4 into 4 Challenge

-POST UPDATED-

I have been tagged! Missy's Photography tagged me! I am to go to my photo file, select the fourth file and the fourth photo. No editing, no changes just post it and tag two bloggers. Like Missy, my problem is that I have photos stored all over my computer. And it might be in files, that are sorted into files, and those files grouped into smaller. So I did the best I could using the 4,4,4,4 method. This was it....


This is a photo I took from my cousin Beckie's backporch of her home in Scottsboro/Guntersville, Alabama area. It was taken just after the sun sunk behind the horizon. The moment was so still and quiet. There was hardly a ripple in the water. What a view to have in life! Imagine beginning your day with this view. Beckie....if you are reading this, I am looking to improve my view.
I am not going to "call someone out"...but I challenge you to play along. Should you decided "to accept the mission" let me know so I can drop by your blog and see what your 4 into 4 gives you.

Speaking of views....At excellent view can be seen from my friend Judy's store on Shades Mountain in Bluff Park (where I was raised-and spent many a day on the bluff with my friends Jenny & Greg...). I mentioned on the post below that Judy is closing her store, after a century of business. At her store I found something that is near and dear to my heart. First, a little background. Whenever possible I try and make it a point to have my family have supper together at the supper table. We aren't perfect at that by any means, with three children and schedules that take us in different directions, it is hard, but we try our best to do it several times a week at least. We take turns saying the blessing (I have been keeping a book of blessings that my children have prayed for at the table. I cherish it.).

Since my children were very young, we made it a point to have "supper table conversation" which to them is more like a game. Today, they have become the host of this game, coming up with a topic of discussion and a question that each family member has to answer. It can be light hearted, or not. But it keeps us talking...and learning about one another. My kids LOVE it and I feel it is something that they will carry onto as a tradition to their supper table with their families one day. At least I hope so.

So....while at Judy's store today I came across an actual game of our game- It is called The Family Dinner Box of Questions. Why didn't I think of marketing this? (Kicking myself)

I purchased an original box at Judy's store. I also bought a "Thanksgiving" version.

Here is what a web site that sells this game had to say about it:

A great family game! Avoid those awkward silences and break the ice! The entire family can play - especially teens. Family dinners are great moments waiting to happen. Dinnertime is a chance to connect over a meal, laughter and a great story. Pick a card and let the fun begin. The Family Dinner Box of Questions™ was designed to help families get the most out of this simple but age old tradition, Enjoy! Read some sample questions from The Family Dinner Box of Questions™:

Where is the coziest spot in your home?
What is your favorite time of the day?
Do you have a family rule that is 'unfair'?
What qualities do you look for in a friend?
Which teacher or coach has had the most impact on you?

The Family Dinner Box of Questions™ contains:
52 Question Cards in an Attractive 5" x 3.5" Carrying Container
Instructions for play Ages: the entire family Click here to find out How to Use the Box of Questions A portion of proceeds from this product is donated to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University CASA

I highly recommend The Family Dinner Box of Questions. It is well worth it's cost in developing that communication between family members and getting to know one another. I cant think of a better gift. Judy had this at her store for half off. It cost me $10.00 per game. Judy suggested writing the answers the family members give in a book. In a few years, go back and ask the same questions and see how peoples answers may have changed. Good idea!

After spending most of the morning at Judy's store I left the store with bags in hand and was greeted by the chill of winter. I wanted nothing more than to go home and fix a pot of soup to warm me up. I made French Onion Soup as well as a pot of Chili for the men of the house. I think I can safely say that both pots of soup hit the spot! Both recipes can be found at my recipe blog Plates and Places.

I hope that you have a great week!