Happy Birthday to Nick

Last Sunday was Nick's 14th birthday. After church, Grandma, Grandpa, and Omi came up and also Nick's buddies Michael and Andy came over for pizza and lemon cheesecake, along with some air softing and skateboard/ripsticking. We got him a skateboard and hopefully he won't break any bones....

Just for fun, look how much Nick has changed in just 3 years. Wow, he went from little boy to young man:~~~
This is just a picture of Jackson that I love. He was out back playing in his pajamas and he was halfway up the back wall, concentrating on something or other he was playing with.

"Trunk" or Treat night

Last night we went to the Trunk or Treat at the Calvary church. Here are some pictures of the kids in their costumes. Cara worked very hard to get this skirt done in time. Isn't she a pretty gypsy? Nick makes a perfect "greaser", complete with "attitude". Sam the pirate. Joe the other pirate. Rebecca the pretty medieval princess.

And the cutest Captain Hook you have ever seen.Danny was there too. His Saturday night college-age Bible study class (the one that starts of with skeet shooting-- gotta love that!) decorated a "trunk" and handed out candy. He said he was just dressed up as himself. Himself is pretty handsome, if you ask me. It was a fun night. I think we have enough candy for a while. :-) I'm glad that's over, now it's time for my 2 very favorite months of the year. I have already started my Christmas shopping, in case anyone was wondering. I love Christmas!!!
~
In other news, Cara is finally doing better after her surgery. She had some pretty rough days there.
~
And of course the big news around here is that Danny and Colette are officially "courting". Pretty exciting!
Awww, young love.......I remember it well.......
~
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118:1

Just a quick note to say....

Cara has survived her tonsil/adenoid surgery and doing ok. Her throat is very sore, but she seems to have no trouble handling a laptop :-), so I guess she will survive. I didn't bring the camera to the hospital so I couldn't take a picture of her in her cute little blue surgery hat.
God worked out the day in His perfect timing, my parents watched the younger kids, which was such a blessing not to have to drag them from waiting room to waiting room (we were in 3 different waiting rooms), the doctor and staff were very nice, and it's all over. Today we are back to school, and now it's lunch time, so I better go feed the hungry kids. Poor Cara, can you believe she is already sick to death of ice cream and wants some real food? She practically drooled over our stew last night, as she ate her pudding. Soon, Cara, soon.

Time for Another Family Picnic

This time to Tahoe.

To see the salmon.
And just hang out and be a family.(Ya know, Ralph, even if you don't smile, your picture is still goin' on the blog.)
~
Fun memories before a not-so-fun week coming up for Miss Cara, who is getting her tonsils out on Tuesday. But she will survive and God will be with her.
Life is good and God is good!

10 Years Old!

Today we celebrated Joey's 10th birthday. How can that be? Wasn't he just born the other day? And yet, here he is:

Yesterday we went to Petco and got Joey's present, the newest addition to the Houseful of Blessings Zoo, who has had many names, but I don't think it is quite settled yet, so I can't say for sure what his (or her?) name is. But anyway, here it is:
Grandma and Grandpa, Omi, and Uncle Sock and Aunty Lynn came up for the big celebration. What a blessing to have family who cares enough to drive up and celebrate with us. Joey chose lasagne, garlic bread, salad, and Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake, which was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.

Friday we had a great day too. We took the day off of school and went down and did our annual Christmas Shoebox shopping trip. It takes forever for everyone to pick out just the perfect thing for their boxes. The kids spend their own money on this every year and each make their own box and they look forward to it so much. After that, we spent a lovely afternoon with the H family, where we always have so much fun. I'm pretty sure Cara will post pictures of the afternoon, so I won't.

Saturday also was the big SAT test for Cara, and I'm sure she's glad that's over. Now we gear up for Cara to get her tonsils out on the 20th. Should be fun........NOT. Poor girl. After she recovers from that, she can study up and get her driver's permit. And Ralph can teach her to drive. Not me. :-)

That's all for now. I will try to be a more faithful blogger. No promises though. Life is sure busy in the Houseful of Blessings these days! Ta ta for now.
:-)