Celebrating Veterans Day

Brandon's grandfather served in World War II in some very big battle. After his death, the family discovered his journals and it really is amazing that he even survived the war when the vast majority of men that served with him didn't.

As a tribute to him, and many other soldiers who gave their life for our country, I am teaching my boys to be patriotic. This year for Veterans Day we didn't get a flag in our yard from the scout groups in our neighborhood. It was sad because we typically recite the Pledge of Alliance outside on the days they bring it to our yard. Since we didn't, we made a trip to our city cemetary and visited the Veterans Monument they have there. It is a touching memorial and I shed a few tears as I pondered on the sacrifice so many young men and woman give/gave.

Before leaving we made sure to do the Pledge of Alligence with the flag they luckily had waving proudly there. I will be forever grateful for the blessing I have to live in the USA and those who serve to keep wickedness and destruction from consuming our nation.

Homeschool fieldtrip

In November one of the homeschool groups we are a part of went to the Bean Museum. We needed something to do that week so we went along. Every time we go the boys have to take a picture of them howling with the wolf. It is so hilarious. I'm pretty sure this statue is going to be part of their favorite childhood memories. I've never gotten in trouble for letting them climb all over it, so I hope it was built for that purpose.

The best way to lose a tooth

It's a bit difficult to tell what this pile of brown yuck is, but it is the remnants of a chocolate frog and a tooth. Peter was enjoying a frog the day after his birthday. He suddenly started gagging. This pile of yuck landed on the counter and we all got so excited. I think it was such fun way to lose a tooth. Hurray for chocolate frogs.

The Epic Birthday Party

We have never hosted a friend birthday party for the kids. We knew though that Peter's 8th birthday called for a fantastic celebration that he would never forget. He decided it had to be a Harry Potter theme, so we rolled with it and ended up having a great time.

I managed to collect some great props from family members and nearby friends. I even made chocolate frogs to send home with the guests. It was enjoyable and Peter was thrilled with all the gifts he got. I'm so glad we were able to make this birthday memorable. He is a pretty shy kid and to have all the attention focused on him for a few hours was impressive. He was great at being polite and kind to all his guests.

Something new

I have voted faithfully every year since turning 18. This year a few weeks before Election Day I read about voting by mail and I decided to give it a try. I already knew whom I wanted to vote for, so I signed up, received my ballot in the mail, and sent it right back in. It was the greatest thing ever. No standing in line with children, and I had a teaching moment with the boys while I was filling it out. I think this will become a new "normal" for me.

The Year of the Deer

Our neighbor is a avid hunter. This year he decided to put this on the shed roof that faces our back door. It was horrible and I hated looking at it so much. For about three weeks I kept the drapes closed so I wouldn't have to look at it. The boys thought it was gross too, but they would always talk about it with their friends. Yucky! I hope he never again decides to put a deer head on his shed roof.

Halloween

The boys were so excited about this years Halloween costumes. They had been counting down the weeks once they knew that Brandon had bought them these costumes. We had a delightful time hosting the Thomas Family Halloween Party at our place. Then, the boys wore the costumes again on Halloween.

The Thomas cousins (except for Peter)

During the month of October I also found time to help my cousin make these costumes. They turned out a whole lot better then I imagined them to be. They are so darling and I'm so glad I was able to help a little bit.

Salem Pond

I took the boys to another adventure nearby - this cute little pond that really isn't that little. It was such a great place to spend an hour or two. The boys really enjoyed feeding the ducks.

This bridge was freaking me out so badly. I hate heights and this one was so high. I was brave though and we made it across and back.

Swimming in October

A few days ago I decided to stop procrastinating and take the boys to the local Recreation Center. We went right after lunch and we had the entire place pretty much to ourselves. It was so AWESOME! I can't wait to take them again soon.