Life Lately (Part 2)

It's hard when someone moves away. We have had friends move away before, but thankfully, they have moved back!!!

We had very good friends move away this year in January. We love the Abel family very much and we were sad to see them leave. Our whole family got along well with their whole family!! Not only is Kelly a good friend to me but her daughter is one of Micayla's best friends.

Kelly and I weren't sure how much more we could take of our daughters being sad over missing each other. We try to be sympathetic and understanding but at the same time telling them that they need to stop being so down and that they have to move on with life. I kept telling Micayla that Ashley didn't die and to stop acting like it!

So..... after several months of missing them, we were able to go visit them, in Michigan!! Alex, Micayla and I flew to Michigan and spent 11 great days there with them!!

We went to Splash Village in Frankenmuth, MI. It is an INDOOR water park! It was lots of fun!! Two of the slides go outside the building and then back in. And they were fast... and in the dark since they were complete tubes!

Afterwards, we went next door to Bronner's Christmas store. It's the largest Christmas store in the world with year round displays!! It was crazy. If you can think of it, they probably have an ornament for it!!

One day we spent at Dan's parents house on Loon Lake. The kids had a great time swimming in the lake. It's the first time my kids have swam in lake water that they remember. They weren't too fond of the mucky feel of the bottom but it didn't stop them from having fun! Here is a pic I took sitting on the deck.

We had so much fun there, even on the days we just stayed at home! Very relaxing!!

Thanks Dan and Kel for such a great time with you guys!! We feel right at home in your home!

Life Lately (Part 1)

I've been bad about updating the blog lately. Lots of life going on. It's good but doesn't allow for my mind to be able to put a post together!! (There will be more to come on what we've been up to.)

John has started a new job!! After many, many, many L O N G months of not being happy at his job, he accepted a position with a company that handles large losses in the commercial side of the disaster restoration business. We are very happy for his new job! The only downside to it is this... he travels up to 75% of the time. Actually, lately it feels like he travels 100% of the time, but I'm not complaining, yet.

He left on a plane May 5th for Paducah, KY. He was assigned to be a Project Manager/Supervisor over a shift at the Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Metropolis, IL. The Ohio river deposited very large amounts of water, mud and yuck into the hotel there as well as the parking lots around the hotel.


He was assigned to be the night shift manager after receiving a promotion after only 10 days. They work 13-15+ hours a day, and around the clock. He has not had a day off since May 5th.

He was able to get Brandon and two other guys who have worked for him here in Jax, a job out there as well. I sure hope those boys are saving their money!!!

It's all very crazy to me, but he is very happy to be working for a company that values and appreciates him.

After completing the Harrah's in Metropolis, he was sent to the Harrah's in Tunica, MS.

He comes home this weekend. Only for a week but I can't wait.

Easter Sunday

Today is Easter Sunday!! I'm thankful to know it didn't end on Friday and that Jesus rose from the dead.

It was even better today to have family celebrate with us. John's parents are here. Everything's better with a Grandma and Grandpa!!

Today was also special because Alex was able to lead worship with the band on one song. I love seeing that boy sing!!!

You can see it by clicking on the link below... He is singing "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k0kiofc-30&feature=player_embedded

Hope you all had a great day today!!

American History Wax Museum

We just completed our 2nd year in the Unfailing Homeschoolers Wax Museum. The kids choose who they would like to showcase depending on the assignment. This year we were to do someone in American history.

The kids had to write a monologue to recite each time their "start" button was pushed. This brought their character to life. They also had to make a backdrop and an information board.

Alex decided he wanted to be John D. Rockefeller...


Micayla chose to be Elizabeth Dole....


They did a great job! It's always a lot of work but well worth it.

The guests bring their loose change to donate in each person's containers after the "figures" are done speaking.

This year the proceeds were given to Wolfson Children's Hospital NICU. They raised just over $500. YAY!!!!!

We were very proud of all the kids who participated. I always learn so much about people I've never heard of!!!

Wonder who we'll be next year??

Garden 2011

I've always wanted to plant a garden. I had no idea how to and was sure nothing would grow. Well... today John built us a raised bed box and we planted one!!! He knows way more about this garden stuff.

First we had to decide where to put it and turn over the soil... no one really enjoyed this part!

Then we had to pick all the grass, rocks and roots out...


Alex and Micayla helped too and they are really excited about growing their own food. Next we added garden soil and some secret sauce...



Love him!!

We planted tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow peppers, green beans, carrots and strawberries.


I can't wait to see what comes up!!! Fifty days to our first harvest!!!!!

Stay tuned for updates!

The secret sauce....

15

That's how many years ago it's been since I married my love! We are so excited to be celebrating our 15 years of marriage today!!!!

I am extremely thankful for our marriage. We've had our share of ups and downs and it hasn't always been easy. BUT... it has totally been such a blessing to grow and mature with someone who loves me unconditionally. Seriously... he really loves me unconditionally!

And I'd do it all over again, no questions. I love this man more today than I did the day I said "I do."

I am thankful for him. When I was dating I didn't really know what kind of man I wanted to marry. I just wanted to be loved.

I will be forever grateful to God that he gave me a hard working man, a man who loves God, and a wonderful father to our children, all things I value so much and didn't even know how much I would or should. I know he will always take care of us until his last breath. Even though he has chronic pain, he gets up every day and goes to work. I pray Micayla will be blessed to marry someone just like him.

I am thankful that John loved me back when I wasn't so lovable. He has been quite long-suffering, patient and forgiving with me. I'm not really proud of who I've always been but am so thankful for God's mercy and grace, and a husband who loves Him and in return, could love me through some of my yuck. It was painful at times, but can't things that are worth fighting for be painful at times??

I love how much we've grown up together. We've learned to love God together, parent together, enjoy our uniqueness with each other, and learn to have meaningful friendships together.

Happy Anniversary baby!! I can't wait to celebrate 50 years with you! I love you with my whole heart and know we'll be together forever! I wouldn't want to do this life with anyone else!!!!

Our New Family Member

Meet Jack...


He's been so much fun! He does this a lot right now. I'm not a big fan of pets on furniture and I wasn't thrilled that John put him on the couch, but we're gonna let that slide... for now.



Not sure how big he's gonna be but I'm guessing big. He's been super sweet and we are loving him!!

Christmas 2010