Happy Thanksgiving! Unless your name is Kobe.

So, Kobe is sick. He has strep and is down for the count. Non-functional, and in pain. I feel so bad for him. I have had my share of this sickness until I finally had my tonsils removed when I was 25. Haven't had it since. Not sure how he got it. We went to the KC - Steelers game last weekend. Did some shopping in Lawrence and in KC. Could have been exposed pretty much anywhere. Praying the antibiotics kick in SOON. Poor guy.

Non-the-less, I am so thankful for my family and loved ones. We have lost some dear ones this past year. But the memory of them still lives strong in our hearts. We are blessed to have so many of our family and friends nearby. God has led us to a wonderful church and some amazing pastors. We have a place to call home, food on the table, and clothes on our backs. Thanks be to God for the greatness in our lives!

Kobe is 12!

Twelve years ago today I gave birth to my youngest son. I can remember it like it was yesterday. He was a good baby, and loved to watch his older brother dance and jump around him. He's grown into a young man whose sensitive side makes him an awesome kid! He got straight A's this quarter, is musically skilled in piano, guitar, and trombone, and is friend to many! He just learned he made honor choir after auditioning in sept. I am proud and full of joy to have him as my son!

Both boys have started basketball. I was unable to attend Caden's football award banquet cuz of a CE trip to Vegas. He earned a letter this year, which was great! Caden was also selected for district choir which is a big accomplishment!

Thanksgiving is a week away, with Christmas not far behind. Time is a flyin by! Birthdays definitely make you realize that...

Another last day...

Today is Kobe's last football game in grade school. We are headed to Kingman in a bit. I know he is ready to be done, but there is something about this being it. No more youth football for me...ever. Caden has one more game left also. My children are growing up too fast.

Caden has 4 friends over last night for a movie. I was up till midnight baking cookies and making pizza. Caden played really well, and had a great solo tackle. Even though we didn't pull out a W, there were no injuries!

We are excited to go to the Chiefs/Steelers game in Nov. Tim was able to get us tickets! I haven't been to a Chiefs game in a long time. Caden is super excited cuz he's a big Steelers fan. We will see KU play MU after Thanksgiving. Mom's coming too. Now that Kobe is done with Sat. games, we can actually do stuff.

Tomorrow is my 36th birthday. Not that thrilled. It's not fun anymore. Happy Birthday to me...whoop-ti-doo...

I have PT conferences on Monday. Kobe got straight A's, with a few A+'s! Not sure about Caden. We will see.

November is a busy month, so not sure I will blog much. I have to work in Colby, then Kobe's piano recital, then on to Vegas for TBSE(dental convention), then Kobe's 12th bday, then Chiefs game, then Thanksgiving and Black Friday, and then the KU game. I'm tired just thinking about it.

On top of all that, basketball starts! YES!

Tomorrow is Caden's last JV football game. It's a game that they have a pretty good chance of winning. His sophomore year of football has been trying. But he has been able to get a lot of playing time and experience out of this season. The last 2 games will be quite difficult as they are playing Andale and Buhler to end the season. Honestly, I wouldn't be too upset if Caden missed both of these. He is going to be up against some rather large guys on the line and frankly, I'm a little nervous. I'll definitely be praying for his safety, as basketball is right around the corner. Caden finished up his bball league today. I think he enjoyed it, and he made some new friends.

Kobe has one more game and he is ready. He has been injured most of his season and finds himself not ever getting healthy before re-injuring himself. Both boys have made many trips to the chiro and hopefully once football is over, they can recover quickly. Kobe is excited for Halloween. He is going to dress up as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. His costume is comical and I'm sure he'll be able to play the part well. I am sad that I will miss the Halloween parade this year though. His last march in the parade...I'll be at work.

My dental office will be headed to Vegas again this year for our annual seminar. Luckily, I will be home for Kobe's 12th bday! I had to miss it last year. He is already planning for it of course!

The weather was beautiful today! After a week of bitter cold temps in the 30's, it was great to see and feel the sunshine! It was also a great day for the KC Chiefs as they finally won a game! Sadly, KU had their first loss of the season yesterday against Colorado. Not sure we will end up making a football game this year! Might get to see the Chiefs and the Steelers play, but not sure.

The boys and I get to go see Wicked at the end of the month. We really wanted to see this show in NYC on Broadway, but couldn't get the tickets for our group. The show is on tour and is in Wichita! We are very excited!!! Michael didn't really want to go.

Time for bed.

Caden and I are going to Peru in June of 2010! It's a mission's trip for Westside's youth. Caden really wanted to go, but not alone. So, now I'm gonna tag along! We are excited and are starting to save up for the trip. Caden is doing childcare at the church during small groups and will eventually send letters asking for contributions. I think this will be a great opportunity for him to grow in Christ. Looking forward to it.

Today is also my grandma Unruh's birthday! She has been such a great inspiration to me and my kids. If it weren't for her and my grandpa, our family wouldn't have the strong faith in God that we all have. Praise the Lord for them!

Can we get into a routine already???

Trip to Cali was great! Mia was taking steps, 15 was her high while we were there. She was attached to nana at the hip of course, and I'm sure is having a bit of withdrawal now that she's gone. My brother said that all she wants to do is walk...with support...all over cuz that's what my mom did with her the entire week. We celebrated her 1st birthday with a gigantic cake and gifts. It was a good time. Walked around Stanford campus one evening, drove to Big Basin (redwoods), and went to the Aquarium at Monterey for Mia's bday! The trip was short, however, and we miss them so much.

Caden marched today at the fair and the band received 1+ ratings! They have a great marching band, and this year's theme is the Beatles.

Caden started his first Varsity football game on the 4th, and had a great JV game tonight. Even though they are struggling to get their first Win on the season, a visible improvement can be seen. Kobe has his first game this Sat, as last weeks was rained out. He is pumped for sure.

I wish we could get into a routine around here. It seems like it's busier than ever. AWANA starts this wed as well. Crazy thing is, Christmas is right around the corner. Enjoying my time though. It's precious.

We had Sunday school this past Sun in our newly built children's dept. Adult classes met also. It has been a year since we put a halt to all SS to begin the expansion project. "Kidstown" looks great!

Peace.

More to note...

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Caden has officially moved into his room. I can't even really remember how long ago we started it, but thankfully he is in. Michael still has some final touches to do, and the bathroom to complete, but that's it. The girls can finally have their room all to themselves.

Speaking of the girls, I went to Sara and Val's matches last night in Halstead. Was very impressed with Val's improvement since last year. She is hitting and serving with great control and power. Sara did awesome as well. She had some great plays at the net and stuff blocks. Her team struggled with passing so she didn't get as much opportunity to hit as she could. I enjoyed watching! Em hung out with me while I was there. Great night!