Fall Leaves Fall

Yesterday we went to my parents' house to spend time with my brother and my aunt had brought my cousins' sons over to play. My mom and my aunt raked big piles of leaves for boys to run adn jump in. They had so much fun and it mad me wish that I could go back in time and spend a lazy fall afternoon just jumping in leaves!

Uncle Chad's Visit

Love. Adore. These 2 words describe the relationship between my brother, Chad, and Braden. They simply love and adore each other. You know something runs deep when my finicky and fussy 3 year old can run straight into a room where a man is that he hasn't seen in over 3 months and jump straight into his chair and snuggle up to him. Oh, and I can't forget about the dog. Buck. Or Bucky as we all call him. Braden and Bucky, there is a nice loving annoyance relationship going on there. Braden loves to annoy Buck- he missed him so much as well.
My brother surprised my parents by coming into town Saturday night instead of Sunday afternoon and after a few setbacks- a stop to buy an phone charger and a blown out tire on I-20, along with 3 broken lug nuts on the tire, he finally arrived home just before 1 am. And my parents were overjoyed. Their boy had come home, even if it was just for a few days.

Sunday after church we headed up to my parents to my Chad. I was so excited- though Braden who had been sick all week and extremely whiny was more excited than me. You wouldn't believe it- he was like a different little boy when we got there! I have missed my brother so much. It is hard to see someone almost everyday of your life and then only 2 times in over 3 months. However my joy for him and Erica surpasses my sadness about them being gone. Though sometimes I feel sad that Parker won't have the same relationship with Chad as Braden has been able to have. I just remember that Braden has been fortunate enough to have a bond with his uncle that most children never experience- and for that I am thankful.
Thankful for a brother.

Thankful for a brother who is just a phone call away.

Thankful for a brother who always lends a listening ear and an honest reply.

Thankful for a brother who loves my children.

Thankful for a brother who has spent time building a relationship with his nephew.

Thankful for a brother who brings much joy when he returns.

Thankful for Chad.

T is for Thanksgiving

Last Thursday, Braden had his Thanksgiving presentation at his school. Each class sang 2 songs and then we ate Thanksgiving soup and pumpkin pie prepared by the kids. Braden was sick with strep throat last week so he missed school Tuesday and Wednesday, but we practiced his songs at home and he was excited about going back to school to see his friends and perform. He told me that after his class sang, he wanted to stay on the stage and sing, "fa la la la la la, fa la la la la la." It was so funny!

I was able to leave work for a little bit to see him and I met Brad, Parker, my mom and dad, and Brad's mom at his school. When he walked in he actually looked a little nervous which is not like Braden at all! He did a great job and was so happy to have all of us there!

Parker Family Thanksgiving

My mom's side of the family usually gather together to feast and I do mean feast because it is a HUGE spread the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year my Granny was going out of town so we got together last Sunday. There is a huge crowd, a little over 30 people are usually there and it is a great time to catch up and spend time with family. This year the only people missing were Chad and Erica, but Chad will be home next weekend and we are all so excited about that!

Gage, Braden, Jessie, Cohen, Ace and Parker

All of the girls with the kiddos

Thankful

This November I am feeling more thankful than usual. Which is a good thing. I'm not sure if it is our current circumstances or the fact that we have been talking to Braden a lot lately about being thankful and what he is thankful for, or probably a combination of the two. No matter what it is I want to share what I am thankful for so that when I get down and out I can look at and reflect on everything that God has blessed me with. I am goingto try to continue to update this post as I remember or reflect on things that I need to be thankful for.

1. Grace and the fact that it is offered to me though I don't deserve it.


2. My husband who loves me even though I neglect to put my shoes away and leave clumps of hair on the shower wall.


3. Healthy, happy children


4. A very vivacious 3 year old who keeps me laughing


5. Laughter


6. a 10 month old that is into everything, but gives the Best hugs I have ever had


7. messes that were created by my children


8. The best parents in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD


9. My church family


10. Avery- she loves me no matter what and I do love her even when I am mad that she peed on the rug AGAIN


11. my brother and the fact that he doesn't mind listening to my drama- at least he doesn't tell me that he minds


12. Erica- I am going to finally have a sister!


13. Shelter


14. an abundance of food that we take for granted


15. a job that i love, even on days when I have too much to do or out of control kids


16. Children's Place monster sale


17. my large family


18. large family get togethers


19. my Granny


20. heated blankets


21. Christmas songs


22. a feeling of peace that even when my fears of instability creep in, I know I serve a God that will take care of me no matter what


23. A God who is bigger than my dreams, hopes, ideas, or thoughts.

Colossians 3:15-17And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Halloween 2010

It was another fun and festive Halloween. Every year that we celebrate Halloween with our family I feel joy and happiness. I realize once again just how blessed I am to live close to our family and be able to share each holiday with them. I also feel like Halloween is the official kick off to the holiday season and my favorite time of the year.

This year we celebrated with our annual HUGE pot of chili and about a gazillion hot dogs, not to mention the pumpkin cheese ball recipe that I got from my friend Lisa and all of the goodies including a cake shaped like a pumpkin and witch's hat cookies.

All of the boys' were so excited again this year and they were like old pros going door to door. My dad rigged up his Polaris Ranger and trailer with orange lights and hay bales and we toured the neighborhood. My little lion cub tired out after the first couple houses, but the train conductor was running at full speed until he crashed after everyone left. I don't think there could have been a better way to celebrate Halloween...well only if my brother was here.