Sunday

We had a great day yesterday! . *Grandma Sandy was still here Sunday and went to church with us. Pastor Rick had a great message, as usual. . *I was able to visit in Sunday School with some very dear friends, one of which just returned from China. She was able to go with her step-son and his wife to pick up their new son. She had lots of amazing stories but the one that got to me the most was the story she shared about one of the other couples that was also there to adopt. This couple had been to China a few years ago with their daughter and son-in-law to help adopt their grandchild. After that trip, they decided to adopt themselves. So they came back and adopted a daughter. But that's not the end of the story. Their new daughter had a best friend at the orphanage who she missed, so on this trip, one year later, they were back for a third time, to adopt their new daughter's best friend! . *We went to the potluck dinner with other adoptive families in the church. We hadn't planned on staying for lunch since we didn't bring any food to share. But I wanted to make sure to visit. There was plenty of food and insistance that we stay, so we did! It was great to be able to visit for a while and fun to see Claudia again. . *The Vikings game didn't start until 3pm so I was able to watch almost the entire game. GO VIKINGS! . *I fed the kids and had them get their PJ's so that they could play until bedtime. Brit babysat for us so we could go to the church to hear Claudia's Presentation. She and her husband have adopted 12 children in 12 years. Here's a clip from the back of her book: "This book is the account , with helpful wisdom along the way, of an adoptive family's first 12 years, recounting how each child was claimed. Five children are Hispanic. One is biracial. Two are Asian. Four are Caucasian. Ten are from four state foster care systems from across the United States, two are from a Guatemalan orphanage. At the writing of this book, they range in age from 10-22 but they arrived between the ages of 9 months and 12 years. Together the family has confronted (and in some cases resolved) a myriad of challenges. Each is a unique individual with special gifts and contributions to make to the world." The presentation was very insightful and interesting and it was fun to meet her husband and 5 of their kids. I wouldn't have missed it! . *After that, Steve and I checked in at home, grabbed a bite to eat. Suprise, suprise. Turkey sandwiches. Then we went to see the movie The Blind Side. I would highly recommend seeing it. Sandra Bulluck was amazing! She's like my dream mom! But you know I wouldn't trade my two moms :) Tim McGraw was great as her husband. And the movie had football! Anyway, the movie tells the story of a black teenage boy who is homeless and a wealthy white family who ends up incorporating him into their family. If you cry at movies, be prepared, it has some very emotional moments. It's also a true story. And a great way to end a great day.

Great Quote of the Day

"What makes children get better following a trauma is connection to other human beings: human beings who are present, who are patient, who are kind, and who are sensitive. They don't need to be necessarily psychologically insightful. They need not to know anything about trauma. All they need to know is that they're right there with this child, they're trying to be comforting, they're trying to be supportive, they're trying to encourage. Those kinds of interactions end up being much more therapeutic and healing than many of the other things that we try to do with kids." -Bruce Perry

Singing Video

The kids kept themselves entertained while waiting for the parade to start. They played the CD from the kids christmas program and sang along at the top of their lungs.

Parade of Lights

Waiting for the Parade of Lights in downtown Brookings. It's a post-Thanksgiving tradition. Heather and I parked our vans downtown around 4pm and then walked back to my house. We wanted to make sure we had spots were the kids could sit in the back of the van and still see the parade. The roudy kids all hung out in the red van!

Family Thanksgiving

Tons of food and thankful people!

Sharon Arnold is in Heaven

My friend Dawn's mom arrived safely in Heaven last night.

Anthony Says

When Brittney was riding in Grandma Connie's car without her seatbelt on, Anthony told her, "When I grow up, I'm gonna be a policeman so I can put you in jail!"

Taylor Says

As Taylor was trying to hold a conversation with me in my bed at 5am this morning, I asked her why she always gets up so early. She replied, "That's the way God made me. And He makes everybody different."

Thanksgiving

Deb's dream was to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to international students from the college in our town who didn't have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving. Yesterday I was able to watch that dream become a reality. How exciting! Because service and dreams have no limit with God, we expanded the group to included anyone in the area who didn't have a place to go on Thanksgiving. I'm not sure of the final count but I heard it was around 120. * The dream needed lots of people to make it happen. People volunteered to cook and de-bone turkeys for us at home and bring them in on Wednesday. Then Wednesday afternoon and evening, people met at the church to work on turkeys and potatoes and decorating. Riley, Taylor and I met a few others back at the church around 8am Thursday morning. Brit walked over and Steve drove later so we didn't have the little boys there so early. We started cooking and then as other volunteers arrived, we gave them jobs. It was amazing to see how many people were willing to help on Thanksgiving. * It was really cool to watch the food appear. There were so many willing servants who helped make the day possible. Even people who were leaving to spend the day with their families still stopped by with gifts of food. * We served the dinner at noon. The menu included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberry salad, some vegetarian enchiladas, and bread. We followed that with apple and pumpkin desert. It was fun to watch some of the international students. Most of them wanted to try everything since it was the 'traditional American Thanksgiving' food. * Because when God provides, He really provides, so we had lots of leftovers. First we had anyone who came take what they wanted in to-go containers. Then we packaged up whatever was left and Dick, Steve and Riley took them to the Domestic Abuse Shelter and the Police Department. * I don't think there was any better way to teach my kids (and myself) about Thanksgiving than to have our family serving others.

Best Thanksgiving Ever

Best Thanksgiving ever but, boy, am I tired! And all because of a dream of my friend Deb, who is amazing! She's one of my heroes. Full story at 11. Just kidding. I'll post in the morning.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wed: We stopped back at the hospital to visit a few of the therapists and nurses that we missed the day before. They were so excited to see us! I developed some special bonds while being there for 7 weeks last year. Zeke wasn't sure what to think. He was a little nervous about what they all might make him do but once he realized he could have all the attention he wanted he relaxed. I gave a big hug to our friend Kath. She worked really hard with Zeke last year just to help him roll over, crawl, and toward the end of our stay, ride a bike. She had to put up with a lot from Zeke but as I was hugging her and thanking her for all her hard work, she had tears in her eyes as she let me know that, "to see how well he's doing makes it all worthwhile." She even said that she'd think of us when other kids are having a difficult time and remember how much Zeke has progressed. We had so much fun seeing our 'hospital family'. * After we left the hospital, we shopped at IKEA for a couple of hours. Zeke wasn't that impressed but Steve and I had fun. * Then we met my mom and nephew Joe for lunch at Fudruckers. The food was good and they had a video game area, which allowed us to be able to chat for a while while Zeke played. Good times! * We made it home safely around 8pm. Zeke slept almost all the way home and I even napped a bit. My folks had the kids at the church so we stopped there. I'm heading back this morning to help with the food. * This morning I'm headed back to the church to help put the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving dinner. Some wonderful friends had the great idea to prepare and serve the traditional dinner to international students who don't have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving. It expanded to be anyone who doesn't have someone to share Thanksgiving or have somewhere to go. I'm excited to be teaching our kids that Thanksgiving is about helping others. Sounds like there'll be around 200 people but we won't know for sure until it happens. * Happy Thanksgiving!

Brother Time

I got to spend the evening with my brother and nephew. We chatted, ate, sat in the hot tub, chatted some more and watched TV via the internet. I absolutely love hanging out with my brother, but who wouldn't? : )

Zeke's Doctor's Appointment

Quick Update: . Zeke's appointment went well, although it ended up just being a glorified check-up. On the positive side: The surgeon says the surgery did just what it was supposed to, and we agree. His muscle tone is excellent. We also got to see lots of friendly faces from last year. They still have Zeke's picture up on 4th floor North. On the not-so-positive side: Apparently they were supposed to schedule us for X-rays and a visit with an orthopedist (sp?) but no one did so we didn't get to see one. They were able to do the X-rays before we left but we'll have to come back to see another Dr to see if Zeke needs surgury on his hips or feet. They'll call us with that appointment in a week or so.

Thanks

Soon we'll be off to St. Paul with Zeke. We'll get Brittney to the Middle School, drop off Riley & Taylor at their school, take Anthony to his friend's house, put gas in the car and head out. We are so fortunate to have such a great support network that enables us to do what we need to do for our kids. * The kids' teachers are aware that we'll be gone and will give the kids extra love and help if they need it. -Thanks Mrs. Gunderson, Mrs Brenden and Tonya. * My mom and dad are staying with the other 4 kids while we're gone. We never even had to ask them, they just volunteered! They're staying at our house so the kids maintain their routine and can sleep in their own beds. They unselfishly juggled their schedule to help us out. -Thanks supportive parents! * My friend Holly is watching Anthony this morning. He's so excited about going to his friend Beth's house that my leaving isn't such a big deal. -Thanks Holly and Beth! * Our church community provided groceries so I have/had one less thing to worry about while getting ready and after we are gone. -Thanks church friends! * A very special group, The Kelly McGeough Foundation, has given us money for a hotel, gas and food for the trip. They are based in Brookings and aid families who have medical expenses for a child. -Thanks Kelly McGeough Foundation!

Grocery Suprise

Yesterday we received a gift of 12 bags of groceries. Besides 'regular' food, there was lots of fun stuff, too. Brit's favorite cereal, Zeke's favorite snack, juice and lots more. Steve even found his favorite cookies, Pecan Sandies. (I think it's so cute that his favorite cookie is named after his mom) . What a great suprise! .

Email Change

My email has changed. It's now triciawilkins5@gmail.com .

Lots to Accomplish

Lots to get accomplished today since we (Steve, Zeke and I) leave tomorrow for St. Paul for Zeke's one year post-op checkup. Monday is normally laundry day anyway, so the regular 15 loads of laundry is going to get done. Then it's just a matter of paying bills, Anthony's school conference, Anthony's friend Beth over for a while, cleaning and a visit to the store so the other kids have cereal while we're gone. Grandpa Larry and Grandma Connie are coming to our house to watch the kids when they're not in school. I'm sitting here at the computer now so I can finish my cup of coffee. If I don't finish it now, I'll put it down somewhere in the house and forget where I put it. And if I don't start out with coffee this morning, my progress is bound to be way to slow today!

Greatfulness

I heard a great quote from Pastor Rick yesterday: "True greatfulness is more than token appreciation after receiving a gift. It's the state of your heart before anybody does anything for you."

Taylor's Presidents Video

Movie & Pizza Night

I had a great day of training and then came home around 5pm just in time for Steve to go to the Swiftel Center to do concessions. I thought it would be fun to have a family movie night and I still had a free movie rental coupon. So after I picked Riley up from his friend's birthday party, Riley, Taylor and I went to Mr. Movies. I was excited to find a new release that was made from one of my favorite books when I was young, "Mandy and the Secret Tunnel". My friend Marin and I used to love to read the Mandy books. Anyway, I rented the movie so I could 'make' my kids love it, too. Brit complained a bit, but by the end of the movie she loved it, too! In fact, all five kids liked the movie! Brit even asked if there was a sequel. Movie and pizza night was a great success.

Riley Says

As I was getting ready this morning for my training, Riley asked where I was going. I told him that I was teaching people how to be good foster and adoptive parents. He said, "That's easy! Just tell them to be nice, give food at breakfast time, lunch and supper, and let the kids play outside."

Wireless Internet Card

I think it's terribly ironic that as soon as I post that we're getting rid of this wireless internet card and going to a different wireless provider, suddenly the internet has been working really well. Are they monitoring my information and don't want us to switch? : )

10 Family Tips

I found these 10 tips listed for communicating with employees consistently and effectively but as I read through them, I found that they also related to interaction with my kids and husband. So I substituted child or child or spouse in parenthesis for employee, and parent for boss. Here’s what it now says: 1) Be negative privately and positive publicly. Praising (your kids or spouse) around others shows you are kind and smart enough recognize achievements in others. (Your kids and spouse) will work hard to gain positive feedback from you. (Your kids and spouse) thrive on feedback, especially when it’s positive. Negative feedback, however, should be given privately. Many communicators, especially (parents), erroneously believe that if they embarrass or criticize (their child) publicly, they will be seen as powerful and astute. Unfortunately, these communicators are usually seen negatively by the audience, while the recipient of the criticism becomes a martyr, unnecessarily embarrassed in front of peers. 2) Don’t yell. Raising your voice simply communicates that you’re unable to maintain self-control. (Your child or spouse) usually becomes defensive, doesn’t hear the message and often walks away upset. The thrust of the message, identifying an incorrect or unacceptable action, doesn’t get through to (your child or spouse). 3) Be specific, not general. Too often, (parents) advise (their kids) with generalities like “Do a good or better job,” or “Make fewer mistakes.” But these statements are so vague they’re meaningless. To be effective, each message needs to be concrete. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “Do a better job,” if you follow up with a concrete explanation of what can be improved and what you’d like to see instead. 4) Speak from the heart. Be genuine when giving feedback, especially when it’s positive. If you can’t bring yourself around to verbally praising someone, then send them a note or an email. 5) Communicate often. It only takes a moment to touch base. Some messages are brief by nature – others take more time. The key here is to make the effort to communicate as often as possible so that (your kids or spouse) know what’s on your mind and they see you as approachable. 6) Be positive first. Especially when you need to deliver negative feedback, start your message with a positive statement. Because everyone seeks reinforcement, this will open their ears. Then make the necessary negative statement, ensuring that it is specific and clear. 7) Talk about change if it is needed. Conclude with an explanation of how you’d like the situation to be different. This can be an idea you come up with, an idea (your child or spouse) is challenged to create, or something you will both work on. 8) Find something good to say to everyone. A simple positive statement – short or long – can tell someone he or she is doing a good job. It only takes a few seconds to do this, but the effect can last a long time. Morale, productivity and (your child’s or spouse’s) satisfaction improve when (a parent or spouse) provides positive feedback. 9) Listen first, then comment. Before providing feedback, especially if it’s negative, ask the individual involved for his or her version of the story. This input may change your view and your comments. In any case, this gives the individual the opportunity to make a statement and be heard by you. This goes a long way to ensuring that the recipient will listen to what you will say and act on it. 10) Do it early. Don’t wait for the annual review or ‘when you get around to it’ to provide feedback. Whether someone succeeds or fails in their duties, let that person know it as soon as possible. Giving feedback doesn’t need to be a long, drawn-out process. . (Originally written by David G. Javitch, Ph.D.)

Brit's Bars Video

Short Update

For those of you who don't call often and haven't noticed yet, we don't have our home phone anymore. We're using cell phones only. Also, this new Sprint wireless internet card isn't working out nearly as well as we had hoped so Steve's talked me into trying a different one. Hopefully we'll have that up and running by next week so I'll be able to blog a little more consistantly again. . Update on Brit's gymnastics meet last weekend. She placed in every event, taking 2nd in both beam and all-around. She got two 3rd place metals and a 7th but I can't honestly remember in what and I know if I post it wrong, Brit will be upset. . Steve's working at Swiftel Concessions tonight and tomorrow night and I'm co-training all day on Saturday for PRIDE (It's the foster/adoption training that all people interested in fostering or adopting through the state need to take) Each group needs 30 class hours and home studies but the class is only offered in our area a few times each year. I love the gal that I co-lead with. She's from Children's Home Society in Sioux Falls and she and I have fun leading together. This is the second group we've done together. I think last time might have been last spring. I love presenting, sharing, and encouraging others new to the foster or adoption world.

The Real Beam Video

Brit's Beam Video - Dakota Gold

Brittney took 2nd place on beam. Ok, with my new goofy internet it took my two days to get this video loaded onto the blog and now I realize it isn't even her routine. It's just her waiting for the judge to tell her to begin!

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Leftover Turkey Before Thanksgiving

There are few things better than a sandwich made from fresh bread and leftover turkey. Why, you may ask, am I eating leftover turkey before thanksgiving? I helped a friend with 20's Diner at the church on Sunday and there were leftovers. We cooked 8 turkeys and mashed potatoes on Friday. On Sunday, Amber made an enormous amount of green beans and people from the church brought salads and pumpkin deserts. It's a great ministry that feeds college kids Sunday dinner for free once a month. There are usually anywhere from 80-120 kids that show up. My friend Rebecca is amazing! . Out of 8 turkeys, there wasn't much turkey leftover but I got to take it. Steve was happy!

Anthony Says

As I was in the dining room working on my foster/adoption training material for Saturday, I heard Anthony in the kitchen asking his friend Beth, “Do you wana see my underwear?” . As I’m jumping up from my chair, I’m thinking, “Great. Here we go. Time for another discussion on private parts of our body.” . They didn’t see me as I followed them down the hall. They both went into Anthony’s room and I got there just as they shut the door. . I immediately burst through the door only to find Anthony and Beth looking down at all of the underwear from Anthony’s dresser spread out on the floor; Spongebob, Cars, Spiderman, etc. . After a brief pause, all I could say was, “Nice underwear, Anthony.” Beth said, “Yeah.” Anthony said "Thanks" and we all went about our day.

Deron Arnold

On Saturday, I attended the funeral of my friend Dawn’s brother. A number of years ago, Dawn lost her father to colon cancer. Her brother has been struggling physically for the past few years. And Dawn is currently taking care of her mom who has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Please pray for strength for Dawn. She’s one of the greatest people I know. . Dawn’s brother Deron has been fighting a battle with cystic fibrosis since he was 4 and a few months ago he received a double lung transplant. One of the most awesome things about Deron is that he kept his faith in spite of everything he went through physically. Even though he was in incredible pain and could barely breath, his faith in a sovereign and loving God remained. That’s what made the funeral wonderful even though it was still hard. There is no doubt in our minds that Deron is with God and having no trouble with his old body anymore. . The following is his Deron’s obituary and I will personally vouch for the fact that everything it claims about his life is true: . Deron was born on August 18, 1971, in Brookings, SD, the son of Eugene and Sharon (Johnson) Arnold. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 4 years old. He grew up in Brookings, graduating from high school in 1990. Deron made it his goal to become a doctor at a young age. He studied very hard and was first in his class in high school and college, and received many honors in medical school. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from South Dakota State University in 1994 and attended medical school at University of South Dakota, Vermillion, receiving his MD in 1998. Deron was a wonderful person to be around. He was warm, fun, and surprisingly energetic considering his condition. Ever since he was little, he used his treatment time to read or study. He loved to read the Bible, particularly the Psalms, and various books about Christianity. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein were among his favorite authors. Later, he also used his treatment time to search the internet for various tidbits of interest – many of which he incorporated into his blog “Here In Time”. He always kept his childlike curiosity for learning. He enjoyed comparing and contrasting different versions of the Bible, and he enjoyed his profession so much that he often requested medical books as well as various study Bibles and other reference works for Christmas and birthday presents. An added benefit of his chosen profession was meeting Jan while they were both working at the same hospital. On June 13th, 1998, he was united in marriage to Jan Gustafson at Viking Covenant Church in Viking, Minnesota. They moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he started his five-year residency in pathology. He completed his residency at the USD in Sioux Falls in 2003, and they moved to Willmar, MN. He was a pathologist with Minnesota Pathologists Charted at Rice Memorial Hospital. Deron was loved and encouraged first by his father and mother and later by his sister, wife and twin sons, Maxwell and Mark, who were born on December 31st, 2004. Being a husband and father was one of his life’s greatest desires – one not often fulfilled for someone with cystic fibrosis. It gave him a great deal of happiness, joy and fulfillment like no other experience in his life. Deron lived his life based on his faith in Jesus. He was loving, fair, honorable, helpful, persistent, and truthful. He loved his wife and was faithful to her. He loved his kids and spent as much time as he could playing with them, leading devotions at bedtime, and showing a Godly example to them. He worked hard and performed excellently as a pathologist, even though he never felt well. He tried to find humor where possible in his circumstances. Due to his treatments, it was difficult to spend much time with Deron. But for those who got the chance, even for a few minutes, the surprise was that although they may have thought they were visiting to uplift him, they were the ones who left inspired. Surviving are his wife, Jan of Willmar; sons, Maxwell and Mark; mother, Sharon Arnold of Brooking, SD; sister, Dawn (and Joel) Mason of Cedar Falls, IA; many uncles, aunts, and cousins; four nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene, and all grandparents. He is truly enjoying heaven. May his memory be blessed. . What will your obituary be able to say about your life? Remember it is not you writing it, but those left behind who saw how you lived your life.

Dakota Gold - Brit's Floor Routine Video

Hot Tub Fun

Taylor loved the bubbles! Riley and some of his party friends. Brittney & Taylor "Mom, look what I found in the hot tub!" "Can I keep it?"

Riley's Birthday Party

When I thought of lots of kids in our tiny house, we agreed on a swimming party for Riley. Since I used to work at a hotel, the manager gave me a great deal. Riley drew and colored an invitation, I made color copies and he hand delivered them at school. Since we had the party from 2-4, I didn't really need to feed the kids there so we just had cake and juice. I made a football field cake. The kids had a blast and it only cost around $40 total for the party!

Three Things I Learned

Because our internet wasn't working, I wasn't on the computer for about a week. I learned during that time that there is really only one thing that I need to have access to: my email. I missed quite a few important bits of communication while I couldn't access my email. The second thing I learned is that I enjoy writing my blog and others enjoy reading it. The third thing I learned is that I spent too much time on other computer stuff that wasn't important in the long run.

We have internet again at home, so more info to follow tomorrow when Tricia has time to get on the computer for a while.

Internet Down

Tons of cool stuff going on but we don't have an internet connection at home. We're working on getting it back up and running but it might be a few days. I think we're going with a wireless card. I hope to post pictures of Riley's party and some other interesting info soon!

Riley's Birthday

Thus ends my month of having three 7 year olds. Riley turns 8 today!

Brit's Mummified Gymnast

The Planet 56 kids from church (kids in 5th and 6th grade) were having a costume bowling party last night. Brit went as a mummified gymnast.

Zeke's Doctor's Appointment

Gotta love Wednesdays! Tay's class in the morings, Anthony and I for lunch and then Steve and I took Zeke and Taylor to Sioux Falls to see Zeke's doctor. We're scheduled to visit his doctors in St. Paul in a couple weeks but Zeke's been having some issues that we felt we needed to check on right away. 1)There was an area of puffy redness around his right ankle, 2) his balance seemed to be more 'off' than usual, 3) he complained of pain in his lower back. The doctor checked him over pretty well to try to figure out what's going on. . 1) His braces needed to be adjusted because the plastic was rubbing near his ankle and causing redness and swelling. Hopefully this will take care of the ankle issue 2) Balance may be related to the ankle issue. Once his ankle heals, we'll see if his walking/balance gets better again. 3) The doctor did notice a bit of swelling on his lower back. She spoke with the doctors in St Paul but they were not concerned about it in relation to his surgury last year. They said that because he is a year post-op, that what ever the issue is, it wouldn't be related to the SDR. They'll take a look at his back when we're up there but we don't need to rush him up earlier. We'll just keep an eye on his back and if it gets worse or he complains more, we're supposed to call his doctor right away. The current theory, both from the doctor and from us, is that possibly because of the ankle issue, he was walking differently and using different muscles and that was putting strain on the muscles of his lower back. . On a completely different note, Christmas program practice started for the kids last night. Anthonys still too little but the rest will be in the program. I stayed home with Anthony last night instead of going to church. He had a bit of a tough day and melted down at supper so he wasn't going to church. He still has issues when we talk about taking Zeke to the doctor. Even thought we talk it over, he still goes back to the seven weeks I was gone when Zeke was in the hospital last year. That triggers him to think he's being left, just like in his past. Whew!

Anthony Says

"That guy was in the semi then he went in the dying place, so he died." This remark was made as we were driving by the funeral home and saw a semi delivering coffins.

Lunch Fun

Baptism Covenent (statement before being baptized)

Riley's Baptism

The audio isn't the best since I recorded on my camera, so here's what Riley said:

"When I was 5 years old I asked God and Jesus in my heart.

I love God.

I want to learn about him more.

I obey God's rules and love him very much.

I am glad God gave me Grandma Connie so she can teach me about God.

I want to be baptized because I want to be more like Jesus and he was baptized by John the Baptist but I'm going to be baptized by Pastor Rick."

Taylor's Baptism

Taylor says:

"When I was one years old, I learned about Jesus.

I learned more every day because Jesus is my savior.

That means he loves me and you and he died on the cross for our sins.

You ask Jesus into your heart to get into the kingdom of heaven.

I asked Jesus into my heart when I was in Pre-K with Mrs. Palileo.

Trunk-or-Treat, part 4

These are pictures of some of my favorite costumes!

Trunk-or-Treat, part 3

Some people get really creative with their vehicles. Fred here, for instance. Tay & Aubrey getting candy from a trunk. Jonah!!!! Wasn't this Noah's ark idea cute! In case you're not familiar with Trunk-or-Treat, the idea is to park in the church parking lot, decorate your trunk or back of your vehicle and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters. It's fun because everybody's 'trunk' is unique. . This was one of my favorites, 'Highway to Heaven'.

Trunk-or-Treat, part 2

The Gilkerson kids came as Winnie the Pooh characters. My nephew Coby slept as a pumpkin. Tom & Grace had a Twins theme. One of the favorites for the kids was Hanson's cardboard maze that they had in their trailer. This picture is of their son, Riley and our son Riley. And who could forget Cruella and her Dalmations. Olivia is actually our kids favorite babysitter.

Trunk-or-Treat

This was the back of our van for Trunk-or-Treat. Our theme was 'Nothing Runs Like A Deere'. Mom provided the candy, Dad provided the John Deere Stuff and we provided the van. Isn't Amber adorable as Little Bo Peep? She was directing traffic to their designated parking spots. This vehicle had a Disney theme. Rebecca had a game at her spot. Zeke hung out there for half the night. Here was another fun idea. Merritts had a twister game on the back of their van. The kids got to spin the spinner and pick candy from what ever color they got. This was a cool classic car with a movie playing in the trunk.

Halloween

Anthony - Mr. Incredible Zeke - Spiderman He found another spidey friend. Taylor - Bunny Aubrey - Princess Riley - Football player Special thanks to Jared for the helmet! Tia - A masked something with a mustache Brianna - Not sure? Brittney - A witch

Alarm Clock

When I was up at 5am this morning, Steve rolled over and asked if I had forgotten to change my alarm clock. I informed him that it's impossible to change an internal alarm clock!