… Sam and Wilson. On Saturday, Sam entered the National Geographic Geography Bee for our Homeschool Support Group, AND WON!! What a surprise. Sam hadn’t planned to enter at all, but at the last minute he “threw his hat in the ring”. Wilson worked for a LONG time on his entry into the Geography Fair. He did an amazing job putting it together and explaining it to everyone in attendance. He won the “People’s Choice Award” for his display and food representing Haiti. What a great day!!! Sophie also worked hard on a project about Kenya, but decided she was not going to enter the “Bee” this year. She’s off and away rehearsing for the 2009 production of The Nutcracker.

People's Choice Award Winner (Haiti), Wilson

Sam gets his question.

1st Place and 1st Runner up. Go Sam!!

After this year’s trip to the mountains for a Christmas tree was cancelled due to illness, we weren’t sure where we would go for our tree. Mark researched the local options and we ended up at the Penland Tree Farm in Clover. We really weren’t sure what to expect. It was wonderful. Mark and the boys were able to saw the tree down themselves. We had a blast walking through the fields of trees looking for “the right one”.

Arriving at Penland Tree Farm

Claire Bear

The Boys

Claire gives Sophie a kiss.

SMOOCH!

The 2009 tree installed and ready to go.

The Tree

This year was a great Thanksgiving for many reasons. Mark was able to go get his parents to join us for what may have been their last trip to Rock Hill. It’s getting too difficult for his mom to travel. The kids had a wonderful time with Mimi and Papa. Top that off with what Mark said was his “best meal ever”… and for what more could you ask. After 13 years of marriage … 11 of which I either cooked Thanksgiving Dinner or assisted in the preparation … Mark said this was his best meal ever, …not just the best Thanksgiving meal … the best meal ever. That’s pretty amazing, considering all the great places he gets to eat with his clients and business associates when traveling. Thanks, Mark!!

My Handy Dandy Helper

Claire and Mark's Mom, ... Mimi

Claire and Papa

The Chef

Gluten Free Sage and Cranberry Stuffing

Dinner Time

The Evidence

One of my favorite holidays is coming up this week, Thanksgiving. We may, or may not, be hosting my in-laws this year. Only time will tell …

The GF Turkey Day Menu

Claire’s a big fan of NEMO, and every now and then she likes to play a NEMO game with Sophie or Wilson. This morning this was the conversation I overheard.

Claire “Hi, Dory.”

Sophie “Hi, Nemo.”

Claire “You on a dite.”

Sophie “What?”

Claire “No, no, no, no … Dory. No eating tonight. You on a dite.”

Awesome God – Rich Mullins … This is true.

I Wish it Would Rain – Nanci Griffith … I don’t really wish it would rain, but I think it’s inevitable.

You Don’t Know Me – Harry Connick, Jr. … Well, maybe you do.

Black Friday – Steely Dan … Let’s hope not.

Hold My Hand – Hootie and the Blowfish … I like this sentiment, and it is lots of fun.

Christmas Day – Harry Connick, Jr. … Yes .

Wild Mountain Skies – John Denver … Awesome, love the western skies.

Have a Nice Day – Bon Jovi … I hope you do.

Holding Back the Year – Simply Red … I was doing this a few weeks ago, ha ha … still holding on to 39.

The Thanks I Get – Wilco .. These aren’t always abundant, but oh so appreciated.

Show Me Your Glory – Third Day … Please.

For her birthday, Grandma and Grandpa gave Claire a girl with “snap on” clothes. She’s had a ball playing with her girl these last several weeks.

Art last week included a two day project, paintings in the style of abstract painter, Hans Hoffman. The kids had a great time and their pictures turned out really well.

The boys working on their projects.

Sophie and Claire working on their projects.

Sam's finished product.

Wilson's painting

Sophie's finished painting.

Last night, Sam had a weeknight soccer game. Mark was in Florida, so we took some pictures so that he could see the game. They played a great game last night. The other team got very few opportunities to score. Since the rain has played havoc with the schedule thus far this year, we had to take advantage of the evening to get our pictures.

He’s actually airborne!!

The girl in orange is Sam’s friend, Hannah. They’ve been at the same summer soccer camp for four or five years. Last night they got to play each other’s team. We ended up with a well deserved tie score.

Little Miss enjoyed the game.

Wils was a spectator last night. He plays again next week.

A serious fan.

My work here is done.