brett + claire are engaged {12.15.12}

On Saturday, Dec. 15th, my brother Brett proposed to his sweet girlfriend Claire... and she said YES! We were so excited! Brett had graciously included our entire family in on the surprise, and we got to witness the proposal firsthand. He proposed to Claire in Allen Fieldhouse, in front of the "old" floor with the vintage K on it.

 Mom and Dad walked Claire in... she thought they were going to a pre-game party at AFH

 we all thought it was hysterical that Dad had this crazy grip on Claire's arm ;)

We are so thrilled for this sweet couple! My baby brother is getting married -- woo-hoo!

thoughts on our sad world

Like most of our nation, my heart is breaking over what happened in Newtown, CT last Friday. Sending my own kids to school is not something I ever have had to worry about. Since the horrible events have unfolded, Grayson's school's headmaster has sent out two emails regarding school safety and the policy on visitors. Even with the fact that his school is totally locked down at all times of the day. Ugh.

The thought of moms and dads not getting to say goodbye to their little ones, or those brave teachers and principal who attempted to stop it all... my brain simply cannot comprehend.

Jen Hatmaker had some thought-provoking things to say this morning. I am right with her... wondering how far out of control our world is going... so ready for Jesus to come back. Now.

I told my Mom at lunch today that there always seems to be something bad that happens around Christmastime. This is beyond bad... it's unthinkable. Horrendous. And yet there are also so many around us struggling with their own personal hurts. One of Grayson's friends will experience his first Christmas without his mom who passed away unexpectedly this spring. Another little friend's mom is fighting for her life in the hospital.

And then I was reminded that there is a song which has been one of my Christmas favorites for years. The lyrics have a whole new meaning this year. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence

Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy

Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

like father, like son

Jerry has literally been dreaming of the day when he can take Grayson and/or Carter with him on a hunting trip. Personally, I am dreaming of the day when all three of the boys head out early in the morning and I can sleep in! :)

On Saturday morning, Jerry took Grayson out for his first early morning hunt. They met up with another guy and had fun shooting 3 quail. Grayson said he loved it, and was so excited to show Carter and me the birds when they got home...

 

dad's going away reception

After starting Rubber, Belting, and Hose -- literally from the ground up -- almost 30 years ago, Dad's last day is at the end of this month. But, not without a heartfelt goodbye from his coworkers and colleagues. They invited us to a reception in his honor!

 {the cake}

Dad is known for saying, "Keep smiling!"

 he looked surprised when he first walked in!

 Dad and Mom

 Grayson got to miss school for the party, and Carter is always excited to eat some cake :)

 playing in Gramps' office

 Ty, Dad, Wade

 Sandy, Dad, Cheryl

 Dad took Uncle Dave, Grayson, and Carter on one last forktruck ride...

RBH is amazing because of YOU, Dad!!

venison, anyone?

Driving home from church, this is what we came up behind on the highway...

 uh yeah, that's Bambi along with her boyfriend... dead and in the trailer, heading east at about 65 mph

we all hollered at Jerry to pass the trailer, so that we could clearly see these creatures who'd not fared so well

Let's just say this made the boys' day to see such a sight...

so hot, it's cool...

Nana treated the boys to a special outing... a glass blowing studio where they got to make their own glass Christmas ornament. It was fascinating to watch and learn about this amazing art.

 outside of Karg Art & Glass in Kechi, KS

 you can choose your color(s) and pattern -- swirls or speckled

 the boys with Nana wandering around the shop before the actual glass blowing

 Grayson's ornament in its beginning stages -- it starts around 900 degrees!!

 Grayson getting ready to blow...

 the final product -- blue and green swirls! so pretty!

 Nana standing with Carter while he blows

 Carter's ornament getting the topper piece put on... look at that flame!

Carter's final product -- rainbow swirls -- so fun!!

Can't wait to hang them on our tree!

rock chalk jayhawk!

The boys and I met my Dad and two friends in Lawrence for the KU v. Colorado basketball game today. Our first stop was lunch at Ingredient on Mass St... and of course, a pic with the huge Jayhawk in front of Jock's Nitch.

 I took this pic of the boys before the game started and it turned up on the SCOREBOARD in the middle of the 1st half! So fun!!

 we found Big Jay roaming around -- love him!

 then we spotted Baby Jay and were taking a pic, when a lady said that he needed to get back to the t-shirt throwing... hence Carter was a little distracted :)

 loved the sign "Perry Christmas" -- a shout-out for our hometown player, freshman Perry Ellis

 Grayson with our friends, Jason and Scott -- good buddies of Uncle Dave

my boys LOVED these guys!!

 Carter next to Mario Chalmers' famous gear

KU stomped Colorado with a final score of 90-54.

Rock Chalk! What a game!!