Thanksgiving week was filled with all sorts of good things, family, friends, great food and The Nutcracker.

This year’s production of The Nutcracker was a blast, even when at the last moment our sweet Party Girl was told she was needed as a Party BOY for two of the shows.  A prettier boy we’ve never seen and this momma was very proud and blessed as I watched our girl.

 She took the surprise and nerves and handed them over to the ONE who can calm fears and empower us to do what we are not able to do on our own.  Miss Mae had only rehearsed this part as a step in earlier in the rehearsal season.



And here she is in her Party Girl costume

Here is Mae in the Party Boy costume

She did well (Momma was given backstage viewing on opening night) and went on to thoroughly enjoy her Party Girl role in the last two programs.

As we reflect on the last 3 months of rehearsals and getting to know other cast members, we are excited to see what the future holds for Colton West, the Nutcracker Prince.  What a delight to see the talent of local youth.

linking with Amanda

A little of this and of that, a peak into daily life here at home.

Aound the house ~  Books everywhere…the signs of the busy late yesterday

Outside the window ~ sunny and windy, the snow on the mountain is just about all gone

Looking forward ~  Builder’s arrival home on Saturday, my parents arrival next week to celebrate Thanksgiving with us

Reading ~ “The Hour that Changes the World”, “graceful” and “Harry Potter book 1”

Memorizing ~ Psalm 91, II Peter 1

Praying for ~ the children in our community, the Compassion Bloggers who are in Peru this week.

Creative activities ~ A sweet recieving blanket is finished, a quilt is ready for binding and another is in the works.  I picked up my crocheting again yesterday…had a little time of just waiting in a room too noisy to read in.

A Picture or more:

linking up with Michelle

 

For us mommas who worry about whether our kids are ready for the dirt and ache, the poverty caused by sin wrecking life, love moves here.

 

The opportunity to sponsor a child through Compassion International has been mentioned here on this blog many times.  Have you wondered if the need is really that great?  Or if the work, the sponsorship, the letter writing makes a difference?

If so, please follow the Compassion Bloggers as they spend the rest of this week in Peru, visiting the Compassion Child Development Centers and family homes.

Here’s a little introduction to what the team is experiencing…

And if today is the day you know it’s time to sponsor a child, you can do so right here.
 

A wonderful realization came upon me last week.  Answers to prayers from early fall are showing up among the gifts I’ve found on this gratitude pursuit.  During the early fall calendar filling, activity choosing attending an international Bible study with my daughters was high on the hopeful list.  It wasn’t long before it became obvious that it just didn’t fit into the weeks ahead.  Disappointment was not great, crushing, but there none the less.  In this current season of parenting and long distance work separation I’ve longed for some fellowship soaked in discipleship.  Something solid to add to my toolbox to take me deeper with my Lord and farther along with road to wisdom as these daughters of mine grow taller, older.

Pressing on I chose to trust my Lord will provide.  He does you know, always provides.  And in the quiet early morning He’s been wooing me, rise a bit earlier and spend the time.  It’s been hard.  It is work.  But it is the prayer answered.

gifts 1265 to 1285, with two answers tucked within

quiet moment, suddenly alone
a book on prayers
and another on the disciplines of the Christian life
snow like powdered sugar on the mountain
time with sweet Chica
fellowship with friends before a concert of praise
guitar strums
giggling girls
beautiful voices lifting praise and encouragement
new friends
young men, courageous
snow flurries
coconut oil for chapped hands
clean bedrooms
ring necked doves
rippling waters
duck quacks
 welcoming words
crunching leaves
toothpaste

Aound the house ~ books, paper leaves and tree, pumpkins

Outside the window ~ ring necked doves visiting the pinion tree

Looking forward ~  to an out of the ordinary Saturday, karate tournament, historical interp volunteering and music concert

Reading ~ Graceful by Emily Freeman and The Hour that Changes the World, Galatians and Hebrews

Memorizing ~ Psalm 91, II Peter 1

Creative activities ~  a couple of quilts are coming together

A Picture or more ~ Life has been a bit of a blur this week, but in it we’ve been able to capture a few moments of it with the camera.  It is amazing to me, how rich and full this life is.  Beyond measure.