SLIMED

These are actually old pictures from about a month ago, but they are way too good to not post. Our school held a fundraiser last month to raise money for smartboards in all the classrooms. Jack was the top seller in kindergarten. At a celebration assembly he got to slime a kindergarten teacher and the beloved janitor, Mr. Heishman. He had a ball doing this and the adults were such great sports. Kudos to our principal Mrs. Bohr. She makes school so much fun. This is just one example of the excitement she brings to our building. Check out these slime balls!

Rub A Dub Dub - Is That Santa In The Tub?

What Kind of Gift Are Your Words?

This evening I spent some time preparing a talk that I will give to a crowd of 70+ women next Monday night at our church's Christmas Tea. I had a lot of fun preparing it. I love it when God totally lays His word and His spirit in your lap! The talk is on Ephesians 4:29 and the power of our tongue. I was thinking of how powerful the thought really was and how it is such an important focus during Christmas season and ALWAYS. So...I've decided to share...

- Ever spend a lot of time wrapping your presents just right? (Truth be told, I'm a little OCD about this. I match my paper and only use two kinds...one for my family's side presents and one for Justin's family's side) Jack and Sophie each get a specific print of paper and I go to great lengths to match the ribbons and bows on top. I should take a picture sometime of the tree with all the presents so neatly matched underneath. It's actually a little embarassing to admit just how much time I put into the whole wrapping thing. I mean really, it's just going to be TORN off!
Anyway, I recently read a book that got me to thinking...I spend all this time making sure my packages are beautiful before I give them away but what kind of present are my words?
Ugh! In the hustle and bustle of the season and the schedule of school, church, and outings, I have been known to spit out my fair share of ugliness. Oh- I'm not a cursing gal and I don't talk vulgar but my tone alone speaks volumes somedays. I also find myself in the midst of conversations that are less than wholesome or uplifting and yet, do I remove myself or speak up on behalf of the one being spoken of? Not always.

Ephesians 4:29 is a good reminder to us all. I would write it out here. But instead, I encourage you to get out your bible, read it aloud to yourself and say a little prayer that this season your words would be as beautiful as the packages you put under your tree!

I'm Dreaming of a PINK Christmas

We have four Christmas trees at our house. One upstairs, one downstairs and one in each of the kid's bedrooms. Recently when I went shopping with some girlfriends, I found a PINK tree for Sophie's room. I wish you could have seen her face when we put it up. She loves it!!

The Polar Express

We set off this morning with our good friends the McCarters to enjoy a family day at the Indiana Transportation Museum taking the kids on a Polar Express Train ride. We were to arrive at 1:30 pm and have a read aloud of the famous book, The Polar Express. The kids received a bell souvenir and we were to load the train for cookies, juice and a train ride with Santa, Mrs. Claus and some cute little elves. Well...........mix that plan with crazy holiday traffic and some not so great weather and you've got one not-so-fun day. We arrived late and the kids missed the story. They did get their bells and we did load the train but it was one hectic event trying to get there. Who knew that a little coating of snow would make our trek such an ordeal. Despite the kink in our plans, we had a good time with our neighbors and buddies the McCarter family and the kids did enjoy a quick train ride. (Although I don't think we'll make the trip to do this ride again next year!) Here are some pictures from our eventful day.

(Pictures Below: Jack and Grant showing their tickets, Sophie and Ella enjoying the ride, Santa poses for a picture, The Polar Express is waiting for us to load)

Holiday Traditions

Holiday Traditions I love...
1. Sharing around the table at Thanksgiving a blessing from the year.
2. Breaking the wishbone from the turkey.
3. My annual shopping trip to Chicago with my mom and friends.
4. Trimming the Tree.
5. Sleeping in the light of the tree.
6. Sending and receiving Christmas Cards.
It's that time of year when we start drawing names for Christmas, start planning the menus for our family get-togethers and discussing just what we're going to do to celebrate our gratitude during this Thanksgiving season and how we'll bring joy to others at Christmas. It seems that since we've been married the only real tradition is that each year the tradition changes. But, such is life...the real blessing is that we have family to celebrate with regardless of the changing traditions. Recently, due to the economy and the fact that we are Americans and live in a land of "have it all," we decided to ponder some alternatives to our family Christmas exchange. Here were the ideas we tossed around.
1. Trade names by family and create a basket gift for the family you draw.
2. Trade individual names and lower the price limit using a theme. (ex; movie theme where everyone buys their person a movie, book theme, food theme...)
3. Purchase tickets to It's a Wonderful Life at the round barn theater along with dinner at their restaurant and that would BE our Christmas. We'd attend with one another and enjoy the evening.
4. Get the name of a needy family and have our regular family dinner and then end the night shopping for the needy family and wrapping their gifts up to deliver together.
We all voted on our favorite. The needy family ...Choice #4 was the winner. So...the money we would use to buy gifts for one another we will put towards a family that would otherwise have no Christmas. We'll still get together for our big family dinner but instead of sitting in the living room opening our own gifts afterwards, we will hit the town shopping for a less fortunate family. We'll take the presents home, wrap them up as a family and then take them to their destination in time to bless a family on Christmas Day. I'm so excited! I'm not only excited about the opportunity to do something for someone else but I'm also excited for the lesson that this will be for my kids. Oh, I suppose Sophie is too young to understand it but Jack will and I can't wait for the conversation that will surround his shopping and the blessing that this "tradition" will be for him. I'm wondering...any fun holiday traditions that you care to pass along? Leave me a comment and share! Happy Holidays to all my blogging buddies...the season is upon us!

Trick or Treat...Smell My Feet

We had a fun time trick-or-treating this week. Our town holds a Boo-Fest each year where kids can trick-or-treat downtown at the area merchants. That is a tradition for us and then we always have some friends over for dinner following the festivities. Friday night we went trick-or-treating as a family. Yes...we actually got Justin to dress up as a pirate so we could go as a pirate family. We had so much fun. Sophie wasn't thrilled with Boo-Fest but by Friday night she was all about being a pirate. We don't go too many places. A few friends in town and to family. Every year we seem to have the discussion as to whether trick-or-treating can possibly glorify God. I grew up with it being such a fun family memory. My hope is that our kids will remember it with the same fondness and be firm in their understanding that we are a light in the midst of darkness. Here are a few shots of my 'D-ARRR-LING" pirates!
Pictures Above: Our own Jack Sparrow, Mommy and her little pirates, Daddy escorting his matey's trick-or-treating with our friend Lynn, One tuckered out Captain Jack

Ahhh...I Found It!

Finally, with the help of my bloggy friend Jami, I have found my new look! Now that I actually like looking at my blog again, I'll be posting what I've been up to for the last week and a half. So...pay no attention the fact that there will be several postings on the same day. I do have a life, I just have a lot of blogging "catch up" to do! :)

Searching For a New Look

I'm searching for a new look for my blog. It's kind of like rearranging the furniture in my house. I get bored with it and need a new look every so often...okay, a lot! Anyway, sometimes I change the furniture two or three times before I finally figure out which way I want it. So...hang in there my readers! I'm doing some blogspot rearranging. I'll probably need to change it around a few times before it looks just right. :) Really, what did we do before computers?

I Spy

I spy some leaves, the grass and a tree.

I spy a little face looking at me.

Jack's Fall Party

Jack had his fall party today complete with six kindergarten buddies. We made the cute shirts from Family Fun...tye dyed with pumpkin faces. We also made some cute bats out of little Jack pumpkins AND another mom stayed and helped me do carmel apples as favors for the boys to take home. By the time we got to apples we figured the boys were crafted out and needed some crazy play time outside instead. Anyway, I thought you would enjoy these cute pictures from our fun day. Justin was super-dad and helped me out with leading the boys through the bat craft while I worked through the tye-dying process. (Thanks, Honey!) We love the fall!

Pictures above: The crew takes a break outside for apple cider and fall cookies. Justin helps lead the pumpkin bat craft. Mmm...carmel apples. The final pose complete with T-shirts and bats!

What a fun day!

Two Thumbs Up!

Monday night my husband and I took off for a late night date. We went to see the movie Fireproof. What a great watch! It's so good to watch a good movie with a great message not to mention how awesome it is to hear the characters talk about the salvation of Jesus Christ on the big screen. We snuggled up with our coke and buttery popcorn for a great time. I recommend it for anyone needing a night out with their man. I also recommend it for anyone who is needing to rekindle their marriage the way only Jesus can. I give Kirk Cameron and his firefighting sidekicks, two big thumbs up!

Tagged!

My good friend and blogging buddy, Jami tagged me for some quirky info about myself.
Here it goes...

4 things I wish for...
1. Salvation for my friends and family who don't know Jesus
2. Healing for my aunt Dianne's cancer
3. Snow for Christmas
4. A new pair of J.Crew jeans. :)

4 things I'm looking forward to...
1. Seeing Wicked next Saturday with my good friend and mama
2. Trick-or-Treating with my kiddos
3. Thanksgiving - I'm hosting this year. Hip, Hip, Hooray!!
4. My annual Christmas shopping trip to Schaumburg with my mom and some friends.

4 things I watch on TV...
1. The Today Show
2. Divine Design
3. Boy Meets Grill
4. Jon & Kate + Eight

4 places I like to eat...
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Jarrety's (Our local Central Perk)
4. Outback

4 things that happened yesterday...
1. I enjoyed a nice fall walk with myself and my ipod
2. I painted the set for our character ed program at school
3. I attended a fish fry at the church I grew up in
4. I had my favorite cold day lunch - Tomato soup and grilled cheese

4 people I tag...
1. Michelle
2. Melissa
3. My new found blogging friend, Sarah
4. Ummm...Joe. Yes, Joe. I know you read my blog. You can't deny it!

Pajama Day

This post is primarily for Nana and Papaw. Although I've become hooked on this blogging thing, I actually started it for them in an attempt to give them a glimpse of the kids' day to day events since they don't get to see their munchkins as much as they'd like.

Jack's class ended the week before fall break with a pajama day...in honor of the letter "P."
He was so pumped about getting to wear his "Jim-Jams" as we call them at home to school.

I must confess this little celebration sent us out Wal-marting at the last minute as I realized that Jack had no real pajamas that fit him. :)

Anyway, here's a picture of Jack and his great buddy Ellie before school in their comfy attire and Jackson's whole class partying it up in their PJ's!

Family Time

We're on fall break and since our school is on a balanced calendar, we get to spend two whole weeks on vacation!! To kick off our week of relaxation, we took the kids to a small park near our house. Not your typical swings and slides park...we took a picnic lunch and hiked the trails and enjoyed skipping rocks on the pond. The views were beautiful with all the changing colors around. Here's a peek at some of the fun we had as a family just walking and talking and enjoying each other's company! Ahhh...family and fall...it doesn't get much better than that!

Jack and Sophie take a closer look at the water with their dad.

Jack and Sophie hiking hand in hand and taking a break in the gazebo.

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

- John Bowring

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Fall

Living in Indiana, one can't get too comfortable with any one season. I think in all actuality that is what I really love - the change of the seasons - but if I had to name one, my favorite is the Fall! There are so many things that I love about the fall. Here are just a few...
1. Soup season - chili, santa fe stew, potato soup, vegetable soup
2. The smell of burning leaves ( I LOVE this scent!)
3. The pumpkin patch
4. The apple orchard
5. Jack-o-lanterns
6. Trick-or-treating
7. Thanksgiving
8. FOOTBALL - especially Purdue...GO BOILERS!
9. Sweatshirts
10. The colors all around
One of the things I've been doing with Jackson in the past year or so is hosting his own holiday party. Our last one was at Easter. He invited a few boys over and we colored eggs, had an easter egg hunt, made bunny cupcakes and heard the Easter story. (At our house Easter is bigger than Christmas...as a Christian it is the best reason to celebrate)
So...in celebration of mama's favorite season, we are working on the details for his next shindig. He's hosting a fall party over break for some kindergarten friends of his. We're planning on making the cute T-shirts on the cover of this month's Family Fun magazine, making carmel apples and who knows what else.
Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Fall?

Protecting His Little Sis

Jackson is getting Sopie "suited" up

A few evenings ago, Justin had an evening meeting so I got to take his place in a round of frisbee outside with Jack. Normally frisbee is a man's sport at our house but I was an okay second fiddle since dad was gone. Anyway, Jack was concerned about Sophie joining us because he was just sure she would fall down a lot chasing a frisbee. Suddenly I heard, "I have an idea!" Off he went to the garage only to storm through the door sporting - you guessed it - knee pads! I laughed so hard. He was quite determined to get these on Sophie so she could play frisbee with us and not hurt her knees. ( I should mention that she roughed up her knees pretty good at a tennis match last weekend. Thus the reason for Jack's concern.) These knee pads cracked me up. It was almost like you could see the pride in his eyes for putting them on and taking such good care of her. As for Sophie, she loves her big brother and she sported them for the evening. Well, most of the evening. :)

Sophie --"Hey, these really help!"

I Ran For Jan

This weekend our family (minus a sick Sophie) ran in a fundraiser for our dear friend Jan Spencer. It was a fun run - 2.7 miles - to raise money for Jan's trip to Mexco next month where she will undergo Stem Cell Therapy to hopefully reverse her ALS symptoms. It was a lot of fun. We all sported our blue T-shirts and got to visit with Jan and run or walk in the rain. (Running or walking in the rain is always fun)
But there was something a little more fun for me on this Saturday morning.

Jackson was determined to go along with us despite the weather Saturday morning. You see, he knew exactly why we were running. Jan has been a pretty special lady to Jack ever since the day he was born when she came to the hospital in anxious anticipation of his birth sporting two different colored shoes as she dressed in such a hurry! :) Jack and I have had several conversations usually at bedtime when we are doing nightly prayers about Jan and her disease and how it effects her. He is genuinely concerned about his friend and how she feels.

So on Saturday morning Jackson was determined to be a part of this special event. We started off running the 2.7 mile course. Now Jack is a runner as any five-year-old is. You know he runs all over the place but he has never set out on a "run." So this was quite different for him. He ran the first mile without stopping with his dad and I by his side cheering him on. I should mention that we were quite soaked too. Not because of the rainfall but because Jack ran right through the middle of every puddle on the course. At the end of mile one, he decided he needed to walk so Justin walked with him and I continued on.

We all ended up finishing the race and loving on Jan afterwards in our sweaty attire. Jack loved how there were snacks and water for you when you finished the race. I certainly loved seeing all the people come out to rally around Jan and her mission to find a breakthrough in the fight against ALS. However, what I loved the most was seeing my son recognize that he was a part of something big - with a purpose. He was determined to finish that race because he knew he was running for Jan. Running for her because right now, she cannot. Running for her so she can experience a turn around in her symptoms. Running for his friend.

Tennis Anyone?

Mark and Jack playing tennis in the yard.

This picture just doesn't do this memory justice. I was able to snap this shot Tuesday night at our house after dinner when our good friend, Mark Spencer, was playing tennis with Jack out front in the yard. Mark is so good with Jack. He plays with Jack far longer than most adults would ever care to entertain a five year old. He plays virtually any game that Jack wants and he teaches Jack how to do things when he's just learning. While no one will ever take the place of the playmates that Jack has with his daddy, Mark just might come in a close second. I love how he takes the time to play with our little man and how he makes him feel so special. I know that Jack will have fond memories of all the fun stuff he's done with Mark through the years...riding the scooter, playing koosh ball, hunting caterpillars and playing hide and seek. I pray over Jack and the friends that he has and will have in the future. I know God will bless him with friendships of great value but there's just something to be said about an adult who mentors a child and becomes his friend!

What is a friend? I will tell you it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself. -Frank Crane

Interesting Facts...or Not So Interesting

A few of my favorite blogging buddies recently sent around an interesting facts game of "tag." I decided to play along. So...for you faithful readers, here are a few interesting (or not so interesting) facts about me. Enjoy. Hopefully they'll bring about a good chuckle or at least bring a smile to your face.

1. Stinky Feet - I have a secret obsession with my children's stinky feet. Feet are so cute when they are little (and when they belong to your own kids) and I love to sniff up their stinkiness!

2. Piles - Piles are my filing system of choice. While I long to be a tidy file folder junkie, truth be told I do much better with piles. I can tell you exactly which pile things are in and how far down in that pile! :)
*I've always heard that geniuses are messy...that's what I'm going with anyway!

3. Word Games - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to play word games. I play them a lot with Jack right now because he thinks they are cool, but I love to play them with anyone. We play "I like it when.." or the alphabet game. Sometimes we do word association games. I know it's corny, but I think it's fun!

4. Proverbs - I can't get enough of Proverbs! I read something from Proverbs nearly everyday. Sometimes multiple times a day. I love the small sections of truth that are so easy for me to recite and chew on all day long. My most recent verse to chew on: Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

5. Olympic Swimmer - My secret dream has always been to be an Olympic swimmer. I can remember watching swimmers in the Olympics for years. I've always loved the camera shots from under water where you can watch their strokes in detail.

6. Ears and Nails - I can't stand dirty ears or dirty finger nails...UGH! I'm pretty OCD about it.

7. Spiritual Head - Many people know my husband as a sarcastic jokester...which of course he is. :) However, what some people do not know is that he is an amazing spiritual head of our home. He is a prayer warrior, praying over me and our children fervently. He devours the scriptures like candy and seeks to apply them to our family life. He works just as hard (or harder) around the house as I do and I couldn't have been blessed with a more Christian man.

8. Hot Air Balloons - I've always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. Whenever I see one in the air I get lost in watching it. It's almost like I'm a kid again taking in the circus or some amazing sight.

9. J. Crew Jeans - While I've become quite the thrifty shopper since I've become a mom, I still can't part with my favorite brand of blue jeans...J.Crew. I love the way they fit and they way they look. My all time faves are the ones that are completely broken it and just on the cusp of ripping. Ahhh...comfort!

10. Drum roll please - Reoccurring Nightmare - My reoccurring nightmare is that all my teeth fall out. I'm sure there is some deep seeded psychological issue that causes this. My thought is that I am paranoid of the dentist. I haven't had a cavity in my entire life and when I finally get one I think they will have to sedate me. Who knows. I did hear once that Kelly Rippa has this same nightmare. :)

That's it. I'm sure if I sat and thought long enough I could come up with plenty more crazy facts about myself that would bring about a chuckle or two. For now you'll have to settle with these less than exciting tidbits. If you're reading and you blog too..."TAG" you're it!

Lessons in Obedience

Tonight we were eating dinner with a reluctant five year old. He did the classic five year old plea.

Jack: Mommy I don't like noodles. I like them like hotdogs. (He hates hotdogs)
Me: Jack, you have to eat five bites.
Jack: How about four.
Me: How about six.
Jack: Five is good.

Time went on and Jack proceeded to whine. I told him all bargains were off and he needed to get up and get in the shower. Then he was headed to bed. Oh how the tears flowed. Isn't it funny how those tears hurt mamas worse than they ever hurt the kids? Once Jack got to bed we got out his Bible heros book and read about Isaac. The verse with that story tonight was all about obedience. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Our discussion then went something like this:
Me: Who does obedience please?
Jack: Jesus
Me: Who else?
Jack: You and daddy.
Me: And when you please Jesus and mommy and daddy, who else is pleased?
Jack: Me. Because then I get to do fun things instead of go to bed!
Ahh, he's getting it. If only we could teach these lessons once. :)
Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love - Aristotle

Nana is the Coolest

Watch out bad guys!

Jack and Sophie's Nana is "the coolest"...Jack quote. Today they got a package in the mail - which totally excites Jack. In it was the normal Nana stash...fun little presents, snacks and usually something homemade (Nana is quite the seamstress). This time the present included something extra special. One of Jack's favorite movies is Robin Hood. (Not Robin Hood the cartoon or Robin Hood Prince of Thieves...Robin Hood the classic complete with Errol Flynn) He has been asking Nana for a quiver just like Robin Hood for quite some time. That was the homemade goodie in the mail today. I wish you could have seen his face. He was so pumped! He instantly put the quiver on and loaded it with swords and went around the house battling bad guys. Nana...you're the coolest! The rear view!

If the shoes fit...

Sophie takes a walk in mama's shoes!

I love it when Sophie puts on my shoes (or anyone else's for that matter) like they belong on her feet! She is such a shoe girl! I still remember when she got her first pair of big girl shoes. She wasn't even one year old. She took those shoes in her hands and started to try to put them on her feet all by herself. She knew just where those things belonged! There's just something about cute little feet in great big shoes!

Check these out...I think they fit!

Jack's First Day

Jackson and his teacher, Mrs. Wortley

In some ways today I am glad that I am a working mom. You see, when you know that you have to go teach 21 little first graders, it makes it hard to let your blubbering sobs get the best of you. On Jack's first day of kindergarten, I walked him down to his room, helped him put his things away and gave him a kiss goodbye. Although I could feel the dreaded lump in my throat, I didn't let the sobs take over. After all, I had to go teach. Wow! I was so amazed at how grown up Jack was. He knew just what to do. Was a perfect gentleman and didn't even seem to scared that I was leaving him with a room full of strangers. It makes me sad to think of how fast the time has gone and that my baby boy is a kindergartener. However, I am one proud mama at the little boy he has become! I love you Jacker!

Jackson walking like the big man on campus!

Keeping My Head Above Water

It's that time of year again. School has begun and I am now juggling the role of working mom. Although I have an amazing husband who MORE than shares the load at home, I never fail to feel the back to school crunch over overwhelmingly learning to "rebalance" my load.
I've not blogged for days. My goal is to do a couple of entries a week. I also have great pictures of Jackson from the first day of school. This is week #2 of school so hopefully as this week progresses, I will find my pace and feel a little more grounded in the this juggling act of school, wife, mom and Awana coordinator. Whew! I love it all but this transition is never easy. Time to check on my tucked in little tyke. I just heard the bellow of "Mommy" from his room. :) Good night!

The School Year Begins

Right now I'm alone at home waiting to head to our back to school district meeting. Justin has taken the kids to daycare. (Today is Jack's last day with Linda) As I sit here, I'm pondering this new year. Of course I love the beginning of school so I'm excited for my personal classroom experience. However, that's not what has me thinking this morning.
Tonight I will take my little man to his classroom for the first time. He's one whole hand old and off to kindergarten. Jacker... where has our time gone? I'm excited for his experience. I know he'll do great. He has an awesome teacher that I know will love him to pieces - the good and the bad. :) I'd be lying through my teeth though if I didn't say today brings a tear to my eye. It truly seems like just an instant ago I was learning how to do all those motherly baby things and figuring out Jack's personality, playing pat-a-cake and sword fighting in the living room like a ninja. I have enjoyed every second of these last five years. I'll hold my tears back tonight as I help him unpack his backpack of supplies at open house. But, excuse me while I wipe my tears for now...my baby is a kindergartener!

SURPRISE!

Leroy Russel: The Big 8-0

I just love surprise birthdays! I love the look on the guest of honor's face when they realize everyone in the room is there for THEM! What a great feeling.

Today we attended a very dear friend's 80th surprise birthday party. This friend is especially dear because he and his wife babysat my brother and I all through childhood. They have become our adopted family. Leroy and Carol Sue are like our own grandparents. They even sat as my grandparents at my wedding. They have mentored me spiritually and supported me all through my life. It was so fun today to see everyone celebrate him. When I think about 80 years of life and how much living that actually is - it is a little overwhelming. What am impact his 80 years have been. Leroy and his wife are Christian pillars that have modeled the faithfulness and steadfast virtues of living a life for Christ daily to so many people. I can't even imagine the long list of lives they have touched and brought to the Lord. My life has been blessed because Leroy is a part of it. Happy Birthday Leroy! I love you bunches!

Carol Sue, Leroy and I...The Birthday Smooch!

The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune - Unknown

Splish Splash

This summer we have enjoyed a weekly visit to our city pool. We go every Monday and stay for about four hours. Needless to say, the kids are exhausted when we get home! I have LOVED this little summer tradition! We meet our neighbors the McCarters there and Jack plays with Grant. They both had swimming lessons this summer and have become quite the brave little tykes. They go off the diving board, down the slide and use their goggles to manuever all over that pool.
Sophie spends her time mostly in the baby pool with Ella. They splash around, sit in the water and fight over who gets what toy. Currently, they speak the same language which sounds like high pitched screaming to all of us.
There is just something about tan little cheeks, sunscreen and packing snacks for a day at the pool that makes my heart happy. I love spending the day with the kids and watching them enjoy the water. It is a tradition I hope we keep for many summers to come and I certainly hope that the kids look back on these days with fond memories.

Chlorine is my perfume. ~Author Unknown

The Zoo

Sophie and Ella enjoying the zoo

Yesterday we took Jack and Sophie to the Ft. Wayne zoo. They had a ball. It was funny, when we left we laughed because it was one of our most fun visits to the zoo yet we saw very few animals. It must have been the company - our neighbors. There is just something to be said for great fellowship.

The whole family enjoyed a log ride and Jack and his daddy took the sky ride. Which by the way was not the highlight of the day for Justin. (Heights have never really been his thing) We did the mazes in the African Safari and enjoyed a drum duet by Jack and his buddy.

We did take in the sea lion feeding and got a close up of the tiger and orangutans.
The highlight for Justin was getting out of the gift shop for under $6.00. Who invented the gift shop anyway? Why do we always think we need a memento? What ever happened to good ol' memories? We had a great time at the zoo!

Our up close and personal visit with the orangutan

Welcome

Here it is! Our first entry on our family blog. Our hope with this site is that it will be a means for our family to keep updated on the happenings in our life and just what the kids are up to. We'll post pictures, Jackanese and Sophiese quotes and blogs about our family events.

May you enjoy reading about us, keeping in touch and may the days of our family life honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!