O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be;
let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wand'ring heart to thee.
Prone to wander -- Lord I feel it -- prone to leave the God I love:
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Robert Robinson, 1758

Monday, November 14, 2011

Is it Thanksgiving already?

Where does the time go? It seems like we were just starting the school year up, then trying to fit soccer into the schedule and keep the peace, and now soccer is over and Thanksgiving is next week! In the midst of all the fall events, my girls have had birthdays. Maggie is 10 and Meredith is 5! We no longer have a baby or even a toddler in our home. There is a sadness that comes with that, but also a joy as we see the three blessings that the Lord has given us. As I watch our three children grow, I am often reminded -- on good days and bad -- of the verse that a dear friend often quotes, "For they are His workmanship." I can take none of the credit for the good in our children (though in my pride I do)!
Fall is truly my favorite time of the year. Seeing the beauty of the changing season reminds me of the faithfulness of my Father in heaven. I have been so blessed by Him, both materially and spiritually, and I deserve neither. He has given me so much, and yet I have to constantly remind myself that should He take it all away, I must still praise His name for He is good! His goodness has nothing to do with what He gives me or my family. He is good no matter what happens to us here on earth! May we all praise His name as we come into this time set aside for thanksgiving; and yet may we thank Him year round for His mercies to us!

Attending a Memphis Lady Tigers soccer match -- I was amazed at how good they are and how intense the game is at that level!

Riding Cate on the green machine at a family "reunion" this fall

Meredith loved seeing and playing with her cousins!

Beautiful picture of Ava with Maggie



The two Porter great-grandparents




Playing solitaire with Gigi -- one of the kids' favorite things to do with her

Will and Reese


Riding in Papa's new combine

So huge and nice -- what a blessing for Papa!


Celebrating Maggie's birthday in Cruger at Jan Jan's

Jan Jan and the birthday girl

Nana and Maggie

Family birthday supper

Mama and the girls -- Will didn't want to take a picture with Mama : (

Maggie with her new camera and her pumpkin pie

Making homemade pizzas at Maggie's party


Hutton Grandparents

Porter grandparents

Grandparents' Day at ECS Ridgelake


Meredith's big birthday present -- her own American doll Ruthie



Maggie and Ms. Tina Ballard, her knitting buddy

ECS Clown Parade

Will and his buddy Sam Shelton at the ECS fall fest and clown parade

Will's clown parade job -- pulling a wagon of Jr. Kindergartners




Fun Fall pic

Will and Meredith's favorite thing to play together -- riding piggy back!

And of course, Maggie has to join in the fun!

Happy Birthday to our 5 year old! Meredith told me exactly how she wanted her cake decorated.

At the Ennises' for a small birthday cookout


Due to some illnesses, Meredith only had a couple of friends at the party, but it was great fun and really a perfect sized group since were were roasting marshmallows and doing sparklers!