Thanksgiving

We had to cancel our trip to Montana due to vehicle issues so it was just the 5 of us for Thanksgiving this year. Turned out to be a great day...very productive for all.

Marc decided to finish the last unfinished room...the laundry room. He textured the walls and put up the wainscoting and trim. All that's left is a little more trim, some painting and new floor in there. Then the house will officially be complete! Olivia was her Daddy's shadow all day. She even borrowed some of Marcus' tools to do her work.

She was very serious about it too. Got to be sure everything is lined up and looks good.

She did give me one little grin. I just looked at her all day and couldn't help but think of Paige on Extreme Home Makeover...such a cute girl with tools! Olivia could definitely play that part!

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

School Volunteer

I took today off to volunteer at the school. The kids were doing a Thanksgiving celebration and the teacher needed lots of help. We arrived and were each placed at a station around the gym. They brought the kids in and separated them in groups at each station. They rotated between stations. They did all sorts of fun stuff.

Here's Emma painting turkey feathers that were hung on the bulletin board to form a huge turkey.

Here's Olivia making a beaded necklace. Before this station she made that cool headband.

This is Emma at my station. I was in charge of the turkey weave station. They painted turkeys and put hole punches in them and wove string through the holes.

While the kids went to PE, the parents went to the old gym to set up the Thanksgiving feast. Here are all the parent volunteers. It was really nice to meet some of the parents finally.

The kids were brought in for the feast. There was turkey, cranberries, corn, rolls, cheese, pumpkin pie...you name it...it was there! YUMMY!

This is Makayla with Olivia and Emma. She is one of their good friends that I hear about all the time. It was nice to finally meet her and the other kids I hear about so often. I was so glad I took the opportunity to volunteer today. I'm really going to try to volunteer more...I've already signed up for the Santa Express! Can't wait!

SNOW!

It started snowing late this afternoon and the kids could not contain themselves. By the time they got suited up it was already getting dark...but they had a blast playing in the first snow...enjoy!

Honoring our Veterans

Today was an early release day meaning the girls got out of school 3 hours early. I originally intended to work 1/2 day and get home in time to meet the bus. However, during dinner last night they told us all about their preparations for the Veteran's Day assembly that was going to be held at 8:15 this morning. I was aware of it but didn't really think anything of it. I told them I was working and would not be able to attend. Emma's eyes immediately filled up with the biggest tears you've ever seen and Olivia said "All the mommies and daddies are going to be there except ours?" Well, that was enough to make me send a quick email to my manager at work and announce that I would be taking the full day off to attend the girls' assembly. The Kindergartners had a very small but important part. They got to walk around with flags while a song called "Freedom" played in the background. I was trying to video and take pictures at the same time so neither turned out great...but you get the idea.

Marcus even wore red, white and blue for the occasion. It was a very nice assembly honoring all the service men and women and explaining the importance of their jobs and the sacrifices they have made and are currently making for our country. All of my kids are very aware of what Freedom means and are all very thankful for the men and women who serve and protect our country. Thank you to all of you!!! A special big THANKS to Uncle Jared who is currently serving in Afghanistan. Talk about sacrifice...he will be missing the birth of his first son due in less than 2 weeks. We love you Uncle Jared and appreciate all you are doing!

Best Friends

This says it all...