forredfamilyfun

Thursday, August 8, 2013

KC Reunion

Moving back to Wichita has offered a perk: only 2 hours and 40 minutes away from our adored friends in the Kansas City metro.
So, first chance we got, we took a trip up there and spent a few days cramming in all we could. It went by quickly, but we left with full and happy hearts! I did not take many pictures, but life goes on.
Before we went, I asked the kids to make lists of things they'd like to do when we got there. Every-single-one-of-them listed our favorite Mexican restaurant, Mi Ranchito. SO-as soon as we hit OP city limits, we made a bee-line for the highly-anticipated, authentic, south-of-the-border lunch with our Aunt Jennie! It did not disappoint.
After lunch, we met up with several friends at another sorely missed location: one of OP's fantastic city pools. I hope I don't forget someone, but I remember the Bailey's, Stagg boys, Bozick's, Wheeler's, Bishop's, Whites, and Bagley's being there. It was especially fun for Jacob to hang out with his entire old Sunday school class, Dylan, Eli, Carson, Peter, Joya and Sarah!

After the pool, we migrated to the Wheeler's house for some grilled burgers and dogs. Then we took Jacob over to the Stagg's, who deserve a MEDAL OF HONOR for hosting a sleepover for the "5 Guys"! And the other kids got to have a long-overdue sleepover at the Bailey's! Man-SO much to miss about living in OP...
I spent the rest of the evening hanging out with a group of some of the most fantastic women in the world. Truly. Seriously. I was overcome at one point by the love and spirit which we all share. Every single one of them have such amazing qualities, and keep me in awe at how they navigate through the various challenges they've been given. What an immense blessing to have these women by my side in this life! We were together to especially celebrate our friendship with RaDawn, who was preparing to uproot her family that week and move on to new adventures in Idaho. Sadly, by the time we got around to taking this pic, several of the girls had left, but I'm glad I have it anyway!

Friday was going to be our big day to go to Worlds of Fun amusement park, but the 80% chance of thunderstorms in the threatening forecast, changed the plan. So, we rolled with the punches and found other things to do instead. Like traipse over to Ashlee's house for haircuts! While there, old friends and neighbors popped in and out, making it double the fun. We saw the Jone's, the Lindsey's and her boys and the new Walker baby!
When finished with the haircuts, we stopped by and visited a few more families including our dear, DEAR "babushka's"-Roza, Ida and Rosa!!! How we love them so, and WOW! Did we ever give them a great surprise!!! We enjoyed tea and cookies with them and memories, laughs and hugs.

Although I was sad to not be able to get around to everyone, it was good to catch up on some of the little and big changes.

We then enjoyed a relaxing evening with Aunt Jennie and her roommate, Janean, whom we all liked immediately! She's so out-going, vivacious, warm and friendly! We are very happy that Jennie has her in her life.
Saturday was WORLDS OF FUN/OCEANS OF FUN DAY! In spite of the long lines and waiting around on each other, the weather was great and it was FUN indeed.

We wrapped up the day at a farewell open house for the Bagley family hosted by the Bishop family. The Bagley's are one of those family's that love and serve unconditionally. They keep it REAL with no pretentious airs. They are stellar examples of living a very human existence with diligent, unwavering faith and by righteous principles. We have enjoyed growing relationships among our individual family members for 9 years, and UUUGGGHHH!!! We are going to miss having them close by. And I'll just say it---I am going to miss one of MY very best friends!

(We did NOT plan the outfits...we are just awesome like that! haha)

So, Sunday rolled around and we attended church with all our buddies, then headed over to Topeka for a birthday party. Our friends, Matt and Carrie Craft recently moved there from Augusta, and their daughter was celebrating a milestone b-day. It was so nice to be invited AND be able to attend!

So, now it's off to the next adventure: BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON. My eldest in HIGH SCHOOL, my girls in MIDDLE SCHOOL and my baby off to KINDERGARTEN. I wish I could keep it all away. But, since that's impossible...

bring on the action!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Experiences

The past few months have been fraught with energy-zapping experiences that have left me less than creative and illustrious. So, here's a quick run-down...
We've undergone some big changes.
If I were to pick up where my last post left off, I'd tell ya that our Allen hockey team DID go on to win the championship against Wichita. I thought you'd like to know that....
Especially due to the fact that Joe got a new job and we've since re-located back to the Wichita area.
The Lord certainly works in mysterious ways.
As much fun as there is to have there, we had some bizarre experiences in Texas. Even brutal.
But, as always, there is still much for which to be grateful!!!! Those periods of trial and difficulty were laced with beautiful miracles and those amazing tender mercies that are so vital to our existence. I wish I could share it all, because I love to share how the hand of the Lord is ALWAYS present and busy in our lives. There's SO much....
However, our number one reason in taking on the Texas venture was for LEARNING, and THAT was truly accomplished by all six of us. Joe ROCKED the business/networking world and that gift in him was cultivated and refined beautifully. It was so GREAT to watch him excel in those areas, and watch his confidence and countenance shine.
Through it all, we learned that although many things do not make sense to us now,
all our EXPERIENCES have given us EXPERIENCE.
In my head, that makes sense! I guess to me it means that we have
a great big NEW pocket filled with stories and people and LIFE.
An incredible resource to use for a further, higher purpose at a more perfect time and place.
And I know this: All of our experiences-even the icky ones-WILL BE FOR OUR GOOD.
What comforting knowledge!
"All things work together for good to them that love HIM"
Sadly though, I'll miss the culture, the weather, our beautiful home and neighborhood, community and all the incredibly sweet and loving people we now call friends! I'll miss the large population of members of our church and the strength that truly lies in those numbers. I'll especially miss that for my children, now that we have returned to the "wilderness"!
Honestly, I left with the feeling that so much was unaccomplished and unfinished.
Maybe it's because we are a family that seldom moves.
Whatever the case, it's simply a closed chapter now.
I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It has been comforting to have had Him so close and present during the past few months to guide us in our decision-making process. And for reasons we have yet to understand, we know we are absolutely where the Lord wants us to be.
We are thankful that Joe was able to get a job very quickly,
and that he will be better able to provide for our needs right now.
That is a responsibility he takes very seriously---so for that reason alone, the gratitude runs deep.
And, in case you are wondering---all this "experience" is seriously starting to make me feel OLD.
No rest for the ~~wicked~~ weary...
On to the next adventure.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Hockey game, anyone?

A few months ago, Joe acquired a patient whose brother is co-owner

of our local professional hockey team. Joe was asked to be the team chiropractor, but after a few meetings and negotiations with our company,

it was decided that it was not in the marketing budget this year.

(One has to pay INTO these sports franchises, and treat athletes for free

in order to receive further marketing perks.)

However, this relationship developed into a friendship and as a result, Joe started receiving several free tickets 1-2 times a week this entire season, not to mention spirit wear, and occasional VIP passes to the restaurant or boxes to meet hockey celebs!

Needless to say...we were priviledged to have a lot of fun, AFFORDABLE fun this winter.

Didn't you know there are cheerleaders in this sport?!

Uh...neither did we!

Might be a Texas thing...I'll look into that one of these days...

The team mascot, Biscuit, teases the kids...

MOST of the games we attended were against the Wichita Thunder...our hometown.

Initially, it was kinda awkward...not sure for whom to root!

But, all things considered...

"When in Rome..." won out, and we started to ROCK THE RED.

...Except the time daddy didn't change his shirt in time, and ended up in the opposing team's color: the Denver Cutthroat's GREEN. Funny.

There were always a few fights to liven things up.

Once time we let the kids out on the ice to help Biscuit pick up

all the hockey pucks thrown by the crowd.

They felt important.

Eventually, the Allen Americans continued to win their games

and are actually in the playoffs now for the season's final cup---

AGAINST WICHITA!

Thank you VERY much, Mr. Miller!!!

Fun times.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Birthday Season Part Four (final)

Soooo...turns out that turning twelve is a pretty BIG deal. It is the "new 13" so to speak. This is the age where our kids leave behind the Primary years, and enter the Youth Group! YIKES! But, as you may know, Miss Katie was BORN to be a teenager, so this has been an age she been LONGING for most of her life, seriously. Her actual birthday fell on a day with no school, so the day before, she invited her 6th grade classmates to stop by her house for an Open House on their way home from school for birthday treats to celebrate.

It was a really good way to fit in the large number of people she wanted over! Our house is a block from the school, and is perched on the corner, so it is easy access for many of her classmates. Pandora, popsicles, some candy, pop, and cupcakes were an easy, inexpensive way to make a lot of little "tweeners" super happy!

The day of her birthday was GIRLS DAY OUT. It started with a little trip over to a beauty product store for a tiny bit of make-up for those pesky blemishes and tasteful, age- appropriate tips from a specialist. (Advice that went over WAY better with her than if it were just from mom!)

Then it was off to the mall!
And what's a day out with the girls without some mani/pedi's!

Later that evening, we went out with her favorite Texas friend to a fun, Allen American's hockey game!

(She takes the best "selfie's"!)

Her favorite frozen yogurt was the perfect way to end the day of celebration.

Unsurprisingly, we are entering our most challenging stage yet with this incredible girl, and she's worth every ounce of effort we can give! She's meant to accomplish great things, and she's got the spirit, talent and gifts to match! We are so thankful for her creativity, intelligence, and keen, sharp senses. She brings laughter and TONS of dynamite into our lives. She's a great girl with sincere intent to develop friendships with everyone around her.

Aren't we so lucky to have her as our very own?!?!

Yes! Yes!! YES!!!

The Birthday Season Part Three

Our Balloons in Bed tradition continues...#14!!!!!

After school, we took him to HIS restaturant of choice,

where we embarrassed him by asking the staff to sing to him!

And, yep, I let my kids lick the candles.

As a gift, we took Jacob and his friends out to play at a local driving range.

You can only imagine the antics this group of 13-14 year olds came up with!

And later that day, he got to attend his first Stake Youth Dance along with another friend pictured here. In our church, the youth group gets together monthly with other youth groups of our church in area towns, to socialize in a fun, safe, and energetic environment. In spite of the fact that the crowd was small as many families were gone for Spring Break, he managed to dance the night away with a grand total of 9 young ladies, and even found himself on stage at one point to help the crowd with "YMCA".

What a guy.

He continues to be the light of my life, and this year is going to bring about many changes for him as his maturity level moves up another notch.

Looking forward to watching some of our hard work start to pay off with this guy as he starts to break out on his own in some areas of his life.

The Birthday Season-Part Two

The dear, sweet daddy at our house had a lot of work to do on his birthday. January was a brutal and stressful month at work. In the midst of that, he was ill with bronchitis. Sadly, he was not able to take off any time from work, and had to muscle through. Which he accomplished like a champ.

We did take time out to have a little lunch

at his favorite wings restaurant.

This is what we did the evening of his birthday--MARKETING at a health fair night at a local school.

*His assistant whips up cool balloon animals while he gives short massages to their parents.*

Cool operation.

No matter how busy we are, nor how late it is,

it is not officially your birthday at our house

until you've had the Birthday Song sung to you

and you've blown out your candles!

The following weekend, we did manage to get our hard-working daddy out for a lovely dinner.

He discovered a little restaurant at a country club that he wanted to try.

Quiet, secluded, affordable and mainly patronized by the local retired residents.

We found a new favortite.

By the time my birthday rolled around, Joe's bronchitis had worsened, and the kids were dropping like flies as well with fevers and coughs. It was hard to think of celebrating in the middle of that.

But, a loving neighbor popped in with a gift card, so we went out for lunch anyway,

requesting a secluded table in a corner. Sorry folks. We like birthdays around here.

Then we stopped by a local cake shop and had everyone pick out a cupcake.

Yum.

I feel my favorite birthday gift came in the form of a tender mercy: I did not get sick!

Joe later ended up at the emergency clinic with the flu and pneumonia, just thankful that it was the weekend and he was off work!

Jacob had bronchitis and ear infection

and the others were right behind him in their ailments, and it seemed to drag on and on.

Wow.

Yes, I think the Lord loves me!

(FYI-We eventually learned that most of their sickness was originally ALLERGY INDUCED

and that allergies are atrocious here in this area at that time of the year.

Now we know.)

The Birthday Season Part One

January-March is the height of the Birthday Season at our house

with 5 of 6 birthdays falling within those 3 months!

We started with Levi's big #5!

He got to celebrate his big day with a fun Mad Scientist party

complete with a range of fun experiments, activities and FRIENDS.

His best buddy here in Texas also happens to also have blonde hair, blue eyes, the same awesome energy

AND

the exact same birthday!

She is a great pal, full of life and spunk, and they get along beautifully, which of course is priceless.

So, it was double the candles, double the wishes and double the fun!

We later had a Cowboy party with just our family,

complete with a full-on "cowboy" grilled steak dinner and barn cake,

per the birthday boy's request.

Yes, time flies, and we naturally find it hard to believe he's grown so.

He continues to be the spunk and energy a growing family needs,

and I am daily amazed at the good friend he is to me, personally.

He is full of imagination and love,

with enough orneriness to keep him balanced.

Absolutely in love with this kid.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Christmas Catch Up-Part 3

We had plans to go home to the Wichita area a couple of days after Christmas.

It was debateable, since our world looked like THIS:

But, I determinedly set out, and white-knuckled it all the way to the Oklahoma border. The roads were awful clear up to that point. Then seriously, right at the border, the roads cleared, the interstate widened, and traffic thin out considerably. What a relief

Because, THIS is what awaited us---The open arms of our loving family!!

Ice Skating for Teenie's birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Teenie-beans!!!

Country fun is always heart-warming!

Built his very own fire-pit. Such a busy guy!

Waiting on the avid shoe-shoppers in the group

These girls know how to have fun!

These next 2 pictures are of some life-long friends. The first one is the "Moreland girls" and the "McBee girls". Our parents were friends in high school, so we've literally been friends forever!

One of my sisters planned the surprise reunion, and it was thrilling!

And this next picture is my brood with another dear friend and her brood! She's been a "kindred spirit" of mine since the 6th grade! She and her hubby recently bought her grandparents farm, where we had roamed and played together for years. And, just as we dreamed about in days past, she is getting the chance to gut the entire house and remodel it! That makes me very, very happy.

(As does her doggie-of-choice!)