Thanks. Given.

This is the view we woke up to this morning. Why does the first snow always catch me off guard? I mean, it's not like this is somehow a random, freak event that has never before occured at the end of November in the midwest. But somehow I'm never ready. The Christmas lights aren't up yet, for Pete's sake!

But before we jump into that frenzied season that I find myself dreading more and more each year, I'd like to stop and relive the past few days. Not everyone was here this year, but those who were did it right, I think. Here's a recap of just a few of the things that thanks was given for:

Lucy, Mom, Dad, brothers, house, food, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents - Hannah
Friends, food, cool games, awesome cousins, etc. - Rachel
My family - Rebecca
My DS - Carli


That during these economically poor times, our family is not struggling - Sheila


Both Dan & I being gainfully employed; healthy and beautiful girls; wonderful report cards from school - Sharon.


A home, a job, and my family - Al
My family's health - Dan


The memory of Mama Nell, and the realization of how much she prepared me for this time in my life - Papa


The incredible work that God is doing changing lives in downtown Des Moines, and my incredible family - Darrin.

Yes, there is much to be thankful for.

The Music in.......We

I've never considered us to be a musical family. While both Al and I played in our high school bands - he played trombone and I played french horn - neither of us could probably squeak out a note today. I took 6 years of piano lessons, and retained about 6 months worth. And singers we definitely are not! Which is why it is so amazing to see half of our offspring demonstrate some real musical aptitude.

This has been a music month. It started with Hannah's very first band concert. She is playing clarinet and has progressed nicely beyond the squeaks and squeals of the first weeks of practice. I was a dutiful parent and carried my camera along to capture the event, only to find that I had left the battery at home in the charger! So, we'll just have to treasure that memory in our minds. This past week, however, I managed to actually capture her signing a solo in her fall chorus concert.



And just last night Hannah played a fun little number titled "Jukebox Boogie" at the annual Fun Fest recital. Papa came along and was so proud of his granddaughter!



And we have no idea where Darrin's talent came from! I know I'm biased, but he just keeps getting better! This past week he coordinated all of the music for Walnut Creek Community Church's annual Celebration Sunday. He was so stressed out that he got sick (either that or he got sick and it added to the stress of the whole thing.) But this morning over 800 people were inspired by music that ranged from a choir singing How Great Thou Art to a rockin' rendition of My God is an Awesome God. It was flawless, and I was incredibly proud. Again, no photos of today's event, but here's a picture taken earlier this fall at a church retreat.



Music definitely has the power to energize or calm, encourage or depress, teach, touch, and heal. Find some music to minister to your soul today.

There were no Jack-O-Lanterns at our house this year...

It was kind of sad, but it appears that we are at the cusp of letting go of Halloween traditions. Oh, Hannah still participated, but she was more interested in getting together with her friend than in the whole carving and costume thing. So we dropped her off at another neighborhood (sigh) and the rest of us went to the Urban Grill (yes, we ate at a restaurant on Beggar's Night!) to celebrate Darrin's and Chris' birthdays. Wyatt made it clear he had absolutely no interest whatsoever in trick-or-treating.

So, since I have no photos of the carved masterpieces this year, I decided to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy a few photos from years past....
Happy Halloween.

David in 2002


2003


David, Hannah and Wyatt in 2004


Pumpkin guts 2005


Hannah and Wyatt Trick-or-Treating 2005


Hannah 2006


Dorothy and the ghoul 2006


The Piratess 2007