cowboy, jedi, & minnie mouse

Mia woke up yesterday at 6am, carrying her pumpkin bucket into our room "ready for candy"...The boys soon followed dressed and ready at 7:15 and already chasing each other through the house. Then we sent them off to school for the day. HAAA. We prayed for their teachers yesterday! Now I remember why, when I was teaching, I SO DREADED this day of Halloween. Kids too excited for the evening and the next day the extreme low after too much sugar. It's much more fun now that I'm not a teacher. :) The boys brought home tons of loot. Mia lasted for about 20 minutes and then came home. The best is when they go to bed and we get to sift through for the good stuff!

Able-Bodied and Home

I haven't posted in awhile, because one of the most events in my life took place a couple of weeks ago. My sweet sister, Kate, went home to be with her Lord Jesus. Here was a life used by God to bring people closer to him. Kate was 6 years older than me and severely disabled her whole life. She was such a huge part of our family. She shaped so many parts of me and has made an enormous impact on our family. If any of you are raising a special needs child, I've got the person you need to talk to: My mom! (but wait a week or so, she's in the midst of radiation treatment for breast cancer) Yes. When it rains it pours... But God is still good.

We just got back from a week of memorial services in Ohio and Indiana. Our family had such fun recounting so many memories. We took her everywhere we went, despite the stares and strange looks, fed her meals and we all took part in her strenuous therapy program. We loved her sweet smile and sparkly eyes, her huge hugs, her love for her nieces and nephews. What a blessing she was! I will not say “rest in peace” because I believe she is not resting…she is dancing and singing, able-bodied at Christ’s throne.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

I've never in my life heard parents cheer louder from the sidelines. Yes, today, after 4 very painful non scoring games (at least on our side), ISAAC'S SOCCER TEAM SCORED A GOAL! (now, granted, it wasn't HIM, but this is a team sport isn't it?) These guys are trying so hard, but, in the spirit of the Bad News Bears, finally it happened. Yahoo, little Maradona! It's in your blood, you know! So glad Grandma and Grandpa Held could be here for 2 weeks of games. Fun stuff.

(also pictured: Samuel and his cronies from the neighborhood!)

SAMUEL TURNS 7!!!

It's official. Samuel is 7 years old as of today! He is pretty sure he grew a whole lot last night and I might agree. Now if he would only be done sucking that thumb! We are on a 2 year rotation for having a "friend" party, so this must be the year! He chose a pirate theme (same as 2 years ago). Does that surprise any of you who know him? We had a whole crew of looting embezzlers (including Grandpa and Grandma Held!). So much fun...an old fashioned scavenger hunt, pinata (Mia was just as fast at scavenging for candy as the big boys), gold nuggets and worms for dinner. Samuel kept saying "where's the rum, matey?". Oh Lordy. So glad the other parents weren't around. Kenton said not until his 9th birthday party. ha ha. It was very loud, but very fun. And a whole lot of "aaaarghs".

The best part? The next morning he woke up early for a soccer game and scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game)! Way to go, Samuel. We love you & happy birthday!