Random Acts of Kindess, Christmas pjs and Concrete

We organized another round of Random Acts of Kindness. We did this 2 years ago with a big group of kids and it was a lot of fun. This year we had about 11 kids in a limo...and planned 5 different stops before heading downtown to dinner.

 

The first RAK was delivering Starbucks cards and treats to some of the teachers at school.

 

 

And then we headed to the Animal Defense League. The kids all brought donations for the animals and we got to tour the facilities. We spent a long time there!

Next step was the dog park in MacAllister Park. We dropped a big basket of tennis balls to leave inside the park.

 

And the firehouse is always a fun place to stop!!! We went to visit the AH Fire Dept in their new location. They are good customers of mine, so I asked if we could stop to deliver treats and say thanks! The firemen spent a lot of time with the kids showing them all parts of the trucks.

 

The last stop was Travis Park. We made cold weather kits for homeless people who usually stay in the park. The park was all lit up and there were some people to hand kits to. We left some on park benches with a note attached. It's an eye opening experience for the kids.

 



And we ended with dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse. We had 3 hrs of fun and spreading Christmas cheer and wishes.

Making progress on the addition....they poured concrete so we now have a slab and can see what the space will feel like! So exciting.

 

 

And after an especially rough day, it's always best to put on your Christmas pjs and Santa hat...and crawl into bed. Sweet dreams!!

 



This and that....

So...to catch up a bit....we had a great Thanksgiving at the ranch! Mike and the kids went up early. They stayed pretty busy! Mom and I came on Tuesday....a day late thanks to I35 being shut down because of a wreck!!! We were forced to spend the night at Embassy Suites...with a comfy drak, cold room, and dinner in bed...and Dancing with the Stars finale. Somehow to managed to make it through the night. :)  Shirley came on Wednesday. Lots of good food and fun!!!

 

Extra fun time with cousins! Christopher and Kyle came on Friday.

 



 

Mike, Joshua and Sophia stayed through the weekend but Jake and I went home on Saturday.

 

Another Wee Wille is wearing glasses!! Sophia went to the eye dr and her vision is bad enough to need glasses. Looking pretty cute!!!

 

And then it was off for a field trip with Joshua's class to Natural Bridge Caverns!

I think this picture is upside down! Joshua was the main photographer while we were in the caverns!!

This is huge....such an exciting event. Ground breaking on the addition. 250 square feet of sewing space. I am SO excited. Business has grown so much and it will be so nice to move out and get our house back!!!! Construction has a long way to go...but atleast they have started!!!

 

And how about these cuties?? Christmas pjs came today!!

Jake had a concert at school. They played 4 Christmas songs. They sounded amazing!!!

 

And 2 of my favorite pics from our latest session with Brenda. Love these so much. Makes me smile every time I look at them.

12 days to Christmas. Orders are close to being done. Presents are being wrapped. Excitement is mounting!!!!

Living in Fast Forward....

Busy busy times around here. I guess I should be used to it by now. But the Christmas rush strikes fast!!! Retail at Christmas is just nuts!! I spread into 4 rooms while working.

 

 

Ornaments and trees were a huge hit!! I did 75 ornaments. Glitter was everywhere!

 

 

We did find time to have Finola over for a sewing lesson. So cute to see both girls sewing away. They made bookmarks and little purses.

All bundled up to walk home. It was a cold and wet day.

And...the littlest Wille lost his first tooth!! He had 2 on the bottom that have been wiggly for SO long.

Finally one was ready and Joshua pulled it out himself. A bittersweet event...our last first tooth falling out.

So...here we are at the end of November...headed up to the ranch for Turkey Day. Excited for the next few weeks. Lots going on. Hopefully construction will start on the new addition!!! Finally got all the paperwork and permits finalized. It will be such a happy day when I get to move my "shop" out of the house!

Halloween Fun!!!

This year we had a painter, a football player and an Army guy. We celebrated Reformation Fest at church the weekend before Halloween. And on Halloween night we went to the Marafiotos, Grammy's and then to the Dunlaps. Lots of fun!!

 

 

 Cake walk fun at church...

 

Kyle and Christopher were some pretty cute Ghostbusters!

 

All the Halloween fun made for some tired kids!!!

 

 

This week....

School pictures...there are no words. :) I didn't order any for the boys...but so glad we got this proof home. These are truly a keepsake!

 

 

 

 

Sophia has been complaining about her ankle for over a week now. We're not sure what she did....but it has been hurting. So I finally took her to AH Minor Emergency and she left in a boot. They tend to be a bit overly cautious there. Said it was a growth plate sprain and to keep her in the boot for a week.

 

 

 

So...this is how I found her clothes for the next day. :)

And...last but not least...we had one participant for the bike rodeo this year. Joshua did not want to do it and Sophia has the boot on. So, Jake was the only one representing the Wee Wille's. He has been quick to point out "This is my LAST bike rodeo at Northwood!!" And he ended up getting 3rd place. Way to go Jake!!

 



Catching Up...

Wow...not sure what happened the past few weeks. I think life got in the way of blogging!!!

What have we been up to??

 

Well...watching Jake's last PTA program at Northwood! 5th grade sang 3 patriotic songs.

 

 

Hard to believe this is the program we watched just 5 short years ago!!! Time flies!

 

We've been spending a lot of time on soccer fields! Joshua has one practice and Jake has two each week. Both boys are really enjoying it!!

 

 

Sophia gets to hang out with little ones while the boys practice.

 

And...we have time for snow cones on Wednesdays after school. A cool treat on a hot day!!!

This morning was Donuts for Dads at school. All 3 were up early and coloring at the table waiting for Mike to get ready to leave.

Life seems pretty fast paced right now. But everyone is happy!

Beach Pics 2014...

Another great session of beach pics this year with Brenda. The kids look so much older...and we added braces and glasses to the look. :)