Zoo Trip

Last week, we had the pleasure of having our good friend Lily (or Wiwy Wou, as Ava calls her) play for the day while her Mommy and Daddy took a much needed vacation.  I didn't want to be at home with four kids five and under ALL day, so we went to the zoo.  Yes, I do realize thats a WEE bit crazy.  All in all we had a great time.  

Friday 5-The Great Outdoors (hehe)

Friday 5 for April 17: The Great Outdoors

1. When did you last sleep in a tent? Honestly CANNOT remember.  I mean seriously. I just don't camp.  It was definitely before I got married.  So, more than 6 years ago.
2. What comes to mind when you think about relieving yourself in the great outdoors? Eww. Or, the memory of last week when Ava had to go and we were at Gold Top (our local ice cream place, that doesn't have a bathroom) and so I went behind the cars and pulled her pants down and told her to squat and let er rip.  Thank god we all could laugh, because a 2 year old girl cannot successfully do such a thing.  
3. Where’s the best place you ever went camping?  Hands down, Lake Leelanau Michigan.  It was primitive camping (which was hidden from me until I told them "I'm going to go shower" and they pointed to the lake).  It was gorgeous.  A very fond memory.
4. What’s your favorite camp food?  S'mores.  And, hotdogs (which, if you know me, you know I don't really like, but there is something about one over a fire).
5. What's your sleeping bag like?  N/A. The boys have really cute blue and yellow ones though! :)

This topic just made me laugh.  I'm appreciating nature more and more everyday, but am by no means a "camper"... Now, it's your turn!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all of my blogging and internet friends.  I hope it is a day for you to reflect on the true meaning of the day, not the commercial meaning.  I heard a statistic that Americans spend over $14 BILLION dollars on Easter.  Come on.  That certainly isn't what Christ died for (I truly don't mean that in a blasphemous way).  Our society is consumed by baskets and bunnies and eggs.  Let us remember that today we celebrate freedom from our chains....

wow. its been a while...

Wow!! I haven't blogged in months!! Here's a brief recap:

Christmas was GREAT! How can it not be when you have these three to enjoy it with!

Christmas break was a little long, and I was more than ready to get the boys back to school.  In January Dan went to Australia for a week (week and  a half? not sure...).  He got to enjoy this:

The kids had a few snow days.  The first 2 were fun, then I was just ready to get them back to school.  (And, because of the snow days, Gabe is in school til June 12!! I mean really....)

We've obviously done more than this, but I've been bad at capturing these moments! 

The Friday 5

So, my life's been crazy. I've been a lazy blogger. Sorry.

This weeks Friday 5: Keeping it Positive

1- What's your favorite thing about the shoes you're wearing?  I am wearing my Ugg-type boots.  They are warm. And comfortable.  And fit like a glove.

2-What's your favorite thing about the people you work with?  I don't work.  Well, out of the home.  So, if my home's my work, my favorite thing about my kids is.  Hmm. Right now it would have to be their imaginations.  So fun to listen to them play.

3-What's your favorite thing about the climate where you live?  Ugh. I generally don't like our weather, but we truly get all 4 seasons.  I love all the different seasons in their own way.  Today's 60^ and rain/wind, not so much though.

4-What's your favorite thing about Friday? Usually it signifies a few days with help with the kids. Not this week. Dan's going hunting.  (Ugh!!) SO, I am alone for the weekend, too. :(

5-What's your favorite thing about the year coming to an end? It's been not a great year for my family. I hope this changes in 2009.  Plus, I love a fresh start. 

Your turn!!

"Happy Sanksgibbing!!!"

From our little indians (and princess, because she refused to be an indian) to yours, hope your Thanksgiving is blessed and you take the time to remember all that we have to be thankful for!!

17 Random Things...

Adam tagged me to do a list of 17 random things...he could only come up with 14, so we'll see if I can do better.

1. My three favorite musical artists: I don't know if I can name 3, but I love coldplay, Sugarland, Tom Petty, John Mayer, the list goes on. My iTunes playlist is full of a wide variety of artists.

2. My favorite tv shows are: Two and a Half Men, Grey's Anatomy, and the Office.

3. The Office (the show) seriously helped me recover from brain surgery. For almost two weeks straight, my mom, Dan and I all three sat in our bedroom and watched every season it. For those of you who know my mom, its no wonder they say laughter is the best medicine. Hearing her laugh made me laugh, and it really did help me recover faster.

4. I had brain surgery. Almost a year ago. (I totally think this counts as random.)

5. When I was 17 (I graduated high school young) I moved by myself to Honduras. It was there that I discovered my love of the medical field.

6. God has shown me over the past year and a half just how big he really is and that he really is in control (maybe I'm a little slow on the uptake, but it was shown in real, tangible ways).

7. I have to have Chapstick on my person at all times. No lie. After aforementioned surgery, Dan's sole instruction was to make sure my lips were regularly chapsticked. :)

8. I love to people watch. Dan used to (and still may) hate to go out to dinner with me because all I'd do is people watch.

9. I am a routine fanatic. To a fault. I need to learn to let go. :) I have to do the same things before I can go to bed: clean kitchen, start dishwasher, make coffee for the morning, get kids clothes out, brush teeth, etc. And only then can I sleep. Luckily Dan has started making the coffee for the morning so I can get the stuff done faster.

10. I don't know what IFNJPLSJSO I am. :) I took the test thing during pre-marital counseling, but I think they must have cut that part of my brain out. Maybe ESFP. Not sure.

11. I have never been in a wreck (with another car--did hit a brick wall on ice once, but not relevant) till September 26 of this year, and then proceeded to get rear-ended a total of 3 times in 6 weeks. I mean really. I'd think I was the problem if I wasn't the one getting hit.

12. I voted Democrat for the first time ever this year. And proudly.

13. I have some of the best girlfriends ever. Two I've had for years and years and years, and some that are new but becoming great friends.

14. I'm thinking of getting a tattoo.

15. The Christmas season (now til New Years) is my absolute favorite time of year. Always has been, but I am enjoying it way more now that I have my own kiddos.

16. I hate to fly, but hope to get over that soon so I can explore the "earff" (how Eli says earth). I guess I should get over it by next Thursday, since I am flying then. Hmm.

17. I love to read, but once I start, I can't stop. Harry Potter single-handedly led to the deterioration of my household.

Phew. I made it. Now, I tag:
Sarah A: she shares, or has been a part of, etc, many of these. 4, 7, 13, 17, she knows without even thinking about it. And, 17 is her fault.
Missi: I am pretty sure she shares 17.
Amy S: because many blame her for 12. :)

I am not sure who reads this. If you do and wanna play, do.