We kicked off the month with a double celebration for Eli's 12th birthday. First, we celebrated with Nana and Papa. Then we celebrated with Eli's friends. There was tons of laughter and some gagging as the boys participated in multiple rounds of BeanBoozled. I cannot say that I find the enjoyment in this game but it was right up the boys alley. Eli opted for flavored popcorn that we made with food flavorings as his main dessert. We had pineapple, fruit punch, peach, and green apple popcorn. Eli got an acoustic guitar along with many other wonderful gifts. He is turning into quite the musician! We are so thankful for 12 wonderful years with Eli!
My sweet friend, Laura, took our family pictures again this year. It was a cold and slightly blustery day but we braved the winds for some pictures along the riverfront. The kids were troopers to put up with all of mom's "demands". I asked them to smile and look at the camera no less than 100 times. Thankfully, Laura is super patient and we were able to get some good shots before the kids all fell apart. We are so thankful for precious friends like Laura!
Marie's school did a canned food drive this month for those less fortunate. She brought in several cans to donate. Part of the promotion for the school was that the class that had the most participation would be given a hot chocolate party. On the final morning, one little girl in Marie's class didn't have anything to donate so Marie gave her a can so she could participate too. She didn't want her to feel left out and sad. Marie's teacher noticed and informed the principal of Marie's good deed. Marie was rewarded with glitter sprinkled in her hair along with her name and deed announced over the loudspeaker for all the school to hear. Then the principal, came to Marie's class and personally gave her a certificate. It was a sweet moment for her and we rejoiced with Marie over one of her first moments of feeling compassion. I cannot express what a big deal this is for her! We are so thankful for glimpses of what God is doing in Marie's life!
Anna and Eden participated in Grace Academy's Thanksgiving Program before the break. It was so adorable! Both girls remembered their songs and Bible verses and did a great job. It is a bit intimidating to get on a stage in front of hundreds of people but they didn't seem scared in the least. We are so thankful for the opportunities the girls have been given through Grace Academy.
Thanksgiving break, for the first time, was a week long! We packed in as much as we possibly could. We took a trip to the Amazeum, an Art Museum, and went to see Frozen 2. Fun was had by all! We are thankful for an extra long break this year and time to spend together as a family!
We were so blessed this year that Nana and Papa could join us. It is so awesome to have them living just over 1/2 an hour away. We enjoyed food, fellowship, games, and stories. We are so thankful for sweet times with family and for the technology that allowed us to talk to the Andersons in Albania via video chat!
I gave my second lecture at BSF this month. It was particularly relevant as the main focus was on spiritual opposition and we have been seeing so much of that with friends and family of late. I am so thankful for the opportunity to speak God's timeless truths into the lives of so many who desperately need to hear them.
We wrapped up the month decorating for Christmas. It is always a great time to reflect on Who we celebrate and that we have so much to thank Him for. We are so thankful for our salvation and the hope that it brings. We hope that you too have much to be thankful for. See you next month!
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