Happy Memorial Day...

"THE HAPPIEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE HAVE BEEN THE FEW WHICH I HAVE

PASSED AT HOME IN THE BOSOM OF MY FAMILY."

~ THOMAS JEFFERSON

This is how I will be spending my day. How will you spend yours?

Getting To Know You

Much to my shock, Im doing yet another blog hop carnival. This one is by MANNLAND5. Just answer these 5 questions and link up.... another Easy Peasy day... Hey Its Memorial Day... time to take it easy... even in Blogland.



1) HAVE YOU EVER SNOOPED AROUND SOMEONES HOUSE?

Would anyone really admit to this?? Really? Well I don't think I have HONESTLY!

2)CAN GUYS AND GIRLS BE FRIENDS?

No never!! And if your Married you need to dump the guy "friend" its just not right.

3) CAN YOU CURL YOUR TONGUE?

Yup

4) HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN ANYTHING?

Well if you ask my oldest she would love to tell you about the time I left my milk at the bottom of the grocery cart and forgot to pay for it. She will tell it every time im in a store at the most inopportune time... until I threaten her to be quiet!

5) WOULD YOU RATHER TALK ON THE PHONE OR TEXT?

Text. Hands down. Too busy to chit-chat all day just to talk about what im doing...

6)WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIAL DAY PLANS?

Not quite sure. Just grill up some burgers, watch the kids play and float in the pool =)

7) WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?

I love to hide in my bedroom and read or sit outside in my green chairs in the evening watching the clouds in my backyard. I have a very peaceful yard (when the kids are sleeping that is)

8) DO YOU DO ANYTHING TO HONOR THOSE THAT DIED FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM?

YES!! My kids are well aware of the sacrifices men and women have made for our country. Its not just something we honor once a year. Their dad is a veteran and he holds that title proudly!!! Its something we talk about often and hold in high respect in our Little Red House. But on holidays we try to wear red, white and blue and we decorate with flags!!!


Well there you have it. 8 fun and easy questions. Hope you too link up with Keely for GETTNG TO KNOW YOU. She is great. I won an awesome APRON from her way back when! LOVE IT!

A "Chatty" Blog Hop

My bestie blog gal over at THE CHATTY MOMMY is doing a great blog hop so I figured I would join in on the fun. We just have to answer 5 questions and link back to her. Easy Peasy....

Here goes:

1) HOW DO YOU EARN EXTRA MONEY FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Well, I don't bring in an income because I am a SAHM but I try to stretch the money that does come in as best as I can and in any way that I can. Its amazing how far money can go with a bit of discipline, creativity and knowing your needs vs. wants.

2) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PARENTING TIP?

Oh I have a bunch. But I guess my biggest tip is also my biggest pet peeve... don't try and be a cool parent or a hip parent or your kids best friend. Be a PARENT!!! Embrace the fact that your not 18, don't live vicariously thru your child and don't try and recapture your "lost" childhood thu your poor offspring. Just embrace the new role God has given you and parent!!!! Your kids will thank you for it when they get older!

3) ANY GREAT HOUSECLEANING TIPS?

Um well from my previous post, no. LOL. but I have learned that implementing a schedule always works with anything you try to do. Whether it be cleaning, homeschooling, planning or taking care of toddlers. Schedule and delegate. Many hands make light work.

4) HOW MANY KIDS IS THE PERFECT AMOUNT FOR YOU?

Ha ha. Funny you should ask. Im pregnant with #6 and hubby and I said this is our last! Even though we often look at each other and try to figure out what the big deal is... having 6 kids REALLY IS NOT THAT MANY!!! Seriously. 5 is a piece of cake and we can't understand why people make such a stink. We may say we are a "large family" but truthfully we don't feel like one... now 8 or 9 kids... THATS alot.
The other night I turned to my hubby and asked him if this really was our last one.... could #7 really be in our future??
.... and for the record... those large family haters can spare me the negative comments. Trust me, you DON'T want to go there.....

5) IF YOU COULD TAKE YOUR FAMILY ANYWHERE WHERE WOULD IT BE?

I would love to pack up an RV and travel around the US. Strategically planning out historical events and seeing all this great country has to offer. Im assuming hubby will come and all expenses paid??? And hubby has unlimited vaca days??? Sounds good to me =)



Well, thats it. Those are the 5 questions. Now hop over to THE CHATTY MOMMY and link up with her. I would LOVE to hear what you all have to say as well


Have a great holiday weekend with your family
XOXOXOX

Modified Mess

For me, this is a messy living room... although in the last few days, it has been ALOT worse. Im the type of mom that usually likes things in order. I spend the day cleaning, picking up, and cleaning some more. A place for everything and everything in its place. Of course this theory of mine has some exceptions. Like at night I don't care if there are dirty dishes in the sink or on the stove. When my body says bed... its bed! The old me would have spent endless minutes/hours constantly picking up every crayon and paper right behind them, or would make them do it... Now I pleasantly walk over them and go on my merry little preggo way!

but to my surprise, most of my days the living room closet looks like this...

And the living room toy, craft, catch all closet looks like this!!! The weirdest thing is... I DON'T CARE. The kids are busy playing games, coloring, drawing and doing whatever else they find in here. I leave the door open and have even on occasion...

Went to bed with the closet door open and its contents spilling out. ( thats a BIG gasp for me!!)

Big deal... you might say...

Well, if you knew me at all, you would know it is!!! Notice the childproof lock on the closet door knob?? Yeah. I put that on to keep my kids OUT!!! So I could control the mess and always keep the closet neat and pretty. Did you notice that thru the mess everything is labeled?? In pink and green polk-a-dots. (done by me again) so that everything looked eye pleasing when you opened it???

IM NOT CARING!! And in having that more relaxed attitude, my kids have had fun playing, the house is not dirtier... we still clean it up, just not as often.... and the kids are more willing to help when I call it clean up time.

Many hands make light work.

Of coarse when company is on its way... Im still scrubbing like a lunatic... some habits just cannot be broken!

Light...

Whew... yesterdays post was heavy!!! But Im glad I got it off my chest. It was something that was lingering in my head and I wrote it out several times as I was driving down the road or lying in bed at night. So, Im glad I was able to finally get it out!!!

Since yesterdays post was so heavy, I figure I would make todays post light.

I went to bed with a million ideas and inspirations for my 5 year old and her reading skills. My goal is to have her reading FULLY by the end of summer. Now that I am easing up school with the older ones, I can devote 100% of my time to her. I have Emma working with Noah on his pre-school activities as well.

The day started off productive. Everyone was dressed, fed and chores done at a reasonable time. Then off we went outside for some flower care and thats when my plans changed.

I tend to get dizzy and faint when im preggo. I know, lucky me!! Its happened since baby #1 and each time I hope I can outwit/outplay/outlast but I never do. It struck this morning and I quickly texted hubby to give him a heads up and let him know I had to lay down on the couch QUICK!... I didn't want to catch him off guard if my Hannah Banana had to call him at work because I was laid out on the floor.

But Thank goodness all was well. He came home from work within minutes and I was able to stay conscious and just rest. The feeling past and I nursed myself back to health while playing a phonics game with Molly and working on her sounds.

So, my day is all topsy turvy. I have enjoyed having hubby home and got more accomplished that I thought I ever would.

School was completed, house was cleaned and now I sit in front of the computer telling you all about my day! (complete with highlighter in my hair... hey if Im going to be faint then at least im going to be pretty right??=)

Tonight I will take it easy. Hubby will (hopefully) bring the kiddies to church and I will snuggle in bed. It will be a few days before I "feel safe" venturing out of the house by myself but I should be fine.

Well, my friends, that is my day in a nutshell. Isn't it exciting and grand?? Did I mention Im about to go sit outside and eat a popsicle?? Now THAT is exciting ;)

A Quick Thought...

I don't have alot of time to blog today but I wanted to leave you all with a few verses that have been of extreme interest to me.

They might not be uplifting or make you feel all pretty and good inside but they speak the truth.

Something so many Christians don't want to hear, don't want to recognize or acknowledge.

My heart has been so sad and heavy this past week. I have been bombarded with shocking news and sad news. News that must remain private for privates sake. I have found myself praying and pleading to the Lord for protection over the christian family. A holy dynamic that is strongly under satans attack.

I praise God that this sad news has nothing to do with my immediate family or marriage but that doesn't mean that I am immune to the false doctrines leading so many believers astray.

Satan is hard at work and he is rejoicing as each Christian home is torn apart...

"THE THIEF COMES ONLY TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY..." JOHN 10:10

He comes softly, and deceives so many.

He plays on our feelings and our untrusting emotions. Christians have denied Christ and have become worshippers of self.

" THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS AND BEYOND CURE. WHO CAN UNDERSTAND IT?" JEREMIAH 17:9

Ladies, as Christian women we must regain control of our homes again. We must uplift our families and our marriages in prayer DAILY. We must keep the word of God as center in our home and rebuke the devil from having even the slightest foothold.

We must :

"PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU CAN TAKE YOUR STAND AGAINST THE DEVILS SCHEMES. FOR OUR STRUGGLE IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD,BUT AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD AND AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS." EPHESIANS 6:10-12

Be prepared for battle and protect your homes, protect your husbands and children. Don't let empty philosophies or feel good thoughts go against your holy sacrament of marriage.

Tonight, sit down with your spouse, tell him how much you love him, thank him for providing and ask him what he thinks of your marriage, what needs changing and what area needs prayer.

Break down the walls of pride that steal and kill and destroy and reclaim what is yours.

"IF MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SINS AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND." 2 CHRONICLES 7:14

I know in a marriage it takes 2. Im a firm believer in that.... 2 to make a marriage work and 2 to make it fall apart... but it takes ONE person to turn the tide. ONE person to change the course. Let that be you....

My heart is so sad over the news that has been coming at me from all angles but I will use this as an eye opener. A lesson. I pray God can let me learn from others unfortunate mistakes. From this, I pray my husband and I can grow stronger together without going thru all the hardships that others have had to go thru.

I thank God for blessing me with a marriage that has stood for almost 14 years. And with Gods covering... a million more.

A Weekend Visit....

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. In the south, the weather held out for us and the heat rolled in. We were so blessed to have a visit from our friends up north, friends we were very close to and friends we have not seen in 3 whole years!

Its weird how time works though... As she stepped out of her car, its as if I just waved goodbye to her on my old driveway. The only way to see the past 3 years were thru our kids. How much they've grown, how much they have changed and new babies born.

The visit was a breath of fresh air after a rough week of sad news in our family. News I will share with you another time.... don't worry, my family, my husband and my home are just fine... it is in the extended but affects you none the less. I have not been able to get my thoughts together for a blog, but when I do... it will be powerful! I can feel it.

Anyway, The trip was short. Just 2 days but we crammed as much as we could into every single hour. Our kids instantly bonded and re-bonded. They played, we ate and laughed. Once the fireflies came out to play, we lit the bonfire and gave the kids sparklers to play with (yes they are legal so don't go there.)

We showed them the falls and our cute little city that we adore.

Once we waved our dear friends off and tucked our super tired, cranky sleep deprived kids in each of their beds, hubby and I snuck off in our backyard and sat in my beloved green chairs and watched the fire burn.

We talked about the day and how nice it was to see our friends. We sat in silence and listened to the crackling of the fire and for a few coveted minutes, we soaked in life.

I went to bed thanking God for all He has given me. I prayed over the circumstances that are beyond our control and the pain some people are going thru. I prayed for a hedge of protection against the people I loved the most. And I thanked God for being there, because without Him... life would be impossible....

List....

My weekend is busy busy busy!!! I have so much to do... so, I thought I would make a list to help my dear little jam-packed preggo brain remember.

I know what your thinking...

"That girl needs to clean that living room first!"

Well that was done yesterday. It was getting out of hand. I would clean it all up and a few hours later it looked like the picture above. I can't take it!!! Im tempted to throw everything out... but thats another post.

Anyway, back to my busy weekend list.

1) get off the computer

2) get dressed (including kids) and feed them

3) go p/u a present for a little 5 yr old boy (with kids)

4) come home, clean the whole house

5) get kids presentable for said 5 yr old boys bday party

6)attend party

7)stop at store and p/u stuff for dinner

8) make sure house is clean and start dinner

9) wait for our friends to arrive who we have not seen in 3 YEARS!!!

10) catch up and eat and catch up (with pictures of coarse)

11) scrub dirty kids clean

12) pick out clothes for church

SUNDAY:

1) get off the computer

2)feed and dress everyone

3)head to church

4) figure out lunch and hang out with our visiting friends

5) say goodbye

6) collapse on the couch...

yup, thats about it. I have a lot to do but first, I MUST get off the computer!!!!

Bye

Xoxo

Speaking...

Last week I mentioned that I had a speaking engagement at church and that I was super super nervous. I was also excited at the same time. I was asked to speak about saving money... something I LOVE to chat about. Well, last night was THEE BIG NIGHT! I was as nervous as they come. My hands were sweaty, my stomach in knots... but I was prepared.

Last week I also visited my favorite store and indulged in a cute purchase to help me write all the wonderful things that God had laid on my heart to share with the ladies who came to hear the class. ( for the record, it was on sale AND I had a coupon ok)

I had worked all week and wrote and re-wrote tons of pages of things that I wanted to say, along with those pages, I also wrote important power points I wanted to share, along with bible verses to go along with my points.

The night was fun. But Im glad its over!!! WHEW.....

Now to relax today and get ready for friends who are visiting from out of town tomorrow. I have not seen them in 3 years and can't wait!!!

Oh and for the record... I just NEVER learn.... my sis is friends with the producer of the Rachael Ray show and just might have a topic for me to discuss on the show... I told my sis..."Sure, have her call me, I would LOVE to do it..."

I just NEVER learn....

Because He Loves Me

The other day hubby came home from work and surprised me with a bouquet of my most favorite flowers!!! DAISYS!!! Aren't they just beautiful?

I love looking at them. Its just another reminder on how much I love him!

My Abigail Turns 3!!!

Yesterday. My little baby turned 3 years old... where did the time go? Little did I know when she entered the world, my whole life would become sweeter. She is full of songs and hugs and kisses.

God blessed me with the perfect little girl and I am forever thankful!!!!

17 Weeks

Ok, so Im still getting the hang of this font thing. Hubby kindly informed me that the last one was annoying… so here is a new one for you. Let me know what you all think. =)

Yesterday was my birthday and what better way to spend it than listening to my baby’s beautiful HEARTBEAT!!! Such music to my ears and warmth to my soul. My 2.5 second Drs. Appt was reassuring and wonderful. I took a cell phone pic to remind me that all is well in my belly… and of coarse to share with you all.

3 more weeks till gender finding time. I CAN’T WAIT! The suspense is killing me! But at least I will be halfway thru… then just 20 more weeks till I get to hold my precious baby bundle. GOD IS GOOD!!!

Here And Now...

As you all know, I have been back in my Esther bible study. I never did get to finish the study with my class, which was to my own disadvantage but I have still gotten so much on my own. I am determined to finish so I can start my BREAKING FREE study by Beth Moore!! Im so excited to dive in and break free from all the baggage that steals my joy!

Anyway, the other day we were at the pool and I brought my bible and books there to catch up on some reading. Within 5 minutes I was hit with something so powerful I knew I HAD to share it with you.

It comes from Acts 17:26 “ From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth ; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live…”

Beth Moore then begins to write…” This verse tells us unflinchingly that “God determined the times set for us and the exact places that we should live.” You see, even your current location is part of the set-up for your kingdom destiny. As we learned in one of our earliest verses on providence in this series, in Christ “we were also chosen, having been pre-destined according to the plan of Him who works everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. (Eph 1:11)

WOW!!! Did you get that? Did it hit you as powerfully as it hit me? Why have I not read this before??? I knew God plans everything but for some reason, seeing this verse in the word of God hit me like a ton of bricks.

Looking back on all the places I have lived during my almost 14 years of marriage, I can see how each and every place has shaped who I am. I also have witnessed first hand Gods movement in our life when He tugs on our soul and gently moves us in another direction (or city.)

Even though I KNOW this, The power of God still amazes me. How comforting to know that I am where God wants me to be. I have a purpose here and a plan. Once that is fulfilled, He will gracefully move us on. I can trust Him because He is perfect. I am here for “such a time as this…”

P.s. Today is my BIRTHDAY!!! Im agin’ like fine wine!!!

My Day...

Yesterday was my day… my glorious Mothers Day. I spent it relaxing (and recovering) in my backyard. I was a victim of sunburn from the day before, so I nursed my wounds on my back patio in my NEW GREEN ADIRONDACK PATIO CHAIRS!!!!! Hubby and my great kids surprised me with them. I have been wanting them for sooo long. And the green… well the color is so perfect and bright and ME! You know how this girl needs color.

So, here I am relaxing in my chair. A self portrait of my day. Hubby joined me and we sat in the back with our eyes closed and the sound of the kids bouncing all over the trampoline in the background. It was perfect. For dinner, he grilled some skirt steak and we dined till we were STUFFED FULL.Oh the goodness!!!!! The day was just perfect!

I have been spending more time in my backyard, planting flowers and making it just as beautiful as the front. I find myself spending about 60% of my time out there. Sipping coffee in my screen porch, sitting near the fire pit on my back patio ( now that I have my chairs!!) and watching my garden grow. This week I will buy some more flowers to beautify it a bit more. Once its done I will be SURE to post pictures!!!!

We made our first pool appearance last Friday! The kids were so excited to jump in and get started. I found it just PERFECT for some bible study time under the umbrella. I continued my Esther study and came across some PROFOUND verses in Acts. I will share them with you at another time. It came at just the right time… just before our trip back to Shaw. God knew that I needed to hear His voice thru the sadness.

Only 15 DAYS until we begin our much needed summer break. This year is a small break… about 4 weeks but we will have another small break once the baby is born in October so we can’t slack too much.

In the meantime, we will enjoy those 4 weeks to the fullest!!!! Mornings by the pool, afternoon naps and evenings going for walks and playing in the yard. What could be better than that???

Please bare with me as I use a new editing program and my font resembles large print books... =/ im HORRIBLE with technology!!!

xoxoxoxo

Memory Lane....

Yesterday we packed up the big black van and headed 3 hours towards the midlands straight to Shaw Air Force Base , Sc. Hubby and I lived there our first 3 years of marriage, from 1996-1999. When he finished his 4 years, we packed up the truck and the 2 kids we had while stationed there and headed straight back to Ny. We had our fill of military life and were ready to blend in as civilians. Little did we know the impact that those 3 years would have on our marriage and our hearts.

Our solid foundation was set within those base walls and the south crawled in our hearts.

Going back was bittersweet. Walking the streets felt like we never left, yet so much has changed and all new faces were abound.

We sadly discovered our old base housing and neighborhood had been knocked down. All that remained were a street that resembled ours and small driveway entrances. It didn't take long for us to find where our home once stood. We knew the area well. It was where we left our hearts.

We walked our land and reminisced about the years. We oohhed and ahhed at how big the trees had gotten and "walked" thru our front door. We drove past the empty plots of land where our friends homes once stood and walked the weed covered sidewalks where I walked Emma in her stroller as a baby... almost 13 years ago.

We also took the girls by the hospitals where they were born and the base lake where Hubby and I would go for late night strolls and fish together. How funny it was to go back and see other young couples doing the exact same thing.

Before long it was time to head back to the upstate. We were ready!!! Even though that place holds a special place in our hearts, we have given our heart to a new home. A place we know we belong and a place that God wants us to be.

Last night after all the kids were in bed and I was all comfy in mine, the tears began to roll down my cheeks. I couldn't explain to hubby why. I didn't want to go back, I didn't want to move. I am happy here, but seeing my life knocked down and grassed over hurt me so. I stared at those pictures for a long time and could envision life as it was. My neighbors, my friends, our mailman waving hello.... all gone. Nothing but overgrown weeds and small concrete blocks where our driveway entrance once stood.

Today I am better. So happy to spend Mothers Day in my little red house. My flowers are blooming and my home oozes love. I don't plan on moving ever! The thought of more of my history being destroyed kills me.

ONE thing is for certain though, life brings change and the only thing constant in this world is just that!

Road Trip!!!

I have so much to do today and very little time, but I knew I had to share with y'all that the family and I are hitting the road!!! Just for the day but hitting the road none the less. We are all excited and can't wait to get where we are going but first... cooler must be packed. Yummy sandwiches and treats must be made and the van needs some cleaning and gas!!

We leave before the sun comes up and will be home late at night. My bestest extended family will be hanging at my little red house so it doesn't get too lonely without us.

Where are we going you ask??? Well what fun would that be?? I'll give you a hint, its where it all began... where our foundation started and where I most certainly will shed some memory tears tomorrow.

Leave your best guess and make sure to come back on Sunday to see all the pictures I will be sure to post. Im so excited...EEKKKKKKKK

Sweet Words...

I have the best readers in the world!! Your sweet words really encouraged me and inspired me to really commit my upcoming "big day" in prayer. How I wish you all could be there!! But I will be sure to fill you in on EVERYTHING that happens !

Here are some pictures from my front garden yesterday. My roses are in full bloom with over 25 blooms and more buds following close behind. They smell sooo wonderful. My pink carpet roses are just starting to bloom as well. I am so excited.

After two years of NOTHING!! My clematis finally started blooming as well. Every day more buds open and a big purple burst of color pops out. Im so excited.

Our first crop of strawberries ripened and we feasted on juicy fruit last night.

Oh how I LOVE spring!!!!

Seasons Of Change...

Remember this purse?? You can read all about the day I got it HERE. I was so excited to pull it out of my closet and stuff it full. Im not sure about you all but I carry everything AND the kitchen sink in my purse. Bigger is better in my book and this purse fits the bill. Spring/Summer is certainly here and the winds of change are all about. White purses and summer dresses are coming out of the woodwork. Our pool is open and tan lines are beginning to appear on our shoulders.

I was asked to speak at church about saving money. Im nervous. I have a big mouth and have so much to say to so many women but I loathe public speaking. I get nervous and I stutter and don't say everything that really is on my heart.

Last night as I was driving Emma to her drama practice, I began praying and thinking about the big night. I started to reflect back to my own season of change and when God started to reveal to me the true meaning of life. Not big houses, cars and vacations... but what He saw as a fulfilling life. The core of the family, getting back to basics and just to love one another. I began really looking back a couple of centuries at the early settlers and their views on life. Even though life was much harder, it was also much simpler. What we see as modern conveniences (cell phones, internet,ipods...) are some of the very first things to steal our peace and our joy. The things we LOVE the most ( especially me) are the things that cause the most stress and takes us away from quiet time with the Lord.

What a hard balance our generation has... and those to come.

Im not sure this post makes sense, its just my thoughts about my upcoming night. But I do know that if we always strive to put God first. Our priorities will ALWAYS be in order!

Date Night Part 2...

Right down the road from Quaker Steak is Frankies Fun Park. Hubby asked if I wanted to go mini-golfing... A.K.A Putt Putt (but I still can't get myself to call it that) I started squealing with joy. I have NEVER been mini-golfing with him and have not been at ALL since I was 18!!! (way too many years ago) This was also the very first time we have been to this place even though we pass the entrance to it almost every single day! It was so cute and clean and nice. They have everything you could want to do. Lazer tag, water bumper boats, 3 go-kart tracks, batting cages, 3 mini-golf courses, fun slides and more. I was excited!!! We decided to pick course #3... the HARDEST!! HA!

This is us waiting our turn to go at hole #1. I was pumped to win!! I started off GREAT!!! And then the course got harder and harder...

They had cute little houses and bridges along the way...

See?? What a flattering picture of me. I was telling hubby I was gonna win....

I didn't. He beat me. But I was ok with it. We had a blast.

Hubby was really good and a great sport. He also always picked up my bright pink ball so I would not have to bend down. He is so sweet!!! I love him!

After the game ended we walked around and watched the go-karts for a bit. The kids on the rides were having so much fun. It was refreshing to watch.

Before the night ended we went to Target to pick up some stuff we needed. We also picked up some stuff for the kids (from the dollar bin) we were ready to go home. We missed our family.

The night was perfect. I crawled into bed with a smile on my face (leftovers in the fridge) and great memories. I also slept like a rock!!!

Date Night Part 1...

Last night hubby and I went out on our very much anticipated date night!! It took us ALL day to finally decide where we were going to eat. Once our childcare arrived... we were off!!!

We have gotten take out from Quaker steak and lube several times in the past but never actually have eaten there, so we decided to give it a try! It had all things fried and delicious!!

Of coarse I started off healthy...

Cheered on as the Kentucky Derby played on the big screens. I SOOO wish I would have worn my big hat to dinner... you know, Kentucky style...

and then finished the dinner with wings, ribs and onion rings!! It was delicious. Hubby listens to conservative radio ALL day at work so he filled me in on a few things which got me all fired up, we talked politics and about this and that...

It was a great evening and we were stuffed. BUT the evening was still early. There were still plenty of daylight hours to burn... and hubbys next suggestion had me squealing and clapping with excitement.....