Ang & The Boys

Grandma, Mom & Boys Special Day

2010-05-07T00:14:00.005-05:00

Last weekend, Luke went on the men's retreat with our church.

Luke had 2 days of hard core fishing and I had two hard core days with boys. We wanted to go golfing at the country club but they had some "Jayhawk" fundraiser and the golf course was closed. Therefore, we had to "settle" for miniature golfing with grandma. We went golfing after we had lunch with Auntie Al at Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch-YUM!

The boys and grandma played 18 holes of golf in less than one hour.

Really.......the boys were having fun, contrary to their expressions in this picture.

Ben and Grandma

After golfing we went to Freddy's for some frozen custard.

We had a good time. Thanks Grandma Sue for hanging out with us!

1st Grade Zoo Field Trip

2010-05-06T23:34:00.002-05:00

Ben had a field trip to the zoo the Monday after his birthday. All of us were so TIRED that following Monday after the football game. Ben and myself actually fell asleep on the bus ride to the zoo. Here is a picture of my angel, you can almost see the halo! LOL I must say the April 26th was the coldest day we have had in weeks. It was windy (what do you expect in Kansas) and COLD but we survived.
I only had one boy in my group. He was a great kid.

This must have been the end of the day because they actually sat down for more than 10 seconds!

The grizzly bear was funny. He straddled that rock and it was "bed."

The kids had a "mini workshop" at the windiest point at the zoo.

This picture cracks me up.....The boys were so "grossed-out" because it looked like the chimp was eating poop. I tried to explain they were treats but they didn't believe me!

We ended the day at the petting zoo. Here are some other kiddos from Ben's class.

Monday's are the day to go to the zoo because it wasn't busy at all.

Next Friday I go with Jacobs class and am gearing up for the PURE craziness! Can the school assign leashes!?!

jacob's on two wheels & more

2010-05-06T23:18:00.002-05:00

Monday night Jacob learned to ride his bike without the training wheels. I wasn't home to see this huge accomplishment. Therefore, Tuesday morning at 5:00 AM Jacob came into our room. He crawled in bed but couldn't go back to sleep. He kept telling me he had to show me how he could ride a bike before he went to school. I told him I would watch him while we were waiting for the bus.

Finally, the busy little guy, who kept tossing and turning and stealing the covers asked if he could get up. I must have said yes because he was dressed, had his shoes on, teeth brushed, hair combed and bed made by 5:30 AM. He watched cartoons and then came into the bedroom holding a piece of paper with the numbers 551. Jacob said "MOM, we're going to be late, here are the numbers on the clock." Yes, you guessed it, 5:51 AM. I gave up sleeping and got dressed. By 6:15 AM we were out front.......he was riding his bike and I was running next to him. I was so proud of him!

Here is Jacob heading to the driveway.

Jacob strutting his new skill!

He has caught on really quickly.

Now, I wish we lived in a culdisac without a ton of traffic and teenage drivers!

Ben's 7th Birthday

2010-04-28T08:51:00.009-05:00

Saturday was Ben's 7th Birthday!

Rather than a friend birthday party he chose to watch the K-State spring football game in

Manhappiness AKA Manhattan!

Grandma and Grandpa McVay and Autie Al went with us!Our 2010 Family Portrait
Ben invited his friend Trev. Here are the three of them in smiles!

Playing football in the parking lot before it got crowded.

Jake blowing up a capri sun pouch so he could put it on the ground and stomp it!

Ben and Trev

Ben with his cake...Nothing says first grader like missing front teeth!

It was only appropriate to have a wildcat cake for his birthday.

The basketball players were signing autographs at 4:30.

This was the boys "patiently" waiting...AKA BORED!
We never got autographs even after standing in line for 1.5 hours.

But, we did get our picture with Willie Wildcat!

We didn't get autographs but I did get some pictures.

Above is Jacob Pullen.

As mom and I gave up waiting in line because they were "closing the line" in 5 minutes and were 15 feet back, we saw Coach Frank Martin. I did his autograph for the boys. My mom was so "giddy" she forgot to take our picture....

It is ok mom I forgive you for not taking my picture, he was pretty handsome!

I would have lost concentration too-ha, ha!

Above is Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay), Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) and other miscellaneous players. They dedicated the spring game to a Dylan Meier who passed away last week from a hiking incident. Numerous players wore his jersey in memory of him.

It was very touching.
The boys saw Jordy Nelson and went NUTS.....They kept yelling his name until he looked up and waved at us! The boys were on FIRE after that!

Ben, Trev and Jacob looking at the band and NOT the cheerleaders.

I am glad to know the hormones haven't kicked in and that girls are still YUCKY!

At half time they allowed the kids on the field for a "shoe run." They put all the shoes in a bag and whoever found their shoes, put them on and ran back first won an autographed football from Bill Snyder.

There were two age groups, 5 and under and 6 and older.

Ben and Trev waiting for their age group to go.

The bad thing was I had just tightened Ben's shoes (laces) and he was the very LAST one to come back in his age group. He was on the big screen with the help of Willie and some others cheering him on! That was 2nd time Ben was on the big screen but of course he made a silly face not realizing it was playing on the big monitors. Can I say ALL BOY!?!

Josh Freeman signing autographs.

We left early and started packing up. About that time a car drove by with some of the football players with Meier's jerseys. The windows were tinted in the back so I couldn't see who was in the back seat. Regardless, they handed us 9 of the purple bracelets that is shown above. I thanked them and Luke realized in the back seat was Ian Campbell. I yelled WAIT and they stopped. I asked Ian if he would mind posing in a picture with Ben since it was his birthday. He got out and was very gracious. I offered all of them in the car birthday cake but they declined. I don't think cake goes with beer, but still they were very polite.

The kid driving the car didn't tell us his name but I saw his picture in the paper the next day and it was Russ Vanover. He went to school in our town a few years ago. I don't think we lived here when he went to school here. Not 100% sure.

Otherwise, it was a great day. Lots of fun and memories!

Ben's In Love.....

2010-04-23T16:25:00.003-05:00

This spring we had beautiful blooms in the front of our house....It was gorgeous. But little did we know there was Momma Rabbit and her babies living in the foliage below the purple tree.

Under all of those beautiful lilac colored flowers there were 6 or 7 babies growing, tucked in underneath all of that foliage.

Some up close pictures, too hard not to post.

All of this leads to Ben's new love.......Not a girl of course because they are still "yucky." But this cute little bunny has Ben's heart.....The bunnies are growing more and more each day and getting harder to catch.

Please note the foliage doesn't look this good anymore as two little boys have destroyed while on "bunny hunts."

Jacob with some candy ring in his mouth......nice..........but still he got to hold a bunny!

This picture shows how little they still are compared to Luke's hand.

What sweet little bunnies......I think I like bunnies better than snakes and other insects the boys like to keep.

Luke's Garden

2010-04-14T08:33:00.002-05:00

It has been 7 YEARS since Luke has had a garden. Finally, this year we decided the boys were old enough that we could devote some time to gardening.

Our soil is like clay so Luke has been doing a lot of prep work getting the soil ready.

He has cut the cable tv/internet a few times (I think the boys moved the flags....imagine) but thank goodness he is very "handy" and knows how to "splice" things back together.

Luke is an AWESOME gardener...He really is a "country boy" at heart and I am super excited that he is able to start his hobby again. Luke planted sweet corn and he is standing by his newly planted row of corn seeds.

Our family will also enjoy the benefits of fresh veggies as we are trying to eat healthier.

I think it is a win-win situation!

Calling it a day

2010-04-13T21:26:00.002-05:00

I just posted my "Easter" post, or so I thought............I went to "view blog" and it wasn't there. Then I panicked and wondered if Luke was signed in on the computer. If that was the case my post was on his "Team Liberia 2010" blog.

Oh yes, sure enough, there it was on Team Liberia's Blog. I quickly hit delete and 30 minutes of work vanished into cyber space. So, I think I will call it day and go spend some time with Luke. :)

Isabel

2010-04-11T07:21:00.004-05:00

We had a special visit today......

Jacqie, Danny and ISABEL came to see us for lunch....

Grandpa was GLOWING!

Isabel cleaning the table (aka squirting water) on the table.

Jumping on the trampoline with Jacob

More jumping with Jacob

my favorite

We had fun! Thanks for coming to visit!

Consistency

2010-04-08T23:18:00.002-05:00

Blogging....I started a blog in order to keep track of the things my kids did that I didn't want to forget when they were older & me too for that matter! It was easy in the beginning, kind of like journaling in some cyber-space way. But really, where does the time go? I can't believe I haven't blogged in a month!

We had a speaker at church this week that said "time fly's when you aren't paying attention." WOW! She is right. It made me think I need to be more mindful of my time and how I spend it. Blogging isn't a high priority but I will try to be more consistent over the next few months, even if I only post once a week.

I must confess I have been out of the facebook-blog loop for a few weeks now... I did it for a few different reasons but I needed a break. Sometimes you see other blogs that demonstrate how creative they are, how motivated they are to exercise, cook, fix good food for their families, read books, their funny, etc., etc. It started getting me down and rather than a sense of joy of catching up with my friends (thru cyber-space) I was getting jealous (coveting-yes) and then started being super critical of myself and negative about my circumstances. But a recent Bible study on friendship addressed the very thing I was feeling. No one is perfect and I am not either. I was reminded I needed to be gentle with myself as I am a child of God.

Somehow I took great comfort in that as I lay in the rocking chair, with an icepack over my face and a nose 2 times bigger than it should have been and a plastic "nose splint" sutchered in my nose! My nose/sinuses feel a lot better now and I am happy to say I feel better than I have a few weeks. My body reminds me if I have done too much or haven't gotten enough sleep. I am taking some good supplements and hope they help in the long run.

According to Paul Harvey, "You now have the whole story." (or something like that)....

Jacob's Happy Plate

2010-04-08T23:02:00.002-05:00

Tonight during dinner Jacob didn't want to eat what we were having. This is a very common occurrence from Jacob. It drives me CRAZY because I can't relate to picky eaters for a number of reasons. What is even more frustrating is he will eat the same dinner one day and not the next.

Here was what happened at our dinner table;

Jacob: cry, cry, scream, scream, "I don't want that."
Luke: Did silly things to get him to eat.
Ben: Had two plates full and was done before Jacob had eaten 4 bites.
Me: "Jacob you're going to get hungry because there won't be a snack if you don't eat."
Jacob: cry, cry, scream, scream and offered some excuse why he couldn't take responsibility for his actions.
Me: Frustration building over food and blaming someone else for him not liking supper (another petpieve-spelling?).
Luke: Figured out how to get Jacob to eat among the complaining.
Jacob: "Look mom! A happy plate."
Me: "Good job Jacob"
Jacob: "My plate may be happy but I'm not!"

He can be so cranky and turn around and say the cutest things. It is hard to stay mad too long.

More Spring Break

2010-04-08T22:46:00.002-05:00

Yes, Spring Break was about a month ago, but here are some more pictures!

We got to visit the boys' old babysitter, Diane, for a few hours on Wednesday. Avery LOVES Ben and Jacob and the boys think she is pretty special too. They even watched Dora the Explorer because that is what she wanted to watch before nap time!

Here they are looking like "angels!" Ha! Thursday (I think), we met Auntie Al in Wichita for some fun! We started off at Red Beans Bayou Grill with a side of fried pickles! Jacob didn't know what he was missing out on!

Auntie Al and Ben

Me and Auntie Al! I love having a step-sister! It is even better that she loves my boys!

Next stop was All Sports for some miniature golfing!
Jacob played all 18 holes and I was impressed. I thought I would have to play for him by the 9th hole.

Auntie Al, Jacob and Ben "patiently" waiting for the people in front of us! NOT!

After All Sports we went to Freddy's Frozen Custard for some good treats! Then on the way home this is what I saw in the rear-view mirror.

Ben asleep

Jake Asleep

Spring Break

2010-03-25T17:15:00.004-05:00

We stayed pretty busy over spring break.

Monday, we met some friends to go swimming in Hesston. I forgot my camera but there were 4 tired boys when we were done!

On Tuesday, Leah, from our Bible Study invited a bunch of us to go to the armory and "play" on some of the equipment. It was a lot of fun to get to play on "real" army trucks rather than playing with Uncle Louie's old G.I. Joe sets!

After playing at the armory we went to the library and checked out some books. It was quiet on the way home and I realized they were reading their new books!

Jacob was reading about amphibians and came across a picture of frog anatomy. So the quiet quickly turned into uncontrollable laughter. I got an anatomy lesson from a 5 & 6 year olds perspective. It was pretty funny but I will leave it to their Aunt Jenn to give them the real lesson (since this is her speciality)!

It was pretty chilly Thursday morning at the armory and we got to go inside and shoot "hoops" and ride the utility court around the building. It was fun for us (moms and kids) but I am not sure if the other soldiers were as excited about screaming kids as we were!

Ben and Jacob in a Hummer...Army style that it is!

Ben, Jacob, Daniel and Matthew.

Thank you Jason and Leah for inviting us, we had a great time!

Gpa Jim left today

2010-03-02T09:42:00.002-06:00

I wish you could see a picture of Trooper. He is mopey (is that a word) today. He must know that his second "owner" is on a plane to Thailand today. Dad has been here for a month and helped me with some of those really "quiet" days of being unemployed. So now the house seems quieter than it was before......I should clean, do laundry, do dishes, do something, but I think I will go take a nap since I have been up since 4 AM. I guess that is one good perk of being unemployed and having your children in school.

Nerf Gun War

2010-02-22T08:29:00.002-06:00

Saturday night my living room and kitchen looked like this:

Ben loading getting ready to fire
Dad waiting for Ben to come up from behind the couch! Jacob is re-loading..

Grandpa Jim having way too much fun!!!

There was/is a ton of "testosterone" floating around our house. However, the bug that decided to make its home in my body on Thursday & Friday decided to return Saturday night. This was a good distraction for all the guys so I could rest peacefully in bed watching the Olympics! That is what you call a "win-win" situation!

What to do when it snows

2010-02-20T11:13:00.002-06:00

For Valentines Day I figured nothing said "I love you" more than a set of Nerf dart guns for the boys. What I didn't think of was Luke and buying him one too (sorry)! But we have plenty of guns and darts to share, even though some might not be as fast or have lasers or whatever...

So as I was getting ready today I was ambushed by darts and laughter, not from the "little" boys but from the "big" boy....He just cracks himself up sometimes but I wasn't as amused so I locked the door. All of sudden Jake bangs on the door saying he needs to hide so I let him in. Needless to say they were playing a game of "hide-and-go-seek" using the guns. Luke was doing the "commando" crawl to ambush Jacob and Ben was off hiding somewhere. Jake gave himself away because he started giggling. After Jake was caught they went to find Ben and Jake said "Dad, I don't hear any 'snorfing' so I don't know where Ben is hiding." Hmmmm............I think snorfing is also known as "snorting." Regardless I got a good laugh.

I believe Grandpa Jim and Luke are going to make a run to Walmart after we get back from the "Boat/RV Show." The guys are going there to see the big toys and in the back of my mind I am wondering how many ex-clients I will see!

Cooking

2010-02-17T08:38:00.003-06:00

I know this is a shocker to many of you but cooking has NEVER been "my" thing.....When I had to cook for myself I would eat a lot of cereal and instant oatmeal for dinner. I was always weight conscious (not saying I was in shape or slim) but needless to say food in general FREAKS ME OUT. Further, when I became the director of a new program that started at the "grass roots" level, I worked 10-12 hour days 5-6 days per week (pre-children). Luke could always fend for himself and would have supper ready for me when I came home.....(yes, I know I was spoiled and FYI, he always did the grocery shopping too!)

When I was in the mood to cook, I could cook. I just hated spending all that time preparing meals that took 15 minutes (if that) to eat. I could think of 100....wait....1,000 different things that needed to be done other than cooking. You ask, why is she regressing? Well, let me tell you!

I have cooked and baked more things in the last 6 weeks than I have done in my whole adult life! I have done meal planning, grocery shopping, made homemade snacks, bought cookbooks, subscribed to different blogs, etc. just to learn this trade called cooking that I should have learned years ago.

So last night I made this (I remembered to take a picture after I started eating it):
What is it you ask....Pork chops with apples and onions, mashed potatoes and veggies. This recipe is from.......don't fall off of your chair BUT none other than MARTHA STEWART! WTH!?! Yes, I nailed Martha's recipe and I think....wait...I know mine turned out better than hers!

I have frequented many different food websites. But this Crockpot 365 is one of my favorite cookbook and blogs right now while I am in my infant stages learning how to cook, meal plan and grocery shop for 2 weeks at a time. Nothing is easier than slow cooking. Another favorite is organic thrifty which is also on my favorites sidebar. Both provide recipes for gluten free, high protein, etc. diets.

So for my BFF in Colorado, I thought of you last night. I wished you were here to taste it. AND I know you would be impressed with all of the things I have made in the last month. Here is just a sample of what I have made: homemade applesauce, candied nuts, homemade brownies, roasted my own almonds/walnuts, grain free muffins and granola, puppy chow, trail mix, and at least 30 days worth of "natural" suppers (that don't come in boxes). I think most of what I have made is good because the scales told me this morning that I am 9# heavier than I was in December. I guess now I need to get on the treadmill, but that is a different post!

So Jenn when are you coming out to visit? I will cook yummy, yummy food for you. Also, if you want to leave a comment you can do so by going to anonymous and following the directions..........that is a hint Ms. BFF!

Hilda is Here

2010-02-17T08:21:00.004-06:00

My dad is here visiting this month from Thailand. He flew in almost 3 weeks ago (wow, hard to believe)! The time has flow by fast. He has made visits to Las Vegas, Oklahoma and Colorado. He has been in Colorado for a week and should get to our house today. Trooper LOVES my dad and Trooper gets extra special attention when Grandpa is here.

Dad has had a variety of nicknames however when he is visiting I choose to call him "Hilda." Dirty dishes are his pet peeve (sorry I can't figure out the spelling). Me, I could spend my entire day in the kitchen doing dishes so I only do them once a day. So here is a picture of Hilda doing dishes. My kitchen misses him desperately and is calling his name.... The boys are ready for him to come too so they can play Foosball hours at a time.....Thanks Hilda for all have done for us since coming to visit!

Jacob's Very Long Night

2010-02-11T08:08:00.008-06:00

We had one sick little man on Tuesday night. Jacob got home from school and couldn’t stop coughing until 5:00 AM Wednesday morning. We tried everything to get him to stop coughing….It was continuous and he would aspirate and then throw up. His little body was exhausted and Luke and I were tired too!

The only Dr. appointment we could get on Wednesday was at 8:45 (Jacob had finally fallen asleep around 5 AM) so he went to the Dr. in his jammies that had snot smeared on the sleeves (you know, way more convenient for Jacob than Kleenex), smelling like puke and I didn’t have him brush his teeth (in case they did a strep culture). Don’t worry I did manage to change his pull-up! We were quite the sight and I am almost certain there was some air freshener spraying once we left the Dr. office! LOL Ultimately Jacob has bronchitis, an ear infection in both ears and a sinus infection. He wanted to go to school today, which is a good thing, right??? However, I hope Mrs. Kirtley doesn’t want to strangle me with my long list of special requests! I hope Jacob always loves school this much and doesn’t want miss more days than he has too!

* I can't figure out how to get the fonts the same...I tried typing on word and copying and it and it has been a huge HEADACHE.

Snow & More

2010-02-06T23:18:00.004-06:00

Will the sun ever return to Kansas? This is what it has looked like for 2 weeks (ok maybe I am exaggerating-maybe not) and it has been very blahh! At least the tree looks pretty.

Here is a picture of Jacob last week. He fell asleep and we couldn't get him to wake up. He decided if he covered his face we couldn't tell he was still sleeping. Poor guy ended up having an ear infection. I took him to the Dr. (the only appt I could get) during recess time. He was soooo mad at me because he missed the only "outdoor" recess they had been given in a long time!

Ben decided he looked like Santa Claus and wanted his picture taken. After hanging out in the snow the only way to warm up is with a "hot bath" according to Ben.

Ben shoveling. Jacob's picture didn't turn out but I assure you he was outside too. In Colorado we were out in the snow all the time.

After playing in the snow one is bound to have wet clothes. Rather then tracking it through the house and stepping in cold, wet, puddles all night, they had to take their clothes off by the back door. With this weather, no wonder why my laundry has doubled!

Little Addison Marie

2010-02-06T22:12:00.005-06:00

Luke's niece and goddaughter, Shasta, had her first baby on February 4th. As many of you know, Shasta lived with us for 6 months while she did her student teaching in Andover. The boys were 6 and 19 months old when she moved in with us that semester. She was an absolute blessing during that time. She will never know how big of a help she was to us and further she was awesome with boys! She is very special to our family.

She got a job at Herrington High School after graduation teaching English. She met her husband Nick through a co-worker. They asked the boys to be the ring bearers in their wedding and the boys were excited. They love Nick and they love Shasta. So when we heard she had her baby we couldn't WAIT to go see them in Abilene.

This is Addison Marie...She is absolutely adorable. She was 6# 15 oz and 20 inches long.

Here is Addison with her mom.

Nick let the boys hold Addison. Jacob didn't want to at first, but when he saw Ben holding her, Jacob quickly changed his mind.

Jacob holding Addison.

Ben and Jacob thinking Addison is a keeper. I almost see halo's over their heads! It doesn't happen very often!

Miss Addison and her Nanna Re.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on her! Ben posed so he could get pringles.

Jacob not too sure about this baby. Jacob told Shasta he didn't want the baby to "pee" on him because that's what babies do....hmmm

Jacob, Ben and Aunt Re

Addison's little feet. She was stretching her feet and toes.

She was to get her first bath tonight, I wonder how that went?

Here is the proud papa.

If any of you are in Manhattan and need some adult beverages, Nick is doing a little advertising for his store.

Beer Goggles is the place to be for your pre or post party before a Wildcat Victory! Go State! Sorry I had to throw that in!

1st & 40th Birthday

2010-02-06T21:59:00.003-06:00

January 30th we went to a very special birthday party. My cousin and her daughter were celebrating "milestone" birthdays. Little Miss Seely, turned one year old on 30th. She is such a good little girl. She doesn't know a stranger and she loves her grandma and grandpa!

Seely loved the balloons and the boys had a great time at the party. They also liked the fact they could eat cake, have punch and other junk food! Further, they got to bowl and play with other kids their own ages too. On a side note, Ben ate too much junk food and threw up in bed that night! At least they had fun......I guess!

Special balloons that were made made extra "heavy duty." Seely loved giving them kisses. Must I say she has her grandpa wrapped around her finger?

Seely wanting to run after the balloons, but not before I scooped her up for a picture.

Happy 40th to her mom! She has waited a long time for this little blessing. We are so glad we have gotten to spend time with them over the last few months. I hope they don't stay away too long because we have had such a good time seeing them.

Yoga

2010-02-04T08:34:00.001-06:00

Despite the snow and sleet
I will see you in one hour.
RUTH, here I COME!

P.S. Try to be nice to me!

Up To Date

2010-02-02T23:24:00.002-06:00

After drinking two cups of coffee tonight at mom-2-mom and cappuccino dessert, I am officially wired! So here is the latest;

My dad is here from Thailand for one month. I picked him up from the airport on Saturday 1/30/10.
Ben finished up his last basketball game on Saturday. Just in time to start soccer.
Jacob is also enrolled for soccer. Of course Ben and Jacob will be on different teams which means we will be camping out at the rec center on Saturday mornings for 6 weeks. Yeah Me!
I am still trying to figure out my life purpose for Bible Study. I have been thinking and praying about this for months (I might be dead before I figure it out-literally)!
I completed my "spiritual gifts assessment" and am laughing at my answers ( I will share later).
I have officially cooked and baked more in this last month than I have cooked in the last 10 years. This is very scary. Especially when Luke tells my dad that he has "domesticated" me. Good thing there were witnesses or Luke may have had one of those frying pans upside his head! :)
I would love Trooper to become a "mostly" indoor dog to keep me company during the day. If Luke keeps making "domesticated" comments, Troop may be an inside dog sooner, than later!
Oh.......and if you have never had your b*** kicked by a 65+ lady in yoga class, I don't recommend it! Last week was the first time I felt well enough to attempt to try yoga (not kickboxing but I will be back there ONE day). I thought it would be easy, which it was "kind-of" until I tried to get out of bed the next morning.....I am sure Ruth (Yes, Ruth) wasn't sore because it wasn't her first rodeo doing the "warrior pose". I will go back Thursday to see if I can keep up with her....Yeah right....

I will try to get some pictures posted soon of our adventures.

Luke's Home-Part 2

2010-01-23T19:04:00.006-06:00

Monday was the big day for our family, knowing our missing "link" would be home that night. Mid afternoon I got a call from Luke and our conversation went something like this:

Luke: Could you call and make me an appointment with Dr. E.. tomorrow?
Me: Sure. What do I need to tell them you need to be seen for? Parasites or what?
Luke: (Hesitating) Just tell them I scratched my leg in Liberia.
Me: Okay
Luke: My phone is almost out of battery so I will call you on my way home.

The conversation was very short and to the point as you can tell. However, I know my husband I knew he wasn't being very forthcoming. Regardless, I called and made an appointment.

Once Luke got home that night and somewhat "settled" after 26 hours of being en-route to Kansas City from Liberia and 3 hours on the road in the fog.........The truth finally came out as he was little delirious from traveling.

Luke: "Don't freak out when you see my leg."
Me: "Okay"
Luke: "I hurt my leg in Liberia and had to get stitches."
Me: (looking at his leg with a grin) "I knew something was up but I didn't think it required that many stitches!"

Here is a picture of his "cut" according the blog on 1/14/10. 13 stitches on the bottom and 26 up top for a total of 39 stitches. It doesn't look as "angry" in this picture as it did when he first got home...Thank goodness!

Luke had a great story behind the care he got in a 3rd world hospital. I think he was a little worried about cross contamination, hence the reason for the Dr. appointment in the US. Thankfully, he was on an antibiotic for Malaria two weeks before he left and is to be on it another month. The antibiotic he is taking is also used to treat staph infection so Luke was covered. We will continue to watch out for other signs of infection but so far so good.

Birthday Breakfast

2010-01-23T17:47:00.003-06:00

On Monday, the boys didn't have school due to Martin Luther King Day. I was reading my daily devotions when Jacob woke up. We snuggled while I finished my devotions and he watched "Sid the Science Kid." During the episode, Sid, and his father made a special meal for Sid's mom. Once Ben woke up I could hear the two of them plotting "something."

Jacob told me to stay in the bedroom because they had a "surprise for me." I kept hearing pots and pans bang around and a few disagreements. Otherwise, they asked me for some help a few times but ultimately they made me breakfast! I love how they decorated the plate as a happy face with eyebrows and all!.

Once we got some pictures we all sat down and had a wonderful breakfast. They did a GREAT job! Even better it was a nice way to our end our 13 days without their dad.

Ben sporting his New glasses!

2010-01-23T17:24:00.005-06:00

Ben has been having problems reading. He was getting so frustrated and I didn't know how to help him. Finally, before Christmas he said his eyes were "tired." Therefore, I decided it wouldn't hurt to have his eyes checked.

While Luke was in Liberia, Ben had his appointment. Dr. Simmonds said he was far-sighted and his eyes were having to work 50% harder while reading up close. So, Ben got to pick out some glasses for reading and math, etc. He wanted ones that looked just like his "daddy's." Now Ben looks like a miniature "Luke" when he is wearing his glasses. He is very excited to have them and I hope it stays that way!

Luke is home!

2010-01-22T08:21:00.003-06:00

Luke is home.....(insert long sigh here)...........
Our home was not the same without him.
I didn't want to leave his sight the first few days he was home. I am sure he felt smothered!
We all missed him terribly but somehow his trip not only opened Luke's eyes but also our eyes.
Luke has some great stories. Also, some stories from the orphanage, he can't share without breaking down....He wants me to go to the mission field next. We will see. God is working through us, only when the time is right will He reveal what we are to do next.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I will write more about his trip once I get caught up with some other posts.
Somehow I feel guilty being on the computer while everyone is gone.
I don't like the questions, "what did you do all day?" Because being on the computer "all day" doesn't get things accomplished while the kids are gone.

30 Something......

2010-01-15T23:02:00.002-06:00

Today was my birthday....The only reason I am blogging this late is due to the double shot of espresso at 8:00 PM. Here are me and the boys. Jacob decided to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt rather than going out to eat with us.
Scary picture of me but good one of Aunt Leslie. I am super thankful Aunt Leslie came to stay with me for a few days while Luke was out of town. Aunt Leslie spoiled me today....she helped me get ready for company, made me a cake, took Ben and I out to eat, let me pick a good smelling candle for the house, laundry, cleaned the boys' bathroom (she is brave), a cute trinket that looked like Trooper and a great Espresso drink from STARBUCKS!

Jake in his robe because he was "too sick" to go with us. It is okay, he had a fantastic time with Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt

Don had shoulder surgery on Wednesday. They released him today but he is going to stay at our house for a few days. They live too far away if there are any problems. We even had a company bring him an oxygen machine to our house for a few days. That makes me feel much better!

Ben Had to take a picture so here we are.......

Thank you Ray, Jane and Gpa Al for meeting us tonight for supper. It was good to see everyone and get caught up.

It was a good day despite realizing my drivers license expired today. I had to take an unexpected test. Once I was done with test they informed me they didn't take debit cards and would only take cash or check. I didn't have $30 cash or my checkbook, so had to run to the bank....Needless to say, I got my DL and I am driving legally!

Luke-World Traveler

2010-01-11T08:07:00.003-06:00

January 6th we had a winter storm.......wait I mean BLAST........since it was sooooo cold! He left early afternoon to drive to Kansas City because the weather was pretty bad.

Here is the picture of my "world traveler" as he was walking out the door....

new haircut (low maintenance) = check
shirt with A LOT of pockets (international travel shirt according to my dad) = check
a smile to humor his wife because he knows that is the only way he will get out the door = check!Go here to follow Luke and Team Liberia's trip. Go here to read another excerpt about Team Liberia's trip yesterday. Amazing

Inside Dog?

2010-01-11T07:54:00.002-06:00

It has been so cold this week that Trooper came in to hang out with us. He now thinks he is a house dog.....I can't bear to send him outside yet. I like having him inside with us even though he is kind of stinky....Nothing a candle can't take care of!

Things That Make Me Happy

2010-01-07T08:14:00.002-06:00

We didn't get any family "pictures" taken over the holiday but we did have this AWESOME watercolor done by a friend! December was a long month and when I got this in the mail I couldn't stop smiling....

Amy is doing watercolor portraits to raise money for her adoption. Check out her blog to see more pictures. Amy also has an etsy shop if interested.She is very talented and above all has a huge heart.

Thanks Amy we LOVE it!

busy weekend

2009-12-13T20:49:00.004-06:00

It was busy weekend and guess what!?!? I forgot my camera......So briefly here is a summary of our weekend....

Ben had his first basketball game. Grandma and Grandpa McVay came down for the game too.

Have you every seen a gym divided into three courts with all the players being in either 1st or 2nd grade? Wow, it was loud, busy and PACKED.

Ben did a great job and we are glad we got the first game over.

Here is Ben and Jake ready for church this morning. Jacob had a children's program in front of the congregation today. You guessed it, forgot the camera again. I am hoping to snag a picture from anothe parent so at least I have one of him playing the "bells."

After church Luke got called into work...so the boys and I finished making some sugar cookies. I got a phone call, forgot I had turned the timer off and smelled the cookies about 15 minutes later. I will say they taste good with coffee but that is about it!

Tonight, I was in the kitchen and heard something like snoring from the other room, this is what I saw...

Jacob was the one snoring (his foot up, really is that comfortable?)
Must be!

And Ben snuggled up under two blankets...
Don't they look like angels when they are asleep?
Then they wake up and that is a different story (but I still wouldn't change them for the world).

Christmas Season

2009-12-11T20:00:00.005-06:00

Random pictures of our 2009 Christmas Season.

It began with shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse....

They both chose boys to shop for...imagine! I forgot to take a picture of the final project but we loved doing this as a family.

Thanks Luke for taking them shopping....
Since you did this, the shoe boxes weren't late....

Jake discovering his "glitter globe" that was boxed up for the year.

I love this picture.

K-State....

At least each boy had their own ornament or it would have gotten physical.

The boys usually drink hot chocolate while decorating the tree.

Sugar is a "no-no" on our "special diets."

BUT, we couldn't back out on "tradition"

I think Grandma and Grandpa will understand...

Christmas music provided by PANDORA!

Mom not keeping up with taking ornaments out of the boxes...

The finished product.

I love it when only the Christmas lights are on in the house.

It makes me feel happy.

It makes me reflect on our Savior's birth and the fulfillment of God's promise.

Jacob did it!

2009-12-11T19:49:00.002-06:00

Jacob did it!

Jacob learned how to tie his shoes this week!

He has been working really hard but couldn't seem to figure out the last "bunny ear."

Then viola, he got it!

Jacob "sporting" his tied shoes that he did all by himself!

Now, when the new wears off, I am sure I will be back to tying shoes...

But, in the meantime, my dry, cracked hands are enjoying the break.

Biopsy is OVER!

2009-12-09T15:01:00.002-06:00

We did it! Luke and I made it to Wichita for our Dr's appointments. I took my Ativan and Luke threatened to record me using his phone, but I don't think he new how to work it! Lucky for me!

Luke got a FABULOUS report from Dr. Moore, Jr. and Luke is able to go on his trip. Luke's x-ray continued to show a lot of arthritis in his back and his zyphoid continues to grow bigger. However, that is something that can be addressed when he comes back from Liberia. I also have to thank Zoe who as an awesome "studies" nurse. She has a great personality and is always so upbeat and caring. She followed Luke for awhile while he did supplement study for his type of lung cancer. They pulled the study but at least we still get to see her!

Yesterday, the Ativan made me feel drunk. It didn't stop the pain of the needle/catheter going in my arm to dispense the morphine. If the morphine helped I did not notice because it was so painful. Seriously, I didn't get all these drugs on the first bone marrow biopsy but thank you God I had them on the 2nd one. I started crying and got super embarrassed because I can usually disassociate from the pain, just couldn't yesterday....There are no words to describe what they do during the biopsy, so if you are curious, "U-Tube it", and see! My hip continues to hurts and if I don't apply pressure it throbs. I feel like my entire body is in shock and that every bone is bruised in my body.

I hurt so bad this morning I had my friend drive me to the Dr in Newton so the nurse could "re-dress" the bandage and add more tape. I started crying again (which I don't like doing) and she was so empathetic, understanding how frustrated I was. Thanks Susan, she is another awesome nurse!

PRAISE: I would like to thank everyone for their prayers yesterday. We have wonderful friends that care for us. We received another unexpected donation for Luke's trip. Praise that I am married to such a caring, loving, wonderful husband. All of the small details he thinks of when caring for me are appreciated. For example after being wheeled downstairs in a wheel chair, he had the car warmed up and once I got in car he covered me up with a blanket (as I am always cold). Praise for my women's bible study....Kelly made us meal last night that was gluten free! I love the women in this study as they are so caring towards one another.

PRAYERS: That Luke's trip will be 100% funded by the time he leaves on January 6th. Pray that the supply money will come in for materials for the library and safety for all those going on this trip. Continue to pray for answers for my test results even if it is good/bad. Pray for peace for the boys as they are getting anxious about these new things happening in our home.

It is a GO!

2009-12-08T08:17:00.004-06:00

PRAISE: We received word yesterday that Suzy had heard from Tony and the trip is a GO! The funds should be coming in soon for supplies! Luke had everything ready to be mailed to the Liberian Embassy but didn't want to send the envelope until we had word from Tony. ... He was so excited! I sent him to the post office so he could get in the mail. I am fairly certain he was floating on cloud 9 most of the evening!

PRAISE: We sent our first envelope to Deer Creek Church with donations! It was awesome. Friends and family have been so gracious, we are excited to have them share in God's work. We are roughly 50% funded for Luke's trip that will begin one month from yesterday.

I am going out on a HUGE LIMB here and speaking from my heart. I have been wanting to share this for awhile on my blog but never felt the timing was right. It may be a point of anxiety for me, but I believe some things need to be shared in order for some extra prayers.

In the midst of everything good going for Luke our family (me especially) is experiencing some spiritual warfare. I spoke with our Pastor the other day and he agreed and gave me some resources. As some of you know I really haven't felt well for about 2 years. It is draining. I hate saying I don't feel well because I know people are tired of hearing it and I am SICK AND TIRED of FEELING SICK & TIRED......I have seen multiple specialists and the most recent is a hematologist/cancer specialist. I have been having blood drawn weekly for almost a year. For some reason I don't produce very many white blood cells and then my body can't fight off sickness. In September I had my lowest WBC and the lowest "infection fighter count" and it was the best I felt in months. The Dr. wanted to do a SECOND bone marrow biopsy and I refused. They are painful, they take weeks to heal from and above all they couldn't find anything wrong (even though I continue to have 2-3% abnormal lymph nodes).

Luke and I decided to go some alternative routes and met with a Chiropractor/Kinesiologist (Dr. R.) in Topeka. He didn't know all of my side effects but came to the conclusion I had "parasites." He indicated I have probably had them since I was kid. I don't know what kind because living in the central US facilities don't do enough testing to know what they are looking for. Regardless of what type of parasite, my treatment would be the same. He also indicated if I had them my entire family would more than likely have them. So we have been on a high protein/low carb diet since the beginning of November. The boys have done great even with such strict dietary regimen and just have a few more weeks to go before finishing treatment. FYI parasites LOVE sugar so we are trying to starve them and take supplements that inhibit their ability to digest sugar.

The bottom line is my body is TOXIC from the parasites waste. Their waste travels through your blood stream and they excrete amonia and other things harmful to humans. There is a strong correlation between parasites and cancer and fungus. That is a different blog for a different day.

However, this exhausting. My ability to work is limited because I don't know how I will feel. This last week my leg broke out in shingles which is another sign of a very compromised immune system ! Therefore, Luke and I decided to go get my second biopsy because of all the indications of a "pre-leukemia" or "lymphoma."

Luke told Pastor Dave the other day that his going on this trip depended on my biopsy results. I promptly told him he was going regardless of the test results. I won't go through typical cancer treatment anyway so one more month isn't going to hurt me.....BUT today is the day of the biopsy.......We are making the trek to Wichita in the snow, sleet and ice. Besides, Luke has an appt too with his cancer Dr so it is kind of 2 for 1 deal!

Praises: Look at the top. We have so much to be thankful for.

Prayer Requests: answers (whatever they may be), endurance, protection, for our boys as they are anxious because the last time Luke was gone that long he was in the hospital after having his lung removed last year, safe travels today and continued prayer and financial support.

Ephesians 6:13-17: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

Team Liberia

2009-12-03T14:06:00.003-06:00

We will soon be announcing the blog for "Team Liberia 2010." VERY EXCITING!

Luke and I have been learning A LOT about international travel. Luke has been a champion planning ahead and getting his "to do" list taken care of. I am impressed since I tend to be a procrastinator and/or "work under the gun" kind of person....

PRAISE: We are about 12% supported for Luke's trip to Liberia. Luke was able to get his Yellow Fever shot and other mandatory vaccines yesterday (which was an issue on Monday). God is showing me sides of my husband that I have never seen before regarding his FAITH!

PRAYERS: Please pray for Luke as he is getting persecuted regarding his trip to Liberia from both friends and family. Emotionally this can be very trying. Please pray for endurance as my health continues to be like a roller coaster.

Luke's New Mission

2009-11-29T21:43:00.006-06:00

Very exciting things have been happening at the Schmidt household and I think it is time to share! Last weekend Luke went to Fairplay, Colorado for a "missions retreat." It was the same weekend I wanted to be in Muscatine, Iowa to hear Scott Harrison speak from Charity Water (water4christmas) but things never materialized. However, Luke still got an opportunity to hear more about a missions project being planned in January 2010 in Monrovia, Liberia.

First, let me take you back a year or two in our lives. I will try to make this brief but no promises! Two years ago Luke and I took a Perspectives Class in our church which changed our lives....As a result of this class, Luke and I decided that I needed a career change. I had been working roughly 11 years as a Director of Juvenile Services (in and out of home placements/prevention) and an Intensive Supervision Officer for Adults & Juveniles. It was very stressful and my family was suffering as a result. We decided I should stay at home for awhile so I could be more involved in Bible Studies, Church and with our family. My last day was July 3, 2008.

During Perspectives we met a speaker by the name of Tony Weedor. Tony talked of his life-story walking out of Liberia with his wife and young daughter during a civil war, one in which Christians were being persecuted. Tony arrived at a refugee camp still proclaiming his love for Christ and Liberia. Tony had a vision that he would one day return to Liberia and provide a safe place for family/community gatherings and a place where one could learn about our God and Savior without fear. That night at Perspectives, Tony handed out a brochure called Center Point International after Tony's "mission." Something about Tony's testimony lit a fire in Luke that he hadn't experienced since he was at Thomas-Moore Prep. That night Luke came home and put the brochure on our bathroom mirror and it has been there ever since so we can remember to pray for Tony and Center Point.

Second, 2 weeks after I quit my job we found out the spot on Luke's lung had "doubled in size 8 times in 6 months" and needed to come out immediately. These spots on Luke's lungs were found "accidentally" during a CT scan of his lower back. We had been watching them so this growth was unexpected as Luke was not a smoker. The surgeon informed me during the surgery that the spot on Luke's lung was cancer and they had to remove not only the middle but also the upper lobe of his right lung. We were thankful Luke did not have to have radiation or chemotherapy. The recovery has been a long process but we continue to praise God that the cancer was found, it didn't spread and that Luke is still with us today.

Now to the present.......Roughly 3 weeks ago we got a call from a friend who asked if Luke wanted to go on a short term missions trip to Monrovia, Liberia. They were needing someone who knew how to do electrical work for a library and they thought of him. Of course, Luke wanted to go but when he found out it would be with Tony Weedor at Center Point, he was ELATED.

I am so excited for Luke and this opportunity he has been given to serve God. He has written letters to friends and family asking for prayer and financial support. Luke will be leaving January 7, 2010 and returning January 19th. There are only two men from Kansas going on the trip and the rest are from Colorado. We will be starting a separate blog for their trip sometime this week ( I will keep you posted). We are no where near our financial support and airline tickets will need to be purchased soon so continued prayers would be welcomed!

Here is part of the group going to Liberia. Tony Weedor is directly below Luke. Luke will be traveling with Eric Buller who was at Water Weekend (lucky) and not in the picture...

To learn more about Tony's mission please visit http://www.centerpointinternational.org/. This group will be working on the library at Center Point's Compound. If anyone would like to be part of Luke's prayer team, please email him at luke7710@hotmail.com or leave a comment and I will pass it on to him.

Isabel's 2nd Birthday

2009-11-27T23:52:00.002-06:00

Luke made it home from Colorado early Sunday morning. He slept a few hours and had to get up to get ready for company. Luke's parents, Jacqie, Isabel, and Isabel's other grandma were coming over that afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving and Isabel's 2nd birthday! Luke was so EXCITED to see his Isabel he could hardly stand it!Great grandma Schmidt brought the birthday cake...

It was delicious!
Isabel getting ready to blow out her candles...
The boys did NOT like the princess plates, napkins and tablecloth.
They were too funny!

Isabel was always ready to pose, even with an ice cream mustache!

Grandpa and Isabel.

Isabel opening presents...

The pose again!

The boys couldn't get enough of Isabel.

Grandma Linda and the kids playing.

We were so glad Linda could join us for the party...

We hope we can do it again.

My Dads Old House In Colorado

2009-11-27T23:28:00.004-06:00

Last weekend, Luke took a quick trip to Fairplay, Colorado. He was so excited about his trip, he couldn't sleep the night before. Therefore, he got up extra early and was extra early for his meeting. Since he had a few "hours" to spare, he stopped off at my dad's (and mine for one year) old house in the mountains.

When Luke pulled up to the house, there was an elk in our old front yard. She got scared and ran away before Luke could get a picture.

Dad's old house

I would park my car at the bottom of the driveway when my car wouldn't make it up the drive due to LOTS of SNOW!

This land is across the street from our old house.

There is a "For Sale" sign if anyone wants a great cabin....

I am afraid it would be quite pricey too!

Luke and I really miss this place!

Dad sold it after he decided to move somewhere warm and tropical.....

He left the long winters/snow FOR warm weather, nice beaches and cheaper living....

Now in order to see dad we have to fly for 24 hours to Thailand, rather than drive to Colorado for 8 hours. Hmmm....I don't foresee that anytime soon with two boys!

Thank You!

2009-11-19T08:46:00.004-06:00

THANK YOU!!

Over $10,000 dollars was in ONE day for WATER.....

Water for babies.....children.......... mother's.......father's........grandmother's... & grandfather's...

This pictures humbles me.......This was a recent picture taken by Jody's team while visiting the villages in Liberia who have received the wells for clean water.

This picture made me stop.....Every time I think my house needs "so much work" done to it or I am upset because I don't I have anything to wear (as I have a walk in closet full and few dressers), I am reminded of what God has given me and my family....

I am not sure of the name of the song (Enough? You alone are God?) but we sang it in church a few weeks ago and it reminds me of how blessed we are....

The verse says something like this: "You have given me more than enough."

Today, as we prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, lets truly reflect how blessed we are and how often times God is not acknowledged or praised for these blessings.

Faces behind the water

2009-11-09T11:43:00.003-06:00

This is truly AMAZING. I want to write something more profound but I lack the words and time to give it proper thought. Therefore, I will use Jody's blog to help express what my heart wants to say.....

Once again, you are wondering if Water4Christmas is a legit organization!?! Yes.....yes it is. Here is the proof. Please take 5 minutes and read about Jody's (& others) journey to Liberia.

This is the real deal folks! This is not some sales pitch asking for money in order to line the pockets of those in administration. We are blessed to live in the United States. We are blessed in order to bless others. If you can't afford $10.00, then please blog, facebook, email, whatever, in order to tell people about this organization http://www.water4christmas.com/. I can't turn my back away from the faces of those the water has helped, like the boy above. See what God puts on your heart and act accordingly. Really, we are all just "Jars of Clay." Ordinary, everyday people that are trying to make a difference.

Little Break-Water4Christmas

2009-11-04T22:12:00.002-06:00

So I have taken a little break from blog land. Really, I wish time wasn't such a factor. I have been wanting to blog more about WATER but haven't had the right words at the right time. There has been so much going on lately that I am lucky to even recall my name (more on that later).

So today I am sending you to another blog that is super cool and she has already done the work explaining the Water4Christmas cause! Megan was one of the 9 that got together to make crafts to sell in the Water4Christmas Etsy shop. Thanks Meg!

Also, visit the Water4Christmas website and purchase your first $10 Christmas present on November 13th. :)

Grandma Sue's Birthday

2009-10-18T21:55:00.002-05:00

Despite all the illness, I went against my "better" judgement and we went to the K-State vs. Texas A&M game in Manhattan on Saturday. Jacob has had a sinus infection for days and I was sick Friday night/Saturday morning.

Here is my REASONING for making myself and the kids hang out in the cold:

1. Jacqie and her friend wanted to come with us to this game for months....Luke looked hard for weeks before he found tickets.

2. My step-sister, Angela and her husband, Matt, were going to be in town at the game.

3. We were celebrating my mom's BIRTHDAY at the game.

Angela made a homemade carrot cake with real cream cheese frosting!

Perfectly decorated for mom and a K-State game!

Yes, it was as delicious at it looks!
Jacob picked this out for Grandma Sue the other day. It is a box with an angel holding a gold shaped heart. Hence the reason it was called the "Heart of Gold Angel."
Jacob wrapped it all by himself with "Superman" wrapping paper.

Thank you mom for being there for me and for all of your family.
You truly do have a Heart of Gold.
We Love You!

Water Retreat Weekend

2009-10-15T21:59:00.004-05:00

The first weekend of October I had the opportunity to spend time with 9 amazing women making crafts to sell on the etsy shop for www.water4christmas.com.

4 women drove from Iowa & 4 of us drove from Newton

to Pam's house in Kansas City.

All of us contributing to the project in our own special way.

Crafting Team

Front Row: Teresa, Jody, Shana, Amy, Pam, Megan

Back row: Me, Cassie, Amy, Jana
Me......yes, me.........doing crafts and loving it.........REALLY!

Pam's "House of Crafts"

Cassie, Amy and Jody working hard.

Teresa cutting patterns for headbands.

patterns.....

Pam our hostess....

I miss her so much since she left Newton. It was good to see her.

Megan's finished project.

I was humbled by the passion of these women.

Driven to help raise money to dig wells in Liberia for CLEAN drinking water.

Clean water, which we take for granted here in America.

I have thought about this post for almost two weeks. My post hasn't been as eloquent or as "heart felt" as I would like it to be. Therefore, I encourage each of you to read more about the weekend from fellow "bloggers/crafters." Go to "Clearing the Air", The Burback Family, Whatever, Chapter 35 and http://jodyrlanders.com on the side bar of my blog to learn more.

I apologize in advance, I still don't know how to add their links to my posts.

Visitors!

2009-10-15T21:20:00.003-05:00

On Sunday we had surprise visitors come by to see us! Onn and her friend came by the house and brought some food for us. Onn is a very SPECIAL person. She is very caring and she loves the boys (despite their orneriness).Jacob was excited to show Onn his "Bumble Bee" Costume.
Here is Onn, Jacob and Ben (GI Joe).

Onn is originally from Thailand. She has only been in the United States a few years. She is attending WSU, getting her degree in nursing. We are thankful that God has brought her into our lives. Our stomachs like it too because she a great cook!

Check out Siam Cuisine in Wichita for authentic Thai food at very REASONABLE prices. Onn's family runs the business.

Also, Luke's parents came by and spent Sunday night with us. Don had a Drs. appointment in Wichita on Monday so we had extra special time with them on Sunday/Monday.

Jacqie was able to come by and see us too. However, Luke was bummed because Jacqie didn't have time to bring Isabel!

Trooper Therapy & Random Pictures

2009-10-07T20:07:00.006-05:00

"Mr. Smiley" AKA "Trooper"

This is "Trooper". He is MY dog. Trooper loves the boys, especially Jacob. Ben is allergic to dogs so he stays clear but Jacob "snuggles" with Troop and they are buddies. Troop got his name because I decided with two boys ages 2 and 3 (at the time) he needed to be a "Trooper" to put up with the boys being rough. Troop is a VERY good boy, low key, relaxed, and melts my heart with those big brown eyes. Troops only down fall are his ears. He gets infections frequently which can cause him to be quite "stinky." That is okay by me because I still LOVE him. Above, Troop looks like a bear rug, relaxing after a very rough morning - ha!
Here is Troop sporting an "80's do" with an "ear head-band."
This is suppose to help get air to his ears so they don't get infected.

Side profile

Trooper very excited that we were in the back yard.

NOW, here is the real reason for the blog.......

I was lonely being in the house by myself on Tuesday and Troop smelled.

Therefore, I decided to give him a bath and "groom him."

I was also trying to be "thrifty" since I am not working and wanted to save $80.

Above is the before bath, blow drying, shaving and brushing picture.
Trooper afterwards.

It took so long to take care of Trooper and clean the bathroom, that I was late picking up the boys. However, it made the day go by quickly!

Jacob's First Day of All Day Kindergarten

2009-10-07T19:54:00.004-05:00

Monday was Jacob's first day of all day Kindergarten. He was so excited that he had a hard time falling asleep on Sunday and woke up at 5:00 AM Monday. Luke found him that morning, dressed and laying on his "made" bed. Yes, Jacob was ready but mom on other hand, not so much!Jacob
Ben is in a lovely stage of making "faces." I think this was the only picture without his tongue sticking out.

Ben and Jacob

Both boys waiting for the bus.

Both my "Babies" leaving on the bus.

Jacob had a great day of all day kindergarten and enjoyed eating lunch at school.

I am thankful he had a good day and that Ben helped take care of him on the bus!

Craft Weekend

2009-10-05T13:28:00.004-05:00

I am feeling somewhat obligated to blog after getting on-line and noticing that I am the only one left of the bunch that hasn't blogged about the "craft weekend." Which was put together by awesome women with a vision to provide clean drinking water to men, women and children in Liberia. 10 women came together to make crafts to sell on Etsy Shop next month (as a fund raiser) to dig wells. I will keep everyone updated on how to get involved.

I would love to link every one's blog but I am the technologically challenged of the bunch. So either Amy or Cassie is going to have to give me a lesson on how to post cool pictures, links, etc. on blogspot. This may actually require a phone call!

AND, of course I need to figure out how to give credit on certain links so I don't violate any copy right stuff....See the need to follow directions to a "T" is the old "Probation Officer" coming out!

One last thing.....go to www.water4christmas.com to find out how you can give to this legitimate organization working towards a great cause.

A Perfect Day

2009-10-01T22:16:00.002-05:00

Today was my first day of being "unemployed" for a few weeks. It ended up being a great day. I started helping Jacob with his homework. All kindergartner's were required to decorate a scarecrow for the hallways at school....My "ex-coworker" (less than 24 hours) knew I was working on a scarecrow and knew I wouldn't make it to Walmart for "Raffia." So she called me and said I am outside your front door, let me in!!! She came bearing gifts...Rafia...yea!

It was fun! We had coffee and apples (her favorite), had fun helping Jacob with his project, had the windows open and listened to crickets.

Lynne has officially made it past the "family friendly" cleanliness rules and she has graduated to family member. I stayed in my Jammie's while she was here, we swept my kitchen floor and even worked on my toilet! I think Lynne is a keeper!

Jacob and Lynne working on the scarecrow.
Trooper, hanging out acting really "stressed out."

Then after an afternoon to myself (ahhhh), I picked up the boys for haircuts and then off to flag football!

Ben is #6 and Jacob #8.

Luke B. (far left), Ben and Jacob getting ready to "tackle".....wait, I mean "pull a flag."

What a GREAT day!

First Day of Fall

2009-09-22T21:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Fall!

Luke keeps asking me when I am going to blog.........hmmm.........very good question. I wish there were enough hours in the day to EVERYTHING I wanted to do.

However, blogging has been on the "back burner" for about a month now. I will continue to take a break until I am officially "unemployed" on 10/1/09.

See you next week!
:)Angie

rafting-part 2

2009-08-26T22:01:00.003-05:00

This is what the weather looked like when started rafting......................

About 30 minutes into the raft trip, this is what it looked like.....

It was cold, rainy and then it hailed on us!

Luke and Jacob after hitting a huge rapid!

Luke enjoying being in the front and taking on all the water.

Jake and Ben (and me) before it got cold.

Thank goodness our guide had an extra coat for Jake after he got drenched.

Caleb (our guide) and Ben.

Ben trying hard not to smile! He had a great time.

KState Fan Appreciation Day

2009-08-26T21:21:00.006-05:00

Luke went fishing for the weekend so we (Ben, Jake & myself) decided to head to Manhattan with my mom and step-dad for Fan Appreciation Day. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be....the boys liked getting to move from "seat to seat" without bugging anyone.

After football practice, Coach Snyder invited everyone down to get signatures. He also had a "pep-talk" for the kids and stressed how important it was to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed in life. Jake and Ben observing practice.
Grandma Sue and Jake posing after she left a lip stick "kiss" on his forehead.

Players practicing...

Coach Snyder introducing the team.

Brandon (?) Banks was the only senior that allowed the boys to go under the table and pose for a picture with him. He was super friendly!

The two above don't look big sitting down but these guys were huge!

Jacob wanted to know if the guys in the "green shirts" played for the Green Bay Packers.......

He loves Jordy Nelson

He was disappointed when he found out they are quarterbacks.

Mo one of the coaches...I need Ted's book so I all the players / coaches names.

This picture cracks me up! My boys look little compared these guys!

Again, forgot the name but this guy grew up in Little River, KS.

This is a freshman 6'8" tall.

I need him around my house to change light bulbs! just kidding

Coach Snyder with Ben, Jake and me. He had signed posters for over an hour-and-a-half and was still very gracious. What a great role model for kids.

Mom, Ted, Ben and Jake on the football field.

The boys had an awesome time running and playing with some of the "tackling pads" on the field.

Vacation Day-6: RAFTING

2009-08-17T21:11:00.011-05:00

We went white water rafting on Wednesday. Aunt Jenn met us there in the afternoon. That was the only way I was going to take the boys rafting was if there were more adults than kiddos.

Ben waiting to go!
Here are some pictures of rafting on the Colorado River. I will post more pictures later!

Jacobs feet are above.....If you look close you can see tennis shoes by Luke.

Luke getting Jacob back up!

Poor Jacob was freezing after taking the rapids!

Jacob switched places with Ben after this. He was so cold! Thank goodness our guide had some warm coats! The boys had a great time.

Logan

2009-08-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

I need to learn how to use my scanner because I wanted to add more pictures (pre-digital cameras). Maybe by next year I will know how to do it!

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by without our "Logan Duane."

We often wonder what he would look like, his personality, likes/dislikes, etc.

He was the only one of our boys that had a cleft chin.........Would he look more like a Hess (my dad and brother both have cleft chins) or a Schmidt, or look just like Ben and Jake.

We still don't know what happened.

BUT what we do know is that Gods work for him was done at 39.5 weeks.

After a lot of heartache, it took 3 years for God to give us another baby....

Then God had a sense of humor and gave us Jacob not quite 14 months later!

I spent today volunteering at the Community Fair.

It was a great way to pay tribute to his special day.

Vacation Day-5

2009-08-14T21:51:00.008-05:00

On Tuesday we went to Glenwood Caverns. We rode the gondola to the top of the mountain and shortly after we arrived we took a tour of a cave. We were the only ones scheduled for 10:20 so we had a "private" tour. Dad and Ben going up on the gondola.
Mom and Jake.
(mom not liking heights)

Jacob and Ben getting a better look of Glenwood Springs.

This was the amost amazing part of the tour.

It is late and I can't remember the name of it (I will do some investigating).

Ben took a "picture" of a "picture" after the tour.

Jacob and Ben eating lunch with a spectacular view. Of course the food was overpriced but the atmosphere was wonderful.

Eating lunch looking at the gondola.

Jacob jumping on the trampoline. Ben's pictures didn't turn out very well.

Me and Aunt Jenn on the "SWING SHOT." I am so scared of heights that I didn't enjoy this one minute! BUT the kids loved it.

Jacob was laughing the entire time and Ben hanging on for dear life. Jacob has the "dare-devil" gene were Ben and I are lacking.

The amusement park also had a mini rollercoaster. The boys really liked it. I went so slow the first time I got hit from someone from behind.

Ben laying on the park bench after eating pizza. We hung out to see if any black bears came down the mountain to dig through trash..........but no luck.

Actually, Aunt Jenn, Luke, and myself were enjoying the cool air.

Surprise!

2009-08-13T21:21:00.008-05:00

We are taking a break from vacation pictures to announce the latest "last-minute" change. On August 11th we had "meet the teacher" at South Breeze. A long list of events took place but Luke told Mrs. Klug (kindergarten teacher) that he thought Jacob was ready and Mrs. Klug said it wasn't too late if we changed our minds.

I had made up mind for 5 months and I fully anticipated having one more year at home with my "baby." We hadn't worked on riding a bike without training wheels, tying shoes, etc. I was content with him being held back one more year until my little bubble was burst at 5:30 PM.

Once we got home we asked Jacob what he wanted and he said "if you want me to go to preschool with the little kids I will do it." However, my quotations aren't fully resembling the heartache he said it with. He said he wanted to go to kindergarten with the big kids.

Ugggg....

My Thursday started still not knowing if Jacob was going to school AND Ben got up at 5:00 AM asking when he could go to school. At least we kept him in bed until 6:30.

Jacob and Ben before Ben caught the bus. Ben didn't want Jake to put his arm around him.
Luke with Jacob and Ben.
Ben said his stomach was hurting so he forced a smile.

Ben waiting for Ms. Jo the bus driver.
AND.....

Jacob on his way into afternoon kindergarten. He wanted to get there early because he doesn't like people "staring" at him because he is "shy."

Jacob waiting for me to get out of the classroom!

Luke and I thought it was pretty quiet and went looking for Jacob.

This is how we found him about 5:00 PM.

I think he was tired!

Surprise!

2009-08-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

Vacation Day-4 - Night

2009-08-10T21:52:00.004-05:00

One of Aunt Jenn's rules is you can't play with her "critters" unless she is home. The boys couldn't wait for Aunt Jenn to get home from work on Monday so they could hold "Jones" and "Houdini". Jones is a box turtle that was malnourished when her brother, Tim, found the turtle in his neighborhood. Jenn inherited the turtle a few years ago.
Jones loves apples and lettuce but is very shy!
Ben was so excited to pick her up.

Next the boys got to hold "Houdini" and 3 foot Ball Python. Jenn has had him since she was 19 years old. He also lived with us in college.

On a side note, Houdini cannot eat live mice. He becomes friends with them and then the mice start hurting him.....therefore, in college, we always had frozen mice in our freezer. It was carefully marked (thank goodness) but just a memory that just came to mind!

Jacob didn't like the feel of him on his skin so we put Jenn's work shirt over his legs. Then he was okay with the snake crawling on him! Ironic that Jake even has his native Kansas snake shirt on for the pictures! (Thank you Aunt Leslie that is one of his favorite shirts).

Ben is glowing!

Aunt Jenn has two dogs, Copper and Red. Jacob loved both of them but the picture of Red Dog was a blur so we just have one of Copper!

Ben took a picture after Aunt Jenn's petting zoo was "closed" for the night. Afterwards we headed to Glenwood for the next two nights.

Vacation Day-4

2009-08-10T21:16:00.006-05:00

Monday morning we headed to "Rifle Falls" in Rifle, Colorado (imagine). It was pretty and easy hiking for the boys. Luke did not get winded which was also a plus too! This was the first time he had been hiking since his surgery last August. All of us under the waterfalls.
Plenty of caves for the boys to explore. I hit my head on the top of one of the caves and mom lost her sense of humor for awhile.

There were great trees to explore on top of the falls.

Jake, Mom and Ben at the base of the falls.

More caves.......

After our hike the boys took off their shoes and put their feet in the water. The water was cold so they lost interest fairly quickly. I headed to the lovely "outhouse" and in the meantime Ben fell into the creek....He thought he was stepping on grass but it wasn't! He kept telling us NOT to laugh (it was hard not too) because he was so embarrassed!

He gets so sensitive about those things!

After our adventure at the "Falls" we drove a few more miles up the road to the fish hatchery.

Jenn works for the Division so I thought it would be fun to get Ben's picture with their logo. Besides I am little biased towards the "ram" since I am an Alum from Colorado State University......Go RAMS!

This hatchery only raises Rainbow Trout....We got to go through and feed them.

We also saw two Eagles who had a nest near the hatchery. They were amazing to watch in the wild.

Luke really wanted to throw a fishing pole in the water, but I think that was against policy!

On our way back we stopped off at this lake so the boys could throw more rocks. If I haven't already said this, they LOVE throwing rocks....

We didn't stay here too long because the ants were "vicious!" They would hang on your shoes, clothes, skin, whatever they could hang onto and not let go. They loved to bite too! We renamed this lake "Fire Ant Lake."

Jenn informed me afterwards that they didn't have "fire ants" in Colorado but we didn't care that is still what we are calling it!

Vacation Day 3

2009-08-09T22:39:00.002-05:00

On Sunday we stopped to see our Niece and Nephew and their two children, Jaxson and Lexi. It was the first time we got to meet Lexi so everyone was very excited! Lexi was adorable! It almost made me want another baby! I think I will give her smooches and give her back to her mom and dad once she is good and spoiled!
Jacob took this picture in Tanda and Kevin's backyard!
Jaxson is in front of Ben! Both boys were very protective with him.

The boys got Jaxson in the swing and were "carefully" swinging him back and forth. Literally we went inside for 60 seconds and when we came out this is what we found!

Jaxson LOVED it!

Here is Tanda , Uncle Luke and Lexi. Luke usually has a way with babies but I think she was getting hungry at this point!

I LOVE this picture of Jacob and Jaxson.

Jacob brought in his wonder markers and he and Jaxson were coloring on the floor. Jacob is so good with younger children. He is one of the oldest at his babysitters and he prides himself in being the "big kid" now that Ben is in school.

After our visit we drove to Glenwood Springs from Denver. That was one long drive in the rain. It was sooo cold but a relief from the hot Kansas summers. We drove to Silt and stayed at Jenn's house that night (she wasn't there). When we got to the house she had an air rocket for both boys and two containers of sidewalk chalk. We went and explored Silt, it was a nice town and the people we met were friendly.

Have I said yet, I miss Colorado!?!

We had great family time that night and watched a movie on the DVD player from the car. Jenn doesn't have a TV so we all piled in bed and watched "Kung Fu Panda."

It was great day!

Vacation-Day 2 (boys)

2009-08-09T22:23:00.002-05:00

The boys got to hang out with their dad while mom helped with the baby shower. I booked a different hotel room that night so the boys got to check it out before mom! It was very nice and the boys were excited. When talking to Luke, he asked how much the room was because he looked on the back of the door and it said it was almost $500 a night. I assured him I had not lost my mind and we weren't paying over a $100 a night. I heard a sigh of relief afterwards!

The hotel had a great walking path that went under hwy 36 and the boys liked the tunnel and throwing rocks up on the hill. I guess they demolished quite a few ant hills along the way.

Once they got tired they decided to go to the Butterfly Pavilion which we had been to a few years ago. Last time mom was the only one who held "Rosie" and the "hissing cockroach". This time the boys got a little braver......

Rosie is a Tarantula and once you hold it, you get a cool sticker!
Jacob trying to show Ben how to hold "Rosie" the correct way!

One big butterfly!

Luke said the boys said this was a "funny looking butterfly." We haven't quite figured out the whole "mating" discussion so Luke agreed with them and walked on!

Afterwards the boys went back to the hotel for more swimming! Yea for Dad!

Vacation-Day 2

2009-08-06T21:41:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, my "bff" (Jenn) had a baby shower for her younger sister, Melanie. Jenn had been out of town for a few weeks and was running around trying to get everything done at the last minute. I was happy to volunteer to get ready for the shower, which meant the boys had to fend for themselves that day! Jenn and Mindy were preparing for about 40-45 people to come to the shower. I would say about 40 showed up which meant Mel "scored" some good stuff for the baby!

Jenn's family has always been like my other family and Jenn's mom, Liz, is called MOM (My Other Mom). Below is a picture of Melanie and Janelle. Janelle is Melanie's cousin and I lived at Janelle's parents house for about a month when I was in college at Colorado State University (CSU). The last time I saw Janelle she was beginning 2nd grade. I felt so old because she just graduated from CSU and it doesn't seem like I graduated from there 13 years ago....

(okay back to more pleasant thoughts).

I can't figure out how to make this picture bigger........
Ashlyn with Auntie Jenn.
Ashlyn is Tim's little girl, Jenn's brother. She had a some rough times when she was younger but she is doing so much better now. Two years ago she was still eating out of a feeding tube, but can eat regular food now (yea)! She and her younger brother, Aiden, are being raised by their father. Tim is doing an awesome job!Growing up we had the best block ever! Even though all of us have moved we have stayed in touch. These are some very special woman to me!
Liz (MOM), Rose, Pat and Jenn
I hadn't seen Rose or Pat for 10 years. They all look great!

I use to babysit for Pat and her three kiddos. I still picture them as being "little" but they are all grown up having careers, spouses, children, etc., etc....

In addition to seeing old neighbors, I ran into an old classmate from "Standley Lake High School" He was leaving Mindy's house when we arrived at her house to prepare for the shower. It was fun to get caught up on old friends/acquaintances.

Day 1-Vacation

2009-07-26T08:47:00.006-05:00

Friday we left for Colorado....We did not make good time but we stretched out the trip so the boys could blow off some energy and that we wouldn't hit rush hour traffic in Denver.

Our first stop was not intended but really needed. I went to the Chiropractor on Thursday because of my hip/lower back. It wasn't quite in place and Thursday night my leg kept falling asleep as I was trying to pack and couldn't walk on it. I finally got to sleep at 1:30 AM Friday (packing) and got up at 5:30 for kickboxing. My leg wouldn't quite work while doing certain exercises but knew it would really hurt in the car if I didn't work out. We left the house around 8:30 and after sitting in the car 20 minutes the pain was unbearable. Thank goodness my Chiropractor has an office in Salina and is there on Friday. I called the office and they said they would work me in. Yea! Once we got there Dr. J found the culprit in my lower back, issued me a "loaner tenz unit" and gave me samples of an all natural muscle relaxer..........ahhhh the trip was much better from that point!

The second stop was the Sternberg Museum in Hays, KS. Their T-Rex exhibit was still there and boys had a great time. I even liked it and I am not the biggest dinosaur fan. This was a great idea by Luke!

The third stop was in Colby at the Oasis on the Plains! The boys played and long story short Ben took off in a split second and I couldn't find him. He had to use the restroom and I told him to wait until Luke and Jacob got back.......thank goodness I found him in the restroom but was scared to death not knowing if someone took him or what........He was in the bathroom but didn't understand why he was in trouble because he looked both ways! Once again we had to have the talk that there are some people in the world that are not nice!

We stopped off at Limon and Luke let the boys talk him into drinks and chips that the boys aren't usually allowed to drink.....Orange Crush and Blue Gatoraid, we have found a correlation between dyes in food (red 40, yellow, blue) and hyperactivity in the boys. Mom was not pleased with the decision but was on the phone with the Vet (another story) when they went in to get treats. God must have thought I needed to lighten up because I went to take more Tylenol and used the orange pop to drink it and it exploded! I was so mad, it exploded on me, went in my shoes, on the tenz unit, on the seat, etc...........my skin looked like I used bad self tanning lotion (because I was orange), after a pack of wipes I got most of it cleaned up. THEN it was my turn to drive into Denver and get my "fix!" We made it safely across town to our hotel and I felt back in my element!

I waited until Thursday night to make reservations and there was a huge softball tournament in town and the only room I could find in Westminster was a smoking room. Not good for Luke's lung or allergies. I went to Target and got an air ionizer and Febreeze. It helped but needless to say we didn't spend much time in the room so the boys got to do ALOT of swimming. I found a different hotel not far away and will try that on day two!

swimming lessons

2009-07-14T23:10:00.004-05:00

I would read July 4th blog and read this one second!

The boys began swimming lessons at the rec center from June 22-July 2. I thought the boys had good lessons this year. I realized on July 4th that the boys needed to learn how to tread water even if it was for just a few seconds. Based on Jake's scare on July 4th I called the Koop Brothers for swimming lessons on Sunday. Aaron had a cancellation that morning for the following two weeks and we got in the following day.
Jacob waiting for Ben to finish up his lesson.

Ben learning how to dive off the side after he passed all of the other skills with Aaron.

Here is Jacob with Aaron while Aaron is teaching him how to tread water AKA riding a bicycle with his legs. Afterwards Jake told me Aaron was trying to drowned him by making him tread water. Jacob is very CAUTIOUS now but Aaron is gently pushing him and building his self confidence as well.

The boys hanging out waiting their turn.

Aaron has done a remarkable job with Ben and Jacob. I really wasn't wanting spend the money this summer. However, the cost of swimming lessons far out weighs the alternative. Jacob is up to 12 seconds treading water which is 12 seconds I didn't have 10 days ago. Also, Ben is now treading water for almost a minute.

4th of July

2009-07-14T22:37:00.002-05:00

This year for the 4th we went to Tawnya and Loren's house. Normally, Luke is on call and we can't venture too far from home. Also, Jacob is NOT a fan of loud noises and the 4th is NOT his favorite holiday because of the fireworks. Last year we had to cancel our plans because Jacob was so scared. BUT, we figured we would try it this year because the Schroeder's have a big shed (you can see in the background). Plus, Jacob could go into the shed and still see the fireworks through the windows if we needed to go inside.

The guys had fun with some bean-bag game while the ladies watched the kids swim.
There was so much to do here and not much the boys could hurt until.............I turned my back for just a few seconds to find Jacob unable to get his head out of the water while in the swimming pool. It as if everything went into slow motion. I had to jump in the pool to get Jacob. I don't know who was scared more, me or Jake.......

Here is my picture after jumping in the pool. I may be smiling, but the inside of me wanted to throw-up (matter of fact, I still feel sick when I think about it). The running joke that night was that I jumped into save Jacob and didn't even spill my one and only daquari.

On a side note (especially for you Auntie Al), I was wearing my Keen's when I had to jump into the water. They are waterproof and stayed on quite nicely and dried quickly!

The music, food, camaraderie was awesome!

Finally, it was time for fireworks and Jacob DID IT! After about an hour of his brother doing fireworks, Jacob decided to try it. His hands were over his ears most of the night but at least he wasn't crying and scared. It was a good time. Jacob was pleased with himself too. Jacob also told Mrs. Kirtley the next day at church that he wasn't scared of fireworks anymore!

Uncle John

2009-07-14T22:03:00.003-05:00

Uncle John stopped by to see us on his way to Louisiana from Colorado.

The boys got to check out his semi and be "nosey."
The boys got to play with the air seats, honk the air horn, get on the bunk bed, etc. I am sure everything was touched 5 times over in 5 minutes!

Luke asked Ben if he wanted to go with Uncle John to Louisiana. Ben was excited and said yes! Luke told him it would just be him and Uncle John and Ben didn't hesitate when he said....

"NO! I have to have two adults with me to go."

I'm not quite sure if that means Uncle John is still a big kid or if he just wanted his mom and dad to go too! Thanks Uncle John for stopping.

Harvest 2009

2009-07-07T21:40:00.003-05:00

We went to Offerle to see the "Schmidt" side of the family for Jake's birthday. We knew a lot of the family would be in the fields so we drove out West. We had a great visit with Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt.

We took a late lunch to Aunt Re and Uncle Doug while they were working the field. Aunt Re requested birthday cake on the phone so we took out a big piece.

Uncle Doug gave the boys a ride in his combine while he cut wheat.

Aunt Re said this was the best wheat they have ever had in 20+ years of farming. She was glowing and I can't blame her!

The boys exploring the wheat truck and drinking Gatorade.

Ben playing in the wheat after Uncle Doug unloaded.

The boys went with Aunt Re to the Coop to drop off the grain.

Grandpa Schmidt use to run this very elevator during harvest before he retired from the Coop.

The boys had a great time.

Thanks Uncle Doug and Aunt Re for letting us visit you in the field during Harvest.

2 Minutes

2009-07-02T11:42:00.002-05:00

Really, two minutes doesn't seem like a very long time. Unless you have the energy of two boys.

We got back from swimming lessons and it was very cold in the house. I realized it was cold but didn't think twice about it. The boys started eating thier kids meal from Burger King because of course they wanted the new "Transformer Toy." I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to email Renea and thank her for taking time to show my "Intensive English Student - Aey" around her office yesterday. Well, here is what happened in the time I wrote her "short" thank you note.

The boys started burping among other things. I tuned them out so I could concentrate. The next thing I hear is Jake's little ornery giggle and Ben yelling "ohhhh, Jake you peed on the floor." I thought it was water from the swimming pool but indeed it was not.

I told them they were having quiet time in their rooms and when I went back to the bedrooms I stepped in another big wet spot on the carpet........yeah great..... Then I noticed we could have hung meat in our bedrooms. I looked at the thermostat and Jake had turned it down to 70 degrees and we normally keep it at 78 (because we are cheap)! Jake must have turned down the thermostat when I was getting dressed this morning (is all I can come up with).

Since quiet time began, Jake has come in the kitchen two times and now it is time for me to go and intervene!!!

funny!

2009-06-30T08:08:00.003-05:00

On our way to swimming lessons Monday, Ben was very excited. He took my hand and brought me to the following flower pot...

"Mom look! Your flower is growing"

Yes, I have had good intentions of planting flowers but life got in the way.

So I drug the kids to Hesston AND even Stone Creek Nursery was low on flowers. We did manage to find a few things to choose from.
Now we have real flowers and not weeds.

I still have one more flower pot to fill under the Chinese Maple.

That may or may not happen this year!

On the positive side.........

I did get the windows cleaned this summer which hasn't been done since we moved into our house (3.5 years ago)! Thanks Grandpa Jim for your help!

(The windows aren't spotless anymore between the grubby finger prints, nose prints from Trooper and many "sprays" from the squirt guns/hoses.) BUT it felt good even if the window were only clean for ONE day.

June 23, 2009

2009-06-26T09:02:00.007-05:00

Jake's real birthday was a very busy but fun-filled day! It started with leaving for Walton at 9:00 AM to pick up Clayton. Clayton is Jake's best buddy!

Clayton, Jake and Ben at swimming lessons at 10:00 AM in Newton.

11:30 heading to McPherson Swim Park. Only after making a detour through the McDonalds drive through!
"3 Cheeseburger Happy Meals for boys, with Sprites"

We were at the waterpark until 3:00 PM (rest period), went to Sonic for happy hour drinks and back to Newton for a 4:00 haircut for both boys. The boys love Carol!
Jake wanted a "bulb head" translation is "bald head."

Ben and Clayton waiting patiently.

Jake and Clayton after Jake's haircut.

From Shear Elegance we went and got ice, changed our clothes, had a snack, packed drinks and headed to Ben and Clayton's t-ball game. We had to be at the field at 5:15. Keep in mind it was triple digit day with a heat advisory!

Jake and Papa Ted watching the t-ball game. Then off to supper!

Mom, Papa Ted and Jake at the "sports bar" because that is where Jake wanted to eat.

Jake and Grandma Sue.

Luke had a little mishap with his CDL and had to miss Ben's game. Luke was able to meet us for supper!
Once home, Jake got to open the family present which consisted of a fishing pole, a tackle box and other stuff to put in the tackle box. He was excited! It was a very fun day and I was glad I got to spend the day with him.

Mom was exhausted and fell asleep by 9:00 PM. I am not sure about the rest of the clan!

Father's Day & Jake's Birthday

2009-06-26T08:34:00.005-05:00

For Father's Day this year we went to Auntie Al's house. It was so close to Jake's birthday that we decided to celebrate the two together. It worked out well so we could see Aunt Angela too! Luke and I. Luke had been working very LONG hours and was very TIRED!
Grandpa Ted and the boys!

Mom was out of town for Mother's Day so this picture is a month behind! Which we all know being late is normal for me (AKA "Angie time)!

Aunt Angela, Custer and the boys!

Jake's Spider Man birthday cake!

Ben and Jake in their normal "position."

Auntie Al and the boys!

She plays first base on her softball teams and both of her knees were quite "colorful."

Jake got the game "memory" from Auntie Al. I loved that game when I was younger!

Rather than having fruit, etc they now make Memory with "Spiderman and Friends."

Ben has played this game everyday! If only I could him to read that often!

Thanks Auntie Al for letting us to come to your house!

The food was wonderful and we had a great time!

Eastlake

2009-06-26T08:04:00.002-05:00

Luke took the boys fishing at Eastlake a few weeks ago. It has now become the official "hangout" place for ALL of the guys in my family.
This is my absolute favorite picture of the boys right now. Sitting still for a long period of time doesn't usually happen with the boys.

Jake was the only one that caught a fish and Ben decided it was time to go swimming! Can you tell Ben is a little competitive!?!

The boys taking a rest and getting a snack!

Luke was suppose to go to a funeral on this day but overslept and wasn't able to make it to Johnson in time. He had the day off so he took the boys out to the lake. While he was there a teenage boy fell off a swing and snapped the bone in his arm. Long story short, Luke helped carry the boy to the back seat of his sisters car. He directed the sister to drive the car to the hospital (safely) and the foreign exchange student make the phone calls so the sister could concentrate on driving. He put the boy in the backseat, showed him how to hold his arm and told him to think of a relaxing place. Our boys said they recognized the boy from church after the kids left for the hospital. However, the boys still get people mixed up! The boys prayed that night for the boy at the lake.

Then, last Sunday I was at church and saw a teenage boy with both arms in a cast....I asked him what happened and he said he fell off of a swing at the lake. I explained that I thought maybe my husband helped him and he got so excited. His sister and the exchange student turned around fitting Luke's description. The boy said "Where is your husband I want to give him a big hug!" Luke was working but I told the boy I would tell Luke that we had talked...

It ends up the boy is the son of the office manager at our church. It is a small world.

All of those years of CPR/First Aid training at Westar paid off.

GOD is AWESOME!

Smores

2009-06-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

The boys have been wanting to make smores outside since last summer. We had rain for many days and decided to improvise and make them "inside." It wasn't ideal but the boys still got to have a yummy, messy treat.

If Jake would have had a "sleeve" I am sure there would have been chocolate on his shirt too. I just can't seem to get him to use a napkin.

May 30, 2009

2009-06-19T12:19:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, May 30, 2009, we went to a wedding in Larned, KS. Grandma and Grandpa offered to watch the boys that weekend too which was a BONUS!

Our friends, Troy and Amy, have a daughter (Ally) whose wedding we were celebrating.

The really ironic thing was Troy was the best man in our wedding EXACTLY 11 years prior.

Katelyn and Ally are friends of Jacqie's as well.
Amy, Troy and Andrea!
We haven't seen Andrea since our wedding either! It was soooo good to see friends we haven't seen forever.

Me, Amy, Troy, Andrea, Larry (Andrea's husband), Bailey (Andrea's daughter) and Luke. The last time all of us had our pictures together was at another wedding. If I knew how to use my scanner I would scan the picture and put them side by side............hmmm....maybe not because then we would see how much we have aged!

Troy and Luke towards the end of the night........

It was a beautiful wedding and a very fun reception/dance AND it was great way to spend our

anniversary.

Many blessings to Ally and Dustin!

Memorial Day

2009-06-11T07:15:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day we headed to Offerle. We got to take Jacqie and Isabel with us to visit Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt. We also decorated graves while we were there.Luke was glowing all day, enjoying being around Isabel.
Me and Isabel. She liked my necklace!

Jacqie, Grandpa Schmidt and Isabel hanging out! Isabel was the center of attention, even Ben and Jake were mesmerized by her!

Grandma Schmidt and Isabel.

Isabel and Nathan (cousins).

The boys liked this butterfly. They named him "bugsy" (from Bedtime Stories) and we took to Logan's grave.

Some of this stuff has been out here for a long time. The frog really should have been brought home with us, but he should last through the summer. The boys will usually bring a car, tractor, or some other toy and leave it there.

This is the first Memorial Day weekend in 5 years that Luke didn't have standby. We were thankful this year that we could make arrangements to go to Offerle as a family.

Mothers Day

2009-06-10T21:00:00.002-05:00

I know I am way behind!

Luke had to work over Mother's Day. He was working long hours for 5 days (roughly). He was nice enough to leave a card for me by the coffee pot with some special chocolates....yum! The boys and I went to church. Took a nap and I got a special treat when I woke up from my nap....coffee in bed at 3:00 in the afternoon!

It was a relaxing day. My dad was in town and bought supper so I didn't have to cook. It was a good day.

Funny now but not then!

2009-06-09T07:39:00.002-05:00

The last day of school everyone was trying to pose. Obviously this one didn't turn out but notice the Tonka Dump Truck in the lower left corner of the picture.....One of the boys dumped the truck stating there was "water" in it. Well it didn't smell like water! The boys were being "quiet" in the garage the night before and Luke and I looked at each other and said "I wonder what they are getting into?" but couldn't figure out until now!Yep the boys decided it would be fun to "pee" in the their dump truck. I guess they aren't always used to haul dirt. Ben was getting ready to get on the bus and we weren't sure what fast "consequence" we could impose. Therefore, 10 push ups a piece is what we came up with.
Ben was first.

Jake was second. The boys had the entire driveway/garage to do their push ups but somehow no matter how much you say something, they are going to do it their own way. So push ups near the pee I guess was the only way in their mind.

Happy last day of school! This was just a glimpse of how ornery they were going to be this summer!

Ben's last day of Kindergarten

2009-06-09T07:32:00.002-05:00

Ben and Jake hanging out in front of the house before the school bus arrived!Ben showing "excitement" about his last day of school!
Luke, Ben and Jake posing before the school bus came. Even after a year of getting on the school bus I still had a hard time watching him get on the bus and watching someone else drive him away! That is why it was dads job (when he wasn't working) to stand outside with him!

There are my of my handsome boys!

It makes my heart happy when I see them all together!

Random pictures of Ben from May

2009-06-09T07:21:00.002-05:00

Kindergarten program and Ben is holding the duck.
Ben hanging out in Troopers cage.

Ben holding out the camera taking a pict of us. Of course mom is looking great with her makeup half on and her hair pulled out. But Ben looks adorable!

Kindergarten recital. You can't really see Ben but I know he was there!

Kindergarten recital. The little girl to the left is always so nice to me. She gives out hugs all the time and says "hi Ben's mom."

Random pictures of Jake

2009-06-09T07:03:00.004-05:00

I am getting further behind everyday I don't post.......Here are some random pictures from May.Jake hanging out in Trooper's cage.

Ben's Kindergarten recital.

Drinking coffee and watching cartoons while Ben was at school.

Grandpa Jim, Troop and Jake wrestling.

Our small group at church had a picnic. Here is Jake hanging out with Carmel.

quick blog!

2009-06-03T13:58:00.002-05:00

I am not sure where May went but obviously it is gone....I have many things to post and will try to get to that soon. However, I am not holding my breath until this garage sale is over! :)

The Zoo

2009-05-23T07:54:00.004-05:00

A week ago Friday Jacob and I got to go with Ben's kindergarten class to Sedgwick County Zoo. I had another little boy named Jakob in my group too. Jakob is our babysitters nephew and our "adopted grandparents" grandson. So, it was fun to have him in our group. The only thing a little hard was having two "Jacob S.'s" in our group. Jakob was our "map" reader and did great showing us where to go. Of course the boys wanted to see the snakes and we spent quite a bit of time in the amphibian/reptile exhibit.
They got very excited seeing the penguins.

Eating lunch.....

This is one of my favorites.

Jake and Ben didn't know what to think of the gorilla's. Mostly they laughed because this one "showed his butt at me" according to Ben.

After lunch they boys were slowing down and took time to pose for pictures.

The penguin exhibit was fun. This picture looks "easy" but do you know how long it took three boys to line up? A lot longer than it should have!

Another reason to be grateful this year.

I am so glad I could experience this with my boys.

2009-05-20T07:54:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday was Jacob's last day at Apple-A-Day. They had a little program where they sang their songs. It was very cute!

Christopher and Jacob
All 12 performers!

Jacob was very sad to learn he wasn't going to kindergarten next year. He will be one of three returning to Apple-A-Day next year. I am still okay with the decision!Jacob and Grandma Margret.
She is a very special "grandma" to us and hope she returns next year.

Mans Best Friend

2009-05-14T22:28:00.003-05:00

When Jason left for Korea, he left his toyota truck for my dad to borrow while he is here visiting.

Trooper needed a bath and he got one Monday. We went and picked up Troop afterwards in the truck...........ohhhh......Uncle Louie would not be happy. But here is Trooper curled up in the back seat. He is trying NOT to throw up on the "driver" because he drives so CRAZY (that would be my dad)! Here is Troop loving life.
AND.........

this CRACKS me UP!

They say some owners start looking like their pets....

I would have to say this is true!

Sorry dad, I couldn't resist!

Ben and Uncle Louie

2009-05-14T22:12:00.002-05:00

Ben and Jacob really liked their visit with Uncle Louie. Uncle Louie was preparing to head to Korea and had some of his gear with him. Here is Ben dressed up in solider attire.

Uncle Louie watched the boys for about 30 minutes while Luke and I took a nap. We heard Jake crying but what is new!?! When I got up from my power nap, this is what I saw Ben working on. The note reads, "I will not hurt my brother because it is not nice. I will be a nice brother to Jake." This was Ben's attempt at writing his "punishment" for intentionally hurting Jake on the trampoline. I thought it was a very unique idea but I am not sure if it worked!?! At least Ben got to practice his handwriting...

Blast Ball

2009-05-14T22:02:00.003-05:00

Blast Ball started 3 weeks ago with the first game being "rained out."

Blast Ball is for 4 year olds......Jake was in it last year but we decided to wait one more year for kindergarten, therefore, he wasn't eligible for t-ball. Here is his team lined up to hit. Notice Ben walking around in the orange shirt. It drives him CRAZY when he can't participate in sports activities. He is not a good spectator.

Jacob after he "bammed" the ball.

His team in the outfield. Too fun!

Little Mozart

2009-05-14T21:43:00.004-05:00

Jacob began taking piano lessons in January. We found a wonderful piano teacher, Mrs. Supernois. Jacob LOVES her..............

My inlaws came to watch Jacob play "Ski Weekend" and "Yankee Doodle". Everyone (except his mom) didn't think Jake would go infront of everyone and play his songs..........They were WRONG! A very proud and confindent Jacob strut up to the front of the church and played his little "heart out." As much as you can for a 4 year old!

Jacob put spike in his hair and wore his tuxedo shoes for the occasion.
Ms. Supernois and Jacob. She is very gifted with children.

She wanted him to bow but he said "no"....imagine!

Little Mozart walking to the back of the church by himself!

Ben making the most of the situation.

AWANA Award Night

2009-05-14T21:16:00.005-05:00

May 6th was AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) award night at our church. Below Jacob is receiving his award. "Cubbie Bear" AKA Jeremy is graduating this weekend and will then serve in the military. Jacob will especially miss Jememy because Jacob and Jeremy became quite close last year when Jake wouldn't come out from under the tables!

Ben my little "competitive soul" was very disappointed because he didn't get the award for finishing his entire Sparks book. However, I thought he did great.

Thanks Brian and Shana for letting me be the "3rd wheel" and sit with you during this event. I have been a "Westar Widow" this month!

Grandpa Jim is home

2009-05-01T20:42:00.003-05:00

Once again the pictures are doing wierd things!

This is Ben and Jacob waiting at the airport for Grandpa Jim
Ben loves ice cream and Jake loves chips

Grandpa's flight got in early and he walked right past us. He was surprised to see us eating!

Uncle Louie's Home

2009-05-01T20:27:00.005-05:00

Uncle Louie got home on Tuesday afternoon

With a Uhaul trailer

(Jason AKA Uncle Louie)

The boys were ECSTATIC

Louie's stuff (part of it)

What is missing from the picture is a 1000 # safe....

That sat in the garage until Luke and Louie could move it.

Jason and Onn brought food for us to eat (very thoughtful)!

Uncle Louie and Luke talking about "life."

I am sure regressing back to the younger days

when I am sure they could have lifted the safe one handed!

Sorry about the weird settings, I couldn't figure how to undo it!

Eastgate Lanes

2009-04-26T21:35:00.006-05:00

Pictures from Ben's Birthday

Marrah didn't want to miss the party and had her dad drive back early from a family bowling tournament.
Jacob just got a strike!

Ben & Colt

Papa and Jakob

(Ben's adopted grandpa)!

Clayton, Jacob and Christopher

(Apple-A-Day Buddies)

Jacob making a "fashion statement"!
Ben, Dad and Jake!

Thankful that Luke is with us to celebrate!

Auntie Al and Luke

Thank you for helping us Alison! You are a very special and patient aunt.

Our lives are truly blessed to have to you "McVay's" in it!

(P.S. We have 3 more Lego sets that need to be built when you have a spare minute!)

I just LOVED this picture of Luke S! I had no idea they made bowling shoes a size 4!

Too Cute!

My mom and step dad missed the "friend birthday" because they had to paint. They came by later for some hamburgers and left over cake!

The bowling alley was very fun. Thank you Barb for the bowling pin and letting us use the facility for the party.

I must also thank Julie S. and Ellen M. for staying back to help with the younger kids.

Apple Blossom Festival

2009-04-24T22:58:00.006-05:00

Not only was today Ben's birthday but the annual Apple Blossom Festival at Presbyterian Manor. The children from the preschool sing a few songs and then go play on the inflatable slides, etc. Jacob is in the front row with spike in his hair!

Jacob and his friend Clayton!

Horse Races!

Jacob on "The Wall"

(no relation to the Pink Floyd)

Jacob coming down with a little help.

Ben climbed to the top of the wall and got his picture in the paper too!

We ran into Avery at the festival.

My camera wasn't fast enough to catch the hug she gave Jacob.

Avery and Jacob go to the same daycare!

This calf got out of the "petting zoo." This poor man got a good work out trying to catch him.

Below is a picture of Jacob petting the same calf!

Ben's Birthday

2009-04-24T22:24:00.004-05:00

I am so thankful that God blessed us with our children. Today was Ben's special day. This is the first year I wasn't working and was able to make "home made" treats. Ben really wanted Walmart cupcakes but I really wanted to make them. I kept thinking of all the years that I longed to do this for Logan. I know it was Ben's birthday but mom did get her wish and made them anyway. Regardless, Ben was happy when his birthday treats arrived at school!

He really wanted blue frosting but I only had green or pink. I told him I chose green to go with his "sport" cupcake tins.....He liked it....Thanks Megan for the recipe and encouragement!

This isn't the best picture but the only one I have of the cupcakes.

This is Ben's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kirtley. She gave him the choice of 6 "high five's" or 6 hugs and what do you think he chose????

He was so embarrassed up in front of the class. Mrs. Kirtley gave him a "hug" to grow but I promised Mrs. Kirtley I would not put that picture on the blog! "Baby Kirtley" and Ben walking away was about all I got in the picture!

Ben eating his cupcakes with his "hot water" as he told his dad.

There will be more to come after his "friend" birthday!

Calling it a Day!

2009-04-20T20:53:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in awhile. We had issues with cameras, time, etc, etc!

I decided to write something as it was better than nothing. I have decided to call it a day for the following reasons:

1. Ben asked me today if there was a baby in my tummy (referring to the extra weight I'm supporting),

2. I decided to play with the boys and jump on the trampoline (selfishly looking at burning some extra calories too). Well, I didn't think I had to use the restroom but I guess my body didn't like all that bouncing...I did manage to get inside without the boys noticing I "wet" my pants.

There you go, TMI, but that is what is going on at the Schmidt household!

I will try to get better things on-line this week. :)

Forgot the Camera!

2009-04-10T21:35:00.003-05:00

The boys and I had the day off for Good Friday. We were going to go to McDonald's and eat at the park and play. Once we got to McDonald's the line was soooooo long we couldn't even pull into the parking lot. I decided at that point I really wanted a good cup of coffee. I drove to Hesston to the Lincoln Perk and got a Cafe Mocha, skim milk and no whip.....ahhhhhh......it was an indulgence I really enjoyed due to the excessive bickering between the boys this morning. By this point moms patience was seriously lacking.

On our way to Hesston for coffee we noticed a park with a huge hill. The boys decided they could eat Sonic and then we could play at this "new" park. The park was great and had a ton of picnic tables and an open "restroom" which they don't have at the park we visit in Newton. The boys ran to play on the train equipment, etc. Ben went down a slide and let out a scream of surprise. He got off the slide and was SOAKED! All I could do was start laughing which in turn made Ben laugh. He wanted to change but because this little trip really wasn't planned I didn't have any extra clothes. I looked at both boys and said "go for it." They looked at me as if I lost my mind (which I probably had) and said you are soaked you might as well run through every puddle you can find and have fun....The boys ran like mad for about 10 minutes and then Ben had enough. He was very cold. Jake went to the other other park and ran around the "merry-go-round" while I took care of Ben.

I had two blankets in the car and put one in each carseat. Ben was so embarrassed but he was naked as jay bird from the waist down. I wrapped him in the blanket and put the seatbelt around him.....Jake thought it was great getting naked in Hesston in broad daylight. He will be my nudist I am sure of it! I wrapped him up and headed to Newton. The boys started laughing so hard on the way home. It was quite distracting but music to my ears after a morning of arguing, hitting each other with chairs, crying, etc.

Jake was so tired tonight he passed out before 8 PM and his dad joined him. Ben and I are still awake which is odd because we usually we are the first to fall asleep in the Schmidt household!

2009-04-06T21:28:00.003-05:00

Luke worked his first big storm this last week since his surgery. It was a rough storm with a lot of ice and heavy snow. He worked 18 hour days Saturday-Thursday. Further, he was up almost two days straight from Thursday to Saturday at 11:00 PM. These are VERY LONG hours and it is very hard on your body.
As a result me and the boys spent a lot of time together over the weekend and mom was a little crabby by Sunday. On the way to church we were listening to a "rockin song" as Jake calls it and Ben asked me to turn the radio down. He said "Mom, if you see Pastor Steve can you ask him if he will pray for daddy and all of the other Westar guys to stay safe? I said I could but I would like him to tell Pastor Steve if he saw him. We did make it into church seconds before worship started and Ben asked Pastor Steve to pray. Pastor Steve did pray and told the congregation that a little boy came up to him before service asking him to pray for his dad and all of his coworkers during the storm. How awesome was that!?!
Words can't describe how proud I was of him. Amazed that he is 5 and he "gets it". He "gets it" you can go to God when something is heavy on your heart and pray about it. He always thanks God every night for something.............school, warm bed, food, safe house, etc. and always remembers to pray for those less fortunate.
There are more days than not that I don't think I am doing a good enough job with the boys. However, this day made me realize that the boys are listening and Luke and I must be doing something right.

March 22, 2009

2009-04-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

These are random pictures from my baptism. I am so far behind on posts these will have to do!

Below is my mom, step-dad, me, Jake and Ben

My Aunt Leslie drove from Oklahoma for my baptism. She and the boys were having fun!

Baptism

2009-04-01T22:21:00.007-05:00

On March 22, 2009 I was baptised by Pastor Steve after 2nd service. Luke and I found a wonderful church and have been attending since 2007. Luke and I attended Judgement House and rededicated our lives to serving God. Further, we took a Perspectives Course in 2008 where we studied missions work and how it related to Jesus/God/Bible. I began a women's bible study in the fall but haven't been able to attend much this spring. All of these experiences led me to realize that God wanted me to be baptised as an adult. I finally started asking around and decided this was something I needed to complete even though I was baptised as a young child.

I went to a baptism preparation class and this is what I learned....

Baptism is a step of obedience for every believer, commanded by Christ Himself.

"Then Jesus came and said to them 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19, 20)

Baptism is a way to show others our faith in Jesus Christ and allows us to follow Christ's example.

Every person who has decided to trust Christ as his/her Savior should be baptised.

Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water..." (Matthew 3:16)

The word baptize means to DIP (in liquid)! Being immersed is the best way to picture a death and a resurrection. So here goes.......

Thank you Pastor Steve, friends, and family to help me get to this point! Also, a special thanks to Megan who happened to have her camera. Mine was in the dressing room in my purse (you know because it did a lot of good there)!

Boys will be boys!

2009-03-29T22:04:00.003-05:00

Friday and Saturday we had a lot of snow and ice (for those of you who don't live in Kansas). It warmed up today so the boys went outside. What you can't tell in this picture is there is a big mud puddle just off the patio, you know, where the boys' dumptrucks are parked. I should have been prepared for what I was going to see next. The boys got behind their Tonka trucks and ran as fast as they could into the mud/snow/ice mixture until they wiped out.....In case you wondering this game was called "wipe out".

Jacob is pouting because Ben decided he was cold and wanted to come inside.

Ben, need I say more?????

Jake...

The boys soaked in water and mud. Trooper wouldn't get out of the way when I was taking pictures.

Happy? Definitely!

Would I trade them for girls? NO WAY!