OH my gosh I'm so behind on blogging! We had a great Thanksgiving despite a few sad moments. It was great because we just have so much to be Thankful for. I was talking to my husband about all that has gone wrong lately (dryer breaking, pipes bursting, etc.) and he pointed out how well I've been taking it all. He said these things would have effected us more 5 years ago. I guess we are finally growing up and have learning to be grateful for all we have.

We've been trying to stay on top of school work through all the distractions. Emily was slipping for a while (entirely MY fault by not being consistent) but she is doing better now. I've just got to make sure I don't let several days go by between lessons.

The puppies we were blessed/cursed with came down with what I believe was parvo. We could not save them though we tried. They first showed signs of being ill the night before Thanksgiving. The last one was buried Sunday. To lessen the kids loss we have agreed that after we bleach the house and yard and wait about 6 months or so we'll get a puppy. However, it will have to have all it's shots before it ever comes home. I can't stand the thought of helplessly sitting by watching another animal just slip away.

We started decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving as is our tradition. We've already watched a couple a Christmas movies and listened to some Christmas music. I have every reason to be in the Christmas spirit but something is missing. May be it is just too early. It may just be that I haven't been able to go buy anyone a present yet. Nothing puts the spirit in me like picking out that something special or better yet giving to someone in need. I love to buy clothes and toys for my kids but then their rooms reflect that. Nothing compares to the joy you can get from giving to a child that doesn't have a lot. We are far from wealthy but around Thanksgiving I realized we have so much more than many. We are truly blessed and I'm looking forward this year to sharing our blessings with others. Hmmmm... may be I am feeling the Christmas spirit more than I thought! LOL

Since the last post the kids have done a couple of crafts and other photo worthy things. I'll try to get some pictures of those posted soon. For now I just wanted my blog friends and family to know I haven't permanently stopped blogging!

This last week Brandon an I made our very first lapbook. Did I read instruction? Did I give instructions? Well, not really. We just kind of printed a bunch pictures and information off the internet and well we winged it. I did however find this great lapbook that I used bits and pieces of at Our Homeschooling Expedition.

If any one is looking to make an Ancient Egypt lapbook I highly recommend printing hers out and actually following the instructions! Here are some pictures of what we ended up with.

Way back when, when I first started homeschooling Cecil brought home this really nice bulletin board for absolutely free. Naturally I was over joyed. Oh I was going to keep it decorated so cute! I would display all the children's precious work. I just knew I'd buy all kinds of wonderful seasonal decor to put on it! Then I became a real homeschool mom. I came back down to earth. Needless it say it often goes several months with no change at all. I really do at least try to keep it seasonal but not necessarily with all the great "store bought" bulletin board decorations from the teaching store.

However, this week I decided it was just a shame to have something so great in my reach and not utilize it. Yes, we've updated our bulletin board. And you are here for the great unveiling. Don't you feel so blessed to be here for this grand event?

Those of you who follow along my blog may remember I mentioned we rescued some sick stray puppies awhile back. Well they are healthy little rollie pollies now. I haven't been able to find homes for the last two. I call them the Poopies. The black one is Luke and the white one is King Tut (AKA Tutters). The family has voted 3 to 1 to keep them. They are sweet and adorable but if a good alternative home magically appears you better bet your bottom dollar I'd kiss them good bye and tell the familial to suck it up and move on! LOL

Oh Ok I've already typed one very grumpy, cranky, people shouldn't even have to read it blog today elsewhere. So, I'll try my best to spare you. In fact I'll try to post the positive side of things here.

1. Although I can't find homes for the puppies we rescued and I spend a great deal of time trying to keep my floors sanitary. They are healthy, growing and cute.

2. Although I was late to the fall festival due to many many things going wrong at the last minute. Due to the fact that I was late my booth was given over to a youth member to run leaving me free to enjoy the festival with my family. Cecil was late but did make it in time to eat with us and play some games. The festival was even bigger than last year and had a great turn out of non church members which is our goal. It truly was a wonderful community family friendly event! Kudos to the awesome woman who organized this!

3. Although I've had/have a lot of issues with my neighbors...the list of their deeds would make the average neighbor shudder... (I am really praying for strength to continue to stay on friendly terms for witnessing and ministry's sake.) However, last night really took the cake. I took their daughter to the fall fest with me because they were taking their son with some friends to a haunted house several towns away. I knew they would be late which was really fine. If they were too late I'd just let her stay the night and send her home in the morning in time to get dressed for school. But around 11 PM we got a call that they and their friend had been arrest for PI and DWI. Could I come pick their son up? Well yeah! It was more like how fast could I get there! No kid should have to be sitting at a jail while their parents are sitting in the drunk tank. So I went to get him. We didn't home until around 2 AM. The bright side of this? He was ok. He was alive. They didn't wreck. And someone cared enough to come get him. Hopefully what I did will have more of an impact than what his parents did.

4. Cecil has been promoted. He has done this job before with no pay increase and been demoted due to lack of a college degree. When offered the position again a couple of times before he has been leary. However, we talked and prayed about it when it was offered again. This time it does come with a pay raise and bonus package. He has also been promised a lightening of his work load so he can once again join us in a family life. I pray this was the right decision. It sure sounds like a good thing. I guess time will tell.

5. Lately with just life stuff I'm feeling a strong need of the Lord for strength and guidance which no matter how that may sound is actually a good thing.