Sledding Saturday!

Today we took the boys out sledding. Since we were blessed with having so much snow bestowed upon us this past week we decided to go out and attack a few hills. I had to take a test at CSCC first (I of course did not study and probably did bomb this one - at least we can drop one!) Joel took the boys to find the last sled in town, literally! I think we may have to invest in some better ones in the coming years. In all we had fun and of course I did not last very long out in the cold! Brrrr I hate the cold!


In the morning we (aka Noah and Morgan) made some scrambled eggs and toast.

So before we got started Noah had to continue with his fascination of kicking the snow off of the truck. . . well, his foot got stuck in the sideboards so I laughed and he posed kindly for mom to record the moment on her camera!

Then down the hill they went!




Even mom and dad went down with each other. . .of course this is the ride down that the plastic sled did crack and by the time we got down to the bottom we had a sled full of snow in our laps! It was pretty funny!

Trip to see Grandma and Grandpa

We went to see the Abraham Lincoln museum this weekend and we had a lot of fun. There were no major meltdowns and to add to the fun we saw a train up close, played dress up, and even got to play in the snow for a little bit. A lot of fun in just three short days. I am not looking forward to the ride back home though. .. winter advisory's across the board.

Some Winter Pictures

I have been meaning to post these but you know. . . life happens.

Noah really wanted to go outside and play in the snow last week. So I wasnt going to argue with him and let him. . . his scarf by the way is my usual headband!!! Calling grandma we need some crocheting done!!!

He makes it outside to play by the swing set. . . .

This was five minutes later. . . .

On the way out he did offer me a seat on the deck. . .I respectfully declined!

He has a fascination with cleaning snow off of cars. I guess I am guilty of that but I only do it so I can see.

This is Morgans Favorite thing to do lately. . . poor Gus!! I assure you the cat was not harmed in this process and he is not the only three year old to do this . . . . ASHLYNN!!!! Forgive his juice mustache at this time and my dirty floors! I only mop them once a week. . . .

To Admire

ad·mire (d-mr)
v. ad·mired, ad·mir·ing, ad·mires
v.tr.
1. To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
2. To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect.
3. Chiefly New England & Upper Southern U.S. To enjoy (something): "I just admire to get letters, but I don't admire to answer them" Dialect Notes.
4. Archaic To marvel or wonder at.
v.intr. New England & Upper Southern U.S.
To marvel at something. Often used with at.

So I had to post on this in light of the recent inauguration yesterday. So many people were crying and proud of what is supposed to be the New America, the United America. I have to wonder if people admire someone so much why do we admire them? Do we want to be like them? Do they present something to us that no other person can do? Really I think we are all capable of having the amount of admiration that Obama has. People should always strive to help their neighbors and care for others. Life should not be selfish. It is through meeting people and helping others individuals become stronger together. We all know that phrase "stronger in numbers" I think that is exactly what Obama calls upon this nation. And really its about time a President gives its citizens that vote of confidence.

Valentines Day Cards

So this year I am making valentines day cards instead of buying them for Noahs preschool class. We have several unused crayons in our house that are broken or mangled so I was on www.familyfun.com and came up with the idea of melting crayons (broken) into some heart shaped trays (ice cube trays from Target for $2.50/2pk) and got this. . . .

TEMPERS!!!

I think Noah is having another Noah phase this weekend. He is just tempermental and extrememly moody. Not to mention he is tripping over his feet once again and growing out of his pants again! Does this boy ever slow down and take a moment to enjoy his current size for more than 3 months?? UGH! To think I have a lifetime of learning how to handle mood changes. . . god bless my parents for putting up with me! Seriously!!

I was always the upset, pouting, frowning kid in our family. Constantly being picked on and nagged on by my siblings. . . I am sure it doesnt help that I probably deserved some of it by the antics I put forward with them but it was frustrating to say the least.

Noah and Morgan are pure opposites if Noah does not get his way he throws a tantrum and pouts. Even the slightest grasp of his arm to pull him towards you is seen as a threat and he raises his cries even louder. Morgan on the other hand if he is mad at you he will hide in a corner and scare you to pieces because he is as quiet as a mouse and will not answer for anything to us when we are trying to find him.

So I guess it is one of the situations for us as parents, to just pick our battles and handle it the best we can. We have the best of both worlds with our kids. . . .

Noah's prayers

I will do my best to remember what he said in the car yesterday. He even made me repeat myself after him and to heck if I really remember it. But It was snowing alot yesterday and it was 11 degrees outside so I told him to say a prayer in the car on the way home so mommy does not get an accident. Like I did last year and went spinning down Rt. 33.

Thank you God
For this reason
To keep us safe
and very warm
Amen

It went along those lines the first two lines are in order and verbatim the last two are best I can remember. I was exhausted. I didnt get him until 630 last night from preschool and we didnt get home until close to 7. So we settled in to our jammies once we all (Joel got home as I was shoveling snow in heels!) got home and had some tater tots, green beans, and fish for dinner. At least having the oven on added a little more warmth to the house.

Soccer Dad

Well I guess this is the beginning of the end. If I thought that my current state of life was busy the kids are about to up the ante a little bit for us. As you can tell we are registering Noah for soccer. Two pracitces a week, a game on Saturdays, wow I am so luck that I have classes on the nights of his practice. . . have fun hunny!

Happy Birthday Morgan!!!

WOW!! My baby boy is three years old now! I guess that means I can not call him a baby anymore!! Yesterday we celebrated his birthday with my sister, Bill and Marshall. It was a nice cozy celebration. I made his cake for him again this year and yes that is 234am that is in the picture with his cake. I had such a busy day Saturday with blockwatch meetings, church, and getting the house prepped, oh and schoolwork that that was the time I had to make it. It worked out because then he did not see it until the next day.

He made out with several fantastic presents including Thomas, RC Car that flips over and still runs, a cool sign for his toy area, and a Handy Many convertible car to tool bench. Below are a few pictues of the day!

The Challenge of Faith

Tonight we went for the third week to Vineyard. Rich Nathan the pastor of the church was the speaker tonight and he certainly put a punch into faith tonight. The topic of is talk was Finding God. I am sure you can find the podcast to his speach under the Vineyard link to the right of this post. I dont think I have ever experienced a 'sermon' like this in any Catholic, Baptist, or other non denominational church that I have been in.

Bringing together modern day events and the state of Christianity he settled into finding five challenges in faith. I honestly can not remember them all and would have to listen to the podcast again myself but he brought them all to a central point in defining that even philosophers, scientists, and atheists are finding their faith again. In finding our faith we are finding God. There are so many challenges that are placed before us now as we undergo some rough economic downturns. Overall I think we have to always keep in mind in the end through our faith that:

3:7 "To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: "He
who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no
one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things: 3:8 "I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open
door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word,
and didn't deny my name. Revelations 3:7-8

When the sun sleeps.

Putting the kids to bed Noah asked me, "Mommy the sun goes to sleep at night and the moon comes out right?" Yes, of course Noah it does. "Well when they are out together at the same time does that mean they miss each other?" I guess Noah, maybe its kind of like when you miss playing with your cousin or friends at school sometimes they have to make sacrifices to see each other. "Then when there is only half a moon and the sun is still big and round does that mean they got into a fight?" (trying not to laugh at him for his curious questions) Well maybe Noah I am not too sure. "Well then why does the sun always win?" I dont know Noah sometimes that is just a part of life.

The darndest things kids ask you at night!!! I just had to share our conversation tonight.

Let the good times roll!

Well it is getting to be that time of year again. After enjoying my month long break from working a normal schedule and being off of school for almost two months (semester system) it is now time to get back into the game. Talk about hard!! The meetings are starting again, school began yesterday (at least one of my classes), toting the kids to school and back, organizing my brain and just trying to get into the groove of the schedules again. Man it is going to be a rough week.

Not to mention I had pure intentions of going to be early last night and little to watch the OSU - Texas game last night but was suckered into it. Did you ever realize how long the last two minutes of a game can be but yet how short the first 3 quarters and 12 minutes can go? Oh well they put on a tough show yesterday and I think they are just succumming to the Fiesta Bowl curse or at least that field of shame they have played on the last three years. Its time for some new scenery.

At least we still have the Bolts to root for, or so my brother calls them. I am having great recollections of a Charger Steeler game a decade or so ago I believe the year was 1996 or 7 I can't remember and my brother was all over the Chargers then rooting for the underdog to only watch them win and carry forward to the Superbowl that year. Maybe it can be another great year for the Chargers!! It is so nice to have teams all over the country to root for when one goes down I always have another to pick me up!

Okay I am tired, no coffee yet this morning and well I have a million things at work to do and by writing this I am just procrastinating once again.

Finally, Christmas Pictures

So I have been dragging my feet. We are in the process of planning Morgans third birthday. I can not believe the little cookie monster, thumb sucking, rascal is going to be three years already!! Of course it will be all about trains on his birthday. I found some dollar store train party decorations, got some balloons, and plan to make a train birthday cake for him, a engine and three cars. There are alot of cute ideas out there. We are just going to celebrate with family this year. I think they were spoiled enough at Christmas we are going to keep it small this year.

Last night was the second weekend in a row that Joel went to church with me. We are attending a non-denominational church that really focuses on the teachings of the Bible. My mom would be impressed I am finally back in church as well. Although it is not a Catholic church like I was raised I still feel comfortable at home is re-discovering myself as a Christian with my husband and children at my side. Its almost like a welcoming feeling of harmony that is being established. We (I) feel it is very important learn the teachings of the Bible as well.

Joel was not raised going to church on a regular basis and last night he admitted to me that is where most of his resistance stems from. The lack of routine and comfort in attending on a regular basis is new to him and will take time for him to come to understanding the true benefit of finding his method of cultivating from the Holy Spirit. (John 15)

Okay so now I have two more weeks until school starts. I have been off for about two months now (thank goodness for semesters!). I am really contemplating in taking three classes this semester but we shall see. I have another week or so to decide. I just want to finish school by the Spring of 2010. That means I have to get to work fast! I can already sense these next few months are going to take the greatest balancing act in my time management and organizational skills. So we will see how it goes. I hope I land on my feet!

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year. I havent said mucha bout my New Years resolution becuase it usually evaporates from my thoughts but I think getting the whole family to attend church on a regular basis is at the top of my list.

One last picture to show. This was our big present to the boys and what I think is every little boys dream, Joel built a train to go around their bedroom. It is very cool!