Our weekend getaway

About a month ago for my 30th birthday our family took a long weekend at a cabin just outside of Kansas City. We had an amazing time. Mostly we hung out at the cabin and walked the grounds but it was awesome and I would highly recommend this place. Here are some pics from our trip. http://www.stonehavenguesthouse.com/

Long weekend

I love long weekends. It gives us the opportunity to create our agenda as we go (this weekend anyway) and have some family fun. So here is what we have done in the last two days:

• Stayed up late watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 (probably should be renamed The Rich and Gorgeous Gosselins after the Hawaiian vacation and wedding renewal, I am so jealous!)
• Slept in and had blueberry pancakes for breakfast
• Watched Ratatouille (such a sweet movie, I love it more then my kids...."anyone can cook!"
• Had Thanksgiving leftovers for dinner (sometimes I like them cold just like my pizza, yum!)
• Played, played, played
• Worked out and loosened up the back, feel the burn! Love it!
• Since our old computer was laid to rest we ordered our new Macbook (should be here today! woohoo!)
• Made our Christmas list
• Did some online Black Friday shopping
• Did our Christmas card pic in PJs in front of the fire
• Ordered our Christmas cards
• Had a visit from Grandpa Sommer
• And for the grand finale tonight...............impromptu date night, yeah!!!!!

My marriage

I have a few friends who are in troubled marriages right now and it hurts my heart. It really makes me hold my husband closer and thank God for him. Not only that but it reminds me that marriages take work to continue those romantic feelings and cannot thrive without God's help.

Though I know mostly what I can do for my friends is pray I so want to help in anyway I can. There are great resources out there for any marriage and all marriages need to be watered and maintained.

So here are a few. First, The Love Dare which was used by the husband in the movie Fireproof. http://www.fireproofyourmarriage.com/couples.php This is for those who have lost those feelings and need a new perspective on their marriage.

Also, Living on the Edge Ministries (Chip Ingram) is great. If you join their online community you can listen and download free messages. I recommend.
House or Home? - Marriage: A Holy Covenant, Part 1 and 2 http://www.lote.org/lotecommunity/broadcasts/online_daily.php

I know I have not been married that long and that all marriages have their ups and downs but I know God is on our side and that we have the right view of it now to succeed. Marriage is a promise, a covenant with God and He can hold it together no matter the circumstances.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (New International Version)
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Our pastor used that verse when he delivered the message at our wedding and I will never forget it.

Wow, their my kids!

Yesterday was a little different then most Thursdays. Toby's was off school (CDO) so I took both kids to the Little Gym. After some initial upset at the beginning Toby literally dove right in. He was like a little Olympian diving, jumping, and somersaulting. His teacher asked if he had had classes before and I said nope, he just goofs around somersaulting with his sister at home.

I was just so proud of him. After crying for Papa at the beginning he did a 180 and showed such confidence, athleticism, grace, and a desire to have fun. It made me wonder what he was going to grow up to be but gave me a warm feeling it was going to be something that he and I would be proud of. I so love that boy.

Little Abster held her own too. Though usually she ignores me coaxing her to pay attention to the teacher, she did great! She listened and participated and had a lot of fun too. Although, she still wouldn't let the teacher help her "Let Mommy do it!", I didn't mind. She is a Momma's girl.

My warm feelings about them yesterday were good because today they really wore me out with whining, nagging, and temper tantrums. Not to mention our first poop potty accident in days, ugh!

Good Papa

Last night I had a manicure for a fun GNO treat and I brought some nail polish home with me to do Abigail. She just woke up from nap and wanted her nails done and since I was busy working on the computer Papa with no hesitation went to get the nail polish. Too cute!

Dad's

If you have never had Dad's Scotch Oatmeal cookies go right now to the store and buy some. They are around $3 a bag at most local groceries. They are an old St. Louis cookie company and they are yummy! One one of these days I am going to go over to Dad's in South City and get some fresh. They also make great Christmas gifts: http://www.dadscookies.com/

Fall and Winter are here!

Though the kids and I were able to get out and play and the leaves a lot earlie rin the week, it finally got a little colder today and I am loving it! It's been a busy month and I am ready to slow down, cuddle up, read, and drink lots of tea and hot chocolate.

I think my body is starting to rebel again anyway. I had a bad cold, that is better but lingering and creeped up into my eye to give me an infection! No big deal but I am wearing my glasses and wanting to sleep all the time......zzzzzzzzzzzzzz