Lighting things up

No matter where we have lived we've always put up clear Christmas lights. Like since way back in the late 80s. This is real folks; like a family tradition. Well, that changed in 2012 when we moved out of our sticks a a bricks house into Sunny; no more lights :/ well with the exception of patio rope lights (not the same)! However, since we are wintering in MO we thought the Littles would enjoy lights, sooooo we busted out the old light sets and went to work.

MiRV in action

Now he wants to put some things in the yard...uh, no!

MiRV spent the better part of an afternoon getting them up and connected. This, of course, was after testing all the strands to see what was what since they'd been dormant for several years. We certainly had enough to do the roofline which always looks simply classic. Since Daughter had the clips we had to wait to put them up until those could be brought down on the TurkeyTrip. Not a problem since we are definitely AFTER Thanksgiving people when it come to Christmas lights. It was just that the weather was so mild and pleasant before Thanksgiving that we were gonna go ahead and get them up. No worries as the day we picked was pretty pleasant aside from a light breeze and maybe a sprinkle or too.

TurkeyTrot 2016

It WAS early, too early, cold, too cold but we loaded up and off we went with a thermos full of hot chocolate and LOTS of layers headed to Joplin for the Turkey Trot  2016 5K. The weather was really not that bad, temps were rising, however, the wind was just a bit too breezy whipping down Main Street like a banshee.

The Littles did the 1 mile fun run at 7:30 a.m. then the rest of the runners ran at 8:00. I was the designated baby holder. And hold I did; we kept each other warm. Thankfully, City Hall was open so we hung out in there until the first runners from our group were almost to the finish line. Went out to see them, then back into the warmth waiting for the next finishers. It was a full house. Over 1500 registered. They reopened registration not once but twice. Craziness. 

The 5K runners...pre race

The non 5K runners...see Trigger there all snuggled up? We were cozy!

First wave of finishers...

MiRV went back to run with each of the girls to encourage them to the end!

Our crew with our pirate patches!

Once everyone finished some had more coffee, hot chocolate and or KrispyKreme Donuts; some opted for just water then we loaded back up and headed north. Turkey Day dinner would soon be ready. We headed to the Grands to get cleaned up and then headed to the table and all was good!

Happy Thanksgiving! It is really the best holiday...lots to be thankful for and no gifts to buy.

Thursday Thoughts - Lovecraft

The oldest and strongest

emotion of mankind is fear,

the oldest and strongest kind

of fear is fear of the unknown.

H.P. Lovecraft

The unknown used to really, really bother me, now, notsomuch...thank you Jesus, I finally was able to grasp there is nothing to fear when you are secure with who holds your future. Sure I can and still do have concerns but I am thankful it doesn't overwhelm me as it often did in the past.

Wintering...

Much to our dismay it's starting to get cooler here in MO. Since we aren't fleeing the cold weather this year we thought we should take a few steps to help keep us warmer during the weeks ahead.

Yesterday MIRV built us a little wind block. We also put a drop light underneath and we are keeping the heat up and on. We know we will need to winterize at some point...maybe sooner rather than later. However, we hope we can get a few more days of luxury (onboard water) before that happens. This time last year we had already fled to TX. Since there is a sweet little 28 inch girl we decided to stay for all those fun holiday firsts with her...yeah, totally worth it!!!

Thursday Thoughts - Unknown

Be decisive. 

Right or wrong, make a decision. 

The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision.

I don't know who said it but it makes sense and makes me laugh...

Little Deer Hunter

It wasn't his first "hunt" but it was the first one that garnered a takedown. He's gotten up early several times in the last few weeks and this time it made it all worth it. His eyes were smiling as he came bouncing down the stairs to tell me. He'd already stopped over at ROADA to tell MiRV. He was very proud.

It's good for a boy to get out into nature and learn about the circle of life. Hunting isn't for everyone but when they have an interest I say engage it and take them out and let them do their thing.

Way to go Little #1; you did real good!!

Thursday Thoughts - Graham

The secret strength of a nation is found in the faith that abides in the hearts and homes of the country.

~Billy Graham

Thursday Thoughts - Unknown

Today spend more time with people

who bring out the best in you,

not the stress in you.

Sounds like a good plan to me!