HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This time of year is used by many to reflect upon their lives and what they are truly thankful for. We as a family have so much to be thankful for that I'm not sure there is enough space on this page. I will get us started...

I am most thankful for Jesus' sacrifice for me and that all in our family have come to a saving knowledge of Him and accepted God's gift of salvation. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband that God has blessed me with. A man of God fully of great strength, integrity, diligence, loyalty, and wit (which his blesses us with always). A man who loves his family completely. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons. Kyle, my sweet, compassionate boy whom God has blessed with intelligence, creativity and laughter which comes from his soul. Kory, my merciful one. God has blessed him with intelligence, humor, spunk, determination and joy.

Jason says...

I give thanks first and foremost to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me; for making full atonement for a debt which I could not pay on my own. God is so faithful and I am in awe of the way He provides for us. I am thankful for a wife who is more wonderful that any words can express; for her discernment and mercy and who has been supportive and patient with me even when I don't deserve it. We are blessed with two wonderful boys who both have accepted Jesus as their Savior and want to live for Him. I thankGod for the unique gifts He has given them and for all they teach me every day.

Kyle says...

I am thankful for my family, God, house, clothes, toys and food.

Kory says...

I am thankful for school, my cousins, God, toys, clothes and my family.

I pray that you all have spent time with family and friends and have much to thankful for.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Surprise! We took the boys to the Lodge at Cedar Creek (hotel with an indoor waterpark) on Thursday evening. But, first enjoyed or endured, depending on who you ask, a meal at McDonalds. Kory's choice since it was his birthday. We arrived at the hotel at 6 p.m., put our swimming gear on and head off to the waterpark.

Here they are shortly after arriving in the room. They could hardly contain their excitement.

Kory enjoyed plugging the holes in the fountain until he discover the waterslide. The cycle began...down, climb the stairs, down again, climb the stairs..... Where do they get their energy? There were two waterslides, one red (all open), one green (completely enclosed). Kory chose the red one since it was not enclosed. When asked to try the green one, he declined stating, "I don't want to go down that one because it is too dark!" Maybe someday he will finally decide conquer his fears.

Jason and Kyle grabbed the tubes and headed to the toilet bowl (the big slide which emulates being flushed). They enjoyed the other two slides as well and playing basketball in the water. Before calling it a night, Kyle and I decided to go down the toilet bowl a few times, but it was cut off at two due to a slight accident. While being flushed, the tube turned backwards and flipped over throwing us both out. Upon landing, Kyle whacked his head on the slide and got stuck under the tube. I came shooting out of the slide first, then Kyle. However, I couldn't see him right away (not a fun moment as a mother), then he popped up, holding his head and screaming. There wasn't any blood, thankfully, but he did get one big goose egg and a headache!

We headed back to the room at 8:00 p.m. The boys jumped in a hot shower, put their p.j.'s on and the wrapping paper started flying. I won't bore you with a picture of every present opening so here's just one with their favorite gifts!

Not surprised Kory's favorite is an excavator!

Kyle is enjoying "Calvin and Hobbes". When he is home he spends a good portion of that time reading the comics and laughing. I just hope that he doesn't get any bright ideas and try any of Calvin's stunts.

It's always an adventure staying in hotels. Jason and I never sleep well, if at all. And because Kyle and Kory have to share a bed, Kyle doesn't sleep well. For being such a little person, Kory can sure make himself big in a bed! It was a good thing that Kyle just had a 1/2 day of school Friday and enjoyed going to a play.

The first quarter of school has ended, which means conferences. We had our first parent/teacher conferences for Kory. I'm glad to report he is doing famously! Kyle's are on the 28th and I'm sure they will have nothing bad to report. Or, at least I hope :)

On Friday evening we surprised the boys again with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. Unfortunately Kory had already fallen asleep. Kyle was extremely tired, but was awake when they arrived. Kory was very surprised in the morning.

We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa on Saturday and in the evening we had a party for the boys. A few of our friends came over and we all enjoyed cake and ice cream.

Our big 5 & 9 year old

Kory jammin' with Grandma to "Veggie Tales" Worship Songs. The boy loves music.

Kyle is helping Alaina listen to his CD on his new CD player/radio. Grandpa made him a CD of various artists. So he is also jammin' to Toby Mac, Todd Agnew and the like.

We were so happy that we were able to pull off the surprise and that the boys had a good time celebrating their birthdays.

I hope this week finds all of you enjoying a little happiness and peace in your lives. God bless ~

Trick or Treat

Our own little "Happy Feet"

The Red Ninja

On their way into the frigid night...

I know you can't tell, but they both have 3 layers of clothes underneath their costumes! It was only in the high 30's on Tuesday and extremely windy. But, they survived and made it around our block and each got a pumpkin full of goodies (which they are not sharing very readily with mom and dad). Our doorbell started ringing around 4:30 and I was out of candy by 6!

We had a wonderful visit with my dad and his wife. Dad was kind enough to help out with some electrical stuff in our basement and cut up some fallen trees in our backyard. We are tremendously thankful for his help. It feels so good to have that done.

Kyle enjoyed a field trip to the school forest on Tuesday, while I helped with painting in Kory's class. There was alot of creativity happening. It's always fun to watch them and then ask what their painting is of and be completely surprised by their answers. I went to computer lab with Kyle's class on Thursday. They are learning how to type correctly and I am quite impressed at the accuracy. Friday was crazy hat day and game day in Kory's class. We enjoyed playing Candy Land, Hi ho Cherrio and Caboozle, while wearing our crazy hats.

This evening we are going to a wine tasting party at our neighbor's house. Should be interesting, since neither Jason or I even like wine. But it will be fun to just hang out with some friends and neighbors.

This next week has surprises in store as we approach the boys' birthdays. I can't wait to see the look on their faces (and to fill you all in on it)! Along with our surprises, they are going to busy at school. Kory goes to the fire station on Tuesday and is having a Teddy Bear Picnic on Thursday (his birthday). Kyle is going to the play "Remarkable Farkle McBride" at the high school on Friday and only has a half day of school too.

I'm sure I'll have much to write next week. God bless ~