Happy Hall-o-w-e-e-n!

Happy Halloween! My kids are just writhing in their seats... can't wait for tonight. They are just as excited about seeing all the other costumes, as they are dressing up and getting candy themselves! Poor Kenna is still not feeling great, I don't think I'll dress her up. She'll be "along for the ride". Here's the "Little Angel" and the "Pirate of the Carribean" Or Lewisville, whichever you prefer. ;) And the little "Candy Corn" who loves waving at the scarecrow! Have a Happy Hallow-e-e-n everyone!

Silver Bella, Cinderella!

You know the song from Cinderella that the step-sisters sang- or was it the one Cinderella sang about the nagging of her step-sisters? "Cinderella, Cinderella, all I hear is Cinderella..." Okay, so I don't remember how it all went. I just thought of it while thinking of the title to this post because is sorta rhymes with Silver Bella. And my swap items remind me alot of Cinderella...It's Silver Bella, Miss Cinderella! Oh, I am getting giddy and excited, can you tell? I am because I now know what I am doing for my swaps, and they are on their way to getting done! Yay! And I just couldn't stand it anymore, so I had to share... (but just a little!) Here's a sneak peak... Just 8 more days!!! (Now to finish figuring out my Junk Gypsy attire!)

Star Wars & Fall Fun Fest Celebration!

It was quite the day on October 27! ...Here's a few snap shots of Braden's 6th party. Happy Birthday sweet boy!
I think the party was a hit. I had fun! Braden said he had fun, and a couple of the parents thought everything was so thought out! (little do they know... ;) ) My friend, Elizabeth had an R2D2 cake pan that she let me borrow and this is how it turned out. I have forgotten how I like to do cakes.
I had found a couple ideas for games, and then adapted them and thought out a couple more. They started out the party by breaking their own geodes to see if they could find crystals inside. They also decorated their own flying saucers, and colored Star Wars coloring sheets. Then it was a game of Musical Chairs to the Star Wars music. Instead of sending a child away, everyone always had a seat, and I drew a character out of the bag, and if they were sitting in that seat, they got to draw a prize from a bag. If you won already, you chose someone else to draw a prize. So everyone wins! We sang "Happy Birthday", ate cake, snacks & lemonade then opened presents. He got some very cool Star Wars and Lego toys! Then we played "Keep the meteor up", with some noisemaker- light sabers and balloon- meteors. THAT was a huge hit! The kids got so excited when I told them that they first had to dress in a Jedi tunic (a black plastic table cloth with a colored belt tied around their waste)! We also played "Avoid the Death Star", a version of "hot potato"... if they were stuck with the star, they had to either play on their back or tummy or sit backwards, etc... They went down the slide and played with the light sabers and then it was over. Nobody wanted to leave, they were having so much fun!

Then it was off to home to rest before heading back out to the First Baptist Fun Fall Fest & Trunk or Treating with friends, Elizabeth, Gabe, Perryn & Teagan. This is where McKenna goes to school. We saw her friend's mom dressed up as a gardener in the "Secret Garden". It was soooo cute! They had a bunny, a dig for real worms, pick a duck, etc., with plants and decor galore! The kids had fun. McKenna wasn't feeling well, so she got her one piece of candy and held it the entire time we were there. She was STILL holding it when we got home, then ate it after pizza! A brown/black/green gummy worm, ewwww! She liked though. ;)
After Elizabeth and the kids left, our kids zonked out after the days' festivities! We did too.

Now, on to Halloween on Wednesday!

The Joys of Fall?!....

Oh, it's been oh so long- too long. So much happening, and it just keeps happening! I can't believe it's almost Halloween, and Braden's birthday! Fun, fun! Here's what he's giving out to his class for his birthday. I opted not to do snacks/treats this time. I had the pencils, and it's a fun way to "remind" the parents that he has his party on Saturday. hee hee We've only had four RSVP's!
We FINALLY had our ever INFAMOUS 15 year-in-the-making garage sale two weeks ago!!!! We made a little money which is gone now, to a new radiator/water pump in the van. So sad. We had such plans to replace some lamps, help paint the downstairs, etc. SOMETHING for the house. OH well. At least we could pay for the van to be fixed.
Fall Festival at the school was last weekend, Bryan and I worked our tails off setting up milk bottles and chasing balls for the Braden's class booth! That'll teach me to select a ball-throwing game again! It was fun though. The kids had so much fun. They had a DJ this year in the lunch room where all the food was. The stage was set up with hoola-hoops and they had contests, and dance games and such. THAT was a ton of fun to watch. ;) Bailey won one of the Webkinz silent auction baskets- a little bull frog, she named Malibou.
It will soon be Silver Bella time... and I need to get my Christmas tags and charms finished! Eeek! I'm getting nervous... all the things I need to take and pack! Ikes! Until later! Shan

Women of Faith 2007

Wishing I could rewind....

Okay, I realized I never posted about Women of Faith... Things got soooo busy with the school year beginning, and all the activities, events, and such it all brings with it! Today, sweet McKenna is at MDO, and I have a few quiet moments to reflect on such a wonderful weekend with the most fabulous ladies I could ever spend a spiritual weekend with. I wish I could rewind and play back (in real life) that whole weekend again! It was such fun, so inspirational, and absolutely relaxing! I needed that break as a mom, a wife, a friend, and spiritual leader. If you have never been, or have been thinking of going- think no longer and just go! Okay, save that money and next year, take a few a friends with you! (or your sister, or your mother-in-law... ;) )
I know I was meant to be there that weekend. I was meant to hear what Dr. Henry Cloud and Sheila Walsh had to say about the fact that GOD HAS A DREAM FOR YOUR LIFE. Yes, your life, too. Dig deep, way back into those childhood dreams, many are still dreams yet to be fulfilled. Don't let anyone or anything tell you different.... Find your "Emmit", someone who can lift you up when your down, to run to in fear, sadness, or joy, and be able to tell you "how it really is"(the truth can hurt, but sometimes it's really what we need to hear). She should be rooted in Christ, or definitely have Him in her heart, so His guidance is always there through and
through.
Nichole Nordeman's musical heart in Christ flowed through the whole arena while her "unplugged" versions of her songs spilled into every desperate ear who whole-heartedly heard her... just beautiful.
And oh my! I mentioned Anita Renfroe... She is every mom's inner comical self. You know what I mean, the things we all say and do, but sometimes don't want to admit or share.? ;) She is a RIOT! She gave hysterical relief to moms who work sooo hard for their families in every way, shape and form. Her DVDs are a must! And if your a book reader, I'm sure her books are equally as great.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing Nicole Johnson and her dramatic interpretations.. but they were quite amazing. She has the ability to bring you into the real moment. She has written and produced for the "Revolve Tour", as well. I can't wait to take Bailey someday!
And what can I share about Patsy Clairmont (I hope to have the kind of energy she has later in life!), Marilyn Meberg, Thelma Wells, and Luci Swindoll? Their amazing stories of life struggles are incredible... and they share them with women everywhere they go. If they can survive, we can too. All of us go through life struggles and obstacles, but if the Lord is in our hearts, and we call upon Him, we can make it through, too.
And the beautifully talented Lisa Smith... she's amazing and can sing through signing like I have NEVER seen before. She has been truly gifted by God, and I was truly blessed by her awe-inspiring, moving talent.
And I must not forget the infamous Sandi Patty- her timeless voice just knocks the socks off you! I had the pleasure of meeting her husband while waiting in line to say hello to Sandi (and have our picture taken with her), and he is just one of the sweetest men you'll ever meet. They both are genuine sweethearts, with abundant love for their family and ministry.
And all of this wouldn't be nearly as fabulous, if it were not for the group of ladies I attended with. They all had been before, I was the newbie, but they took me in was there for the times I shed a tear. (Bring loads of Kleenex!) They were a hoot to spend time with, dine with, sleep with (what little we got), and get know better. These ladies are my new-found sisters in Christ, and I look forward to more fun times down the road...

First Day of School...

Well, here we go! It's the first day of school, and it's Braden's first day of Kindergarten!
It's so quiet here... it's amazing how much noise is produced by children! McKenna is feeling their absence, too. She is missing them terribly. All she has is poor ol' mom. ;) I cried today after coming back from taking the kids to class. Braden didn't want me to kiss him. I even tried "sneaking" in one on the cheek, but I was brushed away. Does my little boy actually think it's "not cool" to kiss his mama? Hmmm.....I sure hope it's just the first day jitters...
I feel that this year is going to busier than any other year before... And I am believing that it just gets busier every year after...
Gracious Lord, I pray for my family and all their activities... may they thrive & learn, and share your blessings...Amen.

Well, off to figure out some of this "home improvement"
dilemma that is on-going! Lotsa Hugs!