Home Extreme Make Over

Two weeks ago the show Extreme Make Over Home Edition was in Louisville. Doug had the opportunity to "volunteer" on that Sunday afternoon. We went over on Saturday to watch - and the kids and Doug went again on that Tuesday to see the almost finished product. The "Move That Bus" occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Here are a few pictures of the house in progress from Saturday. Although the kids did not want to stay long - it was exciting to see a show in progress. It will show in February sometime - will let you know when for sure.

On Thursday afternoon - after a lunch of Turkey, dressing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries, rolls, and pumpkin dessert - we got ready for Christmas. The kids and I put up the tree while Doug put up lights outside. The kids did help him out with the lights - and even ventured up on the roof. They are all syked for January when they get to help take the lights down. :)

Come Ye Thankful People Come

This week I have been doing a lot about thanking God for all his blessings with my students. We made murals, wrote prayers, made acronyms... Yesterday one student said we sure are talking about thanking God a lot (the student was Michael). I said Yes, we were, but we were still not doing it enough. God gives us so many blessings! More than we could ever count! I reminded them of Solomon (we had that story two weeks ago) and all his blessings. This Thanksigivng take the time to Thank God for his blessings - and then do it again - and again - and again! God loves it!

Today we will do it again at school - and again - and again!

Thank you God!!!!

Braces

Emily had a new occurance on Monday. She got braces on her top teeth. She also was fitted for her bottom bracket. They will call us when that comes in & then they will put spacers back into her mouth and then schedule a visit to put the bracket in. With the holidays it was difficult to guess when things would be back. She has a sore mouth for now. I keep telling her in time she will get used to it. Until then it is jellow, pudding, yogurt, noodles, ... soft foods. Hopefully she will be able to eat turkey. Otherwise it will be more potatoes & pumpkin pie :)

Veterans' Day

In recognition of Veterans' Day - November 11th I had a Veterans' Day open house today. I had 7 different Veterans who shared with my class about their experience in the military. I also had 2 students who brought in items from family members who were unable to attend. What a great day to celebrate the wonderful country we live in and to thank our Lord for giving us people to fight for our freedom. I praise the Lord for all the members of the military - who helped to make America the country it is today. Thank a Veteran - and make Sunday a special day for them!

More about Indy

On Saturday we also went to the Children's Museum. Michael was a little disappointed - as they had a Star Wars show in the planetarium. We had tickets and were seated waiting for it to start. They tried to start it twice - and had technical difficulties. Due to the All Pro Dad activity he and Doug were going to later int he day - we were not able to attend a later show. He was sad, but I told him we would try to go again over Christmas break.

Andrew loved the trains and Emily and Michael loved dressing up as scuba divers and sea creatures. I enjoyed watching them play and have fun being a kid.

After everyone was back home the kids all enjoyed climing on and wrestling with grandpa. No wonder he has back trouble sometimes - what a load he had on his back.

Michael and Doug

On Saturday Doug and Michael had a wonderful bonding experience. They were able to attend a ProDad event at the Indianapolis Colt's practice field. Activities were done at stations - and they came home with free stuff. Michael got an autograph of a previous player - as well as a picture with an autographed helmet. They were two numbers away from winning an autographed football helmet. Dad and Gene were "volunteers" for the event - and did not enjoy it as much.