A Day of Thanks & decorating

This Thanksgiving marked a new beginning for us.  It’s amazing how a new surrounding and the feel of home makes one ready for the holidays. 

I really haven’t gotten into the decorating mood the last several Christmas seasons for various reasons – last year we were living in two different states, ‘09 we were far away from home in a new place, and in ‘04-‘08 we were cohabitating with family.  There is just something about being in a place you can call home.  Don’t get me wrong, living with family is homey, but when you live in someone else’s home you just can’t decorate extensively. 

We – let me rephrase that, Jay – loves to decorate for the holidays, and I love how the house looks decorated!  Over the years we’ve accumulated many holiday decorations.  To be honest, I did not realize how much Christmas stuff we had until we broke out the boxes and totes and boxes and totes (nope-not a typo) of stuff. 

The house has been transformed.  There are eight trees in five rooms, village pieces displayed, and tons of holiday decorations throughout.

The living/family room where we spend most of our time has the most decor.  Our main tree this year is decked out in all Disney ornaments.  The kids have been given so many ornaments over the years, which is great for when they move out on their own they’ll each have their own ornaments, but those ornaments take up a tree themselves.  In years past, we have had the Disney tree and the Hallmark tree – the kids’ ornaments, but this year we went with only one main tree.

Several years ago, my mom and dad started gifting us village pieces.  So between those and the few we’ve acquired over the years, we have a nice collection to display. This year some are located in the living/family room and the others are in the dining room atop the piano. 

I collect angels, and one year I had a little tree with a few angel ornaments.  Well, now I have a 6 ft. tree full of angel ornaments.  Some of the ornaments have been gifts while others I have collected over the years – some really neat thrift store finds, too. 

This little tree the kids & I acquired last year.  I felt it was very symbolic of our upside down holiday as we were in two different states.  It now has a permanent place in our holiday decor.

Years ago, this little tree was originally my angel tree, but now it has a home of its own with a catch all theme.

These two trees are in the girls’ room.  I’ll be honest, we found that purple one on someone’s trash pile one year – perfect for any little girl!

Zack was excited when this little tree went unclaimed.  He claimed it as his and it will adorn sports ornaments shortly.

As you can see, we spent a good part of our Thanksgiving day decorating our home.  Thanksgiving was calm – we didn’t have to rush around to prepare a meal or be some where for a meal.  We took our time and worked together decorating.  Then in the late afternoon we started dinner preparations.  By the time Odie & his dad arrived for dinner the house was decorated & dinner was in the final stages.

It was one of the best Thanksgivings. We were together as a family in a place that we are all excited to call home! 

Jammie Day

This will be our second week off from one of our homeschool co-op’s.  It’s hard to believe that the 10-week session is over.  The last day of each session there is a pizza party.  A few sessions ago, a few of the older girls thought it would be fun to have a “Pajama Day.”  It was kind of a spur of the moment deal so they made a few phone calls, sent some texts, and FB so others could join the fun. 

This session it made the official calendar – which made the older girls very excited because it was now an official end of the session event along with the pizza party.  

I heard Meredith was so excited because she didn’t have to do anything but roll out of bed & go to class. lol

Mackenzie, Jenna, Kassi & Alyssa.

These girls were a few of the many sporting their jammies.  There were even mom & dads alike chillin’ in their jams!!  AWESOME fun!

A Handmade gift

A gift from the heart.  As many of you know, Mackenzie is the crafty kid and she loves making things for others.  She has a creative giving heart, and I love that about her!!

She wanted to give her aunt a special wedding gift – something she could make.  We visited the library and checked out many crafty books.  She knew when she came across this idea – an apron made out of ties – she had found the perfect gift!  Her aunt loves collecting old aprons so what would be better than an uniquely made apron from her niece. 

The night was still young, but Mackenzie asked when they would be opening the gifts.  I explained to her that the gift opening would not happen that evening.  So she asked if she could ask Aunt Tiffany to open her gift while she was around.  Sure enough, my sis was delighted to open Mackenzie’s gift.

Mackenzie was excited to see her aunt wearing the homemade apron. 

My Sister’s Wedding

A few weeks ago, we traveled to witness a most wondrous occasion.  As far back as I can remember, my sister always talked about getting married.  You know there are those little girls that daydream and plan for their once in a lifetime big day – and I can honestly say that was her. 

My sister made a beautiful bride!!  She was absolutely glowing! 

My sister is the baby of the family.  So I’m sure there were many emotions for my mom & dad as they officially gave their youngin’ away. 

My sister has a little flair about herself and I would not expect anything other from her.  It was not your traditional ceremony, - it was simply, meaningful, unique, elegant, and heartfelt.  It had my sister’s stamp all over it!

 

I have to say I am filled with joy as I have acquired a new brother.  Chad is such a laid back guy and I truly enjoy his company.  He reminds me a lot of my hubby.  It’s funny how they say girls marry someone like their father, because my sis’s hubby and my hubby share a lot of similarities, which would lead me to believe they must be a lot like our dad.

 

Congratulations!!

Mr. & Mrs. Chad Nation

Est. October 15, 2011

Trick or Treat Fun

How old is too old? - That is, to trick or treat.  Well, who says there has to be an age limit to have some good old fashion fun. The kids love dressing up and what opportune time to be rewarded for their creativity with candy.

It is getting harder each year to come up with a fun and appropriate costume.  We encourage the kids to stay away from the traditional ghouls, goblins, monsters, vampires, and devils while encouraging them to be creative and have fun with their costumes, keeping in mind their costumes have to be appropriate for church parties too. 

The kids have trick or treated for as long as I can remember – there was only one year, 2009 in North Dakota, that they didn’t go out.  Kassi went for her first Halloween and we’ve gone ever since.  In the beginning I made their costumes, and as they got older we ventured through the thrift stores to find that perfect one. 

This year Kassi and her friends decided to dress up like nerds.  We took to the thrift stores and they found the perfect suspenders, ties, dress shirts, and belts to pair with their jeans.  They taped up their glasses and we found them matching lunch boxes. We even picked up pocket protectors at the office supply store. 

Zack took a mix of things given to him from his uncle and paired them with thrift store finds and a homemade knife to put his LAST minute costume together.  What is it with boys thinking they are too old to dress up & trick or treat.  Come on!! 

Mackenzie wanted to go dressed up as a mad scientist, but she couldn’t agree on a wig with the parentals.  She wanted a fun green or pink wig which had nothing to do with a mad scientist.  So, no crazy wild mad scientist hair, just some rubber gloves, test tubes, goggles, and a lab coat. 

Last year we joined some friends for a night of fun – well, we got to hang with them again this year.  It was a great night!!  Kassi was joined by Jenna & Alyssa, who had never been trick or treating before.  So, the girls went one way with Jay, I walked around with the younger kiddos while chatting with friends, and the boys went another way with the order to meet back at the house at 8:00 p.m.  The boys were back when instructed – very nice!!  Jay & the girls went to the house & then back out for a second round before it was time to wrap it up. 

As far as trick or treating, in years past the kids were content with just visiting a handful of houses and then making an appearance at the relatives’ houses. We’d drive from one side of Columbus to the other so they could see family.  This was the second year they stayed out for the whole time slotted for trick or treating. 

 

Jay likes to dress up, too!!  He donned two costumes this eve – first round he was Juan Val Dez and he even passed out coffee beans to those he encountered.  After a break he changed into ‘Zero’, you know Zoro’s brother. 

If you notice in the pick above, Jay is wearing an adorable little red hat.  Well, it belonged to this little cowgirl. 

Really. Why not just keep your porch light off and door shut.  There were several houses in this neighborhood with similar signs.  Maybe they were out trick or treating with their family. 

When we lived in Colorado (‘02), instead of finding homes with this message, we found front porches with bowls of candy and notes requesting you to only take one or two.  Such a trusting community.

Once we got home, the kids got ready for bed and then they started sorting and trading.  I think their evening was very successful! (You don’t see Kassi because she was watching ‘The Sing-off.’)

The kids weighed their candy:

Kassi had 4.2 #’s

Alyssa had 4.8 #’s

Jenna had 5.4 #’s

and

Mackenzie had 6.2 #’s

Zack didn’t bother weighing his because he just wanted to start sorting and eating.  Yes, Mackenzie collected the most, but she is the only one that is limited to what she can eat thanks to that wonderful palette expander.

It was a great evening. The costumes, the friends, the conversations, and the food!  Thank you Miller family for letting us invite ourselves to partake in an evening of great fun & fellowship. 

Talent Show duet . . .

Kassi has been taking voice lessons off and on for some time now.  When we moved back to Ohio, one of the things Kassi really wanted to start again was private voice lessons.  In conversation one day with another homeschool mom, we were lead to Mrs. Emerson. 

Kassi & a friend from co-op (another student of Mrs. Emerson) sang together at our co-op’s talent show last week.  Kassi loves to sign, but gets nervous about being in front of an audience.  Ironically, she can do a play without being nervous, but singing is a whole other experience for her.  She says she isn’t nervous when she’s in a play because she is someone else – the character she is portraying, but singing she is vulnerable because it is her not someone else she’s portraying. 

The girls did a very nice job!! And I think Kassi was a little more comfortable in front of the audience.

Applesauce time . . .

As the congregation prepares for its big annual chicken dinner, the kids got to be a part of the preparation.  The first thing to be done is making the applesauce for the dinners.  They pre-make (& freeze for safe keeping) little soufflé cups so they are ready to serve the day of.

Makenzie & Kendal all ready to help in the kitchen.

They even let the girls cut.  Now there was no peeling and no coring involved.

 

I wasn’t there (at Children’s Hospital while Kassi had a volunteer shift) so I’m not sure how this really worked out.  I know there was cooking with lots of sugar involved.

Then they used this apparatus to grind the apples, which in turn separated the core and skin from the pulp.

Once the sauce was cool enough, Kendal and Zack scooped it into the cups.  Then the cups sat till they cooled before they were capped and stored for the Sept. 21st meal. 

The Beginnings of a New Smile

Yesterday was the start of a new adventure for Mackenzie.  Actually, she started this adventure – if you will – back in November, but finally got the green light.

We’ve known or suspected for years that Mackenzie would probably have to have braces.  It was recommended way back to go for a consult.  Well, we felt she was just too young plus the financial commitment.  Of course, over the last couple of years we have continued to hear the recommendation, with the dentist explaining the reasoning -unfortunately, Mackenzie’s mouth is too small for her adult teeth.  In addition to that she is missing a tooth, not sure who to blame for that one, Jay & I both have all our teeth. 

Anyway, a friend recommended Dr. Carmen as her children love him and his office staff.  This friend knows Mackenzie very well and can relate to a child that is squeamish of certain things, so I greatly appreciated her recommendation.  I love the fact that Dr. Carmen would evaluate Mackenzie’s status periodically because I feel that gave her a relationship with him, a positive one before the actual work begins.  Maybe that was his plan all along. :)

A few weeks ago, at her third evaluation since November, we were told it was time, time to discuss a treatment plan at her next visit.  Oh yeah, and the payment plan. UGH!!

So yesterday we (Dad too for the first time) went – she got all new photos and films taken for her diagnostics file, we discussed the cost – there goes our Disney vacay Honey, then Mackenzie got molds of her teeth made, Dr. C reevaluated, recommended a plan, which we’ll call Plan A – because remember she is missing a tooth and hopefully the other plan which entails pulling three of her adult teeth to make her mouth symmetrical doesn’t have to happen, and we scheduled her next three appointments.

While in the office, they placed spacers in her back molars to help ease the pain/discomfort for when one of the appliances is installed in October.  Actually, they only placed one because when they started wiggling the first one into place Mackenzie’s baby tooth decided to fall out. 

Can I just say the cost to fix one’s mouth is ridiculous.  Seriously.  Thank goodness we have orthodontic coverage, but not just any orthodontic coverage.  Apparently REALLY good orthodontic coverage.  We were told ours covers almost three times of what the average coverage covers.  Which is great for us, but still the overall cost is outlandish!

The nice thing is our down payment can be spread over a period feasible to us – now that of course means her expander (crab as they call it) & full set of braces being installed won’t happen tomorrow, but by Nov. 1st after three separate appointments, Mackenzie’s braces will be completely installed and pretty much financed with just a monthly payment remaining for almost two years.  UGH!!!

Thank goodness we have only one that will need braces!  Yeah, Kassi could have had them but as the dentist said it would be more for appearance versus need, which given the option she said she is satisfied with her smile. :)  I truly feel for those families where more than one child needs them.

Oh yeah, I guess if Jay or I ever decide we want braces, our orthodontic coverage has adult coverage up to the age of 99. Which we were told is very rare, too. 

A fun new look

Well, Kassi has been itching to color her hair again.  While living with Jay’s parents we opted not to color her hair because of the high iron in the well water.  There was one stipulation – she had to get her room unpacked, organized, and cleaned.  I thought that would be the motivator we needed; however, it took several weeks – well over seven before that room was ever done. 

Matter of fact, the hair coloring wasn’t the final motivator. She came home the other day after I had spent several hours with Mackenzie finalizing her share of the room and I told her she had to get the room done.  After three hours of piddling around & not seeing much progress, it was a simple threat and I meant business, “You have till tonight to get your room done & anything not unpacked and put away is being donated.  Because apparently if you have gone this long without it and you don’t miss it, well then you don’t need it.”

Believe it or not she succeeded and in plenty of time to go get the hair color so she could take care of it immediately.  Well, while we were there Mackenzie came across a color she wanted to put in her hair. 

Okay – at first I was NO.  But the longer Kassi looked for her color, the more I thought about it the more I thought ‘what’s the big deal?’ I mean hey it is her favorite color.  Well, we only left with color for Kassi.

After discussing it and weighing the pros and cons – which for us there was not a huge list for comparison, I mean Kassi started coloring her hair at 11 and well Mackenzie is 11.  Unlike the color that Kassi uses which is permanent, this funky purple at best would only last 6-8 weeks. 

I explained to Mackenzie she could do it, but if she didn’t like it there was nothing we could do and she would just have to let it grow out.  To get that vibrant lavender color the kit comes with a bleaching step, but I explained to her there would be NO bleaching.  She was cool with that so we went back and bought the color.

Here is a very excited little lady before . . .

during the process . . .

rinsing . . .

the final look.  It was a nice subtle almost magenta color, kind of cute on the spunky one. (check out Kassi’s new color)

Unfortunately, since we didn’t bleach her hair the color has lost a lot of its spunk.  It looks like some purple highlights in her hair.  We have decided once our summer is officially over – no more swimming – we’ll be a little more adventurous but not too drastic!

Zoombezi fun

It’s hard to believe our summer is almost over.  Kassi clocked over 120 volunteer hours (she’ll find out the exact number at the end of the season banquet) at the zoo.  Which meant we got to spend some time at Zoombezi. 

Since she spends at least one day a week at the zoo, we splurge and get summer passes for the water park.  With the price of gas & the distance we drive to the zoo, why make two round trips.  So, the game plan was for us to go to the water park the days she was scheduled to work.  It didn’t always work out that way.  But we did have a fun summer and we visited the bay several times and even hung out with some friends. 

Today, though, we took our favorite little guy. . .

Odie.

We were all so excited about spending a few hours with him in a very fun place, but the catch we later found out from his daddy – he doesn’t like to get his head wet. 

So, we set-up camp in the baby area figuring one of us big people – Aunt Angie or Uncle J – could hang with him periodically when we all weren’t in the lazy river or wave pool. 

It was a great little area and he was willing to go down this crazy whale slide . . . well, when he reached the bottom, his head got wet.  At first he wasn’t very happy about it, but . . .

Zack to the rescue. 

So, we headed over to the bay and Uncle J took him down a bigger slide – making sure his head stayed above the water.  It wasn’t he didn’t like his head to get wet – he didn’t like any part of his body above his waist to get wet. 

It reminded me so much of our youngest, who to this day has never had swimming lessons because when we tried to at the Y when she was little – she was NOT having it.  She wouldn’t even get into the water.  Of course, you’d never know that today because she loves to swim and play in the water. 

Odie didn’t even want to walk in the water that was at his ankles. So, Uncle J climbed into a raft with him (life jacket included) on his lap & we all took a stroll around the river to the wave pool.  The little guy was fine sitting on someone’s lap/leg in the shallow water, but he didn’t want to venture around nor splash anyone. 

When the waves came, Uncle J held him tight & up high.  He wasn’t sure about the tiniest little splash on his face.  So, we kept showing him how to wipe his eyes & face and eventually he was giggling at Zack & Mackenzie playing in the waves.

After a while he started to have a some fun and even started walking around in the water - we even got him to splash Uncle J.

Of course, by the time he started to warm up to the idea of being in the water, a storm ruined our fun. The ironic thing – as we walked out to the car in the down pouring rain that was pelting all of us and running down his head & face, he never complained once.  Next summer he’ll be a year older so maybe that big intimidating place won’t be so scary and we can take him and he’ll have a really good time!  ;-)