Thanksgiving in Louisville

We had a great time at the Biblehauser and Coombs Thanksgiving celebrations. When it is our year to spend Thanksgiving with my family, we eat ALL weekend. When the average Thanksgiving meal is 3000 calories, our family does lunch with my dad's family and dinner with my mom's family that equals 10K calories. We actually tried to get up and walk the 5 miler at Iroquois park, but it was raining, so we bailed.

The Coombs' family gathering included the annual  pinata. My 90 year old grandma was actually the one that knocked it down. I will say that my sister's boyfriend gave it a good start first.

The girls learned how to rock it down on some drums at Grandma's house.

The dinner hour was spent with the Bibelhausers. Cousins Rylee and Auria joined us for their first Thanksgiving. There were 33 of us for dinner, including the babies.

Native American Day

I forgot to post pictures from Native American Day. At CPA, all the first graders study Pilgrims and Native American Indians during the month of November. They capped it off on Tuesday by dressing as Native American Indians, doing crafts and having a Native American man come talk about his heritage. The kids heard stories, watched dances and learned about their traditions.

From Katelyn---What I am thankful for

I am thankful for my mom and my dad and my sister and my chub brother. I am thankful for my cousins, my grandma, papas, yard, that I am moving, and that I have friends and that I have a teacher and I am thankful that I have love. I am thankful for everyone that I know and to have a house and I'm thankful that I don't get sick very much and that I don't have to get up so so early in the morning. I am thankful for that I have a great great mom. I'm thankful that I have the love of God. I'm thankful that I have toys and dad to keep me from not getting hurt at home and that I have a dentist and a doctor. I'm thankful that I have a place to sleep and food to eat so I won't be starving. I'm thankful for my family.

I am thankful for . . .

A husband who loves me and our children unconditionally and is an amazing father--who affirms me as a wife and mother and challenges me to be the best I can on both fronts every day.

Katelyn--who is free spirited, independent, plays hard and sometimes a mini-me with her attitude. A girl who wears all of her feelings on her sleeve, who loves with all her heart and hurts just as hard--who gave me $20 of her hard earned money for my birthday and said, "I love you more than money." (PS. I did give it back).

Ellie--my wise, little one who looks at the world with amazement and thoughtfulness in her eyes at all the wonders God has made--whose little mind is always spinning with the most profound questions--who almost always gives in to keep the peace and is quick to give what she has to others without a second thought. She is my future missionary with a hurting heart for those with less than she has.

Owen--my little man. . . with a smile that lights a room and a belly laugh that makes you chuckle. He is a persistent little guy and promises to keep me on my toes these next few years. He is my tired snuggler tonight and I feel so blessed that he joined our family.

For family--and their love and support and keeping the connections even though we don't live nearby. The way my aunts and cousins love on my kids and still all get together for every occasion.

And I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us and for his unrelenting love.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!!

Have I mentioned that we might be moving?

We had no plans to move because we love our house and neighborhood. There are kids galore around here and our kids have made some great playmates. But we couldn't pass up the opportunity when a house became available that literally backs up to CPA. As soon as next school year, we may have 3 kids and me all attending CPA.  There is a gate out the backyard that goes right onto CPA property. I think I am still a little in shock because we didn't even have moving on our radar, but am excited nonetheless. So we are finishing up with the inspection process. Could use a little prayer about a structural matter we are having checked out, but are hoping it all clears.

We have been talking to the girls about moving and going through their stuff. Today, by choice, they were watching HGtv. Afterward, Ellie was in the kitchen telling me that I needed to take down the pictures on the fridge because "it is just too much." I had to chuckle. Maybe I can get her to take that same approach to her room. I have put a yardsale box in their room and told them whatever they put in there, I will give them the money for if it sells.

Our anticipated closing date is December 17. I am fortunate to have two weeks off at Christmas so I can get in and paint and take care of some details before moving the clan over. We will likely be moving at the beginning of January. So if anyone knows of anyone wanting to buy a house in Riverwalk, Nashville,TN. Give me a shout.

A Look back on Owen's first year

I can't believe that my baby is turning ONE today. This year has flown by. As I woke up early this morning with a million things flying through my head, I settled on one face---Owen-- and thought about how much he has changed in one year. I look at my sweet little boy who already has this little personality, and I smile, and I think of what blessing he is to us all. So as I was heading down memory lane of our first year with Owen, I thought I'd share some of my shots.

 He has been vigorously loved on by his sisters since Day 1.

  

 One of my favorite pictures. He looks like a little gift from God. 

 My Aunt Vicki sent the girls an Emergency Kit for those little boy diapers, complete with googles and gloves.

 

 

 Not the  happiest of monkeys

A soccer player in the making--takes after his Daddy.

Owen's Pre-1st Party

Owen turns one on Tuesday, so we had a few friends over to celebrate. Actually, we have three amazing couples that we get together with once a month, so we decided to roll Owen's birthday party into our traditional "Game Night." Only the game this month was watching the Titan's game.

I can't believe Owen is almost one. The girls made his cake, put on the icing and Katelyn even spelled out Happy Birthday. It is a one of a kind cake and was delicious.

It turned out to be a beautiful day. We watched the game some (poor Titans) and then took the kids outside to play soccer and games. Marco pulled Ellie and Owen around in the wagon and then took his little sister, Luciana, and Owen around. They make such a cute couple don't they? :) I felt like they were out on a mini-date with Marco as their chaperone and driver.

Stay tuned for my traditional Looking Back blog on Tuesday when Owen turns ONE . . . .

Look what happened at school today

She's back!!!!!!! is Owen next?

Katelyn returned to the soccer field on Saturday for her team's last game. After spending almost the whole season on the sideline with her broken arm, Katelyn came out ready to go Saturday even scoring a goal in the first half. I forgot my camera, so I only got this one from a friend.

 

Looks like Owen is planning to follow in his daddy's footsteps. He can't quite stabilize himself yet on his feet, but he definitely likes to go after the ball.

Look at me. . . . I'm walking

Owen started taking a couple of steps last weekend when mom was in town. 

Look at him tonight. . . . . He is ready to go!