GREAT NEWS!

Before I start my ramblings about our family life, I want to share with you some great news, Jeffrey is no longer having surgery next Monday! Due to the insight of a clever nurse, we have decided to not do the Rhizotomy. Instead we are doing some different things with his Baclofen Pump and looking at a different surgery in about a years time but until then, we are going to let his body heal and rest! We are so happy and know that because of your prayers, we are enjoying this great blessing. Thanks for your support. Now on with our daily lives... This Halloween I had the opportunity to Substitute Julie's class at school and I actually had a really good time doing it. The kids were great and Julie's incredible teacher, had some great lesson plans which made the day fly by. As soon as school got over, we ran home, changed into their costumes and made our annual trip South to go and see grandparents and great grandparents and show off their costumes. First stop, the fire station and Grandpa West : The kids love coming to see their Grandpa at work every Halloween. It just wouldn't be the same if we didn't see a fire truck on that spooky day.....Next, we stopped at Little Grandma & Grandpa Websters: Grandma was the only one home at the time because Grandpa was at Parkers game (where he caught 3 touchdowns...I am so proud of my cousin!). Grandma asked Julie and Jackson if they thought Jeffrey would like a piece of candy, Jeffrey loudly responded "YEAH!" We all laughed! Next stop, Little Grandma West: Grandma was not expecting us so it was fun to see the shocked look on her face when she opened the door, actually, priceless would be a better word. While Grandma and I talked about different things the kids were gravitated to the horses that were being unloaded in the corrals. The lady who owns the horses brought a beautiful horse down to visit the kids named Ashley. Now, I have to say, I love horses!!! I love riding them, petting them, just being around them and it is something I miss a lot. Unfortunately, my kids haven't been exposed to horses that much, if at all so this was amazing to them. This great neighbor asked Julie and Jackson if they wanted to sit bareback on Ashley. To my surprise, Julie said yes and Jackson said no. So we put Julie on the horse and a bigger smile couldn't be found anywhere! She loved it!!! After a few minutes, Jackson saw that the horse was a friend and decided to get on with Julie. It was priceless to me, and to my Grandma, to see my kids sensing a tiny bit of some of the memories I had when I was very young. Next stop Grandma Nalders & Scott: Since we had taken so long in the South end of the valley, we didn't have much time to talk with them but the kids were glad that they got to see them and get a few extra pieces of candy. Then we rushed home where Chris, Beka, Tyler, & James were waiting! We hurried and ate dinner and Jeffrey and I shoved them out the door to go trick or treating while we passed out candy and our annual homemade root beer for our family and friends. (The kids loved Trick or Treating with Tyler!!! Thanks for coming for the weekend Chris & Beka.) Grandma and Grandpa McBride stopped by after they got back, but by this time, I think I was too tired to have the energy to get off my butt and get the camera out so I apologize that there is no picture with them. Here is a final shot of the fun Wizard of Oz Halloween we had: The next day we had the chance to pick up Courtney and Camri at the airport for a stay that lasted over a week! We loved spending time with them again and Camri thrilled and charmed us all with all her new tricks and how much she has grown. Court, Camri and I spent a day with Little Grandma & Grandpa Webster and had fun laughing at this great Binky that Court's friend gave her: This year the theme for the Reflections contest was: What makes you say, "Wow!" Both Julie and Jackson had entries and even though they didn't win, they did a great job and wanted to share their work with all of you: Julie entered under the photography category. She took these pictures by herself, picked out the colors for the collage and put them in order. She did a great job....way to go Goose! Jackson entered in visual arts and this is dedicated to his Grandpa West. Jackson loves his Grandpa and thinks it is so cool that he is a fireman and saves peoples lives. He came up with this all by himself and it took a long time to finish. Way to go Magoo!
Tonight the kids performed with some of their friends in the school talent show. I love watching these 5 kids perform this classic song! They did a great job and sounded amazing:
In all, we have been busy but no more than the normal. We hope you all had as great a Halloween as we did! We are excited for Thanksgiving and getting to spend more time with our family and friends. I have to say, I love the cooking of the food, the great conversations, and just spending time with those you love on this great day. I hope to update before then!