Happy Thanksgiving!!

Short note to wish all my blogging buddies and readers a blessed Thanksgiving. "Tom" the turkey is awaiting his stuffing in the fridge, thanks to some dear friends who gave him to us. We have made plans to eat with our good friends across the street. Love to all, enjoy, and remember Who we are thankful to!

Game Day- Bucket Game

It's 7:30 a.m. and already the sentries at at their posts. One lone tailgate is going on in the parking lot. Barricades are up to eventually corral the masses into their appropriate parking spot. Townies not gong to the game must remember which way to go or NOT to go on game day. One wrong turn and you could be miles out of your way to your destination.

Kickoff is eight hours away, yet the worker bees are buzzing around getting things prepared. Golf carts meander through the parking lots. Tents are being set up. Ah , the excitement of Big Ten Football at its best. The arch rivals IU and Purdue will play this afternoon . The sun is a huge golden ball in the sky, promising awesome football weather this afternoon.

Yesterday at school, we had a breakfast tailgate wearing our team's colors, or paraphernalia. I wore a new "Take the Bucket" t-shirt and took an official IU jersey for a colleague to wear. What fun. I do have to say, I wore my black and gold Keens ON MY FEET to represent my alma mater in a small, insignificant way. Other than that it is IU all the way.

We have nine people coming for the game- more on that later. Sloppy joes are made, cheesy potatoes will be soon. Nothing better than a fire at home after the game and some yummy food. Other than a win. Go Hoosiers- update at 11.

Blessings, Blessings, Blessings!!!

My sister had recommended a book on fasting that I read recently. Two co-workers and I decided to try it one lunch a week and focus the time on prayer for our families and school. We chose Wednesdays as that is the middle of the week. About 10:30 that morning, I got a text from my daughter saying she had been hired as a teacher's aide! We had been praying for a position that would provide benefits as she is nearing the age when she will no longer be on our health insurance. Praise!

We have taken a family trip to Florida the last five Christmases. We no longer buy presents, we make a memory. Funds are very tight this year as my husband had been unemployed for eight months, but we still wanted to make it happen. We decided to drive, saving lots on airlines, parking, rental car, etc., but we still have to pay for lodging. When my husband made the reservations, they offered to waive the 25% Christmas week additional fee! He didn't even ask! Praise!

I had a conversation with another colleague who said that whenever she had made decisions stepping out in faith not knowing where the money would come from, she always received an unexpected check or money to help cover the costs. I told her I would claim that also, thinking I don't know of any unexpected money that could come our way, but I would trust it would happen. I then went home and opened the mail and WOW! There was a letter saying I had received a one hour tuition credit for a grad class that I am taking- $335 worth!! Praise!

Later that evening I received and unexpected phone call from a friend of ours who owns a sheep/turkey farm. He had asked if I bought my turkey yet for Thanksgiving. I hadn't. He said he had one ready and waiting for me at the farm if I could come pick it up on Sunday. (These are amazing home grown $3.89 a pound turkeys that melt in your mouth). PRAISE!!!

Some people may call these coincidences. I call them God-incidences. His hand was all over each of those blessings and I don't think it was chance that had them all happen the same day.
Now I don't believe that every time I choose to fast that miraculous things will happen. But I do think that God wanted me to know that he was hearing us and appreciated our efforts at spending time with him in lieu of eating lunch.

How has God blessed you lately?

Traveling

I love to travel. It started when I was nine years old and went on a plane to visit my dad who had moved to Arizona. The first year I went with my 16 year old cousin, whom I thought was sooo old at the time. (Nowadays I would hesitate sending a 16 year old by her herself halfway across the country. Times have changed.) I was hooked. I loved flying above and through the puffy marshmallow clouds. The thrill of getting off the plane to be greeted by my dad and my new family never grew old. The smell of orange blossoms still transports me back to the moment the first wave of hot air hits me as I exit the airport. Even now, some 45+ years later, that smell evokes the same emotions.
But I digress. For the past five years, our family has chosen to make a memory at Christmas, in lieu of buying and giving gifts that no one needs (or at times wants!) So we have vacationed at a magical place in Florida called Anna Maria Island. It is a hidden treasure. This year funds are extremely tight, yet we are still trying to go. So my days and nights have been spent trying to find airfare from here, as well as getting my son and his soon to be fiancee reservations from Utah to meet in Florida. Easier said than done. As much as I love to fly, we may be driving. In "The Boat", a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. They will see us coming- the Clampetts on vaca. We'll take pictures!
There is nothing more important than celebrating the birth of Christ- especially with your loved ones. How do you plan to celebrate? What are your plans?

Yes, I am alive and well.....tired!

I absolutely cannot believe that October has come and gone, and now November is half over. I have so many thoughts running through my head at all times, (scary, huh?), but don't take the time and sit down to write. How does one get it all done? I've been at a lot of GREAT trainings, presented at a Learning Disabilities conference on ADHD, and spent a lot of time crafting, getting ready for the Pourhouse first annual Craft Fair with Kristy. And going to football games and hosting guests, etc. I love it all, but my 55 year old body ( yes I have joined the AARP ranks , but not the organization) sometimes doesn't keep up with my 25 year old brain. Therein lies the problem.

My profound thought for this morning is how does a dog decide what is the perfect place to do its business? I lovingly took my daughter's dog for a walk this morning so she could sleep in, ( substitute teaching is hard work, plus her foot has been very painful), and I traipsed the mongrel all over the park as she sniffed and squatted, and sniffed and squatted and then decided to move on. Eight times. I'm glad no one was watching her pull me from spot to spot and she searched for the elusive perfect place. She finally assumes the position, I anxiously await the final product, and the collection bag doesn't open. No perforation, no hole, no nothing. Just one solid piece of plastic seamed shut from end to end. Figures. Thankfully I had a spare and all was gathered and we happily trotted home.

Next week I'm sleeping in. Hugs!