This and that

Its been a few days.

I had a horrible headache this week that knocked me out for a few days.

Steve's parents came for a quick visit last weekend. We enjoyed visiting with them. They came to try and catch a few of the boys' ball games. Unfortunately, all three games were rained out. We ended up just hanging out around the house. Sadly, we didn't take a single picture all weekend long. They will have to come back soon for another visit and we will try to do something a little more exciting.

We are penny pinching b/c we have decided to take the family on a road trip this summer. We will be driving to Florida to visit a very special mouse. The kids are beyond excited. I hope that we will have a trip that the kids will remember forever. Steve and I feel that its important to make fun and happy memories for our kids. What better place to make those fun and happy memories than "The happiest place on earth", Walt Disney World.

My parents are coming for a quick visit tomorrow. They too want to catch a few ball games. I pray the rain will stay away.

Oh, just so you know CJ cleaned up nicely! I think he might have gotten the point that we don't play in the nasty marsh behind the houses across the street. I had to hose him off in the back yard. I had him take his clothes off in the garage, then I soon realized that I would have to hose him off in the buff. There were huge globs of mud under his clothes as well. It was nothing that a cold water hose couldn't remedy.

That's about it for now....Have yourself a fantastic weekend!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

There are no words......However, there was some yelling.

My Gold Medal Girl

Today was the last day of the semester at the little Gym. Catie Beth did a little showing off for her Daddy. It was adorable. All the kids got medals for their participation at the Little Gym. Here is my girl!! I am so proud of her!!!!

Pinching Pennies

Any guesses why?

Summer is on its way...

The first sign of summer has arrived. Our hummingbirds are back!! We are all so excited that our feathered friends have decided to come back this year. These birds provided us with hours of entertainment last year.

Motorcycle Momma!

Mother's Day was an eventful day for me. The kids woke me up with hugs and kisses, cards and gifts. First, I was showered with some beautiful Brighton Jewelry. I have been eyeing a few things at the BX for a while. I think Steve finally took notice a few weeks ago when I said "I would really like to have these for Mother's Day" while pointing to the exact jewelry I wanted. (He got the right ones! :o) )

Next, came a very sweet card from the man I love. The water works quickly followed. After I dried my heart felt tears we headed down stairs for breakfast. We had overslept just a bit, so I knew that we would not make it to the first service at church. I had hopes of being able to make it to Life Group (Sunday School). The boys were very excited about making me a Mother's day breakfast and I soon realized that we would also be missing our Life Group. I didn't mind. My kids were so delighted to celebrate me on Mother's Day, and I wanted to take in every sweet moment. We ended up having a relaxing, lazy, wonderful, morning.

We had lunch at Bandana's. It's a local BBQ place that we have recently fallen in love with. When we got home Cassie decided she wanted to go for a ride on Steve's motorcycle. After they returned they both insisted that I go for a ride. Now, if you know anything about me, you know I am not a risk taker. The mere thought of riding a motorcycle terrifies me. But, my sweet loving man assured me that everything would be alright. He really wanted to share his love of a thrill seeking ride with me. I reluctantly obliged. As we took off on our joy ride, I gently reminded him that we are the parents of four children that need us. With that we were off. I went on my first ride with my handsome man on the infamous crotch rocket. (I can't believe I just typed those words on my family friendly blog.)

Carrot Cake Catastrophe

Of all my hair brained ideas, today was the day that things needed to turn out right. You see, tonight there is a special Pot Luck dinner followed by a PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) speaker at the base chapel. My contribution was going to be a lovely carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Yes, it was a box mix and the frosting was from a can...please don't hold that against me...I am a busy mother of four....not that I need a ton of excuses...but.....ahem.....you know. Anyway, back to the catastrophe.....I chose to make a lovely carrot cake in my new bunt pan. I oiled the pan, but forgot one very important detail....I needed to also flour the pan. So much for skipping steps. I guess I will be "THAT LADY" that runs by the commissary on the way to the meeting and picks of a bag of chips and dip.....AGAIN!

The Little Gym

For the last couple months Caitlyn and I have been enrolled in a Mommy and Me gymnastics class at the Little Gym. Her class is called the Super Beast's class. Pretty appropriate, don't you think? She enjoys calling herself a super beast. I giggle a little inside every time she calls herself that. When she first started the class she would not participate in much of anything. I was beginning to think the class might have been a waste of money. Over the last few weeks she has really bloomed. I am so proud of her. She will now do many of the skills on her own (with the help of Miss Dawn, the instructor). In the fall she will be old enough to attend the class all by herself. I, on the other hand am not sure I am ready to send her. I loved going to class together. We've bonded even more because of this class. She has learned to trust me on a much deeper level than before. I wish that I had signed her up much earlier.

So, without further adieu, here are a few photos of my girl at the Little Gym.

Baseball has officially begun

Caleb had his first baseball game tonight. The boys have been practicing for the last few weeks. All three boys are in different age groups, causing them to be on three different teams. Yes, we currently live at the ballpark. I have been contemplating changing our residency from our house to the Scott Youth Center ballpark. But, I am not sure our mail would reach us. Anyway, Caleb had a great game today. He had one of the best hits of the game. He also pitched the last inning. Three boys came up to bat, Three boys struck out, all at the hand of my handsome son. Here are a few pictures from the game.

While Caleb played ball, Cody's team practiced on an open field above the ball diamond. Steve walked back and forth checking on both boys.

I on the other hand, got the fun job of chasing after Catie Beth and CJ. Who both kept trying to get in the mud puddle by the water fountain.

Here they are happily playing at my feet in the dirt.

In the end the mud puddle did claim Catie Beth's sandals. Let it be known that I told her she would get all muddy if she kept going over there.

But, who could be mad at a kid as cute as this?

Saturday at the St Louis Zoo

In the 16 years I have been in the military, I have had little to no contact with the USO, except while deployed...mainly because I have not been stationed at locations where the USO has a large presence.

The USO of Missouri is super active in the community and sponsors numerous events for military families. Last Saturday, the USO sponsored a day at the St. Louis Zoo. Admission to the zoo is always free, but all of the "good events" cost....things like the Sea Lion show (and it's not a seal show...they make this very clear during the show), the 3D Dino Island motion simulator, and the Children's petting zoo. But, this last Saturday, the USO picked up the tab for these events. They even bought lunch! Thanks to the USO for providing a fun event for my family! Here are some highlights. By the way, Caleb was not with us because he ditched mom and dad for a birthday party at Six Flags, oh well, he'll never know what he missed! :0) Did I mention that it was 58 degrees?

Fun on the Carousel

How Tall Am I? Cassie's as Tall as a Llama!!!! :0)

Journey to the Top

What a great weekend! Aunt Cassie came for a visit. She flew in Thursday and left early this morning. In honor of her visit, Christa talked me into taking leave Friday so I had a 3 day weekend!

Her visit began with a trip to the top of the St Louis Arch Friday morning. Every time we go to the Arch with Cassie, we have been unable to travel to the top. But this time, we made it!

In the "Capsule of Death"

Just kidding, unless you're claustrophobic!!!!!

Christa Took a Cool Picture of the Arch's Shadow

Birds Eye View of Busch Stadium