Photo of the Week - November 29, 2009

Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! Not that I'm against a good bargain shopping opportunity, but I didn't take part in the Black Friday madness this weekend. Jeff and I trekked to Bluffton for the holiday. On Friday afternoon we were hanging out with Jill and found ourselves on a carousel inside a furniture store. Hmmm...what? where? why? Yeah, we didn't really get it either, but we had fun. I'm not sure that this will turn into a tradition, but we enjoyed it this Thanksgiving.

Three Cheers for Blessings and Joy beyond measure!

Jada

Photo of the Week - November 22, 2009

Friends,

Friday was my last day in the office before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Yet with such an active weekend, it really didn't feel like vacation had started. Here are a few pictures of the highlights!

I had the chance to chat with Santa at my favorite local Nursery. Jeff and I stopped in at Hoerr Nursery on Saturday to enjoy the Holiday open house.

On Sunday, our church partnered with another church to host a free Thanksgiving Meal for those in need. We had food gift bags for the guests. Lots of work, but great reward!

On Sunday night, I had a sweet reunion with girlfriends from Caterpillar. This photo shows us gals all smiles after a few hours of time to catch up and reconnect.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Jada

Photo of the Week - November 15, 2009

Friends,

This weekend took me back to Indiana for an annual shopping trip with girlfriends. Check out the visual showing the results of our labor. We made the most of a 30% off coupon at the Gap! Let's just be thankful we make this journey once a year. I'll openly resist a commentary on excess consumption....I'll focus on the reminder of the great friends I have and the laughs of the weekend.

On Sunday, I hurried back to Peoria to catch the 2nd service at church. Jeff had a chance to speak during part of the message. Pretty cool stuff shared about serving in the community. Here is a link: http://www.richwoods.org/sermon-media/

Have a great week.

Jada

Photo of the Week - November 8, 2009

I had a great time hanging around Michael W. Smith on Friday night! Well, not actually with him, but around him...or at least an image of him! I went with Jeff to volunteer for Compassion International at a MWS concert, and we were stationed at the table with the life size picture of the star. I was "along for the ride", yet found myself enjoying the volunteer work and the show much more than I expected. I was touched by the profiles of children in need of sponsorship and support. Jeff is an advocate for the agency and after my experience on Friday night, I better understand his passion for the work.

Yep, I still have the lyrics to Friends running through my mind!

Cheers, Jada

www.compassion.com

Photo of the Week - November 1, 2009

Friends,

After a week of rain, the sun came out of hiding just in time for the weekend. Perfect fall weather to rake leaves and...watch football. No, this week's picture is not my Halloween costume! I actually went to a U of I football game dressed in Orange this weekend. And much to the crowd's surprise and excitement, the fighting Illini pulled out a win for the Illinois fans. It was a beautiful fall day at the game. And don't worry...I still cheer for the Boilers!

Happy November.

Jada