Can you spot the differences?

Kris finished up a few of our home improvement projects lately. One was changing some of the exterior features from white to black. He wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I think it looks great - kinda updates the house - makes it look like a 30-something couple lives there instead of a 60-something couple.

Random Thoughts

The past week has been crazy busy, but not really any eventful "blogging" news. However, there are a few random things I'd like to share:

1. What has been a lifesaver for me recently is GoogleCalendar. I can put all of our events in one place that can be easily checked from home, work, or anyplace with internet access. Also, each family member can be assigned a different color for their activities so it is easy to scan and see who has a scheduled event. You can also send text messages from your phone to your calendar - but I haven't gotten that far yet! If you are a busy family and want a way to be more organized, this is a great tool.

2. The Extreme Makeover house is done, so now we will wait until January to see how it looks on t.v. and if any of the people we know made the cut. The kids and myself did make it over on the final day and were able to see the entire cast as they presented the new truck to the family. To see more pics and read daily updates, check out my friend Brandi's blog - she went over everyday, got autographs and lots of pics, and may even have her kids on the show!

3. Finally - Are any of you excited about Black Friday? For years, I have always gone shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Kris' family thinks I am crazy getting up so early and fighting the crowds, but I love the energy and always seem to need something that is on sale that morning. If you can't wait to find out what the deals are, check here to see the ads early.

Rake and Run

This Saturday the kids' 4-H club had a community rake-n-run. The kids were not really thrilled about going - it was cold, and didn't involve t.v. or any other electronic devices, but I told them they didn't have an option. What a great experience it ended up being. They actually had fun - really, they told me so afterwards. And they couldn't believe how thankful the older people whose yards we raked were. They thought it was great that one lady brought them some cookies! I'm glad I didn't back down and not go - for myself and for them - I think we all learned a great lesson!

Makeover Midwest Style

A family in Chapman was chosen for a home makeover from the ABC hit show Extreme Makeover Home Edition. They had lost their home in the June 11th tornado, he is in the army - was shot and is being discharged, their 15-year old nephew lives with them - you know all the typcial stuff involved with the show - what makes it a good "story." Anyway, we had to go over and be part of the spectators tonight.

When we first arrived, we thought "Great - no Ty. We aren't even going to see anyone, but all these construction workers with their blue shirts."

Then, just before we were thinking of leaving I spotted the pink hard hat - had to be Paige. And it was! They were filming her and it was at least 10 outtakes before they called it good - can't wait to see if we can pick it out during the show.

Then, who is that on the roof? Is it Ty? Well, no but it was Michael Maloney.

He also had to do several outtakes - which involved him gesturing our direction (the crowd's). Our first thought - "Wow - he's pointing to us? Will we be on t.v.?" We shouted and waved - he even waved back a few times and posed for us - then more of the gesturing our way - we were sure he was looking at us!! Then we turned around and witnessed the beautiful sunset - okay, so today wasn't our t.v. debut, but hey - they are here until Tuesday?!

Jason Aldean

Last night we went to the Jason Aldean concert. I haven't been to a concert forever - I don't even remember the last one. It was nice to get out and be on a "date" with Kris.

We started the night at Willey's - "the best bar in Abilene" as rated by Kyle - where we enjoyed some refreshments and signed the "bar." I love this idea - I might have to steal it!

Then it was off to the concert. I kinda got carried away with the camera and taking photos, it was all good until I got the message that the battery was dead! Before Jason Aldean even made it on stage. Luckily, Steph took some good pics!

Lady Antebellum opened.

We sang/yelled really loud and laughed a lot - my throat is still sore today!

We ended the night at IHOP where we dined with some interesting people. Next road trip: Reckless in Aggieville.

Some of my random photos:

Is this in case you get too drunk to find it? Wonder if this is for all concerts or just the country ones?

Self-pic (as if you couldn't tell)!

These guys said I could take their picture - apparently the lady didn't think it was such a great idea! Wonder who they were?

Starr Jones???

I Voted!

We voted! Did you? The kids were so excited to cast their votes at the same time as Mom and Dad. I think the schools did a great job of teaching the kids about voting and letting them know about the candidates and issues.

Trick or Treat - Round 2

Make a Smilebox scrap pages

The kids had a good time Trick or Treating. Before we headed out, Steph and I prepared a special Halloween menu of spaghetti brains, breadstick bones, witch's teeth corn, candy corn pizza wedges, cinnamon witch's hats, and pudding eyeballs. The kids thought it was fun to eat all these weird things.

We are well stocked on candy. In fact, I put probably 2/3 of it away in the freezer! We'll still have some left next Halloween I think! I always like Halloween, but I am glad when it is over. It is a lot of work deciding what to be and getting everyone ready. Of course as you can tell if you've read my past posts, my kids both decided to be different characters than they were last week!