Seasons First Real Snow

img_7213-snowmanIt started snowing around 2:00 today and the kids went outside once the grass turned white. Except for a quick dinner of soup, the kids played outside until Allan took the older ones to their church program. The younger two and I stayed outside until it was too dark to see.
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Barn Pictures

kidsWe borrowed a neighbor’s barn and had some fun getting up to date pictures of the kids.  It was colder than we thought and the kids ended up shivering horribly with bright red noses.

We returned home, enjoyed some hot chocolate, dressed more appropriately and tried again. This time worked much better!img_7101-kids

First Football Game

img_6873-football_shareOn Friday we went to a Western Michigan Broncos verses Toledo Rockets football game. It was the first football game I have been to since high school and the first one the kids have ever been to.

It was extremely crowded and it drizzled on and off all during the game. Megan snuggled with her uncles for the first part of the game and then came to keep Allan and me warm.  Even though we did not understand the whole game, we all enjoyed it and were glad that we went.

Megan especially liked the marching band and the color guard.She was disappointed when that part was over. However, when we left before the last quarter since we did not want to be caught in the crowds leaving, she was excited to ride in the back of a golf cart.  We were thankful for those carts because we had parked the car a lot further than we remembered!

We learned later that the Broncos won 55-35.

Momma’s Break

mommas-breakThe last few days have been extra crazy. Tonight I was told to relax and not do anything but enjoy some quiet.  So I did my favorite things; found a good book, made a cup of tea, lit a candle and went outside. I read outside for over an hour until my feet got cold.

Allan is so wonderful.  He has been busy with changes at work and comes home to fix everything that is falling apart in the kitchen. He helps Mark with math that is way beyond my ability. He needs a quiet evening on his own, but he tells me to relax . He knows how to make me feel special and loved!

Thankful

walkingI am so thankful for neighbors who are willing to help my children learn the value of hard work!

Not only do all the kids help to the best of their abilities, they are also learning so much more.  Yesterday, when Megan got tired, she sat and talked with our elderly neighbor she just met.  Everyone worked hard; there were lots of leaves to take care of, but they took time to be silly and laugh.  When they finished the first house, they had other responsibilities they had promised to help with, so the kids figured out how to get everything done even though they rearranged who did what.

They were exhausted at the end of the day.  I know they all felt good though.