An evening without pictures

One of the things we love about living in Marietta is the "small town feel." There's something wonderful and romantic about a small, old town, rich in history, with traditions all its own. Marietta, for us, is the epitome of all of these things.

Tonight was the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in town. We had actually almost forgotten about it, but another cute Marietta tradition (Santa riding up and down the streets on a firetruck with the red lights spinning all the while shouting "Merry Christmas! Join me at Old Town Hall at 7:00 when we'll light the Christmas tree!") reminded us. We saw the firetruck and flashing lights coming and made it out onto the front porch in time for the kids to wave to Santa. And of course, Santa waved back. Ryan and I looked at each other and said "Oh, goodness, that's tonight!" We even had it on our calendar.

So we hurriedly ate our dinner and got bundled up. We wanted to get there early this year because they are VERY punctual about the whole tree lighting thing and we didn't want to miss it like we did last year. (We were about 42 seconds late last year. Like I said, VERY punctual!) We hopped in the car and drove to the center of town (about a two minute drive at 19 miles per hour). We parked along Market St. and walked over to the Old Town Hall Museum. We got there in time to see Santa and Mrs. Claus ride up on the firetrucks. They were undoubtedly reminding Marietta residents right up until show time! They came off the truck, greeted everyone and then the tree was lit. It actually caught us by surprise because there were no countdown! There was a cute little band playing Christmas carols. It was absolutely picturesque. Then we marched on over to Old Town Hall (just across the street), where everyone waits in line to sit on Santa's lap and then have some cookies and punch. Yes, cookies and punch for all the children.

And there are no pictures of this lovely evening. I'm sure that other people were taking some delightful pictures of the tree, the lights, and Santa. But not us. We even had the camera. But the camera doesn't work well without the battery, which was sitting on the kitchen counter after being freshly charged this afternoon. So, it was an evening without pictures. We'll just have to store the images of this fun adventure in our minds.

Okay, okay...here's your update.

A dear friend recently told me "update your blog!" (Yes, J.M. I'm talking about you!) So here's our update.

Today is Thanksgiving, a day to give thanks for everything there is to be thankful for. I think this year my list is nearly infinite, but I'll try to sum it up:

1. For a God who loves me deeply, passionately and completely, and never expects me to be anything I'm not. And you know what? When all is said and done, I get to spend eternity with Him, this God who created me and loves me so perfectly.

2. For my husband, a man who I am blessed to share life with.

3. For my children, two incredibly special boys who are the joys of my life (okay, so not 100% of the time, but we're being thankful, remember?).

4. For my family (both sides) who supported us when we lived in Colorado and who are still supportive today.

5. For my friends, both near and far, who are a bunch of incredible women. I never dreamed that friendships could be like this.

6. For my church. This one probably should have been higher on the list. What an incredible place. It is an honor to be part of the LCBC church community.

7. For my LIFEGroup. I love you guys so stinkin' much. 'Nuff said.

8. For my sweet Christian Egyptian friend, Triza Habashy, who lives down the alley. She has opened my eyes to so many things.

9. For my house, the labor of love that it is. What a cool project.

10. For our two vehicles that have more miles on them than I ever thought they could.

11. For God's Creation. The mountains, the ocean, the autumn leaves, the stars, the clouds, the sunset, the sunrise, the birds, the flowers, the rivers, the tigers, the horses...

12. Speaking of animals, for my pets. Otis (our nine-year-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog who has surpassed the average breed life expectancy of eight. I always knew he was above average), Molson (our slightly deranged Australian Shepherd who is loyal to us in so many ways), and Callie (my sweet kitty who seems to know exactly when I need snuggles).

From here on, they are no particular order...just a stream of thoughts.

13. For books like "Captivating" and "Fresh Brewed Life" and "Evangelism Without Additives" - books that challenge me to move and grow.

14. For music. Man oh man, do I love music. Nearly all of it.

15. For my computer - my window to the world. Oh, and technology in general. Do you realize how much fun stuff God has given us to play with?

16. For my journal. My verbal vomit masterpiece.

17. For hobbies - scrapbooking, reading, crocheting, tennis, biking, hiking...

18. For Penn State. Seriously.

19. For Christian counselors. I could go on and on about the value of this one...

20. For quiet spots with time to talk to Jesus.

Okay, so that's just 20. Just a sampling. But it's me. What are you thankful for?

Love to all,

Cindy