Back in the groove of things after our fling

Whew! What a whirlwind it has been here. We just got in last night from a fabulous getaway to Florida. We had been thinking about a trip all summer, and were so undecided if we should or not, and finally booked our flights a few weeks ago. We left on tuesday and headed to sunny Orlando, where Grandma and Grandpa Rogers live!! The flight was great (esp with a little Xanax on board) :) The kids were soooo excited to see their G & G!! On Wednesday, we spent the day with Grandpa at The Holy Land experience. All I can say is WOW! They re-inact the crucifiction of Christ......right in front of you. I know they are all just actors, but you really felt as if it was Jesus himself in front of you. You truly could feel God's presence over that place. Cool. Then, the next morning we got in Grandmas car and headed down to Ft Meyers for a few days. We got to stay at Mike's boss' condo, went to a couple beaches and swam a lot at the condo pool!! We headed back to Orlando on Sunday am, and got to spend more time with G&G and uncle matt and his girlfriend, who is visiting the USA for the first time!!! So cool. Thank you sooooo much again, Frank and Paula for EVERYTHING!!! We love you guys and miss you already!!

But, we had to get back home, as the kids had meet the teacher last night and the first day of school today. Nothin like cuttin it close. Today is my baby's first day of Kindergarten!!! It helps to know that Chase is there with her, as the BIG 5th grader!! He had to look just "so" today. He told me that "how you look today, will determine your nickname for the rest of the year"....So, dressed in our new duds, with our hair product in, and deoderant and body spray on, we were ready to conquer the school...yikes. Brooke, was in one of her fav new outfits too, with her new Hannah Montanna book bag. It was cute. All the parents (dads too) stayed home till the kids got on the bus. It was a full bus stop this year. FUN!!

So, with BOTH kids at school in the morning (Brooke is half day), I have NO EXCUSE but to start my walking... and that is exactly what I did already this am!!! It felt so good. I am tired of being tired and slug-like. I hope I can committ and keep it up!!

Tax Free.......YIPEE!!

This weekend is the annual tax free, back to school shopping event here in Missouri. (Is it happening everywhere??) My good friend JULIE called me up Friday am and asked the kids and I to join her and the girls, on a shopping adventure. I was indeed up to the challenge!! I remember growing up, how we always went shopping in August for some new duds for school. It always helps to give that little bit of extra confidence, as you start the new school year!! The Carters store at the Mills is having a 50% off sale, and then Julie gave me a 20% off coupon, PLUS no sales tax = one, great, day, of, shopping!!!!! Here are a few of the new outfits for Brooke and Chase. FUN FUN FUN!! hope you all are having a great weekend....are you tax free too???

word wednesday

YES, JULIE I am alive over here, it's just that everytime I sit down to blog, I quickly get out of the mood to post anything. I feel like everything is boring that i blog lately, and NO ONE EVER comments......so. But, I did actually have exciting plans last night with my good friends and neighbors, JULIE and KELLI. I was looking forward to our night out all week. We went to dinner at Old Spaghetti factory and then headed to see Harry Potter. They have both read all the books, but I, on the other hand have only seen all the movies. Those that know me well, know that I am not a big reader. But after last nights movie, and some inspiration from the girls, I may actually read the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens next! By the time I finish it though, the next movie will probably be out!!
Today was a gorgeous day, so I thought and thought, what would be fun for me and the kids to do. We decided to go to Grants Farm. I haven't been there yet this summer. It is usually a low key fun thing to do, verses the Zoo. BUT NOT today. The line just to get IN the place took about an hour, then we had to wait another 20minutes or so to get on the tram to get to the attractions. Brooke told me half way through the first line that she had to go potty BAD.....we waited as long as we could, and our grp would have been the next to enter the park, we finally had to just butt ahead a few ppl, or she would have wet herself....I tell ya! We ended up having a great time, just me and the kids. Again the weather was great! We also saw Kelli and her crew there as well. Oh, great minds... Here are some pics of the day. Enjoy the weekend! I will be at work all day and Mike will be playing in a golf tournament. The kids get to spend the day with their grandma Jan!!!

random thoughts

I haven't felt like blogging lately...I love reading everyone elses, and check them all obsessively....haven't even been a big commenter lately. Thought of a few random thoughts to blog today, so here they are. A couple blog friends shared some things lately, that I will expand on. (will someone PLEASE tell me how to successfully add a word with the link on it??!! I can never do it right, so won't even attempt here) Anyway, Kelli did a WHY blog yesterday. Here is mine: Why are my kids inside watching tv when it is sooooo gorgeous out today, in the 70's. And they have been outside playing every day in the heat and humidity, go figure! Why is it EVERY time I sit down to blog, my kids huddle around me??? Like right now!!! Why, does B whine about everything lately???? Like right now! Why, when I work nights and try to sleep the next day, the phone rings off the hook, and the door bell rings (which it never does,usually)? Why, once I start blogging something, do I hate what I am typing and want to erase the whole entry? Like right now!!

On to more amazing things... My friend Becke blogged a few days ago about asking the Lord to Delight us. I did this last night as I took Dewey out to go potty. It was pitch black out, and asked Him to delight me....I looked up at the stars, waiting for something magical to appear...nothing...then my eye went to an extra bright star, and I thought oh, that must be it, thank you Lord, how pretty.....but no, I looked to the tree right next to that shining star, and was amazed to see about a dozen fireflies twinkling like Christmas lights in that tree! I have never seen such a sight. It taught me to look more closely at everything He has created for our enjoyment. How often I simply let the dog out, and just ignore all the beauty around me. I plan on asking God to delight me often, and hope you do the same!!

What is your favorite?

Well, it is hard to believe that summer is more than half over!! We have had a busy summer, and have done a ton of fun things, but can't help feeling like we've hit a slump! In many ways, I am ready for school to begin. This will be Brooke's first official yr of elementary school and sadly, Chase's last yr of elementary. That's a whole other blog entry for later! I would LOVE to hear from you all.....what has been the best thing you did this summer? How bout name the best place you went, and the best activity you did at home. I could use some great ideas!!!! Please leave me your comments, I sure appreciate them! Can't wait for your ideas.

Fourth of July family fun