Taking my zoo to the zoo

2 posts in 1 day... what is the world coming to?!?!

It was a perfect zoo day, so the boys (and Charlee) and I packed it and spent the morning at the zoo. The weather was great and the kids were troopers. I took the stroller, but it was empty the majority of the time. By the end, Charlee and Ashton were arguing about who got to ride in the stroller next but they argue over what shade of blue the sky is.

The difference between this zoo trip and past trips is that Hunter took his animal book (click link for a description of the book) and found the animals in the book. He then wanted me to read about each animal and tell him where they lived in the world. Needless to say the zoo that normally takes us an hour to get through took almost 2 hours this time. But, I love that he is so eager to learn, hopefully that will seep right into school.

Here are some pictures from the zoo.

The turtles- notice Hunter finding them in the book.

Again, the book... this time withthe orangutans

I asked Charlee to give me a pretty smile and this is what she came up with... ha ha!

The crocs... again, notice the book on the far side.

I got a better group shot than this but this is the funny one.

We had a picnic lunch which they loved.

Yes, this is a timer picture.

And we finished up by playing on the playground.

Had a hard time getting him to slow down.

I managed to get Ashton to stop for a split second.
He just looks like he is up to no good.

There is her pretty smile.

They were pretty wiped out by the time we got home... even Hunter requested to take a rest later in the afternoon).

This was the 2nd time Charlee fell asleep today.

I think I will sleep good tonight!

Truths for Mature Humans

I have become quite the pinterest junkie lately. I saw these 32 Truths for Mature Humans and thought they were pretty funny. Pinned here if you want to see the whole list. Half of them were things that I have actually thought before or that describe me to a "t."

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

2. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

3. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

4. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

5. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work (or at home) when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

6. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

7. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.

8. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?

***Mom #8 is for you!

9. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

***Yep. Hate this!

10. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.

11. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

12. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

***haha, ask my Chad or my parents... this is soooo me!

13. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

***again, me!

14. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

15. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

***yet again, me... except my shirts rarely get dirty either!

16. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

17. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

This and That

Welp, I have been quite the lazy blogger. Plenty going on, just unmotivated to blog it.

As I mentioned, I have been keeping my niece. She has just fit right into the group. We do a little school lesson every day. Here is a picture of their recent paintings. I already told Sandee this story but when Hunter saw all the finished paintings he said, "mommy, you are not going to give that to Aunt Sandee are you?" I said, "of course I am." Hunter said, "oh man, she will hate it".

haha, he cracks me up. I was so affected by Charlee's picture that I left the "r" out in her name. So she likes her art a bit abstract.

If you know me, then you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE watermelon. Seriously, I pick it over chocolate. Chad's uncle is quite the farmer and gave us 2 watermelons last Saturday. Upon thanking his aunt and uncle for them, we recieved 7 more watermelons... yes that is 9 watermelons. They are absolutely delicious and Shepherd and I (and Ashton a little bit) are doing are best to kill them. mmmm, so good.

Chad's team squeaked a big win Friday night. I about had a heart attack, but it was wonderful. In short, Chad's team scores with 3 minutes left in the game to make it 21- 20. He goes for 2 points instead of an extra point. Yes, you read it right. Anyone that knows him well, knew that he would do that but it was still a gutsy (or as most other people are saying- ballsy) move. So, his team won 22-21!!! Yay! One of the assistant coaches is going to make a highlight film after each game. Here is a link to the one from West Oak (the one that was 70-0). I will post this past week's game when I get a link for it.

I cut Ashton and Shep's hair a few days again. Ashton's hair was getting crazy long and though I didnt really want to cut it, I didnt know what to do with it. So he got the clippers to it. He looks older and just as adorable.

And here is just a shot of the boys before church this morning. I thought they were looking especially cute this morning. Love these fellas. Can't believe we only have one more week before school starts and we have to get on a schedule! Eek! How can this already be happening?!?!

Happy Birthday Darlin'

Ah Chad! Another year and what an amazing year it has been! As fate would have it, your birthday falls right at the beginning of football season and is therefore hard to celebrate. At least I know you get to spend your birthday doing something you absolutely love... coaching those boys.

Chad was home for a couple hours this morning, so we celebrated at 9 am and though it was early, went ahead and ate a brownie (and let the kids eat them too :) ) Charlee got to join us in the singing, presents, and eating.

No awesome pics here, just proof that we tried to squeeze in a small celebration. Chad's parents also cooked us some delicious steaks on Saturday... good thing because we ate leftovers tonight. :)

The "cake"- Chad said he didnt want a dessert for his b-day, but if you know me then you know that ain't gonna happen. Any excuse I have for a dessert is a good one

The kids blowing out his candles. Shepherd started blowing/ spitting before the song was half way over... we had to light them again just so the other kids could get a chance.

The eating a small brownie at 9 in the morning.

Chad, I love you and hope this next year is even more successful for our family. All's Grace!

Charlee's Big Girl Room

Since at least December 2009, my sister in law, Sandee has been collecting pieces for her daughter's "big girl" room.

I will give it to Sandee, she has basically known the overall theme of the room and slowly collected the pieces she wanted.

She called me a few months ago to look at the raw state of Charlee's new room. We decided on where the furniture should go. Now, this room is an odd shape and is HUGE.

A few weeks ago, I got another call from Sandee. Charlee's 3rd birthday was approaching and therefore the big move into her "big girl" room. Sandee asked if I could come up to her house and take all the things she had purchased over the past 18+ months and put it all together.

This was right up my alley!

Here are the pictures of Charlee's big girl room.

View when you walk in the door

Window beside the bed. Window Treatments were made by Papa Hub and Charlee's other grandma, Lois.

Play Area

Dress Up Corner- she has quite the collection of princess dresses.

The reading nook- this turned out so cute.

Reading Chair

View to the right of the door.

View to the left of the door. Pictures not yet filled :)

I do think the room turned out really cute. It fits Charlee's little personality to a "T". It is bright and cheerful. Hope you enjoy your room Miss Charlee!

Eucharisteo Part 16

493-Hunter telling me "you're my girl"

494- Fresh garden vegetables

495- My child has a voice to cry, laugh, talk

496- Surprise Chick fil A

497- First roller coaster rides

498- Being just a little too short

499- Finding a bathroom in time

500- Bedrooms overflowing with people

501- Feather pillows

502- HGTV and the ideas in my head

503- Mom occupying the boys

504- Hugging nephews

505- Getting a good shot

506- HIS Radio

507- Laughter

508-Freedom to worship

509- Open Bible

510- Friend opening who home for a Bible study

511-Kissing sleeping boys

512- Pink birthday parties

513- Rain that cools it all down

514- Ashton and Charlee together

515- Excitement of 1st game

516- A sincere prayer

517- Young, saved heart

518- A son becomes a brother

519- New recipe that turns out good

520- Brother and job offer

521- Excuse to make a birthday cake

522- Chad able to be home for a few hours in the morning

523- Matt and Olivia and their faithful obedience

524- Watching God answer their prayers

525- Freshly painted doors already with dog scratches

526- Doing a little girl's hair

527- Healthy kids who gag on Tylenol

528- Discovering Wild Kratts computer games

Hunter Will Be There

At 6:15 this evening, we were on our way to the YMCA Soccer Meeting and Hunter asked me a question. "Can 2 boys get married?" Have no idea where this question came from, I dont watch shows with openly gay characters nor do I discuss this topic with kids around.

I quickly respond, "No, God made 1 man and 1 woman to be married... that is why He made Adam and then Eve." (Hunter finds great delight in that Adam was made first.)

We then start talking about the Garden of Eden... if lions were mean, the punishment of sin, Satan starting out as an angel but then being thrown out of heaven, disobedience, etc, etc.

Which led to...

I said, "if Jesus is in your heart then you will go to heaven."
He said, "Jesus is in my heart." (he has said this before and I always say, "is he?"
I responded with the same question, "is he?"
The difference was this time, Hunter paused and said something to the effect of "most of the time." (cant remember his exact wording, but it was the first time he showed doubt.)
I then told him that "well when you are ready to ask Jesus into your heart, you just need to say this prayer.... (insert prayer of salvation)"
He responded with, "I cant remember that."
Me, "well when you are ready, you can repeat it after me."
Hunter, "I still cant remember"
Me, "you can just repeat it after me"
Hunter, "ok (pause) I want to do it now."
Me, "Are you sure? We are on the road."
Hunter, "yes, now."
Me, "uh, ok."

Me, "Dear Jesus"
Hunter, "Dear Jesus"
Me, "I love you"
Hunter, "I love you"
Me, "I know that I do bad things"
Hunter, "I know that I do bad things"
Me, "and I know that you forgive me"
Hunter, "and I know that you forgive me"
Me, "I want you to live in my heart"
Hunter, "I want you to live in my heart"
Me, "I want you to be my King"
Hunter, "I want you to be my King"
Me, "and to live in heaven with You forever"
Hunter, "and to live in heaven with You forever"
Me, "Thank You for saving me"
Hunter, "Thank You for saving me"
Me, "Amen."
Hunter, "Amen."

I said, "Hunter you just did a really big thing."
Hunter, "just like David, he was a little guy who did a really big thing."
Me (smile), "yep, just like David"

The rest of the way to the Y, I drove with tears in my eyes. For a moment, I had doubt. Is he really saved? He is only 5! Does he get it?
After the meeting, I asked him if remembered why he said that prayer in the car on the way to the Y.
He replied, "so God can live in my heart."
Yes! I do believe he gets it. He knows and believes everything in the Bible. With non- Bible stories , he will always ask me if it is pretend or not... never once has he questioned the legitimacy of the Bible.

I pray that God's sovereign, mighty hands will stay planted over each of my kids. I have seen proof tonight. Thank You Jesus!

Happy Birthday Charlee!!!

Today, Miss Charlee turns 3!

SATURDAY

She had her party-a Pink Princess Pool Party on Saturday (say that 5 times fast). Right when we pulled up to the pool it started drizzling.... which turned to thunder.... which turned to heavy rain.... then an hour later cleared off into a nice afternoon.

The kids getting restless.

still restless

Friend, Preston longing to go out and swim

Cousin love

To use time wisely and to prevent the kids from going bazurk, she opened presents first.

I took a ton of present pics but will NOT post them all- it was a bunch of princess stuff.

The loot

When the rain stopped, we headed outside for pool part of the party.

Julie with Ashton and Charlee

Hunter conquers the slide- the first two times insisted someone catch him but then did MANY times by himself.

Shep looking dangerous

3rd cousin or some relation of a cousin, Easton.

Then it was time to eat.

The cake.

Singing Happy Birthday

She got bashful- this is such a sweet picture of her!

The whole group

Cake time

MONDAY

Charlee's daycare provider stopped keeping kids, so for the next 3 weeks I have Charlee during the day. I was lucky enough to get to keep her on her birthday today. Thankfully, she and the boys get along pretty good (more on this later).

We sang happy birthday (click link to hear).


We made (and ate) a cake.
See if you can guess who doesnt eat icing- all these pictures were taken during or after the eating process.




If you guessed, Hunter then you win. Obviously Shep and Charlee didnt win that award and I am proud to say that Ashton is quite talented with a fork and spoon.

Then, Grandma, Aunt Sandee, Charlee, the boys, and I went to Chuck E Cheeses for dinner.

The boys and birthday girl :)

Sandee had helping child up playground duty

Hunter trying to coax Shepherd down, I had to eventually climb up and get him

Charlee driving with that tongue out

Shep playin'

They "wasted" a lot of money on this simulator.

Happy Birthday Charlee! We love you!