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!