My Little Pike

Hutch had his last swimming lesson, which means that he gets to invite an "audience" to watch (you're usually not allowed in). Grandpa Larry and Grandma Shirley came to watch. He did a great job!

Gratitude List

I just got home from an awesome Seminar in Crown Point Indiana, where Carol Kent was the speaker for the weekend. (if you don't know her story, click on the link and scroll down) Wow. She has such a story, and such faith in God. Wow. She spoke of her son's Gratitude List, and it reminded me that Chantal tagged me to come up with a "Thanksgiving Alphabet" listing what I am thankful for. Here goes:

before I start.. I must say I heart things like this! When we have Thanksgiving at our house, I force each person to name three things they're thankful for before I will let them eat. (;

Okay. The list.

A: An Almighty God

B: Brainstorming

C: Coffee-don't even get me started!

D: Driving aimlessly

E: Eating Family Dinners together-such a precious time. Something I always remember about my childhood, and something I hope my children remember about theirs.

F: Family-both my biological and church families

G: Gwyneth Rae Ridenour

H: Haydn Charles Ridenour & Hutch Warren Ridenour

I: Interesting Conversation

J: John. {sigh}

K: Kid Cuddle Time

L: Laughter

M: My Minivan-it's like a house on wheels (:

N: Nature

O: Outings- I love to explore with my family

P: Photography and also Paper-y Stuff

Q: Questions-It means they're learning (My teacher side showing)

R: "Real" people

S: Savior- My Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for me!

T: Teachers who "get" my children and appreciate their unique personalities

U: Unexplainable feelings

V: Vintage finds

W: Warm cozy houses

X: Xrays (it's what supports our family)

Y: Youthful spirits

Z: Zoo trips

Now, I get to tag! I tag Jackie, Paula and Lindsay! (and you, you non-bloggers. I tag you, too. Just list three things you're thankful for in the comments! PLEASE?!! I love this stuff!)

I'm excited to see what you've got to be thankful for!

Looking Back

Three years ago! (I know the date stamp says two years ago, but Hutch is only 19 months here, not two and a half.. My camera was set to the wrong year for about a month!)

My two little guys. So little! They wanted to print this picture and make a picture frame for Pastor Steve. So I let them make a foam frame with a bunch of sequins and feathers and stuff. They wrote him a card, and were so excited to give it to him! The last time I was in his office, it was still hanging in there. (:

Another Way To Roast Hot Dogs...

We were eating the other night (without John) and I was paying attention to Gwyneth in her high chair and NOT really paying attention to Hutch, sitting right beside me--- He put his hot dog on his fork and was roasting is over the candle!!! I made him stop right away, but then let him re-enact it because I just had to take a picture!

My Shining Star

Haydn was beaming (ha) when he came home from school today, because he earned the Shining Star Award for October for completing his work at school! YAY Haydn! I had tears in my eyes as I was reading the note from his teacher explaining the award. I'm so proud of him! Way to go, Haydo!

Mums

I just wanted to share some of the mums on my front porch with you! {I wanted to edit the photo with a Dutch feel}

Trick or Treat