Thanksgiving Break and Such

A whole week off for Thanksgiving - what a luxury! One of my professors didn't even know that Truman was getting an entire week this year. This is the first year they have and, as he put it, "That was totally not on my radar. At all" (he told me this with a bewildered look on his face). I think he needed the break. I know I did - three tests and two papers the week before quite wore me out!

The weekend before break I spent in Peoria, Illinois, at a National Missionary Convention. It was great - I mostly enjoyed, the time spent with friends, talking about missions and all the possibilities we, as young people, have before us right now. God could do anything with our lives!

After the convention, most of the week was spent relaxing at home - and I do mean relaxing. I'm afraid I was rather lazy. We watched movies, and played games, took walks and naps. Thanksgiving dinner was spent at our friends the Q2s' house, along with Mrs. Hazell, Zephan, and Alida. Lots of food and laughter - friends just make everything in life that much more wonderful, don't they?

I turned 18 on Friday, with very little ceremony. Kind of humbling when you have an unassuming birthday - but I did get to go on a long walk, talk quite a bit with God, get a hug from a very special girl, receive a wonderful birthday present shortly after I was legally 18, and watch A-team late in the shed with the guys.

The weekend was very exciting - we are now the proud borrowers of a horse! When my cousin asked to hear all about it, I told her all I knew - "It's brown." If you are one of those special people who wants to know every detail, my sister and Mum both blogged about it as well. I just have some pictures. My little family of cowboys (and girls)! Aren't they precious? I think Andy was cowering in the basement at this point, asking himself what we have become. :) Just kidding - he was as excited about the horse as anyone . . . just not quite as ready to entirely forsake his California roots.

So over all, a very successful weekend home - even though I didn't shoot a gun, play racquetball, or watch Beauty and the Beast with a certain someone who has never seen it. But there's always Christmas break!

Happy Birthday Zeke!

Wow, 13 years old. Yikes. Somehow, it’s never weird when Andy turns a year older. I guess it’s because he’s my older brother, and it makes sense for him to grow up. But with Zeke, it’s just different. I’m not ready for him to be all grown up yet! Although, I must admit it is nice that he’s beginning to mature. :D That, I can live with.

What I can’t live with is that he’s now taller than me. Sigh. I gave him a hug yesterday, and was shocked to discover that I wasn’t reaching down to hug a little boy anymore. I vividly remember when he was the same height that I was when I stood on my knees. We were so proud to be exactly the same height. Now – we are the same height. And I am not proud.

But it’s true – he’s growing up. Next thing I know, he’s going to be graduating, heading off to college, or announcing his engagement. Time sure flies.

 

Okay, so maybe it doesn’t fly that fast. But still.

 

If I had to sum up my favorite things about Zeke, with using only single words, these would be some of them:

Dimples. Trampoline. Strawberries. Words. Laughter. Monopoly. Mirrors. Weight. Enthusiasm. Singing. Dancing. Big Toe. Matching. Crocs. Family Devos. Blond Eyebrows. Brother. Teammate/Partner in Crime.

Love you kiddo! Keep siding with me against Andy and Abby, and life will stay happy. I might even buy you chocolate, and cease bossing you every second of the day. But that’s only a maybe – no promises.

Kidnapped!

Several weekends ago, Alida and I violently kidnapped Ashley, in honor of her 18th birthday and graduation! We've been planning it for few months, and had to reschedule several times -but at last, success! I had an incredible time hanging out with my girl friends - thanks so much for going along with it, and making it such a great time, you guys! Love you both!

First, we nabbed Ashley at work - then, after lunch at Panera, we drove up to Jefferson City for an afternoon of shopping.

Then, after a stop at Cold Stone Creamery (I had NO IDEA that there was one in Jeff City! I'm now thrilled beyond belief), we headed home, stopping at the BSU in Rolla on our way in. They had a get-together/photography contest that several of our friends had entered in. After that, we took a quick bathroom stop at the house, then drove out to the shed - shopping bags, sleepover equipment, and manicure/pedicure/facial supplies in tow.

Aida - this reminds me of the time you

tickled my feet through my shoes in

the back of the Yukon that one time.

Remember? Good thing you didn't actually

touch my feet for this one -

you would have gotten a swift kick in the face. :D

After getting a surprisingly long night's sleep, we leisurely woke up and had a large breakfast of. .. oh, all sorts of things. Then we partook of the shed's movie theatre set-up and watchd A Walk to Remember while curling/straightening hair. "I might kiss you. I might be bad at it. That's not possible." Sigh. Chick flicks rock my socks.

Once finished with all that, we discovered that we had several hours left together, and no official plans. . . and we were in Rolla. So we called up some friends, drove around town a bit, and wound up doing some rollerblading together! I managed to come up with enough skates for everyone, and Acorn Trail got to experience the wheels of 5 brave individuals.

Me

Ashley

Renee

Alida

Mark

Dancing on the Blades

The Whole Group

Awww. I love these kids.

Mum

Happy Birthday Mum!

I would write you a poem, but it couldn't even come close to describing all that you mean to me, Dad, and the other kids. It's really a challenge to find words that both describe you, and rhyme - and then I end up saying things I don't actually mean, and not saying all that I really want to. :)

Thanks for your hard work - for your endurance - for your organization and for keeping our lives running smoothly - for taking the time to talk with each of us kids when we need it - for encouraging us in our friendships and teaching us how to work through the tough times - for loving Dad, and being such a wonderful wife to him - for totally beating out Reagan as the "Great Communicator" - for doing all the little things, tirelessly - for always being quick to admit fault and set things straight - for showing us kids what it is like to really reach the needs of others with action - for being sensitive to those around you - for not needing makeup or the latest fashion or trend to look and feel beautiful - for making each of us feel that our own talents are unique and should be developed - for giggling with us - for always being willing to host a crowd of teens or little kids at the house or in the shed, even when we break things :) - for valuing learning, education, and especially reading and for passing that on to all of us - for every chart, table, list, calendar, and schedule you ever wrote on, typed out, or posted on the fridge - for being open to new things - for listening - for being the ultimate sports mom, one who actually knows more about the game than many coaches - for loving games and playing Ticket to Ride ad naseum the past few weeks - for teaching us how to compromise - for maintaining peace in the family even when your own life gets stressful - for being patient with us as we try to help you - for always being available to others, regardless of the circumstances - for loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength . . . and for letting that love overflow to all you meet.

There are so many other things - these are just the ones I thought of off the top of my head. :) We all love you so much Mum! Continue to fight the good fight, to run the good race - I know that your crown in Heaven is going to be a beautiful one. Mostly to match your own beauty, of course. <3>

xoxox,

Beck