Family

What a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! We had my whole family over to our house on Thanksgiving Day so I experienced making my first turkey. I guess I succeeded, although it wasn't anything special. I may have learned a few things though:)

The older boys love to play basketball, and Thanksgiving was no different. Chris even jumped in on a pretty intense game of horse and then knockout with Tyler.


Check out Andrew on a mission. Not sure where he was headed, but definitely on the move:)



We thought on such a beautiful Thanksgiving Day, we'd try to get some "family pictures" taken. Well, for a day of many thanks, the lack of cooperation from my older children when trying to get pictures was not appreciated:( Although with the one we ended up with, it appears my 2 year old may have been the issue. When we asked him what he was doing he said, "Looking over there at the trees." Honesty is a good thing:)


So, this is what we ended up. Yes, I can look at it now and be thankful that we were all there to even attempt taking the pictures. I do appreciate these incredible days we can share together as a family. Some day, I think, maybe everyone will look at the camera at the same time:) But until then . . .

I'll be very thankful for what I am blessed with - a wonderful husband and 4 amazing boys!


On Friday we were able to spend the day with Chris' family and watch the "cousins" enjoy some time together. There is definitely never a dull moment with 6 boys around:)

Here's a small glimpse of 1/2 of the active boys along with Aunt Cori and Grandma.


The football game in the front yard. Not sure if Andrew truly understands what he is about to get involved in. Luckily, he survived.


We have lots to be thankful for, and wonderful extended families close by to share the holidays with. Thanks for creating many memories for us as well as our children:)

Blessings to be Thankful For . . .

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I would like to give thanks for all the things I have in my life to be thankful for -- here are just a few: my wonderful husband of 15 years, my beautiful children that make me laugh daily, my job and the gift each of my students brings into my life, my incredible family and the amazing family I gained 15 years ago, my church family, my NFED family, all the "things" I'm blessed with having, and of course, a God who is forgiving and provides unconditional love. Thank you!!!

The gorgeous sunset out our garage --- blessed with the beauty
and peacefulness of the country.

The privilege to have a home to put Christmas lights on
(which to note - we've never done before because no one would be able to see them)

A small tractor for my husband to find many uses for:)

The innocence of children - and laughter of course


And lastly, the gift from God that my 15 month old is walking everywhere and happy as can be (except of course when he falls and bumps his head:)

MAYB Tournament

Congratuations Champions!
1st Place at Hillsboro Shoot Out Saturday

For the first tournament of the year, the boys did great! They beat Southeast of Saline Trojans, Emporia Spartans, and then the Nickerson Rockhounds in the Championship! Very proud of them. By the end of the day, they were definitely tired:)

Listening to coach


Ryan got to choose his own number and chose #23.
Mom was proud he wanted to wear the same number I wore:)

Ryan with a BIG rebound in the championship game


Tyler loving his brother Grant

Proof that the little boys are truly a "handful"!!!!
It was great to have help afterwards as Chris had to leave for work right away.

Andrew Reading books

Tonight before bed Andrew went and chose 2 books for Tyler to read to him. Well, I walked in the room to see Andrew reading them instead of Tyler. It was so cute I had to get the camera and video it. This age is so fun for things like this.






The other exciting thing at our house is that Grant took 3 steps Sunday evening. But, when we tried to get him to do it again, he wouldn't. We think his brain was saying, "You want me to walk now . . . sorry, I'll do it on my own time." So, we'll wait until HE decides it is time to walk again.

November

November 1 started with Tyler playing the offertory in church on the piano. He is taking lessons with a different piano method called "Simply Music" this year. He is practicing willingly and seems to be enjoying it. He's doing an excellent job, so his hours of practicing are definitely paying off. He currently has 9 songs memorized and played 4 of them for the offertory in church. I uploaded my quick camera videos of each below - although I missed the beginning of a couple as I was stopping the video from the song below.




We are trying to wind down with fall harvest, but due to rain the season keeps dragging on. Yesterday the whole family spent time in the field. Andrew went with Dad in the tractor and grain cart for a while, Ryan worked the tractor and grain cart for a number of hours, Tyler went to town in the truck, and I took 3 loads of milo to town in the semi truck (with Grant going along on one). It seemed to be a family affair in the milo field. While waiting at the elevator, I decided I needed to capture the work Grant and I were doing on film.

He enjoyed playing with the water bottle.

Self portrait

Taking "self portrait" pictures doesn't always work real great.