I suppose it's about time to update.  I was seriously contemplating shutting down the blog.  Maybe I still am.  I just don't have enough hours in a day lately.  Not even on the weekends!  It seems that with both boys in the RVA now, plus David's extra testing and IEP procedures, plus David's health struggles this fall, plus Anna's stubborn strep that won't go away no matter what, plus Matt's health scare, plus usual ministry craziness......I'm either frantically trying to get caught up on schoolwork and housework or we're rushing to a doctor's appt. for someone.  It just doesn't quit. 

Dinner Theater sold out.  That's a good thing, and they decided to add another night the following weekend.  I think it's about 1/3 sold so far.  Matt will have a busy week of dress rehearsals.  Please be in prayer.  We have felt that God really put this program together and have felt the spiritual warfare against it!  God is really working in our community right now, and I am praying that the message and theme of this is really going to touch lives.  Dark/Light, Truth/Lie, Fear/Peace....these are themes that the show is built around.  I have seen God's hand put this thing together though, and I am excited to see what He will do with it.

We were in Chicago for Thanksgiving.  That is always a fun time, and something the kids especially look forward too!  A big deal for Anna this time around was getting to go to the American Girl store with A. Beth and U. Barry to pick out a doll.  We'd been reading the books for a month or so, having her get to know some of the characters.  She picked Felicity (colonial times) and she is beautiful and much loved!  She also got to partake in one of our favorite Chicago activities.....'doing' tea.  She, A. Beth and I had tea at the Ritz (with Felicity of course).  A real, live tea party!  I'd been looking forward to the day I could take her along. 

School has been very, very busy.  Johnny got his first quarter grades and has all A's.  We have a very, busy week ahead as he has his third tests coming up next Monday.  David is just getting officially started with his Verticy stuff.  It's very good, but also quite time-consuming and hard for him.  I'm struggling fitting in enough time with Anna in this mix....she's so good at her schoolwork, and Grade 1 isn't exactly strenuous.  Therefore, sometimes I feel like she gets the short end of the stick time-wise.  Another reason I was happy to get to spend some special time with her in Chicago.

We just watched the Packers lose.  Again.  We aren't happy.  Actually Matt is mildly gleeful.  He bought himself a Jets hat while we were gone.  He's still bitter that they drove Brett away, and a small part of him (OK maybe not so small a part) wants the Jets to do awesome, and the Pack to stink it up so that it will prove that Ted Thompson messed up in a big way.  Yes, we've been watching Jets games too now....one of our local networks is carrying their games as Brett has such a huge following here.  I am not hoping for the Packer's demise quite as much as Matt.....it's not Rodger's fault, and they have some great guys there!  They deserve to do well.  I think they have the most talented team of receivers in the league.....as well as the best receiver coverage on defense in Woodson, Bigby, and Harris).  I want them to win!  But we are two games out of the playoffs now, and it's not looking good.  SO....go Jets!  I think the Pack is lacking some leadership on the field this year....Matt is right there.  Brett was the leader of that team, and Rodgers is young and new.  He doesn't pull them together yet.  And watching the Jets play with Brett has made us realize what the Pack is missing....that key veteran leadership role that Brett played.  Now that I've waxed eloquent about that, I should go downstairs and see if the Jets are still winning!

Well, we are awaiting the birth of our new, little boy cousin!  When will he make his appearance?  Every morning I wake up and check e-mail to see if there's any news!  The next time I decide to post, I'm sure there will be some!

The lake is frozen.  And yes, we had a bunch of ice fisherman out there today.  Some day maybe I will figure out what the attraction is. 

Well, time to go chip away at the pile of Thanksgiving laundry! 

PLEASE don't discontinue the blog. You don't have to write much, but it is always the highlight of our day when you do!! You are an exceptional writer. You need to keep it up--an encouragement to all those who read.

I second that! I enjoy reading about what's going on with you guys, since we don't exactly live within easy driving distance. :)

I was thinking about getting Rach an American Girl doll for her birthday next August. She's been asking for one for about the past year or so. How cool to be able to actually pick one out at the AG store. Glad you had a good thanksgiving!