Happy Halloween...and Christmas?

I love our neighborhood.  And I love the fact that the little old lady across the street decorates for holidays.  But I wonder if she's planning on being too busy later to put up her Christmas lights!  I appreciate this sign that encourages us all to live one holiday at a time.

Our Blood Runs Cardinal Red

Jim Keena

Unbelievable! I'm going to see the Cardinals play in the World Series in Texas! Game 3. Saturday. Dreams do come true!

Kim Arnold Keena

Game 6 hangover....

Bethany Keena

I wore my Cardinals scrunchie to work today.
I think that's what did it. :)
Go Cardinals!

Christa Keena Clark

World Series Champions 2011, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS! I'll be living on a Cardinals high for the next couple days! What a story, what a team!

Friends and Baseball:

Doug and I would never say that we are big baseball fans. We don't keep up with the regular season at all, but we do love watching the play-offs. I am a Cardinals fan by birth and Doug cheers for them as well. My dad is a huge Cardinals fan and has been his whole life. For me, baseball is a sentimental sport thinking of time with my dad and going to Cardinals game all across the country as a child.

Last night we had the privilege of watching one of the greatest Cardinals games we have ever seen. It made it even better that we were watching it with some of our closest friends in their warm and cozy home. We enjoyed homemade pizza, a wood-burning stove, pumpkin and chocolate whoopie pies, and lots and lots of laughs. It was a late night, but a good night.

And, let's go Cardinals!

Emily Keena ended my day with a crazy baseball game (Go Cards) and some strong Tension Tamer tea.

Grace Noelle Keena

champions.

David J. Keena

That was the craziest roller coaster of emotions I've ever been through (Cards game)

 And just in case you noticed Andrew is not listed here, let's just say he was more nuts about this series than I've ever seen him about any sporting event.  Proof that dragging your kids from game to game to game all across the country eventually just might pay off!

Arrival

Today Grace will be home from her trip to Florida.  

Feels like she's been gone forever.  

Can't wait to see her face.

On The Mend

After a weekend in bed, fighting a cold with nothing but water and vegetable soup, I woke up Monday morning feeling somewhat better.  I did not feel like working out, though, so I turned to my trusty "friends" on Facebook with the question "Is it better to work out, or not, when you are sick?"  Most replies were vague opinions, but I liked what Pamela said.

   "Physiologically it is not. When you work out your body focuses on using everything it has to supply what you need for your exercise. It literally takes away from your body fighting 

off what is wrong in your body...better said lowers the strength of your immune system."

If I remember correctly, Pamela should know this...physical trainer, in great shape, hubby is in the military...I can't remember why I should believe her, but I do.  And I did, and I didn't work out.  But I did stoop to Dayquil so I could make it to and through work. It was a busy day, so I didn't really notice if I felt bad or not. 

I stopped on the way home from work to pick up some spinach, bananas and milk.  I was going to give this cold a run for it's money.  I love green smoothies and typically just throw in whatever I have. But did you know there is a Green Monster Movement?  I love it when I'm part of something cool without even knowing it!

This photo from their website shows the basic ingredients  It is basically the recipe I use, except I use flax meal instead of chia seeds.  

Anyone use those?  Should I?  

And instead of dark chocolate almond butter, I use this.

When I got home I dusted off my blender, filled it to the hilt with goodies and greens. Oh, and you must know I add cinnamon.  Always, cinnamon.  Love cinnamon.  Andrew was the only one home, so I offered him a smoothie.  He said "yes" before he saw it, then accepted it with some hesitation.

And there the two of us were, drinking, sipping, indulging 

 as our bodies cried out "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"     

Da Boyz

Have you ever had one of those days, when something happened that you really never thought would ever happen?

Today is one of those days for me where, not one but two....

 

...two things happened that surprised the living daylights out of me.

1.  On the way to school today son #2 said "Oh, I forgot my agenda!"

Let me explain...

This is the son that refused to use an agenda the last two years.

This is the son that initiated a meeting with his counselor about his classes.

This is the son that agreed to try an agenda this year, 

to help with his organization.

This is the son that would forget his head if it wasn't attached.

BUT...he remembered that he forgot his agenda BEFORE he got to school.

In my world, and his, THAT is progress.

THAT is something that I never thought would happen.

Thing one.

 2.  When I got home from work, son #1 paid me the hefty balance of the airplane ticket money we lent him so he wouldn't be stranded in Europe.  

Let me explain.

This is the son that works not-quite-full-time at Barnes and Noble.

This is the son that is trying to get his car back on the road.

This is the son that has had to pay for some of his choices.

AND today he, literally, paid for one of those choices.

That is something I wasn't quite sure would ever happen.

In my world, and his, it brings satisfaction in knowing that he

understands the value of paying his debts.

Thing two.

What a good, good day.

Where in the World Is Everyone?

Today Grace left for a week of fun in the sun in Florida. 

Long story short...she has a dear friend

 that wished her there for her 18th birthday.  

She will be back next Thursday.

Tomorrow Jim leaves for an extended weekend which includes:

1. Flying to Tulsa

2. Driving to Dallas

3.  Attending Game 3 of the World Series (Go Cards!)

4.  Driving to New Life Ranch

5.  Attending Bailey and Caden's birthday party on Monday.

Long story short...we have a Cub-fan friend (I know!)

 that invited Jim to go with him to Game 3.  

Amazing.

David has a game in Helena on Saturday; I do not planning on going.

Long story short...David does not get enough play time for me to travel that far, even though he will proudly tell you that he has moved from 7th string (!) to 2nd string this football season. 

Emily is hosting a Harvest Party at our home on Saturday night.  

Long story short...I will be making Pumpkin Soup.

Andrew is working as usual this weekend.

Long story short...I am glad he is living at home again, to bring a bit more security to my scaredy-self when Jim is gone.  I knew his habit of staying up all night would pay off eventually!

And me?  I will be doing whatever I want to this weekend.

But I'll be right here, waiting for everyone else to come home.