Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Welcome, Paul, to the family!


Robb is safely home from Alaska! Yeah!
He loved being there for Kathy's wedding and had many wonderful things to say about Paul and his 5 grown children. We are so happy for Kathy and are praying for Jessica, Bradley, Jodi and Brandon that this will be a smooth transition/adjustment time and that the days to come will be good ones. Their story is one of sorrow and joy, losing and finding love again. Robb so enjoyed being with his sisters for the few hours he was there, as well as seeing many old friends at the reception.
Robb said that the service was an amazing tribute to the spouses that had gone on, as well as a celebration to the goodness of God. Kathy is such an inspiration and walking through these dark days has allowed God to shine brightly through her life. Welcome, Paul! We are proud to call you family!



Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Giving Thanks

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."



This is the sentiment from my very thankful heart tonight. We just dropped Robb off at the airport as he is heading out tonight to Alaska to attend his sister's (Kathy) wedding and be with his family for Thanksgiving. We were sad to see him go, but so glad that this worked out for him and he can be there to celebrate with his sis and see his family there. The days will go by quickly, I'm certain, and the kids are already talking about whose turn it is to sleep with mom.

Our plans for tomorrow include a lazy breakfast of egg casserole and fruit, playing around the house, eating dinner with friends, and Nana and Gramps coming in tomorrow evening (their plans were changed due to a big snow storm in Montana).



As I sit here in a warm house with the smell of praline apple pie baking, I look at my children, bathed and in their cozy PJs, watching a movie, and I am thankful for all I have. The list is incredibly long...every good thing in my life comes from my Heavenly Father. He has been teaching me this year to practice a thankful heart every day, not just on Thanksgiving. Some days this is harder than others, but the little song is so true: "A thankful heart is a happy heart" and my attitude is a great gauge and reminder to me to stop and count the blessings in my life. It really changes everything! My prayer is that this year finds my heart thankful many more days and moments than not!





"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."

Philosopher Cicero

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Happy 3rd Birthday, Tucker!

Our little sweet boy turned 3 on Sunday! We knew we had a busy day on Sunday so we celebrated on Saturday. This was the most anticipated birthday in the history of the French household. I love the fact that as the kids grow, they love to celebrate the special moments. On this day, Tucker made all their preparations worthwhile! He so loved all that the "big kids" did for him...I think he really felt like a king for the day!
Tucker had talked about having a football cake for a couple of months. Thanks, Shauna, for lending us the pan. It made our task so easy!

We had promised Drew and Lauren a special outing of some kind for practicing violin faithfully. Whenever they go to practice violin, we light their special candle. When they are finished they blow it out and it is a great visual we use so that they can see how much they have been practicing. Well, they have been PRACTICING! And the candles were gone! So with that in mind, we decided to take advantage of our day together for Tucker's birthday and take the family to Boondocks, which is a family-fun place with games, pizza, laser tag, mini golf, ect. It was a rainy night outside so we all stayed inside and had a wonderful time. Robb and I even got to do some racing!! I think he always won, but it was sure fun!

Preston even enjoyed the evening...I think he was on sensory overload by the time we left!
Drew and Jayce racing (When we were kids, my mom would always let us lick the bowl and utensils, especially if it was our cake.) Here is Tuck enjoying his batter, with help from Dad.

Tucker, you feel our lives with so much joy! We love how you are growing up to be such a great guy, and you do seem to be growing and changing so quickly (my theory is that you are trying to keep up with those big brothers!). I especially like to hear what is on your little mind and love it that you can talk to us so well now. My heart just swells when I hear you quoting your Bible verses..."The Lord is my shepherd. I shall lack nothing..." and I hope you soon experience what those verses are talking about. Your smile can brighten the dreariest of days and we love you more each day! I know that God has big, big plans for you, little one! For now I count it a privilege to be your mom and spend so many days and hours with you.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

More Fall Fun




This year, a chef, an air-force pilot, an American soilder, and 2 lions hopped in our surbuban and rode with me to Boise First Church of the Nazarene where they
all received a bag full of candy (that will last until Easter, I'm sure). We had such a wonderful time this year! The weather was very nice and it was pleasant to be outside. We met Robb there where he was busy directing traffic, but he took a few minutes to ooh and aah over all the kids. Our church has been doing "Trunk or Treat" since we have been going there (almost 6 years) and there are a few thousand people who come through, some never to be seen until next Halloween, but they know it is a safe place. I spent an hour or so face-painting (there was no training involved and it was obvious!). The kids played in jump houses and talked with friends.

It was a nice evening...but I have to say I'm glad it only comes once a year!
Love the little lion tail!

Can you see him?!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Nancy Drew Club - anyone care to join?

Below is an unedited email that was sent to Lauren by her friend. Lauren and Julianne are the leaders of this club. I thought it was too cute...and not bad advice, either!

DREW CREW CLUB RULES AND ASSINMENTS (MUSTS AND “HALF-TOS” (YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE RULES TO STAY IN THE CLUB)


· ALLOW ANY ONE TO ENTER CLUB(EXCEPT BOYS, UNLESS VOTED IN)
· NO CUSS WORDS
· NO SECRETS(EXCEPT AMONG CLUB) THAT MEANS NO WHISPERING
· TRY TO NOT DISOBEY OUR PARENTS IN THE CLUB MEATINGS
· BE NICE,NO FIGHTING
· RESPECT EACHOTHER
· LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS
· DON’T TALK WHEN OTHERS ARE TALKING
· (FOR LEADERS) GIVE ALL CLUB MEMBERS EQUALY IMPORTANT JOBS
· THERE IS NO RANKING, CLUB LEADERS ARE JUST THE PEOPLE THAT ESTABLISHED THE CLUB
· IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT PLEASE TALK TO THE CLUB MEMBERS
· ALWAYS ENJOY CLUB MEATINGS
CALL LEADERS IF YOU ARE SICK


NOTES: PLEASE CALL LEADERS IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT OR MISSING PAPER AND SIGN IN ON THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP PAPER.

THANK YOU,

CLUB LEADERS