Ice Skating Party

The Church Youth Group spent a couple of hours ice skating at an indoor rink this past week. Jamie, Emma and I arrived just in time to catch the boys having a good time with their friends, which are mostly girls. Yes, we're almost into the teen years. Truthfully, the boys are awesome. They have so many friends and a really good mix of both boys and girls. I don't have the whole phone ringing off the hook or crazy "girlfriend" drama. It was cute to see Miles (pictured left) skating with two of his friends. It was funny, even to the boys, that their feet are so big (Men's size 13!!) and narrow they needed Women's skates.

Basketball is My Favorite Sport

The Basketball Season is well under way, with two games down and more to come. These are pictures from the boy's first game. My camera was not cooperating with the lighting in the gym, but you can make out my boys because they are the tallest on the court. Miles is no. 45, Taylor is no. 50. They are playing Post because they are so tall and can easily block or catch a rebound. Their coaches call them the "Twin Towers," which makes Taylor grumpy and Miles laugh. Miles tells me the coaches have a hard time telling them apart and the boys happen to be taller than all of the other players and coaches, so the nickname stuck.

Jamie and I enjoyed watching the boys play. They are improving on their skills and it's great to see them working as a team. I am so proud of their dedication to practice every day an hour and a half before school starts and maintaining their good grades. The boys lost the first game due to a technicality, and came back with a win for their second game. I can't wait for the next game and hopefully will have a more cooperative camera for better shots.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, in Technicolor

I have a very creative friend, one who dabbles in computer graphics and programs. Last year he presented me with a very special gift. You may not know, but my favorite Christmas lights are the bright colorful C9 bulbs. They are kind of old school, retro like. The reason I like them so much is their simplicity and they are the perfect size to replicate the oh so infamous Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Aside from all of this, they just make me feel happy inside. My friend gave me a strand of lights to use at my house.

Since moving from Colorado, I now posses a two story home with eaves of such great heights that I would need to hire someone to "professionally" hang lights on all of my peaks. I took it upon myself to decorate where my little ladder can reach, and so without further a do, I present to you my version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, upgraded by my friend to blink.

Who Said it Doesn't Snow in Houston?

Yesterday it was so cold outside. Yes, cold enough to generate large amounts of frozen precipitate better known as snow. Apparently the last time Houston experienced snow of any type was on Christmas Eve about four years a go, and even then it only lasted about ten minutes then melted.

After moving from Colorado, where I am told they are still awaiting the first snow of the season, I was surprised to see this familiar friend floating around. I thought we had experienced the last of the frozen fluff. I have to admit, I do miss it a little bit but only as long as I don't have to drive in it.

Driving along to pick up Emma from church on Wednesday, the snow was falling hard and fast. The flakes were so big and reflective off the oncoming headlights. I was moved to tears thinking about my family in Colorado and my family spread across the Eastern Seaboard. All I want, really want, this year for Christmas is to be with family. Although I cannot be with everyone I love and miss, Christmas was brought to me a little early.

Thanksgiving

Jamie came into four tickets for the Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers. He took all three of our kids the day before Thanksgiving while Alice and I stayed home and baked, and baked, and baked. Actually, I didn't have too much left to do that day so I enjoyed the quiet.

The next day we met up at our friend Mairim and Ricky's house to eat and play and celebrate all of the things for which we are thankful. I didn't bring my camera, but Mairim caught all of the festivities on film for us to enjoy and share with you http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=a553bb419d106c51&sid=0BcsXDVm5csWQA

Grandparent's Day

Alice and I joined Emma at school for a special Grandparent's Day lunch. Emma's school invites all parents and grandparents of the students to join in a Thanksgiving meal and celebration of Grandparent's. I was touched to see how many family members of the student's came out for this special day. There were a few grandparents who stayed for almost the entire day just to sit with each of their grand babies at lunch. I was even more moved to see them eat tray after tray of turkey with dressing. What a wonderful display of love for these kids.

We are fortunate enough to have Alice in our home. Emma loves when she comes to school with me. She introduced Alice to her friends and her teacher. The principal even knows about Alice. It seems she's gaining celebrity status in Texas too.

One of the parent's told me the children learn about Helen Keller during the first and third grade. The students either hear or read the story and see the famous movie The Miracle Worker about Helen Keller's life and do a report on her or another famous person who made a difference and overcame a disability. We asked if Alice could come and speak in Emma's class about being deaf and what it is like to be deaf-blind.

I had so much fun watching Emma with Alice. Emma is so proud she can sign and talk with Alice. Emma's friends, Deanna and Carla, sat with us at the lunch table. I hope you enjoy the pictures of these special girls.

In Sports News . . .

Miles and Taylor tried out for their middle school basketball team. If any of you have kids this age, you know how tough it can be to try out against your peers for a position on your school team. There were over one hundred boys who tried out for three teams A, B, or C - Team. Obviously, A and B Teams are for the more experienced players, but C Team is just as difficult to land a position.

All last week the boys woke up and went to school early, running drills and plays, competing against their friends. It paid off too. Both of the boys made it on C Team! This is quite an honor, not only are they new to the school (which is hard enough), but they made it on to the basketball team. We're so excited for them and can't wait for their first game!

Family Picture Day

The weather in Houston is finally beginning to feel like Fall. This weekend was crisp and clear, with very little humidity. The low, mid forties . . . that's right, just above freezing. This is so different from the past two years in Colorado where we were bracing for the first snow fall of the year.

Our friend Mairim, who is such a talented photographer, went with us on a "hike" through the Arboretum near our house. We explored the bogs and swamps and saw so many beautiful old Oak trees. There is a Maple grove with walking trails going all through out the property, where we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We didn't have time to play on the massive playground, but next time I'm going to climb the rock wall!

We did commandeer one of the maintenance carts and took off for a joy ride and some pretty silly pictures. Truthfully, they gave us permission. Yesterday was the perfect day and we had so much fun playing around. Of the five hundred images I think these are some of my favorites, I hope you think so too (check out the slide show).

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

It's been a little while since my last post. A lot has happened in only one week. Looking at my previous posts I see how much I missed this past week without my camera.
Emma and I were so excited about the upcoming holidays we wanted to set the festive atmosphere in the house. The kids helped me get the tree and find the decorations. After the move to Colorado we packed everything up for our house and for Alice, we thought we'd lost our favorite collection of ornaments, but rediscovered them when we all moved to Texas.
We laughed so hard putting up the tree. Like a lot of people I know, we have an artificial tree. It really is easier and a lot less fuss when you have two cats who like to explore. Miles and Taylor went through the boxes of ornaments uncovering little bits and pieces of our family history. It was such a treat to remember "when," like opening a time capsule.
The boys found treasured memories from the Christmas before Emma was born. Ornaments from our friends and family, even hand painted Peanut's character ornaments Jamie's mom and dad made for him one year when he was a little baby.
This trip down memory lane is bitter-sweet. I think of family and friends I miss dearly. I remember little things like James, my father-in-law, how much he delighted in going with us to cut down a live Christmas tree. He loved to watch the children dress the tree or take them to see Santa at the local mall.
It wasn't too long a go I was the little girl pulling out the decorations, remembering when I made this little bell or that paper angel. Singing Christmas Carols with the family all bundled up outside neighbor's homes to share a bit of cheer.
As I plan for Thanksgiving and hurry into Christmas, I am reminded of the true meaning behind all of this is love. The love of family and dear friends and the love of our Savior. Many blessings to you all this holiday season.

Soccer Celebration

Emma's team, The Hurricanes, wrapped up the Fall Soccer season coming out on top. Their team is undefeated! Emma even scored a goal in the last game this morning!

The last two games Emma volunteered to be a fill-in player on the opposing team because there weren't enough players. Emma gave her all at every practice and game. Her coach awarded her the Best Listener Award because she was diligent in practicing the tips he gave her.

Jamie and I were proud to join the team in an afternoon of pizza and celebration. With a break in sports, I don't know what Emma will find to occupy her time. Perhaps we can continue working to improve her skills for the spring season.

I am so proud Emma didn't give up or get upset being the only girl on her team. More that anything, I am proud of her for always being a good sport and just having fun every week! Way to go Emma!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As you may have noticed, I've edited my blog with a little Holiday cheer. I've added some of my favorite childhood Christmas Carols. I talked the kids into writing out a "Wish List" of five items they would really like to see under the tree this year. The following are the lists, unedited, for Emma, Taylor and Miles. Some things are too cute not to post.



Emma's reads:
1. A manger set
2. A Nintendo DS
3. A new Sims game on the Xbox 360
4. A EasyBake
5. A Diary of a Wimpy Kid make your own book orange & yellow


Taylor:
1. Gift Cards
2. New Scooter
3. New Backpack (Messenger Bag)
4. Books
5. More video games (XBOX 360)


Miles:
1. Mouse Trap
2. iTunes gift card
3. Gift cards
4. New Backpack (Messenger Bag)
5. New trucks and board

I guess Miles had a hard time deciding on his "top" five.

I hope this helps for those family and friends who are planning on gifts for the kids. There are only 49 days left to Christmas!

Voting Day!

I went out yesterday and took part in this historic election. I was afraid I would not be able to vote this year due to the move. I registered just in time to cast my ballot.

What a crazy time, what a momentous election, and how wonderful so many Americans took the initiative to get out and vote! Even if the one's I voted for lost the election, I am proud I got out to the polls.

I was so inspired and fired up I had Jamie take my picture with my "I've Voted * Have You?" sticker. I felt empowered to be a woman, and thankful I am still able to voice my opinion. I was reminded of the picture of Rosie the Riveter, how times have changed . . . and stayed the same. We can do it. We can make a change!

Lunch with Emma

Every Monday I show up to Emma's school and eat lunch with her. We sit at a special table in the back of the cafeteria and enjoy each other's company and some really good food. I usually go out and bring her Chick-fil-A or a sub sandwich from Lenny's. Today, I brought her a lunch, made with love, from my own kitchen. As you can see, Emma has a very big sub sandwich. Some things take two hands!

I love spending time with Emma. It makes my day so special. I always get a few waves of 'hello' from her friends. The teachers always smile when they see me enter the cafeteria. Most of all, I know how much it means to my little girl that I set aside time just for her. Now the boys have started asking
me to join them for lunch. I don't know many middle school kids who actually want their parents to come have lunch with them, but at least mine still want me around, for now.

These are the pictures of my lunch with Emma. Beautiful, I know . . . perhaps next time I can post some of Emma with a few of her close friends. Enjoy your Monday!

Sunday at the Park

The first Sunday of each month, my Sunday School class plans a get together for the families. Yesterday the weather was so nice we went to a local park. The kids had a great time playing on swings, socializing, and fishing in the pond. The group of kids are all around the same age as the boys, which leaves Emma feeling a little left out. After learning to put a real worm on a hook and having Daddy remind her how to cast, she spent most of the afternoon by the edge of the pond.

Jamie and I enjoyed just being together and outside. We reminisced about past camping trips and weekends spent grilling at the park. The climate is so mild in Texas, aside from the scorching summer heat, we could go camping like we use to and life seemed so simple. More than anything, I enjoyed being with my family. I feel like we get so distracted with going and doing so much we hardly have time to enjoy one another.

Halloween

Emma and I were the only ones in our family who dressed in costume for Halloween this year. Our church puts on a Fall Festival for the community every year to co inside with trick-or-treating. It is a great way to give back to the community and provide a safe place for kids of all ages to play and get candy.

Miles, Taylor and I helped out at a mini-golf booth run by members of my Sunday School class. After an hour cheering on the little kids, and the not so little kids, we met up with Emma and Jamie. Emma had so much fun riding the mechanical wave/surf machine. The boys spent most of the night waiting in line to ride the gyroscope.

We finally made it home in time to go door-to-door with our neighbors. We ran into some of Emma's classmates and got a lot of good candy. By the end of the night, this little mouse was ready for bed. I can't wait for next year!

Book Parade

Emma's school, like most public schools, does not participate in celebrating holidays. BUT every year around the end of October (a.k.a. Halloween) they have a book parade! I was privileged enough to be at the school and watch the children from every grade march up and down the halls of the elementary school in costume. I wish my batteries were charged, I could have taken some really great pictures.

The kids have a month to plan. They have to send in a request for approval to their teachers. Of course, the characters must be accompanied by their books. There were little girls dressed like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, teachers and school staff dressed like Junie B. Jones and Cinderella. Some classes decided on one story and made costumes to match for the whole class.

Emma and I are reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. She wanted to be Hermione, one of Harry's best friends. As you can see from the picture, she makes a pretty cute Hermione. The parade started just after the first bell. It was the perfect way to start my Halloween.

Ike . . . revisited

I finally managed to get over to my neighbor's house and picked up the pictures from our vacation, I mean our tragedy called Ike. It's never too late to share some great times with friends. While I was with my friend, we 'reminisced' about the great time we had when the power was off and we had nothing but the ice-chest to keep the food cold. It was really nice. I honestly enjoyed getting closer to my neighbors. Now it's almost a month after the disaster, life is back to normal . . . school days, sports, church, fundraisers, work, groceries, and on, and on, and on. I miss being able to enjoy my family. I miss hanging out on the front lawn with my neighbors. We are so busy it is as if we've forgotten the bonds created from the times of trouble.

As I sit and write this, Emma is downstairs resting because she is not feeling well. Alice is making lunch in between loads of never ending laundry and e-mail correspondence. The boys are at school. And I am working on PTO projects. I miss the 'simple' life. Enjoy some pictures from our eight-day hiatus from modern convenience. The Slide Show gives all the details!