Thanksgiving Gathering and Cabot Open House Excursion

This past Sunday, we all gathered at Calvin and Ginger's house to celebrate an early Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for - especially Ginger's brisket! YUM!

After lunch, the girls piled up in the church van and we hit the town to see who had the best Christmas stuff. It was so much fun! We're even thinking that a bigger trip to Memphis is in store for the future. We'll keep everybody posted on that.

Paige and Michelle...one of them is shy. Jake loves his mommy's cake.

Just don't know what to say about these two...

Tre, Mac, and Mya....we will miss you guys over the next few months!

Jacob and Owen about to watch football and take a nap.

Here are the shoppers! Brittany, Kristen, Laura, Katy, Ginger, Kari, and Nancy (Kari's Mom). Ginger did a wonderful job of driving the van!

Apparently getting in the van was a site to see. I think they may have been laughing at us.

Mya was the only girl there. We missed you Allie Grace and Annie!

Melissa getting the kids strapped back in.

ANNIE IS HERE!

Whew...let's all say a prayer for Holly and John Paul-today was a long day for them! Thankfully, Annie arrived safely around 9:30pm and, as Kristin already said, weighed a healthy 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

Congratulations, John Paul, Holly and Allie!
We can't wait to meet Annie!

UPDATED Make Plans for Sunday Lunch Now!

So after driving by Emily's today while running errands, I discovered that they are CLOSED! (Not just closed for the afternoon, but for good). I am so sad for them, but it's not surprising in this economy. We are evaluating other options and nothing is set yet, but just know that we will go to lunch somewhere after church. The girls will be rolling in a church van with Ginger as our chauffeur to all of the open houses, so that will be something you don't want to miss!

Afterward, the girls are going to hit up the Open Houses in town - possibly all together, so leave a comment if you can come on Sunday afternoon so we will have enough spots for everybody.

UPDATE: Getting Ready for Annie

Well, the time has just about come for Miss Annie Marie Rhodes to join us. I wanted to go ahead and get meals set up before everyone is busy with the Thanksgiving Holiday. Holly plans to have her in-laws through the weekend and then I will take her a meal either Monday or Tuesday of next week. Of course, then they will be with family over Thanksgiving. If anyone will be around on Saturday or Sunday, the 29th or 30th, to take a meal that would be good but if not we will just start on Monday, the 1st. Here are some dates...let me know which one you would like!! Thanks so much and I know Holly greatly appreciates it!

-Kristin Steelman
Saturday, Nov. 29th: Katy Hill

Monday, Dec. 1st: The Haywood's

Wednesday, Dec. 3rd: Katie Laney

Friday, Dec. 5th: Amanda Rowe

Sunday, Dec. 7th: Kristin Steelman

Tuesday, Dec. 9th: The Tate's

Thursday, Dec. 11th: Ginger Aldridge

Saturday, Dec. 13th: Michelle Burke

Monday, Dec. 15th: Bridgette Cardona
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: The Webb's
Friday, Dec. 19th:

Let's start with that. As people sign up, we will keep the taken dates listed.

Prayer Requests - November 16

It seems every year Thanksgiving gets more and more forgotten about as a holiday. It's only something we do right before we go Christmas shopping. Take a few moments to reflect this week on what are you thankful for (leave a comment if you'd like to share). How will you celebrate Thanksgiving?

While you're thanking God for our many blessings, petition Him for the the following requests:

• Annie Marie Rhodes will be here on Thursday! John Paul, Holly, and Allie Grace are so excited for her to be here. Let's pray that she gets here healthy and that Holly recovers quickly. You should have received a sign-up list from Kristen Steelman to bring food to them beginning the first week of December. If you didn't, email me and I'll forward you the list).
• Mac is working long hours in preparation for his deployment, and Melissa is at home with two sick kiddos. Pray that they will get better soon.
• Luke Abbott has another ear infection and Makayla Rowe had tubes put in her ears - pray for both of them and their parents as they recover.
• My dad goes back for another treatment today. He had to take a week off because his white blood count was too low, but this past week was really good for him. God has been so good to supply every need. Pray that he stays on schedule for the next month so that he will feel good on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Also, my sister's father-in-law, Tom Farmer, is having exploratory abdominal surgery on Thursday to see what is causing some stomach/liver pain. Pray for the surgeons and that everything turns out OK.
• Remember to pray and be aware of those around us who are lost and need to hear what the Good News is all about.

Father, we are so very thankful that we have the freedom to talk with you and ask for your guidance in our lives. Please help everyone who is sick to get well and keep those who are well from getting sick. You are the Great Physician and we praise you for all you do. In Your Son's Name we pray, Amen.

A Few More Prayer Requests...

Please remember John Paul, Holly, Allie and Annie as they patiently wait for news about John Paul's job. Pray that God would comfort them in this time of transition. We know that God is our provider and we trust that He will take care of all their needs.

Please remember the Rowe family on Friday. Makayla is having tubes put in her ears and they are hopeful this will relieve her chronic ear infections. Pray that everything goes perfectly for Miss Makayla.

Thank you all!

Save the Dates

Sunday after next, November 23, we will all go to Emily's Restaurant after church for lunch. They have a great homemade buffet lunch that costs about $8.00 per person (not sure about kids). Emily's is on Hwy 89 right across the street from the Methodist church.

Celebration and Praise Choirs will be presenting the "First Gift" program on Saturday, December 6. There will be singing, drama, art, and more singing. It's going to be at the Cabot High School auditorium, and will be a neat presentation of God's Gift to us.

Prayer Requests from Sunday: Remember Elisa's friend who is having marital problems, Katy Hill's dad's salvation, and for Annie Marie to get here soon! Sorry for the shortened version of requests, but we should get back into full swing this coming Sunday. (When I say "we," I mean "me").

I am praying that you all have a great week. Love ya'll!