Trying to enjoy my last few days off of work!

Thursday the boys and I went to the mall mainly for something to do. We spent a long time in Barnes and Noble as always, then they played games, got a cookie, and then we went out to lunch at Blimpies (yes they had cookies before lunch- what can I say it was a special treat I guess)! We headed to Target and then finally home. I had my small group and my mom invited us over for dinner so Jeff took the boys over there for a great meal. Meanwhile, I went to My Daddy's Cheesecake to met with the girls for our small group meeting. The food was delicious, I had never ate there before. Our meeting was great as always, too. Both boys ended up staying the night with my mom. They had tons of fun! I was surprised Preston stayed; yet, Austin told him he couldn't stay the night and I think that just made him want to stay more. Friday I picked the boys up and we just played at the house, Parker came over for a short while and played. Friday night Austin was off again to stay the night with Parker for his birthday party. So, Jeff's parents watched Preston so we could go out for some much needed quality time together. We went to eat at Ruby Tuesday's and then we went to Target (yes, Target again- I love that place and we were actually looking for a few more things on sale) and Wal-Mart to look for a dartboard. We ended up just buying a new Christian CD there. OK -so that may not sound like a dream date; however, we really enjoyed each others company and just being together! We're really going to try to make it a point to go on a date at least once a month. I know we've been saying that since we had the boys; yet, hopefully this time we will make time especially since the boys are bigger now. I shouldn't feel so guilty leaving them for a few hours.

The slidshow below!

OK, I had to switch back to my favorite blog template! If you didn't know already pink is my favorite color! I got the Kodak software- so I'm back with pictures! The pictures are from Austin's Christmas party at school, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! It sure was a busy time; however, we had a lot of fun! Well, the boys are still asleep and I suppose I should get myself ready for the day!

Jeff had to go back to work. The boys and I took it easy. They were actually cranking with each other this morning. So we made breakfast- french toast sticks. We put together Austin's bubble experiment lab, which held their interest for about 5 minutes. Later the boys rode their bikes and I walked molly to the school to play. We warmed up and then I had a few errands to run. The boys played outside again for awhile. Austin is actually at Parker's house now. I think he and Preston needed a break from each other for awhile. Preston has been quietly playing down here the whole time I've been journaling.

Christmas- it came and went so fast

I just don't want this time of year to end. I love it and now I can actually enjoy it since the hustle and bustle is over. Christmas Eve we went to church and Austin got to sing on stage with the other kids. He loved it and looked so handsome up there. Afterwards we went to the LaFave's for Christmas. We had a nice meal and opened presents. We got the kids home (they made a quick trip outside to sprinkle the lawn with reindeer food and Grinch dust to keep the Grinch away) and bathed, we let them open one present. Preston opened his metal detector which he loved and Austin opened a spy gear present: he thought was really cool, too! We finally got the boys down around 10:30 after setting out cookies for Santa. Luckily, I only had a few present to finish wrapping. Normally, Jeff and I stay up late to wrap; yet, I had time in the morning before they woke up to wrap which was a great idea. Jeff and I were able to get to bed before midnight. Christmas morning we were up opening presents by 8:00. I think the boys loved every gift and they were so sweet taking turns opening presents, seeing what the other one got ( I guess because that's how we did it the night before at the LaFave's). Austin notice the full stockings first thing and then went to the tree to see the presents. We were sure to remind the boys several times throughout the day the real reason for Christmas and the best gift of all, Jesus! Austin can tell you all about it I''m sure. We headed to my moms around 10:00 to open gifts with my brothers and sister and to have a wonderful breakfast. After that it was back home to play and clean up the mess from earlier. We hosted a Christmas dinner with my family and Jeff's parents. It was very nice, great company and fabulous food. It doesn't get much better than that for Christmas.

OK! I'll have to post photos later because I've missed place my Kodak software and since I had my computer worked on I have to reload the Kodak program. Here goes the last few days! Actually, let me go back to the night we got snow. We were at the Fisher's and the kids went out in the snow before we left. When Austin got in the car, he was so wet from rolling around in the snow. So, we got home, changed into snow clothes and went out to play at around 11:00. Hopefully, we didn't wake the neighbors. It was a lot of fun. It was a good thing we went out when we did because we had church the next day and by the time we got home the snow was almost melted.
The week before Christmas was crazy. Trying to get all the holiday activities squeezed in at school for my class. Also, I made time on my breaks to go to Austins' class and help each student make a hand print Santa shirt to wear for their party. We were also busy making treat bags for both of the boys class' and mine. We spent on afternoon making reindeer bread (recipe is as follows: one piece of bread cut into two triangles, spread peanut butter on one half, use two green M&M's for eyes, a red one for the nose and pretzel sticks for the antlers). I wish I could post a picture to share. Preston thought it was hilarious as he ate each M&M of the reindeer! We also made our reindeer food this day to put out in the yard. Of course, I had last minute shopping to do right up until the day before Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve I spent the day baking : peanut butter bon bons, oreo bon bons, iced sugar cookies, chocolate dipped peanut butter crackers, chocolate chip cookies, dipped pretzels, and I think that's it. I love to bake and don't get the chance to enough. So, I made up for that. Also, it was tradition growing up to have a day with my mom where we would bake all day! It's funny because when I talked to my sister at the end of the day, she had spent the entire day doing the same thing. If only we would of talked earlier. Perhaps next year we will bake together.

Well, I'm really behind on my journaling now!!! We've been so busy with Christmas celebrations. Hopefully, I will have time later to update. The boys and I are going to play outside for awhile!

Yeah, I got my computer back from repairs. It was getting really slow and who has time these days to wait on a slow computer right! Well, thanks to my sisters' boyfriend Adam it is working much better! Most importantly I can get back to my journaling. I mean we actually got snow last weekend, well not much! However, I have lots of great pictures from the boys playing in the snow at 11:00 at night! This week was very busy planning for the kids Christmas parties. Also, at work making all the fun crafts with the kiddo's! So much fun! Now, I get to enjoy my own kids for the next twelve days, it doesn't get much better than that! I'll update with more pictures later. The boys want to go rent a movie! Sound's good to me!

The boys get carried away with the paint! You never at our house what might happen! Tonight as you can see they had fun painting each other! Too funny! This is what happens when I walk out of the room for a few seconds!

Preston did enjoy painting his hands, he just wouldn't make the cute Santa and Rudolph for me!

Hand print Santa and a foot and hand print Rudolph! Austin enjoyed making these! Preston wouldn't do it!

Austin reading to Preston

Preston was repeating the words after Austin! It was so cute!

Making ornaments again!

Finally Friday!

Well, the week actually went by really fast! Monday I got my hair done, a little darker (closer to my natural) and a few layers put in it that I'm still trying to learn how to fix!! Tuesday we took it easy around the house! Wednesday, after school we went to the mall, I let the boys play at play land and they played a few games, they love that! Also, they got to ride the train they have set up in the middle of the mall. We grabbed some pizza on the way home, I went back to Cape to volunteer my wrapping skills for Teen Challenge. After that I met Jeff at church, we swapped kids and he stayed for his small group, I came home to do baths, books, and the normal bedtime routine. Thursday night there was nothing going on!
Have you got down on the floor lately and just tickled your kids crazy?? My boys love it and so do I! We had an attack of the tickle monster the other night and I realized it had been awhile. Probably just to preoccupied with all the little things. So, I promised myself to get down and tickle them crazy more starting yesterday! Because moments like those are the really important little things in life not all that other stuff that we get preoccupied with! Well, we are going to Elevation at church tonight! If anyone reads this, you should go sometime, it's a great music experience that I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Rainy Sunday!

After church today I went Christmas shopping for the boys. The wet weather didn't keep the shoppers home, that's for sure! I could just buy the whole store, Toys-R-Us that is! I just love that store! However, Jeff and I agreed that we would not go overboard this year! So, I tried really hard not too. I think I'm done with their toys. The boys are so easy to buy for at this age! After a trip to Wal-Mart I finally made it back home! We passed on the Cape parade since we just went to one yesterday and it was cold, windy, and wet outside. So, Austin wanted CiCi's for dinner; therefore, we went to Cape again and let them eat some pizza and play the games. They love playing those games they have there, I think that is why they like going there so much! We went to look at Christmas lights again and Austin practiced his Christmas songs for the Christmas Eve service! He seems pretty excited about getting to sing in "big church" on Christmas Eve. I hope he doesn't change his mind! The boys are all in bed now and it's about time I head that way, too!

We went to the Jackson parade today. The weather wasn't too bad. The boys enjoyed all the candy they got thrown at them! Afterwards we went to see the Bee Movie. It was pretty good, a lot of adult humor that fortunately was over their head!

Are they cute or what??? After they finished the house, they had a lot of fun playing with the dog, chasing her around the house. Not too much picking on each other- just good brotherly fun!

Gingerbread house

After dinner and baths, the boys put on their warm pajamas, we turned on some Christmas tunes, and got ready for some holiday fun! I guess this has become a tradition around our house; building the gingerbread house from the wonderful kit you buy! The boys love it and we all enjoy decorating it! Jeff was in charge of icing and we went crazy with the candy! Well, Jeff got a little carried away with the icing... smearing it on the boys noses and of course the boys thought it was pretty funny when he got me with the icing, too! The boys worked on it for quite sometime and eventually Jeff and I were left adding the finishing touches. Lots of fun for a Thursday night!

Well, the thanks- giving break went by so fast and now it's Wed. already! Wow! Christmas will be here before we know it! Thanksgiving day we only had to go to my family's because Jeff's Parents were still in Michigan. So, we put up the Christmas tree... the boys could hardly wait! We got out the big tree this year and it turned out so pretty. It is mostly covered with ornaments from the kids and I love it! We took it easy most of the day and ate lots of good food that evening! Friday after I got home from shopping we relaxed by watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Jeff and the boys put up the outside decorations while I was gone. We went to look at the lights in the park and then we went out to eat at Culver's; it was pretty good! Saturday morning was spent doing a little (much needed) house cleaning. We all pitched in and got the house cleaned in a few hours. We took the boys to the conservation center for something to do. Even though we've been there several times they still enjoy going again and again. Since we were right there at the park, we had to look at the lights again. After church Sunday we had to shop for Jeff a shirt and tie for his graduation dinner. He finished his schooling early this year and the hall provides a nice graduation dinner and small ceremony in St. Louis. This was Monday, yes Monday we drove right up after work and didn't get home until after midnight! Yet, it was worth it. The place where the meal was held was decorated beautifully with Christmas decor and the meal was great! Here it is Wed. already! Monday it was hard for Preston to go back to school which made it hard for me to leave him again! He just wanted to keep giving me more hugs! Luckily, it's almost the weekend again!

School's out (well, for a few days anyway)!

Well, today was our first day of our Thanksgiving break; so, the boys woke up and immediately wanted to decorate for Christmas. It's been tradition to put up the tree and decorate the house the day after Thanksgiving as a family. Yet, I thought it would be OK if we just put up our decorations inside today (I don't think Jeff's feelings were hurt too much by us doing this without him- haha). We will probably put the tree up tomorrow when Jeff is home. Well, I'm sure we will because Preston is just so excited to put the tree up this year he can hardly wait. This afternoon I took the boys to Pottery Ewe to paint a few ornaments for the tree. After two ornaments each and whale they were finally ready to go. We love going back a week later to pick it up and see how their finished artwork turned out. After dinner tonight we decided to make homemade chocolate chip cookies (Heather had mentioned making them with Hailey and I thought it's been a really long time since we made homemade cookies). Preston enjoyed mixing in all the ingredients and I heard Austin tell Jeff later, " these are really good, their homemade" you know he's really not used to that homemade stuff anymore! I think we baked more when I stayed at home and I just don't think about it as much anymore! Well, when we do it's normally a mix that you just add a few ingredients. Anyhow, we had a great day (only a few brotherly spats between the boys) and we are looking forward to all the good food tomorrow brings.

What a week!

The week started out good; yet by Wednesday I started to feel another cold coming on! Thursday and Friday I felt miserable! Needless to say, there wasn't much going on at our house. Saturday I felt the best I had in a few days and was missing some quality time the kids; so, we took a bike ride to the park. I walked so I could help Preston up all the hills. The weather was nice- sunny and close to 60 degrees. We enjoyed the beautiful fall colors, stopped at the park to play for awhile, collected different colored leaves, and the boys were fascinated with the ladybugs that were everywhere! We finally made it back home after a trillion pit stops for water drinks. Preston was getting very tired. When we got home I made Preston a grilled cheese sandwich and while eating it he fell asleep on the the bar stool. It was so cute. He heard me laughing and mumbled half awake "what I do". I picked him up and held him for awhile as he slept before I laid him down. I know I will not have to many more moments to just hold him while he sleeps. He's getting so big and really maturing lately. Lately, I've been in the baby mood, I would like to have one more child; however, Jeff doesn't feel quite the same way as I do. So, we will pray about it for several more months because it would be nice to get pregnant in May so the baby is due in Feb. That way I can just take the rest of the school year off or close to it. If it happens than it was meant to be, only time will tell! This reminds me, Friday it was just the boys and I ( Jeff was helping Steve on his bathroom), we were looking through old photo albums- which only makes me want a baby more by he way- and I pointed out a picture where Austin was holding Preston when he was 3 or 4 months old, they both just woke up and looked so cute. Well, they were both standing next to me and Preston looked up to his big brother and give him a hug, it was so sweet! Later that night out of nowhere Austin looked at me and said, "You're the best mom ever!" it was good to hear after feeling like I had not been much fun for the past few days! Back to Saturday, after church the Fisher's came over for pizza and the kids had a great time playing with Molly and each other! To say "a great time" is probably putting it mildly, they just had a blast! Running around, getting the dog, just being kids. So, since we went to church last night, we will try to relax and have a fun family day together!

The boys all in camo!

How cute, they all had camo p.j's!

Sleepover

Austin's first sleep over! Parker and Tyler came over for the night and they made their own pizzas which was a lot of fun. Parker brought over his new fondue maker and the boys melted chocolate and had chocolate covered marshmallows. They had tons of fun playing and being boys. They're settled down now to a good old flick, Tom and Jerry! It was a great first sleepover with the boys! Actually, he did have Sydney sleep over a long time ago! I forgot about that!

Molly

How could I forget to post this! We got a dog! And if you know me, you know I'm not much of a "dog person"! However, she is growing on me! Jeff thought the boys needed a dog to help them overcome their fear of dogs! And actually it is helping already! Yet, training a puppy is not much fun! Well, Jeff is really the one doing all the work! The boys do love having her around!

A Fall Bike Ride

Preston and Jeff took a nap on this beautiful fall day, so Austin and I headed out for a bike ride through the town to enjoy the wonderful signs of fall. Preston was so exhausted from being out late the night before and it's nice to get to spend one-on-one time with each of the boys. Austin and I enjoyed our ride through the park. On the way home we visited Grandma Great and Austin played with Tyler and Micheal for awhile. Preston and I got to spend sometime alone time together, too! He wanted to take Molly to the park; so, that just what we did, just Preston and I! And Molly, too. A perfect day!

Halloween Night

Austin was a ninja turtle and Preston was a monkey. I guess next year I will have to let Austin be something scary, he wanted to this year but it was actually Jeff who discouraged it! So, he settled for a ninja turtle! Preston would still be Thomas the Train; however, since he was that last year, we went with the monkey! We went to our friends house to trick -or -treat! It was so fun, they hooked up a wagon ride to their 4-wheeler and all the kids piled on -getting on and off throughout the neighborhood.

Field Trip

Austin's field trip to the Orchard, it was so cold outside, mainly the wind! Just a few days ago we were in shorts and T-shirts! The kids had fun and it even worked out that they went during my break so I was able to tag along for the fun.

Austin still loves to help me cook dinner (tonight chicken and dumplings which were quite tasty if I must say so myself), he always has every since he was old enough to stand on the chair next to me! Preston likes to help sometimes, too. He would normally rather be playing though.

Carving Pumpkins

The boys don't really enjoy getting their hands dirty! Preston thought it was pretty neat when Jeff cut out the top and Preston pulled it off the pumpkin, see the big smile!

A true brotherly moment!

Yes, Preston is crying in this picture because he wanted to drive the bus... only because Austin was and Austin got there first. I tried two times before to get Preston to go drive the bus for a picture, but no... he didn't want to! That was, until Austin decided to go drive the bus! Jeff thought we needed a true picture to capture the moment. Yes, they do get along most of the time; however, like most siblings, they have their moments! The day was just beautiful! We spent the entire afternoon at the farm, having a good ole time! We were going to go to Lamberts for dinner but there were four buses in the parking lot and over an hour and half wait. So, we went to Applebee's and came home and watched Evan Almighty! Pretty funny movie and I actually didn't fall asleep! Sunday after church we went to our friends house for a fish fry! The boys had a good time playing with all of the other kids in the dirt and rocks! We came home, went on a short bike ride because it was another awesome fall day, and then the boys went to grandma's so Jeff and I could host our last small group! This was new for us, hosting a small group and we both are glad we did! It was a good experience for us!

The boys are on a real pumpkin, it was huge!

More fun at Beggs

Preston on the animal train!

This cute little train was pulled by a 4-wheeler. Where people come up with these ideas, I don't know, but it was pretty cute and Preston really liked it!

Austin trying to rope the bull!

Mining for gold and fossils!

Beggs Family Farm

We had so much fun at Beggs Family Farm. There was so much for the boys to do, they loved it. Mining for gold and fossils, the mazes, a tractor ride to pick our pumpkin, an animal train for Preston to ride, glow in the dark golf, animals to feed, and much more!

Preston decorating his pumpkin by himself! He didn't want anyone to help with his pumpkin! Mr. Independent!

Decorating Pumpkins

The boys and I were looking for something to do on another rainy day. So, we decided to decorate these little pumpkins with anything we could find. They turned out pretty cute.

Digging for dinosaur fossils

The boys enjoyed chiseling away at this dinosaur egg.

At last the dinosaur is found!

Preston's Special Day with Mommy

I took this morning off of work so I could go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch with Preston; however, due to the storm that came through the field trip was canceled. So, Preston and I called it our special morning and we did whatever Preston wanted. Since it was still rainy out we went to the mall to play games, ride rides, and play at the play land. We also stopped at the photo booth to make a funny faces picture. After a trip to McDonald it was time for me to go back to work. We had a great time together. I think I will schedule more special days with each of the boys. It's nice to spend the one on one time together.

The not so scary scarecrow!

Here it is.... the scarecrow! It's about time!

Sunday

After church, we grabbed some lunch and finally made the scarecrow we had been wanting to make for the past few weeks. Well, Austin helped, Preston put in one handful of straw and was done. After that we took another bike ride, imagine that! It's just so nice out and something we all have fun doing!

The Sharks

Austin's soccer team!

A fun filled family Saturday

We woke up early Sat. morning and headed to the soccer fields for Austin's last game! I know they are young to even care about the score; yet, I guess they never lost a game this season! Go Sharks! Austin played a fantastic game! I'm sure he'll be back at it in the spring. After the game, we went on a three hour bike ride around the town. Well we stopped for lunch during part of that time. We borrowed the Fisher's bike thing that pulls behind the bike for Preston to ride in and just had a good time the four of us. We rode through the park, to the train, up town to eat, and back through the park. And we stopped to visit Grandma Great. Everyone was pretty tired; so, the boys rested and I went shopping of course! It was either that or clean the house. Shopping was more fun! We spent the evening together making some ooey, slimy, Dr. Dreadful lab snacks, had dinner, and after a trip to Bucheits it was time for bed.

Wow! What a week! Finally Friday! I've caught the bug already, you know the sinus and allergy crude that I think most of Missourians have to endure. It started last Friday with the sore throat;however, I didn't let it slow me down for the weekend! And by this Wed. I was losing my voice, somehow I had the energy to go to work and persevered through the sinus pressure and lack of voice! (I hate to take a day off for myself, I would rather save them for when the boys are sick!) Anyhow, the boys have been wonderful! Every since we got bikes, that's all they want to do! Which is probably why I'm still sick because we have been going everyday almost for a ride! The weather is finally nice and it actually feels like fall. It's hard to not want to be outside because I know this weather will be short lived! Austin is doing wonderful in Kindergarten, he really loves it and is proud that he is reading already! It's so neat to watch him learn so much so fast! I love having him at school with me and can't wait until Preston will be with us! Preston likes preschool, too. He had his special day last week where he brought in his favorite snack, an all about me poster with pictures of Preston and his family, and he was the special helper! He loved it and keeps asking if it's his special day again! I can't believe the first quarter is over already only three more, where does the time go???

At the Orchard

Oh, it was so hot. It has not seemed like fall here at all yet! This day it was near 90 as it had been all week. We headed out anyway for something to do. I think we will go back when the weather is cooler and we'll probably go to Beggs family farm where there is so much more to do.

Preston's new bike.......

Preston had to get the Thomas bike of course. I think he likes it just a little!

The new bike! After taking the boys to the park on Thursday, they rode bikes, I walked or jogged actually, we decided it was time for new bikes....considering Austin's chained while at the park. Luckily, Jeff was able to come pick us up. So, a few days later and the whole family now has new bikes, even Jeff and I. Jeff and I had talked about getting bikes and just finally decided to. We were able to take one ride as a family so far and hopefully more as fall approaches. The boys and I were gone for a few hours after church on Sunday while Jeff was helping his sister move. I enjoy the time with them, doing something they love so much.

Preston is proud to ride Austin's old bike.








Austin learns to ride with no hands!

My day off with the boys! School was out today for conferences. Boy is it a well deserved day off, those two nights are so long when you've been up since 5 in the morning and have to stay until 8 at night; not to mention the zero time you get with your family. So, we took some much needed quality time together at the park. We feed the ducks and played at three different play areas and on the train of course. Later we went to the park again and the boys rode their bikes on the trail as I tried to keep up, I'm thinking I need a bike, too! We had a really good time together! They will always be my sunshine!

Preston had the most fun catching the minnows out of the bucket!