Scott's celebration included dinner at Jethro's BBQ, his request, cake and gift opening with the boys. He wanted Bose Noise Canceling Headphones and then the boys and I picked out some other small fun things to give him something to open with his cake since he did his own shopping for the headphones.
Jake's 11th birthday was very fun. His list was actually fairly short, but very specific. He also wanted to open his swag at breakfast so he didn't have to wait for Scott to get home from work and for dinner to happen to open some of the good stuff. It is not the easiest time to celebrate, but we made it happen. We have a finely tuned schedule proctored by Scott each morning. He wakes Sam first to get him in the shower, when he is finished, then Nick is awakened to get him in the shower. Sam usually gets back into bed after he dries off to sleep a few more minutes. I am awakened to make lunches and make sure boys have clothes (that match, etc) and assure that at least something is consumed for breakfast by the first two and to make sure Sam gets up again. Scott gets in the shower, then wakes Jake up to get him in the shower. Nick and Sam catch the bus at 7am, so when Jake wanted to celebrate over breakfast, it meant waking everyone up early. The two non-birthday participants were not sure they were for this change. However, I made the executive decision that they would accommodate the Birthday Boy this once and we all made it. Birthday bacon was made and eaten by all. Jake opened his presents and he was pleased with the results and everyone made it to school without missing a beat. Jake's birthday "treats" were Krispy Kream donuts for his classmates. Between not being able to bring homemade treats and with food allergies that preclude certain foods, it is an easy thing for this momma. We then went to Olive Garden (Jake's request) for dinner. It had been a long time since we had been there and it was nice to have everyone find something on the menu they wanted. We were so full, we decided to wait to eat The Giant Cookie (cake request by Jake) until later.
Jake's request for the Donut Maker made me laugh, but we got one and tried it out. I am not sure Jake liked them as much as he thought he would, but he loves to bake and cook, so we will try some different recipes to see if any of them are tastier.
Halloween is fun and the boys used to get so excited about finding a costume and collecting candy around the neighborhood and carving pumpkins. I am not a fan of the "scary" side of the holiday. I like the fall colors, pumpkins and cute costumes, but hate haunted houses or zombies or blood and guts. I never let the boys be a scary character. They were not always thrilled with that, but it was my rule. Nick and Jake were not sure they were going to go out, but last minute they did and I was glad they chose "costumes" they already had laying around. Jake was a "scientist" wearing a lab coat and goggles, while Nick was a cowboy wearing hat, bandana, and mustache (ala mom's eye liner). Because we didn't go to a pumpkin patch this year and waited until yesterday to try to buy pumpkins, all that was left at multiple stores were white pumpkins. Each boy had plans for their carving. Thankfully, they are able to do much of the carving with minimal assistance from us. Scott really hates pumpkin carving, nearly as much as dying Easter Eggs. He did help Nick finish his pumpkin and each boy had their masterpiece on the porch in time for Beggar's Night to start last night. Scott, Ted and I handed out candy from the front porch while Sam, walked with the other two Beggars around our neighborhood to collect candy.
We seem to be the "go to" neighborhood for the Eastside of Des Moines. We didn't recognize many of the Trick or Treaters who came to our house, and many of them didn't bother to tell me a joke or even say Trick or Treat. We didn't seem to have as many Beggars this year, maybe because of the cold temps after the sun went down. We close up the free candy store at the Beatties early because I was cold and hungry.
Lastly, we have been studying the book "Radical" by David Platt in our Sunday School class. I bought this book soon after I arrived home from Honduras in June because Luis Carrion one of the missionaries with WGO told me about it and I was excited to read it myself. As frequently happens, I start a book, but I end up distracted with the rest of my life and don't finish. The premise of the book is to ACT out our Faith and get away from the "American Dream" that permeates our society. I have been truly changed by reading it and believe deeply that David Platt has amazing insights. I have been a bit shocked by the group responses to some of the chapters and the discussions that have arisen during class. I guess we each have a different perspective and are in different places in our Christian Life. It is not to say that anyone is truly wrong, but I was surprised with the defiant comments about some of the discussion about money and what "going" like the Disciples did and how that looks today.
Scott and I are still praying for direction and are sensitive to God's leading. We still desire to use our skills and training to further the cause of Christ whether it be here or overseas. It has been hard to figure out why some of the experiences we have had have happened and why we are still here in Des Moines. We truly thought we would be living in India now. It is hard to not be able to see the Big Picture that God sees. I highly recommend Radical. I believe that each of us has a "job" to do in living out our Faith.
2 comments:
Hey you blogged and I missed it. ;). I haven't checked in forever. Fun to read it and be updated.
:) you blink and you might miss my posts. I am very bad about keeping up with it. I do love your blog!
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