Only 6 more months...maybe?

I remember feeling the exact same way about 28 years ago...OUCH! Will got his expander placed yesterday. 28 nights of turning the key to widen his palate and then leaving it there for 5 more months (hopefully) while the palate fuses together. Anything to make a handsome smile.

Free Range ~ Adventure Mom & Dad

A very anticipated girls night turned into a mini-date night as a friend became sick and my husband gladly took her place and joined my friends. We (or at least I) have anxiously been waiting to trapeze for over a year! No, I am not joining the circus yet but this was the best 2 hours I have had in a long time!

Climbing up a 24 rung ladder, feeling your heart start to beat faster and faster, chalking your hands, hearing the harness clink, grabbing the bar, waiting for the READY...HEP!", jumping, finding first position, dropping your hands, grab the bar again, kick your legs 3 times, and back flip to your finale! Then we added a release/catch by an instructor on another trapeze.

We easily fit in 5 rounds and I think most of us will be back again. Each lesson they teach you a new trick or 2!

HK on Trapeze from Steven K on Vimeo.

Free Range ~ Christmas Decorating

I will admit it...I am overly OCD about our Christmas tree. It is tall, fat and beautiful and I have been collecting Christmas balls for years! I don't want anything on my tree except my collection and each year these homemade ornaments (by kids) take over.

This year I surrendered and bought a new tree for the game room upstairs. I handed over all the homemade ornaments and lots of beads to the kids. They were quiet for a good hour and here was their final product. Absolutely gorgeous!!

4 Years Old!

To the most special 4 year old in my world. What was supposed to be an intimate family birthday, turned into a house full of 18 people (all related!) and even more due to arrive today. A truly special day for a special girl.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We rushed downtown this GORGEOUS morning for the Turkey Trot. The kids ran a 1K (0.6 mile). It was Fran's first race ever and her first question this week was "Mommy, what tutu should I wear?" I wonder where she gets that from??

And as always, the best part of the race was the unlimited snacks at the finish line. Happy Thanksgiving!

Free Range ~ Making a Difference

The boys joined in feeding the homeless Thanksgiving dinner for a second year. Since they are now considered "experienced," they were responsible for 3 tables (24 guests!) Their duties consisted of greeting guests, serving the dinner, refilling drinks, and offering dessert, coffee, and hot chocolate. They also cleared the table as needed. I stood back and only guided when necessary. They definitely were some of the hardest and youngest servers there.

Tis the Birthday Season

And so we begin the birthday season...12 family birthdays in 3 months, not to mention Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, anniversaries, and a vacation of a lifetime!

Orange Gingham and Pippi Tails...

Everyone says she acts and looks just like me, so why not dress her like me??

The Cow Whisperer

We finally had a free weekend to escape to the farm for a laid back country weekend. Unfortunately, as soon as we arrived a suffering cow was spotted "stuck in the muck" by Will. This horrible Texas drought leaves quick sand like rings around all the drying lakes. Sometimes a cow goes in for a drink and can''t turn around quick enough to escape.

Will would not leave her side, feeding her nuggets and keeping some fresh water by her mouth to drink. We think she has been there for days and by the time our renter's ranch hand showed to pull her out, she could no longer walk.

After a quick prayer, our good byes, and a few more nuggets, we had to walk away. A tough thing for any kid to witness :(

Happy Halloween

The boys managed to get in 5 games of bowling and tons of errands with me as Fran had preschool today and the elementary was out for a teacher inservice day. They each had 1 strike and a handful of spares. We then hurried home to put the finishing touches on the house and run down for our block party.

Our Top Gun pilot, Skeleton Princess and Anakin could not wait to fill their baskets with candy. Happy Halloween!