HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This time of year is used by many to reflect upon their lives and what they are truly thankful for. We as a family have so much to be thankful for that I'm not sure there is enough space on this page. I will get us started...

I am most thankful for Jesus' sacrifice for me and that all in our family have come to a saving knowledge of Him and accepted God's gift of salvation. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband that God has blessed me with. A man of God fully of great strength, integrity, diligence, loyalty, and wit (which his blesses us with always). A man who loves his family completely. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons. Kyle, my sweet, compassionate boy whom God has blessed with intelligence, creativity and laughter which comes from his soul. Kory, my merciful one. God has blessed him with intelligence, humor, spunk, determination and joy.

Jason says...

I give thanks first and foremost to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me; for making full atonement for a debt which I could not pay on my own. God is so faithful and I am in awe of the way He provides for us. I am thankful for a wife who is more wonderful that any words can express; for her discernment and mercy and who has been supportive and patient with me even when I don't deserve it. We are blessed with two wonderful boys who both have accepted Jesus as their Savior and want to live for Him. I thankGod for the unique gifts He has given them and for all they teach me every day.

Kyle says...

I am thankful for my family, God, house, clothes, toys and food.

Kory says...

I am thankful for school, my cousins, God, toys, clothes and my family.

I pray that you all have spent time with family and friends and have much to thankful for.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Surprise! We took the boys to the Lodge at Cedar Creek (hotel with an indoor waterpark) on Thursday evening. But, first enjoyed or endured, depending on who you ask, a meal at McDonalds. Kory's choice since it was his birthday. We arrived at the hotel at 6 p.m., put our swimming gear on and head off to the waterpark.

Here they are shortly after arriving in the room. They could hardly contain their excitement.

Kory enjoyed plugging the holes in the fountain until he discover the waterslide. The cycle began...down, climb the stairs, down again, climb the stairs..... Where do they get their energy? There were two waterslides, one red (all open), one green (completely enclosed). Kory chose the red one since it was not enclosed. When asked to try the green one, he declined stating, "I don't want to go down that one because it is too dark!" Maybe someday he will finally decide conquer his fears.

Jason and Kyle grabbed the tubes and headed to the toilet bowl (the big slide which emulates being flushed). They enjoyed the other two slides as well and playing basketball in the water. Before calling it a night, Kyle and I decided to go down the toilet bowl a few times, but it was cut off at two due to a slight accident. While being flushed, the tube turned backwards and flipped over throwing us both out. Upon landing, Kyle whacked his head on the slide and got stuck under the tube. I came shooting out of the slide first, then Kyle. However, I couldn't see him right away (not a fun moment as a mother), then he popped up, holding his head and screaming. There wasn't any blood, thankfully, but he did get one big goose egg and a headache!

We headed back to the room at 8:00 p.m. The boys jumped in a hot shower, put their p.j.'s on and the wrapping paper started flying. I won't bore you with a picture of every present opening so here's just one with their favorite gifts!

Not surprised Kory's favorite is an excavator!

Kyle is enjoying "Calvin and Hobbes". When he is home he spends a good portion of that time reading the comics and laughing. I just hope that he doesn't get any bright ideas and try any of Calvin's stunts.

It's always an adventure staying in hotels. Jason and I never sleep well, if at all. And because Kyle and Kory have to share a bed, Kyle doesn't sleep well. For being such a little person, Kory can sure make himself big in a bed! It was a good thing that Kyle just had a 1/2 day of school Friday and enjoyed going to a play.

The first quarter of school has ended, which means conferences. We had our first parent/teacher conferences for Kory. I'm glad to report he is doing famously! Kyle's are on the 28th and I'm sure they will have nothing bad to report. Or, at least I hope :)

On Friday evening we surprised the boys again with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. Unfortunately Kory had already fallen asleep. Kyle was extremely tired, but was awake when they arrived. Kory was very surprised in the morning.

We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa on Saturday and in the evening we had a party for the boys. A few of our friends came over and we all enjoyed cake and ice cream.

Our big 5 & 9 year old

Kory jammin' with Grandma to "Veggie Tales" Worship Songs. The boy loves music.

Kyle is helping Alaina listen to his CD on his new CD player/radio. Grandpa made him a CD of various artists. So he is also jammin' to Toby Mac, Todd Agnew and the like.

We were so happy that we were able to pull off the surprise and that the boys had a good time celebrating their birthdays.

I hope this week finds all of you enjoying a little happiness and peace in your lives. God bless ~

Trick or Treat

Our own little "Happy Feet"

The Red Ninja

On their way into the frigid night...

I know you can't tell, but they both have 3 layers of clothes underneath their costumes! It was only in the high 30's on Tuesday and extremely windy. But, they survived and made it around our block and each got a pumpkin full of goodies (which they are not sharing very readily with mom and dad). Our doorbell started ringing around 4:30 and I was out of candy by 6!

We had a wonderful visit with my dad and his wife. Dad was kind enough to help out with some electrical stuff in our basement and cut up some fallen trees in our backyard. We are tremendously thankful for his help. It feels so good to have that done.

Kyle enjoyed a field trip to the school forest on Tuesday, while I helped with painting in Kory's class. There was alot of creativity happening. It's always fun to watch them and then ask what their painting is of and be completely surprised by their answers. I went to computer lab with Kyle's class on Thursday. They are learning how to type correctly and I am quite impressed at the accuracy. Friday was crazy hat day and game day in Kory's class. We enjoyed playing Candy Land, Hi ho Cherrio and Caboozle, while wearing our crazy hats.

This evening we are going to a wine tasting party at our neighbor's house. Should be interesting, since neither Jason or I even like wine. But it will be fun to just hang out with some friends and neighbors.

This next week has surprises in store as we approach the boys' birthdays. I can't wait to see the look on their faces (and to fill you all in on it)! Along with our surprises, they are going to busy at school. Kory goes to the fire station on Tuesday and is having a Teddy Bear Picnic on Thursday (his birthday). Kyle is going to the play "Remarkable Farkle McBride" at the high school on Friday and only has a half day of school too.

I'm sure I'll have much to write next week. God bless ~

Pheasant Hunting

Our time away from the business of life in Wausau was wonderful. We spent 4 days in Valley City, North Dakota pheasant hunting. We met up with Jason's dad and younger brother, Christoper, our friend from Kansas, Dan and his son, Zach and our friend longtime friend, Rob, his daughter, Bethany and her boyfriend, Brandon.

It was my first time going along and joining in on the hunting experience. I have to say that it is truly an adrenaline rush! We were up and at 'em at 6 a.m. the first day (each day got a little later!). However, each day we were out walking through cattails (which were at least a foot over my head) and CRP by 8 a.m. It was a little cold, but at least it didn't rain or snow.

Here the troops are headed out.

I did have success in killing two pheasants in the 3 days of hunting. Not bad for the first time :)

On Saturday we had 7 people hunting and we filled out our limit...21 pheasants!

This was also Kory's first time "hunting". They walked along with us a couple of times, but mostly just stayed back at the truck and played while waiting for us to return.

Here's us and the boys with Jason's brother, Christopher (center), Zach (right) and Dan (back right)
Jason's dad just switched places with Dan.

The last day's limit.

It was just me, Jason and Dan on Monday. We saw around 30 rooster pheasants, missed quite a few, but did fill out our limit. I don't think I will ever be able to anticipate or get used to a pheasant exploding out from the grass right under my feet. This happened on Monday while walking a tree line. The rooster flew up, I screamed and Jason shot. I, of course, couldn't shoot since I was recovering from a heart attack. It was a good thing I had already gone to the bathroom, which is an experience in and of itself (multiple layers of clothes and a corn field!). Unfortunately, Jason just winged it and it took off running down the corn row never to been seen again.

I have found that I am extremely out of shape. I used muscles that haven't been used for quite some time. I will know for next year to climb multiple flights of stairs for a month before we go. Anyway, we had a very successful time hunting...51 pheasants total in 4 days.

We stopped in Fargo for breakfast and a visit with Jason's cousins on our way home on Tuesday. It was a great time visiting over a "delicious" McDonald's breakfast burrito and steak sandwich :)

We arrived home on Tuesday evening and jumped right back into our busy schedule. The boys had one day of school and had Thurs/Fri off for a teacher's convention. This weekend's schedule is to do NOTHING. My dad and his wife are coming into town this afternoon to visit. We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the time spent with them.

I hope that your week was filled with God's blessings, joy and maybe even some excitement. Take care and God bless.

First Snowfall and a Pumpkin Patch!

THE FIRST SNOW!

Winter decided to spit on us early this season. Nothing like snow to get you depressed :) It snowed for two days and the wind howled. It almost felt like a day in December. The cooler weather has decided to stick around, but the snow has left us...thank goodness! This week has been cold and rainy, but I believe the sun is suppose to reappear towards the end of the week.

CRAZY HAIR NIGHT AT G180!

This is as crazy as Jason and I get in our old age. It was also the best I could do with $5 and Wal-Mart. Many of the kids were much more creative. I am very grateful that Jason doesn't sport this look often...pretty scary. He was likened to Carrot Top, Howard Stern and some rock star.

A DAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Kory and I spent the morning at the pumpkin patch with his class. It had rained all day yesterday and a little bit this morning so it was quite muddy.

Kory walked through a hay bail tunnel and corn maze.

We enjoyed a hayride through the "forest" (as Kory called it). There were some places where I thought we might get stuck.

There was a pen of baby goats, which the kids loved. And, they were kind enough to let us pet them.

Kory enjoyed driving his own "tractor" through the mud!

Please don't think that Kyle is neglected, he just hasn't been around when the camera has been. There will be plenty of pictures of him next post as we are going pheasant hunting this weekend. Hopefully Kory's cold will be gone by then and nobody else will get it. We are popping Vitamin C like candy around here! Anyway, have a wonderful week and God bless.

I think I left off last time with us waiting for a visit with Jason's Grandma. Well, they made it here safely (surprisingly, since every road in Wausau is under construction) and it was good to see Ron, Bonnie, Grandma and Ella. We enjoyed a delicious meal together and wonderful conversation. I would have pictures, but after downloading some pictures off my camera, I forgot to put the memory card back in it. One can't take pictures very well without that!

I (we) said good-bye to our Grand Am and HELLO to a new mini-van. Our Grand Am served us well and it's now in the hands of a 16-year old (a family from our church bought it). We now have adequate room for traveling, just no time to take a trip! The boys are now more excited in the mornings to ride in the van than they are to go to school.


I was able to spend last weekend away from the boys at a Women's Retreat. It was relaxing and an enjoyable time spent with friends and studying God's word. I feel very relaxed and refreshed! Don't we all need that every now and again.

Jason was at the Packers game on Sunday. As usual the Packers stunk it up, but at least he had a beautiful day to be outside!

As promised, I did get a picture of the hillside behind the boys' school. I only wish the picture captured the beauty more. I guess if you want to see it, you'll have to come for a visit in the fall!


Last night we began the dreaded fall task of raking leaves. The boys took pleasure in throwing them in the air and jumping in the pile. All the leaves from the trees in our yard are gone; however, our neighbor still has quite a few on his trees. We are hoping that all the wind comes from the east for the next few weeks. They are predicting snow on Wednesday. I am so not ready for that!

Jason built a fire while we were raking. Kyle, Kory and our neighbor boy, Cody, kept warm by burning sticks. And when we were all done, Jason made some smores.

We have begun another hectic week...cub scouts, G180 & One Way, a Wild Beast Feast (for Jason), a wedding and a pig roast. Do you think life will ever slow down? I suppose not, but we will take moments to stop and enjoy what God has blessed us with.

I hope you are all doing well. Drop us a line and let us know. Have a wonderful week and God bless.

Fall has arrived!

The air-conditioning has been turned off and the furnace has been turned on! The trees have begun to change and the air is beginning to be crisp. We have definitely turned the corner into another season here in Wausau. The nights are in the 30's and the days are in the 60's. I certainly felt it as I walked around the neighborhood this morning. I could see my breath and smelled the smoke coming from the chimneys. It is so beautiful here in the fall. The boys school backs up to Rib Mountain State Park and the hillside view of the "mountain" is breath-taking. I only hope to capture it's beauty with my camera! But, I'll have to give it a couple more weeks.

I thought I'd share with you a couple of photos from Jason's work site. The project is, I believe, 58% complete (at least that's what I thought I heard Jason tell someone recently). Jason stays quite busy and he seems to never be at his desk (especially when I want to reach him). Though, I'm not sure if it's because there's stuff to do out on the site or if he just likes climbing on all the stuff. Like 500' up! (as you can see from the pictures). I am just glad that God has blessed him with a career that is fulfilling and with this opportunity to be a part of a project from beginning to end.

I spent last weekend in Hunter's Education classes. Yippee! I wasn't a whole lot of fun, but I survived and I am now a bonafide hunter, well legal any way :) We are going pheasant hunting in Valley City, North Dakota in October. This will be the first official hunting trip where we will all be together (not just the guys). It's still cool that mom is along for the ride now, but I'm sure that will change when the boys get older.

This week is packed full again. Jason and Kyle had their first pack meeting for Cub Scouts last evening. Jason has decided to be the den leader for Kyle's den. He will have the opportunity to lead and teach nine, 9-year old boys how to build things, the importance of helping your community and most importantly good character qualities.

Jason's aunt, uncle, grandma and great-aunt are coming for a visit on Thursday. His grandma turns 90 on Saturday! His grandma and her sisters all lost their husbands relatively early in life so they would all get together and travel all over the place. Jason's aunt thought the best way to celebrate is to take Grandma with one of her sisters from Minneapolis (the other is ill) on a trip to Michigan to see their other sister. Since Wausau is sort of on the way, they decided to stop by our house. The best part about it is that it's all a surprise! We are very much looking forward to it. His grandma is such a wonderful person and even though she is slowing down some, she's still got a lot of spunk for a 90 year old.

The boys are doing well. They have been in school now just short of a month and still loving it. Kyle's favorite part of the day is, of course, recess (such a boy!) and, Kory's is doing projects in class and playing with the dinosaurs. They are both counting down the days until their birthdays, unfortunately they have quite a ways to go...44 & 48 days. They must think they are getting something pretty cool :) Maybe they know something Jas and I don't.

Well, soak in the change of seasons and God bless you all. Have a wonderful week.

The last days of summer...

HOW BEAUTIFUL! I thought I'd capture the last colors of summer. The warm sunny days are slowly disappearing and with that so are the bright, beautiful flowers.













The above photos were taken at my friend's house and the two bottom ones are from my front yard. I was very pleased that I even got anything to grow. My flower bed was so full a few weeks ago, but the deer decided to have a midnight snack. Ahh...after going all summer without even a nibble!














On Monday my washer went caput. Grrr...nothing is more maddening than having your washer quit right after the rinse cycle. Anyway, this necessitated a trip to my friend's house on Wednesday to wash the remaining loads of laundry. I also took care of another one of my friend's little girl, Alaina, on Wednesday afternoon. She is the sweetest thing! We decided to enjoy the sunshine since we hadn't seen it for a couple of days. I was so happy I had my camera along. Can you hardly stand the cutness! She is always up to something and Kory can never resist a pose for the camera.



















Wednesday evening was the big kickoff to the fall schedule at our church. The boys are in One Way Club (similar to Awanas). There were 154 kids ages 4-11. Jason and I are keep busy on Wednesday evenings, while the boys are in One Way, with the youth group. This year has started off wonderfully...90 teens. Jason and I are excited to see what God will do this year in Generation180. Last night we enjoyed an outdoor movie with the kids. It was a little nippy, but that's why they make stocking caps and blankets right?!

Today has been pretty relaxing . Jason worked for part of the day and the boys and I just took it easy. It rained this morning, but now the sun is shining and the boys are outside enjoying it. Jason is mowing the lawn so I think I'll go put my feet up and relax out on the deck.

Have a good week!

A Chipmunk Where?

On Thursday evening after tucking the boys into bed, Jason and I decided to play ping pong. One game in and Gunner became very interested in some sheetrock stacked against the wall. Upon moving things around and discovering nothing, we went back to our game. But, Gunner just wouldn't leave that corner alone. So curious me decided to move all of the sheetrock out of the way...upon doing so a little chipmunk decided to poke its head out from behind the last piece. Needless to say I screamed and the sheetrock went back into its place. By this point Gunner is going crazy and Jason is having a great deal of fun (at my expense). I ran upstairs and recovered Kyle's BB gun. We now have the chipmunk trapped behind the pile of sheetrock with a BB gun aimed and ready. Because a good shot wasn't possible Jason decided to move all of the sheetrock to the other wall. Well...when he moved the last board the little guy took off up the wall in front of Jason and then behind me (all the while I am wigging out). This little manuever created "fair game" in Gunner's mind and he took off after it. And, he did succeed in catching the chipmunk. A few headshakes and bone crunches later, the chipmunk was dead. Whew...who knew I would have to do some hunting in my own house! However, this ordeal has lended itself a good laugh.

THOMAS THE TRAIN TABLE...the table has been completed! Jason's handy work and my limited artistic talents have made a very happy boy! In fact a new train, Emily, had to be purchased. Can we say spoiled?!

Well, my first game of golf ever was played on Saturday! I would have to say that this is a sport that my evil twin will quite often be revealed. I was told that I did very well for my first time playing. But because of my competive nature, I should have made par on every hole! Maybe I should continue to practice :)

Well we are already off and running this week so let's see what kind of adventures we can find! Hope you all are doing well. God bless ~

Summer has ended...

Welcome... Well, it's official, summer has ended and school has begun. I have survived the first day without any children at home. It's going to take some getting used to, but I think I'll like it just fine.

Our summer was quite enjoyable visiting family and friends. We had many days at the lake jetskiing, tubing and knee boarding. There was an attempt at waterskiing by Jason and I, but to no avail. We took a 5 day trip to North Dakota, where Kyle and I brushed up on our shotgun skills. And, the boys learned to drive Grandpa John's 4-wheeler. Oh, there was also a tractor ride, which I'm sure Kory will never forget.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL...

Both the boys were pumped this morning. Kyle, now being a 3rd grader and on a new wing of the school, thinks he's pretty cool. He was up early and already eating when I came out of my room this morning. I had to wake up Kory, but it didn't take too much coaxing once school was mentioned. Kory just thinks it's cool that he is now able to go to school with Kyle. And, because he is turning 5 (in two months), he thinks he's pretty big stuff. I am just very pleased that I left them at the school with big smiles on their faces and bouncing with excitement. Let's just hope the excitement continues for the next nine months.

I hope you enjoyed this tidbit of news. I hope to be more creative with each post.