Madi's 11th Birthday!

Madi's birthday week started out with a Girl Scout Halloween party!

 They wore their costumes, decorated cookies . . .

 Carved pumpkins . . .

 Made potion bath salts and more!

Monday

 Tuesday was her last full day as a 10 year old! 

Madi rode to school with the Bishops since we had an early morning on Tuesday and Ms. Janda sent me this picture of their puppies loving on Madi!

 Our morning was early since Matt had a colonoscopy.  A great report so we were happy!

 I wanted to remember the vending machine Madi made from a shoe box and water bottle.  It's pretty neat.  You put in a coin, turn the knob and out pops a squishee toy.

 Tuesday night we made a smore dessert that Madi wanted to share with her friends at church Wednesday night.  We also had her birthday dinner of steak and Lammer's taters since on her actual birthday we would be at church.  :)

 

 Wednesday morning with the birthday girl!

 11 years has gone by so fast!

 I think the hoverboard was a good gift! 

 Ready for school on her birthday!

 Madi took donuts that spelled out "Happy 11th Birthday Madison!" to share with her class.

 And we celebrated more with lunch with the Birthday Girl!

 Madi invited Gracie and Sidney to sit at lunch with us. 

After school, Grandma Mayberry and I picked up the birthday girl and headed to pick out a new helmet from Grandma.

Thursday

 Friday was house party day at school so Madi decked out in a yellow shirt, yellow tutu, and yellow suspenders!  I think the hoverboard is going to make most of the morning pictures from now on.

 Friday night we met the Foley's at Rosa's for a quick dinner before heading to our church's Fall Festival.

The kids had a blast running around the church playing games and jumping in the bounce houses.

Casey

 This post is for me to remember my dear co-worker Casey.  But she was much, much more than that.  She was one of my closest friends.  

Monday, October 8th started out normal until Casey didn't show up to our meetings, didn't text and didn't come to my house for the lunch we had planned. I went from thinking of my friend Casey like this . . .

To helping plan her funeral.

The whole college surrounded her family with love and prayers.

We were honored to host the reception at our building for Casey's family and friends following the funeral.

 It felt right to do something to honor Casey and all that she meant to us.  There were stories in the newspaper and on the news, she is on every screen in our building and all over our webpage.  It's not enough but it shows how much she was loved and how much she will be missed.

 Saturday, October 13th was Casey's funeral. 

It felt wrong in so many ways but there was no other place I'd rather be than there celebrating her life.

I was honored to speak on behalf of all her colleagues/friends.  It is only fitting that she would get me to speak publicly for the last time. We always made each other do the public speaking if given the chance.  She got me last.

I sure love the flowers in my home and office but I don't like the reason.

Until we meet again, Casey.  I will miss you until then.

What a week . . .

 Sunday we met my family for lunch after church at 50th St since Aunt Shelle and the cousins were in town.

Since Madi didn't have school on Monday she spent the night with the Foley's. They made slime!

 With no school on Monday, Raeley came over to play with Madi while we worked.  Amy and I went home around lunch time to eat and play with them a little.

 Tuesday

Wednesday

 Thursday

 Friday

 Daddy surprised Madi at lunch on Friday! 

Saturday night our Sunday School class went out to the Payne's ranch for Oktoberfest. 

Since the rain cancelled our camping plans in Palo Duro the kids went to Altitude Saturday afternoon and the adults met up for a night of BBQ and dancing!

We have the best Sunday school class!

South Plains Wilfelife Rehabilitation Cener

On Saturday, we met Madi's Girl Scout troop at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. 

We donated money, bird seed, cat food, and other cleaning items.

 We drive by this place every week and never knew what it was.  The grounds are beautiful!

 We followed the instructions for the self-tour.

 A Tech professor spoke on bird feeding and habitats.

 Then we finished the tour and saw squirrels . . .

 opossum . . .

And much more like owls, falcons, . . .

I learned so much about birds and other animals.  I also learned that our girl has a heart for all animals.  She knew so much about birds that I was surprised by the questions she was asking.

We have an amazing Girl Scout troop that organizes wonderful experiences for the girls!

2nd Night of Cotillion

Our Monday morning picture was with the wonderful pumpkins our neighbor Heidi gave us.  She brought some to us last year as well.  It's nice having so many huge pumpkins on the porch!

 

 Madi wanted to see what her undershirt looked light through the opening of her shirt.  :)

Tuesday

Wednesday

 For a few weeks now, we've been watching a spider we named Charlotte out our kitchen window.  We watch her each morning as she climbs through her web to get the latest catch and then takes it to the bush. 

 She is huge and fascinating to watch . . . through a glass window!  ;)

 Wednesday evening was Madi's 2nd night of cotillion and I was asked to chaperone.  It was so fun to help out and watch her in action.  This is a great program. 

We also found out that Madi made the UIL Ready Writing Team!  She's so excited to begin practicing for the upcoming competition.

   Thursday

 When we walked out of swim practice Thursday night we were greeted with the biggest full rainbow.  Madi quickly took a picture!

 Friday

 Loved this picture of Aunt Shelle, Uncle Cody and the cousins from their homecoming last weekend that I just had to steal it from her Facebook. 

Friday night we went out to a new restaurant in town called Razoo's for dinner with the Mizes and Foleys.  The littles went to church's Kid's Night Out and the big girls stayed at the Foley's house.

After dinner we came back to our house for a little Vegas preparation so we could all learn how to play Craps!  One a few more weeks until we go!