This and That

It's the end of February! Can you believe that?!?! Somehow, time just keeps flying right by me. We have been doing well and staying busy...just like everyone else :) I have a few high points to hit...

Last week, we visited Springfield, IL (the capital of this grand state with high taxes). Oops. Did I just say that? We thought it would be appropriate and educational to visit the Lincoln Home Historical Site that resides in Springfield, on Presidents Day! I have discovered something about myself: I really enjoy history when someone lays the facts and details out for me, I just don't want to have to pour through lots of books to find the facts myself. Is that lazy? Anyways, our little tour of the home and the history we learned about Lincoln was quite fascinating to me. Even the kids were enjoying themselves :)

I am pretty sure that Jamison needed to go to the bathroom in this shot, seems like he's always doing the potty dance!

This is the home that Lincoln lived it. It's been restored and of course, it "looks" like it would have back in his day.

This little desk is the one piece in the house that did indeed belong to him.

Jannah and Jordan in the main parlor...where children were NOT allowed to be back in the day :) Such little rule-breakers!

After visiting Lincoln's home, we took a short ride down Rt. 66 and ate at Cozy Dogs. They say it's the birthplace of the corn dog, it was nice and greasy :) The old memorabilia was fun to admire and the kids thought the bottled soda was delish.

There were a lot of old license plates around the place, these were cool...all with the word cozy or dog :)

Jannah and Greg all dressed up for the Daddy Daughter Dance. I already know what you are thinking...she is so grown up. And yes, she really is!

Jannah and Jordan were both baptized a few weeks ago. Really, this is so exciting and life changing. We are so proud of them and for making it known to the world that they love Christ! Pastor Mike, one of our associate pastors baptized them...proud mama and daddy we were :)

That's all for now! I might just add that we are down to only 6 (S-I-X)) days until we find out our next assignment. I am only a little excited about it!

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-about-JORDAN

Jordan is the proud new owner of a Nerf Vulcan, EBF 25 Blaster! In case you're wondering what that is...it's a fancy nerf gun, that costs a lot of moolah! I must say, it's super cool, and that's coming from the mama!

Here's the story behind the gun:

Jordan has struggled with adjusting to kindergarten. He thinks he would rather stay home, he is a homebody! He gets so anxious about going and just simply doesn't want to go. There are many tears and pleas, from both of us! It has been really bad; it's been rather heartbreaking for me. I hate to see him struggle and be so upset *A mama always hurts when her child hurts* So, we had tried several tactics the first week and a half of school, all to no avail. We finally told him that if he could go in school, (that meant getting out of the car and walking into school without any tears) for 10 days, we would get him a toy, OF HIS CHOICE! The same night, Greg saw a youtube video on someones facebook wall. It was about a man with no limbs, that still got around, played golf, and swam. He did his best with what God had given him. In the very moment of the kids watching it with Greg, God laid on my heart to use that story to encourage Jordan. Little did I know that would be what inspired Jordan and gave him the courage to do what he thought he could not do! We talked about that story and how God gave the man the strength and courage. I related to Jordan that God could give him the strength to walk into school. It was amazing to see God's work in his little heart, mind and soul! The very next day, Jordan hopped out of the car like it was no big deal. I was sooooo shocked, that was a complete turn around! All I could do was give God the glory! He has been like a different child ever since!

Yes, it can take 2 to load this monster; Jordan may not be too keen on sharing his new vulcan, but he's always looking for some help to re-load the bullets...Jamison will oblige him in hopes of getting to shoot!

Jordan started UPWARDS football this past weekend; our church is hosting the program. We are so excited for Jordan to play (and he is too); it was pretty funny...5 and 6 year old boys don't exactly understand the logistics of the game...although by the end of the game, they were doing well! This is not the best shot, I was way too far away, but this is Jordan running through the cheerleaders as his name was called out :)

This would be my boy, hiking the ball!

Down on the Farm

The school year is coming to an end, you know what that means? Programs and some real FUN times! We have a few fun things left to do and I just can't wait! Jordan's preschool had family night last week, and each class performed a few songs, the theme was "Down on the Farm". It was very cute! Jordan is a riot in boots and gets a little spunky when he wears them. He was not really into a couple of the songs, but when they sang last song (and apparently his favorite), Bluegrass Jamboree, he GOT INTO IT!!!!

On a side note, I have loved, loved, loved Creation Corner this year. It has been a true blessing to us, and Jordan has learned so much about life, Jesus and some basics! His teachers have been outstanding and have loved him, as well has shared the love of Jesus with him. I will dearly miss this place...Kindergarten, here comes Jordan!

This wasn't Bluegrass Jamboree. Wanna know I how I know? Jordan isn't stomping his feet here like a crazy boy!

A little bit of John Deere tractor fun!

I sure do love my little farmer!

Jordan is my Singing Star!

Jordan sang with his little children's choir last night. Be still my heart...I fell in love with him, all over again! In the past, when his choir sang, he just stood there. Not last night! We had a little pep talk (before church) and he must have made up his mind to sing...that's the way he works; he has to make up his mind to do something, or it will not be done! He made his Daddy and I so proud; one of my prouder mothering moments, as of late; I just love to hear my children singing praises to Jesus...and I'm sure He loves that, too!

ConKerr Cancer Pillowcases

This group of ladies is from my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. We have a wonderful group of ladies that meet at our church. This is just some from my table, and how ironic that so many of us sew? We got together a few nights ago to make pillowcases. We had *sew* much fun! I think we made around 35...I really can't remember. But these are donated to children all around who have cancer and have extended stays in hospitals. It's always so rewarding to do for others. I brought some home to wash, iron and fold up to be put in Ziploc bags (that's how they are to be donated), and I prayed over each one. Not knowing who might receive it, but knowing WHO can heal those children and hoping that when they pick a pillowcase, it will make their day a little brighter.

Thanks ladies! It was fun!

Here's the link if you're interested:

http://www.conkerrcancer.org/pillowdirections.html

Bibles and Ties and Blue Snakes...Oh My!

Today at church, our pastor, Doug Munton, presented bibles to all of the first graders. Jannah's name was called and she walked down to receive her bible and shake the pastor's hand. She told me she said thank you when her bible was given to her; that made me proud and thankful for a grateful child. She has been reading her bible today and has highlighted the verse she studied in life group (aka, Sunday school) this morning. Have I ever mentioned that we love our church?!?! We started praying about a church the moment we found out we would be moving here...boy, did God answer BIG!!!

Jordan mentioned a while back that he wanted to wear a tie. So, his wish came true! I'm not sure why I haven't gotten one before now. None the less, I think he was a mighty handsome boy this morning, and he was quite proud! So proud, he *gladly* cooperated for a picture; most of you know that's rare!

Last week, as I was getting ready, I heard some squeals and laughs. That usually gets my attention! The next thing I hear is this, from Jordan: "Mama, there's blue snakes in the toilet!" Of course I go to check that out...and this is what I saw! Jamison had created the blue snakes with toothpaste, and he was pretty proud if it! So proud, in fact, that he did it two more times the same day. After the third time and some disciplinary action, he hasn't done it again!