15 Years... And Counting!

This month makes it 15 years that Jake and I have been together. And oh the memories we have...

Singing to me in front of a room full of people, white water rafting, Fiesta Bowl, Shamrock/Texas, changing majors, penguin fountain, locking our keys in the car, starving in KC, Nick, Lazer Tag, Asprin at 2:00 am, Pink eye, Scabies, Tattoo, shaved head, belly ring, marathon/half, Owen, Allison, building our dream house, swing dance lessons, Red Sox game, Maui, Disney World, flooded apartment, faulty smoke detector, reckless driving ticket, bats in Fairchild Hall, rats in Bluemont Hall, Aerosmith concert, Jack Johnson concert, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sea World, snow skiing, NYC, Bagels in Central Park, Coffey Park, dog park, largest ball of twine, X-Files, Minsky's, co-ed softball, casino for my 21st, UFC in Vegas, Washington DC, KU dorm parking lot, weddings, funerals, movies, Tats, The Wiggles, Winnie the Pooh, Broadway, Star Wars, "What kind of cheese...", Notes, Notes, Notes, Baptism, taxi cabs, Zelda, ALMOST out of gas, Starting Point, graduations, our white church, delta chi parties, Austin traffic, Bill Snyder football, chicken noodle soup, fellowship...

Each one of these is a cherished memory. They all make up the adventure we've been on for the last 15 years. I can't wait to experience those yet to come. With you as my partner, my life is truly blessed! I love you, Jake.

Random Acts of Kindness

One little thing... a kind word... a thoughtful gesture... something easily done... making someone's day better. I've stopped watching the news and barely know what is actually going on in our world today. But I am aware of what is going on in MY world. I see small things make or break a person's spirit and attitude for the day in an instant. My children are my sensitive gauge.

This morning I woke up to my happy and healthy children ready to start their day. They suggested eating breakfast at McDonald's. I said we would have to hurry and get ready in order to make that happen. We got there in plenty of time. I noticed my phone had a text message. So in the parking lot before we even entered, I read it. It was from my amazing husband. "Thank you for being such a good person. I'd never be as happy as I am today without you." Two simple and honest sentences made me feel like a "ROCK STAR". We walked into a rather empty McDonald's and proceeded to order. My kids didn't stay by me, they ran to the toy display. However, I was in a GREAT mode (thanks to a text) and let it slide and even joked with the cashier about the toys being a blessing and curse at the same time. She perked up and joked back. I went to get our drinks and when I turned around, the very same cashier had come around and brought my kids each a toy. The looks on their faces were priceless! They happily ate their food and talked about what an AWESOME day today is going to be... I agree.

One little thing... a kind word... a thoughtful gesture... something easily done... making someone's day better. Random acts of kindness, they make life better!

Great Wolf Lodge

My kids on the trip to KC.

Owen's observation: "It looks like GIANT Lincoln Logs."

They insisted on pulling their own suitcases.

They loved their bunk beds.

They thought this place was AWESOME!

That smile says it all!

Their souvenirs!

Them on the way home.

Enjoy the photos, I know we enjoyed the moments!

Worth the wait!

Do to some unfortunate technical difficulty, I am unable to post the "OH SO CUTE" video I took of the exact moment Owen realized where we were going! If you happen to be at my house, I will gladly show it to you on the computer. It's a keeper!!!

Yes, it is true... we did make a wrong turn and ended up driving right PAST the Great Wolf Lodge! Never fear, we only had to make a few more turns and 5 minutes later we were pulling into the parking lot! Pictures will follow. But all I have to say is one word... AWESOME!!!!

SSSSHHHHH!

Can you keep a secret? So can I! Tomorrow after Owen gets out of school, Mommy and Daddy will pick him up from school with the "spy car" packed. Allie will be testing out her new booster seat and we will be hitting the highway heading towards KC. We made reservations at The Great Wolf Lodge. We've never been there, but heard lots of great things about it. It's just for one night (Owen doesn't have school on Friday). We'll eat at Minsky's and have a ton of fun at the water park. I can't wait to see his face when he finds out what we are doing and where we are going. I'll post pictures when we get back.

Let's Bowl!

Last night, GNO went BOWLING! It was a blast!!!! We got to talk, unwind, eat, drink and be happy. We are already looking forward to our next recreational adventure...KARAOKE!

Ah, FALL!

I think I've taken about a 100 pictures of this exact pose over the years.

I see you MOMMY!

He likes to climb!

Turtle hug!

Just hanging around!

I love the weather this time of year! I love it even more when I get to enjoy the outside with my kids and husband. Today was Jake's first day of vacation. We decided to go to the zoo after we picked Owen up from school. It was PERFECT! The animals were out enjoying the weather as well. I took a few pictures. Some days I like to just enjoy life, instead of capture it.