Trick or Treat...Smell My Feet!

Featuring Buzz Lightyear and Buzz Lightyear
Today was our first "real" Trick or Treat experience. For the past 3 years, the boys have been sick on Halloween or we really didn't have plans. This year, our neighborhood had a pizza party and then we all went Trick or Treating. So fun for the kids. They have tons of candy and are definitely smelly now (they worked up a sweat running from house to house). Jeffrey told them if they took a couple pieces of candy and gave the rest to us, they would get $5 each. They are going to cash in the candy...they're smart!!!
It was a full day for the boys. The first grade had a parade of costumes this morning at 8:15am. Jake's class wore their costumes all day and had their party at noon. We are worn out!!















Tomorrow starts the 40th Birthday festivities. Jeffrey decided to take off work starting tomorrow. We leave for camping on Thursday! Let the festivities begin!!!

I'd rather have a flu shot, thank you!!

Yesterday was a huge "teaching moment". For those of you who know me...the REAL me (as if I pretend to be anything but a work in progress!) know that I HATE to clean. It is my least favorite thing in the world.
So, I finally got the energy gathered, fought the feeling of being overwhelmed by the piles of messes that laid before me, and started cleaning up the house.
I then told the boys it was time to pick up their toys. Oh, the drama! Oh, the tears! Jake was quickly diverted by telling him he would get a spanking if he kept throwing a fit. Will was not diverted by the fact that he was not allowed to play Nintendo for the next day so I knew there was a battle ahead. He said he was tired so I told him to go to his bedroom (it was 4pm). I could hear him crying upstairs so I went to him. I asked him why he was crying, "This is the worst day ever! First Alec hit me with his elbow and now I have to clean up!" Hmm...wonder where he gets the drama from???
Anyway, I thought, "Perfect opportunity to teach him what God is teaching me." I began to share with Will how much I hate to clean. I began to describe it like this...
"You know how bad shots hurt? Well, I'd rather have a shot than clean. I HATE to clean. But, God tells us that we are to do everything without grumbling and have a happy heart. This is SO hard for me but I am trying. I haven't been very good at it lately but it is my responsibility to clean up just as it is your responsibility to do the same."
Well, he got up a few minutes later and began to help Jake and me.
Then...more drama.
"This is the worst day ever! Alec hit me with his elbow, I had to clean up, and now Jake locked me in the car!"
So, on the car ride to soccer practice we began to talk about how we shouldn't let the "little things" ruin our day. So, in loving mockery I began fake crying out, "Oh, this is the worst day ever!!! The sky has clouds in it and I wanted there to be no clouds." The boys giggled and so did I! I hope they are "getting it".
I told Jeffrey the story this morning and he said, "Will is just like you." Ouch! How many times do I let the "little things" ruin my day. I'm trying to teach my kids but learning more myself in the process. Couldn't I just go get a shot instead?

Funny Soccer Pictures

Thought you might enjoy these new soccer pictures....

One Year Ago

What were you doing 1 year ago? We were MOVING. It was I think a million degrees outside and we were moving from Coppell to Highland Village (13 miles). I know 13 miles doesn't seem like a long distance but it is. We moved to a new city! New house, new school, new church, new friends (we kept the old ones too but seem them less often). It was a big leap for us. We'd lived in the Coppell "area" since we'd been together.
This morning, I looked outside our bedroom window at the trees and had great joy in my heart. We love it in "Oklahoma" (as my parents call it). We are so much happier than we ever thought we would be. What if we hadn't taken that "leap of faith"? We would have missed out on all the things we have experienced this year. It isn't the material posession of the house, it is just the new territory God brought us to. We prayed that God would "Expand our Territory" before we moved and He certainly has. It is better than we could have ever imagined! Great new house, great new school, great new church, and great new friends!!!!!!

Birthday Week

Ok, I have been dreading my birthday for a week now. Every time I thought of it...tears came to my eyes. I know...I'm only 33 but for some reason I wasn't excited. I usually love my birthday and want to celebrate for a whole week (if not the whole MONTH). It was just an "off" year. Next year, I'll want to "Party like it's 1999".
Anyway, last weekend I got to hang out with my friend Amy who was in from Houston. We went to a "girly" lunch in grapevine with her friend Christine (from L.A. who was in town b/c she sings with John Tesh...pretty cool story), Star, Amanda, Amy and me. It was so fun! We sat and talked forever. Then, I took Amy and Christine to Southlake to SHOP. That night, we went to FBC Irving to see all the old FBC Houston people. It was great!
On Sunday, we had small group (which was amazing...our house was jam packed) and then I got to have another "girly" lunch w/Amy, Christy (who was in town from Nashville), and Lauren. "Tacos de Brisket" Rock!!! We had a great time! Thanks, Amy, for paying!!
Monday came around and I read 200 pages from a book my mother-in-law had given me "Remember" (a Christian fiction book I can not put down...and I NEVER read) and yes, my house is a mess. That night, I went to a "LATIN FUSION" class at the gym. It was so fun!!! If I had any rhythm when I was younger, it has completely left my body! When I got home, the house was pitch black. I walked into the kitchen and there was a lit candle. "Birthday Rap" was playing in the background. I turned on the light and there were posters all over the walls and bar with Happy Birthday wishes, a huge arrangement of flowers, and gifts! So fun! They were playing "Hide and Seek" so I had to find them (they didn't get the whole run out and yell surprise thing). I was so surprised and teared up. How thoughtful! Jeffrey wrote sweet things in his card and the boys picked out my present (a scarf, hat, and gloves). So sweet!
Yesterday was a pretty normal day but I had tons of calls from friends and family wishing me a great birthday. I read more of my book (I only have 2 chapters left), had lunch w/Jo and Michele, and took Will to soccer practice. It was a VERY relaxing day.

Will

I needed to add a picture of Will!! Last blog had too many of Jake.

Will and I had a wonderful date yesterday. I took him out of school for lunch and we went to Pazzo's. He loved the pizza! He was upset, however, that he didn't know the plan earlier. I kind of surprised him. He DOES NOT like suprises. He likes to know the PLAN!

This Past Week....

Sorry...I haven't been blogging this week...here is a snopsis of what has been going down at the Richardson's....

Wednesday Night...had dinner w/some friends (my sweet blog reader...thank you for being the ONLY one who reads it!!). Jake now has a new girl friend. He talked about Audrey all day the next day and then the following day. I think he has a crush (she is the one in the Monster's Inc. costume).

P.S. We still have the "Santa" chairs for you, Lauren & Matt...they WILL show up very soon...be ready!!!

Friday Night (sorry no picture)-Jeffrey played "Corn Hole" w/neighbors until 1am!!! They had a blast just having guy time outside. The boys and I stayed out there until 9pm. My parents got in town around 11pm. Late night at the Richardson's!

Saturday Night- 2 soccer games! Yes, it was 98 degrees here! The kids were so glad to have Nana and Papa here. We all had a great time & loved Papa's new "do". (picture taken by Jake)

Sunday- still recovered from 98 degree heat.

Today-Jake and I went to the Pumpkin Patch with his playgroup from church. He was the cutest "pumpkin" there! He's pictured with Emma. Aren't they precious!

These are some of Jake's buddies. They are ALL boy!!!