Six Flags Holiday in the Park

W had a blast doing Holiday in the Park with both sets of Grandparents ... we are blessed that both sets of our parents enjoy each other and are willing to go on crazy excursions with us like this one ...

Getting ready to go in the park

Yes, both boys rode the Shock Wave along with my parents --- I had forgotten how scary it was.  I was sitting with my mom and a few not-so-nice things came out of mouth.  I wondered how in the world I had let my kids get on this crazy thing ... well, we got off and they had LOVED it!!

Josh attempting to hold his arms up for an entire ride with Meme!

The Cave ride that the entire family enjoyed, even Kate.  She loved the Looney Toons section with rides for her, too.

My Mom and I also rode the Rockin Rocket ... a rocket that goes up and down until you spin completely upside down ... not so good for your heart I am sure.  We were sore from holding our muscles so tightly from the tension of the ride ... my mom is the only Grandma I know that would do that one with me ... by the way, the hubby said "No Way!!" and my kids were scared to death for me ... probably not so good for their heart, too!

to SIx Flags with no lines and Christmas carols and lights and to family whom we dearly love ...

The First Leon

Caleb starred as "Leon" in his school musical "The First Leon".  It was one of the sweetest plays I had ever seen with a precious story line ... a boy named Leon (who happened to be quite naive, shy and uncool) wanted a part in the school pageant ... he tries out for every part and gets the part of understudy to the innkeeper.  That means he only has 2 words to learn "no room" and will most likely not even get to perform those because he is the understudy.  Well, he does get to perform and is caught up in the moment and after saying "no room" to Joseph and Mary and instead says "Wait, you can have my room."  Really, it was the cutest ... and, of course, I am very biased because I happen to know the cute kid playing Leon pretty well :).  We were so blessed to have the most awesome group of friends there to support him - thanks to all of them.

Opening scene: Leon is singing the The First Noel (his name spelled backward).

A little celebration afterward with cake and Grandparents.

Some buddies in the play with him.

You were super, Caleb, and we are so proud of you.

I pray that we all will "make room" in our hearts, like Leon did, f

or the true reason for the season, Jesus.

Christmas Party of the Year

Last night we enjoyed one of our favorite nights of the year.  Our annual Christmas party with friends.  Two families were sorely missed (Bryans and Mainords) but we all had fun.  The Foster's home was decorated beautifully with candles everywhere and music playing and lights dimmed ... the food was superb ... the games were funny ... the white elephant gifts were the best ever... we came home in the holiday spirit :)!!  I always get sad when the night is done ... and I realize I have to wait another year.  To friends, to Christmas, to laughter ... 

the Reason for the Season

Tonight, we braved the snow flurries and voyaged to see Santa.  We all expected Kate to want NOTHING to do with a big man in a red suit wanting to take a picture with her ... I mean both boys cried until they were 4 at the mere thought of sitting on Santa's lap.

BUT ... Santa pulled out the Ace card ... a peppermint candy cane.  She looked at me and I said "After you take a picture with Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas, he will give you a candy cane."  The fear went out of her face and she smiled and waved at him and proceeded to tell him exactly what she wanted - a kitchen - and that she wanted him to come to her house and to leave it in her room!  She waved "bye" and blew kisses and said "Come to my house, Santa!" as we left.  And there was NO line - quite miraculous I think!

After we left Santa, we proceeded to a local drive-thru live nativity that we love every year and were reminded of the true miracle of Christmas.  It is awesome ... they have a little area set up like Bethlehem and you travel through and see people trading their wares, buying blankets or food and then Herod's men calling for you to come and pay your taxes.  At the end of the hustle and bustle you turn the corner and a modest manger (with live donkeys) is holding Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  All 3 kids were silent as we went through and we were all so quickly touched by the birth of Jesus.  Yes, Santa is fun but I pray that all may know the reason for the season and may know Him well - Happy Birthday, sweet Jesus!  And thank you, God, for sending your Son to earth in order to save us - knowing we don't deserve it.  

To candy canes, to family times, to memories, to snow flurries in Texas and most of all to Jesus's birthday - Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!!

Care Group Christmas Party

We had fun eating, drinking cider, singing Christmas songs and exchanging white elephant gifts.  We missed you, Boerger family!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

The trees are up - all 5, the lights are on the house, about 30 Santas are proudly displayed, a nativity or 2 or 3 sits in every room, presents are wrapped, the cards are getting close (way behind on that this year), the train is up and so far Kate has not broken it, bathroom towels all display a Santa or Snowman or some holly, and 7 wreaths proudly hang, and I have been kissed under the mistletoe at least 3 times --- whew!!  We love Christmas and all of the decor and even the hustle and bustle because we do all of this with one thing on our mind - IT"S JESUS' BIRTHDAY PARTY!!  Happy Birthday and Thank you, God, for the gift of your Son!!

Tree #1

Tree #2 and Train

Kate's pink tree #3

Caleb's tree #4

Josh's tree #5

Merry Christmas to you all!

Cutie Cousins

Aren't these some cuties?!  I love seeing my family over Thanksgiving ... it is very crowded and the stories that are told are often repeats, but it is a perfect gathering.  A TON of good food, football, late night games, Aggie/tu game, funny stories, sleeping in the bunk house, one shower, lots of kids, laughter, and more.  I think we had over 50 people stay at my parents' lakehouse.  Yes, for 3 or 4 days!  And we enjoy each other!!  I laugh harder over those few days than the rest of the year.  There were many kids that I had not seen since the 4th of July and one born just 8 weeks ago ... they are all so cute and nice ... no fighting; just playing.  I had not seen my brother's kids in a while and they are a breath of fresh of air.  I mean ADORABLE!!  The oldest is the smartest, most polite 4 year old ever ... the twins make you smile instantly.  I truly think they would win the Pottery Barn Cutest Baby contest!!  And I am being humble ... but, seriously, I might have the best nieces and nephew ever.  My kids love them, too.  The morning after we got home Kate summed it up with " I want my cubbins (cousins)!  We gonna play!"

Feast #2

Last year at Josh's Thanksgiving Feast ...

Do you see my sweet boy on the far right end?  Yes, the ONLY one in jeans (and yes they had holes)?? And, yes, the only one in a handmade, no sew top made out of some cheap Walmart fabric?? Well ... lesson learned.  Check out this year's feast attire ...

We fit in much better this year :).  Thanks to a little brown felt and an online costume center and $14 ... worth every penny!!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Pocahontas ... or maybe Squanto

It was a big day ... Kate's first Kids Kaleidoscope Thanksgiving Program and Feast.  She had a couple of songs and sang them proudly last night as we all talked up her big approaching performance.  Now, my boys barely sang at any of their 8 years worth of KK Feasts but we had high hopes for our dancing little performer!  And then, she walked into the room with around 300 people, saw me, and broke down crying!  Her teacher had a small cup of Skittles which quickly convinced her to take the stage along with her classmates to sing.  She stood frozen for the first few lines and then moved her mouth some and actually did several motions at the end of her songs!  She clapped for herself at the end of each song and was just a cutie-pie!  But ...  look at the first picture.

Is it really Pocahontas or is that a boy, maybe Squanto??  Chris and I got the giggles because she looked JUST LIKE Caleb did but she had on a dress.  As precious and beautiful as that sweet girl is ... she looked like a sweet little BOY!!!  too funny

Once she sat down, she gave us a few waves and even a grin.  She was so excited that Mommy and Daddy were at her school.  She loved the turkey, sweet potatoes, grapes, some congealed salad (the thought makes me ill) and refused all things green.  Her favorite part was, of course, dessert!

Kate, you are growing up so quickly.  You love, love, love your friends at school and adore Ms. Teresa.  We were so proud of you today and enjoyed having a lunch especially for you.  My favorite part of the entire day was showing the boys (who were at school during her feast) the video of her performance and watching her stand by the TV and sing EVERY SINGLE word to all of her songs!!!  I guess she prefers a smaller crowd ... 

To Thanksgiving, to turkey, to my family, to our little Pocahontas ...

Weekend Fun

We went to College Station for the weekend ...

Josh enjoyed his homemade cake by Lalee ... carrot cake, his very favorite!
We met friends in Waco for our annual Baylor vs. A&M game.  Good to see the friends; as for the game, well, we don't need to go there!!
the boys were both honored at chapel today.  Caleb received the award for the character quality of respect, treating everyone as valuable and deserving of honor.  It is based on the verse 1 peter 2:17 "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the King."  Josh received the award for faith, knowing God will do what He says even before we can see it.  It is based on the verse Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Smores - Glenney style

Kate absolutely loved smores.  She ate all of it and wanted more ...
Caleb enjoyed the whole "playing with fire" part ...
Josh announced that he wanted this to be a new Friday night family tradition ...
To siblings, to the backyard, to chocolate with a graham and marshmellow, to a cold night, to a little Alan Jackson playing in the background, and to lots of laughter and fun ... Friday Night Family Smore Night ... sounds like a good tradition to me!!

Caleb's Touchdown

Our Caleb caught his first touchdown last weekend!  Look out Cowboys.  With recent market performance, professional football is our best retirement strategy! Posted by Chris

Costume Parade and Carnivals

Kate loved the cookies and candy at her KK Costume Parade and Party yesterday.  In fact, I do not think there has ever been a cookie she has not loved!!!!!
Superman, Indiana Jones and Supergirl getting ready to go to our church's Block party carnival.  Yes, I finally had a girl that could wear a princess costume, Snow White, Tinkerbell, fairies, cheerleader, etc. I mean the list of girlie things is long but NO ... the boys had her completely convinced that Supergirl was the "most awesome" costume ever ... I negotiated the pink one instead of the blue one for a sucker!!!  To brothers ...

Backyard Movie Night

Josh turned SEVEN yesterday.  We had a backyard movie night party.  Fourteen boys ate hot dogs, cake, busted a pinata and more before watching The Return of the Jedi on a big screen in the backyard.  It was so much fun.  Darth Vader (thank you, Papa) made a special appearance and took pictures with all of the kids!  

Here are seven of the many million things I love about Josh ...

1.  He loves his family.  Even at 7, Josh is still a snuggler!!!  And we love it!

2.  He tries his very best at school ... I mean what mom does not enjoy hearing such great things when she picks up her kiddo at school.

3.  He is funny ... at all times ... even when you are wishing he wasn't (like potty humor in front of the grandparents)!!

4.   He loves to talk ... just like is mom!!!

5.  He loves Texas A&M and decided to decorate his entire room in Aggie fan memorabilia.

6.  He smiles A Lot!!

7.  He loves Jesus!!

Field Trip Fun

I went with Josh's first grade class to Moore Farms.  It was a beautiful day and we celebrated Josh's birthday with our snacks.  Josh was so sweet and sat with me on the hayride ... some of the kids are starting to not want to do that anymore!
I went with Caleb's third grade class to the zoo.  What a sweet group I had ... we had a safari hunt to complete and the kids were super.  I was amazed at just how smart they are ... glad I am not competing with this group to go to college!!

To field trips with my boys, beautiful weather, and a few breaks from the 2 year old (that we love very much) ...

Sixteen years ago today ...

I know the picture is a little hard to see (I took a picture of a picture).  On this day, October 22, sixteen years ago my sweetie asked me out on our first date.  We went to a movie, The Last of the Mohicans, and had hamburgers at the Chicken Oil Company.  Then, he dropped me off at my dorm bright and early.  I loved him instantly but could never have guessed that night when I went in to tell my roommate about my date that he was going to take care of me for the next sixteen years like he has.  He is the father I dreamed of for my children but even more than that he is still my "knight in shining armor".  I have no idea why God has blessed me so with the gift of him but I am so so thankful for it.  Still making me laugh after all of these years ... I love you!!!!

It's been a week ...

Well, one week ago our dear friends left for Quito, Ecuador as missionaries for a boy's home.

The leaving was gut-wrenching hard.

Our hopes and prayers for them are so genuine.  As much as we will miss them living a minute away, we truly can't wait to see the impact God makes through them.

Josh went to school the morning after saying bye and had the biggest, puffy eyes because he cried himself to sleep saying "Why? Why can't they tell people in Tyler about God???"  

He is our dramatic one!

Caleb got sad and quiet.  Then, he started drawings and notes for his buddy 

which made him feel much better.

The one that gets my heart the most is Kate.  

She cannot figure out where her buddy went ... everytime we drive by their house she calls her friend's name.  We went into their empty house and she ran through it calling her name looking for her.  I said calmly for the 100th time 

"Remember, she moved to Ecuador."

I guess Kate got it a little bit more because she stamped her foot and said,"NO ECUDOOR!!!" and then she started crying and would not leave my side until we left.

Then, we set up Skype. 

 Oh, how awesome is that.  We chatted and saw them on the computer and the kids all pushed their way into the camera laughing - felt good!

So, if you have a moment, stop and pray for our friends and you might just pray for those who stayed behind, too!!! :)

We love you, Bryans family!!!

Toddler Fair

Kate and Ellie going for a "ride" at the Toddler Fair.

Thanks Dads!!
When all of the fairs start in Texas, Kids Kaleidoscope has its very own Toddler Fair!

Chris and I came for the fun and lunch (thank goodness for the Adams who ate with us later at Heartland Ham because the mini corn dogs just didn't do it)!!

Kate and Ellie had fun eating cotton candy, dipping apples in caramel, entering the livestock show with their stuffed animals (and yes, her cow got a first place ribbon), making picture frames, and much more!  Those are little tickets sticking out of Kate's overalls - each booth "cost" a few tickets - too cute.  Here is Kate putting her tickets in to get some caramel apples.

Picnic with Mom and Dad

As we go through this with Kate, I can't help but think "Oh ... my last Toddler Fair ..."  Time is flying by so quickly!

Flag Football Season

Flag footballl season is here!

We are having a blast watching the boys play on Saturday mornings.

Even Kate has fun yelling "Go Josh!" and "Go Caleb!" and shaking her pom poms.

She got in front of the crowd last weekend and sang shake your "bo bo"...I have no idea where she gets that unladylike behavior!!! It was a little embarassing ...

Here is Josh ... who plays as hard as anyone! He concentrates, grits his teeth and runs with his fists clenched! He is not necessarily the fastest on the team but he tries hard :) !!

this is Caleb's favorite position ... rushing the passer ... I think that is what it is called ... anyway, he loves going after the QB!!!

And here is the cheerleader having fun!

We love football, cheerleaders, pom poms, Aggies, Cowboys

and that pigskin ball at our house ...fun times!!!

Simply the Best (or so I thought)

Tina Turner could not say it any better : Simply the Best!!
I dropped my littlest one off at preschool (no tears, just a high five) and went and got a Spa Pedicure today! Now, I added the "spa" part because I went for the upgrade version. I turned on my new Iphone which might be the most awesome, cool, handy, wonderful gadget I have ever had (thanks to the hubby who surprised me with it last week) and blasted Tina on my way to the salon. What could be better about this? All kiddos taken care of for a couple of hours!! I admit that I had no idea what the upgrade meant and I must share/warn all of you about it. It's wax ... poured on your feet at a temperature that I could not believe left my feet without at least second degree burns. The wax (poured on as a liquid) hardened around my tootsies and supposedly they are softer, etc. from it but I still cannot get over the heat!!! Oh the heat!! I have never, repeat never, had something that hot on my body and not quickly removed it. No, I sat there and smiled and started sweating. It took approximately 10 - 15 minutes for the liquid (my foot was in a plastic bag) to solidify. Now, think about when a candle melts ... think how quickly the wax hardens as it drips down the candle ... not on my feet ... no there was nothing quick about this expensive torture method ... oh the heat. I kept thinking the wax had to be getting harder ... surely this had to be ending ... but on the outside I just smiled and sweated. Why do we do that? Why didn't I say "What are you doing?? Take that off of my feet NOW!" My hubby would have. But not me ... I didn't want to hurt the feelings of the precious woman who was so proud to be giving me this special "spa" pedicure. She had raved about the wax treatment for the first thirty minutes!! Oh the heat ... so let this be a warning ... pedicures, Iphones, kids at school, etc are indeed simply the best but do not, do not try to go overboard with an upgrade ... be happy with a pedicure ... plain and simple ... no upgrade, no "spa" treatment, no heat!!!! Say no to wax!!

First Day of Preschool

Kate started preschool.

I cannot tell you what the boys wore on their first day but Kate had shoes that matched the top that matched the bow and if it weren't against the rules we would have brought the matching purse, too!!!! Girls!!! She loves her backpack. She loves the fact that it has her name on it! She loves her Dora lunchbox and loves even more that she eats what she wants out of it and nothing more :)!!!

Ready to go!!

She hung up her backpack when we arrived and then never stopped.

She ran to the centers to start playing and I could hardly get her to look at me to say "bye"!

to a few hours "off", to a brave teacher putting up with 2 year olds, and to growing up - they do it whether we are ready or not!!

Aggieland

The first game ... whoop!!

Ok ... for those of you who do not like football or do not like A&M,

go ahead and exit because this is pretty sappy!!

We love Texas A&M - A LOT!!!!
We all (grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, kids...) went to the first game on Saturday and in Glenney style we had maroon from head to toe, got our faces painted, arrived several hours before kick-off just revel in the joy of the day, walked around the happiest place on earth (where everyone says "howdy"), took dozens of pictures, reminisced wonderful memories (yup, met the hubby there the first day of college) ...

anyway, there is no place like Aggieland! The flyover before the game was flown by this pilot (whom we met after the game).
Caleb stretching his leg over the end zone ... McGee only had that far to get a touchdown!!

How we felt about the score ...

But...

regardless of the score

here's to the Aggies, to a family fun day on Kyle Field, to sharing with our children our passion of A&M and football, and to kisses after the touchdown!!