Happy Thanksgiving

For the first time in quite a few years, the gang gathered at the house for Thanksgiving Dinner. There was a feast to be had by all that came. Denise started baking the major fattening stuff about a week ago. Then put it under lock and key as the cookies and fudge would not have lasted until Thursday. The house smelled wonderful (if you like that kind of stuff) and anyone that came in the door asked the same question--where are the cookies?! I think Dominic called almost every day to check on the status of them. Zannon and KyLeigh stopped by to say hi and came in just as the fudge was being prepared and it was great watching the two of them argue over the fudge spoon. Zannon was showing KyLeigh the proper way to clean the spoon. Clyde, Heather and Devin took the time on Wednesday to start the baking of the pies and getting things ready for the veggie tray. Bright and early on the morning of Clyde and Denise started the other major organization of getting things ready, making sure there were enough chairs (I still personally think if everyone brought their own we wouldn't have this problem) and space for everyone. It was great about 12:30 everyone started showing, Dominic, Robin, Emma and Alayna came in asking "Where are the cookies"? Heather, Julius, Demitrius and Gracie were not far behind then Millie, MecKenzy,Morgan, Mason, Brayden, Jenni, Bill, Ashley, Scott, Derrin, Makiya joined in the fun. I had all the kids in my room initially working up the energy on the Wii Games. This was a bit crowded but lots of fun. The game was going in the living room but I think the cheers were louder in my room over Ashley and Little Bit (Morgan) competing for the Hula Hooping record. Needless, to say Ashley won and was sure to let everyone know that she still had it. At about 2:00 p.m. it was time to start the feast, the two 20+ turkeys (one roasted and one deep fried), baked ham, yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, relish tray, corn, stuffing, green bean stuff, shrimp, cranberry sauce, baked mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, baked beans and lots of desserts. You would have thought we were feeding an army! But then again look at the list I don't think we were far from it. Mason and Demitrius had a great time playing the new thing of Bakugam Battle Brawlers. The weather was great and all the kids could play outside for a while and work off some of the food they ate. Before the evening was over Nicole, Bill, Erika and Bobby showed up also. Therefore, we had a very blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Wall-E at the Dollar Movie

When you want to do something special and there are this many kids you have to look for the bargains. Jenni found the Disney Movie "Wall-E" at the dolloar show so needless to say that is the price everyone was looking for. Jenni with her four Kenzie, Morgan, Mason and Brayden; Robin with Emma and Alayna; Millie had Derrin (movie started at 5:00 his parents weren't out of work yet); Me with Demitrius, Kalee, Britenee and Gracie. So as you can probably tell the whole front line on the front stoop was all my group. I love having the opportunity to get all the kids together and allowing them to play and get to know each other. I only wish it was possible to have all the little ones get together just once in this lifetime to at least meet each other. Someday it will happen there are so many little ones that I still need to meet and get to know.

Wrapped up in the new Tinkerbell Movie

Not many things that will quiet the clan down but after the soccer game everyone got together for a movie and good old "Chicken, Noodles and Dumplings" I honestly think the boys enjoyed the movie as much if not more then the girls did.

End of Outdoor Soccer Games

Gracie really loved playing soccer and really played hard. Good Job Gracie!!

Britenee's team did a great job and overall came out ahead in the winning of the games. She looks a little more then excited over the winning of her very own trophy!! Good Job Brit

Demitrius' with his team and proudly displaying his winning trophy. Great Job Demitrius!
This is my very own soccer team! We have Kalee, Britenee, Demitrius, Gracie and Derrin. It was a great season and loads of fun for all as this is the first time they have each participated in soccer and a few loved it enough that they would like to be signed up for the indoor soccer games.

Happy Birthday Dirk

Today would have been Anthony's (Dirk) 45th birthday. Dirk you may be gone but you will NEVER be forgotten and the special things that you would do, will always be remembered. The most memorable being when you surprised me when I came home from work and you were hiding behind the shower curtain for my last birthday that I would spend with you in 1988. The memories are awesome and I love and miss you more then could ever be expressed. Love you little brother, Happy Birthday.

Trick-or-Treat

I really need to figure out how to put together a slideshow for the blog as I have sooooo many wonderful picture of getting everyone ready for their special day. There was so much fun in doing up each of the kids in their own unique way. Each one was I want this or I want that and getting all just the way they wanted was somewhat of a challenge. Included in the gang was Kalee, Britenee, Demitrius, Gracie, Emma, Alayna, Makiya, Derrin, Heather, Ashley, Robin, Scott, Julius, Dominic and of course ME. I usually don't take preference to my pictures as I love them all but Alayna has really got my heart with her JoJo The Clown and those eyes looking at me. Anyhow, lots of goodies were had by all.

Pumpkin Carving Time

Julius offered to take on the pumpkin carving responsibilities this year. There was quite a crew and lots of fun was had by all. They were all quite creative with the task at had. They really look great all lite up. Good job gang.

Restraining Kids

What is a mother to do when she has two little ones that even after a soccer game has more energy then she does. Sit on them!! I think they are down for the count but only for a minute it didn't take long after she got up for them to start running again. Love it!