Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving day, and were able to spend time with family and friends and reflect on the blessings that you have received this year. When I think about all that I have to be thankful, it reminds me of the numerous stars in the sky. Just when I think I have counted them all, another one pops up into my line of sight. Thank YOU for being such a blessing in my life!

A friend of mine posted this on his Facebook page, and I thought it was appropriate for today.

Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

Idea Help for Thanksgiving for Kids

I'm in need of some idea help for Thanksgiving for young kids. First, I've got a scheduled playgroup this Friday and we are having a Thanksgiving feast. Any cute ideas that you have seen for this age group?

Also, I've got my Pre-K choir group next week. Crafts, games, food, etc. I'm hoping that my teacher friends will have some cute ideas they have done in the past.

Any suggestions are very welcome!

Blog Shower for Harper

Dear Kelly,

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your new daughter, Harper. I remember first "meeting" you through a mutual friend's blog; and then realized that in small world Arkansas we had several friends in common. I remember praying for you after your Easter Eggs post and how dissapointed I was when your dream wasn't fullfilled at that time. I am so glad that God has blessed you with a child, and that His power was shown so vividly for the world to see.

So, get ready for a ride that will completely change your life. Remember to take time for yourself and treasure those first few months, weeks, days, and minutes that will only come once in Harper's life. Ask for help when you need it, and turn to God in prayer when no one else is around.

I'll be praying for you and Scott as you guys transition into a family of three.

Rachel

Falling Into Place

We have had a busy, but fun month in the Lipsey household. Russ is walking, climbing, and generally getting into trouble. We finally installed a much needed gate in our kitchen (no more escaping to the stairs and potty for Mr. Adventure), and has become a mobile young man. Meredith is doing well -- just getting adjusted to a life with a walking brother and loving being outside during these crisp, fall days.

The rest of the family is good, but nothing much to talk about. Here are some pictures of our fun, laughs, and good times.

Special thanks for Melissa and Laura for their photos. Our camera has bit the dust; and thanks to these gals for having some memories that we can treasure when we are old and gray (and not changing diapers).