Hello ladies.

Thank you all for your prayers and kind, wishful thoughts.  I am feeling much, MUCH better!  Less depressed, more energetic and positive.  So the prayers worked   Thanks!

My parents, Emme and I went to my cousin's wedding in Chicago.  I said a LOUD shout out to Michelle,  Abiga, and Anna upon entering the city! 

Here is a picture of the bride, Kristin, and her sister, Lori; my cousins:

Her dress was so beautiful, the picture doesn't do it justice.  Simple, elegant and really lovely.  The whole wedding was really great.  Her husband seems wonderful and I am just so happy for them. 

Emme was the only child that got to go to the wedding (another perk of homeschooling!) Here she is:

And right before we were heading out the door:

It was a nice time for everyone. Emme was especially excited since they had a CANDY BAR at the reception!  lol

We heard that Bo Shembeckler (sp) the past coach of UM football passed away and that put a damper on things for my dad and uncles.  And then the loss of the HUGE football game yesterday put my dad further in the dumps.  ( I don't watch football at all -- I'm a hockey gal!)

I think the best part was coming home!  I walked in the door and the house smelled like apples and cinnamon (Glade candles) and my bed was so comfie and my spot in the living room and my COMPUTER!  lol  Even 2 days away was enough to make me appreciate HOME. 

The hotel we stayed in did have internet and playstation, but I let Emme watch the Disney Channel when she wasn't coloring in her Polly coloring book or doing her Reader Rabbit workbook. 

So we are home and I turned in our boxes for Operation Christmas Child and found out we are going to have a New Year's party at church!  I can't wait!  I never, ever, ever do anything on New Year's!  I keep the kids with me and we celebrate and they try to stay awake and mostly they fall asleep and I hang out with my sister and we eat junk food.  WOOHOO!  What a way to bring in the New Year!  lol  This year we will be praying in the new year.  Wonderful idea!

And another thing I would like your opinion about. 

We have the option of adopting a family for Christmas.  Our minimal obligation would be to supply them with a Christmas dinner and some gifts for the family.  Of course you can go above and beyond that!  I really, really want to do this....however, I am worried I won't be able to give them ENOUGH.  So should I?  I mean, as long as Mike doesn't get laid off again, it should be fine.  But what if he is?  Then I don't know if we'd be able to afford more than the minimum.  I'd like to really make this family feel special and welcome them over to my home, etc.  Please pray for me so I make the right decision.  Just a quick little note to God so that I know what to do! 

Ok -- I just wanted to let you know that things are looking up here at my house spiritually and emotionally -- so thank you again for your prayers.

OH!  My parent/teacher conferences with Jake and Jennah's teachers went WONDERFUL.  They are both excellent students, behaving well, well-liked, etc.  SO happy!  (Remember last year I had some problems with THE BOY)  I was a very proud mom!  I just worry so much about next year that Jennah will be going to middle school.  I am absolutely positive without a doubt that she would never, ever succomb to peer pressure and do anything at all that would harm her or disappiont us -- but I don't want her around that kind of stuff.  And I worry!  I will just have to pray that God keeps her eyes and ears innocent and safe!

If I don't update before Thanksgiving (although I plan to because I was tagged!) Have a blessed, wonderful, family-filled holiday! 

Sherry