Daddy Jeffrey's Birthday and other fun November events!

The PAL Bears (Josh's football team) had a banquet to celebrate their season.  When I told Josh we were going to a Bears banquet he said "Why the Bears going to the bank?"  We keep running into these English words we haven't covered yet and I guess "banquet" is one of them.  When I explained it was a dinner for all the players and families he said "Why not say dinner?"  This kid has a good point.  Why do we have lots of words for the same thing in the English language?  It is hard to explain to an ESL child. 

The Bears banquet was great and Josh got an award for "most improved" player.  The coaches told cute stories about Josh and his first attempt at tackle football.  At the beginning he knew nothing and at the end he was one of their hardest hitters.  The coach called Josh his little Troy Polamalu.  Of course Josh had no idea who that was so we had to look him up on the internet.  Josh didn't comment much on Troy's tackling because all he could say was "look at his hair!" 

Jeff's birthday was Saturday so we had our family birthday dinner at Cheddar's.  It's always fun to get together with family and eat!  The kids loved having Cousin Matt, Uncle Kirk & Aunt Jenni, plus both their Grandmas with us. 

We had a big storm come into the area Sunday afternoon so we thought it might be a good time to get our deck area winterized and the kayaks put up before cold weather really sets in.

We are ready for winter.  Bring it on!  Praise God the storm didn't do any damage in our area.  We have been praying for the horrible conditions in the Philippines.  The area (Orion, Bataan) where Josh & Cate are from was safe from the storm but the results were devastating in other areas south of them.  Please pray for these people as the country tries to recover from this terrible loss and destruction.  Thanks for praying for us and reading the blog.  Blessings to all of you.  We are thankful for our family and friends but most of all for our God that is in charge of all things!  We can stay calm and let his plan work out for our good!

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

November arrives

This has been a slow week which is just what we needed after a whirlwind of birthdays and Halloween.  The candy is still flowing and it is about to overtake us.  We definitely need to get back to better eating. 

This past week Josh has had some ear issues and a trip to the doctor had to happen.  While he was in getting the ear checked the doctor thought flu shots were in order. The kids are always very tough when it comes to injections.  This time proved the same.  They neither one ever knew they had been injected!

Cate's elementary school had a book fair.  This is always a good time to pick up a couple new books.  We love love to encourage reading and Cate is turning into a fabulous reader!  Nice work Cate!

Josh is involved with a sports group called AWP which stands for Athletes with a Purpose.  It is a good all round winter conditioning program promoting agility and strength.  Josh is doing great.  We really love that the boys always pray together at the end.  We just can't get enough of prayer and good role models in our lives!

Saturday after lunch we decided to visit the batting cages and mini golf at The Plex.  It was fun for us to get out and enjoy ourselves together.

A quick stop at Grandma Joan's to see her plus added treat was Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tim were in town for a visit.

On Sunday we met the Boroff family at SkyZone for jumping time.  These 4 kiddos all got their start in life in the Philippines at King's Garden Children's Home and now they are living life in the USA less than an hour apart.  We love Moses and Sandria and Mom Julie.  They are family to Josh & Cate.

Josh and Cate both enjoy helping out in the kitchen.  Never too early to start cooking!

Blessings to all of you. 

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

Halloween 2013!

Halloween is a favorite time of year because these kids love candy!  They can't get enough candy!  Cate had a fun class party that she really enjoyed.  Nurse Cate was loving it all!

Josh's uniform was created to accent the WWI helmet from his Great Grandpa Denham.  We've had it in our family for awhile (actually given to Nick I think but somehow stayed at our house) so we thought it was perfect for Josh.  Josh talks about the military alot and someday may be a member.  He enjoyed his costume/uniform and really seemed to look the part.

Sweet Cate got her nurse's uniform/accessories from her Ate (big sister)Autumn.  Cate was a great nurse.  She has such a caring personality she fits the part perfectly.  Autumn did not have a hat so Cate and her dad created one after watching a utube video.  Who would of thought somsething like that would of been out there on the internet.  (Thanks Lynn for that tip!)

  Neighborhood kids strolled along together.  Dads followed behind.  It was a cold rainy night but it didn't dampen these kids spirits!  And they got plenty of candy as you can see from their stashes below!

November is adoption celebration month and a local radio station (88.3) always hosts an annual event to celebrate the cause.  We have attended the past 3 years but I must say this one was the best yet.  The speaker/singer/worship leader was Karyn Williams and she was fantastic.  She grew up with 15 adopted children in her family and certainly has a story to tell.  She is one of 19 kids.  Wow!

  You were allowed to send in pictures of your adopted kids so the following are pictures that were shown on their slideshow honoring adoptees. 

Josh & Cate got new dress/church coats and shoes.  Here they are modeling them before church this weekend.

Both Josh & Cate love helping in the kitchen.  Cate helped with our bedtime snack of milkshakes.  The only problem was we didn't make enough for seconds!  Good job Cate!

We had a great weekend and amazingly these 2 actually played together and got along part of the time.  They usually do not even like being in the same room together let alone this close so I had to take a picture.

They seem to love their kayaks.  Even though it was a bit chilly they still wanted to take their daily ride with their kayaks.  So glad we found something they love to make their birthday special.

For dinner on Sunday night we met Grandma & Grandpa at the local Pizza Hut.  We always love seeing them.

 

Once again Faith & Family are everything to us.  We pray you know Jesus and have great family members to support you.  Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.  Karyn Williams said her life verse was Galatians 1:10.  Am I trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? 

Great question.  It sure gives me something to think about.  Have a blessed week!

 

Choosing joy,

Chris & crew