Annual Spring Shopping!

We have been sooooo crazy busy the last couple of weeks!  I haven't even blogged about Drake's 5th birthday yet!  Don't worry, I am not going to skip it!  His birthday week was a blast and it consists of about 400 pictures so it's going to take some time to give it the attention it needs.  It will be coming shortly.  This past weekend, I went to St. Louis with Jenna, Whitney, Tyra, and Laura for our annual spring shopping weekend.  We started this last year and we had such a great time that we decided we would do it every spring and fall!  Last year, we went early on a Saturday morning and came home late that night.  This time, Laura was so kind to offer for us to stay with her for the night.  Poor Mike got kicked out, but we had a blast!  We always start in Fairview Heights, then head to West County.  This time, we went to Plaza Frontenac Mall after West County.  It was a weekend of shopping, eating, laughing, and more eating!  Luckily, my mom was home so she and my grandma kept Drake.  There was no doubt in my mind that he was in good hands and that he was going to have fun!  Friday night when I was leaving him at granny's, he got upset and wanted to go with me.  I didn't mind because he could stay home with Wes but at the same time, we only see my mom a couple times a year so I thought he should visit with her as much as possible.  When mom lived here, she kept Drake for us quite a bit.  Whether I was running to Wal-Mart, or we were going out of town, we would just drop Drake off with her.  Since she has moved to Florida, he rarely stays over night without us so it's a MAJOR decision for him.  After about three trips in and out of the car trying to decide what he wanted to do, he ended up staying at granny's.  I did miss him oodles, especially when he called me to check in and reminded me how much he missed me.  One time that he called, at the end of the conversation I said, "I love you, goodbye", and he said, "let's not say goodbye since I'm going to talk to you again" so our conversation ended with, "Peace out".  haha........Although I missed Drake sooooo much, our girls weekend was a great break from our everyday madness.  After our Plaza Frontenac stop, we went on to dinner at Cunetto's on the Hill.  We had to wait over an hour but it was well worth it!  On Sunday, we ate lunch, stopped at St. Clair Square and had to make one last stop at Cold Stone Creamery.  I love these girls so much!  We are perfect for each other!  We are all so different in many ways, but we mesh so well!  We've been friends since kindergarten and our friendships grow stronger every day!  Love you ladies!!!  XOXO

Outside Plaza Frontenac. 

Waiting for dinner at Cunetto's. 

All of our goods!

After lunch, we realized Whitney didn't do a very good parking job.  (I won't mention the other near death experiences we had.  haha......you're a great driver, Whit!)

Cold Stone!  I look back in disbelief that I put that hat on!  I'm a major hater of germs, not to mention head lice!  Yuck!

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.Proverbs 22:11

Monster Truck Time!

Last weekend, we met Misty, Ethan and Hevyn at the Monster Truck Nationals.  I'd love to say that monster trucks are a guy thing, but I really do love them!  I'm not sure what it is about them, but it kind of makes my heart race to hear the engines start!  Call me crazy! 

We went early to the "Pit Party" so Drake could check out all the trucks.  Of course, his favorite is Chalkboard Chuck.  Drake was sure to sign it EVERYWHERE!

My favorite is Big Foot!  Unfortunately, he got a flat tire during the first event so we didn't see him much.  :(  Drake wanted his picture with Star Marshall because it reminded him of Star Wars.  (He has never even seen Star Wars so I'm not sure where that came from.)  We enjoyed the Mini Monsters who were children driving half scale trucks.  Drake would love one of those!  I think we'll stick with the Power Wheel's F-150 for now.  Drake had a great night with his cousins!

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.  Revelation 14:12

Addi Mae turns 4!

Seriously, as I get older, time goes faster!  Precious Addi, I feel like it was just yesterday that you were born.  What a great day it was!  Well, for me because I only witnessed you being born.  Your mom might have a different opinion.  Actually, I've never seen such joy on your mom's face!  It really was a great day for all!

You were born exactly one week before Drake's first birthday.  We thought you two might share a birthday, but thank goodness you came a bit early because we all know you both wouldn't have been able to share something as big as a birthday.  hehehe......I am so glad you two have grown so close.  Although you may drive each other crazy sometimes, I know you will always be good buds!  Your mom and I have loved watching you guys over the last four years.  Most of the time you get along great, and other times, you argue like brother and sister.  I look forward to watching your friendship grow! 

We had a great time at your party and we hope you have a blast in Florida on your birthday! 

We love you, Addisyn Mae!

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.  Proverbs 18:24



Keirsten is ONE!

Keirsten turned one on February 25th.  WOW!  Time flies!  She has grown so fast!  She is a perfect little loving, funny, chubby princess!

Baby K has Uncle Wes wrapped around her little finger!  How could he resist that little face?!  On her birthday, we went to her party at her church.  All the kids had a blast!

  We hope you had a great day, Pappy!  We love you!!!

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Psalm 127:3-5

A Week of Devastation!

Tuesday evening the local meteorologists were calling for severe storms during the night.  Trying to be Ms. Tough Girl I thought Drake and I would go to sleep at home and be just fine. (Totally unlike me!)  Well, at 1:30 a.m. I woke up for no reason and turned on the T.V. to check the weather and there were weather alerts saying storms would be severe between 3 and 6 a.m.  I instantly jumped out of bed, packed a bag, woke Drake and went to my dad's to stay in the basement.  Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep after that.  The storm went through Marion causing quite a bit of damage with quite a bit only 2 miles from our house. 

This is the remains of the Old Four Star Arena on Rt. 166. 

I LOVED this old farm house next to the Arena.  It was at one time a picture perfect farm house.  Now, not so much.  It broke my heart when I saw this.

This was taken on Hudgens Road.

This damage was heart breaking, but the storm only got stronger as it went East.  There was a tornado that touched down in Harrisburg, killing 6 and injuring over 100.  The pictures are absolutely devastating!  It is heart warming to see how the community has come together to help in the efforts to pick up the pieces from the tornado and donate food, clothes, soap, and many, many other items for the ones who lost everything.  It will take a long time to get it back together, but these people are very optimistic!  This is a time that I am SOOOOOO proud to say I'm from this community!

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:4-5