Happy Turkey Day!

In honor of Thanksgiving (Turkey Day), I just had to post this photo I took yesterday next to my friend's house (yes, in a suburban neighborhood) of a wild turkey. Makes me feel a little guilty about the semi-frozen one sitting in my refrigerator. It was quite a day for wild birds because last night Caleb spotted a wren flying around the living room. This morning when we woke up he was sitting on Terry's guitar. We're not sure if he's still in the house or not. I saw Terry running around with a broom this morning but no one actually saw the bird fly out of the house. This is a first for us. Since it's after midnight, Josh informed me that it's offically Thanksgiving. So in honor of all the turkeys that survived like the one in this photo and in memory of Terry's 12th great grandfather, Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower, have a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving Day!

A Christmas Carol

It's Thanksgiving Eve and we just came back from our annual trek to see "A Christmas Carol." This year we saw it at the Kansas City Repertory Theater near the Plaza. It is perhaps one of the best productions we've ever seen. Amazing talent. Incredible sets, costumes, and it even snowed (in the theater). The Feldmans joined us this year and took this photo for us. As you can see, both boys got haircuts today. Doesn't Josh look so grown up? He's actually 2 inches taller than I am even though this photo doesn't look like it (my secret is in the heels). We came home to see the Christmas lights all aglow in front of our house that I slaved over this afternoon. My hands and nails look horrible, but it was worth it to see how the lights magically mark the arrival of Christmas. OK... tomorrow is actually Thanksgiving, but after seeing the play, I'm filled with the Christmas spirit. In two weeks we kick off our big annual Christmas production at COR which runs for 4 days (5 performances) and both Caleb and I are in it again this year. Since I'll be so busy with that (including hosting the opening night after show brunch at our house for the production team) I was hoping to get a jump start on the decorations during this quiet Thanksgiving weekend. I'm glad we are staying home this year and cooking for just the 4 of us. (Turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Sister Shubert rolls, corn, apple pie & cinnemon ice cream, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie ... ok, so we love desserts!) Friday is my day of shopping (crazy but oh, so fun). Saturday is the Iron Bowl (Roll Tide Roll)! Then Sunday brings Rob Webster and Shane Segars all the way from Alabama. Rob is starting his new job at COR on Monday and, well, Shane is along for the ride. Did someone say "road trip?" We are so excited that Rob will be staying with us until he, Lauren, & Bennett move into their rental house in January.  We were all part of starting the Contemporary Worship service at Frazer UMC in Montgomery together 8 years ago and it going to be great to be together again.   Well, Happy Thanksgiving and "God Bless Us Everyone!"

Confirmation

This photo was taken after Josh's Confirmation ceremony. He went to classes every Sunday for 10 weeks to prepare for this day. Now he is officially recognized by the church as an adult. Wow. Where did the time go? He had a lot of great experiences during the 10 weeks and met several new friends. There were 176 confirmands! And that was just the fall class. Highlights were Metamorphasis weekend, Harvesters Mission project, and the Confirmation retreat. They even started a new Vibe service on Sunday mornings in October for the young and hip. So, of course we go there with Josh now. They haven't kicked us out yet! We are blessed to have such a great church.

Let's Dance!

Today after I read my GPS (Grow Pray Study) guide that I receive each day on my iphone, I surfed on over to one of our blogging pastor's site for his response. It was on Jeff Clinger's blog (www.changingtobringchange.wordpress.com) that I was really inspired by his comments on November 7th - Contagious Energy - Organizing Community - Starting Churches? . I had somehow missed the story and internet fame of Matt. If you missed it, please click on Jeff's blog and watch the videos. Jeff is right. If this guy can influence that many people with his silly dancing, then how much more can we do if we connect a worthy purpose with all that fun. I want to be a part of a greater purpose and see it spread like an infectious virus around the world, don't you? I'm ready. So, any ideas on how we can do this?

Are you ready for some Football?

    
Caleb's first season of flag football has come to a close but that hasn't stopped him.  He's already gearing up (literally) for next year when he'll be old enough for tackle.  Just last night he was playing football in the basement while watching Monday night football.  Did San Francisco win?  Hope so... I love their coach Mike Singletary (Da Bears!).  Thought you'd enjoy a couple photos of our major sports fan at his Bulldogs' end of season pizza party!  Here he shows off his Trophy with friends & classmates, Tyler & Jake.  On the right are Tyler & Jake's dads and our Bulldog coaches, Brian & Bob.  Great season Bulldogs!

Did you vote?

How did you celebrate election day?  Did you get your free star shaped Krispy Kreme donut for breakfast, then drive by Starbucks for a free "I voted" coffee, and wait in the long line for the free Chick-Fil-A election day sandwiches after you waited 2 hours to cast your ballot?  Well, Terry & I mailed our votes in early, so instead, we celebrated election night in our traditional way - watching the returns while eating Chinese food in front of the TV.  Even though hopes for a Republican victory were dashed when they announced Barack Hussein Obama's victory in my old hometown of Chicago's Grant park, we couldn't help but be inspired by the speeches of both McCain & Obama.  The world reaction to Obama's win was amazing.  Now the media is comparing the Obamas to the Kennedys because they are young, good-looking, and Democrats.  But, doesn't anyone remember how that one turned out?  Well, anyway.... he definitely has his work cut out for him.  Forget his health insurance plan....I just hope he can fix the stock market!  The scariest part of my day is opening up my statements from Lincoln Financial and TIAA Cref.  Well, now that the election is over, I already miss SNL's political skits with Tina Fey, Sara Palin, & John McCain.  What will I watch on Saturday night?  Oh well, there's always the Corbert Report.  But there's more!  I can just watch the exciting news stories about how Michelle Obama is going to re-decorate the White House and house train the new puppy!