Beard Thanksgiving 2009

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Cary's family in Ft. Worth. There is never a dull moment when you have 8 adults and 7 children in a house together for a few days. The children all play so well together so it is fun to watch their interaction with each other. For some reason my newest nephew was not in the pictures I took because I suppose he was napping each time I took the camera out (which was not very often) so I will have to make up for that on my Christmas post.

We got to have lunch on Thanksgiving with the Beard side of the family so there were a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins to visit with. Once we returned home that evening we started mapping out our route for Black Friday starting at midnight with Toys R Us. I do not know what we were thinking but I can honestly say I do not think I will ever tackle that store again on Black Friday. We (Chiara, Travis, me, Landrea, and Tiffany) waited over an hour after the store opened to just get in the door. That first store was enough for Cary's sister Tiffany so after taking her home the rest of us tackled Old Navy, Sears, Wal-Mart and Target. I was happy to have gotten all the deals that I really wanted thanks to there being enough of us to spread around the stores and attack the deals. My brother-in-law scored my favorite deal which was my new leather office chair for $35 at Wal-Mart. Thanks again Travis!! After a night full of shopping I was exhausted and looking forward to getting a few hours of sleep. Things did not quite work out that way because Cary cooked his famous french toast and evidently his Mom has an extremely sensitive smoke alarm so I will let you fill in the rest.

That Friday was Kaylee's 8th Birthday so we got to celebrate with everyone before leaving to watch Abilene-Wylie play in the semi-finals. Since Cary cooked one of her favorites for breakfast, Grandma decided to cook spaghetti for lunch per Kaylee's request. (Here are all the cousins minus Devon in the picture.) Kaylee was so excited to celebrate her special day. She got some really sweet gifts that she had been wanting. Thank you all for making her day special!!

Kaylee's 8th Birthday!!

I cannot believe that it is time to celebrate my precious daughter's birthday once again. Kaylee is 8 years old today! We had a birthday party for her a few weeks ago before all the business of the holiday season was upon us. This year Kaylee really wanted to have a slumber party at our home so that is exactly what we did. She invited some of her friends, I was smart enough to limit the number so we could have controlled chaos;-) All of the girls were so fun to watch and be around. We had a great time!

We started off with pizza and a little play time in the playroom. Then the girls decided to dress-up and perform a play for us. This was priceless and yes we have it all on video. Then it was time for a game so we played pictionary. Most of the girls had never played so it was quite entertaining to watch. They all got along so well!

Next we moved on to Birthday cake and presents. My sweet friend, Lindi, was gracious enough to offer to make Kaylee's cake so I took her up on it immediately. She let Kaylee pick out what she wanted as well as the colors and it turned out great! I was a little surprised that Kaylee picked the crown since she is not my girly-girl but maybe her taste is changing. Thanks again Lindi for the delicious cake and for letting Campbell spend the night with Abba!!

All of Kaylee's friends were so thoughtful in their gifts and I could not believe that there were no duplicates. We did put one of the gifts to use right away. She got the movie UP so we put it in and I gave manicures while the girls ate popcorn and watched the movie. The girls were all settled in their sleeping bags by 11:30pm but by the time the movie was over and they finally went to sleep it was 1:10am!

I just knew after such a late night that the girls would sleep in but they were all up by 7:30am except for Kaylee who managed to sleep till 8:30am. After a hearty breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, brown sugar cinnamon pancakes, and little smokies they were all refueled and ready to play. Thank you to all the sweet friends who made Kaylee's birthday special.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Princess! Eight years ago today you made one of my lifelong dreams come true and I am so proud, thankful, and blessed each day to be your Mom. You give me the joy of experiencing life through your eyes and seeing all of the amazing things God created around us each day. I also admire the tender heart you have towards others. I knew from the moment I held you that my life had changed forever, but I never could have imagined what a blessing being your Mom would be. I love you "to the moon and back"!!

Campbell's Thanksgiving Feast

Well, I have some catching up to do;-) On Tuesday, November 24th Campbell's class had their Thanksgiving Feast and she was so happy that I came to help out. It is always so fun to be around my sweet girl and her friends. They feasted on some rolled turkey, corn, mac and cheese, cheese sticks, green beans, apple sauce and yummy rolls. Which of those items do you think they had at the first Thanksgiving? Haha. Of course, they also got the choice of apple pie or pumpkin pie for dessert. I cannot believe this is the last time I will attend a Thanksgiving Feast at YCW as a parent;-( I have to admit the year is going by a little too fast for me.

Look at all those precious faces!!

Me and my baby girl!

Sydney's Party

Well today was a very special day for Campbell. Her sweet friend Sydney invited her to her Horseback Riding Birthday Party. Let's just say the smile did not leave Campbell's face the whole time. Looks like she got her love of horses from her Mom. (I still would love to have my own horse someday.) They said that the adults could have ridden at the party but I refrained;-) It was pure joy that I felt watching her ride three out of the four horses at the party. We may just have to have a horse party for Campbell next year.

Veteran's Day Program

Kaylee is in second grade this year and has a few school programs under her belt but today everything changed. She actually spoke in front of everyone. That's right, my daughter who claims to have stage fright walked up to the microphone and spoke clearly and enjoyed it! Maybe we have turned a corner people. We were sure to praise her profusely so maybe she will have the courage to take on more speaking parts in the future.

I loved that her school thought it was important to have a Veteran's Day program and honor those who fight for our freedom daily. They honored two World War II veterans who were precious men to watch accept a little certificate from the children. All of the students also sang several patriotic songs. The program was great and we felt honored to be able to watch it.

Way to go Kaylee!!

Halloween Week 2009!

Well this year Halloween was turned into a week long event. We kicked off the celebrating with the whole family going to the Fall Festival at Kaylee's school. Kaylee wanted to be a cowgirl this year and Campbell chose to be a Barbie Three Musketeer. As usual the festival was a success for our family. The girls did the cake walk, played hockey, spun the wheel in the Wheel of Fortune booth, chose ducks in the duck pond, went fishing for treats, and chose suckers off a sucker tree. They are both at such fun ages right now so it was great to see what each of them found most exciting. On Monday we took treats to Campbell's ballet class for a Halloween Party and she got to dress up in her Halloween costume. It was so cute to see all these precious girls in their costumes with ballet shoes on.

Tuesday I got to go work the Fall Carnival at Campbell's school. She was so excited to have Mommy there while she got to play all the different games like bean bag toss, pin the face on the pumpkin, go fish, duck pond, and even face painting. Notice that she chose a rainbow on her cheek. It was so fun to watch her with all of her sweet friends and get a little loving from my baby girl too.

On Thursday Campbell's school had a costume parade which I had to miss due to hosting Prayer Group at my house. However, being the great Dad that he is and since he was leaving town for a few days, Cary went to take pictures and give her a little loving.

Then on Friday we went to my sweet friend Lindi's house and carved pumpkins for Halloween since we had not done that yet. The girls both had definite opinions on the images they wanted on their pumpkins. Kaylee chose a pumpkin scarecrow while Campbell chose Blaze from the new Tinkerbell movie. I ended up carving Campbell's while she played with Abba. Kaylee on the other hand showed extreme patience in tracing her template on her pumpkin and doing most of it herself with a little help from Mr. Mark. My camera would not cooperate so if you want to see pictures of our handy work you will have to check out my facebook photos. Thanks again Lindi for planing such a fun night for us.

After a week of fun Halloween finally arrived and we went to our annual party at The Robinson's home. The girls look forward to this event each year and so do their parents. Since Daddy was gone Nana, Papa, and Great Papaw came to town to Trick or Treat and party with us. Once again Keri outdid herself and we all had a blast as you will see from the pictures below. Thanks again for being such a wonderful hostess Keri!

Kaylee taking a time out from playing with her friends for a quick photo.

Barbie and Alice in Wonderland

Part of the group all dressed up.

How would you like to have all these Trick or Treaters show up at your door all at once?

Papa and Campbell at the end of the night. Her feet were tired and she told me she had enough candy so we could go home. What a perfect ending to a great week!

Hope all my fellow blogging friends had a wonderful Halloween too!

ACU Homecoming 2009

Well the big weekend came and went, ACU Homecoming! As always it was so good to see friends and catch-up a little on life.

On Friday night we went to the Carnival at ACU and the girls were so excited! Who knew a $5.00 wristband could make Kaylee and Campbell so happy. As in previous years they headed straight for the games so that they could win some toys we could by at any local Dollar Tree, but some how the thought of winning them made it just "The Best!" We also managed to take in a few

jump houses, get faces painted, and hold the May Farm animals. After all of that we finally got the girls to agree to stop and eat at The World

Famous Bean. Unfortunately, we waited a little longer than we should have so most of the food was gone. (Mental note to eat first next year.) We did get to talk to some of our sweet friends The Roses and our kids had fun playing so I would say the evening definitely ended on a high note.

Kaylee and Campbell holding their new friend.

On Saturday I got up bright and early to attend the Siggie breakfast and had a blast with some precious friends. Then I returned home just in time to hop in the car and go to the parade. We saw even more friends at the parade and the girls were so happy to be able to get a little candy while watching the festivities. Kaylee's favorite part of the parade were the floats while Campbell loved the horses. I love that we get to do this with our girls each year. Fun Memories!!

After the parade and a quick lunch we went to the football game. We even managed to score seats near each of the girls' friends so they were both happy to sit through the whole game. ACU went into the game ranked #1 on in their division. Unfortunately, by the end of the game that was not the case. They fought hard but in the end it was just not enough. I know the next game will be better. Go Wildcats!!

I am already looking forward to Homecoming next year and seeing even more precious friends.

Pumpkin Patch Time 2009!!

Since Kaylee had a school holiday today I decided we would get a few things done and have some fun along the way. After a delicioius lunch at Olive Garden and some Halloween costume shopping we went to the DRI Pumpkin Patch here in town to get a few fall pictures. We even talked some friends into coming along;-) I had never been to this Pumpkin Patch before and it was so cute. They had several spots for photographic opportunities, a hayride, lots of pumpkins for sale, and a really yummy chocolate shop. (I refrained but the girls and Cary enjoyed some.) The two things I found most delicious sounding were the chocolate dipped twinkie and the chocolate dipped turtle cheesecake on a stick. I am sure I have gained 10 pounds just typing the words and looking at them today;-)

Here are Kaylee and Campbell with some of their best friends "M" and "A". These four children love each other so much that they have never even had an argument.

My sweet girls!

After a few more pictures, purchasing a few pumpkins for my mantle and kitchen table, and a lot of running around the pumpkins we were off to share the chocolate treats with Daddy at his office. I would say our trip to the Pumpkin Patch was a huge hit for us all!

Projects, Projects, and more Projects

There have been a lot of things going on at our house since school started this year.

Second grade is keeping me on my toes. There have been a lot of projects for Kaylee to do with some parental help involved. One week we had to make salt dough to send to school for Kaylee to make a diorama of hills, valleys, plateaus, and who knows what else.

The next week we had to make a boat at home out of items you would find around the house. The only stipulations were that it had to float and had to be painted with red, white, and blue. Of course, the boat was due the week Cary and I went out of town from Saturday till Wednesday night late so thankfully Papa helped her idea come to reality. When we returned home I purchased paint and helped Kaylee complete the boat before it was due on Friday morning.

She was so proud of her boat and so were we!

The next week Kaylee had to take a camera and photograph 12 things that she thought were interesting. I thought that was hilarious! Have you ever seen what a second grader finds interesting? Here is a sample of the top three...

Kaylee's goldfish.

One of her snowglobes in her collection. Each time Cary or I travel we bring her back a snowglobe from that

place.

Books

Just when I thought I was getting a break from projects Campbell brought home Corduroy from her Pre-K class to have for the weekend. She was so excited to be the first one in her class to bring him home. Luckily for her we had a busy weekend planned so she got to take Corduroy a lot of places. We got to journal all of our adventures and take pictures too.

Campbell with Corduroy at the Balloon Festival! I worked a three hour shift that morning so Campbell and Corduroy came along to keep me company.

Campbell with Corduroy at Ballet class. (I could not get this picture to post correctly so just tilt your head.)

Corduroy also went with us to get my flu shot at Walgreens, to the Wylie football game, and Target of course;-) I think he was probably ready for school on Tuesday so he could get a break.

We have had a fairly quiet week so I am sure there will be some more projects coming home soon;-) Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining about the projects because I love that my girls are getting to experience a lot of hands-on things. I just wish there had been a week in between a few of Kaylee's;-)

Chase Allen Jacobs Balloon Release

In the past week there have been a lot of emotions around our home which have required a lot of crying out to the Lord. We were stunned when we heard last Sunday night that our precious friends (Mark, Chelsea, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate) had experienced a great loss. Their son (and brother) went to be with the Lord before even taking a breath here on Earth. As a way to celebrate Chase Allen Jacobs his sisters came up with the idea of a balloon release to send him notes of love from those of us left behind who love him. What a wonderful idea!

Last night we went to ACU and met at the Jacob's Dream sculpture with some of our other precious friends and had our own memorial for Chase Allen Jacobs. (Thank you Melissa for using your great organizational skills to get us together.) I was surprised when we pulled up to the site and there was a sea of yellow and white standing around. The girls from Sigma Theta Chi also showed up out of respect for Chelsea as well as all of her sisters who are former or current members of this club. Melissa, Kelly, Dava Lynn, and I were all in club with Chelsea so it was special for us to see their presence as well. It just reaffirmed the bond that was made so many years ago at ACU continues today. What an amazing gift!

After all the balloons were handed out we had a service for Chase that included some songs, reading a precious letter from Mark & Chelsea, as well as several scriptures, and prayers. It was a wonderful time of celebration for Chase and love for the Teague/Jacobs families.

Matt Boisvert reading a note from the Jacobs Family. I thought the words captured on the rock were a wonderful message from God.

All of those present for the memorial for Chase.

Gathering together for the balloon release.

Our messages of love floating to heaven for precious Chase.

This is the life scripture that The Jacobs Family chose for their baby boy:

Chase Allen Jacobs...who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

Mark, Chelsea, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate,

We want you to know that last night was an experience that our family will remember and hold in our hearts forever. Your faith in the Lord through all of the grief the past week is such a testimony to the love that you have for the Lord. We know that He is holding Chase in His arms and will be till the day we all go to join them in heaven. Chase has already had such an impact on so many lives. Thank you for the gift of letting us share part of our day yesterday in honoring your son. We will continue to lift your family up in our prayers daily. Your family is such a blessing to us. We love you and cannot wait to hug each of you in person soon.

We love you sweet friends!

*In closing after reading this post please say a prayer for the Jacobs family and add them to your prayer list in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead. Sometimes it helps to put a face with your prayers so you can see what a precious family they are here on here sister Cassie's blog.

Campbell's First Day of Pre-K

Well the anxiously awaited day finally arrived for both Campbell and me! We have both been looking forward to YCW starting back since Kaylee started school two weeks ago. This year will be my baby's last year at home before having school every day next year, the thought is both exciting and sad to me at the same time. Saying that it is only fitting that her very first teacher at YCW will also be her last teacher at YCW. Our precious friend, Mrs. Tiffani, will be sharing her gift of teaching with us once again. This time Mrs. Anne who is also a dear friend will be joining her. I am so excited for the year with these two precious women in charge because they both have an amazing love for the Lord and children. Can you tell from the picture that Campbell is a little excited about the year too?

Once we got to school we put her lunch and backpack up before stopping for a picture with her teachers. Of course, we had to get one of the two of us together also;-) Then she asked me if I wanted to see her seat so I let her lead me there. She sat down after giving me a very tight hug and an "I love you, Mommy" before starting her morning work that was waiting for her. I told her I would see her in a little while and off I went.

Can you tell she was getting a little tired of smiling for the pictures?

When the end of the day came she was sitting on a carpet square listening to her teacher read a book but as soon as she turned around and saw me she took off running and screaming "Mommy!!" It warmed my heart so much. For the whole car ride home she told me all about the rules in the classroom and what she had learned today at school. She even remembered that we have a bicycle safety book at home that is about Franklin and that her teacher read a book about Franklin the Turtle at school. She does not miss a thing. I love how excited she is about learning and playing with her friends. I love that she spends her time away from me with people who love her and care for her as their own. I love the end of the day when I can get a big hug and an "I missed you Mommy." I know that all of these moments are treasures. I love this little girl and hope that the next year is amazing for her but moves slowly for me because I am definitely not ready for next Fall.

Now for a little walk through the years at YCW...

The year I taught at YCW Campbell was in the nursery class with Mrs. Tiffani. She was 15 months old when she started school. I could not get her to smile at me in this picture, but you can see the smirk behind the finger in her mouth.

Campbell on her first day in the 2's class. (September 2007)

Campbell on her first day in the 3's class.

Campbell on her first day in Pre-K.

I love you baby girl and pray that you have the best year ever!