Thursday -- November 24 -- Gratefotos

Thanksgiving Day!!!!!

Well -- hard to tell who is in the picture -- but it is the Davis family! -- My husband has 3 other women in his life besides me -- his mom, big sister Debbie and twin sister Jill. I am so thankful to God for these amazing women. After 20 years of marriage, I can honestly say that they have never treated me with anything but kindness and generosity. I am so blessed!

We drove 7.5 hours on Thursday morning to join the Davis side for Thanksgiving dinner at my nephew Tim's house. This was the first leg of the "Four-day, four-state, friends-and-family, birthday tour." With John's mom and sisters and their families -- we totaled 19 people! Grandma Davis roasted the turkey -- because she's the best. (After you eat Tina Davis's turkey -- you'll never really want anyone else's.) And Grandma Davis invited my dad and his wife to come to dinner, too -- which was great! Such an awesome day --- well worth the drive!

Wednesday, November 23 -- Gratefotos!

I am thankful for Gracie Mae -- my dog! She is just the sweetest thing. Most of the time. Her favorite activities include sitting on Mom, taking a walk, sitting on Mom, eating chicken, sitting on Mom, chasing squirrels -- and, of course -- sitting on Mom some more! Here she is modeling her Sherlock Holmes look. People often ask about her breed. She's a mutt! Shows that a little style and attitude is more important than pedigree!

I am also thankful for my friend Connie who is kind enough to let Gracie Mae stay with her while we are out of town.

Monday, November 21 --- and Tuesday, November 22

That's right -- two days in "Gratefotos"

I am so thankful for my kids, Woody and Dwight. I am counting a day for each of them. Neither wanted to let me take a picture, so I dug this one up from last summer. They are with their cousins. Woody is on the bottom of the pile -- Dwight is on the far left in a red shirt. I know it's not nice to brag -- so I'll refrain. Sure am thankful for them, though!

Sunday, November 20 -- "Grateftos"

These might look like just an old pair of shoes to you. To me, however, they are my happiest pair of shoes. When I am wearing them, I am in one of only two places -- on stage or on the dance floor! Tonight we went ballroom dancing with our Oshkosh dance friends. I was so busy "cutting a mean rug" that I forgot to take a pic while at the dance -- which is sad. For years I wanted to learn to dance, and finally John agreed to take lessons with me. Turns out -- he's pretty good at it! One week when we had already been dancing twice, and I was talking about a third dance, he reported: "Sweetie, I don't go dancing because I love dancing, I go dancing because I love you!" So -- not only am I thankful for dance shoes -- and a place to dance -- but for a great partner as well!

Saturday, November 19 -- Gratefotos

Tonight the Cooley family came over -- brave souls! I didn't subject them to my cooking. We made sandwiches. We did subject them to a rousing game of "telestrations" though. And, we thought we would warm them up with a beautiful roaring fire in the fireplace. They have recently move to WI after living in Brasil for 5 years. They really miss that equator -- let me tell you! Well -- we haven't used the fireplace yet this season, and it must have some issues. Clouds of hazy smoke backed up into the house. We had to open doors and vents to clear the air. So much for warming up our friends! I thank God for my new friend Karen and her family and feel blessed to have them all here -- in freezing cold WI!

Friday, November 18 -- Gratefotos --

Today I am giving thanks along with my friend Mary Jo. She closed on her new house! Mary Jo actually works in my office -- which is great! Unfortunately, she works in it when I am not there. She has a different day job. This summer, her schedule was different, allowing her time to come in and visit -- and paint and help redecorate our office. She definitely brightened my summer! And I thank God for her. When she talked about buying a house, I introduced her to my dear friend Sheri Knepel -- Realtor extraordinaire! When Mary Jo started house hunting, she let me tag along. We all fell in love with this house on the very first day of looking. And -- she ended up getting a good deal on it. I am looking forward to seeing how she will feather her new nest! And -- happy as I am for her -- I am so glad that all of the moving boxes in this picture belong to her -- and not to me!!!

Thursday, November 17 -- "Gratefotos"

No -- I'm not really trying to say that I am thankful for this pizza place. This is just the spot where a monthly amateur film-makers forum is held. Last year, Woody filmed a short that was entered in a Wildwood Film Festival. Mr. Mata-Sanchez, one of his friend's dads, helped him enter. I had no idea what the whole thing was about. Anyway, his piece was accepted and was shown (along with tons of other work) at the PAC in Appleton. He was one of the few kids who had stuff in the festival. Since then, he has been invited to this forum. I am thankful for the adults in this industry who take time to encourage and mentor my kid as he pursues his passion. I guess I could have gone inside and tried to get a picture of these guys -- but I think Woody would might have complained: "So awkward!"

Wednesday, November 16 -- Gratefotos:

Today I got a haircut. My dear friend Connie cuts my hair in her salon that is attached to her house. I absolutely love going to get my haircut! Connie is so fun --laughs at all of my stories -- gives me a great haircut. I am so thankful for her!

Tuesday, November 15 -- in "Gratefotos" today we have . . .

The Grand Opera House

Tonight we had our monthly meeting of the Oshkosh Community Players at the Grand. I almost forgot to take a picture -- had to drive back and stand out front to try to get a shot of the front doors. The theater is a very cool old building that has been completely renovated -- restored to its original Victorian grandeur. I have watched shows here -- attended a Graduation party here -- helped with our high school show here -- performed here. And I've made some new friends here. I am thankful that we have this cool venue here in Oshkosh.

Sadly -- today's photo will not load properly -- which kind of defeats the purpose of "Gratefotos"

Monday, November 14 -- Grate-no-fotos:

Out to eat with our friend Jim. This gentleman is a highly successful businessman who has been a kind friend to our school. On a few occasions, John and I have had the opportunity to go out to eat with him. He talked me into trying calamari. First time -- possibly the last time -- all on one small plate. When we asked about his secrets to success, he reported that he really wasn't any good at business. We smiled. He did add that he was honest. I thought that was actually an awesome answer.

Sunday, November 13 -- In Gratefotos . . . my neighbors!!!

My next-door neighbor Kim invited all the neighbors over for a soup supper! We had so much fun. Her soup was great -- and everyone else pitched in with appetizers and desserts. I am so thankful for such fascinating, thoughtful people in the houses next to me -- behind me -- across from me -- down the street from me. When I explained about the blog -- and wanted to take a picture, they kindly lined up behind the table. Does this look like a modern adaptation of The Last Supper or what?

Saturday, November 12 -- Gratefotos

Peggy and Trevor!!! These are our FPU friends. For 13 weeks, Peggy and Trevor came over and sat in our dining room to watch Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University DVDs on the computer with us. We are too cheap to buy the DVDs -- so we borrowed them. And then, we invited Peggy and Trevor to come watch with us. Having them come helped us to stay motivated to finish the program. I am so thankful for them! I am also thankful for Dave Ramsey and his message of Financial Peace. I give him a hearty recommendation! We made Woody and Dwight join us most of the weeks -- and they liked Dave. On Saturday, Peggy and Trevor and their kids came over to celebrate completing the program. We made pizza and watched a movie. And barely spent any money.

Friday, November 11 -- Gratefotos --

I confess to cheating on this one. I didn't take the pic on Friday. I actually took it on Monday -- but I was thankful on Friday! -- and on Monday as well!

Occasionally I eat lunch in the teachers' lounge at Oshkosh Christian School/Valley Christian High School. This is a huge highlight for me. I work by myself a lot -- so having lunch companions is awesome! I never know exactly who I'll find lunching -- a different smattering of teachers, several ladies from the office -- my husband. But -- every time I am there, I feel so welcome -- like I'm part of the family. And for that moment, I am surrounded by a pretty amazing community of people who are passionate about their faith -- and about kids! I am so thankful!

Thursday, November 10 - -Today's "Gratefoto"

Don't be confused by the dates on my blog. Although things may tend to look like I forget to be thankful every now and then -- I really am pretty much on track. I just don't make time to post everyday. So -- then I have to catch up! Then the "posting day" and the "Gratefoto day" are not the same date. I'm still thankful, though!!! And I hope to catch up!

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Salvation Army! The pic is of my volunteer pin. People were able to stop by the Oregon St. center to pick up coats for the winter. People could also sign up for holiday meals and toys for kids. I was surprised by the number of college kids volunteering that day. At the end of the evening Captain Don Karl stopped in. He has a way of making everyone feel vastly important. I enjoyed my evening with the Salvation Army -- and hope to get to help again at another point in the season.

November 9 – “Gratefotos” Today I am thankful for . . .

That’s right – you do see snow in that picture. Today we had our first snow of the season. It was thick and wet and gloppy – and not very safe. But – to me it was still beautiful. I’m always a little fearful of saying that too loudly. Too many haters.

Tuesday, November 8 – Another day in “Gratefotos”

I’ve decided that this month really needs its own title. I can’t think of anything clever – or very clever that is. I’ve decided to go with “gratefotos” because I’m trying to combine the idea of gratefulness in photos. The funny part, I think, is that to the ear, this sounds like I’m saying “great photos.” One look at the pics posted here should immediately exhibit the humor in that idea! I have been taking the pictures with my phone. Few of them are even decent. So – even if the title isn’t clever – it is kind of funny in its own way.

So – yesterday – my pics are of the main floor of The Waters – which is the elegant yacht club at the end of my block – right next to the lake. I forgot to take pictures until the last minute – so I missed the most important part. The thing I’m grateful for is bigger than just the beautiful venue. Last night we had our Annual Banquet for Valley Christian High School/Oshkosh Christian School. I wish I would have captured a frame of the people involved. This is an awesome event that showcases our school and encourages individuals to invest in its students. The evening started with appetizers and music provided by the students on the main floor. Later dinner was served in the banquet room upstairs. During dinner, different people told stories about their connection with the school. I felt so blessed to be there – to hear the stories – to rub elbows with students, parents, staff, and donors. In some ways I feel humbled to be a part of this – when the people/things that fostered this great institution happened long before I ever came to town – as though I am just a “hanger-on”.

Afterwards, while talking to some neighbors – I told them about walking past The Waters for months before I ever got to come inside. I told them that I felt like a little girl wanting to peek in the windows of someone else’s party. They replied, “And now you’re hosting parties here!” I know the school is hosting the event, but I felt so blessed to be a part of the evening. I thank God for Valley Christian High School/ Oshkosh Christian School and the role it is playing in our lives!

Monday, November 7, Today I am thankful for . . .

new chairs!

But - more than that -- I am thankful for the kind neighbors who gave them to me. I didn't get to take their picture, but I wish I had! I'd rather post one of them than one of the chairs! This summer I had a garage sale -- which was netting a meager amount of cash when my neighbor Melody arrived with her stuff in tow. Would I mind selling a few of her things? She stacked beautiful antiques out on my sidewalk. Foot traffic increased, and people bought a little of my junk while celebrating over acquiring her treasures. All in all -- I felt like she provided free advertising for me! But, at the end of the day, her 6 dining room chairs were still there. I was eyeing them -- -- but repeating the mantra "get rid of the stuff, hang on to the cash".

A week or so ago while walking the dog, I bumped into Melody. "Will you just take the chairs? Bob can't get his car in the garage because they are in the way." And -- you know me -- anything to help out a neighbor! So, all in an effort to help Bob get his car parked in the garage before snowfall (which could happen any second up here), I am giving thanks for 6 beautiful matching dining room chairs!

I'm so accustomed to our mismatched set. I wonder how it will feel to have company without having to carefully arrange the chairs so that larger guests don't land in the quasi-broken relics left over from the dining room of my childhood! Can't wait to find out!

Sunday, November 6 --

Here we have Samantha and Karmen. When all of the girls from the "Summer Sunday Night Bible Study for the ADD" left for college during August and September, Sam and Karmen graciously decided to attend class in town. I like to think they made this decision with me in mind! I appreciate them and all of the good times we continue to have in our Sunday night Bible study!

Saturday, November 5

We were invited to lunch at the Landwehr's home. Renee makes incredible lasagna! After lunch we took a walk along the channel that runs in front of their house. The layout of the channel and walking path and the locks are kind of hard to explain, but beyond where the locks are, huge chunks of limestone pile up. We walked out into the middle of the water on these enormous slabs. Scott is the cross country coach. I like this picture of Dwight with his dad and his coach. (Woody didn't get to go with us because he was busy driving w/the driver's ed instructor.) Not only am I thankful for this beautiful scenic spot -- but for Coach Landwehr and his wife Renee!

November 3

My little friend Phoebe celebrated her 16th birthday on Thursday -- with a big bash! She invited her friends out to the family farm where they had a bonfire and great food -- and games! The best part was -- she invited me too! The picture is hard to see -- but her mother, Christine, is standing behind the magnificent fire. I am thankful for Phoebe and Christine -- two of my WI friends!

November 4 --

Woody invited friends over to help him shoot a movie. I was busy baking cookies and making supper for all of them when suddenly I heard beautiful music! I absolutely love having guests play my piano! Here is Nate giving us a free concert. Later Becky played, too -- but I didn't get a picture of her. I am thankful for people who play my piano!!!

November

As I am sure you all know, November is just about the best month ever! Not only do I celebrate my birthday in this month -- but also my anniversary! And -- the whole country celebrates Thanksgiving during this month as well. Some years -- Thanksgiving and my birthday land on the same day. That's cool.

My plan for my blog this month is to take a picture everyday of something for which I feel grateful. Now -- we all know how faithful I am to this blog -- so yeah, if I post three pictures this month, I am going to call this mission a huge success!

Tuesday, November 1 --

Well, that was yesterday (I'm starting out a day behind), my anniversary -- 20th to be exact! My husband brought me flowers and candy at work, then took me out to lunch! I thank God for him! Also -- the restaurant gave us a complimentary mini cake -- which was a nice bonus. (Thankful for that, too!)

Wednesday, November 2

Just something simple today -- Hot Cocoa!!!!!!

Today was very overcast and rainy. I felt thankful to be warm and dry in my cheerful office. And -- I was so happy to have a little cup of hot chocolate! For some of you from the fam -- look very carefully at the picture -- see the spoon? Remind you of anything?

"No Capes"

Lucky for me, I arrived in Chicago first after Mindi Wood cleaned out her closet. This meant that I was the lucky recipient of the clothing she was discarding! I know, I'm kind of gloating about my good fortune!

In the fancy bag of goodies was a top that Mindi said didn't work for her. It was very cute, so I gave it a whirl. Let's just say that if it didn't work for Mindi -- it was a total disaster on me! I think perhaps it was one of those items designed for those 5'10" women who are mostly legs -- not really a Wood trait.

So -- in the spirit of Dave Ramsey, I decided to make-do. Mostly I just made-over. I cut the top along the sides, then re-cut the front -- and the back band -- stitched together the leftovers -- and voila! -- an apron!!!!!

Yeah -- check the picture -- it's awesome! I have never really had a fancy apron before. I had no idea how cool this would be! I swear the thing has super powers. And, upon further reflection, I've discovered why: an apron is pretty much just like a superhero cape -- only when you tie it around your neck, it hangs down the front of you! I almost like cooking when I wear it –clearly something magical going on there! Think any of Mindi’s cooking skills will rub off on me? The apron also emits this sense of comfort as well – kind of like a security blanket. I put it on – think of Mindi and the other nieces – and I just feel safe and happy.

I checked out the aprons at the local boutique: $25 - $35 (and not as cute as Mindi’s shirt-apron). I didn’t recognize the label in shirt (no big surprise there), but I preserved it – just in case it’s something really groovy!

!

I have worn it nearly every day for the past 2 weeks. I even speed over to the neighbor’s while wearing it – entertain company in it, have a hard time taking it off when I’m done in the kitchen.

Probably should have checked to be sure it was machine-washable before I started the project. Oh, well!

Thank you, Mindi!