I am thankful for these tomatoes.

We planted them in the spring. And {amazingly} they survived the millions of days this summer with 100+ degree heat.

{And near misses w/ tornadoes}

{And earthquakes}

{And freezing temps at night}

They finally started producing tomatoes in September. And when it started freezing at night, we would bring them in off the porch & then put them back outside the next morning. After only a few days of this I got tired of lugging them in & out. {They are heavy!}

So I just started leaving them out there. And a few days after, I realized the tomatoes were still green. I figured they’d never ripen because it hasn’t been getting very warm {or sunny} lately. So I picked them all off, and thought about frying them up.

But they sat in the bowl on the counter for a few days before I did anything with them. And then one day, I realized they were turning red.

I’m calling these my “magic tomatoes”. They are troopers.

I am thankful for the holiday of being thankful. We had a nice time taking a break from packing & moving decision-making with a Community meal at church, a visit to New Life Ranch, and Thanksgiving dinner outside by a fire with Ben’s parents.
And today we continued one of my favorite traditions: cutting down our Christmas tree.

We always meet our friends, Tom & Leah there. And this year Levi was introduced to this Burry/West tradition. He might have been less than enthused. But he sure is cute!

And of course, we finish the outing at our favorite {Tahlequah} pizza place.

I am thankful for toaster ovens. The best way to reheat leftovers.

I am thankful for the “Freebird” scene in Elizabethtown. The movie itself is one of my very favorites. But sometimes Ben & I will just play the “Freebird” scene when we need a good laugh. Rent the movie & see for yourself.

I am thankful for a wonderful set of “in-laws” (though that term feels sort of cold & distant and that’s not how I view them at all.) And with this bonus family comes another brother. Daniel!

I am thankful for Daniel’s joy for life & hearing about his adventures.

Plus, he is really nice to me & even calls sometimes just to talk to me, or to ask me a question.

And he’s turning older today. 29, just like my brother! Happy Birthday, Daniel!

I am thankful for a welcoming outlet for my creativity. I have been honored to be included in some local craft shows with some amazingly talented artists. And this Christmas, I have an opportunity to be a part of some “Pop Up” Shops that are taking over some empty retail spaces downtown.

Consider buying local this Christmas!

Here’s some more info about the Pop Up Shops:

http://www.maketulsa.com/2011/11/indie-emporium-is-pop-up-shopping-2011/

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20111030_11_a23_cutlin153169

It is my little brother’s birthday. He’s not so little anymore, as you can see by the picture evidence below.

(1985-ish)

(2001)

He’s probably got 8 inches on me, but he’s still my *little* brother. He’s a marine, stationed in Japan for the next few months. Happy Birthday, Michael!

I am thankful for that feeling of anticipation that comes with the approaching holidays. There’s just a sweet spirit in the air of excitement & I love it.

I am thankful for friends who come help us pack!

I am thankful for organizations that are doing a lot of work to strengthen our community. I was at a regular meeting today with TACSI (Tulsa Area Community Schools Initiative.) I always leave these meetings encouraged & overwhelmed by how many different people & organizations in our area are participating in strengthening this community.

Take 4 minutes & watch this video Ben made for them this year.

The community schools initiative is happening all over the country, not just in Tulsa. But we are proud to report that one of our Tulsa Schools won the National Award for Excellence this year-a pretty big deal!

Here are some interesting facts about that school.