Kenny

My little brother says I never mention his name so here goes. Kenny. He is actually getting married next August and has just turned 21 last week. He's home from Harding on break and has been staying with us and picking up extra work with the company I work for. His wedding website is www.theknot.com/ourwedding/AmandaHarrison&KennyFester. They are just so cute together. Ashlyn is the flower girl and Carter is going to be a ring bearer. I can't wait to see them. So that's my post for Kenny.

Mullet

I think I spelled that correctly. It's not every year I write that word. Anyway, Richard and I were at the Salon today. Me haircut and arch, Richard haircut. Anyhow, a woman comes in and proceeds to tell the stylist what she would like done. I look at Richard, he looks at me, I look at the stylist who's looking at the floor. And what do you know, the Lady wants a mullet. So the stylist proceeds to tell her exactly what she's asking for and if she's sure that's what she wants. And yep, she got her hair cut. A mullet.

Incommunicado

I know, I know. I've been hearing it. I'm finally posting again. Can I just say how much I hate viruses? I hate, hate, hate when my kids are sick. So last week the first boy gets it. Two days later I think the last boy is getting it. Nope, just a tease. Then Saturday the girl gets it. Not fun at our home. And it reeks of Lysol. At least the house got a major scrub down before Christmas! I've been in a clean freak mode lately. Not just a clean, but it has to be CLEAN! Not a bad thing, just not me normally. So we are off to another busy week. Haircuts tomorrow. Last minute shopping!(No, I haven't finished yet), Dropping 2k for a new transmission put me behind. And one more Christmas party. Then it's the Christmas celebrations. The kids have been doing their advent calendar. It's a good thing they are still young because Santa is actually coming to the "W" house on Dec 22nd this year. And then he'll be at Nana and Papa's on the 23rd, and then Nana and Papaw's on the 25th. Carter couldn't control himself this week and unwrapped a present at my mom's house. Too bad it was on my mom's 3 foot tall Santa's bag. Oh well, he was just warming up! I have so much baking to do it's not even funny. Okay, maybe this year some of our friends will be getting a bag of Oreos!! Hope you have a great and Merry Christmas!!
FYI: I need some addresses! I have Christmas cards to still send out! Sorry, had to manipulate our children into smiling while still ill!!! So if you are reading this email me your address! And be forgiving if you get it after Monday!!

Oh and Jenny, I loved your picture. Carter wants to come see Malaya, and Ashlyn has written her a letter! I'll include it with the Christmas card!

Turkey and Ham Overload

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Way too much food here, but hey it's only one day! Well for a couple more weeks then it's Christmas Day!

Wednesday night Richard and I and my two Siblings went to Guns and Hoses. We had a blast. For those of you who don't know what that is let me explain...... Guns and Hoses is a fundraising event for Backstoppers. Backstoppers is an organization that provides monitary, emotional, spiritual, and physical assistance in the case of a fireman, police officer, or emergency medical worker's death in the line of duty. This organization is a tremendous blessing to those in this area. So every year on the night before Thanksgiving is Guns N Hoses. It's a huge fundraising event to help Backstoppers. It's a part of the Amateur boxing league and it's firemen against the police. There are 17 matches and it's so much fun. I never thought I would have a good time at a boxing tournament, but the energy is unreal. There were over 18,000 people there and you had to root on your team. The boxers are from all over St.Louis area and surrounding Illinois towns as well. The best fight of the night was probably the women fighting. We had to laugh at ourselves when it was over, since you are so revved up, you just want to fight someone. You want to be a part of it too!! :) I actually call this event the Mating Ground since it's about 5 guys for every girl in the audience and the girls that are in attendance are probably not of the highest caliber. Obviously I am not talking about myself!! :)
Thursday we dropped the transmission on our vehicle. Talk about a bummer.
I also ate myself into oblivion.
Thursday night we had an outreach dinner at church. We made to go meals for people who had to work and delivered them. We had a blast! I loved this and can't wait to do it again!
Friday...no shopping for me. That whole new transmission thing.
Saturday....We finished putting up the Christmas that we started on Friday. Only one ornament broke in the process. And wouldn't you know it was the Harding one. And no snide remarks from you ACU readers! :)
Sunday..Small group at our house. Well they call it that but it's not really small anymore. Only one incident this week. A child (older) somehow managed to jump through the back sliding screen door. I'm going to have to take out a small group insurance policy for damages. Can you do that? Just kidding. That's the risk you take having people over.
And today....just sitting at work thinking about that silly transmission. (thank goodness my mom and dad let us borrow another car!, Pray Richard's keeps going until mine is returned!!)

Happy Turkey Day (well tomorrow anyway!)!

I know it's a day early, but tomorrow I'll be eating. And eating and eating. I love Thanksgiving! For me it's such a time of relaxation and family and good food! Bring on the potatoes! We are headed to Guns N Hoses tonight (not a spelling error, no Guns n Roses) and this will be our 2nd year. I had so much fun last year and can't wait to do it again!! Hope all of you have a wonderful turkey day!!

This is Ashlyn on her first day of Kindergarten. Yes it was 3 months ago, but maybe by July I'll get Christmas up!!

Hiding

Just some thoughts from some books I've been studying:

Am I hiding by acting like the girl my father/mother has always expected me to be?

Am I hiding by trying to be the kind of woman my husband wants me to be?

Am I hiding by trying to stay in line with the kind of woman I think my kids will want to remember me as? I don't want my kids to grow up wishing for another kind of mom.

Am I hiding by constantly trying to be a composite of many women I see around me-usually women who have skills I lack or personalities different from mine.

Am I hiding by agreeing to fit nicely into the roles I feel are acceptable in my church and social community?

Am I hiding behind what I feel are cultural norms ascribed to women and mothers? Do I have the courage to buck the tide?

Am I hiding behind my own fears? Am I afraid of failing or looking stupid, or being rejected if I raech for my dreams and let my latent true self emerge?

"to live as an authentic, ransomed, and redeemed woman means to be real and present in this moment. If we continue to hide, much will be lost. We cannot have intimacy with God or anyone else if we stay hidden and offer only who we think we ought to be or what we believe is wanted....You have only one life to live. It would be best to live your own."
John and Stasi Eldrige in Captivating

Weekend Update

Halloween is almost here! I just had to throw that in there!

Friday night I got to spend time just hanging out with my husband and children at home! We watched a couple new releases and I folded laundry. Oprah calls that multitasking. Saturday we got the kids up bright and early and drove to my mom and dad's. I had another funeral to attend. This one for a former teacher that I dearly loved! She made 2nd grade my favorite! She was still very young at her death, and this has been extremely difficult for her friends and family. After her service we left the kids at my folks for an overnighter and went to 6 Flags! Now Richard says he's never been there before! I have a really hard time believing that, so Kathryn if it's different, Let me know! He's not really a roller coaster type person! So he held our bags, while the rest of the group went on the rides! Now we did go for Fright Fest, but I can honestly say there was no Fright! The only Fright I saw was a whole section of clowns! I hate clowns! Happy, sad, it doesn't matter! They really freak me out! No I didn't watch IT or any other creepy clown movies, I just get freaked out by them! So a big disappointment that there were no scary things! I really wanted to see Hubby scared just once! So maybe we'll slip in a Haunted House before next Tuesday! Doesn't look too good though!

On Sunday our small group started our new study! We've been meeting for about 5 weeks, but last night we finally started it! It went great!

Before I forget, funny story with my firstborn!
She was helping me fold laundry and I noticed after about ten minutes that she had created a pile of daddy's "underthings". I assumed she just didn't want to touch them. So I asked her why she wasn't folding them and if she needed me to fold them. She said,"No, these have to go in the trash. They all have holes in the front" Poor kid. I choked on my drink. So needless to say Ashlyn had a refresher course in "Boys Anatomy".

No, cute little

sayings so I'll get right to the point! What fun we had this weekend! We planned for our small group to go to the Pumpkin Patch on Sunday so the kids have been talking about it for quite a while! But first I had a Ladies Retreat this weekend and then my brother brought some buddies home for the weekend from Harding and then we went to the Pumpkin Patch! The weather was beautiful and the crowd was minimal! I got alot of great pictures, and hopefully I can put them on here in the next day or two! We all picked out pumpkins and the kids have already put them on the front porch!
Ashlyn has taken a major growth spurt in the last couple of months, so I'm on to clothes shopping! We can't wait until Christmas so I've been scouring the stores. Sadly enough, I've found that for her age the clothing is either really kiddy(like Dora, and other characters-and those of you who know me well know I HATE character clothing! No offense, I just have a huge aversion to it!) or it's very provocative. And so if you have any suggestions let me know! I've checked out Gap (not a lot of selection), Old Navy (really tween look which we don't mind, but she's in their in between sizes, so 4's are a little too small and 5's a little too big), Children's Place (not really impressed with their fall Line) and Target (not impressed here either). Yes I'm picky, but I rationalize that with the fact if I'm going to spend a lot money I would like trendy clothing that fits and covers her and will not look faded and hoosier after one washing! So, since I think everyone who reads this is probably female (Sorry Chad) give me your best suggestions!

Friday Night

After we bankrupted ourselves to our babysitter this weekend! Just kidding! But seriously we had a great time going to the Mark Schultz concert. We went to his first concert of the Broken and Beautiful tour and it was incredible. Big Daddy Weave was with him and I was surprisinly impressed. We had so much fun with great friends and a great trip! I can't wait to do it again! For those of you who have no clue who he is ( I promise you've heard some of his songs on non-christian radio as well) he's worth going to see in concert or listening to on CD! That's my mommy-wiggy guarantee! Well for all that's worth!

Also this week, the dreaded paint project! Ashlyn's Room! Only two rooms left to do in the entire house! Hers and ours. So, she's asked and we've promised. The paint has been bought and we need to complete it! Wish us luck and sanity! It's just so hard to complete things quickly and without interruptions with three kids hanging onto your kneecaps! Thank you God for Baby Gates!

Sidenote: We'll be seeing all of our extended family this weekend as we go to my Great Aunt's Funeral. I haven't seen any of them in 10 years. This will actually be the first time they will have met Richard or my children! I'm sure I'll have some stories to blog on this after the weekend!

The End of September

Well the end of September is near! Our trip is over! It was so quick! We got to see almost everyone and spent way too much time in the car! I'll be happy not to do that anytime again soon! It was in the 90's in Texas and today it's in the 70's. I much prefer the 70's! I'm going to a MOPS meeting tonight! I'm really excited about this group of women! More so that I don't have to plan or organize anything!! Yea! Sometimes it's nice just to join a group and not do anything but go!!

Jenny---I'm praying for Papa-I saw your Dad's blog this morning-I'm so disappointed I didn't get to see him-can you email me his address? And I'm going to a Mark Schultz concert on Friday! I'll think of you!

Fall is Here!

I love Fall! It's my favorite time of year! Hot apple cider. Pumpkin bread. Picking Apples (which we did on Saturday and the kids had a blast!) Football Games (High School and Sunday Afternoon!) Tomorrow we leave for a 7 day trip to Houston, Tyler, Van Alstyne, Tulsa, and a couple other places thrown in. We're going down for a wedding and seeing some relatives we haven't seen for a few years. Can't wait!

Recovering

Well I am officially recovering. I am on a new medication that seems to be working very well. The problem has not gone away so we are still doing tests, but it is manageable for the time being. So thank you for all of your prayers!! The weather has been so cool here! I love it!! Fall is my favorite time of year! To me there is nothing like it!! The pictures are when the Jackson's came up for vacation and we had a little bit of a sleepover!

A week's recap

Just a family picture we took at Richard's police graduation! Yes I know it's old, but I'm just getting the hang of this picture thing!!
Last week really started off with a bang! As you know Ashlyn went to Kindergarten! She was just precious and so excited! I'll upload a picture later! It was also our 7 year anniversary on that day, as well as I had been having severe migraines up until that point. That day marked day 6. So I dropped Ashlyn off saw the Dr(who immediately gave me an RX and scheduled tests) and then went to pick up Ashlyn! She had a great first day! When I asked her how it was---her reply, " Moommmm, they didn't teach me to read!!" So of course I told her that she had to wait until they knew her name! She's been very emotional about this since she reads small words so well, but thinks she needs to read everything! So we get home, Richard takes off early from work to celebrate our anniversary, and I proceed to get very very ill. Husband takes wife to the ER where wife spends next four days on and off Morphine (not a good thing by any means) and finally gets to come home. Prognosis, still undecided, so wife gets to go to the Dr every other day for blood draws and medication reviews. So, as of today this is day 16 with migraine but I am on medication and I did have two days on Monday and Tuesday with no pain!!!! So keep me in your thoughts as I deal with this. Not because I can't deal with the pain, it's annoying and obviously painful, but that I remain patient and loving with my family. Loud noises really hurt and since I have three small children, well I don't need to go any further with that!!

Braden/TEST

Braden

Braden

This is the Birthday Boy!!

Special Birthday Blessings

Our little guy turned one on Friday! I know I say it over and over, but I can't believe how quickly he's grown. He's got the most charming personality. He's a wonderful child. So content in whatever situation and he loves to snuggle. That's my kind of lovin'!! He loved his birthday cake, so much in fact he cried hysterically when we took his plate away!! Because of all the storms and chaos, we haven't had his birthday party yet, so that will probably take place next week sometime. Special Blessings to you sweet boy on your happy day!! May you continue to be blessed and may you rest in the love of your family, friends, and your Lord. We love you!!

The Post Storms Update

Well, we've officially recovered. Well almost. The church is still without power so there's no daycare so I've had to get home babysitting for a few days. Not a big deal since it's my brother's girlfriend, but just the same the kids are at home :) Our boil order has been lifted and most of the people I know in the north part of the county now have power. Our hotel has ended but now we are cooking meals for people who had to throw out all their food. So, what a summer!! My sister flew up for the weekend, but not a lot to do, since everything was pretty much closed. We had a great time hanging out and catching up! So tonight, my husband is taking me out to dinner. And the kids too of course. We are driving out of state to go eat some great Italian! (It's really only 25 minutes) Thanks to all of you who prayed for us and for thinking of us. It's really been a time of reflection for Richard and I and how selfishly we rely on things so materialistic. As well as this has been a great lesson for the kids. Love and miss all of you!

Can't Find Water

Well we're okay, but I'm having the hardest time finding water! Who would have though that it would be hard to buy water? We have power so we still have A/C, but two houses down is where the line is for no power. We've been very fortunate. Anyway, I have to run open the Wiginton Hotel! Love you all!

Back to Normalcy

Well after an amazing week we are back to normal. Or what our little family calls normal. Great friends came to see us for a whole week! We loved every minute of our time together. We got to go eat at great places, the zoo, the Magic House, a Cardinals Game, catch a movie, play with the kids at the playground, etc. Too many things to try and name them all. I so wish I could have pushed pause on so many occasions. I am definitely looking forward to the next visit! Is it too early to start planning one?

Random

This blog is going to be very random! Sorry if it confuses you, but I sometimes forget or don't have time to blog about everything I want to, so I'll just summarize and save myself!!

Braden has two teeth! Yea!! He's 10 months old and finally has teeth! They are so cute. Like little chicklets!

Church had a musical and we loved it. We saw it twice and can't wait to get our copy on DVD or as Carter says, "DBDBD"
During the musical which was "Fiddling on the Ark", Carter says, (outloud for those rows all around us to hear)"that is NOT Nowah! Ms. Wanda said he's up there (heaven) AND he's in a dwess."

Ashlyn is registered for Kindergarten. We are still a little up in the air on which school she is going to. Lines are being redrawn and she's at one school for KG and then will transfer to another for 1st grade, so we are going to appeal and see if we can get her to the one she'll be at for 1st through 6th. I really like both schools, I just want to save ourselves and mainly Ashlyn from starting over at 1st grade.

Our great friends are coming tomorrow! I am so excited! They will be here for a week! It's truly going to be one big slumber party! Can't wait to squeeze those kids! And my kiddos are really excited about all the fun stuff we are doing! Can't tell you Jacksons! Its a surprise! And shouldn't you be packing?

Ashlyn's dance recital is this upcoming weekend, she is adorable! Just a little diva!

Our young marrieds got together on Friday night and played the Not So Newlywed Game and had a great time. We got done early and since we all had babysitters we decided to do something else. So we turned off all the lights in the church building and played hide and go seek. We freaked each other and ourselves out and had a blast! Who knew there were so many good hiding spots in the building? Some were so scary (at least to me and a couple others!) we couldn't even go and try to hide there!

Hope you have a great week!

TA DA!!

Okay folks! Here it is! A very sinful cookie!


Frosted Double Chocolate Cookies

2 Cups ( 12 oz package) Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Microwave 3/4 cup chips in small microwaveable bowl. Zap until melted. Cool to room temperature.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Set aside
Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in large mixer until creamy. Beat in melted chocolate and egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto cookie sheets. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 7-9 minutes. Edges will be set, but centers will be slightly soft. Let stand 3 minutes and then remove to wire racks! I know it's tempting to eat them now, but I promise it's worh the wait if you use the icing!

Chocolate Frosting:
Microwave remaining 1/2 cup chips and 2 Tablespoons butter until melted. Stir. Add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and 2 Tablespoons milk. until smooth. To get frosting consistency, you may need to add more pd. sugar or milk!

Let me know how they turned out!!

Memorial Day

What a great day! We took the kids to a park out by my mom and dad's and had about 20 people join us! We BBQ'd and played all day. The weather was warm but a really nice breeze. Richard came for half the day and then had to work. The kids were so dirty!!! They had so much fun playing in the dirt!! They wanted to stop for icecream, but since you couldn't see but their eyes and teeth(for all the dirt) we just went straight home and into the bathtub! What a great way to kick off the summer! I hope all of your memorial day celebrations were just as nice!

Chocolate and Cowboys

Well catchy title huh? Anywho, last night was our Dessert Auction at church! What a fun time! They raised over 5K and yes I mean thousand! The teen group is going to Mississippi for the summer to help with Hurricane Katrina rebuilding! So I made a yummy chocolate cake and it sold for over $200! I was really excited about that. I did get an order and another on the way for making some for a couple folks. And on to the Cowboy! Well our cowboy turns three on Wednesday! What a fun little boy! He truly thinks he's a cowboy and has been heartbroken that he's outgrown his boots. So his ranchhand(me) has bought him a new pair to surprise him for his birthday! And yes, we are having a roundup on Saturday! Can't wait!

It all started...

about 4 days ago. I took a whirlwind trip to the Big D for a momentous occasion. My great friends celebrated a graduation! Not just any graduation, but the first time Shannon Jackson walked to receive his diploma. I am so very proud of you Shannon, and for Danna as well. I'm so blessed to have your family in my life! Thank you for all you are! Congratulations!!

I know, I know...

I know. It's been a while. It's just that sometimes I get so busy and life just flies by. But I do need to sit down and relax and update all you impatient people!! Our big news is.......Ashlyn is 5! Yes I know this is hard to believe. 5 years ago, God blessed us with the most joyful child. She is truly a wonder to watch grow and mature! I can't wait to see how God uses her in her new arena known as Kindergarten! Watch out school, she's a preacher! Her birthday party was great! Of course hectic, but what do you expect with 12 little four and five year old princesses running around! But the day is over and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of school. I'm dreading it while she's already planning what to wear and when she can invite friends over! It's going to be a very short summer :(

The Long Road Home-Our New Home~!

Well, what a quick little trip we had!! Our little family left Wednesday (a big thank you to my boss who gave me the day off) and drove to Tulsa OK! We attended the International Soul Winning Workshop! We had so much fun reconnecting with friends and lots of people that we only get to see there! And the shopping! Loved it! Lots of new books that I am really excited about getting to read! One is called "A Promise Kept" about a more committed marriage relationship! And another is called" I love You Unconditionally, on One Condition". So if you' ve read these and have any comments, let me know! A Huge thank you to my funnel cake and Farkel friends! I really needed those laughs as well as the great conversation! Love you to death, and hope to see you in May! The kids did great, but they were definitely tired! Between In-Laws, Two 6 hour trips, workshop hours, different beds, and lots of other things, they really held up well, at least until the trip home! We hit rock bottom. I was travelling with them by myself(hold all comments here please) and was probably two hours from home! Life was sweet. They were great! Then it happened. Road construction. Not just normal construction. Two miles an hour with 10 miles of one lane blocked construction. Yes. we missed church. Yes, I had to feed Braden on Interstate 44 with no way to pull over. Yes, Carter got out of his seat to potty(please don't ask how we completed this feat!) and Ashlyn helped me get extra clothes for Braden out of the suitcase since he pottied through his diaper. Believe me when I say there wasn't even a shoulder to pull over on and so the kids sang, drew pictures, I started a new book ( A Mother's Heart) and lots and lots of fruit snacks and water. We finally made it home and took the kids to see the newly painted house while we waited for pizza! It looks amazing! Richard and my dad did such an incredible job! And so tomorrow is our much anticipated move in day! I have lots to do today! Wish us luck!

We Have Keys!!

Well, so far so good!! We've started the painting process! We really wanted to get this done before we moved in three really boisterous kids! So, three rooms down! Only three more rooms and a whole basement to go!! The kids haven't seen it yet. We want to get their rooms done first and surprise them, so we'll see how it goes!

A Cute Conversation!!

Yes, I know that this didn't post, so I'm going to redo it!! Okay, Ashlyn had a really hard day on Sunday and of course had to get a spanking for her attitude. So, after her spanking we prayed about it and we tucked her in for bed. Yes this was an all-day-a-coming spanking! So as I lay with Ashlyn for a few moments she says:

Ashlyn: "Mom, I'm sorry I had a bad attitude"
Me: "Ashlyn, we just need to pray a lot and think about what we are going to say and
how we say it"
Ashlyn: "but, Mom, it's hard to do that when it just comes out of my mouth"
Me: "Ashlyn, that's why we pray for us to be able to control what comes out of our
mouth and how it comes out.
Ashlyn: "yeah, you know what else is hard?"
Me: "What's that?"
Ashlyn: "It's hard getting spankings"
Me: "It's hard giving them too"
Ashlyn: "Yeah, but not as hard as getting them"

Oh, reasoning with a four almost five year old!!

A very cute conversation!

On the Mend! Finally!

First and foremost, let me thank each and every one of you for your prayers for Braden. After a very nasty viral infection and five days in the pediatric wing of the hospital, we are now home. Braden is almost back to his usual self. We are working on his diet and him sleeping without being held, but the most important thing is he's healthy and happy! So, thank you for your kind thoughts and telephone calls, the food, and the cash for vending machines, etc. You made a very stressful time so much easier! Some really amazing things happened while we were there, we really got to witness to our roomates (our hospital didn't have private rooms unless you were in PICU-which thank God we weren't) and not only did we get to witness but many of you who came to visit and pray with us were also an example to them. They left us on the third day and left us their number so that we can give them more information on church and our young marrieds! God is so Good!! I'll update more later, for now, I'm really tired and while Richard is watching the kiddos, I'm taking a nap!!

The Road to Recovery

Well, we've definitely had a very eventful two weeks. We've been sick, sick, sick! All of us that is except Richard and Ashlyn! I've truly never been that sick in my life! But, I am finally better, and before you ask let me just say, no, there is no baby on the way! We're edging closer to closing on the house! I cannot wait! I'm at work, so I'll have to blog more later!

Some new developments!

Well, our little family has had a very eventful week! Our poor little Braden is sick! Well, he's getting much better every day! He was extremely fussy for two days in a row! For Braden this is very wrong, since he never cries. By this I mean never. He is the most laid back baby. Smiles all the time and just is not a cranky child. So I knew something was not right. So off to the Dr. we go and find out that he's had an ear infection for a while and his eardrum actually burst and is now draining and trying to heal on its own. What a kick to the mommy ego. I didn't even know he was sick! :( So, now we are on a ton of medication to prevent infection! But through it all, he still smiles!!! That's my boy! Carter is now potty trained. We are on the lookout for orange underwear(if you know where to find some, please let me know!!!) since this is his favorite color and the underwear he requests every day when he puts on a new pair. And since he does not own any orange underwear this is especially tramatic to his new potty image!! Richard is now on midnights and is doing great, well except that yesterday he locked his keys in his car! Oh, how I love to tease him on this!! Ashlyn is battling a little congestion. Our weather here has been so up and down. We have really cold weather of 15 on Sunday with snow and then yesterday 65!! And it's supposed to get really cold again today! How do people stay healthy up here? Today I go meet with the house inspector for the new digs!! I'm so excited, I've already been to Lowe's for the umpteenth time to look at paint samples. Ashlyn wants a pink and purple room(feel free to share any ideas, but we dont' like butterflies! Sorry to you butterfly fans!) and the boys ( I just love saying that!) are going to have a cowboy room. Well, old fashioned cowboys room! And I'm still debating on ours. What I picked out Richard says looks really sissy, so I'm up for suggestions on that as well. I'm really looking forward to Richard's days off coming up. I need a break to go to the gym!!!

We Close in March!

For those of you who have purchased a home before, you know what this means!! Yep, I found one!!! We found a very cute little house and we presented them an offer and they took it! Yea for us! Ashlyn just wanted a room with a window and is so excited that she gets one!!! Well I'll post more about it later, just wanted to share the exciting news! Our official move in date is March 18th!!

A Fun Night Out

Well Tuesday night my hubby took me out for my birthday! We tried a new little Mexican restaurant and were so pleased ! It was great! Let me just say that I have never seen my husband ask for a to go box and he filled it! So much food! But the conversation and time alone made for such a great evening! And then last night we took the kids to see Hoodwinked. It was cute but not a see again movie. At least not for our family. It was a lot of fun to take all three there! And not one had to get up to use the restroom during the movie(mommy and daddy included)!

The Perfect House

Well we found it. Or should I say, I found it. The perfect house. Ready to move right in! It was even yellow! Just like my dream house. Well it didn't have a wrap around porch and four acres and a little pond, but it's pretty darn close. So I found the house, took Richard for a second look ( He told me to house shop! Pretty smart man!) and we made an offer. Now for the bad news. It was also someone else's dream house and they made an offer a couple hours earlier than us, and the seller took it before seeing ours. Boo hoo. I know God has a home for us, I just want him to show it to me now!!! I am so impatient. So off I go again today! Let's see if we can find one today!

Playing

In comments and my previous post, this question just really keeps coming to mind and if I don't write about it, it will drive me up the wall! When I was little ( by this I mean younger than high school) I remember playing outside every day. I'm not exaggerating, I really mean every day. What has happened to kids since then? Almost every house that we have looked at that has kids has some sort of toy outside for the kids. Some had huge wooden playsets! But what strikes me as odd is that as many times as we've driven through this town, or our former town that we lived in, is how many houses we would drive by where the yards are empty! I can't remember the last time seeing children playing outside! For me this is really sad, as I love to sit outside and watch my children play. And if I'm not watching, I'm playing with them. What opportunities so many "busy" moms and dads miss out on.

Home Search

We are still at the home search. I know I know we just started three weeks ago, but it only took me a week in Mesquite to find our little family a home! And so there lies the problem. I am way too picky! We are not bedroom people..let me explain further.... The only time we are in our rooms, we are sleeping. The kids have toys in their room, but usually toys are in the family room and we all play together. So my point is this, all the homes we have been seeing are really big bedrooms and tiny everywhere else! We are very social people. We have at least one family over once a week. I want a place people feel comfortable coming over and plenty of room to sit on the couch and prop your feet up on the coffee table! And a kitchen where my kids can sit on the counter/stools and help me cook/bake! And tell me about their day! So I'm sure our realtor is getting frustrated(I can tell if the house has our name on it before we even get out of the car) since there have been a few we haven't even walked in! Anyway, Richard, Ashlyn, Carter, Braden, and I are praying God leads us to a home that will be blessed by Him and will Glorify Him.

Random Information

Well it's been a little eventful the past couple of days. Richard has had three days off with us, so that's been really nice. Not that any more laundry or dishes are getting done since he's home and I'm working, but I can't complain!! We are officially on the search for a house! I love it and hate it at the same time! I love visualizing our little family in each house, but I also hate going in and out of people's once private lives! While looking at one house yesterday I was speaking to the agent and my tooth broke and fell out! GRRR! Thank goodness it was a back tooth and you can't see it and it only mildly hurts! Tomorrow we are going to take the kids to see Chicken Little or as Ashlyn refers to it for some reason, "Little Chicken". I'm taking my mom with me since Richard has to work and I'll need her support. Not to watch the movie, but to keep three kids corraled. I'll post after the movie to tell you if it was worth wrestling three kids there or not! Thank you for dollar shows.

Sweet Prayers

One of my favorite things is to listen to my children pray. I learn so much of what they feel and know through this. At this point (and I pray forever) they have no inhibitions in what they pray for. It's funny to hear what Carter has to pray for. Usually he prays for rocks, and pie, and for Buzz and Woody. Ashlyn though, can already understand what it means to truly tell God things. The other night she was laying in my bed (the new cool place since Richard's hours are so different) and she prayed,"Jesus, thank you for washing away all my sins today. I did just a few ugly things. Jesus, I really want to be with you. But I don't want to die, so could you come down here? And could you bring Grandma Puz with you?" Her sweet honesty always humbles me. I so want to pray like my four year old sometimes! Just thought you'd enjoy the story!!

2006!

It's hard to believe a new year has begun. But, I say that every year! So many things have happened in 2005. Our family started the year off mourning the loss of my grandmother in winter of 2004. I turned 26. Richard turned 28. Our house went on the market in February. Richard resigned from Mesquite. Ashlyn turned 4. Carter turned 2. We moved to Yankee territory. Richard started the Police Academy. Braden was born. We sold our house. Richard received a contract from a VERY NICE city. Richard graduated from the academy (#4 in his class I might add!!). Richard started his new job. Christmas!! And now, 2006......I am so looking forward to this year. Unlike previous years in which it was just another day, week, month, year...This is the year we plant real roots here(A HOUSE!!) So, that's what our winter and spring are going to look like. Birthdays on the horizon, I'm inching so much closer to 30! And Richard's almost there. But I really want this year to be a year of real growth for our family. I've been studying more than I ever have, and have been wanting more and more of God in every aspect in my life. Ashlyn and Carter are like little sponges and it's so exciting to see them want to know more as well. I've begun really working on memory verses with them. It's so sweet to hear them proclaim the words Jesus himself spoke! It truly squeezes my heart! So Bring on 2006! We're ready!
Just a sidenote, we are really working hard on potty training Carter( The stubborn 2nd child that he his-God love him) and I ran out for groceries while Richard was watching the kids, when I came home Carter was on the big potty belting out as loud as he could,"Lord, reign in Me!"
So adorable! He also has puppy underwear (actually he calls them panties, yes, go ahead and laugh! Ashlyn calls hers panties, so that's what he calls his!) and he does not want them to get wet, because as Daddy says, "No one likes a wet dog!!" That's yuckiness!