Thanksgiving 2008

This year for Thanksgiving, we had a very quiet day. We went to church on Wed eve and so were able to sleep in on Thursday. After sleeping in (for the kids sleeping in is only 8am, but that is better than normal) we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is the first year taht we have actually watched this with the kids, and they loved it. We had a late breakfast and then after the kids had a nap, we went to celebrate Thanksgiving with extended family.

Trent playing cards with Allyson, Carly, Eli, and Grandma.














Allyson and Carly are "twins" for the day. (Allyson called Dana to ask Carly to wear this outfit so they could match!)



















Caden and Eli upside down.














Allyson and Eli drawing pictures on Gramdpa's lap while he is trying to play Rook.

Fun Picture

We were having fun taking pictures the other day, and I wanted to share one of the many that I took.
The kids thought it was fun to take pictures on the train tracks. They were worried at first about a train coming, but I reassured them that if a train was coming, we would get off the tracks.

Turkey Song

On Wednesday, the kids, along with their preschool class dressed up in turkey costumes that they made with the grandpa's and grandma's, and sang in the hospital, clinic, my work, and "the manor". As soon as Allyson saw me, she ran to me and started crying - so she didn't sing much. Caden followed her lead, and wouldn't sing much either and wanted to stay by me. This tends to be a pattern - so maybe next time I know they are coming, I will hide, and just listen.?
The funny thing is, they knew the song perfectly, because they were singing it the night before at home.






























...

Thankfulness

I wanted to make a list of some of the things that I am thankful for.

1. my faith - I have been blessed through my faith. I was raised by two wonderful Christian parents who taught me that God loves me unconditionally. They taught me to love God first, others second, and myself last. I thank God that he sent his Son to die for my sins. I have truly been blessed.
2. my husband - we have been married for 9 1/2 years and have been through so much togheter. He's so great because he has the best interest of our family in mind. I love truely love him, and am a better for having him in my life.
   
3. my kids - Caden and Allyson are two blessings that God has entrusted us to care for and love. I can't imagine my life without them. They are constantly reminding me of the importance of living each moment to the fullest. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for your future!
   
4. my sister (and her family) my sister is 3 years younger than me, and when we lived under the same roof, we didn't always get along so well, but now that we are older, we have a great relationship. I value her opinions, and love that we get along so well. I love that we can share our love for Christ together.
   
5. my brother (and his family) my brother is 6 years younger than me. I love him dearly and am thankful that he has such a loving personality. He wants the best for everyone and shows genuine concern when that doesn't happen.
   
6. my parents - they have been wonderful role models in my life. They have shown me the importance of a good work ethic, how to love others, and to love God. Thank you mom and dad - you are wonderful parents and grandparents to my kids - who love you bunches.
   
7. my grandparents - I am thankful that I have a relationship with all 4 of my grandparents. They also have been great Christain role models for me. They have taught me the value and importance of family.
8. my in-laws - I am thankful that they are very supportive of us.
   
9. my home - I am thankful - especially since it is cold outside that I have a warm house to live in and I am blessed with an abundance of food for nourishment.
10. my Freedom and those who fought for it. I am blessed to live in a free country with men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the US to stay that way.
11. Love between siblings...it is so special to see Caden and Allyson love each other so very much. Yes, we have our fill of fighting, but in the end, they always stick up for each other.

This is not a complete list by any means, just some of the things that I am thankful for.

I'm Thankful for... (from 3 year olds)

This past week we have been talking about what we are thankful for. This morning in the car, the car, the kids and I were talking again about what we are thankful for. Caden said, "I am thankful to Jesus for giving me my Batman couch."
Allyson said, "I am thankful to God for giving me my Dora couch."
I didn't realize that these were so special to them, but it is definitely something they both like. I was told by their Sunday School teacher that they gave this answer when they talked about being thankful on Sunday also.
For now, I am thankful that I have two healthy children that know about Jesus.

Disney on Ice - 100 Years of Magic

Last night we went to Disney on Ice. The kids absolutely loved it. They were so excited to be there. We walked around a little before the show and all they wanted to do was go and sit down - they were anxious for the show to start.
When I told them we were going, Caden came to me later in the day and said "Mom, Beauty and the Beast, they will like me!"
We went as a family and had a great time. The show was 2 hours long, and the kids sat very well for all of it, but the last 10 minutes, they were getting sick of sitting.
















On the way home, we were talking about our favorite parts of the show. Allyson said "the princesses".






























Caden said "Alladin and Abu". (And Stitch!)



















They both liked Pinnochio but said they were scared when the whale came to swallow Pinnochio's father, because they thought the whale was going to eat them too!
At intermission, we got the kids cotton candy that came with a crown (with ears). Allyson calls the cotton candy "fluff" and was so happy to have some "fluff".

Ella G and Co.

Ella G and Co. makes some of my favorite bath and body products. This is a local company that I have been familiar with for the past 2 years. The owner of this company (Carrie) makes these products in her home and sells them. One of my favorite scents that she makes is Pink Chocolate. I love this scent for lotion, body oil spray, flameless soy candles, etc.
A great gift idea, and also one of my ultimate favorite things are the Auto Aromas. These are a long lasting, translucent product that you can pick the shape, color and scent and put in your vehicle to freshen it up. They are very reasonable priced and make the whole car smell great.
One thing that I love for my kids is the kids soap - she has a small toy inside the glycerin soap, so that as the soap is used, the kids can get the toy. Another favorite product that she makes is Go Away Monster Spray. The one that we like is called Sweet Dreams. It is a room spray with lavender that kids can spray before they go to bed to "keep away the monsters" when they sleep. I don't know who likes it more - me or the kids! As you can see, I have so many favorite things from this company. If you are reading this and live near me, you are invited to come to my home on Friday at 6:45 to see more of these great products and smell all the great scents that she has to offer. One last great thing about this company is that you usually get to take the product home with you right away. No waiting for the product!

Fireproof Movie

Broc and I went to the movie Fireproof last night. I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone. It is a movie about relationships from a christian perspective. If you haven't seen this movie - you have to go and see it! Be sure to bring a couple Kleenex along!

Checking in from Sickville

I don't have any pictures for this post, but thought I better update and say that 3 out of 4 of us are on antibiotics right now. Caden had a cough last week, and got medicine. I got sick over the weekend with a sinus infection, and now Allyson was complaining of a sore throat and is now on antibiotic too. We are all feeling better after being on medicine.

Still here!!

Sorry about not posting for awhile. You can assume no news is good news.
We have been busy with Cursillo this past little while. Broc worked last weekend for the men's cursillo and I will be working with snacks this weekend for the women's weekend.
Last weekend while Broc was gone, we went out for supper with Dana and Eli at Red Robin. We love this place - so it was fun! My favorite is the mushroom burger. The kids both had a regular hamburger.













Wanted to mention that while Broc was gone last weekend, he forgot something, so I brought it to him. I took Allyson along with me (Caden had a sleepover at Dana's house) and when she saw Broc, she ran to him and gave him a kiss and hug and said "I missed you daddy!"
She was so happy to see him - even just for a few minutes.

Election 2008

Today is election day! Republican McCain Vs Democrat Obama.
Broc and I both went to cast our vote this evening. One thing nice about living in a small town is that you really don't have to worry about lines at the polls. We arrived at 5:45 and were buckled back in the car to go home by 6:00pm. Voting done!
I just had to post a little bit about the election that is currently going on right now.
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America.
This is the first time there will be a black president in office.

Ridin' with the Top Down

Sunday afternoon, Uncle Milt had his Mustang Convertible out since the weather was so nice. It was 77 degrees. The kids were super excited to ride with the top down. Uncle Milt gave all the kids rides, and then he let Broc drive and give our family a ride. What a great way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Halloween 2008

This year for Halloween, the kids were able to dress up and go to preschool to trick or treat at the hospital and the nursing home and then also the neighboring bank. They had so much fun. Of course Allyson cried when she saw me and wanted me to go along. I didn't give in, and after a couple minutes, she was fine. Caden was Scooby Doo and Allyson was a pink poodle. Lots of people commented on the "cute little lamb". Allyson didn't care for that too much, and would correct some of them by saying "I'm a poodle".

































Then after work, we went to Grandma Mary's work and trick or treated by the grandpa and grandmas. We got to see "Sparkles" the clown, and take a picture with her.

































A few random Halloween pictures...