Tuesday, November 29, 2011

alex the author...


I totally love this kid. I really, really do. He is so funny. He is SO talented. I know I boast about him a lot, but he makes me very proud. I see unlimited potential in him. He is an artist through and through. Not just with a sketch pad and pencil, but with words. He starts a LOT of stories. They grip me, then he moves onto another one. When I read this, I told him he HAD to finish. What do you think?


Chapter 1

The Silver Birch Woods

It was as cold as ice outside. Snow coated every rock, every stone.  The pines had long icicles hanging from their branches like jagged teeth threatening to bite whatever touched them.  The only real thing that kept me going was the sight of the twinkling lights at the foot of the silhouettes of mountains in the distance.  The cold bit at my cheeks and nose as the ice pelted me in the face.
           In the Silver Birch Woods the trees were dark.  These woods hid many secrets, dark secrets.  And as I stared at the dark green trees, devilish sounds echoed around me.  The Silver Birch Woods were a place of dismay.  They were an intimidating massive piece of land once owned by an eccentric Indian millionaire whom was murdered inside of them.
           
           As what goes along with murder stories, the woods were said to be haunted by his spirit and the many people who’ve gotten lost in the colossal evergreen forest.  This is why I came here.  It would be the very last place one would look for me. 

Friday, November 25, 2011

#25...

 

Once again, I am grateful for my dad and for his willingness to listen to promptings of the spirit. I have been feeling particularly low today. Burdened. Sad. I walked into the kitchen and this was on the counter. I had just gotten a letter 2 days ago, so had no reason to expect another one today. But I needed it. I really, really needed it. Right then. Dave and I cried together in the kitchen while I read it out loud. My dad is so tender with me. He knew somehow that today would be rock bottom for his daughter. He knew before I did that I would need his council. The kind of council that only a loving father can give. Today's letter is one of the most beautiful I have ever received from him. I have already read it several times. I will treasure it forever. You might too.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

#24...


Today, and every day, I am thankful that this woman is my mother. MaryJane Temple. I love her so much. She is the essence of goodness. She is warm and thoughtful and tender. She is loving and kind. She is one of the most beautiful people I know. Happy birthday to my dear mom.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

#23...


I am thankful for this fiesty little girl. I think she is a lot like me when I was her age. Very headstrong. Very passionate. Very moody. In addition to that though, she is bright, tender, giving, funny, confident. I feel so fortunate to have her as a daughter. We learn a lot from each other. The Lord knew I would need some of the lessons only my Molly could teach me.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

#22...

DC. Diet Coke. Black Death. Nectar of the Gods. Whatever you want to call it...I am thankful for it. I've never really been a soda girl. I guess you could have called me a part-timer. A fair weathered drinker. Non-committal. I'm still not hooked, but I wouldn't mind one every day. I don't necessarily even need to seek them out. I have friends who do it for me. I know, I am so lucky. Some days, a friend will show up at my house with a nice cold one, and I'll think to myself, "I didn't even know how much I needed this today." I used to be the kind of girl who had one at the movies and on airplanes. That was it. Now, I know they will make nearly every activity just a little more enjoyable. I don't NEED one every day, but I sure am happy to know Walker's is just a stone's throw away if I'm feeling in the mood.

Monday, November 21, 2011

#21...


I am thankful for my husband. He loves me. He loves our kids. He loves the Lord. He loves to cook, laugh, watch trash TV. I'm not sure what more a woman could ever want?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

#20...

I'm thankful for quiet afternoons with my family. We ate dinner pretty early today, so by 5pm, it was all cleaned up and we sat down to watch Polar Express together. It was dark and cold outside, but cozy and warm on the couches. I loved looking over at Margie and Lizzy, snuggled on the love seat, Margaret completely mesmerized by the movie. I loved that the other 3 all wanted to sit by me. It made me feel good. So good, that I dozed off halfway through the movie. I love days where the kids all get along, there is very little noise, they are happy and enjoying being together. It causes me to count my blessings. My many, many blessings.