Happy Halloween!

Monday isn't the most fun day for Halloween, but we had a great time leading up to it over the weekend. Then, Colton even convinced me to let him sleep in on Tuesday morning! He made it to school before 10am, but he did sleep in a bit.

Cadie was Tessa Gray from the book "The Infernal Devices" and we worked so hard to get her costume right. She enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with Channing and two of her rowing friends and also scaring people at DD and Big John's with the ghost. Jack Ranger was a banana and three of his friends, Hunter, Jack and Charlie went as Bananas too - what a bunch! Colton was Tails from Sonic and he had fun catching up with Nico and his older brother and parents. I was a spider for part of the time, and once Grant joined me we wore our mildly inappropriate matching shirts.

Other Halloween festivities included a Fall Festival at the UP pool that Cadie, Nina, Colton and I went to. Another AMAZING birthday party for Alexander Cobb which was Harry Potter themed. Of course, pumpkin day at school and I was thankful Colton was willing to not go too overboard and we made a double-decker witch pumpkin. We also had a fun evening at Mandy and Parkers watching Hocus Pocus 2 in their backyard. 

Cadie & Charlotte's Web

Cadie won the drama cloak! We were so proud when her name was announced at the end of the 3rd performance and she was recognized as the Crew MVP. She invested more time than ever this season and organized the dressing rooms and went above and beyond training new crew members. 

This was Miss Donnally's first play as theater teacher so Cadie did extra to help support her success and the success of the play. There were times Cadie was pretty frustrated, but she remained committed to her role in crew and she says she plans to do the Spring musical. 

Grant and I enjoyed being the Cast Party chairs. We hosted the party at Whirlyball & Laser Tag in Plano. It was a bit far to drive, but we had the place pretty much to ourselves and the kids were able to enjoy all the laser tag, whirlyball, and unlimited drinks. Grant saved the day with a huge Papa John's pizza order because I had forgotten to pre-order the pizza.

Happy 12th Birthday Jack Ranger!

We did something new this year - an overnight at the farm! George Pate, Alexander Finger, Drake Soukup, Shep Lance, Hunter Myers, Hudson Herzog, and Jax Anderson joined us to celebrate Jack Ranger. Nathan Brown, Fourest Doyle and Brooks Buis were also invited, but they had conflicts and were not able to attend. The boys were dropped off at our house at 1pm on Saturday, Oct. 8 and then pickup was back at our house at noon on Sunday. 

I drove the boys in the pilot out to the farm and Grant drove his truck with Colton and Cadie. When we got to the farm, the boys took advantage of the afternoon warmth and went for a swim in the lake. They really enjoyed jumping off the dock and there was a game at some point with two teams, but I never really understood it.

The afternoon also included a hike to the beaver dam, archery, a watergun fight, and exploring the mounds (the big piles of dirt left in the field from the lower pond drudging). In the evening, we had pizza, homecooked cookie cake, a fire and smores around the campfire, and a ridiculous talent show that was mostly the boys seeing silly songs about corn and dancing around. Ace was a huge help and he had stayed in town an extra day to help with the party before going to a Texas Rainbow Gathering.

Bedtime was challenging with some of the boys fairly committed to staying up all night. At around 12:30am I laid down in bed with Ranger and stayed in the bunk room until it was quiet. The boys were up again pretty early in the morning on Sunday. We had bacon, cinnamon roles, cereal and then the boys went outside for a bit more exploration, football and archery. We wrapped up the morning with presents before loading up and heading back to Dallas.

Jack Ranger had asked if the boys could stay longer on Sunday. We agreed it would be based on behavior and how things were going overall. I laughed when Ranger came to me on Sunday morning and said, "no one is staying longer, are they?" Ummm, nope. Well, actually, Hudson stayed for Sunday evening with us because there was no school on Monday. But I drove the rest of the boys back home as planned on Sunday morning.

I was totally wiped out. The boys were high energy the entire time. I learned that if I do a larger party, I won't do an overnight. Or, if we do an overnight, we will limit it to 3-4 boys. Eight boys overnight was too much. I hope they had a great time, and I think they did. But it was too much for me to referee and entertain for 24 hours. Also, overall the boys would benefit from some additional manners and how to be good guests. A few of them said "thank you", but no one offered to help and when I did ask them for help, they scattered quickly. They also didn't know how to keep track of their things or do the basics, like no leave wet clothes and towels on the ground. It was pretty eye opening and I am already working on some education with my boys. Live and learn! I really enjoyed getting to know some of Ranger's friends better and I hope they want to come back to our farm again.

On his actual birthday, Grant grilled steaks, per JR's special request. DD and Big John brought over all the fixins and sugar cookies, also JR's request. For his birthday, Ranger got a watch with calling/texting capabilities, croc shoes, and fortnight loaded on his computer. 

When I asked Ranger how he felt about being 12, he said he wanted to make the most of his last year ordering from the kids menu! He is so funny. He loves his snuggy, soft things in general, burrowing in his bed, playing football with his friends, and he still likes legos (although is doing them a bit less). He is funny, opinionated, hard working, smart, and helpful. We are so very proud of him!

Cadie Fall Choir Concert

 Cadie's fall concert was lovely. Since this little lady will be in high school next year, this is her final year of choir concerts. It has been really fun to watch her perform and build friendships.

Erin's Surgery

Today is exactly 6 weeks since my surgery and my first day back at work (part-time). Next week is back to business-as-usual. We have been flooded with prayers, gifts, support, food, flowers, and help. It has been needed and wonderful.

I received the most beautiful flower arrangements from Breah Brown, Lindsey Coffman, Christy Rome, HPPC Deacons, Sky Ranch, HPPC Student Ministry, Sharon Tehrani (plus truffles and cookies along with the flowers!), Jun and Sarah Kong, Katia and Russell Jonas, and Blankenship Change Consulting.

Breah set up a meal train for us and we have had the most generous meals delivered every day by our amazing community. AND, my sister Courtney came in town from Hawaii for about 5 days to help take care of me in the hospital and see our family. CJ made an immediate difference by getting me a mattress topper for the super uncomfortable hospital bed and making sure my pain meds were right. She was a huge encouragement and help.

Here are Grant's sweet updates to Team McKesson:

• 8/31/22 6:17 PM, Erin's Update 1 to McKesson Team, "Hi McKesson Friends, The care package of soup arrived today, as well as the generous gift card—THANK YOU! Erin’s surgery yesterday went OK, but not entirely perfect. After the initial 6hr procedure ended around 6pm and Erin was woken up in the recovery unit, the plastic surgeon came to check on her and observed some circulation issues with the reconstruction area that gave him concern. So, he took Erin back into the OR for a second operation that ended a little before midnight. She woke up this morning and had a small breakfast and coffee. Then the physical therapist came to help her get out of bed and sitting upright. Everything seemed to be going well at that point. However, after a few hours out of bed, the same circulation issues arose that gave concern last night and the plastic surgeon decided to keep her on bed rest. His hope is that by giving her another 24 hours or so of laying still and flat, Erin’s body will be able to heal and strengthen the new circulatory connections on its own without the need for another surgical intervention.  I’ll provide further update as we learn more from Erin’s medical team."
• 9/2/22 5:51 PM, Erin's Update 2 to McKesson Team, "Erin is still in the hospital.  Her recovery is going slower than we had expected but she is improving a little more each day. She said all of you would be proud that she has not turned on her cell phone since she went into surgery on Tuesday! I'll let you know once she's discharged and resting at home."
• Monday, September 5, 2022 6:31 PM, Erin's Update 3 to McKesson Team, "Good news! After her medical team did their morning examination and assessment, they decided Erin had shown sufficient improvement and they authorized her for discharge late Sunday. Although there is still a long recovery period ahead (plus another reconstructive surgery that will most likely occur in December), for now she is glad to be resting in a real bed without hourly interruptions from nurses, med techs, doctors, etc.! For the next week or so, she plans to stay at her parents’ house (which is on the same block and right across the alley from our house) to have a bit more peace and quiet. Of course, the kids and I will be walking over to visit with her often and for family dinners!"

The surgery was Tuesday, Aug. 30. I came home from the hospital on Sunday, Sept. 4. I stayed at my parents house until Sunday, Sept. 18. They took such good care of me and it allowed me to rest undistributed. I also didn't want to make the kids anxious seeing me in pain. I slept most of the day for about 3 days after getting home from the hospital and my parents were incredible to me. I had my first big outing on Friday, Sept. 23 when Nina, Colton and I went to see Beauty and the Beast at the high school. Colton had really wanted to see it and DD dropped us off at the front door and picked us up to make it easy. I enjoyed the evening, but was definitely tired. I go back to work part-time today and full time starting next week beginning Mon., Oct. 17th. 

I felt ready for the surgery after an evening at CRC with just Grant and I, a scrub at King Spa with Billi, and some logistics prep with DD and Nina. That being said, the process has been more of a roller coaster than I anticipated. I am still glad I did it and feel grateful that I don't have to fear breast cancer. But I am not yet at 100% and an anxious to get the Dec. 15 surgery (outpatient) done with and truly have this behind me.

Cadie is 14!

We had an amazing time celebrating Cadie with Shauna and Avery Gray, Eisley, and Maci. We headed out to the farm on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2pm. We spent the afternoon and evening swimming in the lake, driving the Kawasaki, making smores by the fire made by Susie and Ace, laying in Hammocks, and eating Sprinkles cupcakes! DD bought Cadie the bedding she selected for her room at the farm and it was the first time Cadie got to sleep in her new room. I loved that the girls just had fun running around and being girls. 

On Sunday morning we had breakfast at the farm, and then packed up and headed to First Monday Trade Days for a shopping spree. I gave each of the girls $100 and they had to spend it that day and give back any money they didn't spend. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun afternoon. 

Yesterday, Cadie's actual birthday, DD made a full dinner based on all Cadie's special requests. DD made an Italian dish from a recipe from Shauna and homemade strawberry cake for dessert. An extra treat was Bella McCormick bringing by another homemade cake just for Cadie! Cadie was also really excited to get a special James Avery ring that Grant got for her.