That Vacuum

Ugh. Vacuums. I wrote before about how much we use our vacuum, and how disappointed I was with the one we bought this summer. Then I was able to fix it, and all was well again.

All was not well this week, when it broke AGAIN!!! It actually broke about a week ago, and I haven't been happy about that at all. I had to vacuum with John's Shopvac, or do without. Do you know how l-o-n-g it takes to vacuum a house with a Shopvac? Do you know how your body feels after that? It isn't a whole lot of fun, though the house looked much better after a good vacuum.

Finally today, I gave in and did it. We bought ANOTHER vacuum. I have prayed and prayed that this would be the right vacuum. So far, I love it, but I'm still too scarred from the other vacuums to get my hopes up high. We got a Dyson, because it was a good deal--Target had it with a gift card offer (who can refuse a gift card), as well as a donation for Breast Cancer Research.

Rebekah and Jesse went with me, on this, the highest of shopping days! I actually hadn't intended to buy today, but with all the black Friday shopping and all, I figured at least I could use the gift card to buy the other things we were going to get anyway! Too bad I didn't think about the fact that I was driving John's little car, and the vacuum is in a HUGE box. It all ended well, and we didn't have to tie it to the roof or drag it behind the car.

Hannah was thrilled that the vacuum is pink : ) She got to try it out on it's maiden voyage through the living room. Johnny loves that the hose attachment looks like a gun, and I like that it is quieter than other vacuums we've own. I was a little disturbed to see how much it picked up with just ONE trip through the house, but then again, better IN the vacuum, than on the floor.

So, that's the story of our latest purchase. More important than the silly vacuum, we had a great day visiting with Grammy Linda and Papa Mike. Since I don't have pictures out of the camera yet, and I'm tired, I wrote about a silly vacuum, and I'll save pictures and visit stories for a time when I have more energy, and can write more coherently!

Thanksgiving

These are just a few pictures from our Thanksgiving. We had a great time visiting with everyone--even Barbara! We got to talk to her via phone from S. Africa, and then enjoyed having her in person as well : )

Most of the cousins, with the aunts!
Hannah almost couldn't bear to let go of Barbara!

Playing cards after dinner. . . .

Dinner--notice Barbara holding Daniel . . .

Johnny with a corncob party favor

Hannah with her favor . . . .

Very thankful for a wonderful family to share the holiday with. Just one thing, Barbara, you didn't seem yourself; just kind of, well, flat or something. . . .

We miss you!

Teacher of the Year!!!

Last night John was honored as one of Orange County's Teachers of the Year. This is a process which began a long time ago, March I think? It was a long selection process, and John had the honor of being named as one of 5 Teachers of the Year.

The awards banquet was held at the Disneyland Resort, and was spectacular! There was a reception before dinner, pictures with the superintendent of schools, and with Mickey and Minnie Mouse too! Lots of presents and prizes and a really wonderful evening.

I have tons more pictures (taken with a wonderful camera given by one of the sponsors of the event!) as well as a DVD of the videos they played last night. The kids have already watched the DVD twice and are thrilled to see that they were included as well. Equally as exciting is that we were told it will be aired on public TV!

My husband is famous, and we are so proud of him!

John with family. . . . step Mom Linda, Mom Lynn and Dad Mike

John with one of his bosses Lynne

John on stage with Mickey and Minnie!

Dinner --Jesse's first fancy dinner!

Grammy's here!

The air has cleared, and weather is still hot. Grammy is here to visit and it's time for water balloons!! That always ends with a water fight. How come the little guy always gets the hose anyway?

Pray!

We are praying today for all the families affected by the many fires burning around us.

This was the sky today at noon, and it only got darker.

This is the view, looking down our street at noon.

The fires are still several miles from us, and there is very little chance of them coming up our way. We do have many friends who live in the fire's path though, and are praying for them. One of several evacuation centers is being held at the school where John teaches. The air is heavy with smoke, and ashes have been raining down all day.

Cute!

How cute is this little guy?!?

Went to the park Saturday (after spending the afternoon at a different park Friday. . . ) and had a great time! I was so busy enjoying my little guy enjoying the swings, I'm embarrassed to admit, I didn't take pictures of anyone else. Ooops. Apologies to my sweet little nephew! We'll just have to play in the park another day, so I will have another chance with my camera.

Halloween. . . . AGAIN!

We are ready for next Halloween! Some of us at least : ) A trip to Target this week found us looking through the clearance, and by the time we left the store, several children were very excited. In fact, when Dad got home some very interesting figures greeted him in the driveway!

Now lets just hope they are as happy with these costumes in a year, as they are now!! Yikes!

Halloween!

This year, Halloween began on Thursday for us, with a little pumpkin carving. Emily had Bible Study, and Jesse fell asleep, but the rest of the carvers had a good time.

Halloween morning was chilly and rainy and the kids were worried that our school's party would get cancelled. We got to see a beautiful rainbow, then the clouds cleared and we had a fun party too.

The theme for our school party was "Down on the Farm" and just 2 of us dressed to the theme. Hannah was a farm gal, and Rebekah was Mary from Little House on the Prairie. Emily was an Oreo, Jesse a candy corn, and Johnny was Superman! After a quick rest at home, we were ready for the evening church party. For that one, Hannah decided she'd rather be a cheerleader. What a full day, but lots of fun for everyone!