for November pictures!

This month started off with Victoria traveling with a friend to a family camp. She was only gone for the weekend, but we sure did miss her!! Here are the signs Marlee and David made for her return:


The bottom right of David's sign has a picture of how he views his big(gest) sister. The picture is entitled "Super Sissy" - complete with super hero cape.


Marlee's sign says: "Home is not home without you. I call out your name a hundred times till someone reminds me your not home. - Marlee"

Work or play? You be the judge!























The fall this year I think was by far the best (and maybe only) true fall we've had since we moved west. The temperature was crisp, the leaves had time to fall, and all-in-all it was a wonderfully spectacular fall!

Troy and the kids made up several batches of Apple Butter this year. Victoria and I put up pears, also, but I can't find those pictures.

Here are the kids peeling the apples:



...and having some fun:



This November had us celebrating Jacob's 16th birthday!!! I cannot believe my 'bull-in-the-china-shop' (as he was affectionatley called by his Grandma Bingo) is already 16!!! We had a small celebration with the family, and of course, Grandpa Ron and Grandma Sweetie!

The cake is served:




The candles are blown out:




The presents are opened: (have you ever seen someone so happy to get a box!)



It was actually the present from Grandpa Ron and Grandma Sweetie. Jacob LOVES to read!




Another exciting event in November (for Jacob and the family): State Playoffs!!! The Tiger Football Team once again saw some State-playoff games this year!! This is Jacob's second year playing, and he really seems to enjoy the game.

Jacob is #59. Here he is cheering his team on from the sidelines:



Marlee and David, my two precious yellow birds, enjoying the game:



Waiting for the kick-off return. (Jacob is second from the left):




Heading to protect the receiver:



Half-time warm-ups and encouragement:



While the boys were defeated in the second round of the playoffs, all in all they had a good year. As with all things in life, I pray the boys play for the glory of God - then seeming defeat is not bitter at all!

Every year, our town has a 'Turkey Carnival'. I think we have been every year since we moved to town. It is a fun day, filled with fellowship, laughter, and fun. They have games set up for the kids to enjoy - and of course 'Turkey Bingo'. Victoria won a turkey our first year - then Marlee won a turkey when she was about the same age. All other years - we always came home with full hearts and empty hands.

This year, however, we hit the jackpot! David won the first turkey of the day with the 'Letter X' game:



...Victoria soon added a turkey to our freezer - and finally Mom (with Marlee's help) won a third, and final turkey! Here is Marlee collecting our booty from the day:



While the winning was wonderful - and I truly was thanking God! - I had time to reflect back on years past to compare my praising in times of plenty - compared to times of want. I have to say, I failed the test. It was a lesson the Lord taught me that day that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

...which brings us to Thanksgiving. This year, we had so many at our table, we had to move the kitchen table into the living room! Along with the family and Grandpa Ron and Grandma Sweetie, we had two gentleman from town (that don't have family nearby) break bread with us, as well as Troy's brother Mark and his daughter Kylie. (We missed having Brenda and Brandi, Mark's wife and other daughter, with us - they were in Florida). While the picture isn't great - I assure you, the food and fellowship was wonderful!!!




Marlee has several pen pals - yes, the 'old-fashioned' kind that actually sit down and write out letters. Okay, okay, on occasion they have been known to type up their letters on the computer, print them off, and then mail them via the USPS, but hey - this is the 'technological age'! Anyway, she and her penpals send each other recipes on occasion. One recipe she recently received was for a 'Purple Cow'. I had a picture of the recipe, but for whatever reason, it is not displaying correctly.

For a 'Purple Cow' you need milk and grape jelly. It also appears that you need:



some ice cream. Put these in a blender and....blend.



Then..drink to your heart's delight! At first, you may think you don't like it....



but my sources tell me that the taste, while acquired, is very yummy!



..and to end this month in pictures - we were very thankful to see this:


(and they continue to fall! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord!!!)