History Fair ~ 2013

This year Benjamin presented George H. W. Bush. He had a trifold display with pictures and facts about the popular president and at school he shared a 3-5 minute oral history upon request. It was really interesting to learn about this and many other interesting historical events and figures that were presented by the other students this year.

Aiden is 4!

I can't believe my baby is 4 years old now! He is always going to be my baby, but it is clear he is growing up whether I am ready or not! :o)

Me and my Aiden!

The birthday boy and his brothers... all wearing Star Wars t-shirts in honor of the Star Wars birthday theme!

This is the cool Darth Maul cake custom made by my friend Michelle! It is a yummy red velvet cake and was a big hit!

Aiden's favorite part of his birthday party? The light saber wars in the back yard!

Spring Break 2013 ~ Road Trip to Virgina/DC

This year my twin sis, my 3 boys and I all headed to the East Coast for Spring Break. It was planned to get some quality time in with Bestefar (my dad), Grandima, my sister (Auntie Erika) and nieces. The ride in the van was a good one, with great weather, good company & well behaved boys it's a road trip I will definitely do again! Here's a pic from the way there at a Wendy's pit stop in Ohio!

The day after arrival Bestefar, Grandima, Aunt Kari, me and the boys all piled into the minivan headed straight to DC. Auntie Erika and my nieces were sick so we decided to do a little DC sight seeing that day while they all continued to recover. It was great having my Dad at the wheel as he knew just where to go... and we saw so many things that would normally have taken the average tourist a couple of days (at least) to navigate!

Benjamin's Birthday Week-end at the Abe Martin Lodge

In the middle of Winter what better way to celebrate a birthday week-end than to pack up & head to an indoor water park! We piled into our minivan and headed down to Nashville after school let out on Friday. After we checked in to our room and took a quick tour we headed to the water park!

The next morning we slept in & enjoyed a breakfast at the Lodge's cozy restaurant and then spent the rest of the morning just hanging out & playing in the game room. Soon my sister Kari & her husband Doug arrived & we headed to the water park for round 2 of the water fun! After we played in the water for awhile we were ready for dinner!

We enjoyed Pizza King Pizza in the Lodge's large tv room & had a yummy cookie "cake" to celebrate Benjamin turning 10! Afterwards we relaxed on the couches while we watched Heidi starring Shirley Temple! Although the older kids were completely absorbed by the movie, Aiden made a new little friend and soon was begging to follow her back to the water park...so after the movie concluded it was time for water park round 3!

We stayed at the park for just under an hour or so and then we were all ready for PJ's and snacks by the fire! It was quality time together as we played games & enjoyed each others company late into the night!

The next morning after a large milk & donut breakfast we headed back home and back to our "real lives" taking many sweet Abe Martin Lodge memories with us!

Benjamin is 10!

Ten years ago today I was in the hospital gazing at my firstborn son Benjamin. He was overdue and I was "finally" being induced. Despite a slight heart rate scare and requiring some extra suction to be encouraged along he arrived into the World and my life was forever changed for the better! It's hard to wrap my brain around the fact that he has been with me on my life's journey now for 10 years!

Brotherly Love

It is interesting to me how little souls that are growing up together in the sanctuary of a loving home & family can intentionally cause each other pain & heartache! If they only knew the pure blessing they have in brotherhood...a special bond & shared history unique to any other relationship they will have in life! And yet, at times it is like they go out of their way to cause conflict...by not sharing a forgotten toy....making up a silly hurtful song...calling names....pushing....etc. just to get a reaction!

I often respond with the now familiar speech of how lucky, blessed, special it is to have not just one but TWO brothers to share this life with...and that one day they will be grateful! I ask them if they don't learn how to treat those closest to them with love, honor & respect how will they ever treat others in the "real world" with it? Sometimes they look at me like I must be out if my mind...but I assure them I'm not....and I pray that in time my words will settle into their hearts, their souls.

And then it happens! The precious moment where my hopes become reality...the blessing is embraced! And my heart is encouraged...not just for my family but for the future of all mankind. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of the treasures we have...and in that remembering Peace & Love abide! :)

Halloween ~ 2011

Happy Halloween 2011! This year Benjamin was an Air Force pilot,

 Cameron was a black kitty cat, and Aiden was a itsy bitsy spider! 

I have to admit going trick or treating with 3 lil boys is LOTS of fun! :o)