Thankful

Everyone I know is talking about their blessings, what they're thankful for and how fortunate we are.  I decided to dedicate one blog to that.  I don't even know if I have enough room for all the big, little and those in-between things that I consider blessings in my everyday life.  I will try to make it brief.  My family, friends (new and old), health, faith, opportunities, challenges, accomplishments and rewards.  Each day is a gift that I manage to get the most out of (ask my sister-she is always commenting on how busy I am).  This life is delicate and precious, I see evidence of that daily.  I live my moments to the fullest with no regrets.  To complete this entry I will quote my kids' favorite movie (Kung Fu Panda), "Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift.  That is why it is called present."

Zoo Trip in November!

Yesterday was the perfect weather for a trip to the zoo.  The animals were out and performing well.  Here are a few of the highlights.  The whole lion family was out, Daddy was roaring.  The hippos came out to say cheese.  The elephants had pumpkins as a treat, which they smashed with their feet before eating.  And to make it perfect, my wonderful children got along great!

Turkeys Drive?

On Wednesday morning, I was driving Owen to school listening to 98 fm playing Christmas music.  When the d.j. came on he started hyping their "Turkey Drive" that was going to be held on Friday.  Owen was quiet for about 5 minutes, then he pipes up, "Turkeys driving?  That can't be good!"  I had to really hold back on the laughter.  Once I was able to breathe, I explained to him that some families in Wichita have had some hard times and weren't able to buy the turkeys and other items they would need to make their Thanksgiving Dinner.  Owen was in shock that there were people, families that wouldn't have a turkey next Thursday.  I could hear his the wheels turning in his head.  Then he declares, "Mommy!  We have to get a turkey and give to a family so they can eat!"  And so today, the day of the Turkey Drive, we got busy doing our regular thing and never brought it up again until we were on our way to dinner.  Owen announces, "Mommy, we forgot to get the turkey!"  I looked at the clock and saw that it was 3:45.  I told him that we would eat and see if we had time to get a turkey and drop it off.  Low and behold, we were done at 4:35.  I ran into the store, bought a turkey and we delivered it to the radio station.  Owen didn't say to much, but I could tell he was soaking it all in.  It is amazing what inspires us to do good things and be good people.  For me, today, it was my son.

Run, Forest, Run!

I started running for fun about 6 months ago, after my wonderful husband thought running would be a fun activity to do together.  Yesterday, I ran my first half marathon!  Jake ran the whole thing... 26.2 miles!  I was so proud of him and myself.  It was so much FUN!!!  We flew to San Antonio, Texas on Saturday morning.  We ran on Sunday morning in the Inaugural Rock N' Roll Marathon.  We flew home today.  It was the perfect weekend.  The food was great, the weather was good and we even got to see some friends.  I have even started thinking about where I want to go run my next half marathon.  Any suggestions?

Big Girl Haircut!

Today our little baby, now looks more like the big girl she has grown into.  Daddy and Mommy took Allison to this great hair place that caters to kids.  They sit on these rides and watch movies.  Then when it is over they get candy.  Allison even got a certificate for her 1st Haircut.  We loved the place so much, that we are planning on taking Owen there soon.  Sorry girls, no more Shaggy.  And yes, I did get a small baggie of her little curls.

Basketball Fever!

Today we entered the world of sports feet first.  Owen played his first EVER basketball game.  There are only 5 boys on the team, so they all play the whole time.  The coach has twin sons that are on the team, Conner and Hudson.  The hour is broken into two parts.  The first half hour is fundamental practice.  The second half is broken into for 6 minute quarters.  Owen did great with the practice portion.  He was hesitant trying something new, but he slowly warmed up to the concepts.  However, when the practice was over he wanted to go home.  He didn't want to play anymore.  So I encouraged him to stick it through and try his best.  Somehow we made it through, I don't think our team made a single basket.  But it will be better next week... we get to bring the post-game snack!