Happy Thanksgiving~

Today we got to have Thanksgiving at my parents house.  The first time in many, many years!!  It was so nice.  Michael is home visiting, so some of my pics are just of the boys, a couple are of Emily "hunting" for the first time, and the others are from my parents today.  Some of my pics are too dark, but its what I've got, so that's that!  It was a nice day.  We truly do have much to be thankful for. 

First Snowfall of November 2011 and the kids are ready!!

We have our Christmas lights up outside (not inside yet), and they "dance" to the Christmas music that plays.  So cool!!  Gabe wasn't sure what he thought of the snow, as he hadn't seen it yet.  He didn't care much for it, but I'm sure he will learn to love it like most dogs and kids....

There are 2 kids in there...I promise!!

I won't tell anyone that they only played outside for about 10 minutes and came back in cold....
:O)

Aren't they just precious?

My nephew, Dane. 

My beautiful Emily with handsome Dane

They play the role a bit too naturally....

Thank you, Soldier.....

Today I thank you, every single soldier, every single veteran.  Those that are safe at home, those that are out there still, waiting to come home.  I thank the ones whose lives were lost fighting for us.  I remember fondly, the ones who made it home, and have passed away for other reasons.  I cannot fathom the horrors you endured, the nights that are so long, the families at home worried every single day.  I thank you for what you are doing, what you have done, and what you will continue to do for people you don't even know.  God Bless You today, and every single day.  May He keep you safe in His loving hands.  Again, I say thank you.

 

Because of you, I am here

Because of you, I am able to live freely

 

Yet I do not know you

And I have not done anything for you

 

But there you stand, ready to fight

And there you are prepared to die

For me

 

You've fought before

And you'll fight again

For someone you don't know

 

So thank you Unknown Soldier

Fighting for me

 

I'm here because of you

And I owe my future to you

By Courtney Tanabe

A Poem Written by my dearest Emily 2011~

I am a unique individual
my heart is open to all
whom shall need it.

My mind is set on anything
and everything.

You may ask for help
I will be the first to be there.

My hand will be out
ready for anyone who might grasp it.

I am ready.
Ready for sorrow.
Ready for happiness
that may come my way

keep the song in your heart my beloved Beebz

Emily's Art Work~

Emily got all A's and one B on her first 5th grade report Card.
Caleb did awesome too.  I am so very proud of both of them!!!
I hope you enjoy the paintings Emily made at school.
I think they are beautiful.

Caleb's First Hunting Trip 2011~

Well, my baby went hunting for the first time this year.  He's not technically old enough to hunt, but he went along to observe, and still get the feel of it.  The hope is he gets to go Pheasant Hunting next year.  He is my only child out of the four who has the desire to hunt, so I think its great that Troy is willing to bring him out and let him have these experiences. 

He's grown so fast....but then again....don't they all?





Raking leaves at Grandma and Grandpa's House~

What a beautiful day to help my mom and dad out raking leaves in their yard.  Unless you know what their back yard is like, this is not something you can fully appreciate.  How my dad has done it by himself each year is beyond me.  We did not get done, but we did a lot.  I am grateful for a strong, healthy body, and for my strong, healthy children to come along and help.  It was hard work, but also a lot of fun.  Even Gabe enjoyed his time romping around in the crisp fall air.  Emily and Grandma kept busy sweeping spider webs, while me, Jon, Caleb, and Josh got busy with the leaves. 

Skinny Love......a song.

I know this isn't something everyone will like, but that's the beauty of having my own blog.  I share what I like.  This is a song that my oldest son, Michael played on the guitar and sang to me, and I just love it.  I wish I could put him singing and playing on here, but I can't.  So this will have to do. 

http://youtu.be/aNzCDt2eidg