Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Well, Friday last week was my birthday! However, I got to celebrate all weekend long! Andy was gone out of town on a Scout Campout. (crazy to be planned on MY birthday---right?) Just kidding...I support him in this activity. Besides, when he's gone, I get to eat spaghetti ( a meal that is never fixed while he is in town!) and watch chick flicks. The chick flick of my choosing this time was Gone With the Wind! Classic! Old films are so funny....but you gotta love them!

Since Andy was gone, we didn't celebrate my birthday until Saturday. We went to my parents' house to have dinner. It was great! My mom fixed fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. And, of course, they made my favorite Strawberry Cake. I got these beautiful flowers to put in my flower beds!

You can't really tell by the pictures, but I got daffodils and tulips. Now, I just have to figure out where to put them, that will be the perfect place!

But, my birthday was not over at that! Sunday, we went to church, then came home and had a birthday dinner with my in-laws! It was great! The weather was perfect. So, we grilled burgers and hot dogs. Had potato salad and baked beans (store bought). We went the easy way! And, we made a chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. And my in-laws brought homemade ice cream! There is just nothing like getting your birthday for a whole weekend!! I was spoiled this year. Serves Andy right for being gone on my actual birthday, right?! HA!!

It was a lovely birthday, and I got many birthday wishes on Facebook! It's so nice to share your birthday with so many great friends! Thanks everyone! Love and miss you all!

Spring Break

Yes, this week was Spring Break for the kiddos! We have had a busy week, it seems. Monday, we went to the zoo. Here's a picture of the girls in the stroller we rented from the zoo.

They really enjoyed the day. The weather was PERFECT! Jenna went with a friend and her family. But we met up with her to give her a lunch. So, naturally, I had to snap a pic.

Aren't they cute?! They are such great buds! And, boy do they get SUPER SILLY together!

They all had so much fun! Zoie and Baylee love the outdoors! After two hours of walking, though, I was feeling VERY old! My girls were worn out too. Zoie fell asleep in the stroller, and Baylee almost did--she just didn't want to miss anything. Kinda reminded me of this guy!

He sat up on this pole, and looked back and forth. He did not want to miss a thing. He was very funny!

Tuesday, we went and got the girls' hair cut. I don't have pictures. But, they look so sweet! And for the first time, they held the lady's hand and hopped right up in the chair. I only had to hold them still a little bit. And, I didn't have to hold them in my lap this time! Yeah!! My little girls are learning more and more everyday! While there, the battery in my van died. Bummer, so hubby was out of town working (3 hours away) he couldn't jump it. So, I called on a good friend. He came after us, but couldn't jump it! So, he just gave us all a ride home in his itty bitty car. But, we made it! Andy went to get it later, he jumped it no problem! Hmmm.....guess our friend was not a mechanic! he he! Luckily, no new battery needed! Hooray!

The rest of the week was spent at home. We were having a shed built in the back yard, so we stuck around home. But had a good friend come for lunch on Thursday. Hadn't seen her in a few months, and she has a daughter Jenna's age. It was so nice to catch up, and eat some good grub! That day, we also spent the afternoon and evening getting ready for Andy's campout on Friday! The weather has been so perfect, then last night while they're out camping---RAIN, THUNDER, and LIGHTENING!! Also cooler temperatures. Andy didn't pack warm clothing and texted me that it was cold. Thank goodness they could build a fire. I bet he didn't sleep great though! We'll see when he gets home today!

Had a good week with the kids, but am ready for school to start back up. I just don't seem to get much done when the kids are home. My floors desperately need mopped! Any volunteers?!

Catching Up

Okay, so I'm not so GREAT at this blogging thing! But, here goes the catch-up! I got this new toy for Valentine's Day from the hubby:

Isn't it beautiful? So, I've been trying to learn how to use it! It's just a bit more complicated than my old camera! But, it takes nice pictures! My hubby thought since I was going to be doing more blogging that I might like a nice camera. How thoughtful! Totally just about blew me away! He usually doesn't do this good! I'm usually having to go out and buy my own gift--shhh don't let him know that I told you that!

Life's been crazy here lately. With tax season, and having a small construction business on the side, it gets a little hectic. But, we got everything taken care of. We finally took the steps to homeownership. We've lived in our house for 5 years, but decided we should enter into adulthood, and bite the bullet, and buy the house! What a great feeling--I still refuse to grow up, but that will come with time. My body ages, but my heart does not! This is even more apparent the closer I get to my birthday (which is only a week away!) I will be 35! Yikes!! I still feel so young. I'm guessing that's because I get to have engaging conversations with children all day!

Aren't they cute?! This is how they are found, many mornings! Zoie would be the one laying on top of Baylee. She just can't sleep comfortably unless she is smashing sister underneath her!

Went to Jenna's choir concert last week. It was really good! It was about music that has come about during the different wars. They had this one song that was really moving. During it they showed a slide show about the holocaust. My heart weeped for those people and what they endured. Here's a few photos of Jenna before the concert and during.

She looks so angelic in this one--I love that the teacher made her tuck her shirt in, but I'm looking and she obviously forgot to tell anyone else.

Andy and I decided we deserved a weekend away. We took a drive to Kansas City. It was wonderful!!! We got a nice hotel that had a hot tub. We went and sat in it both nights we were there. We went to Cabela's and to the Bass Pro Shop. (these are Andy's big things--I enjoy them too!) And, we enjoyed a visit with a college friend of mine that I hadn't seen in 13 years (tell me that doesn't make me feel even older) Anyhow, here's a photo (albeit, not a very good one) of me that Andy took while we were in the hotel room.

Not a great photo--I don't think he got my best side (if there is a best side) But, at least I had already gotten ready for the day. Except my hair, ugh--it needed some help. Anyhow, we had a great time. The weekend made me feel completely recharged. It was wonderful!

The following weekend, my whole family ended up with the stomach flu. So needless to say, I didn't sleep much. I did tons of laundry--blankets, towels, and so forth! And needed another weekend to get recharged. Oh, woe is me!

Here is a picture of our Big Boy! His name is Blue, and he is the only one that helps balance out the manhood in our home.

He is such a good addition to our family. We rescued him. Someone had abandoned him. He was so skinny when we got him. Now, he's fat and sassy! He's Daddy's Boy! Loves to go with him everywhere. But, when he wants food, he begs me! What does that tell ya!

Anyhow, I think I've about got you up to speed. Will try to do better, I promise. And, I will leave you with a picture of my precious hubby. He works so hard for me to be home with my kiddos, and he spoils me whenever he can.