It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's beginning to seem a lot like Christmas around here.  

Today was Kinley's very first pajama day at school.  To say she was excited is putting it mildly.    She was very excited to give her teachers their special Christmas cards and watch a movie with her friends.

Santa's videos arrived this morning.  There was one Mowry who was not sure if he was going to make it on the nice list.  Lucky for him, Santa is a forgiving soul and it appears as though everyone will receive a present and not coal this year. 

Getting down to the real reason for the season, we attended a birthday party for Jesus at church on Sunday.   Kinley was extremely confused and told more than one person that we were going to heaven for the party.   She even asked if she could pet Tucker when we got there.   I'm not sure we ever quite cleared things up with her regarding why Jesus didn't attend his own party.  However we were successful in distracting her with activities and fun!

The girls got together to exchange their homemade gifts on Sunday afternoon.  McKenna worked hard making Siena and Kara these canvas's with scripture on them.   The girls loved them.  We are very happy that they have been attending church for the first time ever. 

I am realizing that these pictures are all out of order.  At any rate, I had to include this picture of the kids dressed for church on Sunday morning.  

Last, but certainly not least, we hosted the Richard family Christmas party on Saturday.   I can't help but imagine that mini and pappy were smiling down sweetly seeing all of their great grandchildren together.   This is one of my favorite days of the year and I was so grateful to host this year.    There was a lot of food and tons of laughs, a couple of presents and a load of love. 

So, now we prepare for the big day.   The kids are so very excited for Santa and I am so very excited to see the wonder in their eyes on Christmas morning.   Such a special time of year to remember that little baby born in a manger who gives us so much hope.  

In the Details

Yesterday, I made the comment to Kinley's daycare teacher that I had to get to the grocery store because I "had no food in the house."    Now, I think we can all admit that we've made that comment as a bit of an exaggeration.   I had plenty of food at home.  Yes, I did need some milk and a few other things, but no one was going to starve if I didn't get to the store in the next few days.   Her teacher, the mother of three school age boys nodded her head in agreement and smiled.  She then proceeded to tell me that she wasn't sure what she was going to feed her boys that morning for breakfast until someone blessed them with a box of food items left on their porch the day before.  In that moment I didn't know whether to cry or throw up.  This woman who has lovingly taken care of all three of my kids at some point over the past eight years does not always have money to feed her kids.  As I listened she told me that her husband has two jobs but in the winter he doesn't always get steady work. 

I left that morning and drove to SAMS club of all places.  I filled my cart and let good about the fact that my pantry would be stocked for the upcoming winter break.  But all the while the conversation I had just been part of weighed on my heart.  Even after I got home and shared the story with my mom, my heart just ached for this family.  I didn't know what I was meant to do.  Should I get them a gift card and maybe put it in with the teacher gift I had already planned? I decided to text a friend and simply asked her to pray for this family and pray that God would reveal what or how He wanted this to play out.   

A few hours later I got a call from my friend.  She said, " I won't keep you long but I wanted to let you know that I talked to some people....we are going to use all the food collected at this weekends Happy Birthday Jesus party to give to the family you asked me to pray for."   I was speechless.  I still am speechless.  I spoke to the daycare director this morning who is going to help me play sexret Santa.   We had a wonderful conversation centered around just how much bigger God can make things and how he is in all the details.   I am so excited that this family will have a well stocked kitchen over their winter break and hopefully a nice Christmas dinner also.   I pray that they will be blessed by this gift that God has put into motion   But I think that I have been equally blessed by simply watching God work and meet needs and by the very good friends that I have who are always there and willing to pray on my behalf. 

One Step At a Time

Kinley's very kind podiatrist made a housecall tonight.  She brought Kinley's very first pair of orthotics.  These will eventually help alleviate ankle and knee strain due to her very flat, pronated feet.   

I say "ultimately" because we have to get her to wear them first!   They are, admittedly, much bigger and much harder than I anticipated.   Dr. Miller suggests an hour at a time for few weeks.  Sometimes even a half hour at a time.  She said that it may take us eigt weeks or more to work up to wearing them all day.   I haven't quite figured out how we will make this transition at daycare but I anticipate that her teacher may have some valuable input as far as that goes.   Dr. Miller also said she will probably develop callouses on her little feet.   That made me kind of sad.  She still has those soft, pudgy, perfect little baby feet.  I hate to think of them with blisters or callouses.  However, it could be so much worse.  

So, for now we are going to take one step at a time.   This will apparently be a lifelong issue for Kinley so I think it's only fitting that we start small and work our way into it.  I know ultimately her body will benefit from our hard work. 

Happy 11th Birthday, McKenna

Dear McKenna,

You are officially 11 years old.  I am writing this post several weeks after your birthday for a variety of reasons.  However, I think that it has given me time to get over the semi sadness of realizing you are quickly becoming a young lady.   Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that you are a healthy, thriving pre-teen.  Yikes.  But turning 11 brings with it the end of some things that has you a bit saddened also.  This is your last year in Super Kids Church, bible school and riding the same bus as Cooper.  There was a night a couple of days before your birthday when the realization of these things was really bothering you.   We have been realizing the benefits to you getting older and more responsible though.  You and I are able to share in some movies that the little kids aren't allowed to watch;   we can finally wear some of the same clothes;  and best of all - you have been able to babysit Kinley and Cooper from time to time.  That has proven to be a help to me and to you since it's made you a little extra cash!

Regardless of our perceived pro's and con's, we have enjoyed celebrating your birthday and celebrating you!    We had you party at the Barn Owl Art Studio.   You chose a couple of friends in addition to your brother and sister.   We had a great night learning to make clay animals.  Tomorrow we will go and paint them and finish up.

You are such a beautiful young woman, inside and out.   You're my right hand and you are wise beyond your 11 years.  This year I have loved listening to you learn to play the flute.  You're really good!  Your work ethic, organization and commitment to everything you do is going to take you far in life and makes me so proud.  I love you will all my heart.   Of course I can't finish this letter without saying that I can't believe we have been together for 11 years.  If I could go back again to the day you were born and start this life all over, I would do it in a heartbeat.  Every up and down.  Happy Birthday, my sweet, sweet girl.  Never stop being you.  

Love, Mom

Bumps in the Road

It's never a good idea to get comfortable with where you are with things.  For instance, just because you've recently checked a couple of major things off the to do list, and you're in a pretty good spot as far as Christmas is concerned, does not mean you should think a curveball couldn't come your way.  

Ours came rolling in on Monday afternoon disguised as a kiddo limping home from the bus stop.  Cooper proclaimed that he hurt his ankle playing soccer at recess.   Sounds harmless.  I gave him some ice, some ibuprofen and directions to rest while I went about my business.  We had McKenna's fifth grade concert in a few hours and a list of things that had to be done in the meantime.  We made it through the concert without incident.  It was a wonderfully planned show.  When it was over I followed Cooper out to the car and noticed he continued to limp.   Long story short, after some further questioning Earl and i decided that an ER trip was warranted.  Cooper and I waited almost 2 hours to be seen, during which time he only occasionally complained of pain, causing me to question if we were just wasting our time.  An x-Ray was ultimately ordered and I was certain we would be happily sent on our way.  When the PA came back in the room and started asking Cooper further questions I knew there must have been something concerning on the x-Ray.   When we were finally given our discharge instructions we were told that he would need to stay off of it, keep it wrapped and follow up with our family doctor.  The fear was a growth plate fracture; something we certainly didn't want to fool around with. 

Cooper kept his positive attitude throughout the entire ordeal.  His only tears were related to missing gym class and basketball.  He also was a little wary of school at first.  He was sure that kids were going to make fun of him. 

On Tuesday we saw our family doctor who gave us the all clear only to call us back three hours later to say we needed to see ortho after all.  That meant Wednesday would be a day at school on crutches.  Yikes.  Cooper was really nervous but we did our best to prepare him.  The school nurse was helpful in guiding us as to the easiest pick up and drop off locations.   Still, when I sent my little guy into the school by himself on those tiny little crutches my heart want and the tears were flowing.   My brain knew he would be fine.  My heart knew he would never let anyone know that he wasn't.

We woke up Thursday morning, the day of our appointment, to a fresh few inches of snow and no school.  It was nice tjsy Cooper wasn't missing more class to but sad because he couldn't play outside.  We met earl for the appointment and in a flash the doctor was in and out.  He declares Cooper just fine.  He wrapped Cooper's ankle in a new "magic" ace wrap and sent us in our way sans crutches this time!   We were all very relieved  - but no one more than Cooper.  Apparently lots of kids are sad to leave without a cast but not this kid.  He was thrilled that basketball season will go on as planned!    I was mostly glad tha e will be able to use the sports equipment tat he is getting for Christmas !   I had visions of lots of new video games if things had turned out differently. 

So we had a bump in the road but it was just that.  A little bump.   We learned a lot and to be honest I had fun spending one on one time with Cooper this week.   Love seeing his spirit and his positivity shine through this event.  Love you, Coop!

Many More Memories

Today has been a long day.   Really, it's been an exceedingly long week.  Kinley and Earl have been sick since Thanksgiving.  I have not slept in my own bed, or slept much at all for the last 9 days.    Last night I hit my breaking point and promptly carted Kinley off to the clinic at 7:45am.   In my workout clothes;  without a shower.   Like I said, breaking g point.   They quickly diagnosed a sinus infection, prescribed antibiotics and sent us on our way.   Good thing, because at home Mckenna and Cooper were working hard to get ready for the Magical Memories Wish Kid Party that we were going to be late for!   Thanks to their superb efforts, I was able to get home, showered and to the party, in plenty of time.  

This was Cooper's first Magical Memories party.   He has been waiting to turn seven so that he could come and help with crafts.  Bless his heart, he didn't feel the greatest either.  His asthma has been acting up, he got a bloody nose in the car and coughed his head off for the first hour we were there.   He wasn't about to let that deter him though. 

This was the fourth year that McKenna and I have participated in the party.  It continues to be a blessing every single year.  

I love the fact that the Wish Kid party is a family affair.   Serving alongside my mom and my kids couldn't be more perfect. My amazing mother stood and ironed huge table clothes for over four hours in Friday morning, all the while chatting and laughing with other volunteers.  I don think I have ever laughed while holding an iron!

We all had an amazing afternoon creating Christmas ornaments with so pretty cool kids.  It was a firm reminder to this tired mama that a 9 day sickness and a Wes worth of sleepless nights is not a big deal compared with the trials that so many families face.  I am blessed beyond measure that tonight my kids are running around upstairs making all kinds of noises and  clearly on the mend. 

Disney 2014

It boggles my mind that our Disney trip has come and gone already.   Isn't is always that way when you've planned and prepped for over six months for a seven day trip.   We anticipated having a wonderful time at the most magical place on earth and we were not disappointed.

 Our trips each year are always just a little different in one way or another.   Sometimes it's a new ride or a new show or a new restaurant that makes an impression.  This year I will remember it as the year that three children had three opinions.   In the past there had always been one Mowry or another who was an infant or a toddler who went with the flow and didn't have an opinion as to what they wanted to do or see.  This year we had three kids with three specific agendas.  Luckily we were able to accommodate everyone in one way or another. 

 Those who did not have a specific opinion about what they wanted to do included Mimi and Pappy.  They were happy to go with the flow and show up wherever they were told.    The kids had a ball having them along.   There was never a shortage of kids who wanted to sit with Mimi and Pappy, hold Mimi and Pappy's hand, walk with Mimi and Pappy, etc.    Earl and I enjoyed having them along not only for an extra set of eyes, ears and hands but also to be able to watch them make such special memories together.  

 Kinley had her first BBB experience this year.   She was the most stone faced princess ever to grace Cinderella's Castle.   She barely cracked a smile despite the efforts of her fairy godmother and several others.  However, as you can see, she came around quickly after meeting up with some of her princess friends.

After the boutique we enjoyed lunch in the castle where Kinley met several of her favorite princesses.   Of note, she lost one of her silver shoes while climbing the steps of Cinderella's castle.  Also of note, she announced to several people that she pooped in Cinderella's castle.  Such a princess, our girl.

 When we weren't rubbing elbows with royalty we were in Hollywood Studios where we were much more at home with the likes of Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc.    Seriously, they are so much fun. 

We also enjoyed several sing along's with Anna and Elsa, as well as the Osborne Spectacle of Lights which is always amazing.   And, while PA was suffering through the first snowflakes and freezing temperatures of the season, we were building snowmen a-la-Frozen style - indoors!

We collected signatures,  pictures and hugs  from over twenty characters....

And we even tackled a few new rides including Big Thunder Mountain and the Tower of Terror. 

 It is worth mentioning that I have not been on the Tower of Terror in many years.  Please note that it will be many more years before I ride it again!  Yes, that is me in the back left corner screaming my head off.

McKenna rode a lot of new rides this year and it was the first year that both kids rode Big Thunder Mountain.   We were lucky enough to be able to leave Kinley with Mimi and Pappy one morning while we took the two of them to ride the bigger rides.   We woke up early and managed to ride 8 rides throughout Magic Kingdom in just over 2 hours.  That has to be some kind of record!  The biggest revelation of that morning was that it was the first time since 2000 that Earl and I had been in the park without a stroller!  It is weird to think that by the time our next Disney trip comes along we may be all together stroller free.
This of course is only a small sampling of the wonderful pictures and awesome stories that we have to tell from our trip.   To say we had a wonderful time does not do our trip justice.  We were truly blessed with wonderful weather, health,  smooth traveling and quality family time.  

Feeling Lazy

I'm feeling lazy.  Very lazy.  I have scores of Disney pictures and great stories to go with them.   I have pictures from McKennas DARE graduation and of Cooper shooting hoops.  But, ultimately, I'm too lazy to work on blogging lately.   I think I'm still in vacation mode mentally.  That's a bad thing with Thanksgiving and McKennas birthday and Christmas looming.  So, I'm going to give myself the rest of the day to be lazy and then I promise to flood this blog with all things princess and Mickey and fun!   

Trick or Treat 2014 and Our Weekend

Trick or treat from the Grim Reaper (he looks so scarey with that cute smile!)...

Jelly bread....

And the Queen Bee!

We had a wonderful Halloween filled with friends and candy!   McKenna and Siena teamed up this year to be peanut butter and jelly.  That sums the two of them up fairly well!   

We spent the evening trick or treating with friends around our neighborhood.  The kids ran from house to house and eventually everyone ended up back at Laura and Chris's house to exchange their loot while the grown ups enjoyed a few laughs and some yummy dessert  It's safe to say a fun time was had by all! 

We were glad to have a low key Saturday planned.   However it didn't last past noon when we made the decision to go see Brigit play in her last soccer game at Bucknell.  She played her heart out and we froze our butts off.  It was worth it though.   We are going to miss that girl like crazy.  I can't even think about it right now.  Shane called around supper time and invited us for Chinese and so we packed up and headed to mom and dad's.  It was a nice surprise to have everyone together.  We haven't gotten together since kinleys birthday in August. Today brought more fun in the form of Sunday school, church and an afternoon of football at the Braziers.  Earl has been taking advantage of their hospitality and their direct TV to watch some of the Browns games.   Today we decided that pizza was in order.   The kids enjoyed playing together, the guys watched football and Jessica and I shopped online!   I would venture to say we all had a blast!   

Back to the grind tomorrow but only a few more days seperate us from some major family time in our very favorite place.  Stay tuned!!

Jersey Day and Sisterly Love

Today was jersey day at McKenna's school.  I thought she was super cute in the PSU jersey and I had to snap a quick picture.  

I also couldn't pass up this photo opportunity.  McKenna is an amazing big sister and Kinley adores her.   I wish I could describe the little giggle that Kinley does when she sees McKenna walking down the road after school.  It is the cutest thing.  I pray they will always have a close bond. 

Big Big Bed Means No More Baby

This finally happened.  As much as I desired to put it off, it was time to take the crib down and put Kinley in a bed.   She was excited but when it came time to go to sleep it was a bit of a different story.    The second night went better and now she seems to have settled in.   The good news is that she won't get out of this bed and come to our room like she used to!

It's hard to believe that the only piece of baby equipment we have left is our stroller.  I already am realizing that even my days with a toddler in a stroller are soon coming to a close. 

I remembered to snap one last picture of her with her toddler bed.   I continue to be amazed at how fast this life seems to be going.  

Pre Halloween Prep

The costumes are hanging in the closets and the Halloween preparations have begun.  I wanted to try to make this a fun week for the kids leading up to the neighborhood Halloween party and trick or treating Friday night.   Yesterday we made monster cookies.   They are delicious and sort of cute, too!

Tonight we carved pumpkins...

As per usual, Cooper was not thrilled to get the seeds out of his pumpkin. 

McKenna carved her own pumpkin start to finish this year.   She was pretty proud and rightly so. 

Kinley didn't shy away from the icky pumpkin goo.  I helped by doing the carving and she took care of putting the light in at the end.  

We ended up with three great looking pumpkins and a wonderful evening of family fun. 

It's Pumpkin Picking Time

Last weekend the kids and I made our yearly pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch.    Our yearly trips are something we look forward to doing.  Sometimes we have friends or family with us but this year it was just the four of us since Daddy was working.    

We loaded up on the wagon and off we went.   Kinley wasn't quite sure of what to expect with the hay wagon ride.  She was sure that it was going to be loud and spent the minutes leading up to the ride holding her ears.  But, it was big sister to the rescue.  McKenna held Kinley on her lap and that seemed to cure the insecurity.

Kinley looked over lots and lots of pumpkins before finding one that was just her size.

And Cooper literally picked one, got back on the hay wagon, got back off the wagon to find another one and then finally ended up with the original pumpkin.   Such decisions!

McKenna was set on finding one that was perfectly round.   And preferably did not have mud on it.   As you can see she had to deal with a little bit of dirt.

In the end, everyone was happy and the 2014 pumpkins were picked.

I have to look back a few, or more, years to find the first picture I have of McKenna next to this measuring stick.  She sure is growing up.  I hope she will still want to pick pumpkins next year!