Thanksgiving Turkeys

Great genes

I've got this bookcase of all things manly, where one shelf is dedicated to my grandfathers. Both at the University of Texas, Joe (Grandpa Schwarting) played football and Woody (Paw) ran track. They both are handsome guys, and much more than just jocks.For example, recently Google archived all photos from Life Magazine. We found this one below of Joe in the 1941 archives.He was an incredible artist, and this photo seems like a peek back in time to his early talent and passion. His work is intentional, colorful, and sometimes a little morose. Although not as much in person, I can clearly see his emotion in his work. It was his outlet. I credit he and mom with helping me see that I too have a artist in me, and now have an outlet of my own.

The cowboy is one of my favorites. A printed photograph of him sits on our den bookshelf.Paw had a major zest for life. He danced like nobody's business, eat heartily, played hard, and worked even harder. He had triple bypass surgery, and afterward visited hospitals weekly sometimes daily encouraging and loving on others going through the same stuff.
He worked his way up from little, and even paid for college tuition for his grandchildren. I can't tell you how many hand-typed letters I got from him encouraging me. Hard work was important. School was important.

Even though he was a big Texas alum, he was so proud of his granddaughter graduating from Aggieland.Reece, from your greats, you've got some great genes and much to be thankful for.
In the spirit of my granddads, Thanksgiving, and football,
something I never thought I'd say...Go Horns!

Small group babes

Wednesday morning's bible study small group was a little distracting, in all the ways that are sweet. 4 babies born within weeks of each other (mom Tara, Laura, Crissy, Veronica), and one more still on the way (Emmy Lou!).Once we got started, I santized and looked at Tara expectantly. I held Crawford (who was soooo alert and awake this morning) as long as they both would let me. ; )

My fall tree

Ok, everyone I tell, laughs at my fall tree. Reece and I had a great morning on our nature walk the other day, and I kept the leaves I so carefully selected. Reece found a way cool stick, long and twisty, and I kept that too.I decided rather than just display the leaves (and watch them get smashed to bits) on the table, I'd make a tree from all the magnificent leaves to enjoy.So, I fired up my hot glue gun and managed to only singe a few fingers. It's been up several days now and although the leaves have dried quite a bit, it brings me joy every time I look at it.

The leaves mismatched all over the once barren branch is now the best of fall to me...my fall tree.I told my mother last night, knowing that she of all people, would love my creation and the spirit behind it. She laughed.
I promised pictures, and I guess you'll have to tell me if it makes you laugh too. It makes me smile.

Side note: I hate that everyone is in such a hurry to pile and bag their beautiful fall leaves. What's so special about a manicured greenish/brownish lawn? I love the sprinkled, colorful leaves tossed whimsically about people's yards this time of year. Yes, even the brown ones. Don't be in such a hurry. It's fall!

Fallen

"I've fallen and I can't get up."

1st and 3rd

Celebrated Miles' 3rd and Max's 1st birthday today at the park.BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!It was sooooo cold. Reece must have his momma's blood because he kept saying how cold he was. I thought we'd have to leave early, but we ran around and warmed up, and actually remained as one of the last. (Tara: Billy represented and stayed pretty long too.)

The warm cider, chili complete with frito's, and spice cake was a perfect coupling with the cold, windy weather. Between holding my guy, cuddling my cup of hot cider, and dancing around to stay warm, I didn't snap but a few.Daddy teaching Miles to ride his new Radio Flyer scooter.We didn't get much time to hang today, but know that we celebrate you being born just as hard. We love you boys and your parents. Happy, Happy Birthday Miles.
Happy, Happy Birthday Max.

A long walk

We went for a long walk Friday morning. I was so glad we did.
Had been cooped up a bit in the house this week, and the weather was just perfect for it. We walked down to the creek to see if the ducks were out.

Nope, but the colorful leaves and the reflection of the trees was much better if you ask me. Reece hurled a few sticks into the water and we went on our way...We picked so many up leaves along the way plopping them in the back of his trike. Each one had something different. I tried to show Reece the charm I found in each one I chose, while he just grabbed a handful and dumped it in the back. : )We stopped in this yard and played for a while. It's one of my favorite houses in the hood...and now even more so. The leaves were like bright yellow stars and at least as big as my hand.
They floated gracefully from the tree in front, as my mind floated a little while watching.I called this one the lemon-lime tree.

But, Mo's was our favorite tree of the day
with the most colorful and the MOST leaves.We made big piles and jumped in them. I showed Reece how to belly slide into the pile for the greatest effect. Inspired some grins and giggles, and now I've got some new favorites.I call this one above my American Beauty. LOVE!Turns out that all the incredible leaves we saw this very morning, were later tossed about and crumpled from the cold front that came in.

I was so glad we had our walk this morning, and our rumble amongst the leaves before the wind had it's way with them.
It was a long walk, a great walk, and a long, great fall morning.

Good medicine

Behind posting the weekend in New Braunfels, part of our annual salute to sausage. It's Wurstfest, but really just an excuse to see our friends there at least once a year. More on that later.

This week so far...Reece feverish, movie day in, doctor visit today, right ear infection, yummy orange medicine (it's not right that it tastes so good), and now napping (he even said he was ready).

My love, orange amoxicillin, apple juice, saltines, movies, and nap = Good medicine.

Wurst case, next year

It wouldn't be our traditional send off if we didn't first pick up breakfast tacos and head to the Kyle's. This part of the trip is one of my favorites. Less rushed and more quality. Got to chat with Kerri for a little while. With 5 kids 6 and under, you can imagine we don't get to chat much. The guys got to catch up in their own way too...Catcher, although giving me his shy camera face, is probably the toughest cookie of the bunch. He keeps up with the older boys and doesn't mind getting wrestled and squished.Cannen liked the way I pushed (and tickled!) the bottoms of his feet to swing him up.Love you guys. Miss you guys.
Hope we don't have to wait until next year to see you.
But, Wurst case, we'll see you then. ; )

Foggy morning stroll

Reece slept on the pull out sofa bed in the living area. I kept telling Darren on the way down that we needed a backup plan. We didn't. We went to sleep with little issue and woke up (albeit early) a happy little clam. So did his momma once she got out of bed to see the view.A foggy mist followed the top of the flowing water, as if to say it was still waking up too.I set out for a stroll...one more time before we packed up.
I could have used another two days, just sitting and being, rather than doing.Back to the cabin to see my guy. See him below?A little laundry needed from all the excitement for sir leaks-a-lot. ; )
And then some hurdles over my leg on the porch.My guys played on the playground a bit while I showered and packed us up. Then, off we went. Remember the place that we went that time?
No, not that place, the other place.
We'll be back. Both here and The Other Place. ; )