Jackson and Texas Pete!

I almost forgot Jackson's favorite new look! He was trying to be like his dad- orange juice, saltines, texas pete, and vienna sausages! He was so proud of himself!!

Some Pictures- Finally :0

Wow! It's been awhile again! We have been busy, but I did manage to capture some pictures of the kids- actually went on Facebook for some, because they never seem to be around when I have my camera anymore! This was Jackson a few months back- He was Spiderman for quite awhile. So, much so that when it was time for Halloween, he became Ironman, because you know even Spiderman likes to dress up for Halloween!

 Macey and Lucy!

 Macey and Briley :-)

 My Macey :-)

 Sweet Lucy, not even a day old yet!

 Lucy and Logan -

 I through this picture in to remind me that it is just about that time to start thinking about cards! Oh my.. have some funny ideas this year, but we will see :-)

 Jap at Homecoming- He was the Prince this year. Don't know who took this picture- had to snag it off his page! He looked nice- he was happy, said he had a great time-

 Macey and Jasper (We originally thorught Jap broke his elbow- but thankfully it was just a bad bruise!) Nothing like spending the night in the hospital after a long day of school and a grueling football game!

 I might have posted this picture- but I love the plaid!!!

 Briley and Lucy! She was so excited tha day!!

 Jackson making his "I'm not happy face" followed by minutes and minutes of laughter!!!

Jackson and Baby Lucy! He was so excited!!

Wow! Hard to believe Thanksgiving will be here in just 4 short days! It seems this (school) year has been nothing short of a blink! It amazes me how fast it goes by. Some days seem to drag, but when you look at the overall amount of time, it really feels like a blink. We are getting ready to leave for a few days- I don't know who is more excited between the kids. They have been talking about this vacation since May, and now it will be here in just 2 short days.

Basketball season started for us last Thursday- we played in a local tournament (preseason) and won both our games. Our first regular game is Tuesday and hopefully that will be a win as well! At times I cannot believe that Jasper is a Junior! His time with us grows shorter by the minute! We still are not sure where he is going to school, or which sport he will pick to play- but we are so proud that he has options. When I think about how God just perfectly fit him with our family, and I look at the changes he has made, and the young man he has become it really makes me proud. God knows just what we need, even if we think it is something else!

Jackson is having a blast in Pre-K. He is writing his name, knows his letter sounds and letters, and has a great interest in books, writing, and math! He loves to add! He really just loves school- his friends, art, and what he learns each day. That makes me so happy! He also loves to play. I am so glad that we have Lilo and Stitch ot keep him company. I think they are a great group of pals! They keep him just as busy as he keeps them! Next week he will have his first basketball game! He is super excited about that!

Macey is breezing through middle school. She is growing by the minute. It amazes me how tall she is getting. I think when she puts on her dance clothes it is the most noticable to me! At a time that can be really rough for some kids, she has made some great friends and is enjoying just being a kid!!

Briley is Briley! I don't think anything gets Briley down. She is so sweet and kind! She is also the only kid that goes to school with me right now, so it's funny to see her as my only TK! Next year though, Jackson will join us- and that will be the last time for awhile that I have 2 of my own kids with me! Hard to believe they are growing up!

This is a great time of year for us! We are all really thankful for what we have been given and the experiences we have been able to have. While not all of them have been worth a redo, they certainly help to shape who you become. I told  my friend's daughter the other day that "a wide path allows you to see the grays, where before maybe you only saw the black and white." For me, I think I have always seen the gray- call it life experience or who God made me as a person I just have always been able to see that it is never black and white. I am thankful for that. As part of a class 2 weeks ago that I had to take, it identified my personality as a "rescuer"- and as part of that class that wasn't necessarily the best place to be. There were lots of reasons- you are an enabler, you often want it more than the people you are helping, people perceive you as week... the list just went on and on... It really made me think about who I am- and I thought for a second- ok maybe this isn't a good thing! But then it's who I am- A good friend tells me everyday- you may be the only good thing a person sees- You never know the impact you have, but don't take forgranted that you aren't reaching someone!

Each step we take, is a way to humble ourselves. To let us see, the good we have been given. As we enter into this Christmas season, I am so very thankful that I had a solid foundation built by my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. When I talk to my childhood friends, we just shake our heads at the lack of parenting going on by many parents today. We talk about our youth, and their lack of empathy and lack of inner drive, but that is something that is missing at home. It's hard to get kids to see that live in awful circumstances that people actually do care about them and want to see them make it out! It's day by day, but eventually they begin to see that you do care, and that their little lives our valued!!

Here's to a short week and a great vacation with our kids! It's the first Thanksgiving in years that I have not had access to a stove!  I think I might finally be ok with that :-)

It's Nov 1 and we now have a granddaughter!!! Lucy was born this morning at 6:26! What an amazing gift!

It seems like October was a blink- Can't believe that it's gone. We have been super busy with football and dance. I think every weekend the girls have been dancing some where. It has been crazy hectic but so much fun. Football is winding down- we have 2 games left and then basketball starts 11/22- I just can't wait for that!!!

The kids are most excited about our big vacation over the Thanksgiving holidays. This will be the first Thanksgiving in a long time that we have been away and not involved in any cooking! I am excited about that! Jackson is counting down the days... He is so good with numbers! I think he really will be a Math / Science kid, where Macey and Briley really excel in Reading / Language Arts. He can write his name now all by himself- it took him awhile because he was more concerned about how many letters he had to write compared to everyone else- but now he can write it quickly and has stopped complaining!

The school year is flying by too! We just finished the first 9 weeks and today is actually the 50th day! Life is good when it just flies by and you are not worried.

I need to take some pictures .. I will get on that this weekend! I swear Macey is 5'7 at least!!! She is crazy tall.... and Briley is right behind her!

Just wanted to let you know about Lucy! Enjoy your day!! More later....