Thankfulness.

This weekend was a lot of fun. We got to host Thanksgiving at our house for the first time. Cory's family came up and we had such a good time. First of all, on Wednesday evening we went to see the Lights of the Ozarks at the Square in Fayetteville. It is a display over probably a million or so lights. They have carriage rides, camel rides, donkey rides, cotton candy and tons of lights to see. Its on for a couple of weeks and a fun tradition that me and Cory have enjoyed since living here.

Here are some snapshots from the square.

The next morning, Thanksgiving, we got up early and started the cooking. Cory was in charge of the turkey and proud of the brine he had learned from watching the Food Network. We soaked it all night before cooking it on Thanksgiving. Here are some snapshots from him and his mom rubbing some canola oil on it and then cutting it once it was done.

We had fun playing with Mady and she enjoyed playing/eating the exercise ball!

We had a LOT of food and it was all scrumptious (if I do say some myself since I made some if it). We had turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, broccoli salad, green bean bundles, dressing, gravy, bread, pumpkin cheesecake and chococlate chip cheesecake. It was all very good. I was pleased with it all and happy nothing was burnt, underdone or gross...since it was our first. It was a good memory.

Here are some snapshots from the kitchen.

After eating our Thanksgiving meal, we packed up and all headed to Branson. Once we got there Mady enjoyed playing IN her toybox while we unloaded everything.

Our first stop that evening was the Branson Landing and the fountain, lights and fire show. It was cold! But I always enjoy watching it. I have fond memories of Branson b/c it is a place that I have visted several times with my family since I was little and I lived there for 2 summers for a job. It is a place of comfort that always gives me a cozy feeling!

On to Black Friday............

Well I don't think it is any secret how much we love to shop on Black Friday. This year we did something a little different. We discovered that the main outlet mall was going to open at midnight on Thanksgiving evening. So we (me, Cory, Cody and Jessica) decided to go check it out. We were a little tired but thought it would be fun. So off we went. We had just been there at about 10:00 that evening and hardly anyone was there. So on our way there we were all talking about how maybe it was a secret or not well advertised and that perhaps there wouldn't be many people there. We were wrong, dead wrong. It was so crowded we couldn't even park in the parking lot. We decided to still go check it out. Lines were out the door to some of the stores b/c they were only letting so many people in at a time. Other stores had lines that took up the WHOLE store so you couldn't even shop. The lines were long, long and long. Cory waited in line for 33 minutes (yes, he timed it) at the Nike outlet. Cody and Jessica got some other good deals too.

I didn't buy anything, but I did take a good memory away from the evening....Cory wanted to wait in line at the Nike outlet and I was ready to move on so I decided to leave him to go shopping on my own. Mind you the line was weaving all throughout the store and down different aisles and between dispalys. I was trying to navigate my way through the crowd and I didn't notice that where I was about to walk was about a 4 inch high square gray platform. I kept walking and ran right into it. I started to trip and lost my footing. And then it began...the slow motion scene from a movie. No matter how much I kept telling my brain to stand up I just kept falling. A nice lady stuck her arm out to help me and as I grabbed her arm I guess she didn't anticipate how much weight I was going to put on her and DOWN she went with me. Both of us "splat" on the floor at 1:30 a.m. in the middle of the Nike store. Fortunately, she was a good sport b/c we both just layed there laughing. Everyone was like "Are you OK? Are you OK?" I stood up and brused myself off and said "The only thing I just hurt is my pride" without making too much eye contact or hoping they wouldn't notice my "Razorback" sweatshirt and turned around and walked out. I called Cory as soon as I left and told him what happened b/c thankfully he missed it. It was definitely a moment to remember. We stayed out till about 2:30 in the morning shopping.

On Friday, we didn't get up early but just slept in from our midnight shopping trip and got out around 11:00 or so. We did some more shopping. Mady was a trooper. Here she is in the van watching Spongebob with her headphones on. So funny.

That evening, we went to see Noah the Musical. It was such a neat show. Mady enjoyed it for about 30 minutes but then began to cry to Cody and Jessica had to leave with her. They missed the rest of it and we were bummed for them. They saw a little of it from the "cry room" but not much. Here are some snapshots before going into the show.

All and all we had a wonderful time! I enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving and being with Cory's family. I am blessed to have fun inlaws who enjoy outings and adventures. This Thanksgiving as I sat back and reflected on what I am thankful for I come back to the basics this year. With the economy in the shape it is in, I am thankful for my salvation, a roof over my head, food on the table, a reliable job to go to daily, a wonderful spouse that loves the Lord, loves me and treats me as though I am priceless and a wonderful family and group of friends that love me unconditionally. Nothing fancy this year. Just the basics.

Hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable, memorable and laughable.

CEC.

Lets Make a Deal

Those of you who know me know that I like a deal! Some might misconstrue this for me being tight but no, it is my father who is tight and not me. You see the difference between wanting a good deal and being tight is this -- tight people never pull the trigger. My dad likes to go to car lots just to dicker with them knowing full well that he ain't buying a new truck. He just likes to know that if he decided to part with his money it would be a good deal, but we all know he ain't spending jack! Me on the other hand -- I don't like negotiating a good deal for the sake of negotiating. I will pull the trigger if the deal is good enough.

A few years ago, my wife and her family introduced me to something that I previously never experienced. And that my friends is Black Friday! I am addicted. And the only prescription I need is more Black Friday. If I have to get up at 1:45 a.m. and drive three hours to save 300 dollars off a laptop that I know I am going to have to buy anyways then you can bet your bottom dollar I am going to do it.

Two years ago, I came across a very good Black Friday website. If you are like me, you can't wait till Thursday's paper to find out where the best deals are going to be for Christmas shopping. You need to know as soon as the stores know. You need to know as soon as Mr. Target conjures up the idea and would appreciate it if he would email those to you immediately. Well, now you can know! Go to www.bfads.net and you will find out what the stores are going to advertise before it comes out on ink. I like to think that Lee Scott and all the other big-wigs at Walmart are sitting around a conference room with dry erase boards and markers and that there is an insider sending these advertisements directly to bfads.net from his blackberry. I can't back that up.

Happy Black Friday shopping. Do the American thing and buy the last elmo doll and mark that dude up on Ebay or steal something out of another person's cart in honor of the season of giving. Capitalism rules.

CDC.

Tagged!

Well, I got "tagged" by one of my dearest friends Christina! My instructions were to post the fourth picture from the fourth photo file on my computer. So, here it is.

This is a picture of a very good friend of mine known as Spiffy Tiffy! This was on Valentine's evening when several of us girls went out together b/c we were dateless! I kinda miss the flipped out hair; I may have to consider that hairstyle again! I just realized that the photo Christina tagged me with was also a Valentine's picture -- ironic! I would tag Tiff since she made the picture, but she doesn't have a blog. So, I pick Lindsey! She is a wonderful friend, dear soul and talented photographer! You should check out her blog!

Start singing and expect GOD.

This past Sunday are pastor preached on Isaiah 54:1-5. Man. It rocked my socks off.

The verses are as follows:

1 Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married," says the LORD.

2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.

3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.
4 "Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.

5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.

These verses describe Israel at a time of need and desperation for their country. Isaiah, a prophet, starts off by telling them to start singing and prepare for the fruits and blessings the Lord WILL give them I don't know about you but in the hard times singing is not my first response. I usually sing when I have had a good day, not when life looks bleak. I love this command. Isaiah says SING, get your heart ready and prepare for the coming of the Lord.

Next he tells them to broaden their tents to prepare for God to work in their lives. Enlarge their tents? What a phenomenal thought! God is telling them to stop limiting him and broaden their scope of what they believe he is capable. Add on to your house and make a suite for God because GOD WILL work in their lives. It is about EXPECTING our Saviour to work. Wow. If you are a child of the King, then God is working in your life! Have you broadened your tent? Made elbow room for God? Are you expecting GOD to grow your life? your business? your marriage? your family? As my pastor referenced in the sermon on Sunday morning. Don't fall into "stinkin' thinkin" as Zig Zigler would say.

And lastly, he tells them to dig the stakes of their tent deep. Dig deep in the Word which is your foundation and get ready. Get ready because God will come. Dig the cords of your tent deep because storms will come and those strings will be pulled but as long as they are in the foundation of the Word they will not be ripped up. Also be prepared to stay a while because God is not bound by the time of man.

This passage and sermon spoke strongly to me about the passing of my friend, Jill. I shared with my husband that throughout my grief I have had the passing and casual thought "O I am sure God will work out something great because that is who he is...." It was like a sad Sunday school answer. What a disgrace and disregard to the power of my Father. I have not set out with the EXPECTATION, with a song-filled heart, tent-broadening thoughts and my pegs dug deep knowing that my father will work an amazing work through the loss of a sweet friend. As I prepare to start singing, one song continually comes to my mind. I feel that I can truly relate to this song at this season of my life.

How can I [we] keep from singing? by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

[Just like Jill is doing at this very moment. Amazing]

As it was stated in Jill's funeral. If God can take the worst event in history, the murder of his son, and turn that into the saving grace of mankind then we know and EXPECT with a singing heart, our tents broadened and our stakes dug deep that he is capable of amazing work in the loss of Jill.

CEC.

[If you would like to view the Celebration of Jill's life (funeral), click here]

Here are a couple pictures of Jill that I scanned in this evening. Sorry for the quality of the picture, I guess scanning in old photos on my ancient computer was not an excellent mix.

Scott and Jill our DCM Christmas Party 2000 (their first Christmas as a married couple)

Jill and I at VSM Bootcamp getting prepared for our mission trips! Jill had a heart for the nations.

Scott and Jill at a Restaurant on a Road to SOAR.

The DCM DIVAS on the lawn in front of the St. Louis Arch. Dog Pile!

Tiff, Lindsey, Me, Jill and Beka at my CBC graduation.

The cake that we (or probably Lindsey) made for Scott and Jill's 4th Wedding Anniversary.

Christina, Me, Jill and Kristi at the wedding shower they threw for me at Jill's house. Always a servant to open up her home.

Kim, Christina, Jill, Kristi, Lenea, Me, Lisa, Erin, Brittany, Crystal, Lindsey, Christina and Beka at my wedding!

Brrr...

Last Saturday, we were sitting at a football game in our shorts and t-shirt sweating and getting sunburt. Fast forward 7 days and this Saturday we are wearing sweatshirts and coats! The Salvation Army people are out ringing their bell in front of Wally-World, I can see my breath and I am making hot chocolate. O, and there are Christmas commericals on TV and they are already playing Christmas music in the stores. I am not sure what to contribute these abrupt changes too! I don't feel like I have payed too much attention to this change over in the past but this year it has commanded my attention because it seem drastic.

I'm not sure I'm ready for the cold weather, but I am ready for Thanksgiving turkey, christmas lights, family time and the fireplace!

Happy beginning of winter! Stay warm.

Letters To Bryce (Attebery)

As I stated in the previous blog, a sweet and precious friend of ours went home to be with the Lord yesterday. Lindsey Watson and I have decided on a fun way to honor the memory of Jill for Bryce.

We know that Bryce will grow up with very loving families that will make sure he knows who is mother was and what kind of foot print she left on this earth. However, we wanted Jill's friends to also be able to share their memories of Jill with Bryce, so he can get a good idea of what she meant to everyone - family, friends, co-workers, etc.... We have set up an e-mail address for people to send letters to. After the deadline we will compile these letters into a book for Bryce to have.

So, here are the instructions:

Please write a letter TO BRYCE telling about what Jill meant to you and how she influenced your life. Yes, Scott will probably read these to him when he is little, but we want him to have this book forever. Please be detailed and share any fun memories of her that are SPECIFIC to your relationship with her. E-mail them to letterstobryce@gmail.com. If you would like to include any pictures you might have of Jill, please do that as well. You can also include any newspaper articles or other scrapbook type items. If you need to mail anything, you can mail it to Lindsey Watson, 2404 Broadview Ave, Conway, AR 72034. Please note "Letters to Bryce" on the outside of the envelope. PLEASE DO THIS BY JANUARY 1ST, 2009. Cari Calhoun and I will compile all of these letters and pictures into a book. Please note - Scripture and poetry are great and we want that, but please include a letter of at least one thing about Jill and/or your relationship to her. Thank you so very much!

Also, please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. we want everyone in her life to be included, from childhood friends to current ones.--

If you know Jill or perhaps you don't but feel compelled to write a letter to this sweet 3 month old baby then please do. I desire that Bryce grows up knowing the memories of his mother.

CEC.

The passing of sweet, sweet friend!

Today, a sweet and dear friend of ours went home to be with the Lord. Jill Jarvis Attebery died this morning (11/2/2008) at 7:30 a.m. after being in a car wreck on Saturday afternoon. Our heart is broken at the loss of this sweet life. Jill was a mentor to me throughout college. She is the reason that my walk with Christ went beyond words and was put into action. She was always smiling and serving someone. She was full of life and the love of the Lord was always a twinkle in her eye. She was a wonderful wife who always served her husband. She was an amazing mother for three months to Bryce Baker Attebery. The excitement that came from her being a mother was enjoyable to watch. We will miss you Jill Jarvis Attebery. The world is a changed place because of you. We can only imagine the sight of you worshipping at the feet of our Jesus.

Our prayers are with her husband, Scott, and three month old Bryce as they face the days ahead. May the Lord go before them and put people to support them and lend a shoulder. I know they covet your prayers as well. Love you guys.