Sunday Delights

Well, I missed last week's edition; sorry about that. Here we go for 12/28/08:

1. Christmas (favorite holiday)
2. exposing my boys to the entire Star Wars saga (they got the originals for Christmas, and loved them!)
3. Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes (amazing show - especially the Christmas story)
4. after Christmas sales (2 pairs of pants, baby!)
5. a wonderful weekend away with friends and no kids (thanks guys who went, and thanks grandparents for watching the kids!)

Now, come up with 5 things/events that are blessings/delights in your life. I encourage to write them in the comment section, but as long as you at least think about them, I guess that will be ok, too.

Yay for Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas folks!!! Ours was wonderful and I hope yours was too!

Today, RC and I and some friends are off to The City to see The Rockettes and have some kid free fun!

But first I must tell you my sad sad story. On Tuesday we were about thirty minutes into our trek home from Chicken Town and I realized I had left one of our suitcases. I left the suit case with my phone charger and my MAKEUP!

Heavens.

Because we are going to The City today and Chicken Town is on the way to The City I decided I could wait to get it today rather than turning around and adding and hour to our trip. However, living two and a half days without makeup and one and a half days without my phone has been hard.

No one will look at me and no one will talk to me.

Poor, poor me.

Thank you for your pity.

Bridget

Words just will not come

It's a silly title because now that I'm actually typing, the words will probably come quite abundantly and I'll end up typing way more than you care to read.

Oh well.

Folks, it's Christmastime. I love Christmastime. And you would think that because of all the added activity that comes with Christmastime I would have some lovely and funny little antidotes to share with everyone.

But you'd be wrong.

Very wrong.

I got nothin. All I can think to tell you about is what we are about to do. And really that's not very interesting because we haven't done it yet and therefore there is nothing really to share.

However...I'm going to tell you about it anyway.

Today when RC gets home from work we are loading up and heading out to Grandpa Darryll's farm. This is the one time a year we go to Grandpa Darryll's farm and it is fun. We eat good food, play Dirty Santa, laugh, and just all around enjoy the company.

Then, RC and I will leave Grandpa Darryll's farm a little earlier than the other's to come home and have a kid free dinner with Chris and Heather. They are making us salmon! Yummy!

Tomorrow we will go to church then head to Chicken Town for our Christmas Celebration with my mom's side of the family. I grew up in the same town as all the cousins on my mom's side. They are somewhat like extra siblings to me. It's always fun and always loud.

Then RC will come home Sunday night because he has to work on Monday. The kids and I are staying in Chicken Town so we can go to The City on Monday and have a Christmas get together with Mema and Granddad Jim. Mema had knee surgery last month and then turned 70 this month. Big year for her. And I got a great deal on her Christmas present and can't wait to give it to her.

Then the kids and I are considering staying in The City till my friend, Sara, gets home from work so we can drop by and see her. However, now that I'm thinking about it I'm kinda starting to question my sanity in thinking I could 'shop' while we wait when I have a 3yr old who won't have taken a nap. We'll see.

Then on Tuesday the kiddos and I will head home so that we can spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day right here in our wonderful little home. I am so looking forward to it.

Well, now that you know all of my plans I'm sure you feel so much more complete.

You're welcome.

Bridget

Imported "Sounds"

So, with the help of Blogger's new export/import function, I've been able to import some of my old posts from Sounds From the Batcave. If, for whatever reason, you feel so inclined, I have labeled them "R.C." We now have labels in the side bar, and you will notice that Bridget is WAAAAAAY ahead, so I'll have to tie her up or hide her computer for a few months while I catch up. Sounds From the Batcave is being renovated into a music heavy blog, while I distribute my other thoughts among a few other blogs. Look for a new one soon. Thanks for following my wife's blog, and hopefully you can tolerate my stuff.

Be encouraged.

R.C.

All the Madness

Hello all!

We have been busy!!!

Last week we helped a friend out by staying at her place with her Tuesday thru Friday. We would go over in the morning and hang out till around 3:00. We just took our schoolwork with us, but had to put alot of things on hold due to not being at our house.

Then, Friday night RC and the boys went to see Prince Caspian at our church's building. Our church bought and renovated the downtown Movie Theatre and now once a month we host a family movie night. Admission is free so it's a real treat for everyone.

Then on Saturday we had an adults only Christmas party to go to so the kiddos hung out with Solomon. He's in 8th grade, the middle of five children, and so very sweet. The kids had a great time and so did the parent's. At the party we played two games and the winner of each was given a prize. They paired up the couples for the games and RC and I WON BOTH GAMES!!! I'm not even kidding! It was a really fun night filled with lots of laughter. I am already looking forward to next year's party.

Then Sunday night was our church's Christmas dinner. It was held at the Community Center and was very nice. One thing I love about our church is how we have been able to build relationships with many people outside of Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights so when we do things like a Christmas Dinner it is very comfortable and enjoyable. I do so love our church family.

So, suffice it to say, I was very happy when Monday got here and we had nothing but the usual planned!!! While RC was at band practice the kids and I decorated a gingerbread house. Bear did some of the video recording and it is pretty funny so I'll work on getting it edited and on here. Until then you will have to be satisfied with a little video of the kids after the decorating is done.

This video is courtesy of my parents who decided to get us a Samsung digital camcorder for Christmas AND give it to us early so we could actually use it during the holidays. Thanks mom and dad! We love you!

Bridget

Sunday Delights

I'm still chugging along with these, even if you don't participate. It helps me to remember some blessings that I may otherwise take for granted.

R.C.'s Sunday Delights for 12/14/08

1. Christmas parties without the kids (thanks, Soloman, for watching the crew)
2. winning all the games at said Christmas party (Bridge and I rock!)
3. cold weather in winter (we live in SW OK - it just feels more like Christmas when it's cold)
4. finding a great deal while Christmas shopping (uh, yeah!)
5. celebrating the season with family and friends (by far my favorite holiday)

Your turn! Name 5 things/events/people/whatever that give you Sunday Delights. Didn't your mama ever tell you to count your blessings?

Playing Star Wars

So, I come home yesterday, and Popeye immediately greets me by grabbing my hand and saying, "I need you to come play with me." I tell him to give me a few minutes and that I'd be in there to play with him. After settling in, I finally go into the boys' room where Popeye is eagerly awaiting my arrival. He has some Star Wars Legos, and that is the game we will play. I get to be the clone trooper first (the good guy) while he is the droid (bad guy).

As I sit down (where he has placed me, I might add) he asks, "Dad, do you know how to play Star Wars Legos?" After chuckling, I assure him that I do, and play commences. We take turns blowing each other's heads off and other things, but I am constantly being corrected with how to play. I have to die after one shot. I can make my clone trooper good but not silly (in other words, stop talking for him). I have to scream properly as he falls off the desk. No flips or hiding. After a couple of minutes and several frustrations Popeye finally asks, "Dad, are you sure you know how to play Star Wars?"

(nope, not anymore, buddy)

R.C.

Sunday Delights

Seriously, you can post late on Sunday or early Monday, I just encourage you post some Sunday Delights of your own. Thanks for your support.

R.C.'s Sunday Delights for 12/07/08

1. watching movies with my children
2. making music with Bridge
3. Christmas gatherings with good friends
4. checking e-mail on my new phone
5. being blessed by our parents

"Where's OK?"

Me (at the free showing of Prince Caspian at the Old Altus Plaza Theater to 5-yr old Popeye): "Can you see ok?"

Popeye (after quickly looking around): "Where's ok?"

(Right here next to you, Popeye, right here next to you.)

R.C.

Cirque Du Soleil

One of the many advantages to homeschooling is the ability to take advantage of opportunities that happen to be in the middle of the week.

Like...

Free tickets to the Cirque Du Soleil production of Saltimbanco for a Wednesday night in The City two hours away.

It was so cool!!!

Hubs got eight tickets from work and since he gets up at 4:15 am every morning and has to be to work before 6:00 am he decided it wouldn't be a good idea for him to go. So, I asked my mom, dad, and littlest sister if they had any plans for Wednesday night and they said "We will SO BE THERE!"

Wednesday afternoon, the kids and I left for Chicken Town (my hometown which is only thirty minutes from The City and not really named Chicken Town (wink - Marianne)) to pick up my mother, then drove to The City where we met my sister at a cheer gym (my sister's and I have all cheered for the owner at some point over the last 15 yrs.) so we would only have to pay to park two cars instead of three and then headed downtown to meet up with dad who was already in The City for business.

WOW - that was a crazy long sentence.

We ate at Chilenos - yummy - and then walked to the Ford Center for the show.

It was SO STINKIN AMAZING!!!

Like blow your mind amazing and now hubs is sad he didn't go. So, you should totally do what he did and go visit youtube to get an idea of the wonderment that was Wednesday night for us and then start asking God for free tickets cause them bad boys are espensive. And - yes - I know I didn't spell expensive right. It's because I wanted you to hear it how I was saying it.

Enjoy!

Bridget

Gamut and Grace

Yes, I got out my dictionary and looked up how to spell gamut. And I was right. =)

Last night, after visiting McNana to celebrate her 82nd birthday, I decided to give the big boys a break and let them take their shower first. Usually, the little ones shower first while the big ones pick up the bedrooms. This works nicely for me because I have to help the little ones shower and I don't have to help the big ones clean.

But last night I decided I would help the little ones pick up while the big ones showered and then help the little ones shower.

Nice Mama.

The picking up was going ok, a little..really a lot... of prodding and VERY specific directions as to what to pick up and where to put it and we were making some progress.

Until...

I was straightening the books on the bookshelf and Popeye's bowling pin...

...fell on my head.

I'm not kidding. Hit me right on the left side of my forehead. There's a knot and everything.

Instantly I was mad.

And as I continued to pick up I just got madder.

First, all mothers know how kids pick up. It is why we mothers have to occasionally pick up their rooms ourselves. They rarely put things where the are supposed to go. This started to really tick me off as I found stuff under the bed, the trashcan overflowing, and clothes not put away.

Then I heard all the ruckus coming from the bathroom and realized the big ones had been in there much longer than they are supposed to be and I got madder.

So, I opened the bathroom door, yelled: get out, NOW!, and headed to the kitchen to wash some dishes.

Passing through the living room and seeing the toys everywhere I fumed about how tired I was of always having things to pick up around the house. Things that weren't even mine!

In the kitchen I noticed hubs sitting in the batcave playing with his new phone and I had to shut the door so I didn't have to witness his obvious betrayal of not helping me.

Then I started washing the dishes and the Holy Spirit started whispering into my heart.

"You know that bowling pin shouldn't have been on top of those shelves. Would you rather it have fallen on one of the kids?"

"No, Of course not. If it had to hit someone on the head I'm glad it was me."

"You know that being in the shower too long isn't something that warrants you yelling like that. They were laughing and having fun. Would you rather them hate each other and wear scowls all day?"

"No, of course not. It is a blessing how much they love each other."

"You know that the only other option to a messy house filled with children is a clean one without them. I know you don't want to make that trade."

"NEVER."

"And you know that you should have been washing dishes and picking up the house earlier, but you chose to play on your new phone instead. Your husband did his work when he was supposed too and now is getting the chance to rest and enjoy his new phone. I know you don't want to be the nagging wife that only takes and never gives."

"NEVER."

By the time I finished washing the dishes I was at peace once again. And so very appreciative of my family and of my God.

Last night my emotions ran the gamut and God's grace met me where I was.

Bridget

Trim the House

About two weeks ago I mentioned to my MIL how I thought it would look good to put trim around the opening between my living and dining rooms.

She agreed.

And this past Friday she (and my FIL) came home with trim for just that.

Can I get a WAHOO?!?

I was so excited that I painted it immediately and then kept bugging my FIL to put it up for me.

So, at 9:30 Friday night, my FIL, hubs, and hubs brother-in-law put up my beautiful new trim. And it was everything I thought it would be.

Before. The little bit that is painted white was done in preparation for the trim. It had been blue like the rest of the walls. I just can't seem to remember to take a 'before' picture until I have already started to process. But you get the idea.

TA-DA!!!

Isn't it beautiful?

I sure think so. And the pictures really can't do it justice. The difference it makes is so huge that when our good friends came over for dinner Sunday night it only took them standing there for 5 minutes looking directly at it and then me finally pointing it out for them to notice.

I'm half kidding.

Seriously, I have found myself sitting in my office chair and looking at it for long periods of time since Friday. I just love it!

Thanks Ronny(FIL) and Susan(MIL)!!! You're the BEST!

Bridget

p.s. If you happen to click on the pics and notice some smudges on the trim, that is the caulk that has since been painted over. No more smudges.

I Need Africa

No, I have never been to Africa.

No, I don't know anyone personally that has ever told me of their travels to Africa.

But, I still need Africa.




Don't we all?

Bridget