A few scenes from Thanksgiving and our weekend

Josh has been wanting a TV for his room, so the night before Thanksgiving, we went to Best Buy where he got a smokin' deal on a 32" Samsung.  He paid for it in cash - the fruits of his own labors.

While Josh and I were shopping TVs at Best Buy, Charly was at home baking his delicious pumpkin pies.

He made three pies and I had pumpkin pie for breakfast this morning - another Jones family Thanksgiving tradition.

Our turkey this year was smaller than those we have had in years past, but it was cooked to perfection and was absolutely delicious!

A new recipe this year - Sweet Potato Souffle is one I found on this blog I enjoy - Purpose Driven Motherhood.  Warning - this recipe is excellent!  If you try it, you will want to make it every Thanksgiving!

Here is Charly getting the stuffing reading this morning.  The stuffing was also excellent.  We just use store brand boxed stuffing, but add onions, celery and chopped walnuts.

Just this morning, we decided to invite our friends Chloe and Michele, a mother and daughter form our church congregation, to share our Thanksgiving dinner with us.  We had a nice mean and enjoyed chatting and getting to know each other better.

We always have a very traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.  Charly is the "head chef" but we do enjoy working together to make a scrumptious meal.

After out Thanksgiving meal, I went for two walks- first one with Josh and then a bit later, with Charly.

Walking after a big dinner is one of my favorite things to do.  It was a bit chilly here on Thanksgiving. You can see that Charly is wearing a hat.  He says that when he wears a hat, he doesn't have to wear a jacket because his brain is warm.  

In the evening, I relaxed with a plate of leftovers and a good book.  Later on, we went to the home of friends for desert.

On black Friday, Josh had to work, but Charly and I did some shopping. I made quite a dent in it, and got most of what I needed to send off to the grand children. I used the family room floor as a staging area to make sure that I had enough and the right gifts for each child.  I few clicks at Amazon finished most of my shopping last night.  I don't enjoy shopping, so I am glad it is almost done.

I wore myself out at all the stores, but still managed to start getting some gifts wrapped, so that I can get them mailed off soon. I hate to wait until the last minute.

Saturday began with this beautiful sunrise.   It was like a fire in the sky.

Later on Saturday, Charly and I put up the Christmas trees. Our Christmas decorations are simple but meaningful to us.  Our nativity collection is a important part of our Christmas decorations because they represent the true meaning of and reason for Christmas!

These are the three little Christmas trees I always put by our front door. They are fun and welcoming, with sock snowmen and other Christmas crafts I have done with my grandchildren in years past.

Today was church, as usual, and I taught a lesson on faith to the 8 and 9-year-olds.  This is an amazing little group of children.  They are nice, cooperative and well-behaved, as well as really engaged and involved in the lessons. 

 Later, in sharing time, the children acted out a nativity scene as they learned a new Christmas song.  You can see from their smiles that they enjoyed it.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this handsome young man as he was ready to leave for his own Young Single Adult (YSA) church meetings.  He has been home for two months now. Time certainly does pass quickly.

Charly and I try to watch an uplighting movie on Sunday night, and this Sunday we started "The Christmas Candle." We didn't get finished, but so far, it is excellent and we are enjoying its uplifting Christmas message.

Finally, as this Christmas season gets underway, lets all remember that Jesus Christ is the true reason that we celebrate this holiday.  He came to light the world and when we follow in His footsteps, by loving and serving, we can light the way for others.  Check out this Christmas message and find out how we can all make this world a lighter place during this Christmastime.