Trick!

Happy Halloween! The celebration began yesterday afternoon with sisters harvest party at school then continued to the madness of the costume ball/dance/chaos. Thanks to our friend Kelly for the pictures! Now it's time for the serious stuff: trick-or-treating! Nathanael built his own costume this year, and it's bigger on the inside! Sarabeth is a pirate thingy goth girl. Noah celebrated with the XC team as the guy from Napoleon Dynamite. Have fun and be safe! 

Jen

Happy birthday babe! You are an amazing teacher, mother, wife and friend. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Have a great day today and an blessed year ahead. I love you. 

ReadCon 2014

While mom was in Colorado Springs with the high school boys, I loaded the kids up and we headed downtown for ReadCon 2014. Based loosely on ComicCon and the like, it was a day filled with books, books and more books! The was a scavenger hunt around local businesses downtown, demonstrations at several stores, Dr. Who trivia, a fun photo booth, R2-D2, and free books! The evenings entertainment was the adults only Books and Beers event. There were 30 authors available to meet, get a book signed, and discuss the art and craft of writing. All while sipping adult beverages provided by Wiley Roots! Thanks High Plains Library District. Looking forward to ReadCon 2014!  

State XC

Although Noah didn't qualify for state cross-country, he did make the trip to Colorado Springs yesterday with 7 of his teammates and Jennifer in our Ford Excursion, the unofficial team bus. Here is Noah at 6 yesterday morning trying to wake up while buying donuts at Kings. Jennifer driving with the men. And here are the girls team with the men that were cheering them on. Boys ended up getting second place in Boys 2A. Pretty awesome for a team that wasn't expected to do much after graduating quite a few seniors from last years championship team. Great season Noah! Onto winter training! 

TBT

Time to take a trip in the time machine all the way back to June, 2014. Mexico. Day two in paradise. The morning was spent listening to a high pressure sales job to buy into a time share thingy. We said no, and earned $400 for Wednesdays excursion. The rest of the day was spent on the beach, drinking tropical drinks, eating, and watching Mexico win their World Cup game. It was awesome. Sort of like watching the Broncos win the Super Bowl. Jen enjoyed some time in the spa during the game. Then more beach and sand and surf. What a day! 

Reflection

October 22. A day that will always be important in the tapestry of my life and the story of our family. It was just two years ago today that the cancerous tumor that was growing in me was removed. While I didn't know it at the time, nor would I have wanted to, it would be two more years before I would be completely recovered. For the first time since then, I really feel that I am back and better then ever. I feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in the person I have become. I look back on these past couple of years with a mix of awe, sadness and disbelief. It's still hard to comprehend that I had cancer, fought cancer, and defeated cancer. What a twisting, winding, roller-coaster of an adventure it's been. 

Once again, a heartfelt thanks and God Bless to the many, many, many people around the world who prayed for me, supported me, helped me, and were there for me. I wouldn't be where I am today, two years later, without the part that each of you played in my recovery. I am so blessed and so encouraged each time I am reminded of the support that you shows to my family and I. Here's to an even better year ahead. Cheers! 

Banquet

With the end of fall sports season comes the fall banquet season. Thankfully they were combined this year. And kept to 90 minutes. And included pizza and pop! Nathanael was recognized for cross country and Andrew was given a special award for three years of managing the boys soccer team. 

A real special moment occurred before the banquet started. Everyone was in line for their food. Nathanael was sitting with his friends and teammates and Sarabeth was sitting with her girlfriend. Andrew had disappeared. Well, lo and behold, at the front of the line was Andrew. He was filling cups with ice for everyone there. He had seen a need and jumped at the chance to serve. What an amazing kid. 

Guest

The special guest performer at Nathanael's orchestra concert was...me! Well, me and many other parents. The students were asked to come into the crowd and pick someone to bring on stage. They then had 7 minutes to teach that person their instrument. They we were going to play Mary Had a Little Lamb. Nathanael did great as a teacher. I didn't do so well as a student. But it was really fun. Not bad for 7 minutes of instruction. Nice work Nathanael! 

Concert

Nathanael and his fellow string players had their first concert on Wednesday night. It was really fun. Their teacher made the concert quite interactive with the audience. Each student had a speaking part, which included explaining their instrument, showing how they tune, 

the different parts of the instrument, and how to play correctly. They presented a half dozen songs as well. The end of the concert featured a special guest performer....