Time Keeps on Ticking, ticking, ticking...into the FUTURE

 I know very profound. About as deep as it gets for me.  We've had a full quarter (it's been that long since my last post) although from the looks of these boys, they need to get out more.

Boston's new passion is fishing and he will jump at any opportunity to go. Eric was the hero this day as they caught more than 10 fish. My rule is that no fish are allowed in my kitchen so it's a catch and release system. Why do fish have to stink so bad?

Football capitalized most of our fall with games every week and practise every day.  Mornings started at 5:15 with waking up for seminary then headed straight to football practise and a full day of school and sometimes finishing with weigh lifting after school, homework, games, Young Life, mutual, and lots of needed sleep. Unfortunately bed time is all often midnight as we are all trying to squeeze in as much as possible.  The twins finished their season with 9 wins and 3 losses earning them 2nd place in district. They were sure fun to watch.

Completely exhausted after a long day.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, received record breaking rain and much of the area was flooded. 1000s of people from Houston was asked to help in the clean up efforts.  Eric and the twins were able to go for a weekend and put their "shoulder to the wheel" (that song always make me laugh).  They were put to work and came home exhausted yet fulfilled.  Elder Russel M. Nelson came to the sacrament meeting they attended.

Kennedy has done an awesome job this year with her debate team. They have taken 1st place in many tournaments and Kennedy has done her part to get them there.  Debate is not for wimps.  You have to be on your A game mentally and physical (you're on your feet all day long, sometimes running from one end of a campus to another, in heels, for 2 straight days).  Eric and I were able to sit in o one of Lincoln Douglas debates and she blew us out of the water.  She is heads and tails ahead of where we are even as 43 year old adults. She down plays everything and never feels like she's done enough but take my work for it - she's top notch!

We purchased these suits in Utah this summer and every time I see the boys all together in them, my heart skips a beat then I have to hold back tears. They are growing up and clean up nicely.

 

We have enjoyed having the the offensive and defensive line over to our house for film night dinner.  Eric even created a club called "The Meatmovers" and had t-shirts made for them.  These boys are so much fun to be around and have formed a bond that hopefully will continue.

This is Eric telling them about the t-shirts he had made.

Here they are excited...

And immediately put the shirts on, bellies and all.  Boys have no shame. Every film night they bring out the scale and weigh themselves in front of each other.  So far Leighton takes the cake with weighing the most.  Not sure when that was a good thing but they all play the game.

And a little street ball just so they can get their hands on the ball.  Most linemen don't get the glory.  Your job is to protect the quarterback and make holes. That's it. I like the simplicity.

I snuck away for a girl's weekend somewhere in the mix. Lynette, Jann, Kimberly and I went to Austin for a little R and R. We stayed at a swanky hotel and relaxed by the pool and went to Nordstrom (in our swimsuits and cover  ups as plans changed a bit) to get our make up done by Jann's daughter Kelsie and her co-workers. Nothing like being under all those lights in your swim suit and wrinkles to remind you that you're not a spring chicken anymore.

We enjoyed lunch and dinner when we felt like it and found some nice shots on my cell phone.

Here in Texas there is this powder that people take for headaches (I referred to this in an earlier post when Brad Beckstead came to visit).  Kimberly is showing me how it's done.  She chased it down with a Diet Coke.

Kennedy with Dr. Ellis right after she got her braces off, just in time for senior yearbook pictures. She had to take cap n gown pics before the school year even started. I am still in denial.

Boston, the man child, turned 11 September 20, 2016. He's wearing a suit that would fit the average man and a size 11 shoe too. He's still in love with baseball and is in constant motion.  If his calendar isn't full he doesn't know what to do with himself. He wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings (every year this is where he wants to go) but when we got there at 8:30 pm on a Tuesday night after his baseball practise, there was an hour wait! We vacillated over our options and Eric decided if Boston wants wings, HOOters is the place to eat wings.  I went into a bit of a panic because I've never been to Hooters.  All I know is it's namesake. Eric assured me it would be alright.  When we entered the restaurant we were immediately seated by girls in tank tops and shorts with nude colored panty house under their shorts.  They were more modest than what I see at Walmart. Even Kennedy gave the place her seal of approval. That's saying a lot. Eric ordered 100 wings (the twins had their buddy Zach with them) and Boston and those boys plowed through all those wings.  I wasn't impressed with the food but it wasn't about me. Boston did a little hula hooping with with the Hooters girls and we sang happy birthday to him and called it a success.

Once we got home, Eric surprised Boston (and me) with a framed array of Derek Jeter autographed pictures and cards.  It was a once in a life time gift and Boston has it hanging in his room front and center.  Our chiropractor and good friend, Dr. Bergeson, made it all happen.  He has connections and put it all together last minute.

Eric and a couple other local athletes spoke at a youth face-to-face fireside and did an amazing job. I am always nervous with what might be shared but Eric kept it real and shared his spiritual, fun and inspiring experiences with the kids (and adults). This was posted on our local stake Facebook page.

Our stake participated in a fun service project at the Houston Food Bank. It's the largest food bank in the nation.  It was a smooth operation.

We were graced with double visitors! Ashley came for a couple days and my parents stayed for 10 days. Have I expressed how I feel about visitors??? I really look forward to it and cherish when they come.  Ashley and my parents jumped into all the chaos and embraced it like it's what they do every day:)  Actually Ashley has 4 girls at home and a long awaited boy in the oven so she said this way a break coming here.  My parents keep up with 20 some grand kids that live around them so they are well seasoned.

I came back from dropping kids off at school (not at the pool:), and found my mom and Ashley in my attic trying to see if there was enough space up there to build it out.  Love their ambition.  Ashley actually stepped in the wrong place and put a whole a hole in the ceiling.  I was just glad she didn't fall through. She offered to spackle it right up and I told her not to worry about it. It was pretty funny.  Kennedy asked me the other day what happened to the ceiling and she got a good laugh.

My parents first experience with kolache's - sweet bread/roll with either sausage and cheese or ham and swiss or boudain (spicy sausage with rice).  I have slowly adapted but still not my favorite.  The kids love them.

If you've ever watched Fixer Upper, you know Joanna and Chip for to Round Top to a massive outdoor flea market.  The weekend fell perfect for our visitors so we drove the 2 hours to market and spent the day.  I was done after an hour and so was Ashley but these guys, could've stayed for days (except my dad - he's not much of a shopper but is a good sport).  

The girls shopped together and the boys did their own thing.

Ashley sat in every chair she could find.  It was a bit hot and she's preggo...

A vintage high chair just like my Grandma Jenks used to have. Fond memories.

Gross!!!  Not sure what he ate but it stuck around for a while.

Ashley and my dad are avid readers and could sit in chaos all day and read.

Boston played in a baseball tournament that benefited one of his best friend's - Joseph Fleming.  

Ashley doing what she loves.

The whole family game out to support him.

Team prayer

Boston received the game ball as he pitched a no hitter.  He went to visit Joseph in the hospital the next day and gave the ball to him.

Joseph and Boston

We took Ashley to Galveston for lunch and to see the ocean (my parents have been before) and it was a gorgeous day.  Days like this are few and far between.  

Lots of football games

Kennedy and her book:)

A rare moment when Boston is sitting.

Eric soaking it all up.  He had shirts made for us as well.  I wear mine with love.

My parents have become quite the golfers and I thought it would be fun to spend a couple hours at Top Golf.  Lots of people have raved about this place and wanted to try it out.  I've never golfed before and my dad would tell you that I get the most improved golfer award.  Seems I'm a natural:) We ate a little lunch there too.

Friday night lights and patriotic half time.  This town knows how to celebrate our country and support our community.

So sad when my parents have to leave.  We are aching to do something about this distance between us.  Change is a comin'.

Boston's buddy Nic moved to Nashville in August and it was a sad day but he came back to visit for a fun filled weekend.  Baseball cards are always a hit.  Nic got Boston really excited about baseball cards when they became friends and now Boston spends lots of time researching what cards are worth and has even tried to sell a few on ebay.

A game that he made at school out of cardboard boxes.  Love the creativity.  I can't remember the name of it but it was impressive.

Halloween creeps up on me and we're always throwing costumes together last minute.  Dwight (from the office), Super-sized Boston (which resembles a skinned chicken to me), and the Colonel all owned their costumes, especially Dwight.  In fact, a week later, I told Leighton Dwight needed to go away.

And Daisy from Great Gatsby, stole the show.  Kennedy knows how to do things up right.

Love these kids and all their personality!

Kennedy gave Eric the game "Cash Flow" last year for Christmas and we are just barely getting around to playing it.  It's a great real life game of how you acquire real estate and wealth.  Kennedy and Eric were in 7th heaven and I couldn't wait for it to be over.  Once you get out of the "rat race" you WIN.  Interesting concept.

We did a little landscaping to the exterior of our house, painted the shutters black and painted the trim and replace the gutters.  Sometimes a little makeover is all you need.

This little fury white caterpillar is called an "asp" and their little needles are very painful.  I found one on my table the other day.  Luckily they are slow but pack a punch.  You have to use duct tape to get the needles out of your skin if they come in contact with you.

I made these cookies for Kennedy and her debate team and brought them to her tournament and struggled to understand the tag.  She is a lover of puns and I had to explain it to her.  Do you get it?

A little blurry date night selfie.

Boston's friend Joseph passed away October 23 of liver cancer.  It was a tough 3 month battle that broke my heart.  His life ceremony was amazing and fitting as it was held at the local little league field where one of the fields was named after him.  All the boys wore their baseball uniforms and everyone else either wore a baseball jersey or shirts that were made to honor Joseph. The knowledge that this life isn't the end, gives us all hope and knowing that he's happy and not in pain, makes it all easier to handle.  Boston misses Joseph but knows he's in a better place.

Eric and I squeezed in a 3 day trip to Denver to visit with Matt and Nedra and do a little financial planning. Matt works with Edward Jones and has built a very respectful business for himself.  He's helped us set up an awesome retirement plan to get there by age 52.  His lovely wife made the most delicious dinner for us and we also spent time at a cooking class making holiday food.  Such a fun time!

Matt and Nedra are foster parents and have hearts of gold.  Antoine came to them when he was 2 months old and then diagnosed with stomach cancer at 4 months old.  They were in for the long haul and fell head over heals in love with this little guy.  His mother recognized what Matt and Nedra could provide for him and knew the right thing to do was allow Matt and Nedra to adopt him.  He was officially theirs this last spring.  The sweet baby Nedra is holding is Henry.  He will be going back to his mom tomorrow.  Foster parenting is not for the faint of heart.  Matt and Nedra received an award this past year where they were named the "National Foster Parents" of the year.  They first received the award for Colorado then National.  They are amazing!   So blessed to be their friends.

Eric and Kennedy spent the first half of Thanksgiving break visiting Eric's mom and brother and family in Seattle.  They spent some time at Pike's Place Market, the Zoo and hanging out with family. Eric made a traditional Thanksgiving meal for everyone and he said it was second to none.  He's not modest when it comes to his cooking abilities.  He has a serious talent and love.

Jackson is giving a wrestling another try.  The last time he wrestled was when he was 6.  He hit the ground running and ended up winning in overtime on his first match.  It was entertaining to say the least.  In fact, I forgot how entertaining wrestling matches are.  Looking forward to months of tournaments.  Leighton is trying out Lacrosse but has been sidelined since the last football game from a concussion.  They don't take concussions lightly anymore.  It's almost a month later and he's still going to physical therapy and hasn't been cleared to lift weights or get his heart rate over 113 beats per minute.  Hoping next week to get back in the saddle.

I continue to be busy with cookies and am grateful for the opportunities this business has provided us. We are approaching the Christmas season and I am gearing up for dozens and dozen of cookies.  But first Eric and I are heading to Costa Rica to spend a week with my parents, Shannon and Dave, Kameron and Christine and my aunt Julia and her husband Kelly.  Timing is crazy but something I'm really looking forward to. Our friends, The Davis', are watching the kids and I hope they're still our friends when we get back.  Going to be an adventure... for them.  I'm heading on vacation!