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!