Thankful

We had such a wonderful, easy going Thanksgiving day and weekend. I didn't focus on making everything perfect. I only cleaned a few rooms and it really wasn't my best work. I did, however, enjoy cooking. Ron joined me in the kitchen and we worked well together...he did all the clean-up. How nice was that. Adam came in and chopped onions and Christian took over when Adam couldn't take the tears anymore. Lovely Lin was our guest and she brought sushi that she made special for us....oh how the troops devoured it. So delicious. She also brought a dish that was similar to a dumpling that we served along side our traditional meal.

The troops dove in so fast I couldn't snap a picture quick enough.

Lin brought a sesame/bean type dessert. Lucey was trying very hard to use the chop sticks. The sweet was a bit different than what we are used to but it was very good and we were so thankful that Lin shared her cuisine with us.

We shopped on Saturday and squeezed in a movie too. The lights went up on the outside of the house and on the inside, it was time to take down the fall and prepare for Christmas. I'm looking forward to bringing out the Christmas decor this week. Lucey is too. My little helper.

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

I'm thankful for my family and friends and for all the many blessings in our lives.

xoxoxo

Beth

Digging The Dinos

My cousin Emily and her adorable twin boys are in town for Thanksgiving. We met up with them on Monday at the T-Rex Cafe. That's quite a place. The kiddos had fun digging for dinosaur bones.

I got in there too....these three were very serious about their find.

We could have spent hours doing this activity.

We sifted for fossils. Lucey found something from the deep sea.

Aunt Clare was also there too!

Lucey has her chart ready to help identify her fossils.

We found quite a few goodies.

Then off through the old mine.

There is Emily leading the way.

Evan, Asher and Lucey. What a cute trio. Lucey loves her cousins.

We enjoyed lunch with the dinosaurs, planets, meteor showers and these gigantic bugs.

Cousin Heather joined us for lunch. (Ron came for a little bit too but I didn't get a picture of him...darn!) Lucey felt very comfortable with her. Heather showed her all the beautiful fish.

Last stop---Building a dinosaur.

The boys each chose a Mastodon.

Lucey chose the only pink dinosaur...of course.

Giving the heart to the "technician." or what ever this person is called who makes these kids so happy.

A hug to see if her new dinosaur is fluffy enough. It was perfect!

Bath time and a quick brush.

What a fun day. Lucey and I really enjoyed ourselves and being with family made it just that much more special. We will be moving in 6 months. :-( I will miss my family so much. It has been such a blessing to live so close....and for Lucey who has been wrapped in love by everyone.

xoxoxo

Beth

A Perfect Shower

My Auntie M and I planned a beautiful shower for her son, Chris (my cousin), beautiful daughter in law, Emily and their precious little blessing, Lillian Grace who is 4 months old. The shower took place on Sunday, November 14th. It was such a fun afternoon with friends and family.


Auntie M. and I really enjoyed our time with our guests and especially the guests of honor.

Lillian Grace--Lighting Up the World---was our theme.

I made this banner for our littlest guest of honor to take home and hang in her room.

Party favors galore.

Food to share....

Lillian Grace---Welcome to our family!

xoxoxo

Beth

Andrew's First Wrestling Match

Last night Andrew competed in his first wrestling match. He won the first match 7-0 and lost his second match 3-2. It was so close until the final minutes. Great job, Andrew!

Encouraging a teammate.

Andrew was tired, worn out. We took him to dinner to celebrate. He went home and straight to bed....after shower of course. ;-)

xoxoxo,

Beth

A Fall Afternoon

Lucey having fun riding her rid-on. Making a mess out of her nicer shoes.

We switched to the play shoes.

Have a Blessed Fall Day.

x0x0x0

Beth

From Soccer to Scholars' Bowl

Adam--his Senior year has kept him busy. Between his difficult course load to a long, difficult and exciting soccer season, applying and preparing for college to now...Scholar's Bowl.

The team had been practicing for weeks. Adam tried out weeks ago and made the team but soccer season ended up being a long season. He was asked to compete in his first tournament yesterday. He first competed and was captain for the JV team. He led them to a 2nd place finish. The coach rewarded him by letting him compete for the Varsity team. They placed third. He had a great time. He was so chatty when he got home. He makes me smile.

Go Ravens!

xoxoxo,
Beth

A Little Off Balanced and it's Okay

Lucey and I were out the door bright and early yesterday morning for her neurology appointment. Her cranio-facial team recommended she be seen by a neurologist to make sure she is functioning normally. It's really the last big appointment in the string of appointments she has had since she has been with us. It feels good to have checked this block.


Lucey was playing with Adam's wool scarf on our 1 hour drive to the appointment. She was playing peek-a-boo and wrapping her head in it. Look at that crazy hair.

She always has so much fun with this type of wall puzzle. I bet a few of you are acquainted with these.

She was jumping all around....so why are we here?

Then, she decided not to cooperate. Not even candy was enticing her. When the sweet older Doc asked her to perform a task she would simply say, "no." She would have no part in hopping on one foot, running down the hall, walking across the room etc....he did the best he could and mostly took notes. Together we decided that what ever is going on, it's mild. Lucey has improved so much since she came home. She used be be very unstable on her feet. She took quite a few tumbles. She is cautious. We are having a dilemma at night. She is completely trained. She wakes us up at about 3:00 a.m. to go to the bathroom. She is very wobbly and shaky as we walk her to the bathroom. I have been working with her to do as much as she can by herself but she trembles. And...she is so happy and smiley in the middle of the night. It's quite funny. The Doc told us not to worry about it. It could be a vestibular issue. There is a possibility that there is nerve damage in the inner ear. The next set of tests are too invasive and it really doesn't seem necessary at this point. So I'm at peace with that. I'm going to put a little potty chair in her room so she doesn't have to go far. We will have to put low lighting in there too since her room is so dark. She will have to adjust. I know she can.

Thank you for your prayers. I can feel them. God is so good to us. I'm humbled.

xoxoxo

Beth