Book It

Remeber the Book It program when you were in school? Oh, man, I do! For reading books (which I loved anyway), I earned free pizza at Pizza Hut. It was quite a treat! I wonder if I still have my pin with stars for the months I earned my pizza.... Kevin, however doesn't remember doing this in school. Look at this shirt I found- I think I need it!

Well, a note went home with Beth at the first of October that they were starting Book It. She needed to have 550 minutes of reading time a month to earn a free pizza. No problem! At least I thought. I timed the reading we did with her for naps and nighttime then any other we might read together. By the end of the month, we were cramming to get that 550 minutes done. Whew~ we made it! Beth earned her first pizza. In the next week, we'll actually go get that first earned pizza. I wonder if she'll get a pin or something like I did?

This month, we're well on our way to having the minutes done, without cramming. This time, I'm timing any reading she does on her own. So far, we're at 410 minutes, with 7 days to go. I love that she loves to read and be read to. Currently, she's soaking up the American Girl books. While the time concept isn't quite sticking, she's enjoying learning about other girls throughout history. So far, we've read some Felicity and lots of Molly.

Perfect Playdate

We have some friends that we rarely get to see anymore. Then, we had an ah-ha moment. Both of our kindergarteners go half-day, so we could have a morning playdate with our little ones. Plenty of playtime then off to pick up big kids. PERFECT! Of course, Jacob had to wear his ball cap for the day and put it on "all by myself".

Jacob was so interested in all the different toys they had. He and Clara played with a jump-it toy for a while, and John Michael played alone. Then Clara wanted a story. JM listened until he realized Jacob was playing with a toy he wanted.

Clara was in her girl-world most of the time. The boys played nicely together for the most part. The car was the only thing that caused some jealousy.

They made us chocolate- calorie free! What sweet boys!

More than the kids playing together, I really enjoyed catching up with my friend. Our lives are so busy in opposite directions that we don't often get time together. I think we'll have to plan more morning playdates!

Grandparent weekend

Popi and Yaya came for a visit. I love when they come. The kids have so much fun playing. Kevin and I get to get away for a date night. It started off pretty chilly, but then the weather was great! We enjoyed some great outside time.

We found a praying mantis. When Popi showed Beth, she backed away as fast as she could. What a girl! Jacob was interested for a little while, but didn't want to hold it.

The advantages of living on the down-slope of the hill. FUN!

I thought I should get in on the fun too. Jacob didn't like it until I let him ride with me. No, I didn't make Kevin pull us back up the hill.

Beth was busy singing and balancing. We think we may start her in gymnastics in the spring. Oh, see that wave in the back of her hair, that's natural, and one of the few things she inherited from me. So, while the kids really resemble Kevin, I did get a few genetics in there!

Time to rest a bit

But not for long! Beth wanted to have some Popi snuggles.

Meanwhile, Jacob discovered Beth's nature treasure box and how to get it opened. He was quite pleased with himself. :)

Don't worry, there was plenty of relaxing time too.

Computer Time. Beth showed Yaya her favorite website- starfall.com. Oh, I have GOT to find that stuff for nail biting. WM doesn't carry it anymore, couldn't find it at Target. Any ideas?

Popi and Jacob had work to do too.

Sunday morning comics.

I sure treasure these moments of watching my kids enjoy my parents and my parents enjoy my kids. It reminds me to slow down and play more, despite the chores that need doing.

Look what we made!

Craft projects are fun at our house! There isn't a day that goes by that something is colored. Beth would make one everyday if she could. Jacob likes them as the mood strikes. I want to do more than my chore list allows.

Jacob learned about the letter I, so we made an instrument.

Beth and I made mummy treat holders for Halloween.

At church, Jacob learned about God giving us joy. They made these flowers. When the teacher asked what made Jacob happy, he said "flowers" (I think because he was making flowers) and "Beth". How precious is that!

Beth had Bible character dress up night at Awanas. Beth wanted to be Mary, Jesus' mother. I figured I could whip up something easy enough. Of course, I waited until the last minute, but it all worked out fine. Promise you won't look too closely! After I made it, she asked why it wasn't fancy. Ah, a teachable moment, in many ways.

Round Up Weekend

Every fall, our church holds a good ol' fashioned Round Up Weekend. Folks around the church really look forward to it. The sanctuary is decorated in antiques and quilts. Some people get really into the spirit and wear old-fashioned prarie clothes or western wear (not too much of a stretch here in Texas on that).

On Saturday, there's an event for the school age kids. I went along with Beth to see what all the fun was about. The kids started with a Bible lesson then it was off to the games. There was barrel racing (riding stick horses around barrels), calf roping (see below), buckin' bronco riding (see below), a hay ride and hot dog lunch. Beth's K4/K5 group even got some playground time. All before noon!

Sunday started with a cowboy breakfast of pancakes and sausage, cooked over an open fire. Some folks had their horses out to see and pet. Service included a concert by Brian Free and Assurance. Wow, good music! Of course, good preaching too. The sanctuary was packed for both services. Then, for a fajita lunch on the grounds.

I'm so thankful for a great church with fun things for families to do, fellowship with other believers. Being a Christian doesn't mean you have to be boring!

Thank you

In 1938, this day was declared a National legal holiday, "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace." While originally called Armistice Day, honoring WWI veterans, in 1954, it was changed to include honoring all veterans.

Thank you, veterans. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your sacrifices- of family, of time, of life. Thank you for keeping our country free. Thank you to the families for supporting them. Thank you.

Happy 90th birthday Nanny!

On October 4th, we headed down to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday! She is an amazing woman totally worth celebrating! When Nanny was 80, she demanded a birthday party. As she got closer to 90, she told us she expected another one. When she was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer over a year ago, we didn't expect her to make it to 90. Not only has she made it, but she's doing great! Nanny has a great sense of humor and positive attitude that I think have made all the difference in her longevity.

If you were to call her on the phone, don't expect to get a word in edgewise. It doesn't matter if her medicine makes her mouth dry, she's still going to talk your ear off. She'll tell you the same story that you heard last time you called. When you jog her memory of something, you'll hear a story you've heard 100 times, but she tells it like it's the first time she's ever told it. We love getting her going on a story! On the other hand, when I lived close to her, I would enjoy time with her, getting to hear a new story I truly never had heard before, learning more about our family history. In her lifetime, she has seen more change in America and in scientific advancements than in all the years before that. And, I assure you, she remembers it all.


There is nothing better than celebrating with family. Nanny has 5 children and 2 step sons. She has 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Many cousins and longtime family friends came for the celebration as well. Nanny's best friend, Elsie, came with her husband, Bob. Elsie likes to tease Nanny about being older, by about 3 months.