WELCOME 2013!

     It's been a long year of changes for our family.  Noah is in preschool every day and staying with an awesome sitter every morning.  Nathan is in 1st grade this year and is doing great!  As for me, I started working full time again in an elementary school.  I'm not teaching this year, but I am a paraprofessional in a Kindergarten classroom.  I LOVE IT!  I work with a fabulous teacher and I love our kids.  I'm not giving up on teaching.  I applied for a job for next year already, but this year has already been a great learning opportunity for me.

     We spent New Years Eve at Nanny's house in Oklahoma.  The boys adore their aunt.  They also got to play with their cousin, Ryan.  They pray for these 2 people specifically every night.  They mean so much to my boys and they get tons of love and spoiling in return.  We finally exchanged gifts. Nathan was sick over Christmas for 6 days so we stayed home.  I think it's the first time we've ever spent Christmas in our own house.  :o)  I hate that he was so sick but I loved waking up in our own house on Christmas morning. 

     Chris hit the floor at full steam this morning.  He's working like a crazy man!  He preached on Sunday, which was awesome!  Then we left for Oklahoma right after lunch.  He gets antsy that things won't be done in time if we're gone too long, so we'll see him at church tonight.  It should be fun!  He has some cool things planned for the kids tonight.  I can't wait to see Noah's craft for his class.  I'll tell more about that later, but I don't want to spoil the surprise.  

     I start back to work tomorrow and the boys go back next week.  I'm not ready for my early morning schedule but I'm ready to see my kiddos at school.  Gotta get these boys back on a schedule.  They've been sleeping in till around 7:30 or 8:00 every morning.  Their usually up around 6:30 for school.  The first couple of days may be rough!  

     I pray that your year is wonderful and filled with God.  I am thrilled that Lysa Terkeurst is speaking at Women of Faith in September.  I am reading her book, Unglued, and trying to make a better start to my year.  I am not making resolutions, but I am working on my attitude and the amount of time I spend with God every day.  I hope to make a big improvement this year on both.  I tend to stress of little things, especially with the boys.  Hopefully that will change with my studies.  God bless!

Yes, I'm still alive!

I know you were all wondering if I had fallen off the face of the earth.  Well.....I'm alive!  We have been through viruses, flu, and other assorted maladies in the past couple of months.  I was thrilled to be able to leave work today and see sunshine! 
Fall & Spring are my favorite seasons.  It has been gorgeous over the past couple of weeks. (minus the rainy days) Nathan's spring break was awesome and we got to visit the family in Oklahoma for a couple of days. 
Other events that we have enjoyed.....the Mother/Son dance in Bonner Springs for Valentines day!  Nathan asked me to take him and I melted into a puddle of goo.  How could I say no?!  He and I set off on our "date" and he was so excited.  We went on a scavenger hunt, did zumba (yes, I said zumba...in a dress), and had fruit dipped in a chocolate fountain.  He gave me a rose at the end.  It was awesome!

My little man is sure growing up fast. **sniff, sniff**  Noah got to hang out with Daddy while we were gone.

Noah is my constant shadow.  He wants to help in the kitchen and with the laundry.  He's also going through a phase where he's afraid to go upstairs or downstairs by himself.  We've been working on that.  You'll notice above that he likes us to spike his hair.  "I look cool Momma"  I love these little ornery boys! 
Now we are preparing for summer.  It's Chris's busy season with the kids.  Camps, VBS, and special activities.  The boys can't wait for camp.  They want to go with Daddy for a week.  Since they're getting a little older, I told them we probably would.  They get "Daddy withdrawals" when he's gone for a whole week. (I think he gets "boy withdrawals" too!)  We'll have to see what other exciting things will happen.  :o)  I'll try to keep you up to date with the happenings.  Happy Spring!

Welcome 2012!

Well....it's been about 6 months since I sat down to write.  I figured I had better update everyone. 2011 was an okay year but it definitely had it's down points.  We found out in early November that my Mom had a cancerous brain tumor.  It affected her eyesight and her ability to walk easily because her balance was off a lot.  We had 3 options....chemotherapy, surgery and do nothing.  None of them were great options.  She probably would not have made it through surgery.  Chemotherapy would have prolonged the inevitable...maybe, but she would be sick and lose all her hair.  It still would not have saved her life.  She chose to do nothing and spend her remaining time with her family.  Momma wanted quality time, not to be sick from treatments.  The doctor warned us that she would eventually start to have seizures.  We hadn't seen any evidence of this yet.  We spent a week in Little Rock trying to understand what had caused her eye sight to become so limited and solve other problems.  We had no idea that we would go home to prepare for the end of her life.  She seemed in good spirits considering all she was dealing with.  My Momma was a woman of great faith and she knew her Savior.  She listened to her favorite tv preachers daily. 
On Christmas day, she started having the dreaded seizures.  They began at 9:00 in the morning and she went home to be with her Lord around 1:30 in the afternoon.  Momma just wanted to see her Lord and her sweetheart Loren for Christmas.  She got her wish.  Loren went to heaven earlier in 2011.  I know where my Momma is.......do you know where you will be when it's your time?  I hope so!  I can't imagine not having that hope of eternal life with Jesus.  I have the knowledge that I will see my Momma again someday!  I miss her terribly but I will get to be with her again.  What a relief to be able to say that!
We are hoping for a great 2012.  I am trying to get my priorities in line and be the woman God knows I can be.  I hope you are doing the same.  I want to celebrate in heaven with my friends and family and I want one of them to be YOU!  Don't hesitate to let people know about your Savior.  It may be their last day on earth and you could help them to get to see Jesus too. 
I love you all and thank you so much for the support and love you have shown me and my family.  We consider ourselves blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding us.  I hope we can all encourage and lift each other up this year and enjoy doing God's work.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I know Momma is waiting to see all of her kids, friends and family.  I just imagine she's dancing in the presence of the Lord.  She always did like to dance.  Did I mention I got my orneriness from her? 

I love you Momma!  See you soon!!

Summer Fun at Granny's House

We spent the week at my Mom's house this week.  Chris has been with the youth group in St. Louis.  They were at Know Sweat.  It's a Christ In Youth (CIY) conference.  They've been doing work at a lady's house painting and staining.  It's been hard work in this heat.  Since Daddy's been gone, we decided to head to Granny's house.  We haven't been there since Christmas and I needed to see my family. 
We watched movies, went to the splash park, visited some good friends, released a snapping turtle back into the lake, and just had a great time.  I think we wore my family out.  My Mom said the noise level went down several decibels after we left. :o)  Then she giggled. I think she's worried they'll forget who she is between visits. What do you think?  


Best Buds!




They liked to snuggle!

 I think they know exactly who she is.  The boys make her a little nervous, but don't get on to them for it because she'll get you!  Learned that one the hard way. LOL  Mom is on medication that makes her pretty tired so we went into town a few times to let her nap.  Grove has a great splash park.  It's only been there a few years.  The boys really enjoyed it with their cousin Rashawn.


I took a picture of Rashawn taking the boys picture.



They liked shooting me with the water cannon. :o)

We really had a good visit and the boys have been thoroughly spoiled by Granny, Nanny and Ryan.  Momma mentioned they might make a visit here for Thanksgiving.  I hope she's up to it because that would be awesome! 

Here's what we've been up to.....

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity. Chris spent the last 2 weeks at church camp.  I'm glad he is doing something he loves but we all miss him something fierce when he's gone.  He didn't come home completely sick from allergies this year.  That's a BIG improvement!  The first week was okay because the boys were busy.  The second week I had to work 3 out of the 5 week days.  Towards the end they started crying for Daddy.  You might think they liked him or something. :o)  We did spend one day and night up there visiting last Monday and Tuesday.  I think Daddy was missing his boys too.
This week I worked Monday and Tuesday so we had a little play time yesterday.  This morning we met Shannon Altic and her kiddos at the Legends to play.  The weather was just perfect!  God knew I needed a relaxing day.  Plus I love my friend Shannon and we haven't seen each a lot lately. (Did I mention that this summer was busy.)  The boys LOVED to see the dinosaurs! 
Afterwards, the boys & I went to Target.  I had to get some arch supports for my shoes for work.  If working so much this week has taught me anything, it's that I have high arches and my shoes don't.  I got Walk/Fit arch supports at the recommendation of one of the girls I work with.  I'm praying they work.  I couldn't hardly step down on my feet when I got home last week.  It says it takes 3 to 4 weeks to get your feet used to them.  I'm hoping for a good result. :o) 
Chris was told by the doctor to get more "active" this week.  I knew this was coming and I've put it off way too long.  We're both going to have to start exercising.  I want to be around when my kids grow up.  It's a huge commitment but I believe we can do it. 

Noah sleeping at camp....naptime!



Nathan loves his bunk....church camp!!!



Future preacher



Carpet ball!




They actually played well together. :o)



Summertime....when the living is easy!

I decided to take the boys to the park yesterday by myself.  Previously that did not work out so well, but I'm always ready to try again.  They were really good!  No crying when it was time to leave.  Here's a few pictures of them having fun.


Come on....take my picture Mom!



The Poser

They love the slides on this one.

So today Noah woke me up saying...."Mooooommm I wanna go swimming!"  About 10:30, I began scrubbing up their little pool.  We filled it up and....


Nathan thinks he's such a dude!




Splashorama!!!




Cheese...or cheesy :o)




Chillaxin' with a popsicle and dipping the toes. ( I love this one)

 So far, it's been a good Monday!  "Summertime....when the living is easy!"  Now it's naptime and I am working on the bulletin for Sunday and thinking about having a snooze too. Have a great summer everyone!

So many things on my mind!

I'm trying to think what to blog about, but my mind is racing. My dear friend Shannon is in the hospital with a post surgery infection. Please pray the IV antibiotics work quickly. She's a pretty sick girl.

My boss is getting married on April 8th. She is sooo excited. We are all happy for her at the pharmacy. Her fiancé' is an awesome guy and he makes her smile all the time. Congratulations Melissa and Tim!

My 4 yr old got his shots for Kindergarten yesterday. Is he really old enough for full time school? Wow! Where have the last 4 years gone? His daddy took him by the school he will be attending. Nathan promptly counted how many play grounds were there and came home to tell me. Priorities! They are mostly sleeping through the night with the occasional trip to our room around 3am to 5am for bad dreams. This is a blessing! Now I wish I could sleep all night. I'm going to have to retrain myself how to do that.

I've been in a funk lately. I have zero energy or will to do anything. I do it....I just don't want to. I feel like I could sleep all the time, but when I lay down I can't sleep for a good hour or more. Any suggestions? I'm trying to motivate myself to get into an exercise program but my motivation is truly lacking here. I need to do this! God and I have been discussing this, but I know I'm going to be the one to cave in and exercise. He hasn't sent me the perfect figure by my just asking. LOL!! Come on....you know you want to chuckle!

My sweetie is taking Master's degree classes. He really wants to do this program, but it's a lot of work. This is the thing he has decided to do for himself. He's trying to improve his mind. I'm encouraging him as much as I can. (I thought his mind was great anyway! ;o)) I am the proofreader. Dear Anita proofed his final paper for his first class. I have been nominated for the little papers....actually I volunteered. He's going to do fine. It's actually pretty interesting reading. I get a little Sunday school lesson every time I proof a paper. :o)

My nephew Ryan is a senior this year. I've always said he's part mine. He is going to his senior prom tonight. He's going to look SHARP! I've seen a couple of pictures of him trying on his tux. I wish I was able to be there in person, but my sister has promised pictures later. I have a couple of pics, but I can't post them until tomorrow. Strict orders from his Mom. If I can be nostalgic for a minute, I remember when he was born. He looked like a treasure troll with all that hair! He's a pretty cool teenager. I miss seeing him more. Before Chris and I met, he was a fixture in my room. He'd just come in and hang. I love that. Now my boys do that. I'm not super cool but they never notice that. I love all three of these boys, mine and Sandy's. :o)

One more prayer request before I'm done. My sister, T, is job searching. Please pray that she can find a job that provides a decent income and a pleasant work environment. She is really struggling with her current job and I pray for an end to that stress. Thanks!

Well...I guess I've rambled enough for today. I've got to go fix lunch. I hope all my friends and family have a great day!

Updates & Appreciation

Well....Nathan's Valentine's party went well.  A great time was had by all!  He & Daddy even made me a placemat.  Noah made me a Valentine at daycare.  That night I was met by all 3 guys at the daycare.  Chris brought over my swimsuit and we got to lounge in the Bullard hottub for a while.  Nice!  I gotta get me one of those!  Then my guys wisked me off to Red Robin for dinner.  The only problem was that there was an hour wait for dinner and I had hungry babies.  (Did I mention that my sweetie also brought me a dress to wear?  Where did I find him?!?!?! )  We ended up at Big Boy's and loved every minute of it.  My little carnivores ate every bite of their dinner.  I'd say my Valentine's day was awesome!  I got to spend it with a 3 of my special guys. :o)
We have also experience our first parent/teacher conference with Nathan.  I think Chris was really worried, but I have helped conduct a conference so I wasn't too worried.  Nathan is doing great.  He has a few things we are working on to get ready for Kindergarten.  I have to say that I admire our homeschooling moms in our church.  They are awesome!  I will NOT be following in their footsteps.  Nathan learns better when Mama is not teaching class.  We've tried it....he just responds better to a classroom setting.  I think he needs that discipline for now.  We have been very lucky that his first teacher is wonderful!  She is so willing to work with him and any ideas I can give her are always welcome.  He prays for her every night so I know she has made a wonderful impression on him.  His problem is that he doesn't like to share very well. (What 4 yr old does?)  We are working on those social skills at home.  We'll see how it goes....
Finally, I saved the best for last.  I know I've mentioned that my hubby helps quite a bit.  I don't know if I said how much I appreciate him.  He loves me and our boys without reservation.  (It still freaks him out when my family tells him they love him, but he'll get used to it in 30 yrs or so :o))  He is leading our children in a Godly manner that I adore.  My 2yr old even tries to pray at the dinner table.  You can see Chris' influence on them and God's influence on Chris.  I've seen many types of relationships and I am so thankful that God put this man in my path.  We are coming up on 7 yrs of marriage and 8 yrs together this summer.   It's gone so fast!  I excited to see what God has in store for this family in the years to come.  I am one lucky girl!

Sick coughing babies

It's been a loooong weekend.  Noah came home Friday with a temp of 101.  We took him to urgent care on Saturday morning.  He had an ear infection in one ear and drainage in the other.  His lungs are also full of gunk.  He's now on steroids and antibiotics along with breathing treatments.  YUCK!  He's been very clingy this weekend, understandably.  He hung out with mom while daddy and brother headed to church Sunday morning.  He was NOT happy about being left at home.  He's really been a trooper with all the medicines he has to take.  We thought it was getting better, but Monday morning about 2:30am he spiked a fever of 104.  Talk about a frantic mom!  We had a bath and alternated Motrin and Tylenol and finally got it down to 100.  I told Chris I never thought I'd be glad to see a 100 on the thermometer.  He seems better today with no fever.  He is just really congested and hates the breathing treatments.  Nathan is taking it all in stride.  When we went to urgent care he kept asking "Is my brother gonna be alright?"   They are both ornery but they do love each other.  Needless to say, I got about 10 hours sleep in 3 days.  It was not all together, but broken up in 1 to 2 hour segments.  I know all the moms out there know what I'm talking about.  You just keep waking up to see if they are alright.  It's not really restful.  I can report that he slept most of the night last night and I actually got a little rest.  Whew! 
Through all of this, Chris has really been great.  He's cooked and helped with medications.  He and Nathan are becoming best buds.  Nathan got to choose one person to invite to a Valentine's Day Tea at preschool.  When we asked him who he was taking, he looked at Chris and said "I'm taking you Dad...you're my best friend."  Have you ever seen someone's chest actually puff up.  He was so honored not only that he got to go to the party, but he was his son's best friend.  I think there are not many dad's that wouldn't be touched by that.  I just about teared up at the dinner table. 
My mom lives in NE Oklahoma.  They are at the center of this blizzard.  I've been sitting here watching the snow because I love it.  I'm a little worried that they are going to be buried before this is finished.  I told my family to get in and stay in.  Of course they do everything I tell them....right. :o)
I can't believe it, but our trash guys actually came today.  They are awesome!  I have a great appreciation for anyone working outside in this weather.  So to all the wonderful mailmen, police officers, and road crews, along with the santitation people, I say thanks with all my heart.  You rock!

Prayers for a family

My heart is aching today for a family I have never met.  The mom is a writer/blogger/speaker and has some wonderful insight into God's word.  I actually came across her blog through another blog I follow.  On January 12th, Joanne Heim had a stroke.  She's not an older woman nor is she chronically ill.  Her 12 year old daughter found her in a seizure in the basement.  Joanne homeschools her children.  I think that's one of the reasons this news has touched me so much.  There are many moms in our church that homeschool their children.  I cannot imagine one of them finding their mom in this manner, or what they would do if they were to lose her.  That is the case with Joanne.  Her husband is keeping posts up on her blog and twittering updates on her condition.  Today's update was not reassuring.  She has had surgery to remove part of her skull to relieve the swelling.  They may have to get even more invasive.  The swelling is not getting better, and is teetering towards worse.  Joanne's husband, Toben, has asked for prayers for a miracle.  That is apparently what the doctor's are indicating it will take.  I know God can do miracles.  I also know that it may not be His will to do so.  I am praying that God's will be done, no matter the outcome.  He knows what we need best.  I'm also praying for the children and Toben.  They will need to be lifted up even if Joanne survives.  She has had a major stroke on her left side.  Please pray with me for this family.  Thanks.

If you are interested in following Joanne's progress, her website is http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/

New Year and New Ideas

We are at home for a 2nd day enjoying the snow and playing.  The boys went sledding for the first time yesterday and we had a blast!  I can't post pictures because I was too busy dragging a sled up the hill and going down myself, but trust me....it was GREAT!  Nathan has obviously not been to school this week because of the snow so we have been working on letters, numbers and his phone number at home.  He really is a sharp kid.  I just have to make sure he can't find or reach his Leapster II that he got for Christmas.  When he's playing it, he just tunes everything else out.  Can anyone relate? 
Wanna know a secret?  I love country music.  There....I said it.  That being said, I barely listen to it anymore.  We listen to Air One and KLOVE.  I just can't let my boys go around singing the lyrics to some of those songs.  They can be obscene and it doesn't sound pretty coming out of a 4 year olds mouth.  Nathan can memorize song lyrics quickly and I don't want him repeating some of the songs from the country stations.  Chris and I have been keeping it on Christian music or putting in their Veggietales praise CD that Aunt Carolyn gave us. 
I also love Casting Crowns.  Their music is so powerful!  I watched the video "Does Anybody Her Her?" and teared up.  I wonder how often we shun people based on appearance.  I work at a pharmacy and see all kinds of people.  Sometimes I have to stop and make myself think about why that person was rude to me and what their life must be like.  Instead of growling and grumbling, I need to pray for them.  I try not to be put off by appearances but I'm only human.  This is something I am determined to work on this year.  Being a multi-tasker, I think I can pray and wait on customers at the same time.  We shall see. :o)  I would hate to think that someone showed up at our church and was made to feel unworthy.  Our people are so welcoming and they are a loving bunch.  I pray God shows us people who need to feel this and let them feel accepted into our congregation.  I'm posting the video so that you will see what I'm talking about.  It speaks to me everytime I see it.  I hope it speaks to you too! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEhRucEVzH8

Finally, I am signed up to be a Women of Faith group leader.  They are reserving a group of 20 tickets for us in a prime location according to the KC representative.  I will be posting more information later.  It will be set up online for those who choose to do it that way.  You can pay for your ticket a little at a time or all at once.  I believe the cost is $89.  It sounds pricey but it is so worth it.  I went last year and got to take my sister.  It was uplifting and we really enjoyed ourselves.  Let me know if you want to go.  The dates for the KC conference are Nove 4th & 5th.  Hope to see you there!

Christmas Time!

My boys are so excited for Christmas this year!  I love it!  They are singing songs and loving the Christmas special that I grew up with.  Nathan can tell you why we have Christmas and continues on with the Easter story.  He's pretty cool that way. :o)  Every time we see Christmas lights, Noah's eye just sparkle.  He says, "Oh Mama....I like it".  This is my favorite holiday of the year.  People get together and do things for each other and others.  There hearts just seem to be more open.  (That thought doesn't hold if you're shopping.  Then they get viscious.)  I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!  We're going to be home on Christmas day for the first time since we got married.  I can't wait until Christmas morning to see what the boys will do. I think I'm more excited than they will be.  Don't let Chris fool you.  He's as bad as the boys on Christmas. ;o)  Here's a pretty picture of our tree with our favorite guys in front of it.  Most of the decorations are where they started out.  Noah keeps rearranging the beads and candy canes.  I think he's wanting a taste. Merry Christmas!

My sweet babies big boys!



Busy Time of Year

Sorry it's been so long since I blogged.  It's been really busy around here lately.  My uncle passed away not long ago.  It was sad for our family, but we have the hope of Christ.  He is in Heaven and we know we will see him again.  I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for people who do not have that hope and assurance from God.  I would be miserable if I did not have that.  I cannot imagine trying to get through the problems this world brings without God's love and comfort.  It would be miserable.  That said, I wonder how many of my friends are not ready to meet God.  Maybe I need to work harder on not just trying to be an example, but in actively talking to people about my Lord and Savior.  We encourage the kids in our youth group to do just this, but although I throw a word in here and there.  There are several people I know but do not know where they will spend eternity.  I thank God for the wonderful people he has put in my life.  I work with several Christian people and it is a wonderful experience.  I need to share that with everyone. Anyway, I was just wondering and trying to think how I could grow in this area.  How are you doing on sharing God with others?  I'm going to try to do better.  Want to join me?  Maybe that can be a New Year's resolution that I can keep.  Let me know how you're doing.

500 hits!!!

Sometime between yesterday and today my counter rolled over to 500 hits!  That makes me feel awesome!  My family and friends that are in Oklahoma can stay in touch and see how big my boys are growing.  Thanks to everyone who reads my blog.  It helps me to say some of the things that are on my mind and I hope I can grow from doing this.  :o)

Halloween Trick or Treating

Nathan had his first school party on Friday. Halloween costumes abounded! He got a Bibleman costume for his birthday, so there was no question as to what he was going to be. I helped with his class and we had so much fun.



This is his whole class.




He was so excited that Miss Gust was Minnie Mouse.




Their snack was donut hole eyeballs...ewwww!




He made it himself. :o)

It was fun for the whole class. They played games and won prizes and candy.  Before we left, they read a story and sang songs for us.  Nathan loves preschool and I think Miss Gust is an awesome teacher.  I'm glad he got such a good person for his first teacher.  I want him to love school and she encourages his learning at every turn. 
I am sure God lead us to this preschool.  All of the staff and teacher seem to be wonderful with the kids.  I would say his party was a success. 
We also went trick or treating with the boys.  Although they did get candy, we were asking for canned foods for our youth group project.  Our neighbors were very generous.  Noah was dancing before we left because he was so excited.  He was Tigger and he kept rubbing his stuffed belly saying "Tigger belly" and giggling. I never get tired of hearing little boy giggles.  I think they must make God smile. :o)


He just can't wait to go!




Oh yes!  It's Bibleman!




My three amigos!

I was Winnie the Pooh, but since I was taking pictures I avoided the dreaded camera. I treasure the memories we are making as a family.  God has richly blessed our family and I am so greatful for Him and them.

Fall Fun!

We've had a pretty good Fall so far.  Shannon & kids invited us over for a cookout while the hubbies were in a board meeting.  It was pretty chilly but the kids had a blast.


The "Crew" minus Noah.



Eli is proud of his grilling skills!



This girl can build a toasty fire, for sure!

We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.  Nathan thinks marshmallows are cool to catch on fire, but he doesn't want to eat them.  I had to kabosh that idea right away.  lol    Thanks Miss Shannon for asking us over.  We'll have to invite our hubbies next time. :o)

Birthday Fun!

My husband is very thrifty!  He aquired a gift certificate from some wonderful people (you know who you are) and took me to Chateau Avalon for my birthday.  Now my birthday was the 6th, but our schedules didn't mesh with the plan until the 12th.  That's OK.  It makes the fun last longer.  I don't know if   you've ever been there, but it is sooooo cool!  They have theme rooms and this was our 2nd stay.  We stayed in the Castaway Isle room.  It was really neat! (forgive the '80s lingo)  Our bedroom was in the loft, which was actually the boat. The spa bathtub looked like a coconut drink. Their breakfast are really good too, although I would pass on the fruit.  It was mushy. 
We went to the legends for dinner, got ice cream, and played games at Dave & Buster's.  It was fun!  Thanks honey!  I had an awesome time.....love you!

This is the bough of the boat.  Our room was upstairs inside it.



There's a really cool fountain out front.



They gave us complimentary sparking apple cider....yum!



Looking down from the stairs.



There's my sweetie!



They had the shower curtain tied to the ship. 

If your curious, they give daily tours during the week to see the different themed rooms.  It's awesome for a special getaway.   



The Altic Clan :o)

I kept the Altic children on Jared's birthday.  Jared and Shannon snuck away for some lunch together.  We had an awesome time!  They brought lunch and we ate together.  Then everyone scattered to play.  Some of them were in our "man cave" playing with the toys that have overtaken that room.  Tanner and Brennan were playing Wii.  I think they had been having withdrawals since theirs is not working right now. :o)  They all played together so well and there was very little fuss.  I think we had as much fun as Jared and Shannon.  We ended by coloring my sidewalk and driveway in chalk.  It's 3-D chalk and it's really cool when you put the glasses on to see it. 
Thanks for letting me borrow your kiddos for a while.  My boys LOVED it!



They were all working hard!



School Time Has Arrived!

Ok....I've reached a sad milestone day.  I sent my 4 yr old off to preschool today.  He was SOOOOO excited and could not quit talking once we got there.  (Poor teacher!) We went to his room, hung up his back pack, and then he went to the table.  Noah had to hang up his back pack too.  I snuck it back to the car.  That's the point when little brother realized that Nathan was staying and he was not.  He cried from Nathan's classroom all the way to the car and out onto the highway.  I finally got him to hear me say that we would be going for ice cream.  That helped.....a LOT.  We had a mommy and Noah date at Culvers.  All seemed better until we got home.  I started to get out of the car when he began asking where brother is.  He teared up a little and we made a hasty entrance into the house.  All Nathan said when I left was...."Bye Mom".  He was truly upset to see me leave...not.  He was already busy with his school work at the table and I was not needed at that point.  I'm glad he is so independent, but a little frown or tear would be nice occassionally.  Nah!  I'm glad he can stand on his own.  I hope Noah can adjust.  Daddy will be taking him from now on when he goes back to work from lunch.  Hopefully that will save on Noah's freaking out.
Nathan looked so sweet with his little back pack.  Thanks to my Mom, they both have one just alike. 
I'm waiting to see how his day went.  It will be rushed because we have church tonight, but I can't wait to hear about his afternoon.


Waiting for them to unlock the door.




Noah doesn't leave Nathan's side very often.




Cheese!  (He always turns his head when I snap a picture.)





Noah playing with buttercups.....waiting.



We're finally here!!


 

His teacher and classroom.





Already getting to work.




Noah's special date with Mommy at Culvers.




He's loving the ice cream!




Can I get a bigger spoon?




He fell asleep holding his puppies......feeling kinda lonely, I think.