Fun with cousins!

I love being part of a large extended family. Growing up, most of my cousins were younger than I, but that didn't (and doesn't) stop us from having plenty of fun when we're together. Phil & I were married just 6 months after his oldest brother, and 3 months after the next oldest brother. By our second Christmas together there were 2 grandkids; Abbie & her cousin, Judah, are just 2 weeks apart. After that, about every 2 years, there was another "set" of cousins to join the family. In Phil's family there are 10 cousins & more to come. In my family we've doubled the numbers; from 1 girl & 2 boys, to 2 granddaughters & 4 grandsons. Now that you're up on our family tree... :)

Last weekend we went camping at Lake Thunderbird (southeast of OKC) with 2 of Phil's siblings & their families. Here are the guys with 5 cousins heading off on a 2 hour canoe ride. About halfway through Daniel was done, "When are we going to be there?!?! I really need a nap!"

Daniel with "his" cousin, Ella Joy.

Grace with Hadassah Faye ("Haddie"). It was so fun to see Grace in a "big sister" role, taking care of Haddie & walking hand-in-hand.

This past weekend, we doubled our household size when we welcomed Phil's oldest brother & family into our home. The cousins each have someone their own age, and we have had countless arguments when it comes to sharing..."No...he's my cousin!" They had a blast playing on the swing set, in the sandbox, riding bikes, beating Uncle Philip at soccer, and being silly together.

Martha Stewart, here I come!

The other day I was watching Martha Stewart. That's about all I do...watch & chuckle at her obsessive-compulsive "ness" - things all in order, perfect projects, need for control...

Anyway, she had a guest on that had published a book on how to make no-sew or low-sew purses. She & Martha created a tote bag with material, iron-on vinyl, staples, & duct tape. I was fascinated. I even took notes. A week ago I had eyed some cool fabrics at Hobby Lobby that reminded me of scrapbooking papers, but I couldn't think of anything to make with them that would be quick & easy. I couldn't find the iron-on vinyl (to make it water proof & stiff), so I had to modify. I modified a lot. I decided against the staples & duct tape, for the traditional sewing method. And I loved how it turned out. In all it took me just a little over 30 minutes to make. So now I'm dreaming of what I can scrimp on so I can buy more material to make more cute bags!

Good friends and late nights

This past weekend I felt like I was reliving my college days: footloose and fancy-free. Well, as free as you can be going to a Bible school in the middle of Chicago. Friday I went to a friend's house to watch Made of Honor. We made brownies & popcorn, kicked back in our recliners, and enjoyed a genuine chick flick. After the movie, we talked. It's what women do best. You can't just always jump into serious conversation; sometimes you have to warm up to it, either over dinner, shopping, or a good movie. After a while I asked what time it was, thinking it was a little after midnight...it was 3am! It took another hour for us to wrap things up & then I was headed home. I had a hard time rolling out of bed the next morning, but the kids were thrilled to have their cartoon time extended. Sat. night I felt like I was sneaking out of the house again when I put kids to bed, kissed my sick & tired husband goodnight, and drove to meet 3 friends for a late night movie at the only theater in Enid. I had read Nights in Rodanthe over Labor Day weekend & was looking forward to seeing the film. The book is always better than the movie, but I was pleasantly suprised. I won't spoil it for you...go read it for yourself (before or after you see the movie).

This weekend we're going camping with Phil's brother & his family, as well as his sister & her husband. It will be another fun weekend filled with laughter, late nights, and talking around the camp fire. The only problem is...I'm getting too old for this! My college days are 10+ years behind me & I need my beauty sleep. And it's not for beauty anymore; it's simply a matter of sanity & survival!

Yeah for the little guy

Noah is the smallest boy in his class. The biggest boys tower a head above him. But he doesn't seem to mind much, especially since he can out run them. He's pretty proud of that fact. We had friends over for supper a few weeks ago & their 5th grade son had fun running away from the "little boys" - Daniel, Noah & Sam (another friend). Thomas came inside, out of breath, and exclaimed, "Man, Noah's fast! It's hard to get away from him!"

We signed Noah up for soccer this Fall & he loves it. He scored a goal in his first game last Saturday, and again at practice last night. He oh-so-nonchalantly explained to me, "Yeah, it's not really that hard to score goals; you just have to be a good kicker." You think he'd be tired after an hour long practice or game, but he comes home for round #2 - a soccer game against his brother in the backyard. It usually ends in tears...Daniel's...because Noah keeps stealing the ball away from him! Daniel prefers football rules: find your opponent & tackle him. That's something he can beat his skinny older brother at!

This week Noah learned how to tie his shoes. I have to say that as much as I love their independance, how it frees me up a bit, I miss being needed. I guess that's the way it goes. You long for the day when they don't demand your attention every second, but cry the minute that day arrives. Still, it's melts my heart to see that big ol' smile on his face once he's got his shoes on.

Getting started

It's the beginning of another week. I don't understand why Mondays can be so challenging. Maybe it's all about expectations. Or maybe it's because I'm trying to catch up from a weekend filled with activities and responsibilities. I'm always trying to find my footing on Monday, to get started on a new week. And usually my Monday dictates how the rest of the week will turn out. If I'm organized and on top of things, the rest of the week seems to go so much smoother. But if I'm running scatter-brained and senseless, so it goes.

This morning I couldn't find my planner. I am a list maker. You know the Toad & Frog story? Toad makes a list, then loses it, but can't look for it because that wasn't one of the things on his list, so he & Frog sit & do nothing all day until it is time to go to bed, when Toad remembers that was on his list, so he writes it in the dirt, crosses it off & goes to sleep. I can relate. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to lists...okay, so I'm a little anal...okay, a lot. But anyway, I like them, and I feel lost without them. I just remembered something I'm supposed to write on my list - meat thermometer.

Alright, I'm getting side-tracked. See what happens? ;) And now I have boys fighting & homework to supervise & supper to make...so my thoughts will have to wait for another day. I'll be sure to pencil it in my planner.

My favorite time of year

There are things I love about each season, but Fall is by far my favorite. Maybe I'm partial because I was born during this season, but when Phil & I were choosing dates for our wedding, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by colorful foliage, thick sweaters, and cool nights. We spent our honeymoon in Door County, and through our wedding was after their "peak season", God surprised us with an "unusually late Fall" and beautiful landscapes. I don't even mind the gray, cloudy days when all you want to do it curl up with a warm cup of tea & a good book. This past week Gustav brought us much needed rain, and combined with a cold front from the North, it has really felt like Fall.

We spent Labor Day weekend with Phil's folks & drove over to AR on Sunday to see Phil's brother & family. Matthew, Jenny & their two girls are serving at a home for pregnant girls. It is a neat ministry with unique challenges and amazing rewards. It was fun to spend the day, meeting the girls, holding a newborn (how long has it been?), playing with cousins, and living life with them.

Last night we had friends over for supper - 4 families w/ 11 children = lots of noise & lots of fun. I laughed until my sides hurt. When we moved here 6 years ago, it felt like it would be impossible to put down roots again. It's not easy to meet new people, and never easy to develop deep relationships. But God has blessed us with friendships, and camping together with this crazy bunch has bonded us for life, I'm afraid. We have too many incriminating stories among us!

Next week we're looking forward to traveling to IL to spend 4 days with my family. My brother, Andrew, & his family are home from Italy for 2 months. We'll be staying at a cabin (thanks to one of their supporters) and we're excited about having this time away together as a Debelak "clan" (a first for us).

Because I live in Oklahoma, I'm not guaranteed consistent Fall weather. There is always the possibility that you will be wearing shorts on Thanksgiving Day! But with my Fall decorations up and tea bags out, it doesn't matter. I can celebrate this new season regardless of whether the temperatures agree with me or not!

New Look

Thanks to this site, I found a new layout. Check out all the cool layouts & instructions on how to put them on your page. This one came from this site. I had so much fun, I changed my look three times this morning. No joke.