Is November really over?????????????????

I so wish I was technically gifted! I uploaded some of these pictures a few times before they finally posted. The order isn't right, but who has the time to keep messing with such stuff??? :)

Derek's football team went to Oklahoma (Tulsa) the weekend before Thanksgiving to play in a big tournament. They played Saturday and Sunday a couple games each day. Teams were there from TX, OK, MS, and AK that we know of. Sounds kind of crazy for such young kids! The Rockwall Jackets 3A won the first 2 games they played on Saturday, which advanced them to the Sunday semi-final games. They won the first game Sunday that put them in the championship that evening. They played in the nicest high school football stadium in OK, we heard. The guys had so much fun. Rockwall won the whole thing, and the boys were elated with their championship rings, medals, and huge trophy. While we were starting the first game on Saturday, I was sitting with the kids trying to get my video camera ready and all and settle into watching the game when I noticed a gentleman come up by me and put his hand on my shoulder to say something. My first thought was, "My, people are extremely friendly here in OK." I looked up to see Uncle Dane and Aunt Kristy from Oklahoma City. A little bird told them we were going to be in state for the weekend and they got the Sooner Classic Tournament info. off the Internet to find us. What a surprise! We had a great time chatting with them during (sorry, Derek), in between the games, and after on Saturday. Of course, Paul was not the best conversationalist that day, as he was trying to watch Derek, talk to our visitors, and listen to the OSU vs. MI game on XM radio. :) Aunt Kristy even baked us cookies for the road! Thanks, Aunt Kristy! Needless to say, football is officially OVER....and now we dribble our way into basketball.

The girls had fun at the Thanksgiving Feast we attended at Aslynn's school. The girls had a good time together! We had Thanksgiving this year at Phil's lake house in East TX. We had fun just chilling and relaxing for a couple days, along with EATING WAY TOO MUCH. I didn't take pictures that day. I am hoping someone sends me a few shots to share.

Happy 8th Birthday, Daniel!!!!!!!

Daniel chose the Transformer theme for his birthday this year. His birthday fell on a Monday, which was not acceptable to him. He likes birthdays on weekends so the party is longer. We went out to dinner on his birthday to On the Border, but saved his party until Friday night......so he could party all night if he wanted!!!! :) I think it was just a way to get everyone to celebrate all week long!!!! We enjoyed partying with Phil, Susan, Ryan, and Brittany, along with our crew. Yes, Daniel is really good at Guitar Hero.....He should be taking real guitar lessons!!! He and Derek seem to really have the knack for it. Wonder if playing the game indicates if you could learn to play the real deal?????????

Derek Wetzel..........Rockwall Rotary Student of Honor!

Derek was awarded today the Rockwall Rotary Student of Honor Award. He is the first out of his new school, Celia Hays, to be given this award. One person is awarded this each month out of all the Rockwall ISD schools (there are 12 elementaries alone). As we understand, teachers nominate students based on academics, character, leadership, etc. We have been told this award holds much respect. I have attached what was said about him by a Rotary member and his Principal, Amy Anderson, at the Rotary Club luncheon. Paul and I were quite proud! Aslynn and Daniel were in school at this time, which is why our family looks small for the snapshot. Not bad for being a resident of this district for one year. :)

Trick or Treat!!!!!!!!

Sports Awards!!!!!

Daniel and Ava had their Awards Night to round out the end of their flag football and soccer seasons. The church has a huge event in the auditorium for all participants and fans. They have all the teams announced and have them run out of assigned doors around the auditorium to loud, flashy music (like Space Jam) for all to applaud. They show video highlights set to music for the season. The kids love seeing themselves. They had a magician give a short program, which included a salvation message. The coaches award their players at the end with a trophy. Was a fun evening honoring these two!

Ok............Martha Stewart, I am not!!!!!!!!!!!

The youngest three kids were to dress as their favorite Bible character for Awana last week. Lucky for me, I had a costume that we put together for Derek a few years back that Daniel could wear. "Homemaker Jackie" ran to Walmart and got cheap material, folded it once, cut a hole in the top, tied the middle with twine from the garage, and cut bandannas for the headpieces. Whoosh!!!!! Instant Bible costumes! :) Daniel says he was Daniel in the Lion's Den. Both girls considered themselves Mary (the mother of Jesus), as that is really the only woman they truly know much about besides Eve, and we all decided it was best not to go there!!!:)