Banquet

 

This past week I got the pleasure of accompanying this handsome young man to a banquet honoring the Firefighters and Law enforcement of Harrison County.

Here Brandon and a few of the members of the Hallsville Volunteer Fire Department stand near Chief Carl Barton after he was awarded First Responder of the Year. It was an eye opening evening filled with amazing stories of selflessness and love. One award in particular really touched me and filled my eyes with tears as a young family stepped forward to receive their plaque for their husband and father who gave his life only 6 shifts shy of retirement. His life was one of accomplishment and complete devotion. He was a Master Firefighter and loved what he did.That was an underlying current in the room. These men and women truly love to serve and sacrifice in the name of others. It really helped me understand Brandon a little better and be proud of what he does so willingly. More importantly I was overcome with the distinct impression that this was where we belonged. There in a room of mostly strangers I felt warmly welcomed and connected.

Next week Brandon starts the process of testing in hopes for employment with the Marshall Fire Dept. We could really use your prayers in his behalf! Thank you all for your support and friendship.

First for Everything

 

This weekend our family got four free tickets to our first ever…

I was a little reluctant about going in the beginning. My boys do NOT do loud sounds very well and crowds can be a little overwhelming. In the end we decided to just give it a try and see how it went. I am so glad we did!

The boys really enjoyed being able to go right down in the pit crew, meet the drivers and see the trucks close up.

They became quite hypnotized by watching some crazy fun RC Cars do all kinds of tricks. I think they would have been quite content to watch them the whole time.

Of course Donaven wanted one of his very own. We were not quite committed to the $500 RC Cars and opted for a nice plastic Monster Truck toy instead. He was none the less elated and has been playing with it none stop!

The moment we had been waiting for arrived when they announced over the loud speakers for the drivers to start their engines.

 

With our protective gear in place we cheered on each driver as they revved their engines.

We watched several stunts and the boys lasted quite a bit longer than we thought they would. In a few years we may even be able to stay for the whole thing. We were very grateful to Brandon’s co-worker for the tickets. Lesson learned to try new things with the boys because they may surprise you with a quite enjoyable evening in the end!

I hope you had a lovely weekend full of family time. I am so loving this cooler weather! As I type this I have the windows wide open, listening to the rain, enjoying a cool breeze and feeling blessed.

Until next time friends,

xoxoxo –Felicia

Lively Labor Day

 

How is your day going? Ours has been quite enjoyable we met up with some family at the splash pad, tried out some new goggles, and soaked up a few rays. It’s Texas we can still do that here in September! When we got home we all enjoyed a round of nesquik and are just having a lazy afternoon waiting for Brandon to get home from his clinicals at the ER. For family night we will be watching the Lorax and popping some popcorn. I hope your Labor Day has been just as lively as ours. 

We Survived…

 

  

The first week of school has come and gone and I think we are getting the hang of things. Donaven was so excited on the first day. He told me exactly what he wanted to wear, had his back-pack on and ready to walk out the door with time to spare. Naturally I clicked a few photos and Emerson wanted in on the action as well.

Donaven happily went into his class with his new friends and didn’t hesitate for a moment. When I picked him up later that afternoon he ran up to me and gave me a big hug and a smile.

Here are a few highlights from his week.

• Getting to drink chocolate milk at lunch is the best part of his day. He told me he threw most of his lunches away but made sure to drink all of his chocolate milk.
• Earning purple every day for good conduct which aloud him to pick a toy from the treasure box.
• At the house center he made sure to steer clear of the baby dolls that weren’t dressed very modestly. As in no clothes at all.
• Lastly he was so excited one day about getting to use the strange new “tee-tee” potty. (I had to really try hard to keep from laughing, he gets upset if he thinks your laughing at him.)

I am relieved things are going so well and hope his enthusiasm for school continues! I love you bud and it makes me so happy to see you happy!!!

Pioneer Activity

Last night our primary put on a perfectly pleasant pioneer activity that the kids just loved! The deal was sweetened about 15 minutes before we left when Brandon phoned and let me know he would be joining us!!!

Our little group of Nursery, Sunbeams, and CTR-4 aged kiddos started out at the Nauvoo station where we built temples out of sugar cubes.

  

We then made our way over to Winter Quarters and enjoyed yummy snow-cones.

  

The perilous trek then led us to cross the Sweetwater River.

    

The boys really enjoyed flexing their muscles during the stick pull games.      

What trek would be complete without a few turns in an authentic handcart!

 

Kudos to everyone who had a part in this great night. Fun was had by all and it was a great wrap up to summer, remembering our heritage in the process!

How much is that doggie in the window?

One day last week the boys had been fantastic during a long day of errands. So I decided to reward their good behavior with what I thought was to be pretty cheap entertainment. We stopped off at one of our favorite pet stores and enjoyed peeking into all the cages and tanks full of different animals.

Donaven made his way around to the puppies and fell immediately in love with this cute pug puppy.

He pulled out all the stops determined in convincing me that we needed this dog to make our family complete.

He even requested that I take a picture and send it to daddy letting him see how cute it is and be sure to let daddy know that I say pleeeeeaaaaaase!

Humoring him for a moment I did his bidden request and asked the store clerk how much the pup was.

$800!!!

Needless to say we did not get the dog. At least he has nice friends with dogs we can go see anytime.

The start of something new.

 

Pre-K!!!

The day of registration this little guy was all smiles. He loves the new playground and all the new adventures that are coming his way. Like getting to pick out his very own backpack.

This morning we anxiously headed up to his new campus and found his locker and his classroom.

Blue his favorite color!

Donavan was a little shy at first but he worked up the courage to give his teacher, Mr. Martinez, his gift and introduce himself.

He picked out a new set of pens and we made a little note that said,

You are just the “write” teacher for me!

Mr. Martinez was really grateful and I am nothing but happy for the prospect of this new year. Everything is falling into place and I feel my fears and anxiety being washed away with a comforting reminder that the Lord loves me and knows what is best for my little family. If I just will allow him to lead my steps I will be guided down the right path.

It was a big day for the Mathis’ house hold and we are counting down the days to start of the new year!