Fun at the Playground

Don't you just love craigslist? You can get some great stuff on craigslist. Even better, you can sell stuff you no longer need! We recently sold our gigantic Love Sac on craigslist. We loved it, but it took up approximately 2,000 square feet of our 1,800 square foot home, so it had to go!

What does any of that have to do with having fun at the playground? Well, let us tell you! Nothing, really. Except the guy who bought it sort of randomly asked us, "Hey, have you ever taken your kids to play at Boyd Elementary?" Nope, we hadn't. He told us we should, because they have a really cool playground. So, we did.

We still kind of miss our Love Sac. *sniff*

Evening at the Lake

On Thursday, we went to help my brother put his boat in the water. Fun people, beautiful location, swimming, boating, and impromptu skiing. That all equals a fantastic night.

Best Day Ever!

After four months of being separated, our family is back together again!

Christmas cookies

Every year we received a much anticipated package of Christmas goodies from my grandmother. Sometimes the contents varied, or maybe they didn't and my memory is cloudy, but I remember two things that were included every year. Gumdrop fruitcake. I'm not ashamed to admit that I picked the gumdops out of that fruitcake (and slightly cringed if a crumb was stuck to it). I mentioned it a few days ago to my mother, who told me that she also picked out the gumdops. Who kew? Unlike my mother, I never acquired a taste for it. I learned at a young age that fruit cake was not for me. I don't know if I have ever tried any other fruit cake to this day. No offense if you have given us one. Turns out that it wasn't fruitcake, but Gumdrop cake. My sister informed me of this a few days ago. Doesn't really change my opinion of fruitcake, and I will still probably avoid it.

The other treat, that I very much looked forward to, was frosted Christmas Tree cookies. She didn't just frost them with green frosting, she decorated them with a yellow candy star on top and even the edible silver balls. Those were edible, right?

They looked amazing. They tasted great. I loved them. I still do.

One Already???

We love this cute Little Angel. It is hard to believe that she is over a year old now. She is so much fun. She brings smiles and laughter and more love into our home. We can't get enough of her. Happy Birthday!

The Apple of his Eye

Translation:

The apple of my eye is my mom because she helps me with my homework and she makes sure that I don't get hurt ever. I love her.

Mr. Mister

It makes my heart smile.

Thank You, Veterans!

Our daughters school put on a Veteran's Day Program this morning. I knew it was going to be be an emotional experience. Especially as I got choked up watching elderly veterans and their wives walking into the building.

After a scout troop posted the colors, the band played the National Anthem. If that wasn't enough to get my eyes moist, I heard Veterans around me softly singing along. Part of me wanted to join in, and the other part didn't want to ruin the amazing experience it was to listen to them. I just listened. And cried.

The orchestra played patriotic music. The kids shared their gratitude for the sacrifices that were made and the freedom that was fought for. The chorus sang patriotic songs. Our daughter had the opportunity to invite all the Veterans to please stand as the chorus sang the fight song of the branch of the military that they served in. They started with the Army fight song, then they did the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and then the Air Force. Words cannot express the atmosphere in the room. It was amazing.

The students made flag pins that they passed out to the Veterans that they invited. The Princess of Awesomeness brought one to my dad, who served in the Army. One to Jay's dad, representing his father, who served in the Air Force. And one to me, representing her father, who is currently serving in the Air Force. Unfortunately, he was not able to attend today.

As they ended the assembly with everyone singing "God Bless America" they had the students pull a huge flag over their heads. It was incredible.

It was an amazing experience and I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to go. I am grateful that they are teaching these kids about the sacrifices that have been made. And that continue to be made for them. I am thankful for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this great nation. I thank you all, from the depths of heart, for what you have done and what you continue to do. Freedom comes at a cost, and I am thankful for the price that has been paid. No, "Freedom isn't Free."