I'll be right there...

Every Christmas, Mason surprised me with a simple character glass.  First it was Star Wars, then it was Smurfs.  On my birthday, my mom and I went to an antique mall.  A sign 75% off grabbed my attention as a simple glass stood out, the brown hair reminding me of Mason,with the words, "I'll be right there."  An E.T. glass, my Christmas gift from Mason arriving on my birthday.
Little things that bring up so many memories, even just watching the movie E.T. together.

Lots of coincidences these past few days; for instance, Maverick begged to find a new Big Nate book at Half Price Books, instead found Milo Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by Alan Silberberg. It looked like a fun book( it talks about Milo being in love and funny stuff on the back) so I asked to read it with him.  We had no idea Milo's mom had passed away from brain cancer.  It has been painful; yet good at the same time. Milo calls it the "Fog".  It is amazing how the book just speaks to us.

make a wish...

The holiday season has officially began with the turning on our lights.  This year was more magical than ever.  Having Santa visit was the most magical and fun!  Every time Santa came for a visit before, snow would fall from the sky.  My guess, Mason had something to do with it too.  He was in all our hearts as we counted down from 9. After everyone had left, Ally dropped her coin in the wishing well.  She had no secret, "I wished that Mason could come back"  My heart froze.  That evening it snowed inside our hearts as the kids took turns flipping the snow globe.   

Happy Thanksgiving

It's that time of year.  I can't believe I finished the Christmas newsletter.  Looking back at 2011 was hard, but so is facing the years ahead.  We continue to find strength through God, and our amazing family and friends.   Mason, we march in a different direction now.  We are guided by you.  We will get through the holidays with you.  You will always be with us.  This Thanksgiving we are thankful.  We are thankful.  Thank you family and friends. We concentrate on the blessings; as we live, laugh and love through each day.

I'm thankful for..

I'm thankful for a Home.
I'm thankful to have food to eat.
I'm thankful for a family.
I'm thankful for clothes to wear.
I'm thankful for water to drink.
I'm thankful to have a bed to sleep on.
I'm thankful for a room to have.
I'm thankful to have a planet to live on.
I'm thankful to have a friend to play with.
I'm thankful for the trees and the sky.

-Mason Kempf 2nd grade journal (November 2008)

Wiscurzoo report

It's time for a Wiscurzoo report!! Maverick is still stitching. Heartland Church even caught the Wiscurzoo fever! Maverick is so excited to have a stuffing event with the youth group at church. This means even more Wiscurzoos can find a home. We even have baby Wiscurzoos on our tree. However these babies were tough to make, mom helped sew around the ears because they kept getting cut off. He won't be taking any more orders on these babies. His Make-a Wish tree is already up and standing, star ornaments are $1. Thank you for everyone that has participated. Maverick has already raised over $600 in memory of Mason. Other than Maverick selling star ornaments and Wiscurzoos; or next big event is December 7 at Red Robin. Check out the information at the top of the blog and please spread the word. We will keep you updated throughout the holiday season on Maverick's fundraising! Have a Wiscurzoo day!

Tuesday

It's a rainy Tuesday and Maverick is finishing his homework while listening to his new favorite song. It's hard to believe it's November. We are thankful for this year's Christmas lighting, as Eddie is busy preparing. I am actually hoping for snow, snow and snow. I miss the magic in the air. For now, here is Maverick's new song, I know Mason would like it too. I was angry when I heard the song the first time. Angry and sad. Today the song makes me smile.

Beautiful things...

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 God's love brings comfort and healing.
This song reminds me of the struggles we have faced but at the same time all the beautiful things that have come forth. The things I may have never noticed. I feel new today. Thank you God for the beauty and love you brought today. This is my song today. The rainbow at the end is just another smile to my day.

November

It's hard to believe that it is November.  We had a wonderful weekend.  Sunday was an extraordinary day!    The day was filled with love and blessings.   It was a beautiful day; Eddie and Maverick even started hanging Christmas lights. It may be weeks away but, the first snowflakes of the year will always have an extra meaning.   Happy November.  Bring on Lights, Stripes and Snow!

 (I typed this last night and just heard, we may have a few snowflakes in the air later tonight, hard to believe since it is 62 now.)