Check out my Slide Show!

Austin still loves to build with these blocks!

The boys being silly

The boys found their paint spinner and have had a lot of fun with it lately

The valentine's ring from Austin (see valentine post)

Isn't it beautiful!

Icy day...AGAIN!

Ok, I'm trying to stay up to date with this blog, everything is always changing and their is always so much new stuff to add to it. Here we are again- another ice day stuck at home. The boys were up early and by 8:oo o'clock this morning they were in the experiment mood! They had erupted about 30 volcanoes and began experimenting in the kitchen with other stuff. After we got that cleaned, we made blue berry muffins for breakfast. I made the mini's and they ate the entire batch. I guess they were good. This reminds me of yesterday when I dropped Preston off at school. The day before we made cookies for the both of the boys teachers. So, Preston gave his teachers theirs and he was full of smiles, it was so cute ( we do this occasionally as a little gesture to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do). The funny part is the next day, he whispered in my ear when we got to school, "Do we have anything for Ms. Kathy and Ms. Teresa today?" When I told him we didn't, he said, "Well, we should make cookies and cupcakes for Ms. Teresa because she like them and we should give Ms. Kathy money." So funny, when I told the teachers this they got a great laugh out of it. So I guess we will have to make some more cookies and cupcakes to brighten their day. We're so lucky to have such a great place to take our kids. Even if it is out of the way, it's definitely worth it. So back to today... The boys played cars upstairs and downstairs and after lunch we jeff got home and we all took a rest. I think I even fell asleep for a little bit, very unusual for me. If the boys rest, I'm usually cleaning or doing something. We decided we needed to get out of the house so we stopped by my moms, dropped the boys for awhile so Jeff and I could go to wal-mart. After we visited for awhile we picked up movies and then headed home. It looks like we'll be out again tomorrow! I wish this could just be snow so we could at least go out and play in it. The weather is always so crazy in MO!

For some reason while lying in bed this morning (when I couldn't sleep because of the roaring sound of the wind) I started thinking about how I used to wonder how God could allow such horrible things to happen in the world, from natural disasters to taking someone's dad in a car accident. I just didn't get it. Yet, as I've grown spiritually, I've learned God doesn't bring those bad things among us; however, he does use bad situations to let his light shine. I have seen God's work among Jackson, MO despite the horrible tragedy we've experienced, people everywhere have come together to help one another out. It's amazing. The crews who have repaired the entire towns power, people opening up their homes, family united, friends helping one another, God is among us and we are so blessed to all be safe in this crisis we've experienced and for that I'm thankful! God bless all! I realized how dependent we really are on electricity and for a moment it was really cool to not have all the noise of electricity. The phone, the t.v, the radio, the computer, all the noise. So, I hope what we will take from the experience as a family is to make more time where we turn everything off and just be still to enjoy each other's presence and to be still to hear God's voice all the time not just in a crisis.

Weekend recap

Well, Friday night we put a couple of puzzles together and then the boys got out play dough; it's hours of fun when you haven't played with it in forever. We didn't do our normal family Friday night movie, I figured that since we've been out of school, the boys have watched plenty of t.v. We kept them busy both Fri. and sat night by going through our arts and crafts cabinet. We found the paint spinner which they are still having fun with, they also made some sand art in a bottle, it seemed like one mess after another; however, I don't mind the mess when they are having fun. Let me back up to Sat. morning...Jeff woke up determined to get a truck. He has been researching trucks on the internet for quite sometime; as well as, taking us through the car lots after church. By 3:30 he was the proud owner of a Ford Lariet F-150 crew cab. It's a nice truck and we actually all fit. It will be so nice this summer going to the lake, the boys even have a DVD player in the back. Jeff definitely deserved it. He had the GMC for almost nine years. He always put my needs first when it came to cars. When I stayed at home we had to buy older cars for me and we kept trading in because they needed too much work. Jeff's GMC was always so dependable; hopefully, the Ford will be the same. I'm so happy for him to have a new truck. Today we went to church, then to Fazoli's for lunch. We took more groceries to one of our small group members and then we were on a mission to help Tim's dad get unstuck in his backyard. We ate a delicious meal at my moms and now it's time to wind down. One more day off (presidents day) and we will be back to our normal routine Tuesday.

Happy Valentine's Day

Yeah, since I was off today, I was able to go to Preston's valentine's party today without having to rush in between my work break. We got up early and headed right over to the party that started at 9:30. Preston enjoyed the Valentines from all of his friends. Afterwards, we met Danielle and Austin at the mall. Austin had a surprise for me. From what I was told he insisted that he needed to buy me something. So with the help of my mom (for the money) and Danielle to take him to buy it, he as able to surprise me with a very pretty ring. Danielle said it was all his idea from telling her he wanted to get me jewelry to picking it out. She said he got upset because the one he had picked out was a size 9 and she knew that wouldn't fit. Luckily, he found it in a smaller size and it fits perfect. It will even match the necklace he picked out for me last mothers day. I'll have to take a picture and post later. We stayed at the mall for awhile the boys let me shop in two stores and then they got to play games and get a cookie. Danielle ended up going home so she could get her stuff back in order after not having power for three days. The boys and I ate lunch and then ran to Target so I could get them a Valentine. I grabbed a summer bag and stuffed it under the cart and when the boys weren't looking I put their Valentines in it because I wanted them to be surprised. The lady at the counter must of thought I was crazy when I handed her the bag full of stuff and said, " I don't need the bag just the stuff inside it please." When Jeff got home we all exchanged Valentines, I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers which I'm sure were way to expensive but I guess it's just once a year. The evening was spent by Jeff BBQ-ing some pork steak and I made cheesy hash brown potatoes for dinner. Jeff's parent came over and ate, also. Betty, Austin, Preston, Kali, and I watched Snow Buddies (their Valentine gift) which was so cute. The boys really enjoyed the first two Air Bud and Air Buddies so I knew they would love this one, too. My mom later stopped by with valentines for the boys and flower for me (she always gets me flowers for valentines, she's so sweet and thoughtful). Austin and Preston wanted to camp out in the downstairs family room because that is where my mom stayed so since we still had the bedding out, I let them watch movies to fall asleep down here; however, they were still watching T.V at 11:30 so I finally decided to turn it off.

I couldn't believe it when I stepped outside it was solid ice. This snow or ice day actually was not quite as fun as missing school for snow! However,the boys had to be outside anytime Jeff was. Jeff spent the second day of the storm helping who he could, he was able to loan the generator to some friends of ours to help them out and he was able to help clear branches and limbs out of several people's driveways. He helped my mom's neighbor after he cleared her driveway, also. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. Anyone who knows him knows he would do about anything for anybody and never expect anything in return. He is the most unselfish man I know and I'm so glad to have him as my "other half". Austin went along with Jeff for part of the day and later Heather brought Parker an Hailey over to play for awhile. That was very nice for the kids to get to play and for us to visit. We made some brownies with hopes to cheer them up...Heather if you read this- you better of had one- I know they are your favorite. I love to bake on days were stuck inside but I also love to eat all day on those types of days, too. So, today- Valentines we decided to get out of the house.

Well, where to begin....Monday school closed at 10:30 because there was a bad ice storm moving in. Little did we know the damage that would be left behind by this horrible storm. Monday night we lost power for a little awhile, so we played hide and go seek with the boys after we got about 15 candles burning. Luckily about 25 minutes later the power was back on. We went to bed a few hours later and thought everything was fine. Well, we woke up to house that was about 60 degrees and no power. Jeff's first instinct is to go get a generator because we should have one for times like these. So that's what we did. Luckily, we got to the store right when they got a shipment of 40 generators because when 90% of the town is without power- generators are in high demand. This picture is of our invention to make grilled cheese without power. The boys and I worked on this lunch while Jeff hooked up the generator. We tried to make the best of what we could and we were actually blessed because by 9 or ten Tuesday night our power came back on. We were able to open up our home to Danielle and my mom for the following two nights. I know they will be happy to sleep in their own beds tonight.

Jeff let Austin cut and clean this pipe so he could solder it. They hooked the hose up to it and pressure tested it and... NO LEEKS! Good job Austin. He had so much fun working out in the garage with dad. He was all smiles! Preston didn't really care that much, he hung out with me.

Well, Monday it was 70 degrees and we were taking a bike ride, today it's only going to be about 30 so I guess we will not be doing much of anything outside. Last week was busy, I had conferences Thursday night which went very well, it just makes for a very long day. Jeff was off on Friday so Preston got to stay home with his daddy for some much need one-on-one time until about 11:00. I let Jeff pick Austin up from school at lunch (Austin knew they were going to be home and afternoons in kindergarten consists of special class and story and rest time) so the boys spent some quality boy time together. Talk about feeling jealous, they were out having fun without me! Oh, I guess I shouldn't be like that, I mean I do get the whole summer with them! They went out to lunch at Tractors and then Jeff took the boys bowling. Preston beat them both! When I got home Preston was asleep on Jeff's chest on the couch and Austin was resting, too. What a fun day for the boys. They love spending time with their dad. Friday night we went to Target to pick up a couple of birthday presents, then we decided on Wendy's for dinner. We picked up our usual Friday night movies and headed home for family movie and popcorn night. We snuggled up under some blankets downstairs and watched Game Plan, (very cute family movie). Saturday we slept in, got ready and went to our first birthday party, we came home and Jeff went to Walmart while I picked up house and did laundry, the boys rode the 4-wheeler for awhile, Austin gives Preston a ride on it. They look so cute, I hope its safe. You know Jeff...he says they're fine and that I worry too much! Which he's right, I do! Then we were off to the second party, after that we headed to church. Pastor did a good job wrapping up this series, I really enjoyed the message. Afterwards, out to eat again ( we need to work on this, I think we go out to eat way too much on the weekends, that's why summer is so nice when we can bbq and be outside) it was just McDonalds but still. The boys played in the play land which I was quite disgusted by, I guess I haven't been there in awhile and it just seemed very dirty and smelly! So, after we got home I sent the boys staight to the bath tub and then we all played a few games: Operation, Cariboo, and the Memory game. Preston is still learning how to play games, he doesn't quite have the patience to take turns but he did pretty good last night. Now it's Sunday and we have the rest of the day to relax and hang out together. Yeah!

70 degrees today--that's crazy

Yes, we were just bundled playing in the snow two days ago and today we rushed home to get outside and enjoy the warm temperature. When I told Preston we were going home to ride bikes, he said " you're the tunnest mom" (we're still working on the F sound). It was so sweet! It was very windy and wet out; however, that didn't stop us from going on a bike ride to the schools. We were at West Lane and saw the Fisher's going on their way to Orchard to play. So, the kids played for awhile. Then, we headed home for dinner. I don't understand our weather but I have enjoyed all the time we've spent outside lately. A funny moment last night..,. Jeff said would someone please take the dog outside ( in the meantime he was cleaning up another one of her accidents) A few second later we hear the front door close and Jeff and I were in the kitchen- we both looked at each other like, did he just do what we think he did...and we just busted out laughing. The boys probably thought we lost it. But I think we have with this dog. So, what had happened was Preston just let her out without her leash which meant she will be running around like crazy for awhile and he did it so matter of factly, like I was just doing what you asked, no one said anything about a leash. He's always so funny, cracking us up all the time with his expressions, the things he says and the funny things he does. This reminds me of.....Austin was giving Preston a lecture about kissing girls the other night. I heard him tell Preston " you can't kiss girls until you get married" I took the chance and stepped in on this conversation and agreed with Austin, "That's right no kissing girls until your married!" They have some cute conversations before they go to bed (since they sleep in the same room now with the bunk beds). Thank goodness, getting them bunk beds about a year ago was such a blessing. For me, I get to put them to bed and not have to stay in there with them until they fall asleep which always led to me falling asleep with them. So, I get to sleep in my bed and for the boys... it's neat for them to lie in bed and talk about the silly things brothers talk about. Sometimes, they share their excitement for the what the next day brings, or something that happened during the day, and then there are the times when I have to tell them to stop telling each other super silly stories because they're in there cracking up instead of winding down ( those stories normally involve some silly word like butt, I don't know why but they find the word itself to be hysterically funny). The joys of boys. I love it and I feel so blessed to have two healthy, happy boys!

The fort! Jeff had fun building this fort the boys. I was a little skeptical,worried it might fall in on them; however, he reassured me to trust him. Of course, it never fell. Actually, Sat. morning they made it into a tunnel and the boys were able to crawl through. Preston loved the snow. He would run out there and just start rolling around in it. He made several snow angels, too. He had to swing, also.

Round two or three, I don't even know maybe four...

We took advantage of the playing in the snow since it's probably all we will get this year! The boys had so much fun as so did Jeff and I. Jeff being from Michigan had to build the boys a fort like he used to when he was kid. It was pretty neat. I even fit...well most of me. We went out several times. I would bundle the boys up, we would play for awhile until they were finally cold which most of the time I had to convince them that they were cold and we needed to go in and warm up with some hot chocolate. Friday we watched a movie in between rounds "Ratatouille" Then it was out again. Friday night Jeff an I went to elevation at church- it was awesome as always. Afterwards we went out to eat just the two of us. It was nice getting to spend some much needed quality time together. Then we were up early and out again Sat. before it started to melt.

See slide show below it's a snow day-yeah!

How fun it is in the snow! Even if it's barely enough to cover the grass! Oh, the fun we will have today since it snowed more last night!

Yesterday, they were calling for snow so we prayed that it would snow a lot! Yeah, it did! We even got out of school early! The boys had lots of fun playing in the snow, it was perfect for sledding and making a snowman. However, they didn't care to finish the snowman, perhaps we will here in a little bit when we bundle up and venture out again.