Saturday Morning Fun and the Big Crane.

Who doesn't want to wake up at 5:30am on Saturday morning?  Normally, I would think this is an okay idea considering that I am a genetically born and bred early bird.  However, this week I probably could have slept in a bit.  As the story goes, Kevin was having a hard time sleeping.  So at the first sign of life, Kevin became Chatty Cathy.  What is the meaning of life?  What should we do today?  Should we get the kids up and go out for breakfast?  UGH.  Again, normally this would not phase me.  This particular morning, I could have slept a bit more.  We settled on a reasonable (?) 7am breakfast time.  We had not been to Denny's in forever, so to breakfast we went.  It was a great time!  We all enjoyed our pancakes and omelets.  Kevin, of course, reminded me of what a GREAT idea he had.

After that, we went to the nearest big crane machine.  What else were we going to do?  We had 30 minutes to burn before Kevin's shot appointment.  In actuality, it was just a good excuse to do something we love.  Yes, we are that family.  The ones that spend their dollars on the hunt for ridiculous stuffed animals.  Kevin says we do it for the love of the game.  He might be right as I found myself jumping up and down, the recipient of raised eyebrows from a few passersby. 

Kendall was the big winner this time around.

Sidney holds the family record, five stuffed animals (cheetah not pictured) for under 3 or 4 dollars.  I cannot remember exactly.  Remember, it is for the love of the game:)

 

A few weeks ago at skating, she won this cute little wonder.  One quarter, one animal.  Sweet!

Here is Sidney, all dressed up for camo night at Awana.  I was on a trip, so Grandma Terrell subbed in my spot and sent me this little gem of a picture.

Mr. Clean and a Show of Support.

Kevin started his new chemo regimen this fall.  He has been through two cycles.  This time he has chemo every three weeks.  The side affects are very different and somewhat predictable.  Last time, his hair only started to fall out and then stopped.  This time his hair was coming out quite rapidly.  The girls have been teasing him for awhile, so he decided to let them help.  He brought out the clippers and let them at go to town.  They were a little bit nervous and giggled the whole time.

After this, Kevin asked me to take the razor to his head for a really close shave.  Then it was my time to be nervous.  Thankfully, no nicks or razor burn.  Phew!  His only regret?  That he did not do this sooner.  Now he has a very white chrome dome for the winter.  Seriously though, I think he looks fabulous!  I have always thought bald heads look sleek and sexy.

The two middle schools that Kevin directs surprised him with a tribute.  The two teams were schedule to play each other.  Both teams put these stickers on their helmet.  It was as close to Periwinkle as they could find.  What an honor!

Another day, he showed up to his office only to find all of these notes stuck to his door.  The students had written notes of encouragement and support to him.  What a gift!!!

Fall Happenings.

The girls are back in school now.  So what have we been up to?  To start Kendall came home from school last month with an interesting surprise.  She said, "Mom and Dad, guess what?  I have the most fabulous opportunity.  I get to run for Student Council this year.  First of all, I will need you to sign a waiver since I will be missing some class.  Second, I have to write a speech and give it to my class.  Lastly I have to get elected."  I had to explain to her that she should work very hard at it if it is something she really wants.  However, she should keep in mind that only one person gets elected and many others will not.  Work she did.  She spent the weekend writing and rehearsing a speech.  Then she delivered her speech, along with six other classmates, to her class.  She was successfully elected into office.  It has been quite an experience and an impressive amount of responsibility.  I think there have been a couple of moments in which the experience has been overwhelming, but overall she has been up for the challenge.

We all got our annual flu shots.  This is no small feat in the Strong house.  Both the girls despise shots.  Their doctor agreed to get his along with them this year.  It did not mitigate the drama though.  Kendall wriggled so much she pulled the needle out of her arm and had to get a double poke.  Sidney proceeded to scream loudly the whole time until the moment of truth, then she stoically requested the shot be given in her thigh.  The nurse looked at her like she was crazy, but obliged.  Those girls!  Looking at this picture, you would never know the drama that went into it.

Our garden produced a lot of pumpkins this year.  The girls were very excited to pick them.  Yes, we will not win the prize for largest pumpkin, but is sure was fun.

To continue our bug obsession, we have spotted about three Praying Mantis's around our house.  Can you see this one?

The girls decided to part with their much loved convertible this fall.  It was super sad to see the car go, but the family that is taking over ownership will get a ton of good use out of it!