, investigate quickly.

Oh....oh....

When you see the above and hear your 3 yo say, "I cut my hair," you are in trouble.






Hmmm.....Thursdays are my puzzle piece days....but this child needs more help than I can give her....this is NOT simply going to be evening up her bangs or trimming the back. ::sigh::

::snort:: Now wasn't it nice of Stacia to provide a blog entry when I was fresh out of inspiration?

©2008 D.R.G.