Thanksgiving 2018

This Thanksgiving was a little unusual. Craig and Lorel went to the beach with Lorel's side of the family, so they couldn't come. Neither could Scott or Chrissy and their kids. I think they went to Chrissy's aunts, but I am writing this a bit later and can't remember for sure.  So, it was just the Crazy Sod fam at my parents' house. We were going to still make it, but my mom thought it would be easier and just as good to pick up the whole meal from Martin's. It was still good and we still had a fun time together. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. Luckily, Victoria got one of Katherine looking lovingly and longingly at this pie. So funny!

We also apparently drew names for Christmas- the only other pic I could find! 

I need to do better at documenting and remembering details from the holidays. Thanks, Mom and Dad for hosting us! We love you mucho!

Church Ridiculousness as told by Danny

Tales of the #CrazySodFam
Today at church Katherine had a runny nose (just a few snot bubbles). I naturally returned from the bathroom with a small roll of toilet paper for her to blow her nose (that alone was a fun show). 
5 minutes later...an audible fart that sounded like it came from a well-fed trucker came from our sweet 6 year-old. The poor man in front of us was blamed by his wife and the back 5 rows of the chapel were cracking up.
5 minutes later...Grant left the chapel to get some water and stepped on the roll of nose toilet paper. He made his way to the exit 30 feet away dragging the end of toilet paper that was unrolling behind him.
5 minutes later...that well-fed trucker returned with a burp. It's hard to believe she is only 6.
This is why we sit in the back.
Side note: none of this was purposeful. However, I over-reacted in my best whisper yell, "THIS IS CHURCH, NOT A COMEDY SHOW!"

Rainy, Freezing, and Awesome Playoff Game

It was a miserable game to watch, play in, and cheer for. Everyone was soaked through in through and the boys were as muddy as could be! The girls socks, headbands, clothes, gloves, etc- were drenched and it was barely above freezing.

But, they won again! Really awesome to see their hard work pay off! 

3B Regional Champions

Gingerbread Day

Geemaw made and baked lots of gingerbread and cut and prepped lots of houses before we came.

Making pocketbook rolls 

Christian looks pretty happy with baby Gage

Rorik was pleased with his house

V

C

G

K

K's house a few days later!

Young Women in Excellence

We had Young Women in Excellence with the Culpeper YW. I don't think that I have mentioned this in recent posts, but we are trying meeting together on Tuesday nights. I think it is fun to have so many more youth, but the girls are not integrating as well as I would have hoped. It unfortunately sometimes feels like an "us" and them" situation. I really like getting to know their youth though and am hopeful that it will get better! 

The YW in Excellence was Alice in Wonderland theme and was organized by Cassia, a YW from Culpeper. I was asked to give a talk and enjoyed that opportunity.

V and her friend, Alexus, from Culpeper

Conrad Birdie!

It's Conrad! AAAAAGGHHHH!

Christian was so funny in his full of himself, teen heartthrob role. When he sang we were so shocked with the deep Elvis-like voice he used.  He looked so handsome in his costumes, remembered all of his lines, and did an overall great job!

You should watch his performances!

Honestly Sincere , Rudeness ,One Last Kiss , I've got a lot of Living to Do

  

We were all so proud of him and the entire cast! They were excellent and have incredible potential- remember, they are still in middle school! Many thanks to Mr. Wayne, Mr. Hughes, and everyone else who makes it possible for these kids to have these experiences!

Amanda's Party

Happy birthday to Amanda!

V loves hanging out with these girls and the other cheerleaders almost every day!

They really are a nice, smart, athletic crew!

Bushels of Apples

I met Liz Apple and Cathy Pruett at a produce auction in Harrisonburg. It was interesting. Liz Apple goes frequently and I think that I may try joining her again too. I came home with a lot of apples. We saved some, but I made lots of applesauce in the instant pot and froze it in gallon bags. It has been delicious and a nice addition to a lot of meals since then. 

Backstage of Bye, Bye, Birdie

Christian was in another play at the middle school. One of his goals for 2018 was to audition for another play and to get a bigger role. He accomplished that goal and was cast as Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye Birdie. They performed for some elementary school students for their dress rehearsal. That day I got to hang out/supervise back stage. It was fun to see Christian and the other students having fun before the show. What a good group of kids! 

As a note, Christian was a stinker and refused to sing any of the songs for us or give anyone in the family a sneak preview. We had no idea what to expect, but expected good things. He is so funny in our home and is amazing at impressions.  I could not wait to see the play!

Katherine's Cheer Competition!

Katherine's team worked really hard and had a really good performance! Katherine improved so much this season. Her motions are sharper, she is more flexible, and she learned to do a cartwheel! The cheers, chants, dance section, and stunts looked really good! We loved watching her and enjoyed cheering for the Cavaliers!

CCHS- Conference Champs