Handy-man

We don't try to hide that we are not "handy" when it comes to fixing things. So when Brenton told me 'WE' were going to carpet the stairs together I was a little apprehensive. I didn't want to be negative, so I smiled, laughed a little and agreed that it would be fun. However, I was thinking the whole time, we are screwed! BUT now that the job is done and there was no mention of divorce during the project, I will say, hip hip hooray for us- we did it! Actually, Brenton did it. Before we even had the carpet down on the first step I sliced my thumb open and was pretty much out the rest of the time. WAY TO GO BRENTON, it looks great!

We've got moves!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

To Brenton

The right job will come along, no worries. I love you

Taming of the tongue

Jacob has been sassy to say the least the past week. It seems that he disagrees with everything I say and has to do the opposite of what I ask him. I am starting to pull my hair out because I don't know what to do. It seems the consequences I have used are not working. Jacob and I had a conversation tonight about using the soap bar tomorrow if he didn't stop the sassiness and rudeness. I am not sure how I feel about this. I thought about using vinegar like a friend of mine suggested.
Brenton has been working a lot the past couple weeks, and Jacob seems to be the most affected by that. I think it might be why he has been so mouthy. I try reasoning with him and telling him that daddy needs to work so we can get a new house and on and on, but he only sees that Brenton is not here, and he thinks that equals Brenton not loving him. It breaks my heart. It so hard to discipline him when I know he is sad, but I know that I have too, or he will always act sad to avoid discipline. Pray for him, and all of us. We are really in a crazy busy time of life that has no rhyme or reason. We pray for some definite leadings and conformations about the future. If you have any advice about taming the tongue please let me know.

Thanks babe

I got hit with the stomach bug yesterday, and so did Isabelle. It was Brenton's only day off and he was left to take care of us. Thanks babe for letting me sleep and lay around. You were a true servant to us all and we couldn't have made it through the day without you. Sorry your day off was more exhausting than a day at work.

My Sweet Valentine

I am blessed to have 4 Valentine's today. Let me start with my #1- Brenton! He is the sweetest. Last night he stayed up til 3am cleaning the house until it was spotless so that I could have an easy day of being with the kids and not have to worry about cleaning. That is the greatest gift he could have given. Then he let me sleep in and when I woke up he made heart shaped french toast for everyone and had all the kids dressed in red! Finally, he headed to Wal-mart (less than a month til Target opens) and had each of the kids get me a different colored rose and a ice cold large fountain pop. I love a a clean house, I love sleeping in, I love fountain pop, and I love flowers. What a great Valentine's day- too bad he had to go to work for the rest of the day and close the store tonight. I will be sharing a heart shaped pizza with my mother-in-law for dinner so all day is pretty special. The other 3 Valentine's are my kids of course.
Thanks Brenton for making my day easier, a little brighter, and definitely filled with love. I love you and Happy Valentine's Day!

Operation Date Night

Our church offered a great opportunity that we capitalized on last night. It was called Operation Date Night. The youth and some adults volunteered to offer FREE child care for 3 hours so spouses could go out on a Valentine's date. It was so nice, and so fun to go out and be without kids and not having to worry about getting home because we didn't want to pay the babysitter more money.
We had a lot of fun sharing a dinner at Don Pablos and talking about adult things rather than who had more poopy diapers that day and the consistency of the diapers. We then browsed through Best Buy and Barnes & Noble and finished the date with a quick run through the Starbucks drive through. It was really fun!! Our kids had a blast playing games, doing art projects and eating pizza. I was afraid they would get bored and want to never go back, but they actually didn't want to leave. (thank you Jesus). I really love this concept they put together- we felt really blessed by it.

Date nights are important, I wish we could schedule one for every week, but I think once a month is something to aim for. Thanks Brenton for being a great date!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE

At midnight we started celebrating my husbands birthday. Today he turns 27- oh boy almost 30! Brenton, happy birthday! I hope you had a fun birthday party and a restful day. I and the kids love you very much. We are so proud of your hard work for our family. We love when you are home so we can have wrestling matches, although I typically watch. We love that you teach us about God's goodness, blessings, teachings, and love. Happy Birthday!

We had some really YUMMY dinner at Houlihans for Brenton's birthday with some great friends of ours. Andrea's birthday is the 2nd so we all celebrated together!

It works, it really really works

The excitement I have is over something very strange. For Christmas I asked Brenton to fix our water heater which has been on the fritz for about 9 months. It's a long story, but we had to reset the water heater to make a new batch of hot water every day. I was getting so tired of waking up to a cold shower, and having to always be thinking about it working or not. So, Brenton and a man we know came over and they completed the task. I would have said thank you sooner, but it needed some final adjustments before it was working fully again. Thanks Brenton for getting the water heater fixed- I really am grateful!

Tune In

Tune in tonight at 10pm to KARE 11 News to see Brenton presenting some Toys for Toys for Tots that were collected at his restaurant. I wanted him to wear the A & W Bear costume, but I guess they won't let you bring a mascot, bummer.

You better watch out, you better not cry....Santa Clause it coming to town!

Can you guess who Santa is?.... That's right, it's Brenton! Every year my extended family celebrates Christmas early. We were all together last Saturday down in Winona, MN. Each year there is a discussion of who is going to dress up as Santa. This year Brenton willingly volunteered to play the part. He did great, and the kids were so excited. Jake was really into this year. Isabelle wanted nothing to do with the big jolly man. She was stuck to Nana Barb, and refused to even look at Santa. It was really fun for all the kids. Jacob was really excited when Santa brought him a Curious George on a train. He was only sad once when after he got the gift he couldn't find his daddy to show him the cool thing santa brought.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night"

To Brenton , From Jake...

We are not usually country music listeners, but Brenton heard this on the radio today. If it doesn't make you cry I will be shocked, especially if you have a son. So, to you Brenton from your little boy!

Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
Green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
As fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said son now where did you learn to talk like that

[Chorus one]

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's scooby doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to god like he was talking to a friend
And I said son where'd you learn to pray like that

[Chorus two]

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

[Bridge]

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I'm big I'll still know what to do

[Chorus three]

Cause I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
Then I'll be as strong as you and superman
We'll be just alike, hey won't we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you

by: Rodney Atkins

Down time

I wanted to publically THANK my husband for giving me some down time last night. I have been feeling like I have been with the kids, and constanly going for so long. Last night Brenton headed to his parents with the kids so I could dig out my scrapbooking stuff and have some ME time! I enjoyed it so much. I think I got 5 pages done. That's a huge accomplishment for me. I sadly have many more pages to go, but it's a good start. If anyone ever wants to get together and scrap let me know. I think it's always more fun with other people!

Thanks babe, I really needed it!