Ok, so I left of with our long journey to Mom and Dad's. The day before we left Karen's there was a huge chemical explosion north of Wichita, so I was wanting to take a route that wouldn't put us in the air, for Nathan's sake. We decided to take 56 through Great Bend and then go north on 156 to I-70 and then book it across. Well, eariler in the week, there had been major rain, so parts of 56 were detoured as well as 156 was closed to a point. Now, if you know Kansas very well, detour doesn't mean you get diverted a little ways. No, it means driving 20-30 miles only to go back 10-15 ,miles to dump you out somewhere else. We left Dodge around 10:15, and didn't make it to Mom and Dad's until almost 6pm. We stopped at one point at a McDonalds playland just so that I could rest and the kids could get out and run.
We did make it, though. Mom had supper ready along with some water balloons. We ate and the kids got distracted from the eminent water fight due to 2 things. A brand new kitten and Papa's new train cars. Hannah kept going out to see and sing and visit with the baby kitten. It was so sweet. I wish that I had caught it on tape. She was wandering around on the patio holding the newly opened eyes kitten and telling him how cute he was and singing, "you are a baby kitty" to him. It was sweet. Unfortunately, the mother cat decided to move the baby after the evening was over and the kitty was not to be seen the rest of our trip.
Nathan was evaluating the 2 new train cars that my dad had gotten from Tim for father's day. He lined them up behind a diesel engine and ran them around the track. Then he decided it was time for the steam engine to give it a try. . After Grandma's reminder of the water balloons everyone got a turn at throwing a couple. We then went inside to do baths and bedtime.
Thursday we woke up and mom made a nice breakfast for all of us of waffles. Hannah was her special helper. We then went down to grandma's for lunch and we spend the afternoon playing games. We played stadium checkers probably about 15 times as well as chinese checkers and regular checkers. The little people stuff was a big hit too. We had arranged to go to the farm that evening, since it would be the only time to see Joy. We planned to spend the night with Grandma Friday night, so we left there and went to the farm.
Now, since in the last 3 months the kids had been to Shatto dairy farm here in St. Joseph, they were much more interested in the animals and production at the ferdinands. Hannah was super excited about the calves. Nathan hit it off with Jake. We went and told Joy hello and then walked down to the newest calves before seeing the big mommy cows. Then we went to see the rest of the calves. while we were in the calf barn, my dad was cleaning their stalls and giving them new water and hay. So, Nathan and Hannah helped with that. They were having a good time of letting the calves eat hay from their hands. And it helped dad with the chores he was doing. We then decided before we hit the sand pile, we should enjoy some lemonade that Joy had offered us. After a glass of lemonade and about 10 minutes of chasing Jake, we made it to the sand pile. Who knew that Jake was so much fun in the sand. Nathan would race up, followed by Jake, who would sit down on his stomach and wait. Hannah was busy make a horse stall in the sand to bother with the "boys". Jake would watch Nathan slide down the pile and then he would put his front two paws out towards the bottom and slowly slide until he was sideways. Then he would roll over the rest of the way down and race back up again, only to do it over. I laughed and Nathan thought it was the best thing. He so needs a dog.
Anyways, then it began to sprinkle, so we got shoes back on and were looking to head back to mom and dad's when the bottles of milk for the bottle calves came out. Well, Nathan and Hannah were ready to be a part of that. After the first calf, though, Nathan was done. He didn't much enjoy the jerk at the end that the calf gave. Hannah, however, was glad to feed another. She ended up feeding 9 calves total. She was in farm heaven.
We went home and washed up and headed to bed. Friday, Dad was off, so the kids played with him all morning while I did some laundry and packed up for home. I made a seperate bag for spending the night with Grandma 8. We headed there in time for supper and played bingo with her before beginning the night routine. Grandma and I stayed up a little looking at some old pictures of her and her family. It was nice.
We woke up Saturday morning to eat some muffins that she had baked special and then got ready to head out for St. Joe. It was hard to leave her. I am so thankful that my kids get to know at least one of my grandparents and they have such an amazing friendship with her. It means so much to me.
Anyways, we made it home in time for lunch with Chris. The kids were hungry for Ryans, of all things. We showed him all our pictures and the kids played and hugged him for quite some time. It was nice.
At church, we realized that this week was Vacation Bible School. So they were excited for that. We missed Sunday night, however, because we got busy with Brett, Amy and Abram and lost track of time. We went Monday night and they kids were with friends they knew. It was a really fun week for them and they really learned a lot. Since I hadn't signed up to help due to not knowing anything, I went with Hannah's group Wednesday night and with Nathan's group Thursday night. It was my favorite of the VBS's we have been to so far at Central. Really memory verse focused.
Other than VBS, cleaning up after being gone 10 days, grocery shopping and a trip to the library were a part of this week. We are glad to be home and are starting next week on getting everyone back on a school schedule. We will see how that goes.
AS for things with Chris, he is in the final crunch time of his training. He had to be in Independence this week for some training and goes to Olathe 2 days next week for more. Then they have inventory, which he is a part of and the week after that they are sending him to Springfield for his final week, where they test him and evaluate him and pretty much scrutinize him to a fault. He will either leave that week an official zone manager, or a failed mtp candidate. He is really worried because in addition to all that, he has to have his department ready for heating and Christmas by the end of his springfield week. He lost 2 guys from his department while the kids and I were gone and so it leaves him, Eric and Charlie (who just returned from having pretty major surgery done to his arm). We have been doing a lot of praying about what God is going to do with us next. We really don't want to leave St. Joseph as it is home to everyone and we see so many things that we need to do here, however, at this point, there is no advancement at the St. Joe store and if the store manager had something to say, he would fire Chris if he had the option to. For Chris to become his assistant is not in the near future. There is a lot of unknown and a lot seems to be conflicting. We want so much to do Gods' will and we want to so much be a more active part of the church. We just don't see any openings in any direction. So, if you would be praying.
Well, that is about it from the land of the Crosswhites. I am hoping as I am starting a school schedule with the kids starting Monday that I will be on here every Thursday night. We will see, though. Until then, feel free to leave us a comment and we will look forward to writing again!!
Hopefully my next blog will be pictures of our trip. :-)
All our love!!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Its going to take two days for this one!
Hello all!
Well, since the last time I wrote, so much changed.
So, since there is so much to catch up on, I am going to start, and then finish tomorrow.
First off, in looking at our travel itenerary, it was agreed that doing all of it was not financially affordable and Chris really wanted us home for some major decision making regarding his job situation and stuff.
So, we decided to cut the trip to Louisiana. Not because we didn't want to see Chris' mom or help her, but because we knew she would understand. She had a friend, Mary Carter, coming to visit and we knew that she would be taken care of.
So, we packed up the car and headed out Thursday morning around 8:30. Our goal was to make it to my cousin, Lorrie's for lunch and see baby Rowdy again. After a mix up on my part, we made it there around 12:30. Rowdy had already eaten and had a nap, so he was ready to go. My kids enjoyed playing with Lorrie's dog, oreo and entertaining Rowdy. Lorrie and I got in a nice "mother's " visit and then convinced the kids that they could pause long enough to eat. Lorrie had prepared roast beef sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. Rowdy played with his feet in the bouncy chair as we ate. After lunch, the kids wanted to see Rowdy in his swing, so they played with him their. Oh, and when we arrived, we had brought a puppy soft book for Rowdy, unaware that he LOVES to read. So, Nathan read the story to him and Rowdy was an attentive audience. I will have to post random pictures from the laptop later.
Anyways, then before we left, Lorrie offered the kids oreo cookies and milk. It was such a nice visit!!!
We then headed on to Mary's. We got there around 5:30, as we didnt' leave Lorrie and Rowdy until close to 3pm. Mary's town was really nice and quiet, so after seeing how her and Jon had made it up since the wedding, we planned a picnic lunch and walked up to their local park. We teeter tottered until it looked like rain and then headed back to her house. We did showers and pajamas and then put the kids to bed. Mary and I stayed up looking up weather and talking.
Friday, we walked up to her post office, Nathan riding their garage sale bike. We also walked to their downtown to see the train go by and then crossed the tracks to hit their grocery store so that we could get Hannah some allergy medicine and some ice cream sandwiches.
The kids were thrilled with the town. The small size, the friendliness and the railroad tracks. I told Mary, I could live there with no problems. We went home and watched a movie "Princess and the pauper" and then played some more outside on the bike. About bedtime, Mary found out that Jon and the kids were on their way, so we stayed up to meet Harley and Hailey. They seemed a little confused as to why these new kids were at their dad's house. But, after about 5 minutes, Harley decided Nathan was cool and said, "Come on , best friend. Lets play". They were having so much fun. Hailey was a little more timid, but Hannah was busy trying to talk her into not being shy. We got them to bed around 10.
Saturday was nothing but legos for the boys and the girls deciding that mary's guest closet was the best little house for them to play in. They played all day and had such a great time. We took them up to the park again to play and then brought them home for supper. It was a huge slumber party in the living room that night as they had all become good friends. It was sweet to see. Once again, pictures to come soon, I hope!! After the kids went to bed, Mary and I went to Walmart and left all the sleeping kids with Jon. It was nice to get to disappear and visit. We got some chocolate and sodas, which were so good for us. :-) I sure do appreciate the friendship I have with her and it was nice to see her interaction with the kids. They were sweet kids and I know that the love of God that Mary and Jon show them will change their lives. That is my prayer. Anyways....
We woke up Sunday and got ready for church. Harley decided to share his fire truck video with everyone. WE all learned so much, at least, I did. Then it was a decision the the boys would ride with Jon and Mary to Church and with me to McDonalds and the girls would ride with me to church and with Jon and Mary to McDonalds. That was fun. A chance to hear them visit with one another. Church was really great and the kids had a lot of fun.
McDonalds for lunch before playing a little and then heading on to Dodge City to see Karen.
It was hard to part the kids. Harley asked a couple of times when he would get to come to our house, to which I didn't know what to say. I just reminded him that when Mary moved to Great Bend after classes were over that we would visit her and that means we would see them at their home. That satisfied him, but they were still sad.
I truly love them like a nephew and niece, so it will be nice to see them again in the future. They really were sweet kids with so much potential.
AFter McDonalds, we headed out to Karens. It took a little over an hour, but we got there. It was good to see her and her house again. The kids were really excited about her cat, Marty. Which reminds me, at Jon and Mary's, they have 2 cats. Hannah wanted so much to be friends with Lycan, but to no avail. There were moments when Zeva let her pet her. Well, at Karen's, Marty was ready and waiting for a play friend, so they loved having him chase strings and chase after balls and all that.
Karen's church was having a picnic that evening, so we went to that. It was a lot of fun. Hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade ice cream and lots of games. it was so much fun. I wish our church was as kind and friendly and so much like family as they were.
There was a balloon race, a treasure hunt, a water balloon toss, a tiger chasing game, and a newspaper fashion contest. Karen got to be the female model and an older gentleman was the male model. Well, our fashion design was a bride and groom. Since Karen's best friend, Kim, is getting married this year, it was lot of fun to think about saving all the costumes for their wedding. Pictures to come:-)
The kids met some new friends and were having a blast with all that. Actually, when it was time to go, the friend who was playing with Hannah started crying because, "she was never going to see that friend again". I felt bad. We headed back to Karen's and got everyone to bed.
Karen had a full Monday for us as downtown historic Dodge had some neat summer activities. We went down to Boot Hill and rode a real stagecoach. If you asked Hannah about it, her reply was, "A real stagecoach with real horses. It even had a kind of palomino." She really liked that. After that, we took a picnic lunch to a park in Dodge that had a free zoo. So we ate there and then saw all the animals. For a free zoo, it had a lot of neat animals. They had a tiger, 2 bears, some wolves, buffalo, cougars, monkeys and of course, horses. I guess the people of Dodge adopt an animal and that allows the zoo to be free of charge. it was neat.
Well, after that, the heat got to us, so we went back to Karen's apartment and watched "Eight below" and rested. Karen had a double header game that night, so we were resting for that. She played third base the first game and the kids enjoyed cheering for her. they won 11-4.
The kids by this time were getting a little squirmy, so I took them over to play at the playground nearby. We played there for a little while and then went to watche the last of her last game. She was center outfield and they lost 15-13 .
the kids were really proud of her. WE then made a Dillons run. The kids got to ride in a Nascar shopping cart, so of course, Aunt Karen had to take them on a few laps around the parking lot. it was fun. We went home and then went to bed. Tuesday we woke up and went to another park close by. She drove us by her new duplex that she is now moved into as of today.
We played there and then went back to her house to eat baby pizzas and then play in her neighbors sprinkler. She had class, so while she was gone to that, we packed up the car and stuff so we wouldn't have to do that while she was there. When she returned, she had planned to take us to their local band concert that was outside. Some friends from her church play in it. So the kids got to see again some of their friends from Sunday afternoon. After that, she took us to Dairy Queen for a treat. We headed home and that was the end of that day.
I didn't realize that she had class at 9 Wednesday morning. For some reason, I thought it was at 10, so we all woke up at like 8:45 and she was pretty much leaving for school. I felt bad. It was an awkward goodbye. So the kids and I made her notes to leave behind. We headed to Mom and Dads via a long day that I will have to save for tomorrow.
Right now I am tired and need some sleep, so to be continued...................
Well, since the last time I wrote, so much changed.
So, since there is so much to catch up on, I am going to start, and then finish tomorrow.
First off, in looking at our travel itenerary, it was agreed that doing all of it was not financially affordable and Chris really wanted us home for some major decision making regarding his job situation and stuff.
So, we decided to cut the trip to Louisiana. Not because we didn't want to see Chris' mom or help her, but because we knew she would understand. She had a friend, Mary Carter, coming to visit and we knew that she would be taken care of.
So, we packed up the car and headed out Thursday morning around 8:30. Our goal was to make it to my cousin, Lorrie's for lunch and see baby Rowdy again. After a mix up on my part, we made it there around 12:30. Rowdy had already eaten and had a nap, so he was ready to go. My kids enjoyed playing with Lorrie's dog, oreo and entertaining Rowdy. Lorrie and I got in a nice "mother's " visit and then convinced the kids that they could pause long enough to eat. Lorrie had prepared roast beef sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. Rowdy played with his feet in the bouncy chair as we ate. After lunch, the kids wanted to see Rowdy in his swing, so they played with him their. Oh, and when we arrived, we had brought a puppy soft book for Rowdy, unaware that he LOVES to read. So, Nathan read the story to him and Rowdy was an attentive audience. I will have to post random pictures from the laptop later.
Anyways, then before we left, Lorrie offered the kids oreo cookies and milk. It was such a nice visit!!!
We then headed on to Mary's. We got there around 5:30, as we didnt' leave Lorrie and Rowdy until close to 3pm. Mary's town was really nice and quiet, so after seeing how her and Jon had made it up since the wedding, we planned a picnic lunch and walked up to their local park. We teeter tottered until it looked like rain and then headed back to her house. We did showers and pajamas and then put the kids to bed. Mary and I stayed up looking up weather and talking.
Friday, we walked up to her post office, Nathan riding their garage sale bike. We also walked to their downtown to see the train go by and then crossed the tracks to hit their grocery store so that we could get Hannah some allergy medicine and some ice cream sandwiches.
The kids were thrilled with the town. The small size, the friendliness and the railroad tracks. I told Mary, I could live there with no problems. We went home and watched a movie "Princess and the pauper" and then played some more outside on the bike. About bedtime, Mary found out that Jon and the kids were on their way, so we stayed up to meet Harley and Hailey. They seemed a little confused as to why these new kids were at their dad's house. But, after about 5 minutes, Harley decided Nathan was cool and said, "Come on , best friend. Lets play". They were having so much fun. Hailey was a little more timid, but Hannah was busy trying to talk her into not being shy. We got them to bed around 10.
Saturday was nothing but legos for the boys and the girls deciding that mary's guest closet was the best little house for them to play in. They played all day and had such a great time. We took them up to the park again to play and then brought them home for supper. It was a huge slumber party in the living room that night as they had all become good friends. It was sweet to see. Once again, pictures to come soon, I hope!! After the kids went to bed, Mary and I went to Walmart and left all the sleeping kids with Jon. It was nice to get to disappear and visit. We got some chocolate and sodas, which were so good for us. :-) I sure do appreciate the friendship I have with her and it was nice to see her interaction with the kids. They were sweet kids and I know that the love of God that Mary and Jon show them will change their lives. That is my prayer. Anyways....
We woke up Sunday and got ready for church. Harley decided to share his fire truck video with everyone. WE all learned so much, at least, I did. Then it was a decision the the boys would ride with Jon and Mary to Church and with me to McDonalds and the girls would ride with me to church and with Jon and Mary to McDonalds. That was fun. A chance to hear them visit with one another. Church was really great and the kids had a lot of fun.
McDonalds for lunch before playing a little and then heading on to Dodge City to see Karen.
It was hard to part the kids. Harley asked a couple of times when he would get to come to our house, to which I didn't know what to say. I just reminded him that when Mary moved to Great Bend after classes were over that we would visit her and that means we would see them at their home. That satisfied him, but they were still sad.
I truly love them like a nephew and niece, so it will be nice to see them again in the future. They really were sweet kids with so much potential.
AFter McDonalds, we headed out to Karens. It took a little over an hour, but we got there. It was good to see her and her house again. The kids were really excited about her cat, Marty. Which reminds me, at Jon and Mary's, they have 2 cats. Hannah wanted so much to be friends with Lycan, but to no avail. There were moments when Zeva let her pet her. Well, at Karen's, Marty was ready and waiting for a play friend, so they loved having him chase strings and chase after balls and all that.
Karen's church was having a picnic that evening, so we went to that. It was a lot of fun. Hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade ice cream and lots of games. it was so much fun. I wish our church was as kind and friendly and so much like family as they were.
There was a balloon race, a treasure hunt, a water balloon toss, a tiger chasing game, and a newspaper fashion contest. Karen got to be the female model and an older gentleman was the male model. Well, our fashion design was a bride and groom. Since Karen's best friend, Kim, is getting married this year, it was lot of fun to think about saving all the costumes for their wedding. Pictures to come:-)
The kids met some new friends and were having a blast with all that. Actually, when it was time to go, the friend who was playing with Hannah started crying because, "she was never going to see that friend again". I felt bad. We headed back to Karen's and got everyone to bed.
Karen had a full Monday for us as downtown historic Dodge had some neat summer activities. We went down to Boot Hill and rode a real stagecoach. If you asked Hannah about it, her reply was, "A real stagecoach with real horses. It even had a kind of palomino." She really liked that. After that, we took a picnic lunch to a park in Dodge that had a free zoo. So we ate there and then saw all the animals. For a free zoo, it had a lot of neat animals. They had a tiger, 2 bears, some wolves, buffalo, cougars, monkeys and of course, horses. I guess the people of Dodge adopt an animal and that allows the zoo to be free of charge. it was neat.
Well, after that, the heat got to us, so we went back to Karen's apartment and watched "Eight below" and rested. Karen had a double header game that night, so we were resting for that. She played third base the first game and the kids enjoyed cheering for her. they won 11-4.
The kids by this time were getting a little squirmy, so I took them over to play at the playground nearby. We played there for a little while and then went to watche the last of her last game. She was center outfield and they lost 15-13 .
the kids were really proud of her. WE then made a Dillons run. The kids got to ride in a Nascar shopping cart, so of course, Aunt Karen had to take them on a few laps around the parking lot. it was fun. We went home and then went to bed. Tuesday we woke up and went to another park close by. She drove us by her new duplex that she is now moved into as of today.
We played there and then went back to her house to eat baby pizzas and then play in her neighbors sprinkler. She had class, so while she was gone to that, we packed up the car and stuff so we wouldn't have to do that while she was there. When she returned, she had planned to take us to their local band concert that was outside. Some friends from her church play in it. So the kids got to see again some of their friends from Sunday afternoon. After that, she took us to Dairy Queen for a treat. We headed home and that was the end of that day.
I didn't realize that she had class at 9 Wednesday morning. For some reason, I thought it was at 10, so we all woke up at like 8:45 and she was pretty much leaving for school. I felt bad. It was an awkward goodbye. So the kids and I made her notes to leave behind. We headed to Mom and Dads via a long day that I will have to save for tomorrow.
Right now I am tired and need some sleep, so to be continued...................
Thursday, July 05, 2007
A major update!
Well, hello from the land of the, 'oh my word, I have so much to write about'
The last week of June was cleaning the house up from the week before to prepare for all the company we have had this last week.
The kids were so great in playing with each other and helping out as we got ready. I was so thankful.
My sister Karen arrived Friday night, in hopes of seeing Nathan play. It had rained Thursday all day, so there was no game that night. Instead, we decided to build our own volcano with paper mache. It was fun. We woke up Saturday and met Rachel, Ruthy, Moriah, and Javan Bond here in town. They had called and wondered if we wanted to swim with them and catch up, since it has been a year since we have seen them. All 5 kids enjoyed swimming and the moms did too, I think. My sister had some bills she really needed to take care of, so that gave her the perfect opportunity to do that. When they had to check out of their hotel, we helped them load their car and send them on their way. They had to meet Mark at Missouri Western for the kids tractor pull. Hannah and Ruthy were having a great time playing Barbies and Moriah found my sister really neat to be around. We said our goodbyes and headed home. When we got there, we found out there was no game that night either, which totally was a bummer for Karen. We had planned that she would be able to see two games and in reality, she wasn't going to see even one. She had even made a matching shirt she could wear for Nathan. So, we decided we would have our own game. He would dawn his gear and hit to her and she would field his balls. Then, he would field her hits. We took their picture together, bats, shirts, gloves and all. It was sweet. The field we played on was next to his school, so they also along with Hannah got to play on the playground. It was a lot of fun.
We got home in time to be there for a surprise, which was Chris' parents arriving for his game.
They didn't get to see him play at all either in their visit. We all ate casserole that I had prepared together and it was nice for everyone to be around our table.
Sunday was our church's "Freedom" Celebration. We were having one huge service and a church picnic to follow. The night before, I had decided that I would make brownies to take, as well as a pasta salad. Well, Karen, Lorna and I were sitting around the kitchen table waiting for them to bake when Karen and Lorna started scheming to eat them. They were saying things like, "that really is too small of a pan to take to a potluck" "If we eat them, we are doing others a favor" "If we eat them, it will give us a chance to bring something" We were rolling laughing. it was so much fun. in the end, the brownies were consumed along with a scoop of ice cream and strawberries on top. It was really good. Then the 3 of us headed to Walmart in our pajamas to buy something else to take to the picnic.
Church was nice and the potluck was a good time too. Chris got to join us in eating there, wo that was nice. We headed home to set off our volcano before Karen had to head home. it oozed and the kids thought it was cool. Karen left and the rest of us vegged the rest of the afternoon.
Noel and Nathan went to the store and bought a remote control jeep to play together. Then we went to Chipolte for supper. We watched Everybody's hero that night before bed.
Monday we woke up to go walking at the riverwalk. We loaded up the bike for the kids to ride and we walked about 3 miles. It was really nice. Everyone got to just walk together and the kids got to take turns riding the bike. It was a really relaxing time. We went out to eat at Ryans afterwards before rushing Chris to work. The rest of us decided to finish Everybody's hero and I ran to the bank and post office real quick. Grandpa took a nap and then he and Hannah went on a date to Target. It was really sweet, because she got all dressed up in her pretty pink dress and a headband in her hair. she said to me later, papa taking her out "made her feel special like a princess". He brought her home with a cinderella carosel. We took Chris up a sandwich and Noel and lorna looked at the clearance patio furniture and stuff.
We went home and everyone headed to bed, I think.
Tuesday, Chris headed to work around 8. We split up. Noel wanted to go and see our local airport, so he and nathan headed that way. Lorna needed to find a dress, so the girls headed to Kohls to shop. Hannah made her try on every pink skirt we found that was in her size. Unfortunately, she didn't find anything, but Hannah came away with a pink horse shirt.
We went to Walmart to get groceries for the next few days. the kids wanted to make pizzas with grandpa and to eat tacos at some point. We made the pizzas for lunch and then the kids played in the pool while grandpa took a nap. When Chris got off, we found out that Brent and Sarah had arrived at their camping site north of town, so Chris laid down with the kids, since our evening plans involved a baseball game at the blacksnakes and fireworkes. I went with Noel and Lorna up to the campsite to escort everyone back to our apartment. We hung out up there about 1 1/2 hours before heading back to the apartment, so my family got a good nap in.
We headed to the game. They were having a family night, so there were all these blow up jumpers and stuff. All the kids, Brent and Sarah's and ours, had such a blast. We watched the game, got cotton candy, ice cream and popcorn and then went outside the field to the back of the truck to watch the fireworks.
The game ended with us winning due to their pitcher walking us 3 times. It was cool.
The 4th of july involved Brent and Sarah heading to Kansas City for the conference, Chris and Noel getting to spend some much needed time together, and Lorna and I juggling 5 kids.
It was a lot of fun. All the kids got along so well. We took them to Walmart for a group picture. They had a water balloon fight and played in the pool. They got to watch a movie together and then we closed the evening out with setting off our own fireworks, that the guys had brought home. it was a lot of fun.
And that brings me to today. Noel and Lorna left this morning to head to Noel's parents. We spent the day just hanging out and then running up to the bookstore to just read. We went by one more fireworks stand on our way up to the campground to see if Brent's family was still there. They had already left, so we headed home and set off fireworks with Brett, Amy and Abram. it was a lot of fun too. Just a great day together.
The rest of this week and beginning of next is cleaning up and preparing for our trip to kansas and texas.
Next thursday, the kids and I are starting on our adventure by going to Lorrie and Yachal's. We are planning on eating lunch with Lorrie and Rowdy and hopefully Yachal will be home. We will be at Mary's by the evening. We are staying with her until Sunday, when we will continue west to see Karen in Dodge. We will be at her house until Wednesday. When she leaves for her Master's classes, we will be heading to Chris' parents, as his mom is having foot surgery and won't be able to walk. I told her that if at least the kids could keep her from getting up, I would be willing to take on the household chores. We will be there for about a week, when we will head home via Oklahoma City to see some old friends and kansas, where we will see Mom and Dad, Grandma and hopefully uncle Dave and make a visit to the farm before heading home.
August is really busy for us as we prep for school and the possiblity of a move. Chris will be done with his classes the first week of August and then he will have human resource week the second week. If a move comes, it will be then.
meanwhile, doors have been opening here. The last thursday in june, Mrs. Catherine, hannah's preschool teacher and director, asked me if I would be interested, starting in the fall, in being her assistant. I told her I would talk to Chris about it. I haven't told her anything, because we don't know if a move is emminent, (sp?). Please be praying as there are so many things in regards to that. I have left it in God's hands. I am not going to think about it all until our trip is over. In August, I will need to give her an answer, so please be praying that God will make it obvious and will give Chris guidance in to what direction we are heading.Right now we just aren't sure.
So many things say stay, and yet there is no job opening for him after his training. God knows the plans he has for us and we are trusting in that right now.
Well, as you have read this novel, you will be able to know that if I don't get back on here before Thursday, it will be another 2 1/2 weeks before another blog, so hang in there with me!!
Love all of you and hope you are finding ways to honor God this summer with your time and talents. Until next time!!!
The last week of June was cleaning the house up from the week before to prepare for all the company we have had this last week.
The kids were so great in playing with each other and helping out as we got ready. I was so thankful.
My sister Karen arrived Friday night, in hopes of seeing Nathan play. It had rained Thursday all day, so there was no game that night. Instead, we decided to build our own volcano with paper mache. It was fun. We woke up Saturday and met Rachel, Ruthy, Moriah, and Javan Bond here in town. They had called and wondered if we wanted to swim with them and catch up, since it has been a year since we have seen them. All 5 kids enjoyed swimming and the moms did too, I think. My sister had some bills she really needed to take care of, so that gave her the perfect opportunity to do that. When they had to check out of their hotel, we helped them load their car and send them on their way. They had to meet Mark at Missouri Western for the kids tractor pull. Hannah and Ruthy were having a great time playing Barbies and Moriah found my sister really neat to be around. We said our goodbyes and headed home. When we got there, we found out there was no game that night either, which totally was a bummer for Karen. We had planned that she would be able to see two games and in reality, she wasn't going to see even one. She had even made a matching shirt she could wear for Nathan. So, we decided we would have our own game. He would dawn his gear and hit to her and she would field his balls. Then, he would field her hits. We took their picture together, bats, shirts, gloves and all. It was sweet. The field we played on was next to his school, so they also along with Hannah got to play on the playground. It was a lot of fun.
We got home in time to be there for a surprise, which was Chris' parents arriving for his game.
They didn't get to see him play at all either in their visit. We all ate casserole that I had prepared together and it was nice for everyone to be around our table.
Sunday was our church's "Freedom" Celebration. We were having one huge service and a church picnic to follow. The night before, I had decided that I would make brownies to take, as well as a pasta salad. Well, Karen, Lorna and I were sitting around the kitchen table waiting for them to bake when Karen and Lorna started scheming to eat them. They were saying things like, "that really is too small of a pan to take to a potluck" "If we eat them, we are doing others a favor" "If we eat them, it will give us a chance to bring something" We were rolling laughing. it was so much fun. in the end, the brownies were consumed along with a scoop of ice cream and strawberries on top. It was really good. Then the 3 of us headed to Walmart in our pajamas to buy something else to take to the picnic.
Church was nice and the potluck was a good time too. Chris got to join us in eating there, wo that was nice. We headed home to set off our volcano before Karen had to head home. it oozed and the kids thought it was cool. Karen left and the rest of us vegged the rest of the afternoon.
Noel and Nathan went to the store and bought a remote control jeep to play together. Then we went to Chipolte for supper. We watched Everybody's hero that night before bed.
Monday we woke up to go walking at the riverwalk. We loaded up the bike for the kids to ride and we walked about 3 miles. It was really nice. Everyone got to just walk together and the kids got to take turns riding the bike. It was a really relaxing time. We went out to eat at Ryans afterwards before rushing Chris to work. The rest of us decided to finish Everybody's hero and I ran to the bank and post office real quick. Grandpa took a nap and then he and Hannah went on a date to Target. It was really sweet, because she got all dressed up in her pretty pink dress and a headband in her hair. she said to me later, papa taking her out "made her feel special like a princess". He brought her home with a cinderella carosel. We took Chris up a sandwich and Noel and lorna looked at the clearance patio furniture and stuff.
We went home and everyone headed to bed, I think.
Tuesday, Chris headed to work around 8. We split up. Noel wanted to go and see our local airport, so he and nathan headed that way. Lorna needed to find a dress, so the girls headed to Kohls to shop. Hannah made her try on every pink skirt we found that was in her size. Unfortunately, she didn't find anything, but Hannah came away with a pink horse shirt.
We went to Walmart to get groceries for the next few days. the kids wanted to make pizzas with grandpa and to eat tacos at some point. We made the pizzas for lunch and then the kids played in the pool while grandpa took a nap. When Chris got off, we found out that Brent and Sarah had arrived at their camping site north of town, so Chris laid down with the kids, since our evening plans involved a baseball game at the blacksnakes and fireworkes. I went with Noel and Lorna up to the campsite to escort everyone back to our apartment. We hung out up there about 1 1/2 hours before heading back to the apartment, so my family got a good nap in.
We headed to the game. They were having a family night, so there were all these blow up jumpers and stuff. All the kids, Brent and Sarah's and ours, had such a blast. We watched the game, got cotton candy, ice cream and popcorn and then went outside the field to the back of the truck to watch the fireworks.
The game ended with us winning due to their pitcher walking us 3 times. It was cool.
The 4th of july involved Brent and Sarah heading to Kansas City for the conference, Chris and Noel getting to spend some much needed time together, and Lorna and I juggling 5 kids.
It was a lot of fun. All the kids got along so well. We took them to Walmart for a group picture. They had a water balloon fight and played in the pool. They got to watch a movie together and then we closed the evening out with setting off our own fireworks, that the guys had brought home. it was a lot of fun.
And that brings me to today. Noel and Lorna left this morning to head to Noel's parents. We spent the day just hanging out and then running up to the bookstore to just read. We went by one more fireworks stand on our way up to the campground to see if Brent's family was still there. They had already left, so we headed home and set off fireworks with Brett, Amy and Abram. it was a lot of fun too. Just a great day together.
The rest of this week and beginning of next is cleaning up and preparing for our trip to kansas and texas.
Next thursday, the kids and I are starting on our adventure by going to Lorrie and Yachal's. We are planning on eating lunch with Lorrie and Rowdy and hopefully Yachal will be home. We will be at Mary's by the evening. We are staying with her until Sunday, when we will continue west to see Karen in Dodge. We will be at her house until Wednesday. When she leaves for her Master's classes, we will be heading to Chris' parents, as his mom is having foot surgery and won't be able to walk. I told her that if at least the kids could keep her from getting up, I would be willing to take on the household chores. We will be there for about a week, when we will head home via Oklahoma City to see some old friends and kansas, where we will see Mom and Dad, Grandma and hopefully uncle Dave and make a visit to the farm before heading home.
August is really busy for us as we prep for school and the possiblity of a move. Chris will be done with his classes the first week of August and then he will have human resource week the second week. If a move comes, it will be then.
meanwhile, doors have been opening here. The last thursday in june, Mrs. Catherine, hannah's preschool teacher and director, asked me if I would be interested, starting in the fall, in being her assistant. I told her I would talk to Chris about it. I haven't told her anything, because we don't know if a move is emminent, (sp?). Please be praying as there are so many things in regards to that. I have left it in God's hands. I am not going to think about it all until our trip is over. In August, I will need to give her an answer, so please be praying that God will make it obvious and will give Chris guidance in to what direction we are heading.Right now we just aren't sure.
So many things say stay, and yet there is no job opening for him after his training. God knows the plans he has for us and we are trusting in that right now.
Well, as you have read this novel, you will be able to know that if I don't get back on here before Thursday, it will be another 2 1/2 weeks before another blog, so hang in there with me!!
Love all of you and hope you are finding ways to honor God this summer with your time and talents. Until next time!!!
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