Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne - ADVISABLE

Boyne, John  Noah Barleywater Runs Away, 222  p. David Fickling Books, 2010. $16.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G.  Noah Barleywater has run away from home.  The further he goes the stranger things get; from an apple tree that won’t let him pick its fruit, to a newspaper in the next town that already knows what he did! He decides to stop and stay for a while at a magical toy shop with a strange old man and the most amazing handmade wooden puppets.  Noah’s story unfolds as he hears about the old man’s life (which, by the way, is strangely familiar to this reader - - no spoilers here) and he learns some very valuable lessons about living his own.  Although Noah is only 8, the appeal of this book is for a bit older reader, at least middle school because the most enjoyment is figuring out who the old man might be (or have been) and without the background knowledge to help with that, it’s just a magical story.   MS, HS - ADVISABLE.  Lisa, Reading Teacher

Dinosaur vs The Library by Bob Shea - ESSENTIAL

Shea, Bob Dinosaur vs The Library.  Disney, 2011.  $16.  PICTURE BOOK.  Dinosaur is on his way to the library, and as he travels, he wins every roaring contest he creates.  When he gets to the library, however, he must use his inside roar.  Can he actually be quiet through the entire story time???  Make way for a new story time favorite.  Your library may not be silent, but children will definitely have fun acting out with Dinosaur and then displaying their good manners.  Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Bradley - ESSENTIAL

Bradley, Kimberly Jefferson’s Sons, 360 pgs.  The Penguin Group, 2011.  $17.99.  Language: G (no swears); Mature Content G; Violence G

Thomas Jefferson had seven children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, who was two years younger than his oldest child.  Even though Jefferson’s wife had died, a romantic slaveholder/slave relationship was considered unacceptable.   These children of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings were strictly forbidden to acknowledge Jefferson as their father. 

Throughout the course of this book, the children struggle with the concept that their father penned the Declaration of Independence which states:  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” yet still held 130 slaves. 

I found myself empathetic to the plight of these children who were too black to white, and too white to be black. EL/MS –ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: Rebekkah Ward

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle - ADVISABLE

Carle, Eric  The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse  Philomel Books, 2011. $17.99  PICTURE BOOK Content-G.  Beautiful paintings of animals in different colors than they are normally painted; for example, a blue horse, a yellow cow, a polka dotted donkey.  This book conveys the freedom and creativity that an artist can enjoy.  There are around four to five words per page, so it concentrates on the pictures.  This could be used in the art classroom, to show how great artists sometimes go against the norm.  I wish it was also available in a board book.  EL, MS, HS -ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Game of Triumphs by Laura Powell - ADVISABLE

Powell, Laura The Game of Triumphs, 265pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. $16.99. Language: PG    (6 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content- PG-13; Violence: PG-13

15-year-old Cat is a loner and prefers it that way. She is able to negotiate the streets of London in a way that allows her to observe, but remain invisible. This holds true until the day she finds herself unwittingly pulled into a complex game that will lead her into another reality unlike anything she knows. As she discovers more about the game she learns more about her past and realizes that what she thought was real may in fact be a sham. Playing Tarot has never had such fantastic rewards or dire consequences.  Powell wastes no time in starting the action of this book. From the first page the reader is immediately draw into the “game” alongside Cat. The book is well written with teenage characters that are portrayed as intelligent and free of the usual stereotypes that plague most young adult literature. My only hesitation with this book is the complexity of the tarot game the characters are involved in. Many times I had to reread passages and use the reference pages to attempt to understand how the game worked and what this meant to the plot and characters.

HS—ADVISABLE. AEB, Social Studies Teacher

Hodge Podge - Volume 55

I see Volume 55 and I thinkof the speed limit I have all the way to work down Hwy 22.  Joyce has come up with some great questions again this week and if you want to play along head over to Joyce's blog and join in.  Once you have finished head back and post your responses.  It is a lot of fun and a great way to get to know each other.

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so, about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

I do send cards.  I usually send out around 100 since I have a huge family and Frank is the pastor of Rock Mills UMC.  I love cards.  I love sending them and receiving them.  This years cards I am making myself so I can't wait to get them done and sent.  They should go out sometime the first of next week.  I display the cards different ways.  I have a precious Santa card holder my friend Mary bought for us a couple of years ago.  I think this year I am doing a card tree I found on Pinterest.  That way I can do some Pintervention.  :-)

2. When do kids become adults?   Legally at 21.  My daughter was an adult when she was 10. She has always been an old soul in a young woman's body.

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?  I am one of the people who can answer this question with the phrase-"Beauty regimen? What beauty regimen?" I slather on lotion more during the winter.  I don't wear makeup...probably should....so there is not a whole lot of beautifying for me.

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

I am a picky eater per say.  There are more things I don't eat than do.  I guess the fact that I like ketchup on potato chips would be my gross eating habit....I love ketchup.  It is my condiment of choice.....and no...I don't eat it on everything....Frank thinks I do....but I don't eat it on eggs, or mashed potatoes.

5. Gloves or Mittens?

Definitely gloves.  Mittens hinder my use of my fingers.
6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound so much nicer?  I am going to borrow this answer from Joyce because it is my answer.  I stood in line at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel for more than 2 hours.  I don't do lines....but it was worth every minute and I met a lot of neat people there from all over the world. 

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to this December?  Are you ready?   Where do I begin?  Let's see....we have my cousin Quinn's wedding on the 17th, the Children's program at church on the 11th, the Churches joint dinner (with the Baptist Church next door) on the 11th, Amanda's annual Open House on the 10th, singing with Amanda at church on the 18th, and Winter Extreme with the Youth in Gatlinburg on the 27th-29th.  I love December!

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Do you know what Chrismon ornaments are?  Does your church have a Chrismon Tree?  For my readers who don't know.....Chrismons are a type of Christmas Tree decoration used in many churches and often in the homes of Christians. The symbols used represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers. Often, if the ornaments on a Christmas tree are comprised mostly of Christian symbols, the tree is known as a "Chrismon Tree." Chrismons are white with gold decorations of beads, ribbon, glitter, etc. It is common, however, to see these ancient Christian designs in other colors than white and gold. These would not be Chrismons, however, but simply Christian symbols -- and there's nothing wrong with that!  Ours does and last Sunday night we celebrated the beginning of the Advent Season with the Hanging of the Greens.  It is one of my favorite times of year.  Everyone is in such a good mood as we drag out the boxes of decorations and decorate the sanctuary for the holidays. The tree is filled with handmade Chrismon ornaments and gold balls.  It is breathtaking.   I will love it even more when the poinsettias are in the church.

Why I Don't Do Elf on a Shelf

I don’t like when dolls appear like they are staring at me.

It weirds me out to the point where I turn them around so they face the wall.

Or I cover them with a blanket.

Sometimes they’ve been known to get lost in the garage.

This is why I do not do Elf on a Shelf.

Elf on a Shelf, for those who don’t know, is this thing:

It’s supposed to watch your kids and make them behave. Or something. And then it reports back to Santa.

The parent is supposed to change the elf position daily.

First of all, I’d forget to do this. I have enough to do this holiday season than worry about an elf.

Second of all, can we say creepy? Look at those eyes! (Hello, Chucky!)

I wouldn’t want those eyes staring at me. (Hello, clown from IT!)

And those eyes are supposed to REPORT BACK TO SANTA. (Hello, evil doll that haunted an entire family on a show on the SyFy channel!)

Third, my kids would mock the elf. They wouldn’t buy the story. I’d find the poor elf in an awful place like the toilet. Or…shudders…MY BED!

So no, thank you.

I’ll continue to use my old threat that continues to hold up to this day:

“I know Santa’s phone number and I’ll call him if you’re naughty and then, well, no presents for you.”

Lost! A Dog Called Bear by Wendy Orr- ADVISABLE

Orr, Wendy.  LOST!  A Dog Called Bear, 112 pgs.  Henry Holt and Co., 2011.  $15.99.  Inside cover: Logan is moving from the farm to the city.  He’ll miss all the things he’s leaving behind, but at least he has Bear.  He loves Bear more than anything else in the world- because Bear is his dog.  Hannah lives in the city.  What she wants more than anything else in the world, is a dog of her own.  At the Rainbow Street Shelter, Logan and Hannah find a talking parrot, an old black Labrador, a three-legged goat, a puppy that looks like a peanut- and a surprise that just might be the best thing in the world.” I liked this book because the illustrations were good.  The story was interesting and exciting.  I liked how the book ended.  EL.  ADIVSABLE.  Student Reviewer: JL- age 9. 

Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles - PUBLIC

Knowles, Jo Jumping off Swings, 230 p. Candlewick, 2009, 2011.  Content: R.  One of my favorite books ever is now available in paperback.  Here is what I wrote about it in my original post:

For all of its harsh language, there is something very beautiful about this book. Knowles shows so many sides of complicated teen thoughts on sex and love and blends them skillfully. We see the girl who thinks that sex will bring her love, the callous boys who see girls as trophies, but we also see the sensitive boy who realizes that he shouldn’t have treated a girl that way. There is nothing idyllic about the outcome of this book, no fairy tale ending. But it is a very honest look at the intricate dance of human emotions. I wish I could say yes, but I will have to leave this to public libraries or for brave parents. I had my daughter read it right away, but there is no way I could keep this in my school library without know that I would get challenged right away. PUBLIC. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

I still love this book - I share it with lots of young people; my middle school is just too young for the presentation of the material.

--Cindy

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara - OPTIONAL

McNamara, Margaret  The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot Illustrated by Mark Fearing.  Schwartz and Wade Books (Random), 2011. $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  Content-G.  In the same story format as The Three Little Pigs, three little aliens move away from home and the first two pick homes that are fun, while the last alien picks a house that is secure.  When the robot comes to destroy the aliens, they find their homes destroyed and end up at the safe alien’s house.  Great illustrations, but one of the aliens’ name is “Nklxwcyz” which is awful when you are trying to read a book to a child, which is the age group this book is geared towards.  EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either. Just make sure you link up!

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To think it’s funny that there was a fight over the $2 waffle maker at Wal-Mart on Black Friday.


To refuse to take the kids to see the new Chipmunks movie. Tom and I draw the line at singing rats. No thanks.


To have bought items online for Black Friday. Toys R Us had all their deals on their page so I got what I wanted without having to wait in line.


To love the deals on Amazon.com. They try to price match most things in stores for the holidays.


To have thrown out the rest of the turkey after two days. There are only so many leftovers I can handle.


To love the regular peppermint candy canes. There are so many different flavors now.


To think it’s cool that Ricky Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes again. Hopefully the celebrities won’t get their panties in a knot this time.


To have not bought a thing on Cyber Monday. I didn’t find any fantastic deals.


To be disturbed by this:

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Farewell to Sandi

My post is short today.  I am sad.  Last night I got news that Sandi Thurman McCool died on Wednesday.  She fought a long and hard battle against breast cancer and on Wednesday it defeated her.  Who was she?  Well at one time she was my precious daughter-in-law.  She was one of the sweetest people I know and even after the divorce she, Kat, and I stayed in touch. Sandi was a ray of sunshine in the lives she touched.  Before cancer began to take her life she was a surgery nurse at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, AL and loved by all she came in contact with.  Sandi was the kind of person who was destined to be a nurse. The world will miss you Sandi!  Please pray for her husband, Dr. Alan and her mom and family.  I know her passing will leave a huge hole in their lives. 

The Flint Heart by Katherine Patterson - ADVISABLE

Paterson, Katherine and John, The Flint Heart, 288 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2011. $19.99.  Language-G (0 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;  This book is a fun book of fairies and mystical creatures with a goal of keeping people pure and good.  The characters are up against an evil flint heart that, when in someone's possession, it gives them tremendous confidence and success with the dramatic side effect of being bad.  The authors take you on a trip through the many hands the flint heart happens upon.  The reading is fast and fun for elementary students.  Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous.  I was entertained the entire book, but mostly because my son of eight-years was enjoying it so much.  I don't think this would have been the case for me personally or if I was in High School.  EL (K-3) and EL (upper elementary) - Advisable.  Reviewer:  BMN

No More Hitting for Little Hamster! by Bernette Ford - OPTIONAL

Ford, Bernette No More Hitting for Little Hamster!  Illustrated by Sam Williams.  Boxer Books (Sterling), 2011.  $14.95  PICTURE BOOK Content-G.  Little Hamster has a short temper and whenever he wants something while playing with his friends he takes it, or he hits the friend that won’t give it to him.  Because he has a bad reputation, nobody wants to play with him, until Bunny comes along and tells Hamster that he will play with him if he will not hit.  Hamster learns that playing nice makes it so others will play with you.  Good lesson for kids, but the pictures are not very engaging. PRE-K-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Downside Of Being Up by Alan Lawrence Sitomer - PUBLIC

Sitomer, Alan Lawrence The Downside Of Being Up, 213 pgs. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011. $ 16.99. Language-R (3 swears, 0 “f” – LOTS of innuendo), Sexual Content-R (lots of innuendos to boy puberty challenges); Violence-G; This book is about an eighth grader who is experiencing puberty and love and life.  His goal is to make it through middle school with the girl of his dreams by his side.  However, he will have some of life’s unexpected fumbles thrown his way first. This book is super funny and a very easy read. In my opinion it doesn’t have a place in the normal classroom and is more for adult audiences.  I think this book would be great in a public library, because it repeatedly talks of boy puberty inappropriately.   PUBLIC LIBRARY ONLY.  Reviewer: BMN

Estie the Mensch by Jane Kohuth - ADVISABLE

Kohuth, Jane  Estie the Mensch  Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger.  Random House, 2011. $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK  Content-G.  Estie is a little girl that likes to act like different animals, which can cause some embarrassing social situations for her parents and grandmother.  Her adult family members ask her to “Act like a Mensch” which means to act like a person.  But it takes an outing with her grandma to the zoo with a friend for Estie to learn when it is okay to play and act like an animal and when it’s important to act like a person.  Cute illustrations and good moral.  Pre-K and El (K-3) ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Where in the Heck is South America?

As you all know I am a high school teacher.  I love my job....but I have to admit over the past several years I have seen education dummied down to make sure that there is definitely No Child Left Behind.  When I was in school there were groupings.  I prided myself in being in the red bird reading group because it was the top.  I did not want to ever be in a basic class....so I worked hard not to be.  I was not a brilliant kid in school, but I could hold my own.  Today....students want us to spoon feed them the answers.  With all the technology they have available to them....they don't even want to do the research.  I, on the other hand, am so very inquisitive.  I want to know why things are the way they are....so I will sit and google random things for hours just to know why. When I was in school we took Florida history, we took Geography, we took American and World History, We took English (British, American, and World Lits).  We were tracked and there were basic, regular, and advanced classes.  I turned out ok.  I graduated from high school and college with a Master's Degree.  Education did not come easy for me.  I had to dig at it.  But today....today it is sad.  Kids don't know geography....and a prime example of this came when I asked my class where South America was.  Simple question I thought.....but I was so wrong.  One of my brightest students confidently raised her hand to answer my question.  When I called on her....the answer I got nearly put me in a coma.  "Africa" was her reply.  AFRICA!  Oh no...she did not just say that.  I looked at her sweet face to see if she was pulling my leg....but I realized she was not.  The maps in my room are small ones....so I sent down to four History classes to borrow their flip chart maps.  I was shocked.....none of them had one.  I resorted to Plan B....I have maps in my textbook so I had my students turn to the world map layout and we had a lesson in Spanish class about the continents and the countries....and their locations.....the next day we had a pop quiz on this material.  I made a decision right then and there that when my students leave Spanish I they would know the difference between a continent and a country and know where they are located.  Griefus.  I don't know where the ball has been dropped along the way....but someone needs to pick it up and score. 

Black Friday Freak Out

I did the Black Friday thing last year.

When the stores opened at 4 AM. I was freezing in line and willing the people behind me to remember what Personal Space was since they kept inching into mine.

And then the check out lines were insane...as in, wrapped around the store insane.

I vowed to never do that again.

I didn’t.

This year, Tom and I went to some stores at 9 AM. We went to Target first and yes, it was busy, but not crazy busy. I actually had a purpose for going—I needed construction paper to do a school project with Natalie. Tom was eager to look at the electronics deals.

And that’s ALL he wanted to look at.

When we got in, he breezed past all the other displays. Target had special price displays for their Black Friday sale dotted around the store and I wanted to look at them all.

Tom did not.

In fact, he seemed baffled when I stopped to look at some pajamas.

“Did we need those?” he asked.

“No but…they’re four dollars,” I explained. I mean, hello?

I found the cheap DVD displays and pawed through those. Tom seemed impatient as I lifted up DVDs and asked if he wanted any.

“I have most of those DVDs,” he said.

Oh. He bought a lot when he was in Korea so I’m still not sure what all he has.

“Look, Tom. Due Date! This is a funny movie and—” I realized I was speaking to a complete stranger in a jean jacket. He blinked at me in surprise.

Where did my husband go?

I scanned the store and found him heading for the electronics. Apparently he was not impressed with the cheap DVDs.

I went back to the electronics section and got distracted by the book area. This is where Tom found me.

“What are you doing?” he seemed genuinely surprised I was looking at something that we did not come for.

“Books. There are so many I want to read right now,” I said, fingering the newest Philippa Gregory.

“Are you almost done? There are people everywhere.” Tom is not comfortable in crowds. He thinks the men behind him are going to pull a weapon out at any moment. Or something. It’s the cop in him.

We started to walk to the Christmas section. Tom was walking past all the sale displays. I was beginning to feel weak and I swear sweat beads formed on my forehead. Why wasn’t he looking at them?

When he walked past the home goods display I couldn’t take it.

“YOU’RE SKIPPING EVERYTHING!” I shrieked.

Tom stared at me as though I had a polka dot bra on my head.

“I thought we were here for construction paper,” Tom reminded me.

“Yes but…we can still look at the deals. Just in case,” I said.

“But we don’t NEED anything else. You were just saying the other day that we had too much crap,” Tom pointed out.

This was true. I had opened a closet and was nearly attacked by all the stuff we had crammed in there. I had screamed, “No more CRAP this year. Please. NO MORE CRAP!”

Still.

Passing sale displays is like some sort of sin in my world.

In the end, I was good and only got the construction paper that we came for.

I didn’t encounter any Black Friday crazies.

Wait, there was that chick who had a freakout because she couldn’t look at all the sale displays.

Oh. That was me.

Oops.

The Beginning of Advent

I read a wonderful Advent devotional yesterday prepared by Rev. Dr.  Mark D. Roberts.  I thought you all might enjoy this wonderful piece.  Enjoy!  Advent is one of my most favorite parts of the Christmas season.  I love Christmas....but not because of the hype, advertisements, gifts, and all.  Nope, I love advent because it is all about the preparation of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.   "Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping.  Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas.  (The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming.”) For hundreds of years Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ.  By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives. There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ).  Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle.  The purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God’s people have been in waiting for the Messiah.  The pink signifies the joy of our waiting.  The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born."  Today at Church we lit the first candle.  It is the candle that signifies our waiting for the shepherd.  Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”.  In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus.  The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible.  These meanings help us to understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us. Today when we lit our first candle we focused on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.  My prayer today is, "Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.  Amen."    I hope as we move into this Christmas season you will all be filled with the love and joy of Christ....and take it with you throughout the year.  God Bless You All!

Chick-fil-a Calender and Coupons Winner! *CLOSED

CLOSED--Winner posted here.

I did a giveaway for a Chick-fil-a calender with valuable food coupons here.

I used random.org to pick a number and it chose....

....number 26 which was Babes Mami!


Congrats!!

If you didn't win, try again. I have upcoming giveaways!

E-Mergency! by Tom Lichetnheld-OPTIONAL

Lichtenheld, Tom.  Fields-Meye, Ezra.  E-Mergency! 40 pgs.  Chronicle Books, 2011.  $16.99.  Inside cover:  “What Happens when the most important letter in the alphabet gets a big owie?  One of the other letters has to take her place while she recuperates, but who?  Z is too sleepy.  And Y asks too many questions.  Is O well-rounded enough to handle the job?  It’s a real E-MERGENCY!”  Kids will love it when the reader attempts to say the words with E missing from the sentences.  “I’m roady to roam!” “I’m oxcitod”  We laughed in our attempt.  This book could be used in primary grades introducing or reinforcing the alphabet.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL

Bun Bun Button by Patricia Polacco-OPTIONAL

Polacco, Patricia.  Bun Bun Button., 40 pgs.  Putnam Juvenile, 2011.  $17.99.  Inside cover: “Paige loves cuddling with Gramma and all of Gramma’s pets in the Old Blue Chair.  But cuddling there is even more wonderful when Gramma makes her Bun Bun Button, an adorable stuffed bunny with a button nose.  Then, on an outside day, a balloon steals Bun Bun Button and floats her away.  Paige misses her dear little friend!  She can only hope that luck-or love- will bring Bun Bun Button home again.”  The illustrations are bright, bold and inviting.  We weren’t sure about all the pets.  A squirrel living in her gramma’s house?  That was strange.  The story has a sweet, but unrealistic ending.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL. Reviewer: SL

Project 365 - Week 48

I can't believe that we are 48 weeks into 2011.    Four weeks until we put this year to bed.  I can't say that I am sad to see this year end.  It has been a tough one.  There are quite a few of us who have taken pictures every day this year.  Want to see some really fun and lovely ones?  I think you should go over and check out the other budding photographers at Sarah's blog.

Sunday, November 20th

We had our Thanksgiving service at church today and I took some of these decorations from the house and decorated the altar.  I also have done a pintervention here.  I have become a pinterest addict.  The pumpkin is a modge podge project I found on pinterest.  The pilgrims I bought at the auction on Saturday for a dollar each.

Monday, November 21st

Frank has been working like a fiend on his scroll saw.  His orders are really adding up.  He has several projects left that have to be done before Christmas.

Tuesday, November 22nd

Two more orders filled.  I love the LSU one.

Wednesday, November 23rd

Rosemary Beach, Florida

Kathryn and Will sitting on the stairs in the main house.

The view from the garage.  I loved the red door of the main house.

Sunset from the porch day one.

Thursday, November 24th

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal at Dustin's mom and dad's house.  Angie and Bill were gracious hostesses considering they had 13 extra guests.  We all brought something to add to the meal.  There was so much food and so little time to eat it all.  Everyone left stuffed.  After eating Amanda, Mitchell and I played guitar and entertained everyone.

After we got back from the Hugh's house one group started a Shanghai game and the rest of us just kind of chilled.  I read and enjoyed the piece and quiet.  Frank and I are going to Lowe's (and Lowe's only) at 5.  It is about 5 miles from our house and there were only 10 people there including us!  We got the table saw we went after and headed back to the house to begin making pictures and breakfast.

Friday, November 25th

Kat and Brian

 

Frank and I on the main house porch.

Linda and Victor

David and Susanna and the boys

Ramona and Dustin and the boys

Melanie and Mitchell

Amanda and her immediate family.  There are three generations present.

The Brown family on the beach.

The Hughes family on the beach.

Mitchell looking out to sea.

Mitchell and Aunt Amanda

Melanie

Melanie and Amanda

Saturday, November 25th

  

A Rock Mills sunset and golden clouds.  It is great to be home.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!