Monday, December 12, 2016

Joyful weekend




For Joyful Sunday, the Religion Ed kids were supposed to participate in mass. Quincy did a good job reading. I am proud of how the RE kids all jumped in and volunteered. It was a beautiful mass and it really was a joy to see them all acting responsibly.




With colder temperatures, we sure seem to have tired critters! I don't know who is guarding the livestock, but it certainly isn't Blitz!






We finally had a chance to have Cameron's birthday dinner!






On Saturday, for the first time, I drove a bus load of basketball boys to their game. I was happy to get paid while watching Cameron's team! Jim and the kids made lunch while I was getting ready. Preston made tacos, Quincy made a chocolate cake. Jim came down to watch the game. We were both sad that we didn't get to watch Colin wrestle in Nebraska this weekend and had to keep up via texting and watching track wrestling.






Madison's class made a bunch of treats for the school open house. She brought us some of the leftovers. They were divine. She loves what she is doing.








Grandma and Aunt Amy bought Harper a bike for her birthday which is next week. They thought if she got it over the weekend, she might have more time to enjoy it. She had never ridden a bike before, she only knew she wanted one really bad! She had a lot of help, and by the end of the day she was riding it by herself!












At least for a few feet at a time! I was actually pretty touched by the way Preston and Quincy jumped in and helped her. They spent a lot of time teaching her and were kind each time they had to show her again. Sometimes, the way they get along really makes me smile.




Madison and Mallory went Christmas shopping. For several years now, I have purchased gingerbread house kits, and for several years for one reason or a other, they have looked terrible when we got done. This year, Madison discovered they make a pre-assembled house that you only have to decorate! Of course, it might have been easier to decorate if some of these people would stop eating the candies!




This week looks like another one that will fly by in a blur of activities. I am feeling exceedingly blessed and thankful for our full lives.



Thursday, December 8, 2016

Cameron is 17!




Cameron turned 17 today. He was not home much due to having a basketball game. He will have to get his cake and birthday dinner this weekend.
Cameron is a great kid who is busy doing great things. We are very proud of the amount of stuff he takes on and is successfully managing. Love you bunches birthday boy!



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Christmas parties and programs




The 4-H had their Christmas party last night. The food turned out pretty good and we didn't run out! The kids had a great time eating with their friends, playing games, singing songs and having a white elephant gift exchange. I am especially thankful for the fart gun Quincy received.








This evening Harper had her 1st grade winter program. They did a pretty cute performance and I had fun dressing Harper up and doing her hair. Can't convince Quincy, but it is fun to be a girly girl sometimes!









Sunday, December 4, 2016

Sunday is definitely not a day of rest


Unless your name is Harper. Harper seemed to find a moment to rest between the events of this day. After mass, we ran and picked up Quincy and then went to Sam's club to get all the supplies for the 4-H Christmas dinner tomorrow. Somehow, Quincy is one of the kids in charge of the planning. (I say 'somehow' sarcastically since she raised her hand and waved frantically to volunteer). Also somehow, Quincy being in charge translates into Hope cooking turkeys, and making cheesy potatoes for 100 people. Although I recently did this for a band event, this time I don't have the benefit of Grace's help. I did manage to con Madison into helping me, although she would rather bake than cook!






After braving Sam's on a Sunday, I really wanted to sit in a corner and rock myself slowly, but that just isn't reality. So instead, I slammed away groceries, threw kids into the car, drove Quincy to basketball practice and ran to Carbondale for their city Christmas event. Cameron was playing tuba with a few members of the band and Santa was set to arrive. The high school choir also lead a sing along.




Saige was excited to go, but when Santa arrived, she was absolutely terrified. She hid behind me, refused to talk to him or even look at him. Harper wasn't much better. They did consent to a photo IF Cameron would stand with them! It was a fun event. I am glad we went over!











Insanity Saturday


Jim and I went out to Hays today to watch Colin wrestle. We had to hit the road early and we got home late, but we had a great time watching a lot of great wrestling action! Colin didn't win his matches today, but honestly, we are so proud of him! Plus it was nice to have a little time to see him!
I had to call in reinforcements to help with some other activities of the day, but it was worth the trip!




















The kids hung out with Grandma, Mallory and Madison today. They decorated grandmas house for Christmas, made cookies, and decorated our house as well. They seem like it wore them out because they were asleep when we got home!












Cameron went to Winter Formal this evening. He had a "not date" and they went with a group of friends. Mallory and a friend of mine took photos because we were still not home when it was time for him to leave.