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.

Testimonies...WOW!!!

A friend of mine posted this on her blog. As I watched it, tears streamed down my face. You will understand why when you watch it. But, I will also explain. There are so many people hurting. So many people that do not have the truth and light to guide them through their lives. While watching the testimonies of those people and the trials they had to overcome, it made me all that much more grateful for my parents, and for the strong foundation they provided me with. I am so blessed that they know God, and wanted to make sure that I had a personal relationship with Him. Without Him, I can see how I would question some things that have come along in my life.

My mother is a two time cancer survivor. She refused to let it beat her! She beat it!! TWICE!!!! Now, she helps others. My dad has lived most of his life with only one arm, and a hook for his other arm. I never thought about this all that much growing up. But, he can do anything anyone with an arm can do, and more. Sometimes that hook comes in handy! They are pillars of strength, and I am reminded of that constantly. They are a great example to me. They have always chosen to look at things in a positive light. To keep prayer alive in their home, and rely on God to get them through difficult situations. I too, have had the benefit of speaking daily with my Father in Heaven. He gives me strength, when I think there is none left. He gives me motivation, when I think I can go no further. He gives me the loving relationships I have with my husband and children. He gives all, so that we may have eternal life! Thank you Mom and Dad for getting me started in the right direction! I love you both very much! And am grateful for all you have taught me, and given me!

Saw this video clip today, and thought I would share. http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=51326077724&h=Eab0f&u=nlJgd

I thought this was a wonderful video. It gave a very insightful point of view. The whole issue of abortion is so rarely given from a man's perspective. After watching this video, and seeing the joy these precious babies bring into the lives of others, I just don't see how anyone could choose to abort. God Bless You All!

My Valentine Cuties!

No big special plans today! We're possibly having some family over to have a special Valentine Dinner! But, I am planning to take the Cuties to the movie Coraline. We'll see if i can handle them all on my own! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

More Angelman Goodies

I know, I've bombarded you all with Angelman "stuff", but there are some cute little poems that have been created, and once again, I have one for you......so here goes.......

Are you the Proud Parent of an Angel

If you can answer yest to any of the following questions, YOU are the Proud Parent of an Angel!

1. Have you developed the quickest reflexes around...diving for the salt shaker that is about to fly off the table...or protecting yourself from a lightning quick inadvertant elbow, hand or foot jab?

2. Do you find yourself instinctively grabbing the hands of other adult friends at the dinner table as they reach for a dish? And do you remember to apologize profusely as they look at you in horror?

3. Do you push everything into one small corner of the table at a restaurant the minute you sit down and promptly instruct the waiter to do the same?

4. Do you find yourself apologizing your life away to strangers who have been hugged, squeezed, grabbed or had their hair pulled lovingly by your favorite angel?

5. Have you ever had to buy a replacement hot dog, popcorn, or soda for another individual who had theirs snatched by the quick hands of your angel? Has a friend looked away for a moment and realized that his hot dog bun no longer contained a dog?!?

6. Do unfamiliar people wave at you and do you wonder who in the world they are? And do you later discover that your angel was busy greeting anyone and everyone from the back seat of the car?

7. Do you consider yourself a champion stain remover?

8. Do you hold the world record for hugging and kissing a child...especially a TEENAGE child?

9. Do you find yourself thinking unkind thoughts about rude individuals? And deciding to take the high road, do you smile politely or ignor the rudeness when what you'd REALLY like to say is **@@!!&%%!!**?!?

10. Have you forgotten what a good night's sleep feels like?

11. Are you thrilled beyond words when someone says the phrase "I've heard of that!" right after you've told them your child has Angelman Syndrome? Do you gasp in disbelief when a medical student says, "Angelman Syndrome" less than a minute after being put on the spot to guess what disorder your child has?!?

12. Is an angel collection taking over your home? Do you choose an angel theme for holiday cards and gift giving? Do your ears perk up any time you hear the word angel in the title of a song, book, poem or show? Do you find yourself looking for anything angel in catalogs?

13. When you hear the sound of diabolical giggling does your heart stop while your legs simultaneously fly in the direction of the sound?

14. Do you often hear the sound of water exploding from the faucet followed by that diaboloical giggling just mentioned?

15. Do you have the most sensitive, supportive, caring and loving family members all over the world? Do you have the pleasure of seeing them at reunions (otherwise known as conferences) every time you're fortunate enough to attend?

And last but not least...

Do you sometimes feel so sad, fatigued, lonely and overwhelmed that you can't imagine hanging in there much longer? But when you think about it for a while, is it impossible to imagine life without the unconditional hugs and love from your angel? There's just something about that grin and the joy that our angels express when they see us that will help us endure!

Contributed by Alice Evans

And, just imagine......This was written by a mom of ONE angel. I have two!!! So, imagine most of those doubled!! This crazy life I lead! For us, instead of hot dogs (like in number 5) it's CHEESE!!!!!! And like in number 12, I do collect angels. However, I started collecting them before I ever had Zoie and Baylee---I think somehow I must have known that I would have Angels around me, so what's a few more? And number 7, I too am a CHAMPION stain remover. Some of the stains that I have to remove frequently are blood (Zoie likes to head butt people, and we've had a few bloody noses), chocolate and pepsi (caffeine free, and diet--no extra sugar needed for my angels). I've also been known to have to get colored frosting out--we've decorated cookies or cupcakes a time or two, and Baylee loves the texture of frosting, so she grabs big handfuls, and squishes it between her fingers!

And, talk about quick reflexes.....I've definitely gotten quicker, but still not quick enough on most occasions. Lots of diabolical laughing in our house though! (especially around water) !

Thank you for letting me share with you, our experiences, challenges, and successes. It is so much fun!