Missouri Musings

Rex's family tries to get together some time during the winter months just to connect. It has been difficult to manage this for a while now, so last summer we gathered at Grand Lake in Oklahoma (previous post but I don't know how to link it~) so our kids could feel non-guilty if they had to miss the winter gathering, or in case none of us could manage it.

This January the weather treated us well, and several of us converged on Forsyth, Mo.  Rex and I traveled over on Friday afternoon, a nice perk of his job is that he does not work on  non-student days and I can take off more easily than ever before. He had Bass Pro Shop gift cards burning in his pocket so of course we headed there!  He purchased what he needed, certainly not all that he wanted, and we dined at their Hemingway's Restaurant. Then we shopped at the JC Penney Homestore... spending one of my Christmas gift cards. Early Saturday, we headed on down to Forsyth, arriving in time to eat lunch at Carl & Jan's fave BBQ spot.

Ross & his entire tribe arrived mid-afternoon, Kimi and fam came soon after, and Jeff came as well. OF course the youngest ones were the center of attention. Rachelle is almost a high schooler now, Zander is in grade school, Audrey Michele is 3.5 and Josselyn is almost 2! Rachelle and Zander had lots of fun with the little girls.

When Rachelle got out the nail polish to work on Audrey's toenails, Joss immediately doffed her shoes and said,"Cudder?" Rachelle moved over to do her toes, and she pulled her foot back, saying "no". Assuming she had changed her mind, Rachelle started toput things away, but Joss pointed out another color! Picky this girl is!! One set of violet toes later, Joss pulled the second foot away and pointed to yet another bottle, "tis cudder". Yep, picky girl.

The brothers spent hours the first evening discussing items they had of their dad's and comparing memories. Rex, who swears he doesn't remember anything, waxed eloquent with his stories from childhood. Don't know if a window inhis brain suddenly opened up or if he was just making it up as he went along!! Jeffrey commented that he wished he had heard some of the stories on his dad and uncles when he was young. (He didn't know they were such rabble-rousers.) I think he just wishes he had ammunition when he was in trouble back then!

Audry was thrilled with her gifts, and really latched on to her baton. Quite a twirler! She is becoming so tall and looking like the big sister she is about to be. She did tell us that she was having a brother come to her house in May, but he will go away in the summer! When someone tried to correct her, saying that her brother would stay forever, she replied, "Don't think so." very matter-of-factly. We are all waiting to see how this whole scene will play out. Good luck to Adam and Heather!

Sunday found us all listening to Carl preach. He seems very happy to be back in the ministry full time.  We have known several of the members of his congregation over the years, so seeing them was nice as well.  A quick lunch drew us to time for everyone to get back home.  We missed Michael & Jenica, but Washington state is a ways away, as well as our Matt & Kelly in Denver. Scott & Kellie are closer but now that Bria and Lexie are working in retail, their weekends off are really hard to come by. Here's to more family times down the road. May our journeys entwine again soon!

Making some happiness deposits....

My sister, Brenda, just posted a message that said over the Christmas break, they made happiness deposits in their memory bank.  I like that!!  Our first family gathering of the break was in Bella Vista, Arkansas. For the last 4 years, my family celebrated at either Brenda's or at our place in Kansas and then the "Easterners" celebrated with Mom & Dad when they traveled down to Georgia and/or Florida. 11 months ago a few of the grandkids asked if we could all get together at Oma's house this year.  That is a pretty big order these days, but almost everyone was able to make it.  

Looking at our photo book of the Washington trip.

My little sis and I

 We rented houses to get everyone a place to stay, and had all our meals at Oma & Opa's. Dustin, Lindsay, baby Kinley, and Amanda were the first to arrive- on Thursday, and then Dustin had to leave with his family for other commitments early Sunday. By Saturday afternoon, almost all were in, and by Sunday afternoon 26 of us were there. It was so heartwarming to watch as everyone settled in to conversations quickly, learning about the events in the lives of each other since we last were together. (@Joshua & Laci's wedding) Much laughter, some serious discussions, some playing around... and that was in the first few hours! Holly's Hunter brought his trombone, and before we realized it, we had a troupe of actors in robes and hats singing and dancing to the trombone in the front room.  Of course, good food was on the menu, and the goodie table located on the screened in porch had many repeat visitors!  

Kinley helps Oma

Introducing Kinley to porch swinging - a long time tradition..

Sunday is a day for worship for our family,  but we opted to have a gathering at Oma's house, with Kenny offering a few words. These times really help us touch base with what is real to us, not a formalized service, but just expressing thanks and praise. In considering blessings, we relish the commitment our kids have to family. Without their encouragement, I don't think we would have made this celebration happen this year! 

Puttin on a show!

We Herndons had our own place, a very nice house by a small lake, so we exchanged our gifts Sunday evening. We also had a breakfast together on Tuesday morning.  It was nice to have our boys and their families with us in a quiet place each evening. 

Rex brought a little tree so we wouldn't be without Christmas decorations at our rental!

Bria reading- a favorite activity

Brenda & Oma

Our Lexie...

catching up...cousins, siblings....

Bria and Alana entertain us.

Talking away!!

The menu called for Oma's cinnamon rolls for Monday, but of course the kids were begging for them as soon as they walked in the door! We had some of their other "Oma" favorites, such as chicken and noodles, coconut cream pie, Mexican cornbread, vanilla pie, to name a few. The rest of us pitched in with dishes as well. John managed breakfast 2 mornings, with some help from Brenda and from Rex. 

Some gifting

The Tarr gift exchange was a source of laughs as we each brought a gift, then picked numbers as to who would select first. Of course, "stealing" was allowed though with restrictions. The "Youngers" (those who have not graduated from high school) get a gift bag with whatever anyone drops in for them, no stealing. 

some games

Many joined in the games, a few watched sports on TV, and it seemed everyone was "connected". At one point 20+ items were "on the wireless" network! We remarked on how the world has changed as iPads, netbooks, phones, and even a few "bulky laptops" were in use and a point of conversation.  Matt worked on Hunter's iPod and others made sure the rest of the technology kept doing whatever it was it needed to do.

The Tarr's at Oma & Opa's Christmas 2011

Tuesday morning arrived too soon and several left early. We went back to Oma and Opas, because Oma had asked that the guys help with the high decorations.  Much to her chagrin, Opa organized them to put away everything from outdoors so he could get it put in the attic! She didn't stay grumpy very long (and you realize that grumpy on my mom is barely recognizeable!) and she was glad to have it done.




Matt & Kelly detoured to Marshall, AR to see some of her family then joined us in Ark City. We were thrilled to have John, Anna, & 1-yr old Ruby come to stay with us as well. We hosted them as well as Dac & Alisha, Scott, Kellie, & Lexie for a scrumptious dinner on Thursday. Everyone left us after dinner, and the rest of our break was quiet.


Yep, many happy deposits into our memory bank this year! Here is to many more opportunities in 2012!!

Summer Family Fun

THIS is how the Herndon's do a celebratory meal!

As always, summer is a time when we kick back and relax with family.  In June, Kellie requested a shrimp boil for her birthday, so we gathered in the garage and threw the food out on a table.  Pretty good eats.

Dwight and Rex in Dwight's boat with the little ones.

We like to go to Cowley County State Lake with the Shoups and their grandgirls, who seem like our own.  The girls keep us laughing, and Shae was proud that she was no longer afraid to go out in her Papa's boat.

Ready for some dogs and marshmallows

A big family gathering this summer was to meet the Herndons at Candlewyck Resort in Grove, Oklahoma. We rented a house and some smaller places for a weekend and really had a good time.  All of the extended family were able to attend except Michael and his Jenica, and Jeffrey.

Scott & Kellie played with Audrey and Josselyn

The hot temps made the pool very inviting.

The pool next to the house was refreshing, and gave us a place to visit while we avoided the heat.  Oma & Opa drove over from Bella Vista to see everyone, since our families have been entwined for so many years.  The topics under discussion were multiple, and it was a great time to get back in touch with each other.

Lexie and her Daddy

Matt took to skiing like he had never been away from it.

There was time for some to fish, and time for some to go water skiing or tubing.  Rex and Ross both drove skiers and tubers around the lake, something they both enjoy greatly.

Lex and Rachelle tubed til their arms about dropped off!

Pink Flamingo glasses ~right in style!

Zander and Lex await their turn.

Who will find the key to the DARK TOWER??? Kelly cheers for her success.

Scott helps Zander understand the Dark Tower Game.

Matt & Kellie & Scott visiting with others on the deck.

Bria's turn to help with cooking!

Brianna reading.... a fave activity.

Is there anything better than holding a baby girl?

We split up the meal responsibilities so everyone had time to play with the little ones too!!  Early morning found Donetta, Rex, & I on the deck, but later in the days the deck was a place for many to gather.  Inside games broke out, which of course included Dark Tower, a game Ross had years ago (that died) and that Scott found on ebay and purchased so the tradition could continue.

Herndon clan Summer 2011

We may just do this each summer!! It is so difficult to get everyone together at Christmas any more, so this may be a way for the brothers to stay in touch!

Good-byes and Hellos

Two of my best buddies, Brody and Myles.

Ayden did not take long to make up to Jeanie!

 When school was over in May, I had no idea that my life would be changing dramatically before August.  On the way home from our trip to Canada, I was contacted by the director of our Special Education Co-op about a new job opportunity, Special Education Academic Coach for all schools in USD #470.  I had discussed the need for this kind of special education position in the district with 2 of my past administrators, but it always seemed like an "over the rainbow" kind of idea, and here it was - a reality.

I agreed to interview, but had some serious doubts as to moving forward. I truly believe that my heart is at IXL with these wonderful women educators. Just being a part of their everyday life is a source of energy for me. I hesitated to change that, and the easy step would have been to remain there for the remainder of my career.  However, there are times in life when you think, "Every step of my journey so far was in preparation for just this." and I was at that crossroad.  Telling the gals about my decision was difficult, and Alyssa really hoped someone would "beat me up" for it.  Within days I learned that my best friend, Jeanie, would be moved to my position at IXL, which meant that "my kids" would be entrusted to someone I knew would be great with them. 

The great group at IXL decided to have a party to say goodbye to me and hello to Jeanie.  Of course, their young'uns were invited as well, and we had a grand time.  The final result was a move from a classroom at IXL (I had been there 32 years) to an office in Adams Elementary, a 1-week earlier start to the school year, and trying to figure out the job description of a totally new position! 

Can you believe they let me have the floor?

 A calm moment... unusual when you get these 3 together!

One of the many babies I "adopted" this past year!

Writing about all this from half way through the year, I will say that most days, I really enjoy the new position. I have learned much, and I hope I have been helpful to the teachers I am mentoring.  One highlight is when I walk in Kellie's room (yep, my daughter-in-law is one of the teachers I mentor), her kids say, "Miss Kellie, it's your MOM!!" 

I have a schedule that allows me to be in every building 2-3 times a week, including IXL.  I am staying in touch with my little buddies as time allows, and looking forward to another semester. Taking that new road was a good turn. Trusting the journey!