A Week of Thankful Celebration

Having a heart full of gratitude is not something that comes naturally, and being around kids reminds me how hard we need to work at instilling gratitude within our hearts...mine included, on a daily basis.  So many things to give thanks for-big life filling, heart bursting gratitude.  But Today I am taking note of the little things...yet oh so big, like NO SPELLING, NO MATH and NO TESTS!!  Yes, I am thankful for a short school week that doesn't leave any time for the teachers to teach and test.  Our life has evolved into hours designed around school, studying and eating...hopefully with a little play.  Sad to say the other week poor Becca had come home from gymnastics and buckled right down into her spelling sentences and spelling, then math.  Only to continue after dinner with her piano and reading.  By the time bedtime rolled around she looked at me and said, "I didn't get any free time today"  I don't know if it was funny or sad because neither of us noticed until it was time for bed.  So today I am thankful for a break, and a break from having to learn States with Brayden and memorize three bible verses, for an afternoon filled instead with play...and now the kids are BORED...I can't win!

Andrea had a thanksgiving feast.  Her teacher is full of fun ( today they made a pumpkin pie in a crock-put) and Andrea had a lot of surprises ready for us.  More kids in school mean more problems with scheduling.  The kids have learned we aren't always around, and thankfully do just fine.  I ws nice that Ron was able to make this special lunch as I tagged along with Becca on a field trip.

Monday morning started off on a huge high as all the kids counted the Christmas boxes that were brought in.  Each class would shout out their total before bringing them up to the front of the auditorium.  The school had over 400 hundred boxes donated and the most fun was that the third grade got to deliver them to the packing center,

The kids had so much fun, filling the cars up and heading out to the warehouse.  They all helped pack the shoe boxes into larger boxes to be sent out to the distribution warehouse.  A little chaotic with so many willing hands but fun to work together on something so special

Most special was hearing stories of children receiving their boxes and how their hearts were touched.  The Samaritans Purse organization is tremendous and their desire to spread the word of God and not just the gifts is what keeps the organization going.

The kids were also challenged to help serve in their own community.  We were reminded of the many homeless and low income children right here in Tulsa.  Amazing what we can do to help-so little goes so far.  Once a week volunteering, just meeting under an overpass with the basic neccessities of life has become such a lifeline to so many of those in need right here in our own community-eye/ ear opening for the kids.

On to more fun.  James had been excited for this party for a week.  I love seeing his eyes light up and his facial expressions as he sang.

We ended the week with some celebrations for the older kids.  They don't have as much fun...they would say and Brayden didn't believe me that he was actually going to have a little party today.  It is still fun and they are all so excited to have a break from their normal routine-smiles all around.

A little turkey trivia and Bingo always makes for smiles...and lots of loud voices!

Brayden was just excited I think to have both Ron and I...most of his school year parties we haven't been around, or just pop in because there was always a baby in tow, which most class teachers frown upon.

Now time for a little fun and relaxing...actually time to tackle and house and kitchen before company arrives!!

Cyclo Cross and a lot of WINTER!!

Winter continue here in OK...much to my dislike!  All of the things I think and see are the mud in the garage, the mound of wet hats and mittens in the mud room, the runny noses, Lost hats, jackets, the wet, stinky dogs...all remind me of why I really enjoy just a couple short days of snow  and winter and not MONTHS.  The kids on the other hand flipped out.  All they see are possible snow days, snow ball fights, sledding, getting the change to freeze anything over night and just endless fun...I miss the days of fun with not a lot of responsibility, life if much more enjoyable!
  Anyway, we loaded up Sunday morning in the cold and by the time the bikes were loaded the snow began to fall.  I am sure all our neighbors were awakened by the kids shrieks of laughter early Sunday morning running around trying to catch snowflakes.  James kept telling me he had to tell his friends in school that it was snowing.

 Still half smiling, although by this time we resorted to standing by the horrific port a potty to avoid the wind.

The guys face behind Ron makes me laugh...it was how everyone felt.

We sat in the car for much of Ron's race who was first.  I had his laps times and just ran out every five minutes or so when I knew he would be coming around.  20 degrees with wind is just too much for me!  The kids were still smiling at this point.  I was just happy I had convinced Brayden to wear his winter coat...he refused to wear his base layer, wasn't going to wear his snow gloves or  jacket because that's not what bikers wear!

The races were running a bit behind, thankfully we found the heat blower in the tent to warm up while we waited.

 The Juniors and then the kids were up...right as the snow really started coming down.

James out doing his loop....at this point it was full on winter, and all us Moms were wondering why we were out here.

 The girls wanted to ride-I think Becca wanted to ride so she could have hot chocolate and Andrea was excited it was along the river where they ride for Tuesday night practice.  I was definitely not as much fun as normal.

 I really thought we might be the only kids there, I was surprised at how many piled out of their cars as the kids ride time approached.

There was no longer a smile on his face...he couldn't see and couldn't feel his feet.  The other boys were crying too, and I heard the other mom yell to just bike and stop because the tears were going to make the cold worse (he was crying about his bike not shifting)  I just wanted him to ride and finish so we could load up and get warm!  Brayden managed to finish-I think only about 5 kids finished the two laps.  We were loaded and were out of there pretty fast-off to quick -trip for coffee, hot chocolate and donuts.

Veterans Day

Last week the kids school had their Veterans Day assembly.  I love how patriotic this part of the country is. This assembly is always a very special one.  Our good friends from our old neighborhood were able to come enjoy the Chapel with us, always nice to have people sitting with you enjoying the kids.  Brayden, Andrea and James all sang.  I love hearing those kids sing those patriotic songs. The chapel was extremely touching as a class mate of Brayden's payed tribute to his Dad who had passed away while on duty.  Such a dedication so many have made, to make this country what it is today.
 Andrea did a cute little dance to an old 50's song.  I told her it was super fun to watch.  She told me she wasn't into "all that stuff"  when I asked her what she meant-because dancing is her favorite thing, she said..."you know, all that dancing with boy stuff"  I laughed- it was so funny to see her facial expression when she said boy stuff.

Veterans Assembly video

Brayden singing, Vet Assembly

Weather is the other event occurring here in OK.  We are not sure where our fall has gone but winter has arrived-a little harsh if I have to say so.  80 degrees one afternoon and 32 the next afternoon.  I really don't miss a true winter and am eagerly awaiting our average 60's to return!

 This is how we like our fall weather...shorts, bare feet and maybe a sweatshirt.....

I feel like there should be a foot of snow outside with these harsh temps!  Even Brayden decided to wear his winter coat after opting for a sweatshirt yesterday.

I found Sandy keeping Ephie company the other day.  After working with many patients going through the aging process I believe it is such a cruel and hard process all of us need to endure.  Sadly it is no better for animals-Seeing the aging process expedited is just as hard.  She no longer hears and spends a lot of her days sleeping.  Just as sweet as can be-and dedicated.

Great Soccer

Last game of the season and Brayden was out on the soccer field with the frost.  It was one of the first cold evenings and he had an early game.  I really was thinking about not going but decided to bundle up and cheer on the last game.  Turned out to be an awesome match up.  The games this season have been good-not a lot of wins but pretty good match-ups when it comes to ability.  This game was classic offense vs defense, awesome to watch.  The other team had an obviously talented star forward who spent most of the game battling it out with Brayden.  I rarely speak up for my kids...mostly because I know how they work and think but he did awesome.  I would have gotten whipped playing against this kid, the boys are so good at tricks by this age and Brayden  pulled it together to hold him. Containment vs attack and just plain catch up when he got beat.

 I love this....not looking at the ball but watching the player

Classic match-up.  Talented forward up against some heavy defense-what a game!

 So we thought one of us might take the kids home but they made a little fort and braved the weather...along with some halloween candy.

Our kids left us!  The sun was shining on the opposite side of the field- of course not where they allowed our team to sit.  This kids thought otherwise and opted for the sun second half.

Brayden loves playing offense but when you come off the field and this is how your coach thanks you I think he felt pretty good about playing defense all game.

a little post game hat head!

Candy Heaven...Another Halloween!

James has been asking all when when Halloween is coming, which usually includes multiple conversations on what tomorrow means or the days of the week.  He just doesn't quite get it.  But Friday finally came-along with more fall parties.  We had friends from school come trick-or-treat with us making for a fun group of kids.

James ended the day with a  fun little party, thanks to some special moms who love putting these things together.  Games and snacks-always a hit with the kids.  Yes, Pirate Booty is the top snack for the kids lately. 

 Let the fun begin.  We started early with some houses by our new house.  Our neighbors had told us most of the houses didn't pass out candy because there have not been any kids in the neighborhood for so long.  She was so nice and put a note in their mailboxes giving fair warning that kids were coming this year. Most were ready and waiting, except one house which were good sports and ended up coming back to the door with an armload of granola bars and godiva chocolates...which all us moms loved.

We ended up with a good group between the three homes.  It was pretty neat seeing them go around together.  The people were so nice-some had decorated their entry way just for the kids.  I think they enjoyed seeing the kids just as much as the kids enjoyed getting the candy

They actually walked up this huge driveway...and they house ended up having candy!

 Mine-craft man gave us lots of laughs...hard to walk the hills, steps and just run in general.

After a quite bit of supper we all loaded up and headed out to our old neighborhood.  Our very special friends were all bundled up in their chairs ready to pass out candy-with an extra big bag for each of our kids-so special.

 Our very special babysitter-the kids buddy.  She always dresses up for Halloween and this year is her last before college years take over.  We love seeing what she is going to be.

Brayden switched costumes for this outing, he had a ton of fun running the neighborhood with his buddies.  I think they could have ran the loop twice before we finished.  Becca and her friend got pretty tired, Andrea and James  kept up with the big kids.

The kids are so different-Becca actually has a little shelf with candy on it that Ron and I can have...

On the other side this is Andrea telling me to STAY AWAY from her candy!

Time to snuggle in-winter is here