The Pumpkin Story

Sawyer's Pumpkin. He picked it out himself on a kindergarten field trip.

He was adamant it be used for pumpkin pie. So I told him he couldn't carve it.

Last week we cooked the pumpkin.

About now, Sawyer wasn't sure he had done the right thing.

I told him he had enough pumpkin to make two pumpkin pies and a BIG batch of pumpkin muffins.

Baking these two beauties and feasting all weekend was a delicious way to celebrate the story of the pumpkin.

Camping Trips and the Scouting Program

I am THANKFUL for the scouting program.

(Even when they come home with alien deer pictures ;-)

I'm grateful for a husband that takes them out even when it's freezing, because his son only needed ONE more camp out!

I'm especially thankful when they all come home again.

I wish they could have brought me home one or two of these!

Cheesy School Functions

I'm THANKFUL for cheesy school functins, such as International Night, Choir Performances, and Athletic Banquets.

I never tire of feeling puffed up and proud. (Tanner receiving his letter in cross country.)

I'm THANKFUL for Kindergarteners

Good manners are "saying excuse me when you burp." Very true, Sawyer. I'll have to work on holding the door open for a lady.

The Pilgrims "sang as they walked." Love the little music notes, Sawyer. Most likely singing occurred in the boat. We'll have to work on those "p" words: pilgrim vs. pioneer. I hope you made your teacher laugh.

Tender Hearts

I'm THANKFUL for boys with tender hearts.

Sawyer wasn't feeling very well, but he wanted to fix Miller's teddy bear.

Then he was down for the rest of the day. And Miller did what he could do to make Sawyer feel better. He crawled in bed with him to keep him company.

We Are Marshall

On Nov. 14, 1970, a plane carrying 75 people including Marshall's football team, coaches, staff, community members and flight crew crashed near the Huntington Tri-State Airport on a return trip following the Thundering Herd's game against East Carolina.

All on board were killed.

File photos: The Herald-Dispatch, Huntington, WV

A fountain was created to remember the lives that were lost (there are 75 points to the flower bud sculpture). An inscription on the monument reads: “In lasting remembrance of the members of the Marshall University football team..."

The plane crash is largely who Marshall University has become.

Each fall on November 14, the fountain at Marshall University is turned off during the service, to remain silent until spring. This year the 1970 football player who was injured, and not on the plane, came back to speak.

It is a fitting ceremony, and a sacred way to memoralize those who lost their lives.

Happy Birthday!

I'm THANKFUL for Tanner. Happy Birthday Tanner! It's hard to believe you're 17 years old!

We thought it would be fun to do a little party for him, since he's found a nice group of kids to hang out with.

Twenty, actually. A little more than we were expecting, but it was a good time. Those kids laughed SOOOO hard! Funny games, a squishy room and a lot of bodies made it hard for anyone to want to leave.

One of Tanner's favorite presents from his grandparents: It says, "Mitt." (In case you were wondering what celebrities do with all their gifts.)

Thanks for Helping Schools

Surely everyone in the world is familiar with this logo. It has been a great way for schools to earn free money. I'm THANKFUL for those folks who volunteer and do so much to make our schools the best possible for our children. My favorite products I purchase that carry this logo are Scott toilet paper (does that tell too much about me?), and HoneyNut Cheerios (a Miller must). BoxTops has started a new promotion, for two weeks, "where you invite a friend, and they invite their friends, and you've turned the power of one into the power of million$." I'm inviting you. I'd just post the link, but if you let me send you the link, my school will get free box tops, as well as yours. So, do a good thing today, and leave your email, if you're not shy, or send me one at Schenewark@yahoo.com.

Self-Reliance

I'm THANKFUL for prophets that teach self-reliance, preparedness, and storing for a time in need.

Grinding wheat can be a little messy!

But messes can always be cleaned up ;-)

'Tater Time!

We love potatoes! They go a LONG way in filling up six hungry boys! These are fresh from the farm.

We're storing a few in the garage for the winter months.

I'm not from Idaho, but I recognize a good 'tater when I see one.

We're THANKFUL for Jean and Martin, our good neighbors, who share their connections and love with us. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for some GREAT mashed potatoes!

Working

I'm THANKFUL for boys that are willin to work. Sawyer's chore was to rake the leaves, and empty them in the field.

I looked out my window, saw this, and yelled, "You look like Santa with his pack on his back! Way to get your work done!" He yelled right back, "It's not work when you are Santa!"

Waiting for Mom

You know your Mommy skills are lacking when your child falls asleep on the steps waiting for you to come downstairs, as promised, to walk the dog. Before lunch! I'm THANKFUL for patient children.

The Children's Museum of South Carolina

Jarrod had a conference to attend, and continued his tradition of taking one or two traveling companions. This time it was a sport management conference in South Carolina, and it was Cooper's turn to go. Cooper chose to bring along Porter for company.

Row, row, row the boat...

Count on Porter to kiss the camel!

The Game of Operation: Mega size!

Inside a larger than life boy.

Contents of the statue's stomach!

A very large heart (just like Cooper's)!

Sliding down the throat!

Porter's shoe seems very small!

Put this on your list of things to do if you're ever in the area.

It was a good climb inside the body! Lots of jokes about pickin' noses ;-) I'm THANKFUL for a husband that likes to travel with kids, and finds fun thins for them to do.