Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone I did not see or speak to! The 3rd annual Thanksgiving at the Schiman's went off with out a hitch - except once again I say lets eat at 1pm and I end up serving about an hour later - one of these years I'll figure it out!!!

Since I keep a running tally of what I'm greatful for I'm not going to go crazy with my list today.
Although, I do want to say that I'm so very thankful for my family - I don't recognize their important roles in my life nearly enough. It is always such a nice feeling having family around during the holidays.

Those of you who made it out on Black Friday pat yourselves on the back - you crazy birds!
Hope it went well and better you than me!!!!

Masquerade!!!

JD & I get the privelage to attend a masquerade event with Sesha! The event is a fundraiser for an organization called GIVING IT BACK TO KIDS. You can see their website at:

www.givingitbacktokids.com

Their mission statement is "To help children achieve their maximum potential through medical care, education, nutrition, and love." This organization provides incredible means and creates life changing opportunities for children in Vietnam. Medical surgeries, schools, houses, orphanage assistance and many other things. Check them out and see if there is something you could help with. Online tax deductable donations are accecpted.

I will post pictures later!

Aaahhhmazing!!!

JD and our parents TOTALLY SURPRISED me for my birthday - here is how it went down.

JD knew exactly what he wanted to get - got the parents in on it at the begining of the month.

2 days before he ran around like crazy and got the card signed (3 different locations).  All the while continues to ask me all week where I wanted to go out to eat because that's all I wanted to do - a quiet sit down meal for two has only happened once since Noah was born.  

The morning of my b-day I was still under the impression that dinner was happening when and where I chose.  Until....... JD called a family meeting on the couch that was to exclude Mommy!  After they (kids & JD) came out from under the fort-o-covers, it was decided that we would all pack up and go out to shop and lunch.  At which point I realized JD probably forgot to get something from the kids and I was going to be picking it out.  Little did I know.....

They were taking me to my appointment at the SPA for the DAY!!!!!

I was there from 10:30 'till 3:00.  First, was the very hot, very relaxing, very QUIET aromatherapy bath!  Then the 1 hour massage.  Then a grilled chicken salad.  Then a facial from heaven.  Then a manicure and pedicure!!!!!  WOW - I swear a whole new person emerged from the spa that day.  Quite a re-juvenating experience.

This week I was thankful for........

• HEAVENLY PAMPERING that made for an unforgetable birthday.
  
• earlier bedtimes for the kids
  
• a comfy couch
  
• baby sitting help from parents
  
• Old Chicago's deep dish pizza - the closest thing to actual Chicago deep dish from Gino's Pizza.
  

November = Birthday's O'pleanty

Happy birthday to all those I know or can remember
Leann Carter Schmidt
Kathryn Maberry
Steven Schmidt
Gary and Butch Stockton
Braeden Spellman
Kelly Schmidt
Melissa Robertson Kennedy
Abigail Kennedy
JD Schiman
Nicole Hale Grover
Ava Monico
and Baby Rankey who hasn't quite made his November arrival yet!

Happy Anniversary to
Zach and Alicia Schmidt - still newly wedin' it up
and to my late grandparents (stockton) who were an incredible example of how the institution of marriage should work!!

Thank you veterans!

A GIANT thank you to ALL the veterans out there who have served this great country. Thank you for all you sacrificed, the burdens you carried, the life changes you made, and the lives you protected.
I want to specifically thank those I know of personally.

Charles Stockton and Butch Stockton,

Carl F. Klahn, Wes Klahn, Susie & Jimmie Lott

John F. Schiman and Jerry Schiman,

David Schmidt, Dustin Schmidt, and Otto Schmidt

Ian Tate and Kristopher Tate,

Dave Cook, Jeff Elliot & Gerald,

Jeff Kuxhausen, Joshua Thompson,

and Matt Squires.

If you were not listed know that it was unintended oversight only and that a gratitude prayer was said for you tonight.

THANK YOU VETERANS!!!!!!!

Dishartening

I can't begin to put into words how I feel about the election results.  I can't say that I'm surprised.  I can say that I'm confused about what it is God has in store for us.  I feel like the president-elect is a wolf in sheep's clothing and I'm worried about how the next 4 years will affect my children's lives.  I keep remembering verses about how Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  I feel it is my job to put on my armor and teach my children how to armor themselves too!  I hope and pray that my gut feelings are wrong.  My "on the lighter side" advise is grab on to both cheeks and hang on because it's gonna get crazy!

Today I'm thankful for.........

God's promise of heaven for those who believe and are saved!

This and That

Hannah is getting so big!  She is sitting up by herself regularly.  Her feet make it to her mouth every chance she gets - which is only when the clothes are off her lower body. Because of her chubbiness she really can't do it with clothes on!  The last picture above is a little dress up session.  This dress was mine when I was little.  I couldn't wait for Applebutter Makin' Days to get here in October.  When I tried it on it it was huge.  My mom said I was 11 months old when I wore it so maybe next year we will try it again!!  Fall has been fun and it feels like winter is here. 

   Great weather for Halloween.  We went to the fire station and hung out.  Here are the official pictures from Halloween night.  On Saturday we went to a great party at Aunt Sputs!  

Today I'm thankful for.......

my dad's help on projects no matter what or when they are

early bedtime - long overdue!

spiked hot chocolate

and quiet, quiet time for myself.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

I have never been one to be involved in politics and this year I feel an incredible obligation to my children to get out and vote. I actually have a pit in my stomach realizing that the leadership in all levels of government are going to modify/delete/create things that will effect my kids for the rest of their lives - directly and indirectly (and realizing that many many people are fooled by Obama's speeches). I pray for America's people to be lead to vote tomorrow for the person who will rely on God to guide this nation in a direction that betters His purpose and will get this country back on track.

Get out there and exercise our RIGHT to vote and don't forget to pray for our soldiers that are fighting to protect all of our RIGHTS and our FREEDOM!!!

Today I'm greatful for so many things I can't list them all. Since I'm on the subject....
I'm greatful for my RIGHT to VOTE and the FREEDOMS that come with being an American!

PS - Halloween stuff to be posted soon!