I need a vacation from my vacation!

I have been looking forward to this weekend for over a month--our first trip in the motorhome as a family of 5. It was going to be a trip to Branson for WorldFest that I keep missing because it decides to rain every time we plan to come. However, it didn't work that way. Right now I am sitting in the motorhome in Branson. Yes, we made it. Yes, it's thundering. I can handle that--we knew when we loaded up that we might get wet. But, not in the way it turned out. We have two water leaks. One in the bathroom and one in the kitchen....therefore we can't hook up the water. Which means, we can't wash our hands, shower, pee.....nothing involving water. Lovely.

Why? Why? Why? I just wanted a simple getaway for the weekend with my family. Nothing fancy! I just wanted to enjoy the time off from work before starting another hectic week of work, meetings, games, etc. WHY? But hey, we have wi-fi at our campsite. That's about the only thing worth celebrating! Poor Richie, he's wet, tired, sweaty and just ready to go home. And so am I. But I am so mad that I don't get to go to World Fest again....and we haven't even broken the news to the kids because they fell asleep on the couch waiting for us to get everything hooked up after fixing one of the leaks and wiping up water all over the place.

So, I am off to bed. I just pray I get a good night's sleep out of the deal.

I will write about the week's events some other time--too mad to type.

Some Checkmarks on my List

I actually feel like I got a few things accomplished this weekend while everyone was away. But wiht Landen, I didn't get nearly as much as I would've liked. That's OK, I am relishing every minute of baby time right now because it seems to be flying by!

I thoroughly enjoyed our sermon today. I would call it the "holier than thou" sermon because it was on self-righteous versus humility. Luke 18:9-14 was the passage and it was such an eye opener. How many times have we made sure everyone knows of our good deeds and how we aren't "like those people"? However, in the parable it talks about how God's mercy was given to the tax collector because he simply and humbly told God he was sorry for being a sinner. It was so humbling to hear as I have several people in my life right now going through difficult times. I find myself letting God know of what great things I accomplish and how I don't do "they stuff they do", but that isn't what he wants from me. He wants my sin! I listened to the sermon and thought about how I have felt like the tax collector before--where everyone around you points at you and is glad they aren't you. Then, I have been the Pharisee where I am pointing....and I was so humbled and remorseful for my actions. I felt awful. But then I thought back to an hour before church started when Richie and I attended the membership class for our church. The pastor had talked about how our church accepts everyone--even if you have a past, even if you have made mistakes. And I thought, "Wow, I am in the perfect place." I am right where I need to be. I love our church and the feeling I get from my time there. I need my church--I needed the message today to step all over my toes and remind me that I make plenty of mistakes to keep my busy about worrying about myself and not everyone else's mistakes. I want to embrace others, not condemn them.

One more thing on my heart. I have a friend who is going through some trying times as a parent. I feel such a deep sorrow for her and the things she has experienced in the past week. As a parent, she is struggling with some of the most difficult and trying times she will face with her children. But, instead of being mad at God, when I talked with her, I realized she has her eyes on God and fully trusts him. She was full of faith that he will open her daughter's eyes and it just impressed me so much. She has such a strong love for her children and for God....and you know what? I think she is right--he will be there for her daughter when she's ready to come back to Him. Between now and that day, I will continue to pray for her and that she just remains strong and full of that faith.

Well, it's off to another Monday!

My Big Boy

I am at home right now waiting on my shipment of drug samples. In the meantime, I am trying to catch up on some emails, documents, etc. I thought I would take a little break and blog about my "big boy".

Weston will be 10 years old (DOUBLE DIGITS!!) in a couple of weeks. And I have started to see the "big boy" changes in him lately. First of all, he will not let me pick out his clothes without him being there. When we shop, he asks for suggestions, but I can definitely tell that he has some likes and dislikes now. We went shopping last weekend and bought all of the kids a ton of clothes for the spring/summer (come on GKS check!!). He is very self-conscious about his clothes and looks. Such a change from even 6 months ago! The other thing he asks for is to have his hair fixed every morning. His hair is getting long and really does need to be fixed, but he wants it "styled". So funny! He gets it styled, hairspray and all every morning--which is a HUGE change for him! He's growing up on me! He even wants "undershirts" now for all of his clothes and he likes only one style of socks. I remember this age though when the awareness of your appearance starts to become a reality. It's so neat to watch all of the stages of growth in my kids' lives....and bittersweet!

And finally, I found this shirt last night at the GKS sale when I went to drop off a few more items (actually Kylie found it and wanted to get it for Landen and Richie).....and I happily obliged. Can't wait til Richie sees it!! :)

Spring Fling

Stacy, I need to get your ringtone....it's my turn for the "All By Myself". Richie is away this weekend for the annual Spring Fling fishing tournament. Honestly, why do they call it Spring Fling? Anyway, it's just me and the kiddos--and I am exhausted! Bad part is, he only left 3 hours ago! But, I plan to get some things accomplished this weekend while we don't have plans and I will have the spare time. When it comes down to it though, my "to-do list" may get streamlined to "watch chick flick".

In other news, I don't know if I have officially documented it on the blog or not, but Landen is sitting up on his own! He has been doing this for a couple of weeks now and it's the cutest thing! He looks like such a big boy! His other recent accomplishment is saying Da-Da....and that's ALL he says ALL of the time. So, I will conveniently ask him who he wants to get up with him at night or who he wants to change his diaper, etc. :) I mean, if he's gonna say it, then shouldn't Richie earn it? :)

Dinner Dilemma

So, I am driving to Conway today and as I was listening to my satellite radio, the guy on the station said that a lady in Ohio had found a dead rat in her Spaghetti O's can....gross. Kylie eats spaghetti o's about 3 times a week! When I got home and was looking for something to eat, all I could think about was that dead rat soaking in Spaghetti O's as I looked in the pantry and saw 4 cans of Spaghetti O's staring back at me! Such a loss of appetite....I could not figure out anything that sounded good to eat.
However, I just read the most recent information on the issue and supposedly it wasn't a dead rat, it was only mold per the ConAgra spokesperson. Ok, only mold? Still gross!
Here's the URL and they even shot a video of the contents of the can! (Update: video was removed from article....hhmm, guess ConAgra didn't want you to visualize the grossness! And per some of the comments below the video section, people saw feet and a tail on that video before it was removed.....still thinking mold now?) You can still read the article though....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/19/chef-boyardee-rat-spaghet_n_543006.html

Anyone still hungry?

Where's my brain?

I have lost my mind I think. I can't find it--anyone seen it? At least that's how I feel the last few days. And honestly, I don't know why. I am not upset about anything, life is going great, everyone is healthy for the most part, but I just can't focus and concentrate. Last night, I searched and searched and then searched some more for my car keys so I could make a quick trip to Wal-Mart. I even checked the oven where I had just put the meatloaf in before I left! But I couldn't find them anywhere. I was about to give up, when it hit me. Literally. I had tucked them in the band of my shorts....so I wouldn't lose them! And yesterday morning, I started out the day trying to figure out where in the world I needed to work at. At about 2 pm, it dawned on me that it was my "Van Buren" day....and I had spent the whole day working in Fort Smith. So, just a couple of examples of my lack of brains lately.

If you find my brain, please return it soon.....before I lose it all!

"Kylie" Night

Weston is staying with a friend tonight, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to have a special night for Kylie! With 3 kids, it's hard to make them feel special at times! She has been so helpful lately--she loves to play with Landen which is a huge help, she never complains about her chores, she has been really practicing with her manners and I just felt like I am quick to discipline when she messes up, but how about a reward for such good behavior? So, tonight we are going to go eat at Fuji and then see the new Miley movie. I told her on the way home from school and she was SOOO excited. She went inside and put her sundress and sandals on and said, "I'm ready!"

In other news, Landen has been sick. I took him to the doctor on Wednesday and they said it's just a cold, so no antibiotics. Bad thing is, he's still sick. And not sleeping. I am so tired. I hope this hurries and runs its course soon!

Last night I had the pleasure of working at the Growing Kids sale and I absolutely loved it! It's the first time I have ever worked and I thought I would give it a try. I loved seeing all the stuff coming in and a few of us girls started making lists while we were inspecting! I already have a game plan! Plus, I get to shop early too which I haven't had a chance to do before, so maybe I will get some cute things. I really want a bath ring for Landen and I have searched Wal-Mart and Target from here to Conway and can't find one. But there were three there last night! Woo Hoo! These days, it's the little things, ya know?

Finally, I bought the new Point of Grace CD this week. I have always been a fan, but I must say I really love this new CD. Kind of a different sound for them. Anyway, my favorite song on there is "Love and Laundry". I was listening to it yesterday and just started to laugh out loud. I swear they have my life pegged! Here's the video to it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y06GnOMqItw

Be sure and listen to the words! That's the funny part!

I Wanna Move Back to the Country!

Ok, this city living stuff is scary! I have seen more critters in the last 9 months at our new home than I saw in 5 plus years "in the country". We just killed our 2nd snake 2 days ago! The first snake was Easter Sunday and we were pulling up at the house and Richie had just opened the garage door when we saw the snake crawling along the side of the house...heading for the garage. Richie jumped out of the van and the snake turned around, but then he saw Richie and headed right back to the garage--and right into it! However, there was a glue pad right at the inside corner of the garage and he had a little trouble navigating after that! The kids and I were in the van...they were like "oh cool, look mom!" I was screaming and covering my eyes. Snakes and scorpions get the same response from me.

So two days ago, the kids and Richie were coming home afterschool when another snake was in the SAME spot and heading toward the garage. Richie got out and grabbed a Swiffer mop and tried to head him off. This one started up the wall of the house on the electrical boxes---AAAHHH! He then made his way to the back patio and got underneath my new couch (which funny thing was one of my fears that critters would be there and I would sit down and not know it)....after that he got up on the windowsill. YUCK.

So, I am ready for some country living--'cause this city stuff is kind of scary!!

2010 Snake Count: 2 (and it's only April)

Happy Anniversary, Richie!

Today is our 2 year anniversary! Time really flies. It seems like just yesterday we were down in Mexico walking along the beaches and eating dinner by the shore. What fun we had!

Richie,

I am just so happy to be your wife! I am so proud of the husband you are and the dad you have become. I admire you so much for your inquisitiveness, your ability to stand your ground (except when I want my way!), and how you never give up. I love how you stand up for what's important to you, including me. You are my best friend and I can't wait to see how the rest of our lives unfold. Thank you for Landen and thank you for two great years! I have had a blast!

I LOVE YOU!

Anniversary Weekend!

What an awesome weekend this has been so far! Our 2 year wedding anniversary is Monday, so we started the weekend off by celebrating! Last night we went to see Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum in concert. I LOVE Lady A! We had some awesome seats--15th row and we were about 10 people away from the stage. Great show!! We stayed overnight in LR....this was the first time that both of us have been away from Landen at the same time. It was nice to not have to get up at 3 a.m.! However, he stayed at Granny's house while we were gone and evidently he was a little ornery. He decided he wouldn't even sleep next to Granny in bed (much less in a bed by himself) and she had to HOLD him in the recliner all night long. Might be the last time we get to go away for awhile!! :)

We got up bright and early this morning and headed to VB to ride the train. It was about a 2 1/2 hour round trip and it was so fun! I have never done anything like that and the scenery was just beautiful....what a gorgeous state we live in!

From there, we ate lunch and then headed to the store to buy some more plants for a flower bed Richie has been working on. Then it was home to pick up Landen....I sure did miss him!

Happy Easter!

***Several posts today....look back for all of them!***

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter! We had a wonderful time today. I must say I have spent the entire weekend stressed and worn out trying to plan and prepare dinner and festivities for the whole family....to the point I had no nerves left last night! I was fried! But, as everyone ate dinner this afternoon and the kids hunted their eggs, I knew in my heart I wouldn't trade a single minute of my stress for that time with my family! It was a great day! And how about that beautiful weather? Wonderful!

I took the opportunity to snap a few photos of the kids and even me and Richie! I also got some 6 month pictures of Landen that I am very proud of! I waited too long to get a photographer for this spring and was so upset that I was going to miss out on some great photos of him, but I am so happy these pictures turned out great! I haven't had a moment to photoshop them yet, these are the real deal, but I wanted to get them up for my family and friends to enjoy ASAP.....

What a beautiful baby!!

Landen and Mommy

Landen and Kaden

Landen finds an egg!

Kaden finds an egg!

Guess who found the most eggs? :)

Cutie pie!!

Me and Richie

My three beautiful kiddos!!

Happy Landen!!

Weston and Kylie (I can't believe how big they are getting!!)

Another one of the big kids!

A 50th Wedding Anniversary!

My great aunt and uncle celebrated 50 years of marriage yesterday! What a wonderful accomplishment and testament to their love and devotion to each other as well as the hearts of these people! Truly amazing! We had a special anniversary party for them and all of their children, grandchildren, and friends and family were there to help celebrate the occasion. They have had their shares of ups and downs, trials and tribulations like all of us, but they have weathered the storms together and I can honestly say they are a wonderful and devoted couple! A side note that I found amazing...in this picture of them yesterday, she is wearing her wedding dress from 50 years ago!!! How many of us can do that??? WOW!

Patio Makeover

Ever since we bought this house last July, I have wanted to have outdoor living furniture on the patio to enjoy. I searched and searched last summer and just didn't see anything I liked. So, we waited until this spring to search again. And I finally found something!! Here's some before and after shots of the back patio...I LOVE it! I would really like to enclose the area into a sunroom, but I'm not sure how much that would cost and don't know if I really have the time to deal with it right now, so we will enjoy the back area for now in it's "natural state". So excited to have somewhere to entertain and hang out with the family!

The Before Shot....

And the finished product!