Fall Baking Day

This year instead of doing the whole Halloween thing, the kids and I started a new tradition-- Fall Baking Day. We made Ma's sugar cookies and then decorated them together. I'd planned on giving some away to the neighbors, but we sampled a few too many... they're just too irresistible. 

We had a great time together, practicing some Home Ec skills and I've learned that when you resolve in your head that "there will be a MESS", the whole process and clean up afterwards isn't so bad. And the fun they had helps too. 

Here's a *few* pictures of our day. Notice Nathaniel's eyes in one photo-- he couldn't stop blinking when I took the picture, so finally I told him "keep your eyes open!!!" and he gave me that. Also, on two separate occasions, we set a timer without actually putting cookies in the oven... whoops. We had a good laugh about that. :)

October Kid Quotes

Apparently only Addie and Pennie talked to me this month...

Addie- Mama, when I'm a grown up and I have my own money, can I still live with you? Can I do what I want but ummm just stay with you?

Me- If we did costumes this year, what costume would you want?
Addie- A cat.
Pennie- A duck of course!

*Pennie, upset that Addie wouldn't share her seat with her at the kitchen table*
Me- Pennie, she doesn't have to share her seat. There's plenty of seats.
Pennie- But she has to share. She's my 'sista'! *walks to Lillie* Will you share with me? Best buddy."

Pennie- Daddy, can we lay together and talk about things?

Pennie, after taking a drink- Ugh! That water turned to yuckiness!

Pennie- I'm not going to have any kids.
Me- Why not?
Pennie- Cause. I'm gonna have cats!

Addie- I really wish I could color this picture but Gabrie already marked it.
Gabrie- You can color it if I can color one of yours.
Addie- Okay. But does it have to be a cute one?!

*Watching me clean the fridge*
Pennie- Mama, can I do that too?
Me- Does it look fun?
Pennie- Yeah! When I'm a mom, I'm gonna let my kids clean.
Me- What if they won't do it?
Pennie- They will. Cause it's fun.

Pennie- We have to listen to you cause you are the mom for us. And Daddy is the dad for us. And Ma calls you Bay, and she is the mom for you. Right?

Pennie- Daddy, can we watch 'Monstabersary'? (Monster's University)

Me- Pennie you have to wear pants today. It's too cold.
Pennie- I love freezing!

One night at bedtime, Addie and Pennie were very upset with each other and came to tell on each other. Some how their argument escalated to Addie saying she wasn't going to invite Pennie over to her house when they're moms. Pennie then told Addie that she will "break into her house and steal her keys".

Happy Birthday, Papa.

Not everybody is lucky enough to have a good dad, much less an awesome one. Today is his birthday and I wanted to share some of the things that make him so awesome along with some pictures because he's so cute. He's a man of few words, but when he lets them out, they're usually funny or wise. Sometimes with a little attitude, huh Ma? 😉

So in no particular order, here are just a few.

1. Vietnam Vet. Nuff said.

2. Avid cyclist. At nearly 60 years old he took up competitive cycling to honor my brother's memory. He rode his first race in khaki shorts, and now he's standing on podiums and going on 67 mile bike rides.

3. Selfless. Selfless doesn't really cover it though. Long ago, about three and a half kids ago to be exact, we were living in Broken Arrow and had no money. Justin was in college and working when he wasn't in class. I was looking for work and caring for Nathaniel and Gabriella. Nathaniel needed a thicker coat and we didn't have the money to buy one. My dad drove the two hours to our apartment after work and brought us a hand-me-down coat from my little brother. I can't recall if he stayed the night and maybe had a bike race the next day too, but either way- he would've done that for us regardless. Nathaniel still remembers the coat Papa gave him.

I could give so many more examples to go with his selflessness and love-- like how he goes every month or so to Sand Springs to mow around the ghost bikes so that the tragedy on that highway doesn't go forgotten-- or how he worked so hard to provide for a family of 9 so that my mom could stay home with all of us-- and how he drove to Midland three times this year just to help us lay our tile floors.

Even when you're grown and married to your own amazing man, dads don't just stop being dads.

Thank you for everything you do for us, Papa. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. 💗