• Surprise Visit from One of My Favorite Chick-A-Dees!

    We got a surprise from one of my favorite Chick-A-Dees!!! She told us that there was a “chance” she might be flying to an airport near us for a few minutes within the next 24 hours. It was a totally unexpected blessing! There were some adjustments to the schedule due to plane availability but she made it to GMU – Greenville Downtown Airport. YAY!!!

    It had been an incredibly crazy week and this special time with one of our girls made my Momma heart so very happy. We only got to spend a few minutes with our sweet girl but it was worth every second. We got in a few hugs, gave her some water & snacks, and had a quick chat before she was off flying high into the bright blue sky again. Thank you Chick-A-Dee for taking the time to fly in for a quick “hi” and give us some hugs.

    It is such a surreal feeling to watch one my Babies fly in and out of the airport. So very proud of our Kiddos for all their hard work in their industries. It is amazing to get a first hand view of that training in action. They are doing and accomplishing skills that I have never learned or even tried before. If I had to help fly a plane or work with certain animals, bees or other tasks they are doing right now I wouldn’t even know where to even start.

    It is fascinating and cool to hear what they are doing and learning. Our “littles” are certainly growing up. We look forward to seeing and hearing about the big adventures they will be experiencing next.

    Grateful for these types of spontaneous blessings our kids choose share with us. These precious moments are treasured!

    Keep up the good work Chick-A-Dees! We love you very much!

  • Creative Kids: Woodworking Class

    Brina made this cool piece in class

    Well we have made it halfway through the 2019-2020 school year! WooHoo!!!  While there are aspects of school that can be quite exhausting there are other parts that are fun.  Brina recently brought home this neat project.  It’s cool to see everything that they are learning in their classes. She had a great time doing this at school and it turned out really well. I think it’s awesome that she is learning how to use and operate a variety of tools. The first projects she made when she was little were treasured works of art as well, but she has come a long way from the crayon scribbles on a sheet of paper.  Thankful for the opportunities for the kids to learn and use their creativity.

    Like anything in life some projects are more fun and exciting to do! Whether you are doing tasks around the house or work some are going to use a lot creativity and be more enjoyable while other projects that are just as important will not be as much fun (laundry, washing dishes, etc).  May we always continuing learning and growing no matter what stage of life we are in whether it is doing something creative and fun or tackling the necessary life activities for that day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Happy November!!!  Not sure how 2016 has flown by so quickly, but here we are in November already.  November is a wonderful month to reflect on the blessings that we encounter each and everyday of our lives.  Even if you are going through a tough time and you have to look a little deeper there is always something we can be thankful for throughout the day.  May this month be not only a time of reflection of the blessings in your life, but that we actively show our gratitude to people around us in our life.  Reach out to someone each day this month and genuinely thank them for something they have done that has blessed you or the positive impact they have made or the encouragement that they have been in your life.  Maybe if we make it a habit to do this for a month we’ll develop a habit of naturally looking for the blessings and taking time to say thank you to those in our lives throughout the entire year.

    It was a wonderful trip to Kansas to visit my parents and extended family, but it is awesome being back home with Jake and the girls again.  They picked me up at the airport with smiles, treats, and big hugs.  Always nice being back home with the family again.  After getting me at the airport we went to dinner at TGI Friday’s.  Dinner was fun and relaxing as we shared stories about our adventures the past few days.  The girls did homework in the van that way everyone could shower and get ready for the next day as soon as we got home.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful for my Mom driving me to the airport, that my flights all went well, and that I was back with Jake and the girls at home once again.

    Tuesday – Thankful for a job that allows me to travel occasionally and for co-workers who pitch in to help out while I am gone.

    Wednesday – Thankful Jake and everything he does to help out around the house, and with the kids.  Enjoy having some down time and catching up at the end of our day together.

    Thursday – Thankful that we got to see Karlie perform in her 1st Orchestra Concert tonight.  She did awesome!  All that practice is starting to pay off.  She just started playing too.  At the concert she was in several duets and small group performances as well as the entire orchestra.

    Friday – Thankful that the girls were able to attend the Student Council Leadership Pep Rally today.  They left before school started and got back right as it ended.  They had a fun day meeting other student council members from the area, going to workshops, games, and getting to know their student council team members.  They were exhausting by the end of the day, but had a grand time.  After a long day of work followed by weekly errands with the girls after school it was wonderful to come home and smell dinner cooking and my Handsome Man in the kitchen.  He timed it perfectly by the time we had the groceries carried into the house he was ready with dinner and it was DELICIOUS!!!  Thank you Babe!

    Saturday – Thankful that the girls had an opportunity to do Community Service work through their Student Council Committee today.  They scraped and repainted their school’s bases for their flag pole and light posts.  Surprisingly they did not come home completely covered in paint (only a few spots of yellow and purple).  Grateful for a chance to celebrate fall with the family, instead of dressing up and going Trick-R-Treating on Halloween the girls have chosen to do a family Halloween celebration at home – carving pumpkins, making different flavored pumpkin seeds, a special dinner, and an evening to relax and spend together as a family.

    Sunday – Thankful for my family, none of us are perfect and we live in a broken world, yet we have so much to be thankful for each day and having a family as well as a place to call home isn’t something everyone has the privilege to enjoy.  Grateful for a chance to hang out with Jake, Brina, and Karlie today as well as prep as we gear up for another busy week ahead.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Thankful for an opportunity to go back to Kansas for a longer weekend to celebrate my Dad and Niece’s Birthdays.   I was able to catch up with a lot of family while back in Kansas.  It was nice to have that time with family.  Grateful for Jake taking care of the girls when I was away visiting family and celebrating.  My flights went smoothly and I arrived safely.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful for a job that takes the time to celebrate the special events.  Today all the staff brought in food to share and celebrate Boss’s Day, we had a lot of delicious food!  Grateful for an opportunity to work on a team with great leaders.

    Tuesday – Thankful that the girls were able to have fun after school at their Volleyball Tailgating Party.  They went to the tailgating party – played games, ate dinner, and socialized with friends before going to cheer for their friends and team at the game that evening.

    Wednesday – Thankful for the girls opportunity to participate in the school’s Diggers Club.  They have been working hard selling pumpkins, weeding the school gardens and grounds, putting out mulch, working in the greenhouse, and more fun activities with the club.  It is a good place to learn more about serving in their school and community as well as how to grow and maintain various grounds, plants, and more!

    Thursday – Thankful for being able to fly out to Kansas to spend a long weekend with my parents.  Grateful for Jake picking up the extra kid and household duties while I was away.  My airplane flights went smoothly without too many delays and thankful for my Mom driving all the way to Wichita to pick me up at the airport.  It was nice seeing her and spending some time on the drive back to my parents house to catch up a little bit.

    Friday – Thankful for time in Kansas to spend with family.  Was able to spend time with my parents, both sets of grandparents, my siblings, 6 month old niece, and more family while getting some items done with my Mom around the house.

    Saturday – Thankful that I was able to be back in Kansas to celebrate my Dad’s 60th Birthday and my niece Annaliese’s 1st Birthday.  They had a wonderful turnout of family and friends.  It was great seeing so many family and friends over the evening during the birthday celebrate.  My sister in law and brother did a lot of prep work to get ready for the party and it turned out awesome.

    Sunday – Thankful for a chance to attend my parents church.  It was Pastor Karg’s and his family’s last day at the church and it was good to see them, wish them well in their new adventure, and enjoy playing games & celebrating at their Goodbye Party.  Was able to eat a nice lunch with my grandparents which was good to see them more and catch up a little bit more over the meal.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a fun week with the girls having Monday off from school, we got to play a little more that evening since we didn’t have a bunch of homework we had to wrap up that evening.  There were several evening activities this week which made juggling homework, dinner, baths, and everything else a little more tricky, but everyone did well and it helped a ton to have the dinner menu prepped the night before so everything was ready to go once everyone was home in the evenings.  Thankful for a husband who pitches in and helps out around the house.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful that Jake was able to work from home so he could be with the girls, that the girls had a grand time playing outside on their day off (and even got some chores done around the house & yard).  We even had a few minutes relaxing – Brina & I played a game (which somehow included jumping jacks, squats, and other activities per Brina’s additions) while Jake and Karlie worked on putting together a model airplane.  It was amazing walking into the house after work to the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen, grateful that Jake is willing to cook and makes amazing meals!  I am truly blessed!

    Tuesday – Thankful for a little bit of extra time at work to tackle some projects since the girls had an after school Student Council volunteer activity today, even finished up some big reports that I had been working on the past several days which felt good!

    Wednesday – Thankful for a husband who encourages, it was a tough day and I wasn’t feel well.  Grateful for a spouse that loves me even when I am not at my best.

    Thursday – Thankful that the girls enjoy their after school activities and are doing well keeping up with their schoolwork.  It has been a busy year with a lot of new items for them, but they have handled it very well.

    Friday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time away with Jake! 🙂  We got a couple massages and grabbed a bite to eat.

    Saturday – Thankful for my f,family, time spent together, and that Jake & I were able to get our annual wellness physicals done with our doctor on Saturday.

    Sunday – Thankful for my Dad and that he is celebrating his 60th birthday today.  Also, grateful that I have the opportunity to celebrate with him next weekend.  I am blessed with a great husband too – I have been fighting a cold the past few days and he went out to run an errand for me (and brought back some snack goodies for my upcoming trip)!  Thanks Babe!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a wild week full of a lot of emotion.  Some co-workers and friends live near Charleston.  Thankful that Hurricane Matthew did let us a little bit so it wouldn’t do any more damage.  A lot of people will be cleaning up for awhile after it’s visit.  Our hearts go out to the families that lost loved ones, homes, and businesses as it went through.  It was really strange looking at pictures of flooded streets and places we have visited some many times like Battery Park and downtown Charleston.  Despite all the weather this past week there was a lot to be thankful for during our week.  You don’t have to look very far to find good in the world around you.  Blessed and thankful!

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful that I get to pick the girls up from school and hear about their days at school as well as their adventures after school.

    Tuesday – Thankful that the girls are working hard on their homework projects at school.  Some evenings some longer when we are trying to get it all done, but for the most part they have a great attitudes about everything they have to do.

    Wednesday – Thankful for a co-worker who willingly pitched in to help on a couple of items at work since my week was very busy.

    Thursday – Thankful for Jake taking care of the girls, finishing dinner, homework, and other normal evening activities so I can go to to Ladies Bible Study

    Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun movie night at school and for a chance to go out on a date night with my Man!

    Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to rest for a little bit.  Grateful for answered prayers that Hurricane Matthew slowed down more, it was already devastating enough, but grateful that it wasn’t any worse.  A lot of people, homes, and businesses were impacted by it.

    Sunday – Thankful for a place to worship and learn more.  Grateful that the girls have a chance to meet with kids their age and learn too.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a busy day especially with Jake traveling for work, but we got through it safely and thankfully are back together again.  Always happy to have him back home.  Other than one of the girls fighting a cold we have nothing to complain about.  We are blessed, look around you and think about the good and positive blessings all around you.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful we were able to talk with Jake on the phone a few minutes on the way to school.  Even though he was away on a work trip it is always great hearing his voice and chatting even if it is for a few moments.

    Tuesday – Thankful for opportunity for the girls to go to an After School program that they really enjoy so I can get in a couple extra hours of work each week.

    Wednesday – Thankful to have Jake back home again! 🙂

    Thursday – Thankful that Jake is willing to not only pitch in around the house, cooking, but also helping the kids with their homework.

    Friday – Thankful that we were able to have a Family Fun Night and a chance to relax a little bit as we head into the weekend!

    Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to catch up on some projects around the house and yard.

    Sunday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time on a family adventure!  Looking forward to working together and having fun “along the way”!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    I have to admit some days were just exhausting this week.  Thankful for a family that loves me even when I am wiped out and pitches in when/where they can.  The girls are doing well in school.  Jake and I were able to get away for a little bit together and we had fun at a work event this weekend too. There was a lot of good blessings that surprised me this week, but thankful for them all the same.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful that Jake drove the girls into school so I could leave for work and get my day started.

    Tuesday – Thankful that the Hot Water Heater is NOW FIXED!!!  After 2 weeks without a hot water heater you really do appreciate it! 🙂  I am grateful that it was the hot season when it decided to break down.  The part was recalled so we had to wait for the company to order it before it could be repaired.

    Wednesday – Thankful that for an opportunity to use my work skills and be part of a great team of professionals.  Not everyday is perfect, but we are able to get a lot accomplished during our time at work and are continually learning from each other.

    Thursday – Thankful for a chance to meet a friend and catch up over lunch!

    Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun game night with their church youth group and I got to go on a spontaneous DATE NIGHT with my Handsome Man!!!!!! 🙂  Love spending time with him!

    Saturday – Thankful for a chance to hang out with my family and co-workers at the lake.  Grateful to Jeff and his family for their gracious hosting of the whole group at their beautiful place!

    Sunday – Thankful for some relaxing time with my family before we hit the super busy week ahead.  It was good to recharge and hang out together!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a crazy fun week as we spent fun time with friends visiting from Maine, the girls starting Middle School, and adjusting to the new work schedule.  Thankful for the amazing blessings in my life.  You don’t have to look very far or hard to find something to be grateful for in your life.  It can be a simple smile from a stranger to sharing laughter with a friend or spending quality time with someone you love.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful day off work and spend the morning with our friends from Maine.  In the afternoon I was able to hang out with the girls and have fun on their last day of summer.

    Tuesday – Thankful that Jake went with me to take the girls to their first day of Middle School.  Glad that their first day went smoothly for them.

    Wednesday – Thankful that when Jake travels he takes the time to talk with me and catch up.  It’s not the same as having him at home, but it is always great hearing his voice and chatting about our days.

    Thursday – Thankful picked up the girls right when school got out and went “clothes” shopping for new school shorts.  Grateful they are growing, but it doesn’t take long for them to grown out of their shorts.

    Friday – Thankful for safety as we traveled, it was rainy and was slowed down multiple times by car accidents, but everyone arrived back home safely.

    Saturday – Thankful for a quiet and productive day at home and around town with the family (first Saturday in a long time that we were not traveling or running around with a lot of activities going on).

    Sunday – Thankful for a husband who enjoys and is a great cook.  Love it when he pitches in around the kitchen and house.  I am one spoiled chick with him around.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Happy First Day of School Brina & Karlie

    Happy 1st Day of 6th Grade to my sweet girls!  New school year, new school, new teachers, new administration, new schedules, new start to the next chapter in my baby girls lives!  Jake and I both took the girls to school on their first day.  It felt weird driving by their old elementary school on the way to their new middle school.  They were welcomed at school by cheers.  They had a great first day!

    p1720300cIt was a lot of information and teachers to go over that first day, but they did amazing!  They are in different classes, however, some of their teachers are the same and others are different.  They are taking different electives too and have no classes the same.  The only time they see each other during the school day is walking into school, in the hallways, at lunch, and after school.  Karlie has orchestra and a STEAM elective class while Brina has physical education and Keyboarding for her two electives this 9 weeks or a semester depending on the class.  Thankful for a good first day!

    It was a whirlwind of a first day with us dropping them off at school, heading home to get Jake’s suitcase into his car so he can travel for work, and them I was off to work as well.  We didn’t snap a picture of them that first morning of school as we were moving quickly to get out the door on time.  Everyone was a little sluggish and the girls were wanting to get out the door instead of snapping pictures!   Kind of bummed I didn’t make them do it….oh well.