Well, today was the day. The girls first cross country meet. They both made VARSITY!!! Brittni placed 14th and Ari placed 15th. They weren't alot of runners because of the bad weather we had last week. To make varsity they had to place in the top 7 of their team. Brittni was 6th and Ari 7th. Brittni was so excited. Her time was not what it would have been last year, but she finished and she felt pretty good. Now that she knows she can do it, we will work on building her endurance and increasing her speed. I will try to post some pics when Courtney gets home with the camera. He and Ari are camping tonight and will be home tomorrow.
Have a great weekend and thanks for checking in on me and my family.
Cindi
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Pay it Forward
Ok, I know most of you have heard of the concept of paying it forward, but I want to encourage you to actually do it. As a rule in our family we do this often. I have tried to raise my kids with that principal always on the front of their minds. We have taken meals to the eldery, adopted college students, taken new neighbors fresh baked bread, etc. We even once paid a small bill at Wal-mart for a man who didn't know how to activate his credit card and therefore couldn't buy his groceries. Now we wouldn't have been able to do it if it was a large bill, but it wasn't and it was obvious neccessities--toilet paper, soap, food, etc. Well, yesterday the opportunity to do something nice happened again and I jumped on it. I want to encourage you guys to do the same. Some of you know that I was given a gift by a widower from my church. He wanted to do something for me and family as a way of saying thanks for some of the volunteer work I do. He bought my family a years membership to the Y. Wow, what a gift huh? We have loved it.
Well yesterday I was picking up Chinese food and I noticed him eating alone in the back of the restaraunt. When I paid my ticket I asked the lady if I could pay his too. Now she only speaks very little English and it threw her. At the time he was eating some watermelon and she kept asking "you want watermelon?". I explained several times what I wanted. It finally clicked and she let me pay his bill. I told her to not tell him it was me, just to tell him it was paid.
I was still in front of the restaraunt when he went to pay. The smile (and a small look of confusion) were priceless. He had not seen me in the restaraunt so he really had no idea who had done it. I couldn't help but feel happy inside. My boys thought it was great. Now, if they will only keep the secret. :0)
Now, I know that spending extra money isn't always going to be an option, but there are things that won't cost you more than you already spend. Take a few cookies from your batch and give them to a neighbor. Freeze a single serve portion of your leftovers and take to a widow or widower. Hold the door for someone. Clean out your closet and take the things you don't want, or can't wear to a shelter for women and children. Adopt a grandparent from your church who has no one close--Have them over for dinner, Invite the for tea, Pick them up and take them to the park or play their favorite card game with them. Anything to make someone else's day brighter.
I hope each of you can find a way to do something for 1 person. Then see how you feel. Keep me posted. I would love to see your ideas and maybe use them out here too!
Well yesterday I was picking up Chinese food and I noticed him eating alone in the back of the restaraunt. When I paid my ticket I asked the lady if I could pay his too. Now she only speaks very little English and it threw her. At the time he was eating some watermelon and she kept asking "you want watermelon?". I explained several times what I wanted. It finally clicked and she let me pay his bill. I told her to not tell him it was me, just to tell him it was paid.
I was still in front of the restaraunt when he went to pay. The smile (and a small look of confusion) were priceless. He had not seen me in the restaraunt so he really had no idea who had done it. I couldn't help but feel happy inside. My boys thought it was great. Now, if they will only keep the secret. :0)
Now, I know that spending extra money isn't always going to be an option, but there are things that won't cost you more than you already spend. Take a few cookies from your batch and give them to a neighbor. Freeze a single serve portion of your leftovers and take to a widow or widower. Hold the door for someone. Clean out your closet and take the things you don't want, or can't wear to a shelter for women and children. Adopt a grandparent from your church who has no one close--Have them over for dinner, Invite the for tea, Pick them up and take them to the park or play their favorite card game with them. Anything to make someone else's day brighter.
I hope each of you can find a way to do something for 1 person. Then see how you feel. Keep me posted. I would love to see your ideas and maybe use them out here too!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Well
The past few days have been very trying out this way. Most of you that we had torrential rains over the weekend, bascially we had a hurricane in Weatherford! We sustained some flood damage, and of course, we aren't insured. We were some of the lucky ones. Courtney woke me during the night and we caught the flooding at the beginning. I put down every blanket and every towel we had. We moved the boys to their room, becuase they were having a slumber party with the girls, and we moved everything that could get wet away. Yes we are frustrated, yes we have furniture ruined, yes the carpet is wet and smelly, but we are luckier than some we have talked too.
A friend from church was woke up by the Weatherford Fire Department. He said he knew he was in trouble when went to roll off the bed and his knees were under water. When they opened the door for the fire department the water rose to mid thigh. They were allowed back home the other day and they found that the sewer had backed up into their house. Their house is covered in raw sewage. No more complaints from me.
Our carpets are drying, the furniture is drying and the pool which was filled with mud is partially drained. We will be able to repair the damage to everything. We are just tired.
We have been declared a disaster county, but are waiting to hear if FEMA will help us. Compared to what others are going through, it doesn't matter. We will be fine.
Other than that the only other thing going on out here is school. We have begun a routine and it seems to be working. At least for now. The girls have school from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. M, T, and W. Then only from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thurs, and F. Lucky for me, Brittni can drive them. YEAH!!!
We will run our first cross country meet on Saturday. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for checking on our family. Have a great weekend. Cindi
A friend from church was woke up by the Weatherford Fire Department. He said he knew he was in trouble when went to roll off the bed and his knees were under water. When they opened the door for the fire department the water rose to mid thigh. They were allowed back home the other day and they found that the sewer had backed up into their house. Their house is covered in raw sewage. No more complaints from me.
Our carpets are drying, the furniture is drying and the pool which was filled with mud is partially drained. We will be able to repair the damage to everything. We are just tired.
We have been declared a disaster county, but are waiting to hear if FEMA will help us. Compared to what others are going through, it doesn't matter. We will be fine.
Other than that the only other thing going on out here is school. We have begun a routine and it seems to be working. At least for now. The girls have school from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. M, T, and W. Then only from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thurs, and F. Lucky for me, Brittni can drive them. YEAH!!!
We will run our first cross country meet on Saturday. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for checking on our family. Have a great weekend. Cindi
Saturday, August 18, 2007
First First/Last First
Confused you with the title didn't I? Yesterday was quite a day for us. School started!
For Brittni, it was her last first day of public school. For Hunter, it was his first first day of public school. Brittni is a Senior, Hunter is in Kindergarten. What a milestone for our family. It's funny, when Brittni was in Kindergarten she wanted me to take her school, and even stay a while. Hunter on the other hand didn't even care if Mom took him to school. He told me it would be fine if Dad drove him since I had to get to my school. When Courtney got him there, he walked straight to his room and told Courtney "This is my room, bye Dad!" How's that for independence? Courtney did manage to grab a few photos before leaving Hunter for his first full day of school.
Brittni drove herself (She got her license in July). I did get pics of her before she left for school, but I resisted the urge to follow her to school and take pics of her walking in the building. She probably would have killed me anyway! Brittni drove Ari to her first day of 10th grade and I was lucky enough to take Connor with me. He is in the third grade this year and I work at his school.
It really does seem like only yesterday that Brittni was in Kindergarten and now we are doing all the things to prepare her for graduation. There are senior pictures, announcements, ACT test, college applications, and dorm roommate decisions. Hunter on the other hand is busy planning his back to school party, picking out new crayons, folders and backpacks.
I know this year will be full of "lasts" for us, but also a lot of "firsts". I can't wait, and then I want to wait! Those of you with kids out of high school know what I mean. There are days I want to tell Brittni--Don't let the door hit you on the way out, and then there are days, I want to tell her--it is okay to live at home until your 30.
Well, I guess I should go for now. Some of my college kids come home today and they will be joining us for meals since the cafeteria doesn't open until Monday. I need to clean up a little. We took the kids to the Hydro Free Fair tonight, and for those of you who don't know it is raining here and has been all day. We are soaked and the house smells of wet clothes, shoes and kids.
Have a great rest of your weekend. I will post the pics from school as soon as Courtney uploads them for me. Cindi
For Brittni, it was her last first day of public school. For Hunter, it was his first first day of public school. Brittni is a Senior, Hunter is in Kindergarten. What a milestone for our family. It's funny, when Brittni was in Kindergarten she wanted me to take her school, and even stay a while. Hunter on the other hand didn't even care if Mom took him to school. He told me it would be fine if Dad drove him since I had to get to my school. When Courtney got him there, he walked straight to his room and told Courtney "This is my room, bye Dad!" How's that for independence? Courtney did manage to grab a few photos before leaving Hunter for his first full day of school.
Brittni drove herself (She got her license in July). I did get pics of her before she left for school, but I resisted the urge to follow her to school and take pics of her walking in the building. She probably would have killed me anyway! Brittni drove Ari to her first day of 10th grade and I was lucky enough to take Connor with me. He is in the third grade this year and I work at his school.
It really does seem like only yesterday that Brittni was in Kindergarten and now we are doing all the things to prepare her for graduation. There are senior pictures, announcements, ACT test, college applications, and dorm roommate decisions. Hunter on the other hand is busy planning his back to school party, picking out new crayons, folders and backpacks.
I know this year will be full of "lasts" for us, but also a lot of "firsts". I can't wait, and then I want to wait! Those of you with kids out of high school know what I mean. There are days I want to tell Brittni--Don't let the door hit you on the way out, and then there are days, I want to tell her--it is okay to live at home until your 30.
Well, I guess I should go for now. Some of my college kids come home today and they will be joining us for meals since the cafeteria doesn't open until Monday. I need to clean up a little. We took the kids to the Hydro Free Fair tonight, and for those of you who don't know it is raining here and has been all day. We are soaked and the house smells of wet clothes, shoes and kids.
Have a great rest of your weekend. I will post the pics from school as soon as Courtney uploads them for me. Cindi
Monday, August 13, 2007
Well, this is it. The last week before school starts. Really, we start this week, but we only go Friday, so technically we still have this week to enjoy ourselves. Atleast the kids do, I have bloodborne pathogen training tomorrow, and then I am back to work on Wednesday.
The girls are ready to go, but the boys are starting to show the typical school anxiety. Connor wants certain people in his class, and Hunter wants to know is teacher NOW! They will both find out the answer to their questions on Wednesday morning, but that doesn't seem to be enough to pacify them.
Some of our college students are back and we are seeing more signs of SWOSU coming back to life after summer. Rachel came over to spend the afternoon yesterday. She runs cross country like Brittni and Ari and she wears orthotics, so she was a big help to Brittni. Actually Brittni ran 1 1/2 miles last night!!!!! Today, she ran with her team. She wasn't able to stay up with them, but she ran the same distance they did. Ari stayed back with Brittni so she wasn't alone, WOW what great kids I have. Tonight, Brittni wanted to run some more so Ari jumped on her bike and rode beside her. Brittni ran 1 1/2 miles tonight too. Their first meet is a week from Saturday and Brittni has resigned herself to running JV for the first few races, but she hopes to be back on varsity within a couple of weeks. Stephanie is also back, and Kelsey will be here Saturday. We have several other kids who stayed over the summer and we have seen from time to time, but I am ready to get back in the swing of having them over every Thursday for Survivor and Supper. Now that Meredith is in Kingsville, we will have to call her on our webcam so she can be in on the fun even from down there.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. I hope you all have a great week. I am ready to go back to school, but I am sure there are 100's of things I didn't get done around here that I should have.
Cindi
The girls are ready to go, but the boys are starting to show the typical school anxiety. Connor wants certain people in his class, and Hunter wants to know is teacher NOW! They will both find out the answer to their questions on Wednesday morning, but that doesn't seem to be enough to pacify them.
Some of our college students are back and we are seeing more signs of SWOSU coming back to life after summer. Rachel came over to spend the afternoon yesterday. She runs cross country like Brittni and Ari and she wears orthotics, so she was a big help to Brittni. Actually Brittni ran 1 1/2 miles last night!!!!! Today, she ran with her team. She wasn't able to stay up with them, but she ran the same distance they did. Ari stayed back with Brittni so she wasn't alone, WOW what great kids I have. Tonight, Brittni wanted to run some more so Ari jumped on her bike and rode beside her. Brittni ran 1 1/2 miles tonight too. Their first meet is a week from Saturday and Brittni has resigned herself to running JV for the first few races, but she hopes to be back on varsity within a couple of weeks. Stephanie is also back, and Kelsey will be here Saturday. We have several other kids who stayed over the summer and we have seen from time to time, but I am ready to get back in the swing of having them over every Thursday for Survivor and Supper. Now that Meredith is in Kingsville, we will have to call her on our webcam so she can be in on the fun even from down there.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. I hope you all have a great week. I am ready to go back to school, but I am sure there are 100's of things I didn't get done around here that I should have.
Cindi
Monday, August 6, 2007
Things
Well, a new week has begun and summer is almost over. I have had a very busy weekend. We had a visit from one of our adopted college students, Meredith. She is like one of my own. Over the years we have hosted about 35 students as their adoptive parents. We get lucky and have a few that become so close that they are like our own kids. Meredith is one of those. She is leaving and moving to Kinsville, TX. TOO FAR away, but for a great opportunity. So we were very excited to see her before she left. Courtney sometimes has to work down there and he is already trying to find a way to go down there so he can check in on Meredith and take her out to dinner.
On Saturday another one of our "Like Family" adopted kids got married. Blake has been with out family for 5 or 6 years. He married a sweet girl from Yukon and they will be living here in Weatherford, so really I guess we gained another adopted student. We also got to visit with some friends that we haven't seen in several years. Mark and Debbie were once on staff at our church and have since moved to Lake Charles, LA. They are some of our dearest friends, and it was so much fun to visit with them. They came up to go to Blake's wedding. We also got to see the old youth minister from our home church who did Blake's wedding.
Brittni ran with her orthotics yesterday. She is still in a lot of pain, but is determined to make varsity her senior year and run for a scholarship. She is going to join the team for warm up today, but still ride her bike the 4 miles they are running. She is just not ready to run yet. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
Cathy and her family made it safely back to Florida. I am glad she is home, but I miss her already. It is only 350 days until she will be back again! haha
Have a great Monday, Cindi
On Saturday another one of our "Like Family" adopted kids got married. Blake has been with out family for 5 or 6 years. He married a sweet girl from Yukon and they will be living here in Weatherford, so really I guess we gained another adopted student. We also got to visit with some friends that we haven't seen in several years. Mark and Debbie were once on staff at our church and have since moved to Lake Charles, LA. They are some of our dearest friends, and it was so much fun to visit with them. They came up to go to Blake's wedding. We also got to see the old youth minister from our home church who did Blake's wedding.
Brittni ran with her orthotics yesterday. She is still in a lot of pain, but is determined to make varsity her senior year and run for a scholarship. She is going to join the team for warm up today, but still ride her bike the 4 miles they are running. She is just not ready to run yet. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
Cathy and her family made it safely back to Florida. I am glad she is home, but I miss her already. It is only 350 days until she will be back again! haha
Have a great Monday, Cindi
Thursday, August 2, 2007
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Brittni
Well, believe it or not, I am back for another blog.
Most of you know that Brittni and Ari run cross country. Brittni was even hoping to go to school on a cross country scholarship; however, things changed after she ran with some kids from SWOSU in the OKC Memorial Marathon.
She started having pain when she ran, sometimes so bad she couldn't finish her run. We thought maybe she had a stress fracture or had just worn herself out by running the marathon and really thought it would resolve itself. It didn't. She has been seeing a poiatrist and he recently made molds of her feet to fit her with orthotics. She was diagnosed with collapsing arches. Basically she is now flat footed. Not like a pancake, but they definetly look very different. She got her orthotics in today. Cross country season opens in 2 weeks. They told her it could take up to 3 weeks to get used to the orthotics. She is in a panic. She is at the Y right now trying to do the elliptical machine with the orthotics in to get used to them.
So, here is what I am asking of you. Pray for Brittni. She needs to have patience to let her feet get used to the orthotics. She needs these orthotics to work--the doctor told her that they SHOULD, but it is possible that she won't be able to run again. She needs to do well this season. She is really wanting to run on scholarship and this season is the determining factor.
Thanks for letting me vent. Brittni is a very determined might I say hardheaded young lady--I can't imagine where she gets --and this is driving her crazy.
Most of you know that Brittni and Ari run cross country. Brittni was even hoping to go to school on a cross country scholarship; however, things changed after she ran with some kids from SWOSU in the OKC Memorial Marathon.
She started having pain when she ran, sometimes so bad she couldn't finish her run. We thought maybe she had a stress fracture or had just worn herself out by running the marathon and really thought it would resolve itself. It didn't. She has been seeing a poiatrist and he recently made molds of her feet to fit her with orthotics. She was diagnosed with collapsing arches. Basically she is now flat footed. Not like a pancake, but they definetly look very different. She got her orthotics in today. Cross country season opens in 2 weeks. They told her it could take up to 3 weeks to get used to the orthotics. She is in a panic. She is at the Y right now trying to do the elliptical machine with the orthotics in to get used to them.
So, here is what I am asking of you. Pray for Brittni. She needs to have patience to let her feet get used to the orthotics. She needs these orthotics to work--the doctor told her that they SHOULD, but it is possible that she won't be able to run again. She needs to do well this season. She is really wanting to run on scholarship and this season is the determining factor.
Thanks for letting me vent. Brittni is a very determined might I say hardheaded young lady--I can't imagine where she gets --and this is driving her crazy.
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