That Old Box Thing

Mysia (11) was taking part in a special class project on Wednesday. They were discovering how moving parts work in electronics. With my permission, she brought in my old portable CD player that stopped working for them to disassemble.

After picking her up from school, I had asked how it went. She told me that her classmates loved it. She then added that there were a few other things they got to take apart. In fact, there was one that was really cool.

“You know dad, that old box thing that plays movies from a black square cartridge….? I can’t remember what it’s called.”

I replied, “You mean a VCR.”

She exclaimed, "Yeah!!! That’s it!”

Boy, now doesn’t that make me feel old….

~Matt

What a Summer!

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted an update! So much has been happening, I've failed to schedule time to post.

First, I'll start off by saying that we had a wonderful summer. It went by very quickly. I made sure we took advantage of the canned good admittance to the public pools each week. It was so refreshing to swim after a long day at work.

The kids also enjoyed attending Boys & Girls Club while Lydia and I were at work during the day. They were able to participate in many of the field trips as well.

Of course, some of the highlights took place right before school started. For example, we spent one event at the 1984 Arcade. Several hours of retro gaming, introducing them to some great classics. The funniest thing was that the kids and I were ready to go toward the end of our stay, and has to pry Lydia away from her game! Ha.

It's a whole new schedule for us this school year though. Mysia has started middle school! Yikes. She likes it too. She was excited with the fact that she has her own locker and is more responsible with a class schedule that keeps her moving to different rooms throughout the day. There are a few programs she had begun to participate in as well, like orchestra and school newspaper.

Malachi is now in 3rd grade, and just came home as a responsible student owner of a school issued Chromebook for homework. This has made us a bit nervous , but it's been good so far. He's doing well in his classed, and we getting good reports.

Lydia is going well with her job, enjoying accounting. She's been able to take the time needed to be home when the kids get out of school. 

I'm still enjoying my work in radio. I keep busy with all that's going on. Like always, I'm making new friends with listeners and artists. And much to my family's distain, been able to grow my classic southern gospel vinyl collection. Yay!

I'm sure I'll think of other things to share later! 

~Matt

Smart Kid!

So we’re watching the special of the Memorial Day Concert on PBS and General Colin Powell comes on to bring a speech. Lydia mentioned that he would’ve been an awesome candidate for President.

Sarcastically, I replied, “Naw, a President with military experience! A General? We couldn’t have that…”

From the other room, Malachi piped up, “Hey, Dwight E. Eisenhower was!”

Smart kid! :)

Like Father, Like Son

I'll admit it... I was reckless and dangerous as a boy. Always getting scrapes and bruises, never really thinking about what I was doing. So I shouldn't really surprise me that Malachi is so much boy. HA!

I great example unfolded yesterday. When I arrived a the Boys & Girls Club to pick both kids up for the evening, there was a paper to sign. Sure enough, Malachi had received an injury. It read:

5:00pm. While walking back to the Art Room, Malachi bumped into a pillar, hit his head and back.No visible bump is felt, but head (middle) sore and back. 

He was walking backwards in line, making sure no one was cutting in, but obviously not observing that the concrete pillar was nearby. He was fine, and he told me that it's not usual for him to run into those pillars occasionally. "It's normal Dad..." he explained.

Yup.... that's my boy!

~Matt

October 2015 Highlights

Things are going well at the Paasch household. School has been in full swing for both Mysia and Malachi, and both Lydia and I have been busy with our jobs! We’ve had a wonderful and exciting month as well.

Malachi had a few more soccer games, and did very well. It was a great opportunity for him to learn teamwork and get some of that energy out. He learned a few things along the way and it taught him some more responsibility. We hope he’ll do it again next year.

Malachi has also started piano lessons. We’ve talked about it for several years, and the chance finally became available. I now sit in the van for an hour while both kids learn how to properly make noise…

Mysia now has a music stand and book for her school violin. She is learning responsibility in having to take her instrument to school twice a week, and the extra practice. Mysia is also part of her school's PRIDE choir.

Lydia I attended parent/teacher conferences this month and learned that both kids are doing extremely well and excelling at school! Mysia is a leader in her class, and compassionate and helpful to her classmates. Her teacher said she’s polite and respectful, and that she can trust her with any task given. Malachi, as hyper as he is, had an fantastic report too. Besides being on top as well, he communicates with others and gets tasks done.

With that in mind, Mysia will be starting middle school next year! We’ve had several programs interested in her due to high educational scores (she’s smart). We’ve attended several meetings and are looking into what would better suit her when she starts 5th grade. It’s exciting!

We attended several activities this year! Two important events were the Pregnancy Care Center’s Walk 4 Life and the MEND balloon release. Both were very meaningful, and we enjoyed being a part!

We’re looking forward to the fall season, and what the next month brings us. Life is an adventure!

~Matt

September 2015 Highlights

September was a pretty eventful month. It started out with our 12 wedding anniversary. Lydia and I both took off work and spent the day in Branson... shopping! We also had a nice dinner date back in town.

During the first weekend, we took the kids to see the Avengers 2 at the theater after catching up with the earlier movies at home. Some great family time together! Yes... we're Marvel geeks. :)

Mysia is now in school orchestra, picking up the violin. She's trying to learn. Of course, she's still taking weekly piano lessons. She's reading many books and keeps busy with her own creative ambitions. 

Malachi started soccer this year as well. It continues into the middle of October. Practices have been on Friday evenings with the games on Saturday mornings. He's learning teamwork and the game in general. So far they've played three games: won, lost, and then tied. Malachi has even been a goalie! I've been able to stream each game through the Periscope app.

Malachi also celebrated his 8th birthday. The most exciting part is that he's old enough not to be sitting in a car booster seat, something he has been looking forward to since last year! He had a wonderful party with family coming over to celebrate.

Both kids have been doing pretty good with school, and excited to be attending. They come home each day with stories. We've also been visiting the public library each week. Both enjoy bring home new books to read. Of course, if there's a good movie to check out, we'll grab that too! Lydia and I were finally able to watch "Big Hero 6", one the kids had watched several times earlier.

Lydia is keeping busy working at BKD, and doing well in the office life. She also helps with the finaces at church. She's been involved in ladies' Bible studies each week and enjoys every moment of it.

For me , work has been great at KWFC & The Wind as well. I've been doing a lot for both stations. Working for Christian radio is fun and adventurous! 

Fall has arrived and we're enjoying the cooler weather... so much to be happening soon!

 ~Matt

Malachi: God's gift...

Last Sunday, I was running tech in the KidsLife center at church. Malachi's classmates were all asked if they could be given anything from God, like Solomon, what would it be? 

Answers included things humorous to serious, "100 cookies", "a new house", "good attitude", etc. 

When it came time for Malachi, his answer? "To be a Jedi...!!!"

LOL!


~Matt

Nostalgia at SDC

On Saturday, we enjoyed a family outing at Silver Dollar City in Branson. It had been over a year since we’ve all gone together. Since the kids are older and we don’t have to deal with a stroller or wagon, it’s more fun and enjoyable now that we can all ride together. Of course, they are a bit uncertain with some of the bigger rides.

For me, it gave me odd feeling. I’ve been going to the park since I was their age, and now I’m the dad. On some of the old rides, I remember how it was back when as a kid, and it was weird to now see things from my kids' perspective. I got a strange feeling of nostalgia that I’ve never experienced.

Yes, some things have changed, but there is definitely more excitement.. Better rides, more activities, and new experiences. However, there are some “hidden” aspects people have forgotten. For example, I made sure we went by the old jailhouse off the square. Yup, no one else there. Pretty cool!

We didn’t get to ride all the rides during this trip, but we have the rest of the year to do it!  

~Matt

Spring Celebration Trip!

Tax season is over! Yay....! 

Last Friday the 17th, the kids had the day off from school. So in preparation, we planned a family get-away for the weekend. It was something that the kids (and us) have been looking forward to over the past few months.

Lydia found some great deals in Branson. So we got up that morning, packed our overnight luggage, got a few things done around the house, and played video games before leaving town around noon. Our first stop was the Butterfly Palace. We got to release butterflies and go through several of the mazes. We even watched a 3D movie of the life of a butterfly.

After eating a quick lunch, we then headed to the motel, Castle Rock Resort. Once checked in, we changed into our swimwear and enjoyed the rest of the day playing at the indoor water-park! What fun we all had. There was a "lazy river" with tubes, allowing us to float around. Mysia was first to try the water slides, and after some encouragement, Malachi soon followed. They were a bit reluctant to return to the room around 11pm, but excited about Saturday.

The pools didn't open until 10am, so we enjoyed some rest that morning and ate breakfast while watching some movies on the TV. We packed all of our belongings before again spending several hours in the water-park. We had a great lunch before heading back home.

A short family vacation, and a whole lot of fun! 

~Matt

March Highlights!

The month of March was exciting, yet busy. I was still recovering from my hernia surgery, which made us adjust our schedules a bit. I've been on a weight restriction of no more than 10 lbs. of lifting. Lydia has been putting in overtime during the week and working all Saturdays.

The kids had Spring Break during the first part of the month. Lydia and I still had work, so they spent their time at the Boys and Girls Club with activities.

Lydia and I got to have a "date night" on the 13th while the kids stayed at home with Uncle Sam & Aunt Madisen. We had a nice dinner and watched a fun movie. It was great!

On Saturday the 14th, the kids and I went to “Jurassic Quest” at the Expo Center. It was neat seeing the giant dinosaurs. We spent some time at Jordan Valley Park and then attended the downtown Saint Patrick’s Day parade!

Mysia made PRIDE Panther at school on the 22nd! Yay...! We're so proud of her of course.

BJ and his family came to town for a visit. The cousins enjoyed spending Saturday (21st) playing. That evening, I pulled out my puppet Ace to get him looking good for the following. The kids were excited, so we had a "puppet convention" before bed. Mysia's puppet, "I'm more beautiful than Ace, because I'm a different 'ginger'... haha!

Malachi's art from school was featured at the Springfield Art museum on Sunday the 22nd. It was neat to visit and find his work among all the others from the area.

On Friday the 27th, we attended the Taekwondo Fundraising Banquet. I provided the entertainment by doing a skit with Ace. It turned out pretty good and we all won door prizes.

~Matt

Hernia Surgery (and Update)

On Friday morning, February 27th, I went in for hernia surgery. Mysia and Malachi had spent the night with Granny & Granddad. We arrived at the hospital and I was signed up at 5:30. After waiting a bit, they sent me to a room to get dressed in a cap and gown. We spent time talking with nurses and medication specialists. They set me up with an IV and began the process of surgery preparation. They wheeled me to the operating room and I was sedated around 7:45. I woke up around 9:30 and they said that the actual procedure only took 17 minutes. I ate crackers, drank juice, and the filled me up with liquids. After finally urinating, I was released around 1:15. On the way home, we stopped and grabbed lunch, then picked up the kids stuff from my mom and my medication from the pharmacy. I rested at home watching movies and sleeping. Mysia and Malachi rode the bus home from school for the very first time.

The following weeks of being in “recovery mode” have been interesting. I've been in pain, and have quickly learned to be careful getting up and around. I was completely down for the first few days, but back to work on Monday following the surgery. My co-workers quickly discovered that I could easily double over in agony when brought to laughter.

Currently, I've feeling better and my pain has gone down. I get occasional “shocks” when I get up too fast or twist wrong when sitting. I won’t be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for a few more weeks. Don’t want to cause it tear or anything… Of course, I’m praying that I won’t have to deal with this again.

Many thanks to those who have prayed and helped during this time!

~Matt

Mysia: Now 10!

Back at the end of January, Mysia turned 10! 

Wow… how time has flown. She is growing up so fast. One smart girl too.

As a parent, I’m so proud of her. Even though still a kid, she’s awesome. Her thoughts and actions prove how much insight she has on many aspects of life, and it often floors me. Her and I can spend much time in conversation. A very social personality, she can be sensitive on some matters, and can get a bit emotional with a compassionate heart. Such a sweetheart.

Of course, she takes after Lydia with her reading and getting lost in her books. We’ll usually find her sitting on her bed enjoying a good story. Mysia is also very creative with her writing. There are notes everywhere. Yes, she is definitely a joy to have around!

For her birthday, we upgraded her cell phone to an iPhone 5c. By doing so, we’re teaching her responsibility, especially with technology. She is able to keep in touch with us, along with other family and her friends. She loves interaction, so you will often find her in some sort of communication on her free time.

Mysia is also doing great with her homework and piano lessons. There are times when she gets frustrated, but is learning to deal with the problems and making great achievements. She’s also taken on more responsibilities with chores. For example, she’s in charge of the family laundry every weekend. She sorts and washes the the clothes, and doing a great job.

Mysia is an excellent daughter!


~Matt

Note: Mysia took the "selfie" and even did the editing herself! That's my girl....!

Crusin'....

Back in January, Lydia and I had the privilege to go on-board the KWFC Southern Gospel Cruise! We left the kids under the care of Sam and Madisen for the week-long trip. So it was quite an experience for the entire family.

Highlights of the trip? Well, we visited the Duck Commander Warehouse on the bus trip to New Orleans, unfortunately none of the family from Duck Dynasty was there. We visited Cozumel Mexico and enjoyed shopping. We also went snorkeling. Sadly, we took our cell phones with us in “waterproof cases” that turned out better holding water! Afterwards, we visited Roatan and enjoyed a day at the beach getting some sun. In fact, we got sunburned… yikes! Another awesome excursion was visiting the Altun Ha ruins, an ancient Maya city in Belize. A very unique experience as we climbed those ruins and viewed the country. It was on the outskirts of the rain-forest too!

Of course, the Carnival Dream was a pretty awesome ship to be on as well. I took advantage of the swimming pools and we really enjoyed the shows. We attended each of the Southern Gospel events too. On the last night, I was able to join the artists on stage singing “Just A Little Talk With Jesus”. The entire trip was blast and we made new friends too.

We were sad but happy to be back home. While gone, we missed our kids and being able to contact them. Perhaps we'll take them on a cruise next year?

What a trip!

~Matt

NOTE on the WEEK RUNDOWN

Just wanted to make quick note that I have decided not to continue posting the “Week Rundown” updates.

It’s been a joy to share what has been going on every day in our lives, and several have mentioned how much they like keeping up with us. Unfortunately, we have felt that it may be sharing too much publicly. With that in mind, it’s been decided to end it.

However, I will be sharing important news from time to time. Special occasions and events will still be reported. So yes, I promise to still keep everyone updated with the things going on in our family!

Keep following! Oh, and HEY... Contact us, as we would love to hear from you.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (12/28/14 - 01/03/15)

On Sunday, we attended church services and then went to the mall, doing some window shopping. We met my family for lunch at HuHot. The food was great, and we visited a bit before all deciding to hang out at my parents' house for the afternoon. That evening, we were visited with Gampa Gary. We shared Christmas gifts and played several rounds of Mario Kart. We then dropped of Malachi to spend night with his boy cousins.

Lydia went into work on Monday morning. Mysia and I went to my work for a bit and then we visited with the cousins and my family for the rest of the day. Lydia and I had a late lunch together as we signed over the totaled Bug to our insurance agency.  

The kids were off of school on Tuesday, so we spent the day together at home getting some things done… including taking down all the Christmas decorations. Boy, what a chore! That evening, Abigail and Ethan came over for a visit.

On Wednesday, the kids joined me as I did went in for work and did my radio show. We then went to the chiropractor to get "adjusted". We picked up Lydia and visited dentist for our scheduled teeth cleaning. That night, we stayed home allowing the kids to stay up past midnight to bring in the New Year. We made popcorn, drank sparkling grape juice and played Wii games.

We slept in on Thursday for New Years Day. Once up, we got ready and headed over to visit with my family at my parents'. We played games, took pictures, and ate.

Lydia went back to work on Friday, and then kids joined me as I did my show for the afternoon at KWFC. That evening, we watched a few movies and actually got to bed on time!

Saturday was nice as we spent most of the day at home getting things done and sorting things around the house. The kids got their rooms picked up. Lydia did a grocery run that evening. We also worked on schedules and getting things ready for our cruise in a week!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (12/21/14 - 12/27/14)

We got up early and attended Sunday services. The kids sang several songs as part of the Christmas program. Afterwards, we did a grocery run and came home to eat and watch a few Christmas movies.

The kids didn't have school on Monday, but since Lydia and I worked, they went to boys and girls club for the day. Mysia didn't have any piano lessons. Lydia and the kids worked on making Christmas cookies. The kitchen was a mess, but worth it.

I only worked half a day on Tuesday. The kids and I visited the chiropractor to get adjusted after car accident last week. It felt good to get the kinks out. We picked up Lydia from work and came home. We watched a movie before sending the kids to bed. Lydia and I stayed up a little later to make sure the kids' presents were ready for the morning.

Wednesday, although Christmas Eve, was our family Christmas at home. We woke up and opened up presents. Both kids were excited with what they received. We then ate breakfast while the kids enjoyed their gifts. Malachi spent 6 hours putting together his lego Star Wars Starfighter. Mysia played games and learned how to work her tablets. We watched several movies. We went out for supper at Chick-Fil-A and then drove around looking at Christmas lights before attending candlelight services with family.

On Christmas day we slept in, catching up on some lost sleep. Of course, the kids got up and watched videos on their tablets. We then opened the gifts found in our stockings before eating some breakfast. We loaded the van with gifts and snacks, then headed over to my parents' house celebrate the holiday with my side of the family. We ate lunch and then opened up gifts. The cousins played while we visited. We took family pictures and played a few games before coming home.

We slept in for a bit on Friday and then met Lydia's family for brunch. After visiting, the girls headed out to Branson for a shopping trip. The guys played some football and then tried a few games of Mario Kart 64 before getting some food. We watched "Guardians Of the Galaxy" before the girls came back.

Saturday morning was rushed as we ate a quick breakfast before heading over to Paulette's house for gifts with Lydia's family. It was our '3rd" Christmas. After the gift exchange, we ate a wonderful turkey dinner and visited before bringing out the games. The cousins played and we stayed until evening. At home, the kids got their baths before bed.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (12/14/14 - 12/20/14)

My stomach was sore on Sunday, but I made it through alright. We attended church services and then did some shopping before heading home for lunch. We actually got some naps and spent some family time together.

Monday was pretty normal. Mysia had piano lessons after I got off work, and we spent the evening at home working on homework.

Tuesday was a long day. We got up and the kids and I took Lydia into work. Right afterwards, I turned left onto another road and my VW Bug was struck on the passenger side. It shook us up. Mysia had a sore arm and chemical burn on her cheek from the side airbag. Malachi got attacked by Mysia's school books, and had a lump on his head and scratches on his forehead. Other then that, we walked away without any serious injuries. The car was towed away and my coworker Ray helped me get the minivan from home. I dropped the kids off at school and went to my Doctor's appointment. It was confirmed that I do have a hernia. I then got to visit the new offices for KWFC that are being constructed in preparation of the finalization of the station's sale to RTN. The school nurse called me and I picked up the kids since they were still a bit shook up from the wreck. We then picked up Lydia and took her to the doctor for her appointment she had that afternoon. We spent the rest of the day in the waiting room. By the time we got home, the kids were wore out. We ate a late, but quick supper, and went to bed.

Things were almost back to normal on Wednesday, except we were down to one vehicle. There we several things I had to deal with in making sure that the insurance had all the info, etc. We had a good evening at home.

I had an appointment with the surgeon on Thursday to discuss the future plans for my hernia. It looks like I'll be having surgery sometime late January. After Lydia and I got off work, the evening was spent visiting with our small group from church. We had a good time and enjoyed the fellowship.

The kids and I took Lydia to work on Friday. The kids were off school, so I spent the day with them. We did some shopping and did many house chores. I also had to "clean" out all of my possessions from the wrecked Bug. It was sad seeing it in such a smashed up state, a reminder that God had blessed us by keeping us from harm when the wreck happened.. I was informed by the insurance company that it was considered "totaled".

The kids got to spend Saturday afternoon with Granny while I took Lydia to the Passages (Bible) Museum. We spent several hours taking in the history the Scripture throughout the ages. That evening, we watched a few Christmas movies before going to bed.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (12/07/14 - 12/13/14)

We got up early on Sunday morning and made it to church so I could practice for the reading I had during services. After church we stopped by Best Buy to look around. At home, we ate lunch and watched White Christmas. That evening we attended the kids' school Christmas party. They visited with Santa, got haircuts and went "shopping" for the family. Afterwards, we headed over to Granddad and Granny's to watch "Home Alone".

On Monday, Malachi and I took Mysia piano lessons before doing a bit of Christmas shopping. At home, we all ate a quick supper and then attended the MEND Christmas candlelight vigil for 3 miscarriages. The kids went to bed once we returned home. Not to long afterwards, I heard a crash and then crying. Malachi had fallen off bunk bed and onto his legos. All is well, he wasn't hurt. Just upset that he had demolished his buildings.

Lydia had breakfast with the kids at school Tuesday morning. We came home from work and prepared supper before Uncle Sam and Aunt Madisen came over for a visit. They brought their two dogs, and Buttercup was thrilled to have playmates for the evening. We talked and enjoyed the evening together.

On Wednesday, Mysia got to try on a dress for Abigail's wedding after school. She's excited to be in it. I picked up Malachi after work and met Lydia at home. We enjoyed the evening at home. Malachi read three books to me as part of his homework before bed.

Thursday was a bit rushed, getting things done throughout the day. We attended to a Christmas party with our small group that evening. It was a blast visiting friends and exchanging white elephant gifts.

On Friday, we came home after work and I ate supper real quick before heading over to my friend Ben's for the evening. He helped with some van repairs and we got to visit. Lydia and the kids watched TV and read Christmas books.  

We woke up Saturday morning and took the kids with me to church. They had a Christmas party with crafts and snacks. Lydia got things done around the house and then we had lunch. We then attended the Christmas parade downtown. The kids got candy and we enjoyed watching the floats and bands. We then went to CPO and the kids picked up some Christmas gifts and a movie. That evening, we saw Crossway's "Who Stole Christmas". It was a great production, and we liked the adaptation of the Grinch story with a Christian perspective. Throughout the day, my stomach was aching and a lump appeared on my stomach, and after doing some online research, I'm thinking I have a hernia. Yikes.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (11/30/14 - 12/06/14)

Lydia woke up Sunday morning with severe pain in her left foot. She couldn't put any weight on it, so after dropping the kids off with Granny and Granddad, we headed off to the ER. After being admitted and x-rayed, they determined it was inflammation. They gave Lydia crutches, telling her to remain off the foot, and prescription drugs. We came home and had a late lunch. Lydia was in pain for the rest of the evening, hobbling around the house.  

A cold front moved in causing us to scrape our windows from ice Monday morning. After work Malachi and I took Mysia to piano lessons. I then dropped the kids of with Granny for the evening. Lydia discovered that she had a flat tire as she was leaving work, so ran over and put on the spare so she could make it home. We then attended the KWFC Christmas party and dinner. We ate, visited, and played a few games before picking up the kids and heading home.

I took the van in Tuesday morning to get the van's tire replaced, and ended up buying two. Lydia had PTA after work, so I picked up the kids and we came home. They worked on their homework and got their showers while I worked on supper. We got to watch Charlie Brown Christmas before bedtime.


Wednesday morning was a rush. Before heading out the door, Malachi quickly ate his oatmeal, got choked and vomited a bit. I didn't think anything of it until we got a call from the school nurse before lunch. Malachi was complaining of a grumbling stomach. I picked him up and he stayed in my office for the rest of the workday. He ate well, watched a few movies, and even took a nap. We picked up Mysia on the way home. Before Lydia arrived, Malachi vomited. Oh boy…! We ate supper and watched all the Frosty the Snowman movies. Mysia felt warm, so Lydia took her temperature. Sure enough, she was running a fever. Thankfully, both slept well through the night.

I stayed home with Mysia and Malachi on Thursday since both were recovering from their illness. Lydia came home and we had supper before I headed into work to run Patriot basketball on-air. Lydia and kids watched Peter Pan Live that evening and she was reading them a book when I arrived home.

On Friday, Lydia worked from home so that she could stay home with Mysia. Although she was better, it was a precaution. Malachi went to school, and I picked him up once I got off from work. We then grabbed pizza and the kids spend night with Memaw while Lydia and I headed to Joplin for her work's Christmas party! We had great food and fun, and got home late.

Lydia and I woke up Saturday and I left for a reading rehearsal at church. Lydia picked up the kids and did a grocery run. I took the van into the shop to get it aligned before meeting them home for a late lunch. We watched a movie and then they took naps before we headed out to see the Springfield Live Nativity at the fairgrounds. We then met with friends at Lambert's for dinner and fellowship. We got home pretty late, and the kids were ready for bed.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (11/23/14 - 11/29/14)

Sunday we got up and attended church services. We stopped by the store on the way home and then spent the rest of the day relaxing. We played games and watched some tv as a family. Of course, we also accomplished a few chores around the house before going to bed.

Monday was a bit busy. Malachi and I took Mysia to piano lessons. At home the kids took showers while I prepared dinner. Lydia attended her Zumba class before coming home. We watched a couple of TV shows before bedtime.

Tuesday was busy, trying to get work accomplished for the rest of the week. We have had problems with the van lately, so I took it in and found out we need the radiator replaced.. Something we'll be doing at a later date. Lydia and the kids came to the radio station after 5 and we produced my thanksgiving show together with them sharing the things they are thankful for. We then spent a relaxing evening at home.

Wednesday I had off with the kids. They watched cartoons after waking up. We did a few things around the house, ate lunch, and then visited Lydia at her office in the afternoon. We then headed over to my parent's house so that we could visit with family. Ben and his family were in visiting, so the cousins got to play for s bit. A few of us took the guns out for some some target practice. It was cold, but enjoyable. Everyone met at our house and we then went to Rib Crib in celebration of my dad's birthday. We enjoyed supper together, visited Sam's house to see his dogs, and then back to my parent's for birthday cake. We stayed late visiting. Once back home, the kids were put to bed and we remained up working on food for Thanksgiving dinner.

On thanksgiving day, we slept in a bit and let the kids watch cartoons before watching the parade. We packed up a few belongings and the food and headed off to Lydia's Aunt and Uncle's house to spend the day with her family. It was a beautiful day, so the kids got to spend time playing outside. They also played games with the other kids while we visited. Dinner was terrific! Once home that evening, we went to bed.

We slept in on Friday and then watched cartoons during breakfast. I pulled out the Christmas decorations and then headed into work to do my on-air shift. Lydia and the kids did things around the house, and when I came back home, we packed up and headed to visit with our friends Scott and Cyleste for the evening. The kids played outside until it got dark while we visited and played board games. We had fun, and even to bed once we came home that night.

Saturday was busy. After watching cartoons, we started rearranging the house for the Christmas decorations. Yes, this happens every year... We were able to make room for the big tree and the kids put the ornaments on. They also rode their bikes down the street for a while during the afternoon. Later that evening, Lydia went grocery shopping as the kids and I tried to clean up the Christmas decoration containers. Once the groceries were put away, and the kids were ready for bed, we watched a Christmas movie on Netflix to start the holiday season right. 

~Matt