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!

What's up?

Whew!!! Does it ever slow down? We've been busy and I've been meaning to blog and do a bazillion other things! So, here's a few things that have been going on...

****************I was totally interrupted while putting this post together. Our area was under a severe weather warning. We had been tracking the storms for a while; 70 + mile per hour wind, hail and rain...you know what that means: TORNADO!!! We decided after hearing the sirens and watching the storm move our way that we should head down to the basement. I think this might have also prompted us to go down there: I heard the weather man say on TV, "IF you live in the following cities (he names ours), you should be in your basement, NOW!" At that moment we heard crazy wind and hail, we grabbed up our sleeping kids and ran down there. I ran down with Jordan and Jamison and blankets...I cleared all those steps pretty darn fast!! I can say, that was a first for me, for all of us! We all slept together after that; there was no way my kiddos were going back to their beds! All is well and I don't think any major damage was done; I saw, on FB (which is a very worthy source) where a tornado touched down in our area; I'm sure we will see the damage when we get out today! Now back to the blog post...

We put on our boots and headed to see the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) in St. Louis. We had a good ole' time! I've always enjoyed rodeos and bull riding; I told my mama, that I think I shoulda' been a cowgirl! Seriously! We had our favorites from the get-go: we cheered for the man from GA, the man from IL (our current home state) and the man named Skeeter...how could you not pull for Skeeter?!? Unfortunately, none of them won tonight. I will tell you who did win...my sweet little Jordan! He looked so cute today!

Mama's little cowboy!!!

When we lived in Korea, I met a gal named Kelly. Little did I know that she would turn out to be one of my closest friends...I call her a heart friend! She and her two adorable boys spent a day with us while they were visiting their family here in Illinois. We always have so much fun together and just pick up right where we left off!

Doesn't this girl look silly? A friend (whom I have not seen in years, but now keep up with on FB) told me about these curlers, thanks Kara! They are called Curlformers, you can purchase them at Sallys. They are a bit on the expensive side, but they do work...very well! Jannah has a new favorite way of wearing her hair, can you guess how that might be??

Before : she actually sleeps in them!

After: one happy, curly-headed little girl!

Father & Daughter

IT was a big- to- do,

Pretty black shoes.

Hair to curl,

On my sweet girl.

Nails to paint,

She was prepping for the date.

He was wearing a tie,

She was flying high.

Her lips were pink,

He gave her a hug and a wink.

Off they go, they can't be late,

Greg and Jannah,

They have a daddy-daughter date!

What's in Collinsville, IL???

We woke up this morning to MORE snow on the ground. I'm kinda ready for warm weather and flip-flops, but I'm not going to complain! I want to tell you about our adventurous day. The day started with yours truly (me) shoveling the 4 or so inches of snow off the driveway. After that, we headed to Jordan's basketball game. I promise to have pictures of that soon;Greg is the coach and they are both having so much fun! We came home after the game, with plans to do nothing. That soon changed; we have been in the house so much this past week, I decided we had to get outta there! So, after some quick planning, we headed out to see a few things and do some really good eating :)

Do you see what I see?

It's a big ole' catsup bottle! They claim it's the world's largest one! It's in Collinsville, a small town that's only a few minutes away from O'Fallon. We told the kids that's what we were going to see; Jannah wasn't too thrilled. On the other hand, Jordan was super thrilled when he was the first one to spot it! It marks the spot where this brand of catsup used to be manufactured, but it's no longer an operating plant. Nonetheless, it was something to look at from inside our warm car!

We headed on through Maryville, then to Glen Carbon; that's where I took this picture~I just love the snow-covered evergreens!

We saw a historical sign for a covered bridge, we figured we should go take a look, why not? We were in no big hurry and we were hoping to show the kids a bit of an adventurous day! I had something else in mind (like the covered bridges you see in pictures), but it was something to look at and talk about...

We wound up in Edwardsville. There were two places we wanted to try. And neither one disappointed!

We had a Jerk Chicken Pizza at the Peel...check it out Peel Pizza

We then headed over to The Cup Oh my...I just love this place! The cupcakes are delicious and there's such a selection! My Italian Cream cupcake was to die for!!!

After our tummies were full, we came home and played in the snow, until dark! It was a fun-filled day!

Friday Fun

I've created a fun little spot, for me...this is in the stairwell, looking out into the backyard. It's my new "quiet-time" space. It's nice looking out at the snow covered ground and just reflecting upon all that God has done for me or doing my bible study; I light that candle (that smells like coffee) and I am carried off to another place...but only for a little while, because there's always something or someone that beckons me away; but that's okay...I keep coming back!

I'm just wondering...does anyone else, besides Jamison, find it necessary to put balls on your plate when eating? That silly boy ALWAYS has a ball in his hand, except when he's eating!

Now, I am ashamed to say that before we could make formal introductions to Shocky, our beta fish...he died...it was my fault. BUT, we just got a new fish, and I will soon introduce her. Here's a little story about Shocky: We went into Petsmart a few weeks ago, to "look". Well, you know, the kids were begging for a pet. They would have taken a cat, dog, fish...whatever we would agree to. Jannah was pleading for a goldfish, because, "it's only 12 cents." Now, I am really NOT a pet person, of any kind. And, with all of the moving and traveling we do, I've just not wanted to have a pet to worry about. One day, when we are more settled, we'll get a dog/cat...at least that's what we say! But, we made our kids' day and got them a male beta fish, they named him Shocky. The day I took this picture, I set the aquarium on the window ledge...OOPS! I think the fish got too cold, due to the cold temps outside. I felt horrible and the kiddos were sad to say good-bye to their first pet after only a week. So, what did G and I do about it? We got another one, a female this time; and I promise NOT to sit it on the window ledge for a few days. I will post pics soon, and we will give her a name...say tuned!

Jordan is working on his project for the 100th day of kindergarten; he had to make something out of 100 items. There was no question that he would choose logos (that's one of his favorite things to do); turns out he built the titanic. Jordan has finally decided that he likes school and that it's not so bad...that's good for a kiddo who really struggled to think that it was necessary!

Jannah really didn't like that I took this picture of her, she told me it embarrassed her. I just loved it, though. She likes to have curly hair, and this is our latest way of obtaining it! I just thought she was too irresistibly cute, as she was reading her book :)

Ice, Ice Baby!

We have weathered the storm of the century...I think! On Monday, the freezing rain started early; icicles were hanging from any place they could form! The roads were slippery and it caused panic and preparation. Grocery stores were slammed and salt trucks were everywhere! The ice was crazy and unlike anything I had seen. We were predicted to have anywhere from 1/2 to 1 inch of ice, and then 6-10 inches of snow. Power was supposed to be out and school too, even Daddy has been at home; you can imagine my three J's have been thrilled! Well, we did get a lot of ice, enough to close down everything around here: malls, interstates, grocery stores, no mail, no trash pickup...I told you everything was closed! But as of Wednesday morning, the snow held off, only a little bit fell on top of the ice. I can't believe I would say this, but I'm gonna say it: I am a little sad we didn't get this big storm...my kids are going to be sad when they learn this morning that the worst is over, they really wanted to be without power...funny, huh?!?! I should say that it's supposed to be 0 degrees tonight, the bitter cold is still here, along with some crazy wind gusts, which makes for some cold, cold days! Here's some of our fun from the ice day!

All of our windows were covered in...ICE! We couldn't see out of them all day!

It's a little hard to see, but the ice covered branches are pretty...we were just hoping these baby trees didn't snap! Please appreciate this picture, I had to open the door to take it; I nearly FROZE and I was pounded with ice balls! Do you feel sorry for me??

A fort under the dining room table, always a fun thing to do! Notice the pajamas, we all sported them all day :)

These are the perfect ice balls that fell all day on Tuesday. There's only one thing to do with ice balls: collect them and make...

SNOW CONES!!!!!

We had a little fashion show goin' on...Jannah wanted the boys to wear high-heels...I said no and so did they!

Hoping your day is wonderful, and warm! More fun times for us today, as we are all stuck in the house, again :)