Andrea's Afterthoughts

2012-01-31T16:25:00.004-07:00

Here is my latest project that I did on Shutterfly...it's a birthday card for David (I also made some Valentine's day cards too). They're giving away 1 free card, with the code CARD4U, good through Feb 1. http://www.shutterfly.com/ssc/viewEdit.sfly?fid=df9f72128a612082328a6b68bbcad23c5625c431369d420afd12f45bbad520eada27fa73774b895d3c30d84b9fba1109 I also made a photo album of our Christmas: http://www.shutterfly.com/custompath/viewEdit.sfly?fid=9b3149823025c5a46276141d224b0f78 And I'm in the process of making 2 more albums (they're on sale through Feb 2). David made 2 photo collages & I made a mug too! Hmmm...what else should we make?!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY ASHLEY & KIRA!

2009-05-22T20:54:00.015-06:00

Ashley & Kira had another co-birthday party (they did it for their 2nd party too-- Elmo themed with a pinata that Ana made & the bounce house)...this was a Princess Party at the Memorial Building at Rooseveldt Park...it was SO nice not to have it at our house (after I tore my ACL at Daniel's 2nd birthday party in Oct, I felt like God was telling me to do it elsewhere)! We all had such a good time...doing crafts and playing with all of the toys in the gym and then the parachute. Ericka made them some beautiful Aurora & Bell cupcakes and 24 pink & yellow ones that the kids could decorate themselves...then we did the pinata and took a group pic and some of us went to McDs for lunch and more playing. It was a full, fun day!

BYE Ms Kimmi and Ballet!

2009-05-22T15:27:00.008-06:00

We spent our last day at Kids Oasis with Ms Kimmi, Ireland & Chloe on Tuesday, May 12. They are moving home to Oklahoma today (Fri, May 22) because their daddy will be home from Iraq in July...so while we are very happy that they'll be a family again... we will miss them!

Ashley got to go to both Ballet Recitals, b/c she had missed a class (or two!) earlier in the semester. She had SO much fun dancing in front of Daddy & Mommy (and the huge mirro--she couldn't get enough of seeing herself)! We went out to a restaurant for dinner after both recitals...a wonderful Mexican one on Tuesday in Niwot--where we could eat outside...and to Village Inn with Krista, Ericka & Kyra on Thursday...pancakes--fun!

Tuesday's Recital:

Thursday's Recital: Ms Sarah is the awesome teacher!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-22T15:19:00.005-06:00

I LOVE MY FAMILY! THANK YOU DAVID, ASHLY & DANIEL FOR MAKING EVERYDAY MOTHER'S DAY FOR ME. Ashley is trying her hand behind the camera and doing a great job! Daniel likes to try too...did I mention that he sings show tunes & throws balls REALLY well?!

7 kids on Mondays

2009-05-22T14:33:00.003-06:00

We usually have 7 kids over here on Mondays, but Lauren & Ryan were gone today. Sawyer, Maggie & Lily enjoyed our bunnies with us. We all went out and picked lots of flowers (weeds) and fed some to the bunnies. Yes, that is Daniel in their cage, while the Harnigs are feeding the bunnies. Ashley & Lily are good friends! Sawyer & Maggie got to see what our new punishment is, when little kids don't listen to me! Hehe...just joking...they were begging to go in there (their mom is a social worker, so I hope I don't get turned in)! :)

ASHLEY TURNS 4--May 3, 2009

2009-05-22T11:22:00.007-06:00

Ashley wanted to start her day by seeing her bunnies...so sweet! Then it was on to the living room, to open presents! She got the wedding Barbie & Groom (it's not Ken-- just some random guy doll) and a little doll house filled with the ring bearer and 3 flower girls (just like Mommy & Daddy had at their wedding--3 main flower girls and 21 beauties...I'll have to find a pic of that!) and a honeymoon haven (a little house with a huge bed, bath & dressing area...very sweet (& it folds up)! She also got roller blades & a little barking puppy from Aunt Jay. Her BIG gift was Barbie golf clubs...Daddy is going to take her out this summer! We can't believe our little girl is 4...how time flies & it's been such a sweet ride!

We had a very full day...Ashley made cupcakes for her class and then we went to Costco after church and the kids slept in the van on the way to "big church" to watch Daddy play basketball...Daniel couldn't stop himself from going to see Daddy on the court, so we went to Wal Mart at the half (their team is undefeated!). Ashley wanted steak for her birthday, so David took Daniel home and started up the grill, while we finished shopping and got icees from the Subway...I haven't had one in so long...that was a special treat that we'll do every year (or we'll do something fun, just the 2 of us)! We had a full, fun family day...
I love how she is posing here...she wanted to wear a dress on her birthday! Too cute!

Our Bunnies Arrive! (Sat, May 2)

2009-05-22T10:43:00.002-06:00

Our bunnies arrived in time for Ashley's birthday! Mrs. Debbie brought them (she is one of the rescue rabbit people...they are VERY serious about their bunnies)! The kids were SO excited...we had to wait to make the bunnies' 2 story home until Daddy got home from golfing! The kids LOVE to get in their cage and play with their waskely wabbits--Daddy Warbucks (Whitey) and Annie (Black-black)!

Breckenridge...taking a break in the mountains! (end of April)

2009-05-22T10:18:00.004-06:00

We took a little break from it all b/c we had to use a week of our time share before it expired! We went from Friday, April 24-Sunday morning...then The Oakes family came up and used the condo and we came home to work...and we went back from Wednesday, April 29-Friday, May 1. We went on a little hike--it was gorgeous...ate out at fun places: Bubba Gump's, a pricey Mexican place on the lake, & we had appetizers on the back porch of a steak house...that's the last pic, see the beautiful view (behind Ashley whining!)? Hehe...we had fun anyway! There was also a fun toy store to play in and outlet malls in Silverthorn and a movie theater in Dillion (we saw Earth for Ashley's birthday--well Ashley & I did...Daniel slept through it once he had enough popping corn and candy and Daddy worked). FUN was had by all!

Cassie turns 30 (FINALLY)! (Fri, April 24)

2009-05-22T07:32:00.007-06:00

One of our favorite people turned 30 on April 24, so we had to celebrate! Cassie is our LifeKids Coordinator at Tri-Towns of LifeBridge, where we worship. Sometime LAST YEAR (maybe in October) she mentioned that she was almost 30...so I asked her when her birthday was...and she casually said, April 24! So this celebration has been a long time coming! Ericka made a beautiful cake and a bunch of us went to the park and partied...it was great fun!

Sesame Street (Sat, April 18-Part 2)

2009-05-16T23:47:00.004-06:00

We went to see Sesame Street in the afternoon (it was a busy day) with our good friends Ana & Kira! We had a blast (but mommy left her camera in the car, so I will post pics soon--Ana got some great ones that she already put on a CD for me...it's just upstairs & I'm on a roll)!

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, A Girl! (Sat, April 18)

2009-05-16T23:46:00.005-06:00

We had a baby shower for THREE of our small group members, who were all pregnant at the same time (since I'm just getting around to blogging about this on May 22, Cherie has had her baby boy--Blaine Zachary was born on Tues, May 19--all are happy & healthy)! It was fun to celebrate with them all!

Mona & the mall (April 15)

2009-05-16T23:45:00.005-06:00

Our good friend Mona came to visit us and we loved it! She is a flight attendant and finally had a longer stay in CO...so we picked her up and went to the zoo & out for Mexican food with Daddy. The next day we took her back to the airport and met our friends Julie and baby Ashley at Flatirons Mall...and had a blast walking around & playing in the new play area.

VEGAS BABY, VEGAS!

2009-04-26T22:51:00.016-06:00

It was a LONG drive to Vegas this time, b/c of snow we couldn't go through the mountains...so we headed through New Mexico, Arizona and the Hoover Dam (we took lots of dam pics!)...but we pushed through and did it all at once...b/c we were looking forward to a week of vacation and seeing our Grandma Bobbie & Aunt Jay and the Lesperances (they had the Easter Bunny visit their house the week before Easter)...we had an awesome time...but could not drive straight through on the way home...so we stopped near Phoenix and visited the Mannons for a few days...we pulled into our driveway at 5:45am on Easter Sunday...and then went to church by 9:30... then it was naps all around! We needed the break...

MARCH 2009

2009-04-26T21:36:00.013-06:00

WOW...March flew by...here are some highlights:
David went out of town on a guys weekend to Vegas at the end of February... on that Sunday, I taught in our 2s & 3s class, Daniel BLEW OUT his diaper (to the point of throwing away his clothes) and Ashley ran straight into a cement wall and her head proceeded to get a HUGE welt on it...this was a pic of it, about 6 hours later: I got to go to our Women's Retreat in Estes Park, with a group of wonderful women...we learned about our Holy Spirit...the Traveling Comforter...it was WONDERFUL!
Playing playdoh on a Monday...the calm before the storm...we usually have 4 in the morning and then 3 more come, to give us 7 kids...and then we go to our small group at night--FUN! Always love bathtime...

WE LOVE THE ZOO! We went with Cassie, Ellis & Alaire and Julie and baby Ashley... always love going to the zoo...especially with people we've never been there with before!

We had a potluck at our church...here are some of our family in Christ:

We went to the park that afternoon...we rode our tricycles for the first time... Mommy got sunburn on Sunday and then we had snow a few days later (after we went to Discovery Days with Lily)...CRAZY COLORADO WEATHER!

Mommy had a little too much fun at a consignment sale...the kids got an awesome Elmo train set (see them sharing!) and Daniel got a big boy bed...he was SO excited! I love the pics of them sleeping...my little angels...they love each other so much and we thank God for that and for them!
We went to meet our bunnies...we're going to try our hand at adopting bunnies and if it goes well, we'll adopt a little sister! :) Any ideas for names...b/c as of now the kids like Whitey & Blacky...or White-White and Black-Black...neither ones would go well if we move down south!

Lily's High School Musical Party! Fri, Feb 27

2009-03-19T23:26:00.013-06:00

Lily had a High School Musical Party b/c she loves the movies...the other kids enjoyed it b/c there were cupcakes, dancing and a pinata...what more could 2-4 year olds ask for?! The kids had a blast and the mommies enjoyed some girl time together! Sad to say, I made the birthday girl cry when I asked her to put down her Troy & Gabriella dolls (so she could eat lunch)! Daniel looks like he is ready to DISCO...let's get down and party!

Chloe's Ballet Birthday Bash! Sat, Feb 21

2009-03-19T22:27:00.003-06:00

Ashley had a blast at Chloe's 4th birthday party...all of the girls did! Tammie taught them ballet moves...they were very serious about it (as you can see in the pics!)...we're going to put Ashley in the Pre-Ballet class at church in April (6 week class) b/c of it...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! Friday, Feb 20

2009-03-19T21:14:00.001-06:00

We celebrated David's birthday by going out to dinner at TGIFridays...the kids were excited and wanted to get dressed up...you can see they've mastered the "cheese" smile and they are enjoying playing peek-a-boo! Happy Birthday Daddy...WE LOVE YOU!

Long weekend in Iowa, Feb 13-16

2009-03-19T19:50:00.009-06:00

We spent a long weekend in Iowa with David's family...we had a lot of fun with Grandma & Grandpa Sutton and Debbie and Paul and their family...and David got his fix of ribs and taco pizza, so all was well with the world! It really was good to see everyone...hope to do it again soon!

Day at the park-Wed, Feb 4

2009-03-19T19:34:00.003-06:00

We went to the park again, after David got home from work...it was chilly, but nice to be outside. The kids were so loving to their friend Lily...they helped her overcome her fear of the bumpy bridge. The last pic is another reminder that Daniel needed a haircut! :)

FULL, FUN FRIDAY! Jan 30, 2009

2009-03-19T18:30:00.012-06:00

We started off our day with 45 minutes of open gymnastics time, at our rec center... the kids LOVE it...they are totally free spirits, full of adventure and willing to try anything...it's so fun to watch (for the most part)! ;)
Then we went to the park near our house, b/c it was a gorgeous day...a little windy (which makes it colder then you'd think--hence the jackets!), but it was nice and sunny and so wonderful.
We ended our day with a potluck and playdate with moms and kids from our church, b/c the dads were having a Guys Night. We ended up with 22 kids and 11 moms...yes, we were outnumbered 2-1, but we had a great time!

Ryan's Birthday Celebration--Mon, Jan 26

2009-03-19T18:23:00.005-06:00

We celebrated Ryan's 2nd birthday a couple weeks after his actual birthday, but he didn't mind. He loved the puzzle we gave him--he is REALLY good at puzzles. Notice that Daniel was in need of a haircut (he wanted a ponytail, like Maggie--Daddy isn't going to like this pic, but then he should have taken him to get his haircut)! Happy Birthday Rye-Rye...we love you little man!

Sunday, Jan 25--Kid Swap

2009-03-19T18:10:00.002-06:00

**This is being posted on March 19, almost 2 months later...but I can't figure out how to change the date it's posted on, as the header...

We had 8 kids over here Sunday night, b/c we kid swapped with all of their parents! It's awesome...we watch kids one time and then get 3 date nights out of the deal... and all of the kids get to play and have fun...it's a win-win arrangement (and the kids sleep really well, b/c they are totally worn out from all of the excitement)!

Bounce Town & Japanese Lunch

2009-01-20T23:36:00.005-07:00

We went to the Bounce Town again, with Ana & Kira and Tammy & Lily. The kids have a blast there (they are wild and all smiles) and then the mommies have a good time eating Japanese food, and they're pretty tired, so we can actually talk and enjoy ourselves. It was funny, b/c Kate, Lauren & Ryan were there on a playdate with some friends...good times!

Jenna's Visit & the Zoo

2009-01-20T23:35:00.004-07:00

Jenna came to visit us for the weekend, from Gainesville. She interviewed for a job that would put her in Steamboat (not sure when...hope she hears something back soon). We enjoyed spending time with her and showing her around CO a little bit. It's always nice to have company...so please know anyone is welcome--anytime! We went to the zoo on Thursday, after we picked Jenna up from the airport (the high was in the 40s, but when it's sunny--it's just so nice outside) and then we went with David, after we dropped her off at the airport, on Sunday morning. Just a side note...it was 70 degrees here today (and Jen Heavner had gotten 6 inches of snow in NC)! Crazy!

Christmas Shirt Memories!

2009-01-20T22:10:00.003-07:00

What a difference a year makes...especially when they're so young! With as many times as they wore these shirts and as many pics as I take of them (notice how they have the "cheese" smile down!)...you think I would have a better one of them in these shirts from last year...I'll have to put their "Thing 1" & "Think 2" shirts on and take some pics...I have LOTS of those! Enjoy the trip down memory lane...

Bouncing in the new year!

2009-01-04T23:29:00.010-07:00

Aunt Jay wanted to go to Bounce Town on their last day with us...so off we went... after I tried to suggest we go to the park, b/c it was 60 degrees outside and a cold front was coming in the next day and Ashley says to me, matter of factly, "Mom, why are you and Aunt Jay even discussing this? If Aunt Jay wants to go to the Bounce House, then that's where we should go." After I stopped laughing, that's where we went! The kids love going to this place...they are fearless...the only time they slowed down, is when Ashley had to help boost Daniel up a slide! The last pic is my favorite...they would go to the top of the big slide and jump and go down really fast...then Ashley wanted to hold hands...but Daniel jumped before she did and pulled her down with him and they went head over heals (they did that twice)! He is hilarious to watch...and they're so sweet together (for the most part).

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T16:54:00.011-07:00

We spent 3 days up in Blackhawk, from Dec 28-30...it's what my mom wanted to do, so we did it...and we all had a great time! On the way there, we went to Toys R Us, b/c Aunt Jay gave the kids gift cards for Christmas. They were in toy heaven running around the aisles and they got a Diego Rescue Center and some Dora figures. We also had lunch with Becca & Amelia and Deb & Cade (baby Ava went home for a nap, so we'll meet her later). It was so good to see them...we're going to do better about getting together (we live in the same state & don't see each other nearly enough). We had fun at Blackhawk...won some, gave most of it back...and had a lot of fun doing it & spending time together. It was so nice to get away (thanks Mom!).
We rang in the new year with the Polans. They came over for dinner and we watched some odd stunt show on ESPN and the ball dropping at midnight. Mich spent the night, so he could watch the Iowa Hawkeyes destroy South Carolina, in the Outback Bowl. Charlie & Susan and Deb & Perry came to watch it too (and eat breakfast) and Virgil & Jan stopped by to say Happy New Year! Then we all ate chili and taco soup (there was a lot of eating going on!). We got to Skype with the Lesperances--we sent them a webcam, so they could see the kids opening the presents they sent them. Daniel got a cool Diego game for our VSmile and Ashley was thrilled to get a Barbie phone that calls her (seriously, Barbie calls her and tells her funny things from the info David downloaded into it)! Then the Polans came back and we played games until very late at night. It was a fun way to ring in the new year...with family & friends.

CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-25T22:29:00.003-07:00

Christmas Eve (Part 2)

2008-12-25T21:45:00.006-07:00

Our matching PJs that we get to open on Christmas Eve...from the Disney Store! Ashley is so excited to get a Diego ornament!
Sprinkling the Reindeer food (oatmeal & glitter)!
Daddy reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas"...a family tradition from when Andrea was a little girl (same book too)! Ashley leaving cookies and milk for Santa!

Happy Birthday Jesus Party & Seeing Santa

2008-12-25T21:25:00.003-07:00

We spent the first part of our Christmas Eve celebrating the birth of Christ at Kristy Martinez's annual Birthday Party for Jesus. It was complete with the story of Christ's birth, arts and crafts, and a birthday cake for Jesus! This is our second time going and it was very meaningful and a lot of fun. Kristy puts a lot of hard work into this event and her family collects socks and toiletries for the homeless. Then we went to the mall to try to see Santa again. We showed up right around 12:30 and there was no line and we had a wonderful time with jolly old St Nick. He was very sweet and talked with us for a long time. Part 2 of our Christmas Eve in another blog...

Our Christmas Pictures 2008

2008-12-21T21:24:00.003-07:00

Tammy did a great job again this year, taking our family's Christmas pictures. Just in case you don't get one in the mail, here they are (either way, our Christmas cards are going to be Happy New Year's Cards this year)!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-12-21T21:04:00.006-07:00

I spent a wonderful day with my family today, on my 36th birthday. We talked with our family in Florida last night AND this morning, via skpye and our webcam. It was really good to see everyone. Then we went to church and had our Family Service, so the kids got to come in and sing with us. We had cake afterwards, b/c it is also Drew's birthday (our minister out at Tri-Towns)...Daniel kept singing, "Happy Birthday to Drew!" as we went on our way. We stopped at Costco first and picked up the enlargements of our Christmas pics...then it was on to Flatirons, to see Santa (that's what I wanted to do for my birthday, since we couldn't do Zoo Lights--becauase the high was only in the teens today!). When we got there, the line was at least 1 1/2 hours long and he was taking a lunch break soon...so David fed the kids McDonalds and I picked up Daniel's Christmas Eve PJs at the Disney Store and got a fruit shake for lunch and we were off to Target. Ashley and I shopped together, as Daniel napped in the van, with Daddy. Then David dropped both kids and I off at the other Target in Boulder (trying to find snow boats and water prook gloves for the kids) and he headed to the office to print the labels for our Christmas cards (but it wouldn't work, so the cards will be even later...not that they're all written yet anyway). We finally ate dinner at IHOP (the kids thought it was funny that we had breakfast for dinner)...and then tried to go see Santa at the Twin Peaks Mall (the dying mall in Longmont)...and the Santa had JUST left for the night. Our last stop of the day was to King Soopers, to pick up our Christmas pics...b/c they had messed up the order that I turned in on Friday...and it was still messed up (this time, instead of really bright, black and white pics, we got some other family's Christmas pic and some random ones from another family). So our Christmas cards are turning into Happy New Years cards and I might not even send out that many, b/c once my mom and Jay get here, I'd just like to enjoy our time together (I'm going to do a post of the pics, so at least anyone who wants to, can check them out). That was our day...a long, full day out and about. I'm ready to be to bed now... thanks for stopping by!
With love, andrea
Ashley took this pic!

Santa's Workshop & A Time to Serve

2008-12-13T22:57:00.016-07:00

The kids had a blast at Santa's Workshop, on Friday, Dec 12. There were a ton of crafts to do and candy canes to be gotten...and they did well sitting on Santa's lap (Ashley didn't say much... Daniel stared straight ahead and just said, "Diego"). We did our Time to Serve project with our small group the next morning, in the Alzheimer's Unit at the nursing home across from LifeBridge. We made Christmas tree ornaments and brought cookies...and Daniel & Lucas sang to the wonderful people there ("Dringle Bells, Dringle Bells). It reminded me of visits to see Grammy and I missed her. Ashley cut out early, to go to Lauren's birthday party and then the kids went to Lauren's house that night, and we had a wonderful, kid-free feast with our small group. It was a fun, busy weekend. We taught in the 2s & 3s class on Sunday...only had 8 kids there (including our 2), as a cold front blew through and it snowed most of the night and was below zero! It seems to be how the weather is going to be on Sundays in December.

Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-13T22:57:00.011-07:00

We got our Christmas tree that Sunday, Dec 7 (after we had a great time at church-- with a birthday party for Jesus--with pizza, a birthday cake and a bounce house!). We got a wonderful tree...but Daniel took a dunk in a pond (he thought he was jumping on some leaves, which landed him in a nasty pond--he smelled like cow manure)...awh, fond Christmas memories. We needed a quiet night at home, so we stayed in and decorated our tree. At least we have it up--as it's almost our only decoration.

First Real Snow & The Bounce House

2008-12-13T22:54:00.019-07:00

We had our first real snow during the first weekend in December...how fitting! The kids couldn't wait to get outside and play in it. They had a lot of fun and it was fun to watch them from inside, where it was warm! Such a good Daddy they have!
We went to the Bounce House that Friday (yes I drove in the snow, brave Mommy). The kids had such a good time...it was Ashley, Daniel, Kira & Lily (just didn't get a good pic of her). Then Ana, Tammy and I (with the kids too) went to lunch at a nice, little Japanese restuarant and the kids were wonderful. A good time was had by all!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T22:01:00.008-07:00

We were blessed with two Thanksgiving celebrations this year and we are very thankful for everyone who opened their homes to us. We love living in Colorado, but it's hard not to have any family living near us (we did talk with our family and got to Skype with my mom, Jay & Katie, Elizabeth & Michael--it was good to "see" them). On Thursday, we had dinner with Ana, George, Kira, and Ana's parents. It was nice to watch the kids play with each other and it was also good to spend some time with Ana, while we were down in the basement with the kids after dinner. It's something we don't get to do enough.
We enjoyed some downtime on Thanksgiving morning and throughout the weekend. It was good for all of us to have this time together. I've been working out with our Wii Fit too...but I have a long way to go, to get my little Wii person slimmer (and me too)! Ashley got to go to a princess birthday party on Saturday morning. We had a full day today, as we all went to church, to another birthday party (it was a free-play gymnastics party and the kids LOVED it...Ashley is really good & they're both fearless...we need to get them into a class...maybe in January), and then another Thanksgiving dinner. We got together with Doug & Peggy over at Virgil & Jan's home. It was wonderful to spend time with them. They're our family here in CO-- the closest thing the kids have to aunts and uncles out here and they're helping our kids get over their fear of dogs! We thank God for the friends and family he has blessed us with and we hope to be a blessing to others.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-11-01T14:49:00.004-06:00

Happy Halloween...through the years... David thinks Daniel should be something else next year! I had suggested he be Tigger again next year, so the outfit would actually fit him then...until I saw all of these!

Saturday, Oct 25--DANIEL TURNS 2!

2008-10-26T19:25:00.004-06:00

We tried again on Saturday. DeAndrea came with Chloe & Zachary and Tammy came with Lily (our old play date buddies from when Ashley was a baby!). We played, made fruit and hotdog & cheese kabobs, decorated cupcakes, opened presents & played some more. It was low key, but fun to have his friends over 2 days in a row! We opened the rest of his presents over the weekend. THANKS to everyone who came and those who sent cards, to wish our little man a Happy 2nd Birthday! I think we'll have parties away from our house next year.

What a difference a day makes

2008-10-24T19:04:00.008-06:00

So...we were having Daniel's birthday party today. He turns 2 tomorrow...so grown up already, it scares me. Everything was ready, we had invited 12 kids (4 were not going to be able to make it, 2 were out of town and 2 due to illness, just this morning). Kate was first to arrive with Lauren & Ryan...David was upstairs with Ashley, looking for her belt, to try to keep her pants up...and I was hanging up the last of the streamers. The pre-heat buzzer dinged and I hopped down to put in the sausage breakfast casserole...when my knee gave out with a snap, crackle and pop! It was one of the most heinous sounds I have ever heard...like someones back cracking, but it ripped across my knee. I scooted over to David's chair and laid on my back with my foot up, as I couldn't put any pressure on my foot. I thought I was going to be alright...I could stand and put pressure on it, but if I tried to turn to walk, it would give out--like it was popping out of socket or bending the opposite way. Of course it did this twice, right as everyone was showing up. I was in tears and trying to suck it up, so the show could go on. Everyone was in agreement that we would go to Urgent Care...so David and I left...some of the moms stayed back and ate brunch and fed the kids and Kate stayed while all 4 of our kids went down for naps (only the boys actually slept). X-rays were taken and an immobilizing brace was put on my knee and we also won some crutches and another doctor's visit to an orthopedic doctor (Monday afternoon, please pray this will heal with time). So the party will go on tomorrow. Daniel will get to have his party on his actual birthday, surrounded by his friends and family (Grandma Bobbie & Aunt Jay will be at Islands of Adventure with Katie, Elizabeth & Michael, celebrating Katie's 11th birthday--they share the same day)! I'll post pics when I get some...just thought I'd share what a difference a day can make! I think this is God's way of telling me to slow down. We're going to enjoy some good family time this weekend (and I'll enjoy some good sleep, with the help of the Vicodin the doctor prescribed for me). We thank God for the little blessings in life.

Here are some pics we took in the morning, before everything happened! It was going to be a fun day...

Saturday, Oct 18 The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-24T19:02:00.004-06:00

Mommy got to go to the Refresh Women's Retreat at church on Saturday and then Daddy brought the kids after naptime and we all went to the Pumpkin Patch together. The kids had a blast in the bounce house and Ashley was fearless on the big slide. They weren't too into Mommy's photo shoot, but we got some cute pics. It's good just to spend some time together and be outside--it's beautiful here in Colorado, especially in the fall.

Monkeying Around

2008-10-15T04:20:00.003-06:00

I know I have a daughter and a son and that they are unique individuals...but I have to admit, I LOVE dressing them the same! When we're out in public, it helps me to find them easier. When we're home, I just think they look adorable. It reminds me how much they love each other and truly enjoy one another. And it's a plus, b/c I know Daniel will be getting some hand-me-downs! I know I won't be able to do it forever, especially since Ashley's favorite colors are pink, purple and yellow (something she tells me all the time), but for now, while she'll still wear blue & red...I'm all about them matching!

Grace & Maddie's Birthday Party

2008-10-10T21:02:00.021-06:00

**Click on the title to see more pics--enter your own sign in info to Snapfish or click on the button that says you don't already have an account...
We had a blast at the bounce house, for Grace & Maddie's birthday party! We got there a little late, b/c we waited for Daddy to get home from picking up Virgil & Janice from the airport...it had been a long day, but we all had a great time! Grace turned 5 & Maddie turned 3 and it was fun to run around with them and help them to celebrate. Enjoy the pics!

ZOO TODAY!

2008-09-26T23:00:00.005-06:00

Mommy needed some time with just Ashey & Daniel, so we went to our favorite place-- THE ZOO! We had so much fun...really spending time looking at the animals and trying to see new things--like we watched a guy feed the penguins & we talked with him about other zoos, and we found some birds that we hadn't seen before (there are owls in the back, so we're going to come at night--maybe around Halloween or Christmas, for the Zoo Lights), we spent a lot of time inside Bird World & the fish place (both are very humid), and of course, we got out Pepsi in our Zoo Cups (Daniel & I had lemonade) and we listened to our Zoo CD and sang, "Daddy's take us to the zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow; Daddy's taking us to the zoo tomorrow and we can stay all day!" Actually, David is in Iowa for the weekend, watching a Hawkeye football game. Mommy will figure something out that she'd like to do some weekend coming up...

Monday, Monday (9-15)

2008-09-26T22:53:00.002-06:00

Instead of having Monday be our "down day" like we used to have it...we now have Maggie, Ryan & Luke over at our house in the morning...then Sawyer & Lauren get dropped off from preschool and we all eat lunch together and then Luke goes home and the older kids play for awhile longer and then they nap (sometimes, that's just a happy thought)! So we have 7 kids over here (for an hour)...busy, busy! So...I had to get a pic of Daniel in those shoes, then Maggie wanted to pose, & Ashley couldn't be left out of a photo op!

FALL FOOTBALL SEASON!

2008-09-26T22:41:00.006-06:00

Yes, the fall football season started! As you can see, Ashley is decked out in her Orange & Blue and ready to cheer for the Gators with Mommy... and Daniel is helping Daddy root for the Hawkeyes, in black & gold!! We also got our new fish...his name is Blue and the best part is that he is blue & orange--too cool! It was a gift from God, sent directly to Andrea, via Wal Mart! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GATORS!
I missed this pic--Daniel was looking up at Ashley wish such joy & admiration. They truly love each other & we are very blessed!

Sandstone Park Wed, 9-3

2008-09-26T22:16:00.008-06:00

We got home from our vacation on Labor Day (Monday) and had kids over at our house the very next day! Then on Wednesday, Sept 3, we had Luke over in the morning, went into church to have a meeting with Jen, then met Krista, Erika and Kyra at the park and Tammy & Lily (we took Lily home with us). It was fun to be outside and with friends.

News

2008-09-09T23:26:00.005-06:00

I started my new job this morning! I've been blessed with a wonderful opportunity to be part of our Children's Ministry at the main campus of LifeBridge Christian Church. I will be the Director of Kids Oasis, our child care for programs like the moms groups, Bible studies, special events. I will also continue to watch children from our home, but it will be cut back a bit. David and I also teach in the 2s & 3s class out at Tri-Towns and I am the team lead for that and we lead our small group... so... we're going to have an extremely busy fall, but it will all be worth it. This will really help our family's finances and hopefully allow us to travel a bit more, to reconnect with friends and family who live all over the country and to maybe save some for retirement, which will have to happen someday!

David bought me red roses, to welcome us home and congratulate me for my new position...I'll post a pic of those the next time I download.

I just thank God for the way he has blessed us and I pray that he will continue to do so. Please pray for Kids Oasis, for me and for the workers who really want to be a part of something special! God bless! andrea
I didn't download until Friday, Sept 26! It's been a LONG few weeks...

Iowa

2008-09-08T22:47:00.030-06:00

We left Thursday evening and drove through the night. We made our usual stop in Ankeny (outside of Des Moines) to have breakfast at the Village Inn, with my dear friend Kelly (I used to watch her son Ricky, when I was 13). We made it to Eldora, where David's older brother, Roger and his wife Cathy, run a Christian camp. This is where we had our family reunion and a wonderful time with David's side of the family. Can you tell what Ashley's new pose is? Then we headed to the Quad Cities and spent time with David's cousin, Debbie and her husband Paul and their whole family (at Liz's birthday party)...and then we spent time with Grandma Sutton & with Grandpa Sutton, in his garden and with Rick, Laura, Melanie & Marissa and with Debbie & Paul again.

Chicago & Tennessee

2008-09-08T00:04:00.009-06:00

We left for Chicago early Tuesday morning and enjoyed some time at the Lincoln Park Zoo. While driving through major traffic in downtown Chicago, I was talking to my mom and she informed me that she almost miscarried me there...that was nice to know. It's a wonderful, free zoo and we enjoyed our time there. We had lunch with Mike & Elaine Small, although we have no pics, b/c they do not like to be photographed (didn't even take wedding pics--I'm starting to wonder if one of them is hiding from the law--or possibly something else...things that make you go hmmm...). We drove as far as we could and landed at a Holiday Inn Express around midnight, at the border of Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky (it's odd b/c we drove through a section of Eastern time, but then ended up back in Central time). We stopped in Nashville, TN to go to the Grand Old Opry (see how excited the kids were to get out of their car seats and RUN around?!) and had lunch with David's co-worker, Sandra and her husband John, at the Crackerbarrell. We made it to Bob & Nancy Grubb's home that afternoon and enjoyed good times with them and their grandson's--Aiden & Braiden. Bob was my dad's best friend and they came to our wedding in Gatlinburg (Bob was the guy in the dress, in that pic on the right). I got to see Irene for a little while before we left--I've known her since I was probably 8. Then we headed south, towards Alabama... on the road again...

Alabama & Atlanta

2008-09-07T23:03:00.006-06:00

We got to Aunti Jo's house, near Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday afternoon. We got to spend some time with her parents, Steve & Mary (I grew up with this family). The kids had an awesome time playing with Emma & Nick and it was really good to catch up with Jolie and spend time with her & her family. We went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. Joles did a great job cutting all of our hair--the kids loved it! We left Friday morning and headed to Atlanta, to have lunch with Sarah. We helped her celebrate her birthday, which was on Sunday. It was good to see her and to pass through Atlanta.

Florida

2008-09-07T21:47:00.004-06:00

We made it to Michelle & Daniel's house pretty late on Friday night. We took the kids to Chuck E Cheese on Saturday morning. I went to visit my Grammy's house that afternoon. It was hard to be there, but also good. I loved her very much, I miss her and I wish she had met Daniel, but she died 3 days before he was born. We enjoyed our time with Michelle and her family and then we went to Gainesville, to go to church at Campus. It was so good to see everyone...it brought back so many good memories and I'm thankful to God for them and the friends and family in Christ that I have there. GO GATORS!

DISNEY WORLD!

2008-09-07T19:01:00.002-06:00

We had a WONDERFUL time at Disney World! We got to spend a week there with my family, from Sunday, Aug 24-Sunday, Aug 31. David was able to join us for most of the time this year. He drove home on Thursday-- he left Orlando around 9am and was home at 2 o'clock in the morning, Friday night/Saturday morning--yes, he drove straight through--and he had to get the oil changed too! My mom & grandparents also left on Thursday, as my mom had to work on Friday, but she came back Friday night. Here are the pics I bought from the professional photographers...and then mine from each day. ENJOY!

Monday was our first day together and it was spent at the Magic Kingdom (everyone was here, except Pam, as she had to work).
David, Andrea, Mick, Jay, G-ma Faye, G-pa Bobby & Grandma Bobbie
Daniel (22 months), Ashley (3), Michael (4), Elizabeth (6), & Katie (10) On Wednesday, we ate lunch with the princesses at Norway, in EPCOT. Ashley was beside herself! Ashley could not believe that Belle was holding her hand! Thursday, Jay & I took the younger kids to the Animal Kingdom. Mick, Pam & Katie joined us later. I love this pic in front of the Tree of Life. We LOVE Tigger (Daniel does, as long as Mommy is with him--Ashley has no fear of the characters anymore)! Friday night we went back to the Magic Kingdom. Ashley went on Splash Mountain for the first time and thought it was awesome! This is the pic from her second ride (she rode with Mommy the first time). Then she went on Thunder Mountain and actually laughed b/c she liked it so much! I love that we don't have wimpy kids & that they enjoy a good adventure! Saturday morning we got up early and went to Hollywood Studios (not called MGM anymore) to go on the new Toy Story ride--it is always over an hour long wait and if you don't get a fast pass before 11:00 in the morning, they're gone! It is an awesome ride though--6 minutes of shooting at targets, in 3D--so cool! Yes, we wear matching shirts!

Day 1--Monday, August 25

2008-09-07T18:48:00.004-06:00

We went to the Magic Kingdom on our first day of our WEEK's vacation at Disney World! We had so much fun, despite the humid, hot weather! We did most of Fantasyland and then headed over to Tomorrowland. We were going to go back that night, but there were terential downpours from tropical storm Fay and we ended up eating at our resort--Saratoga Springs (nice resort, but the bus system is lacking).
Our 1st pic...while on the bus to Disney World! Ashley loves her Aunt Jay. Our kids are actually excited to be there & enjoy being with each other.
Mick's kids are tired and onery...but they perked up later! Daddy with his little horse riders. Cool pic on Peter Pan...my dad used to try to take pics in there, so I had to try. He would have liked a digital camera (we had some funny pics of Hook's hand & speakers & whatnot).
On our way to Tomorrow Land...in front of the Tea Cups. We love the Buzz Lightyear ride!

Day 2--Tuesday, August 26

2008-09-07T18:33:00.007-06:00

We went to Hollywood Studios on Tuesday (it's not called MGM anymore). Daddy had to stay home and do reports...and then go golfing! We went on the new ride, Toy Story Mania, and it is one of our favorites. The line is long--about an hour wait every time (and the fast passes are gone by 11:00), but it is a 6 minute ride where you get to shoot at 3D images and it is a blast! We went back 3 different days, just to go on this ride! Daniel loved seeing the Muppet 4D Movie (he kept saying, "Kermit, the Frog!"). We chilled out that night, so as to not over do it too early in our trip!

Day 3--Wednesday, August 27

2008-09-07T17:51:00.011-06:00

On David's second day joining us at the parks, we headed to EPCOT (some of us in matching shirts). The kids really enjoyed the Finding Nemo & Imagination Ride. Then it was off to have lunch with the princesses. Ashley was beside herself, she could not believe that she was seeing them in real life! You can see how nervous she is in some of the pics (you can click on them to make them bigger--the look on her face when she's hugging Alice is funny). Daniel got a kiss from Jasmine and he thought he was hot stuff. We went to see the American Heritage show and ended our day by using our second fast pass for Soarin' (Ashley got to ride that time). We went swimming after dinner and then crashed hard that night! **It was so humid, my camera fogged up! EPCOT stands for--Every Person Comes Out Tired!

Day 4--Thursday, August 28

2008-09-07T16:24:00.009-06:00

Grandma Bobbie had to go back to Ft. Myers, to work on Friday, and Great Grandpa Bobby & Great Grandma Faye had enough fun for one trip...so we said good bye to them and headed to the Animal Kingdom. We had a blast on the Safari Ride and then in Dinoland. We were SO excited to see Pooh, Eyeore and Tigger and then the Lion King Show. Then we went to Downtown Disney, where Aunt Jay bought Ashley a box filled with My Little Pony Princess Accessories and Katie & Michael got lightsavers & gave us a little demonstration of the force within them!

Day 5--Friday, August 29

2008-09-06T02:30:00.007-06:00

We went to the Hollywood Studios again early, so we could go on the Toy Story Mania ride again and get fast passes to go back. Mick, Elizabeth & Michael joined us and we hit the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area, ate lunch and then went to the stunt show. Mick & Jay took the boys home for naps and I took the girls back to the Toy Story ride (it's so much fun)! Then we went to the Magic Kingdom with everyone, to ride Splach Mountain (Ashley's 1st time!) and to see the fireworks.

Chip & Dale were so funny...we all gave them High 5s
Ashley rode Splash Mountain & Thunder Mountain for the 1st time and LOVED it! Daniel got to play with Michael in the play area.

Day 6--Saturday, Aug 30

2008-09-05T23:59:00.009-06:00

Started at Hollywood Studios (just to go on the Toy Story Mania ride!) then went to the Magic Kingdom...it was raining on us, so we went back to our resort & had lunch with Lauren, Carson & Kennedy (they came to spend the weekend with us). The kids watched a movie and then took a huge bubble bath after dinner!
Ashley does NOT like the "mean sisters" from Cinderella at all...but we've never seen them before, and we have to do all the "firsts" we come by! Sorry Ash! Look how tense she was!

Day 7--Sunday, August 30--to Tampa

2008-09-04T23:28:00.020-06:00

Ana & Kira came to play

2008-08-08T14:42:00.012-06:00

Ana & Kira came over to play with us this morning. It's always good to spend time with Ana...we never seem to have enough time to really catch up though (we can talk for hours, and usually do!)...which leads me to believe that we just need to do it more often! When Kira finally warms up to being with us, she always has a great time playing over here. Ana is going back to work full time, but will be able to work from home part of that time...so hopefully we'll still get together once a month with the kids and then hopefully, once a month with just the mommies! She is truly one of my best friends out here in Colorado and I thank God for her and I ask him daily to heal her from the cancer that is afflicting her body (but not her spirit). Philippians 1:3 was the verse of the day on my blog today..."I thank my God everytime I remember you."
Here is a link to the photo book Ana made of Kira's 3rd birthday party celebration:
http://www.mypublisher.com/bookshelf/bookviewer.py?d=cppl`je>3393771-tq>2

Frog Shirts

2008-08-05T23:32:00.009-06:00

We walked to the library on Tuesday, to enjoy the last story time of the summer. All the kids had matching frog shirts that I got at Gymboree for $1.99! They were stylin'! Lily joined us and ate lunch, then went to play & read books. I think the librarians were thrilled when we finally checked out our books & DVDs and headed on our way. We had fun walking home...the girls are so cute together. Good times.

Baptism Sunday 8-4-08

2008-08-05T23:32:00.008-06:00

We got to experience an awesome thing on Sunday. Our friends, Michelle & Curt Betsch, decided to deepen their relationship with our Lord and Savior and follow his example and command to be baptized. There were about 25 people who also obeyed the gospel... but it just seemed sweeter to me, that they did it together, as a couple. We ate ice cream and played at the park afterwards and then 23 of us from our small group, went to Red Robin (10 were kids)!

Friends & Kabobs

2008-08-04T23:22:00.011-06:00

Last Wednesday, on July 30, we invited our friends, Krista, Erika & Kyra into our home. They shared a meal with us and some fun playtime (while their dad was away for the week, in Rome). It's something we need to do more often. I love it that my kids play so well together (about the pic of them on the slide together)! On Sunday after church, the kids and I made kabobs for lunch. I figured if they make it and it's fun, they'll eat it for sure...so first we had fruit kabobs and then hotdogs and cheese! We're looking forward to making many more!

Goodbye to Brittany & Michael!

2008-08-04T23:22:00.007-06:00

It was hard to say goodbye to Brittany & Michael...we had so much fun spending time with them. As I looked at the pics of Brittany & Ashley, I was thinkig that it probably felt like yesterday to Connie (her mom), when Brittany was 3...and I flashed forward 10 years, to when Ashley will be 13...Brittany will be 23...crazy to think about! Enjoy the time you have, they grow up so quickly!

Brittany & Michael came to visit!

2008-07-28T22:39:00.009-06:00

Brittany & Michael Lesperance came to visit us from Friday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 29. We had SO much fun with them...they are great friends and we love to spend time with them. Here is what we did...

We picked them up at the Loveland airport and headed to Chic-fil-a...we had so fun! On Saturday, we went to see Space Chimps and then played in the fountains. During naptime, Brittany & Andrea went to get pedicures--it was Brittany's first time! Then Michael & David went golfing...fun was had by all! On Sunday, Andrea & Brittany taught in the 2s & 3s class at church (Ashley's class) and David & Michael played with the kids in the 1s & 2s class (Daniel's class)... after naptime, we went to the library briefly and then to the Texas Roadhouse for steak dinners... Then we went to the Longmont Rec Center, b/c our church rented it out for the night. Andrea got to read her book outside for 30 minutes (look at that view!), while the gang swam in the pool & went down the big slides many, many times and then we all played for awhile. Good times! On Monday, Sawyer & Maggie joined in our fun and we all went to Boondocks. We had a lot of fun...we rode go-karts and played lots of games and won prizes and then ate lunch...then Andrea & the little kids went home for naps and David, Brit & Michael stayed to golf 36 holes, ride go-karts, bumper boats and played more games...FUN! Then we went to our small group and they got to enjoy playing with 10 kids (2 weren't there)! We have a big "small group!"

More Giraffe Feeding Pics

2008-07-24T22:42:00.012-06:00

COLORADO SPRINGS

2008-07-24T22:42:00.009-06:00

On Wednesday, July 23, we drove down to Colorado Springs to spend the night and some much needed time with Sheila and her beautiful family, Grace, 5; Hannah, 3; and Grant who just turned 2 (and Greg got to join us for dinner at On the Border--Daniel was able to bring a smile to his face, with his knowledge of Fukudome--he is a Cubs fan--YEAH!). It was so nice to just play in their backyard and the kids watched a movie while the Mommies had some girl-time. Then on Thursday, we went to the Cheyenne Zoo. It is beautifully set in the mountains that overlook Colorado Springs...such great views (and of course it's so enjoyable to push a double stroller, loaded with snacks and tired children, up those hills--great workout!). Our favorite things were to feed the giraffes and pet the baby walloby (a smaller version of a kangaroo). We also enjoyed some close up views of bears and getting wet in the play area. I hope you enjoy the pics as much as we enjoyed our time there...THANK YOU SHEILA...you were a refreshing blessing to me and my kids!

8 KIDS on MONDAY

2008-07-22T07:45:00.013-06:00

On Monday, July 21st, we had a new record of kids in our home... EIGHT! We had the best time though...things went pretty smoothly... Ryan took a morning nap and his sister, Lauren played nicely with Sawyer, Maggie, Dani, Teddy and Ashley & Daniel. It was really fun and then they all slept well. THEN...we had about an hour and a half to ourselves, before we had to get ready for our small group. We enjoyed dinner together and everything was going along so well... UNTIL...I went upstairs to put some pants on (and some deoderant)...then I felt it...that something was up...so I ran back downstairs to see Ashley face painting Daniel with her yogurt! He was LOVING it. She was lucky I was studying patience, in my fruit of the Spirit study. We'll just say that we drove to small group enjoying some of Mommy's music and not talking! We had a very busy Sunday.

SUNDAY!

2008-07-18T20:20:00.011-06:00

David left on Saturday, for most of the week (for his "work" conference in Vegas). We had a chill day on Saturday...walked to the library in 96 degree heat and then to the park. On Sunday, we never stopped, once our day started. We went to church and then to a picnic for everyone who wanted to stay afterwards...around 1:30 we headed over to Cherie's house, for a Stampin' Up card making party (Daniel napped and Ashley watched Dora)...then from there we went to Curt & Michelle's house (Ethan & Averie's house) to have a cookout with our small group. We made it home by 9:ish and Daniel went straight to bed...Ashley and I took a bath, so we didn't make it to bed until 10:ish...it made for a LONG, FUN DAY!

TOO much fun at Flatirons Mall!

2008-07-18T20:19:00.005-06:00

On Friday, July 18th, we went to Flatirons Mall with DeAndrea, Chloe & Zachery. Ashley and Chloe had been best buddies for a long time, but haven't gotten to spend much time with each other over the past year. It was like no time had passed...they had a great time together...we all did...and we did a little too much shopping (over 5 hours), as you can see from the pic of the strollers! I love how Daniel was trying to hold Zachary's hand (he can be so sweet sometimes). I'm not quite sure why Ashley was hugging that mannequin, but it made for a cute pic! I used to watch Thomas & Stephen last year, when their parents had to work...they adopted Tessa into their family back in February (I think that's right) and we've had all 3 of them over a few times. They are very sweet kids and make such a great forever family!

Monday, Monday

2008-07-14T18:36:00.003-06:00

We had 7 kids over here again today, but 2 came with their mom for a play date. Krista came over for brunch, with Erika & Kyra. We had Grace, Maddie and Lily over to play too. They LOVE to do bubbles (they're the Gymboree bubbles, that are stronger, so they can catch them). They danced round to music and had a great time. These pictures were from a few minutes ago, when we were eating dinner. I HAD to get one of Ashley wearing her headband...she seriously thinks this is how it's supposed to go! And then, while I'm taking Ashley's picture...Daniel is in the background going, "CHEESE!" so I had to take one of him too! He held that smile until I got the pic--that's my boy! He proceeded to go put on a headband too, but David didn't want me to take a pic of that (he knows about the other pic, on last week's blog)! Daniel then started jumping off of the couch, sometimes landing on a pillow, sometimes just his face... laughing the whole time and yelling, "Watch!" Little show boater! Even after such a busy day, my kids can make me smile, in only the way that they can. We are so blessed.

Ashley & Mommy Time

2008-07-11T22:34:00.003-06:00

Ashley & I spent the day together...it was wonderful...just Mommy & daughter time. We went to our favorite place...The Orchard. First we saw Kung Fu Panda at the AMC, for only $5 each (that's the special on the weekend, for all the movies from 10-11:00am). Then we bought some matching T-shirts at Gymboree, for our buddies (pics of that to come)...and we ate lunch outside at The Happy Sumo and had a terrific time. Then Ashley played in the water. She loves it and she shared the cup she was playing with when we left, with a little boy--she's so thoughtful. We made the mistake of going to Target, although we had a great time, our Discover bill will be a little higher at the end of the month (but we got some great deals and limited our $1 items)!

Some funny things the kids said today:

Daniel sometimes talks himself to sleep...he goes through all of the people's names that he knows, the Sesame Street characters, just things he knows are funny...today he kept repeating "Fukudome, Fukudome, Fukudome" and we laughed so hard as we heard him in the baby moniter. David says that Daniel says that name better than some sports announcers!

Ashley and I had a talk today, about buying things on sale and trying not to spend so much money, so we could be good stewards of the money God has blessed us with... so as we were walking through Target, I told her we had some things that we really didn't need and asked her if we should put them back...she said, "No, lets buy all of them"...so of course, we did (well, we traded a big ball for 2 things)...but I told her Daddy wasn't going to be happy with all of the money we spent. As we were walking out, she says, "Daddy's not going to be happy b/c we spent all of our dollars" just loud enough so the cashier we were passing could get a good laugh. It was the first thing she told Daddy about, when we got home...little stinker!

The Orchard

2008-07-11T22:07:00.005-06:00

Our new favorite place is The Orchard Mall...it's a beautiful outside mall, just a little south of us (I posted about it before, when we had lunch with Ana & Kira there). The kids and I went to the library on Wednesday, with Kate, Lauren & Ryan and then down to the mall. Debbie, Grace & Maddie joined us and we hit Bath & Body Works (our favorite place--with all of it's smelly stuff and minty chapsticks) and then went to the water area, where David joined us too! Then David took our kids home and I did some clothes shopping and had lunch outside, at the Happy Sumo, a wonderful Japenese restaurant, with a shaded porch area that is lovely. I started reading Big Russ & Me, Tim Russert's book about his dad...I've already been reading the second one, with all of the letters from everyday people, about their dads...good stuff. I'm thankful my kids have such a wonderful Daddy!

6 kids and Goodbye

2008-07-06T23:18:00.003-06:00

We had 6 kids over to our house on Monday and we all went to the park. Then we came home and Grandma & Aunt Jay got in their PJs and we chilled for the rest of the night. On Tuesday, we went to Jammin' July, while David and Daniel took Grandma & Aunt Jay to the airport...then we had 7 kids over here for the rest of the day...FUN! Enjoy the pics.

4th of July

2008-07-05T16:52:00.007-06:00

I linked the title with pics of the mountains & our 4th of July celebration.

HAPPY 4th of JULY! We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating our beautiful country and enjoying some time with family & friends...and remembering those who are far away from their families, trying to keep us safe. Here is a little taste of what we did...I painted Ashley's face at home, b/c last year the line was never ending...I know b/c I painted faces for about 3 hours (some were there for 6)! Daniel couldn't be happier...he loves saying, "Hands"...esp before we pray. Ashley had SO much fun doing this...she is fearless...kept trying to do a backflip, but she just doesn't weigh enough...maybe next year... Wearing our red, white and blue (mostly red)! Yum...popsicle swords! David, Jay and I went to The Orchard and saw Get Smart (cute movie) and ate lots of greasy popcorn and drank Coke (Pepsi would have been better)...then the laser show seemed to take too long and we were tired, so we started to leave and ended up watching 7 or 8 different firework shows, from the parking lot...it was really cool. Then we went to Wal Mart--Jay's favorite place!

Another day at the zoo

2008-07-02T23:04:00.007-06:00

Click on the title to see more pics of the zoo!

We took Grandma & Aunt Jay to our favorite place... Ashley was trying to be bigger! Look how huge this poley bear is! He's just strutting his stuff and the kids were so impressed. This little chipmunk was SO BOLD...he actually stood up & got a little pissy when we didn't feed him...almost charged us! Daniel playing with poop...this was fake...he did it the next day during naptime, with the real deal! It was ALL over his legs and he tried to hand it to me when I came into his room... NICE! Aunt Jay bought Ashley a build-a-flamingo...she loves it! Daniel got a monkey with a baby and velcro arms...he didn't like it when they hugged him around his neck. He loves being tickled though! I just love the bathroom doors... especially from the inside!

Sunflower Farms & Steamboat Springs

2008-07-01T22:52:00.010-06:00

My mom and Jay flew in on Thursday...we chilled and went to the library on Friday and on Saturday, June 28, we went to Andy's 3rd birthday party at Sunflower Farms. It was our first time going there and it was SO MUCH FUN! Here are some of our adventures we experienced...
We headed to Steamboat Springs for the rest of the weekend and had a great time. We had a full day on Saturday...started off with a hike to a beautiful water fall... then we went to down the Alpine Slide and to a hot springs swimming pool. Like Grandma... like granddaughter! David & I got to go out to dinner alone...it was nice to cook our own steaks and eat steamed asperagus (only I did that, of course) and walk around town until the sunset and David had to go back to the room to do reports... We drove home through the Rocky Mountain National Park and did a little hiking. It's so beautiful up there...can you believe there was still snow, in June?! Just had to put this one...too sweet...little poser! The girls walked up to Bear Lake, while the boys napped. Ashley loves her Aunt Jay... and her Mommy too!

Small Group Cookout & part of the week

2008-07-01T22:50:00.014-06:00

We had some of our not-so-small group (we have 7 couples and 13 kids, all 4 & under) over for a cookout on Sunday, June 22, and also invited the Depler family and Debbie, Grace & Maddie to join us. We had a good time, even though we were brought together under scary circumstances (one from our group got some test resutls back that might have meant cancer, but things seem to be fine for now and they'll retest in 3 months). Some inquired about my picture shrine and they got more then they bargined for, upon learning about our 2 weddings and 24 flower girls! I think they're starting to wonder about us, if they hadn't already! Hehe...always good to keep people guessing... just not gossiping! So fun!

Just some of the kids from our group! Those that braved the heat outside (all the guys gathered around the grill, to support David, but as soon as the food was cooked, they were back in the AC! Paul, Michelle & Baby Eva Diaz and Drew & Jennifer Depler Kerstin Gould and Laura Hirsch and gang Daniel Gould and Cherie, Robby & Liane Robinson

My posts are dated and this is from last week and I don't want to get too far behind...so here are some pics from the beginning of the week. On Mondays we have Sawyer and Maggie over and we really enjoy playing with them. We walked to the library and had fun...
I had to include this pic of Daniel wearing Ashley's new headband...he looks like he's about to go running (back to the 70s)! Whatever will wear him out!

We had 7 kids over here on Tuesday AND Wednesday...FUN! We did bubbles on Tuesday-- always a big hit...

On Wednesday, we were entertained by the guys in our backyard who were pouring cement for our new back porch. Ashley & Daniel got to put their hands in it, before it dried...great memories.
This was a big deal to the Ashley & Daniel...they found a rollie-pollie...you can see him crawling and then POP, he's in a ball...Daniel was SO tickled by it and Ashley kept saying, "Do you see him Daniel?" and he kept saying, "Yes!"
Ashley got her 1st stamp for the summer reading program at the library...it's a bronze...we're going for the gold!

Our Week in Review!

2008-06-20T21:27:00.009-06:00

**Click on the title to see more pics!

We had a fun, busy week. Monday started us off with Sawyer & Maggie coming over to play. The kids really enjoyed playing with our great finds from the garage sales on Friday! This is the cool doll house we had to get (Ashley said Daniel needed one that he could play with, b/c her Barbie house has too many little pieces)! Maggie enjoyed the double doll stroller we got for 50 cents! Daniel is running into the playroom to get more toys! Maggie found the cool books I blogged about on Father's Day...this is the In My Daughter's Eyes one, by Martina McBride. We went to the library on Tuesday, with Lauren & Ryan. Ashley & Lauren enjoyed making necklaces (she looked for those toys when we went back on Wednesday, but the librarian told me they had found bugs in them, so they were being cleaned--nice)! Grace & Maddie came over Tuesday afternoon, so we had 6 for awhile (when Kate came to get her 2, we had 3 in melt-down mode--it was fun!)...they're playing "Ring Around the Rosie"...they love to dress up and play together--SO FUN! On Wednesday we saw a ventrilaquist at the library and then went down to The Orchard (the new outside mall). Mommy got to shop at Bath & Body Works and get free stuff during their HUGE sale & Ashley & Daniel got to play at the park & get balloons (Daniel kept letting his go and it finally got away)...so a good time was had by all! Thursday was our 4 year anniversary of our wedding in Gainesville. We had 5 kids over here & it was a busy day! As a treat, we got our package from Aunt Won (we opened it after bathtime). She sent us a true-to-life model car of a BMW convertible (she works for BMW now, in Korea) Daniel loved playing with it, with Daddy (it's a special car, so he can only play with it, with one of us)! We also had some sad news. Red, our beta fish that we've had for almost 2 years, committed suicide (he jumped out of the bucket I'd placed him in, to clean out his bowl)! I found him on the counter and thought he might pull through...he put up a good fight, but gave in and went down hard. David said a few words and then he had a burial at see (Ashley took it hard--NOT--she was like, "Can I see the picture?!") We will miss you Red...but life goes on...now we'll be able to get a blue fish in the fall, in time for Gator Football Season! GO GATORS! On Friday, David worked from home and we went back to The Orchard, to have lunch at the Mexican restaurant. It was nice to eat outside and then play at the park area & get more balloons...no pictures, just good family memories!

The Today Show

2008-06-16T11:07:00.004-06:00

The Today Show is killing me this morning...but it's all good. On Saturday, Matt Lauer did a special tribute show, in honor of Tim Russert, who died suddenly of a heart attack, at age 58...2 days before Father's Day and shortly after his son, Luke, graduated from Boston College and then the family took a vacation to Rome, to celebrate. He had flown home early, to prepare for his weekly Sunday morning show, Meet the Press, which he had been doing since 1991 (I'm thinking my dad watched it, if it wasn't in competition with Sunday Morning). From what I understand, he was a wonderful man. He broke down what was going on in the political world, for the common man and he did it with honesty and integrity. He was a family man first, who loved his son and wife and had a special relationship with his dad, Big Russ. He wrote a book about his dad and got such a terrific response from it, he wrote another one, with the letters from everyday people, paying tribute to their fathers. I'm going to read both of them this summer. I would suggest taking some time and learning about this fine man.

Matt Lauer did an interview with Tim's son, Luke, and showed a mini-recap of his life. Here is just one link, you can find many others. If you go to it, click on the TodayShow button and watch some of the video clips that pay tribute to this fine man:

http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/14/1143062.aspx

"The best exercise for your heart, is to bend down and pick someone else up." A quote from Tim Russert, that summed up his life!

THEN...as if I wasn't emotional enough, they interviewed John Atkinson, the everyday man who got to play golf on the course the US Open is played on. He is 39 years old, a loving husband and father of 3 young children (his middle child is named Andrea, so he must be alright!)...he has never smoked a day in his life, and yet he has stage 4 lung cancer. This happened to my Grampy too, but he lived a long life of 84 years. It's just so unfair, unjust... tragic. If you'd like to know more about him, he is making a documentary and here is the link:

http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/features/feature_usopen.html

And article about him:
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/features/special_feature_john_atkinson.htm

"I think the most emotional moment was on the 18th hole, when he and his brother and his family all embraced on the green. We all started crying, it was very moving." Matt Lauer said about the experience of golfing with John (& Tony Roma & Justin Timberlake).

Did I mention that I had 5 kids over here this morning? We had a good time though--they all get along so well. Be thankful for the life God has blessed you with...tell your children you love them everyday...and show them too! Hug those you love a little longer and take time to call people or e-mail them or write them a real card and send it in the mail! Love your family and friends and your Lord with all of your heart...pray for them...take care of yourself, so you can enjoy them for as long as God allows you to be here. Thanks for stopping by...sorry for the rambling...just feeling some loss here, but I am so thankful for the life I have been blessed to lead...the people who have come into it have touched me and made me who I am...good and bad! With love, andrea

David's Father's Day

2008-06-15T22:41:00.003-06:00

David got to go golfing yesterday, so that was the start of his Happy Father's Day! The kids gave him some small presents this morning, before church. We had a family worship time at the beginning of our service and that was fun. Then after church we came home and played outside and ate lunch. Peggy came over to watch the kids and David and I went to see the second Narnia movie (it was really good, just a little too violent, for all the kids that were watching--but I loved that mouse!). Then we came home and David got to grill steaks and we had baked potatoes, corn on the cob and salads to go with them--YUM! The Cubs beat the Blue Jays and Tiger Woods came back to force a play off game tomorrow, in the U.S. Open...so David was a Happy Daddy!
WE LOVE YOU DADDY! Do you like our green theme?!

Tribute to Don

2008-06-15T00:07:00.009-06:00

Click on the title, to hear the song!

I've been thinking about Don a lot this weekend. I planned to do this post, back in April...this is a book we got from a sale at David's office, back in March. I was going to mail it to Pa, but decided to bring it when we came for our visit for my mom's birthday, on April 9th...I wish I had mailed it! We listened to it a lot when we got home from Florida. We had Grandpa Sutton read it to the kids, before they left from their visit with us last month. I'm missing Don today...and my dad, who never got to be a Grandpa (I was thinking about how much he would have liked my kids, while I was having a moment this morning at church...my dad would have been 61 this year...it's been 14 years since he died of a heart attack at 46, in 1994--he didn't make it to his birthday that year, in case you're questioning my math skills!), and my Grampy... but life goes on and the living need to keep on pressing on (I just read that in my Bible study this morning). It's nice to remember, as long as we don't dwell there too long. Here's to you Pa...THANK YOU for being such a special part of my life and for loving my kids so much...we miss you. Daniel still points to your picture and says, "Pa!" and Ashley mentions you sometimes, but she gets upset, as she is still trying to figure it all out. We wish we had more time with you, but we're thankful for the memories. WE LOVE YOU!

If you click on the picture, it will make the words bigger...
These are the other books--they're songs made into board books--they are ALL wonderful (we don't have the Mary Did You Know--yet and there is one from Martina McBride's In My Daughter's Eyes)!

Saturday

2008-06-14T22:46:00.004-06:00

Today started off pretty rough...I watched the tribute to Tim Russert that Matt Lauer hosted on the Today Show. It was very touching...he helped so many to be informed about politics, and he told it how it was, but didn't get in anyone's face...and he loved his family dearly. I spent a lot of time thinking about Don and I called my mom. Then I was able to do my Living Beyond Yourself (about the fruit of the Spirit) Bible study and clean our bathroom (that was WAY overdue). Then I got to go to Jeni's baby shower and David got to go golfing, when I got home. Lauren & Ryan came over, b/c we did a "kidswap" last week (that's when we had our date night and saw Indiana Jones). The kids had fun playing together...esp in our water table...hence Lauren & Ryan ended up in Ashley & Daniel's pajamas...I had to post this pic of Daniel & Ryan in the same outfit (Daniel is wearing the one Ashley wore last year and Ryan has on Daniel's old one). Daniel is 3 months older than Ryan... he's taller, but they weigh the same...look at those legs! Ryan is our little brute! Sweet dreams boys...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jen, Cherise & Brian!

Garages Sales & The Library

2008-06-13T17:56:00.010-06:00

Kate so nicely had my kids over this morning, to give me some time to myself...I spent it going to her neighborhood's garage sales! She even joined me, with the kids, for a little while (she pointed out that she had more willpower than I do!). Then I did get to have some down time...but not enough, b/c I dinked around too much...the story of my life! We had lunch together and then the kids went down for naps...but Ashley couldn't sleep, b/c she was too excited... Grace & Maddie came over...we were going to go to the library and then the park...walked all the way to the library and realized/remembered that they close early on Fridays. So off to the park we went (with sticky hands--great idea to feed them popsicles and not bring the diaper bag, with the wipes in it)! We had a great time with the girls...like we always do...and then we got to spend some time chatting with their parents, Shan & Jen...so we got into bed after 10:00!

We love our wagon and we love popsicles!
I tried to get a pic of our beautiful library AND the mountains.
David is yelling for Ashley to stop! Maddie is so loyal.
Maddie & Daniel are good buddies.
I just love this pic...they're all so sweet together!
Our wild man flying down the slide!
Busy climbers!

Zoo Day!

2008-06-12T16:37:00.011-06:00

I linked an album of more pics, if you'd like to check them out or show them to your kids--just click on the title!

We absolutely LOVE to go to the zoo...esp on days like today. It was in the 70s, the sun was shining bright and there was a nice breeze (sorry to all of you who are fighting the heat or floods--but it is gorgeous in CO)! We left home around 8:30 and didn't return until around 3:ish! Tammy & Lily joined us around 11:30...we'd already walked around the whole zoo once! We'd love to go with anyone who would like to join us--we're always up for a day at the zoo!

Ashley talking to Aunt Jay on the phone...she is so tall that she can touch the button to open the van door, with her foot, while still strapped into her carseat! She has many talents! We like to take pics in front of the giraffes...Daniel wanted to be in another family's pic...he ran over to them right after this! We went to the 10:15 feeding of the penguins & ate cheetos! The petting zoo was FINALLY open...it has always been closed ever since we've been visiting. Notice Ashley & Daniel have on elephant shirts?! Tammy & Lily joined us...she's checking things out with her binoculars! I liked this shot (there's another one just like it in the album--tell me which one you like better, if you check it out). We got Lily to smile--even laugh! They love to play the drums! My little monkey climbers!

Free Movie Wednesday!

2008-06-11T19:59:00.005-06:00

We went to see the free movie they had playing today--Shrek III...it wouldn't have been my first choice, but the other option was Rugrats and I'm not a fan. It was Daniel's first movie in a theater and he did great for a 19 month old, but we'll leave him with someone next time! We went with Ana, her mom, Esther, and Kira and the kids had fun riding the rides and playing in the play area. Ashley is such a good climber--I need to get her into a gymnastics class!

The movie Mommy & Daddy saw on their recent datenight.
Ashley is sitting pretty!
A smile from Kira...with Mommy & Grandma behind her.
Daniel was SO excited to see Bert & Ernie!
She loves to climb and is so fearless!

Last Friday, 6-6-08

2008-06-11T19:46:00.006-06:00

We finally made it down to The Orchard last Friday...it's a new outside mall... really beautiful, with a great play area outside for the kids and a water area, where the water shoots out of the groud...but it wasn't working that day! The kids still had a great time! We at lunch outside, at a new Japanese restaurant, and Ana & I enjoyed delicious Bento Boxes and then we all had ice cream later--YUM! Kira had a great time playing with Ashley & Daniel...we'll have to do it again sometime soon. My little wall climber! Ashley scoping out new adventures... Kira thinking about being adventurous!

My Summer List

2008-06-06T17:23:00.002-06:00

I still haven't done the suggestion Tab made, about finding 5 things around your house that make you smile...but I am doing the summer list. It will be nice to go back and read through this, as our summer goes on and as the fall approaches, to see what I actually got done!

Things I'd like to do this summer...

1. Spend time with my mom & Jay
2. Have family fun nights
3. Have Friday Friend Days
4. ENJOY our drive to Iowa & Florida
5. Spend time in God's word, with my Living Beyond Yourself Bible study, A Deeper Kind of Calm Bible study, and our Love & Respect small group study

Ways I'd like to get more organized (maybe I'll get some done, while my mom and Jay are here!):

1. Get my pictures organized, ordered AND into photo albums (need to do this from after our wedding, over the last FOUR years)!
2. Do some scrapbooking
3. Sell our baby stuff on Craig's List
4. Have a garage sale
5. LOSE WEIGHT and get more active

Potty Trained

2008-06-04T00:18:00.002-06:00

Have I mentioned...that Ashley is POTTY TRAINED?! She just kind of did it all by herself on Wednesday, May 21. And from Day 1, she has stayed dry through naptime AND ALL NIGHT LONG (not sure how she is doing that, but I'm thankful for it)! I still put a pull up on her, if we're going out for a long time, but so far, she has stayed dry no matter where we are. She's growing up so fast. I wish more of you were around to see it on a day to day basis!
Tab, I was going to have this pic be a "Wordless Wednesday" pic, since it's after midnight...but I just haven't gotten that wordless thing down yet...baby steps...