Thanksgiving

We just read a book called 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving.  I have known for a long time that the original story was much different from the distorted "cleaned up" version we all learn as children.  And the story of what is considered the first Thanksgiving isn't even that terrible.  It was a harvest celebration by the English.  The natives came to see what the commotion was (thinking maybe they were preparing for war) and when they realized it was a celebration, they stayed and participated.  Kind of a diplomatic meeting.  But because of the soon after tragedies inflicted on those peoples and others through out north America in the years to come, I can see how they could feel Thanksgiving isn't really a reason to celebrate. 

The book is great at offering a lot of fact and it was a nice study, a bit more in depth then what we are used to.  I definitely don't want to sugar coat what actually happened when the English invaded this country and basically took it over from it's original native peoples.  I want my kids to know the truth.  But I also believe that a national day of giving thanks isn't a bad thing.  I know this holiday gets over looked as there isn't much to market besides food.  But I think the best thing we can do is to thank God for the blessings in our lives.  No, we don't need a holiday to do it.  Any day will work.  But there is something special about a day that is set aside for remembering to be thankful. 

That is the attitude I want to plant in my children.  To be grateful and to count their blessings.  (And hopefully they can learn not to step on the dreams of others at the same time.)  So learn the history behind the holiday, but don't let it dampen the spirit of gratitude that this holiday can help us to remember year after year.

I need this post

I was just reading this post and I haven't even wrapped my mind around it yet.  But I know I need to answer the questions and think on the truths expressed.  I will be back to it often as I seek His will and my renewed forward motion that I am having so much trouble capturing.  I want to live in His will and I am never sure that I am.  And so I need to pray.  That is the answer...pray.

Busy busy

Wow!  we had such a busy weekend!  Friday I had Bible study and was also making food for friends coming over as well as for our Fall Feast on Saturday (cause I wasn't home all day Sat).  We had our friends over and got to meet their wonderful newly adopted son which was such a joy! We really enjoyed that evening!  Then my mom showed up just as the were leaving.  She came to spend the night because there was some snow and we had big plans the next day so she made sure to be there. 

Saturday morning saw some snow but not as bad as predicted I think.  So mom and I headed to our Holly Daze scrapbooking crop.  For the whole day!  It was so nice.  I haven't done much on my scrapbooks in probably 5 years.  There is a lot of catch up to do but it was easiest to start on Emma's baby book. (I haven't even done Gabe's yet, but one step at a time)

We had a great time chatting and eating and working on our projects.  I really miss my mom.  She is only 2 hours away, but sometimes that feels like a lot.  I really enjoy her company.  So the day seemed to go too quickly and soon it was time to head home.  When I got home my wonderful husband was already warming the soup I had made the day before for our feast.  So I changed clothes, said good by to my mom.  She was heading home before any more snow hit and we were off to our feast.

The set up was already underway when we showed up at church.  It all came together beautifully and the tables looked great.  The food was good and the performers did an excellent job.  We have some very talented kids in our homeschool group.  Megan performed a favorite piano piece "Little Green Frog".  She did it beautifully. I am very proud of her.

Well, long night of clean up and we went home and went to bed.  Sunday came and back to church but the afternoon was lazy and unproductive.  I felt so bad we weren't doing anything...but sometimes a little rest is what is called for after such a busy weekend.

Gratituesday: My Husband

I am so thankful for my husband who loves me as Christ loved the church.  He has sacrificed so much for me lately and I am so grateful.  I never imagined he would be so generous and still love me even when I ask so much of him.  I won't go into too much detail, but if you read some earlier posts about us moving and then moving back, you will see that my husband, though not excited, wanted to make me happy and provide what I needed both times. Of course he works hard everyday for our family and so I can stay home and home school.  He is truly selfless and I love him more each day!

Head over to Heavenly Homemakers to see what others are thankful for or leave your own post on gratitude.

Heavy subject

  I am feeling very run down.  My body is giving out on me.  I am feeling the weight of my...weight.  I have always been over weight.  Sometimes more then others.  I think I have been a been heavier then I am now, but not by much.  I have always felt pretty healthy and strong though.  until now.  I am discouraged because I have no energy.  I know that exercising is supposed to give you energy, but it is so hard to get started.  I need a good kick in the pants I think!

I think I need help is what I am saying.  Doing this on my own just isn't an option any more.  I know I need to eat better, but my will power isn't there, and I know I need to exercise, but again, no motivation.  I do not want to use any kind of artificial weight loss method...that means no gimmicks, no fad diets(or fake supplements), no surgeries.  But that also means no quick fix.  This is a long hard road to loosing at least a hundred pounds. 

Brendan wants to help but I guess I feel like he is being bossy and judgemental when he says "do you really need that extra helping?"  So I can't have him be anything but a cheerleader.  I have friends who need to loose weight too, but I feel like they, like me, struggle with motivation and will power and in the past I have found them to not be as helpful.

So what do I need?  I'd love to have a Biggest Looser environment with out the embarrassment of national television.  I need a scheduled time for exercise.  I need good solid, healthy, meal plans I can stick to.

I want to be better.  I want to be healthier.  I want to be thinner and have more energy for my family... but I am tired.  I have always had to deal with this and I am tired of it.  I obviously haven't do a very good job, but still I am tired of dealing with it.

I will probably continue to address this subject...hopefully with a more positive outlook, and a plan.

Giveaway!

I was just reading about this great giveaway. I have been reading Hip Mountain Mama's blog for a couple of months now and am really enjoying her natural take on things.  I strive to better myself by trying to chose more eco friendly ways of doing things and buying local, reused and sustainable items.  So go ahead over and get yourself entered too!

puking pumpkins

So here are a few of our pumpkins.  The boys saw this and had to do it too. ICK!  But that's boys for ya.
Here is Megan's....

I carved this one...

And here's our little goblins.... ready for their sugar rushes...

Aniken, pirate, clone trooper and ladybug.