It's Snowing!!!

Look at the fun!!!

I got Will out of school at lunch time today because of the weather. He told me I got the "Best Mom" award because I took him out of school AND he got Chick-fil-A for lunch! I didn't want him to ride the bus home so I picked him up!

"Is it Christmas yet?"

That is the question that comes from Jake's mouth every morning. We're working on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. When asked yesterday what Christmas was, Jake replied "It's when you get presents!" I wanted to crawl in a hole! That is everything I didn't want him to think it was. I have failed as a mother! So...to redeem my parenting skills we had a discussion yesterday about what Christmas was, why we celebrate it, and why we GIVE presents. It was one of my "teaching moments" that we have in the car. Will and Jake listened to me (b/c they had to...they were trapped in the car) and I thought they understood what I was saying. My parenting license was redeemed...so I thought. Last night while working on our family Christmas canvas, the question was asked again, "Why do we celebrate Christmas, boys?" Jake said, "Because we get presents!" I was crushed once again! Then he and Will spit out some "churchy" words where every answer was "God", "Jesus", "Church"....and so forth and so on. What is worse? The "churchy" words that are regurgitated because they know that is the right answer or the "real" feelings they have toward Christmas...that it is when they get presents. Hopefully, by the time Christmas gets here they will UNDERSTAND (in their heart) the true meaning of Christmas...
Until then...they are excited about the presents!

Thanksgiving Miracles!

What are you thankful for?

Jake is Thankful for this...

So very Jake!

Check it out....

My friend, Kris, posted her response to my "Etiquette" question.
Check it out:
www.krisdmurphy.typepad.com

She has some great insight!!!
Wow!!!

Etiquette

Why is it that when someone is going through a difficult situation or loss we want to run the other direction? I believe it is because we have no clue how to respond. What do we say? What do we do?
I've decided to start collecting information from friends who have dealt with significant loss or difficult situation. What would have helped them? What could people have said? What should you NOT say? What should you NOT do?
So, maybe I'll know how to be a better friend. Maybe I'll know how to truly "Love Thy Neighbor". Isn't that what we are called to do?

Here are our husbands at the Wedding Celebration...not quite as fun for them but they were good sports.

By The Way...

Just wanted you to know that soccer season is officially over. The boys now have their trophies and our Saturdays are going to be much calmer (well, maybe not with the holidays approaching but we can always dream!).

Jake wasn't able to go to his soccer party last Sunday night because he threw up the night before. We had a "make up" soccer party as a family Wednesday night. He was able to pick what we ate for dinner and we went out for a special dessert (Baskin Robbins) that night.

Will's party was Tuesday night (at Village Grill...our favorite restaurant in Highland Village which we go to way too often). We had a great time but he threw up after the party and was unable to go to school the next day. Aren't you glad you know that info?

Anyway, the boys both had a great season, won most of their games, and made great friends in the mean time!

Old Memories....

Sophomore Year



















Freshman Year (me, Kami, Robin, & Eileen)



Ok...last night got me reminiscing about college (especially my roommates) so I thought I would post these pictures....

Eileen: I met Eileen the first day of school. I went into her room to introduce myself because she was next door to me on the 5th floor in Collins. She thought I was crazy. We went to eat at the Student Union Building. On the way there, I greeted everyone we passed. She asked if I knew them and I told her no. She really thought I was crazy!! We became great friends. She didn't forget I was crazy but embraced it. Eileen went on to be my roommate my sophomore year and then for 2 years after college. She taught me how to be responsible and how to be a good friend. She now lives in The Woodlands with her husband, Jay, and their two precious baby girls, Mary & Kate.

Kami: I met Kami through Eileen. Kami was the reason Eileen was at Baylor (they had met in High School while Kami lived in Marin County, California...long but cool story). Kami was so much fun and was as boy crazy as I was (which I didn't think was possible)! We were great friends and also lived together my sophomore year. She was an "unofficial tri delta" and I still think some DDD's thought she actually was a member. Kami taught me so much. She taught me to endure through all things, to be strong, and to have fun!!! She now lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Jim, and their two beautiful children, Jackson and Katie.

Fall Festival and Julie's "Wedding Celebration"

Hopefully not a picture of things to come in their future....















Jake with Olivia...Is she not the cutest???















Me, Kami, & Eileen

So, today was exhausting but fun. It started at 7:45am when I headed to set up for Will's school Fall Festival at the Pumpkin Patch. I was on the "Games & Prizes Committee" (thank you Sara and Angie!). It was FREEZING COLD!! I had 3 layers on plus gloves and a scarf (ok, Melissa...I know it is colder in Iowa but that is why I live in Texas!!).

The Festival started at 11am and it was a great success. The kids had a blast and it was fun seeing everyone.

After cleaning up the pumpkin patch, I got home around 3:30pm. I immediately jumped in the bath (hoping to relieve my aching feet and back) and then got dressed. Julie (my pledge sister from Baylor) got married (eloped) in September and she had her "Wedding Celebration" tonight. Eileen and Kami (college roommates and dear friends) were there too! It was fun seeing them!! I also saw lots of sorority sister and other Baylor Alumni (didn't remember too many names, though...which I blame on lost brain cells due to giving birth to two children!). Jeffrey was TOTALLY bored but did enjoy the 80's cover band (which was great...we need to go to Ft. Worth sometime to hear them again!!).

Birthday Slide Show

Life After 40

Just wanted you to know..."there is life after 40", and Jeffrey knows that now. Here is a picture of our family "camp out" (well, more of a 1 1/2 hour hike + smore cooking + 6 hour drive + junk eating + Jake puking excursion). More pictures to follow!

Does God live at La Madeline?

I know that is a funny question but...I really think He does. I know he lives everywhere but He sure does bless me there. Do you have a place where you feel close to God? For my husband, that is the mountains. For me, if I can get to the mountains...God is definitely there however, the mountains are far away. La Madeline is where God is to me in the MOST tangible way. I know that sounds crazy but amazing things have happened to me at La Madeline.

1. I met Steve Ferrar there. He is a writer who wrote some amazing books and really made an impact on how my husband treats me and my kids. I was able to thank Steve for letting God use him.
2. I've held bible studies there. There were some amazing "real" times where we struggled with whether or not we believe God is who He says He is.
3. I've had countless lunches there with friends where God has blessed the conversations. You know those good conversations where you laugh and cry together? I love those!!!
4. I've watched other women study the bible there and encourage one another there from afar.
5. I've had some of the sweetest prayer times with God there.
6. I've learned so much about God during my studying there.
7. I've had a date with Will there. What a precious time!
8. I met an amazing godly woman named Helen Hosier there. She was the sweet lady I met yesterday who saw me studying my bible and asked if she could sit down beside me. Of course, I welcomed her and enjoyed talking to her. She has written over 60 books and blessed me with our conversation.

So, God meets me at La Madeline. I really feel like it is an annointed place (not to mention the food and iced tea bless my tummy!). It is my place where I can be alone with him and He can meet my needs. I long to be there more than anywhere else on this earth because He is there. I don't say that to be preachy or holier than thou. I NEED Him and He is there. I really don't think it is really La Madeline but it is my quiet place amongst all the chaos where I can rest in Him. Where is your La Madeline?

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!!!