Life...

This is the life that I LOVE!!

Jannah and I reading together, Jamison is supervising! Can I just give a shout out to the kindle? Back at Christmas, I won it at Greg's office party. Greg had mentioned getting one in the past, so I thought he would be thrilled. Turns out, I am the one who uses it and really likes it :)

Everyone is excited to be breaking out the spring wardrobes!

Jamison likes to put all kinds of blankets and every pillow in the house on the floor, along with whatever else might make an obstacle course...it's always fun, just a beast to clean up!

Below you will find Jamison, looking pretty cool! Check out the piece of celery in his hand, shoes on the wrong feet, boxer shorts (which he sometimes calls punchin' shorts) and a bright red shirt. Who do you think dressed him? If you guessed himself, you guessed right!

Yep, this is the life that I love!

82 degrees

FINALLY...we were able to play outside all weekend. And I do mean, ALL WEEKEND!!! It was so needed. Everyone has been tired of being cooped up in the house, especially Mama - the cold has just about gotten the best of me! We had a wonderful, low-key weekend, with no time limitations to do anything...it was grrreat! The kids have played ball, jumped on the trampoline, played in the sand box, rode the 4-wheeler, gator, bikes and scooters, played with friends, roller-bladed. They have done it ALL!

Jannah and her friend with their wonderful mud creations

Daddy and the boys jumping

Rollerblading

Lookin' cool!

Did I mention that we fired the grill up today for the first time in too long?!?! That has to be one of my favorite things to do in the summer..yay!

And, look what's peeking up...my lilies!

I love this time of the year; I don't love the yoyo weather! It snowed 6 days ago, and today I got to wear my flip flops...crazy huh? But, I'll take it! We're all looking forward to more of these kinds of weekends :)

Honor

Honor: Looking back, it seems as though last week was all about honoring others. It just so happens that two weeks ago, I taught that character trait to my 4th graders on Wednesday night; I didn't know I was going to be able to put it into practice as much as I did and have the opportunity to teach my children some life lessons along the way.

The Upwards basketball season has come to an end. I have to say that I will miss it; I had the opportunity to make new friends, and have enjoyed watching Greg coach and Jordan play. The season ended with a fantastic awards night and celebration of all the teams. This was Greg's team; do notice my son...he was hamming it up!

Zac Cuddeback was one of the airmen killed in Germany a few weeks ago. His body was buried here in O'Fallon. Our community "honored" him as we all pulled together. The whole experience was a mix of emotions and sparked many deep conversations with Jannah and Jordan. We were honored to be a part of something so meaningful.

Follow the link below to read a story about it all: www.ramstein.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123246761

~The streets of our city were lined with thousands of these flags~

This huge flag was at our church and was the first thing that greeted those in the procession. It was really breath-taking. And, I can promise you American pride burst through every person's soul that saw it. We, along with countless others lined the streets as this young man's body was brought through our city.

The patriot guard riders were very moving as they led the procession. I believe there were more than 200 of them. The motorcycle lights go as far back as you can see. For those who don't know, patriot guard riders show respect for fallen heroes, their families and communities by shielding them from protesters that might show up (and they did show up at this young man's funeral).

We honored Jordan as we watched him and his fellow kindergartners present a musical. It was so very cute and I was beaming with pride as he sang!

All in a week...

I've been *meaning* to post pictures of Jordan playing and Greg coaching basketball...always seem to forget the camera or not get any good shots, but I finally did! Our church is hosting Upwards basketball, Greg coaches Jordan's team; Jordan played football and Jannah has also cheered through this wonderful program. I really do love it! Kids learn through a loving technique, it's not meant to be harsh and competitive, they learn scriptures, have a devotion at practice and start the games off with prayer. It just re-enforces what we are trying to teach at home, and I'll take some re-enforcement, anytime!

I've mentioned the Cup before...a couple of my friends thought they needed to try it! So, we got a sitter and just the mamas headed over for lunch and cupcakes to bring home! Thanks friends, I enjoyed it!

I got a Mayan Mocha for myself and an Italian Creme for my sweetheart! They were so good. I don't know why, but an over sized cupcake that's decorated all pretty just hits home with me; I suppose you're never too old to like a cupcake!

!!!!!!!!!BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

Jannah got a haircut AND I'm happy to say that she "loves it!"

!!!!!!!!!!MORE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

I got one, too! And I am happy to say that I also love my new cut! I've had long hair for so long and it just feels fresh to have something different. Greg says it's one of his favorite cuts...I'm still trying to decide if he's just trying to earn points :)

Our biggest excitement might have been last Monday when Jamison fell and busted his head. I thought I knew what happened, but as I was telling the story for the 10th time the other day, Jannah informed me that I had told it wrong and that it didn't happen the way I had been telling it...NICE! I may never know exactly what happened, only Jannah and Jamison will. What I do know is that it involved a laundry basket, hardwood floor, and the edge of a chair. Oh yeah, and Jamison's forehead. I was upstairs when I heard the scream, first Jamison's, then Jannah's frantic ones. I ran down only to see blood everywhere and two upset children. Jannah helped my get Jamison dressed (he was wearing shorts, like he always does when he's at home) and then we drove to my friend Amy's, a few houses down; I wanted another adult to agree that I should head to the ER. She said, yes. So, off we went. Greg and Jordan were at basketball practice. After waiting at the urgent care, they thought we should got to the children's hospital in St. Louis, so that Jamison could be comfortable while getting stitches...okay I said. Greg and Jordan joined us after practice; everyone was so concerned about our littlest J. We decided that Greg should take the older J's home(they did not want to leave) and I took Jamison to the hospital. We get there and wait...only to find out he needs some glue and he will be good to go! So, after all of the waiting and two different places, he has a glued up forehead! I'm just glad it's not any worse!