Kids of Christ Christmas Program

We had quite the start to the morning that was not planned.
1. Adam did not feel well so he missed out on Gerrit's program.

2. I had been working on prepping Gerrit to wear the sweater vest I had made him special for Christmas and even agreed to put numbers on the vest when the season was over. Gerrit thought the vest looked like a jersey which I agreed with him on the comparison until he insisted I put numbers on it like real jerseys. I finally got him to agree to put it on just before we left and we couldn't get it to fit over his head! I was crushed!! (After 2 attempts since this am, I've adjusted the neckline and we are back in business.) So a quick belt and straightening of the tie and that was the outfit for today. (Thanks Oma for making the tie - it looked great!)

3. As I was getting the camera ready while Gerrit was walking down the aisle, the battery died! I was ready to cry after the morning we had. Luckily, I didn't pout too long and spotted an outlet nearby so I quickly charged the battery during the first half of the service! I figured the pictures would be the same regardless of when I took them, so I waited patiently to get a little juice in the battery and snapped a few pictures:

On a brighter note, Gerrit did great! He stayed up front the entire time, sang every song, said all the Bible verses and only played with his tie a little bit. The worst part was him sticking his tongue out as he walked down the aisle! I was a proud momma as this was the first time Gerrit participated in a singing event in front of a crowd.

And the best part is listening to Gerrit sing the great Christmas hymns at home the past few weeks!
We have 1 more Christmas program and one more chance at getting the sweater vest on!

PS - I was told the program was video taped so I will work on getting a copy of it to show at Christmas time.

Changes this Week

Gerrit got his cast off this week! He was pretty excited about the day because he started off hanging out with mom at school for a bit. We then headed for lunch, a few errands and then to see Dr. Schiffern. The cast was quite smelly so the whole family was extra excited to get rid of that thing!
Gerrit was a bit hesitant to let the man use the 'saw' to cut the cast but eventually he gave in and stood still long enough to get the job done. Gerrit walked around as if the cast was still on which I thought was pretty funny. The Dr. said everything looked great and it healed well. It has been a few days since the cast came off and you'd never know he had broke his arm. He is using it to its full capacity as he told Adam tonight he did a pull up to reach something on top of a dresser! Guess he didn't loose too much muscle! We did not opt to keep the cast (thankfully) and will just have a few pictures to remind us instead.

We now have a few inches of snow yet that did not keep Emmit from riding his bike! These were taking the morning of the snow storm (it hit after lunch). We had a light dusting earlier in the week but Emmit did not mind. He would live outside if he could! Every day he gets out of the car and whines standing by the garage door waiting for me to open it. Usually I don't but Sat. was a 'warm' day so I thought he better get one more ride in before the snow! And just as the snow was starting to fly - Adam took off for a ride with a few guys! Guess Emmit has it in his blood!

Jingle Cross Part II

Not much to report that these photos don't say already...

I'm thankful I was dry and clean at home. Our washing machine survived the mud washings it did and Adam's jerseys came clean! Gerrit had a blast and enjoyed a little TLC from Dag - Paul's coach and a friend we've made over the years of racing (he is a former Olympian and his son is racing professionally now). Luke and Paul enjoyed racing and the weekend would not be complete without a colorful race from the single speeders.

Thanksgiving Weekend (Part 1)

Wednesday we made the trek to get our tree. The weather was perfect and the selection was awesome. It Gerrit liked holding the saw and Emmit even held it for a brief time. It is now decorated (thanks to the help from Gerrit) and we are enjoying the evergreen smell and beauty it brings to the living room.

Thanksgiving was low key which was perfect. Travis came for football and dinner. I didn't get to see the Lion's game (guess there was not much to see) due to cooking and decorating but Gerrit was insistent on putting on the 'miracles' (ornaments - not sure where he came up with miracles) before the lights so I had to get the lights done ASAP. I even forgot the garland and had to do that after he left for Iowa! It was such a warm day that after dinner we took a walk to the park. The boys enjoyed getting out and I enjoyed a little exercise after a big meal. We were hoping the 'cool' air would be good for Emmit (he got croup Wed night) but it was so warm it didn't do what we were hoping it would. Uncle Travis enjoyed the zip line which prompted Adam to join in on the fun.  

Friday, Adam and Gerrit left for Iowa with Dave, Paul and Luke. Stay tuned for a few pictures later this week.

Post Dinner Fun

Lately this is what our house looks like after dinner:

Emmit took a beak from the action to smile for me.

Let's Be Honest

The phone rang tonight, and like always, Gerrit enjoys answering it...on the other end is Oma.

Oma: Are you being a good boy?

Gerrit: No, I just got in trouble for hitting my dad in the nuts

This same kid has had the following similar conversation with 2 different people recently:

Other person: is your mom there?

Gerrit: no

Other person: so you are home alone?

Gerrit: yes....pause....just kidding - here she is!

This same kid locked me out of the house at 9pm and sets the alarm off to the Subaru! Luckily my look of death was enough for him to unlock the door so I could deactivate the alarm! 

Love the kid but if this is any indication for what he's going to be like when he's a teenager...I'm doomed!

Batman and Robin Sighting!

Halloween was extra special this year because Oma and Opa were here! We had a quick dinner and then it was time to put the costumes on - Gerrit had been asking all day to put it on! We headed out to the neighbors first. Shorty was sitting on the wall awaiting our arrival. Emmit was a quick learner - he had no problem getting candy from the bowl and filling his pumpkin with as much as he could before we pulled him away. (Thankfully he's cute so he didn't look like a greedy kid!) At Garry and Shirley's (the other side of Nick and Shorty's), Emmit stuffed 7 popcorn balls in his bucket before we had to hide the bowl of popcorn balls! We made a quick stop at Langley's before heading over to Dahlen's where Luke took they boys up and down his street (with Adam's assistance). I stayed at the house with Oma and Opa and enjoyed an adult beverage (my kind of trick or treating!). Gerrit lasted only a few houses before he wanted to go home. Emmit on the other hand was knocking on the doors and helping himself to as much candy as he could get his hands on!

It was a fun night, not a ton of candy which I'm thankful for (so I don't eat it all). Gerrit enjoyed his cape and tried to get it to 'fly' in the wind. Emmit picked off all the details I had glued on to his costume. (Note to self: sew the details on and the costume will last longer!)

I love thinking of costumes for the boys - trying to keep them as a 'duo' of some sort. We already have an idea for next year and we have a year to talk it up and hope Gerrit will agree to it rather than be want to be a football player (again). Until next year - Happy Halloween!