I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!  I was fortunate enough to celebrate Thanksgiving twice.  First, we celebrated with my family & then we celebrated with Scott's family.  It was definitely a Turkey Day. 

Saturday, Megan and I did the Checkers 5K.  The worst part about doing the Checkers 5K was that is was FREEZING cold!  I learned a very valuable lesson:  I will NEVER do another 5K in the freezing cold.  That being said, I will NEVER do another 5K in the burning heat either.  So, unless your 5K is in October or April, I'm out.  

The best part about competing in the Checkers 5K was that they gave us free tickets to last night's game.  An extra special bonus was that it was Charlotte Hornets' night at the Checkers' game.  The team wore Charlotte Hornets' specialty jerseys.   The tickets that Megan and I received were for seats directly behind the player's bench.  

 

Not too bad, eh?  Not only did the Checkers' win 5-4, it was an epic battle filled with a lot of fighting (I LOVE fighting!).  Even the goalies fought and were both ejected.  After the game, the players' jerseys were auctioned off for charity.  Megan and I made sure to sit on our hands because we didn't want to accidentally make a bid and buy a jersey.  

After all of that excitement, I plan to enjoy Sunday the way God intended....as a day of rest!!! 

Sunday

Hi.  It's been a whole week since I've posted anything.  This past week was rather mentally draining so I'm just sitting at my computer, drawing a blank on what to post.  Since I can't seem to come up with anything good, I decided to share a couple of pictures that I found on my camera.  

Here I am with my mom on her birthday last February...

Last month, my friend Megan and I went to Buzz Fest for the Charlotte Hornets.

My birthday in September (with my niece, nephew & the world's best cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes).

Greta decided to join me in Bible study

Daniel is playing "copy-cat" with Blossom.

Because Greta's veins are hard to locate, the vet techs wrap her like a burrito and hold her down.  Here she is shooting hate beams at me with her eyes.  Coincidentally, this is the same look she gives me every night when Scott and I give her fluids to her... 

Finally, I came across the following quote this week and it has really left an impact on me...

Happy Sunday!

Dogs Galore

This weekend was the 20th Annual Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Rural Hill Farms.  I've been to this festival several times and it never disappoints. 

The sheepdogs (Border Collies) and their handlers were competing to go to Nationals.  

 

 

 

I could watch sheepdogs and their handlers work all day.  Unfortunately, Scott could not.  

We also watched some of the Dock Diving Dogs competition.  This dog is competing in the extreme vertical competition. 

It wouldn't be a dog festival without an agility course.  Here is a dog that looks much like our Balto:

I don't have pictures but there were also Frisbee demonstrations and my personal favorite...Flyball!!! 

The following picture is a demonstration of a new dog sport called Treibball.  Treibball is a combination of obedience and herding.  I was fascinated by this sport.  Scott, however, was not. 

Rural Hill Farms is home to a small herd of the most beautiful Scottish Highland Cattle:  Romeo, Queenie, Fiona, Dolly and Bubba:

There was so much to do and to EAT at the festival.  You could also try your hand at Pumpkin Chunkin', the Amazing "Maize" Maze, check out antique tractors or watch 1760's farm demonstrations.  I'm already looking forward to going again next year!  If you'd like to go with me, please let me know!!! 

Stuff I Like

My favorite painter isn't a household name...yet.  Little Iris Grace has autism and lives in a silent world much like my niece, Laura.  Iris, now 5 years old, began painting at the age of 3 as a form of autism therapy. 

Here is a Iris with her therapy cat, Thula. 

I'm obsessed with Iris' paintings and hope to own a print one day.  Owning an original would be amazing but they becoming very expensive!  All profits made from the sale of Iris' artwork goes to fund her autism therapy. 

A few samples of her work:

 

Look closely and you will see Iris' cat, Thula, in the picture below.  Her parents say that they can see Thula in much of Iris' work.  Do you see Thula?

All of the above photos are from the Iris Grace Painting website.  I encourage you to visit the website to learn more about her story and view her breathtaking artwork.  www.irisgracepainting.com

Randomness

This week I...

Met a new friend while walking through the woods to my parents' house.

Carved a pumpkin for the very first time in my life with the help of my Bible study leader, Connie.  I was shocked to learn that pumpkins are hollow.  I thought they were full of the pumpkin "stuff" you get in a Libby's can of pumpkin.  I'm quite proud of how this turned out.  My mom does not believe that I did this.

 Ran into my niece and nephew while picking up a prescription at Target. 

Got my hair dyed (every 5 weeks).

Why I don't have my own reality show, I don't know. 

No Tricks, Just Treats

Yesterday was Halloween and I took my niece & nephew trick-or-treating. 

I'm not sure why my little policeman looks sad....he was so excited and had a blast!

Their mom was at work but here's a picture with their dad:

 

And...here are a couple with me!

There really should be a rule that trick-or-treating is only for kids 10 and under.  Many of the children going door to door last night were just too big.  They were basically running from house to house nearly trampling all of the little ones (and adults) in their way.  It is rather dangerous to have a little one out there.  I'm just tickled that my niece and nephew were able to experience the fun of dressing up and going door to door.  Well, Daniel dressed up; Laura still isn't quite sure about wearing costumes. 

Happy Candy Eating Day!