November 2015

Well, let's start with the cutest November photo - Bailey got a new sweater.  His DADDY bought it for him so he could stay warm in the winter.  Bailey isn't a big fan of clothing so we'll see if he keeps it on for long, but he sure is cute! 

 

 

David and I were invited by retired friends in our architecture circle of friends to brunch at the country club one Sunday.  We had a great conversation with the varied guests they invited.  At this lunch I met the county historian/editorialist who wrote an article in the newspaper about some work I completed in 2015.  I wrote the story of our neighborhood - it's so interesting and the founders just moved this summer.  It was nice to be written about in the paper, and now we're going to publish the story into a book.  How about that.

 

Speaking of, here are the founders of the neighborhood we live in, Dr. Walt and Joan Able.  We went to dinner with them in November and got to see their new home (after 47 years in our neighborhood!)

 

 

And these are the gorgeous flowers they sent me for writing the history - their history actually.

 

 

I got to participate in Election Day festivities at one of our local hotels.  It was a great win for the two candidates I was there to support. 

 

 

Here is Thomas and friends from the Robotics Team at a demonstration last month.  Their new year really kicks off in early January and it'll be busy, busy for Thomas through April.

 

In town all seniors have to complete a Senior Project to improve our community.

They last months long and involve a lot of planning, fundraising, presentations, and you can't graduate without it :)

 

We have participated in several.  Brennan and I attended a really fun one in November - a Kitty Shower to raise funds for our Animal Care Center (our city's animal shelter).  We all took shower gifts that would benefit the cats at the shelter, and we sat in a circle just like at a bridal or baby shower, and passed around adorable, adoptionable kitties.  We had a great time and this young lady raised a LOT of supplies for the center.

 

 

My men walking into church one morning

Brennan played percussion with the adult choir one service.

 

Here are some of our youth shopping for Heart Tree presents (for local families in need this Christmas).

And every year the youth (and many parents) volunteer at the church to rake the leaves on the church grounds.  We supply donuts too, so it's greatly attended and the work is done within an hour!

 

 

We were sad to say goodbye to our interim pastor and his wife last month. 

During his last service, Thomas was asked to serve as Lay Leader and he did a great job.

 

 

Our final prayer goodbye to the Hills.  We'll be welcoming our new permanent pastor and his family later this month.

 

 

The Hills are from Wisconsin - they had a great time at our fun going away celebration for theme.  The "cheese" cake.

 

Lots of skits, roasts, and heartfelt tributes.  The youth know how Scott loves food.

 

 And Thanksgiving in Mississippi - our first year in years that we had enough time off school to go.

Donna and Jeffrey hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.  But it was all about the puppies this year!

 

Thomas and Ringo.

 

 

Thomas with Bailey, Dexter, Ringo, and Stella.  Obviously, treats are universal.

 

 

The cousins - Taylor (14), Thomas (15), Brennan (almost 14), Ellie (almost 11)

Bailey very much enjoyed getting to "go bye-bye" with us.  He slept on a pillow, covered with his blanket, on my lap the entire drive.  Spoiled.

 

Grandma's house is so cozy.

 

And finally, David's co-worker sent us this photo at the end of the month.  Thomas, working at the children's museum, helping their daughters up the climbing wall.  Thomas has earned 14 hours of training time on the climbing wall - 6 more and he can do work it solo.  He really enjoys his part-time job!

 

Hope you're enjoying the holidays!