The Colters

Me, Myself, & Lies

2010-10-07T12:24:00.002-04:00

On Thursday mornings I participate in a bible study entitled "Me, Myself, & Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild. The study is on our "thought closets." What we spend our time thinking about, our self talk, and how we "wear" it. I, like most other women I know, struggle with my thoughts. I think a lot. Non stop. I have become aware of how negative these thoughts generally are. I am convicted.

So, like most bible studies these days we have "homework" through the week. When we come together we discuss what we learned through the homework then watch a video to prepare us for next week and tie it in to the previous things we have learned. Here I am, doing my homework and I am thinking to myself "I don't get this," "I don't understand where she's going with this"...negative. Ironic, don't ya think? In a study of watching and correcting the negative thoughts, I am having an increase of negative thoughts. UGH.

I then decide to take a week off of the homework. So, I show up to bible study this morning, without having done my homework, and the discussion on the homework was wonderful! I really feel like I got a ton out of it, and was even able to participate freely. But then, I feel like maybe I should have done the homework b/c it was a really great week of insight that I had missed first hand. My next thought went straight to "well, maybe I would not have gotten any of this out of the homework myself if I would have done it." Then I think "Well, why not?"

So, I have come to the conclusion that I am a MESS! (note: negative self talk) HELP!!

Feeling Blessed

2010-08-31T11:28:00.004-04:00

I just LOVE my family! I do believe we have entered a great phase of life. You know, when all of the hard work is still going on but is starting to pay off. Adam took on a second job and is working very hard at it. I am thankful for the sacrifice he has made and proud of how hard he works. We got a compliment on Kal from his school teacher, topped by 100% on a reading/comprhension/grammar test! Not to mention he was a hero last night and saved the day by being calm, smart, and brave in a "sticky" situation! Kamden is growing leaps and bounds since starting school and LOVES it!! I feel blessed that we have friends to hang out with and neighbors we can trust! Thank you God for these little reminders that remind me that "God is good...ALL the time!"

Cleaning House

2010-08-17T10:53:00.002-04:00

As I write this, there are two strange men in my home cleaning the duct work. The dog is locked up, Kamden is confined to the couch (with me), and I cannot do any work as it is sooooo loud. I do not like having strange men in my home ever, especially when Adam is not home, but I know in the end our duct work will be clean!! This means a more heat/air efficient home, less dust mites and particles in the house, less dust. I look forward this evening to cleaning the house and having it stay clean (excluding the constant clutter that comes along with all of the boys in my house), cleaning the fish bowl and not seeing a film of dust coating the water again only hours afterward, the fresh smell of the home (hopefully rid of the stale smoke and old lady once and for all), and the list goes on. There is a lot to be said about a clean house...clean to the bones, behind the scenes.

On a similar note, Adam just called and informed me that he had just gotten word that he has been hired (for a second job) cleaning for Evansville Christian School that meets at the church. This is fantastic news for us. He will have to work 3 hours a night, 6 nights a week. YUCK. But, the extra cash will help us pay off our debt much, much quicker and get Adam into school for his Master's degree that much sooner.

It is only 10 am and I have already had a huge reminder that sometimes blessings come from sacrifice and a good cleaning. It all leads to a fresh start, new opportunities to be good stewards, to recognize our blessings as blessings. The sacrifices we have to endure are so minor when we look at the whole picture. Who am I to grumble and complain about strange men in my house or Adam's late night work schedule? Great things will come from both!! I look forward to the fresh start. Cleaning the inner workings...of both my house and of our disciplines. Here's to a clean house!

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-08-15T15:56:00.003-04:00

Okay, so minutes ago I finished reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. Was it a good book? Yes, I believe so. I did not agree with some of her philosophies, but it was very good for me to see "another side" of things, you know, different from my own views. I won't go into much of the book in case I have readers out there who may be interested in reading it for themselves, or seeing the movie.

I will say though that it was inspiring. Not in a leave everything behind and indulge and search for a year kind of way, but it reminded me of the importance of not only talking to God, but listening. How it is equally as important. I can say she's not a Christian, her morals are out of whack, her language is foul, et cetera, but am I a "better person" or whatever because I am a "Christian"? No. Sure, she has some crazy philosophies on God, but her disciplines were inspiring to me. Taking time out of life, every day, for the sole purpose of listening to God. Wow. I go to church, I pray, I read my Bible, I study, but...do I deliberately take time out to listen? Just listen. To be in tune to what he is saying to me. Am I paying attention to the answers He has given me? Am I truly thankful? Do I recognize His work in me, through me? Do I truly understand the fact that He will never leave me, that He loves me...unconditionally? YIKES. She was very clear on her openness and honesty with God, her conversations (and how it is a conversation...she really nailed the relationship part), and totally recognized His voice and that He was talking to her. How many of us recognize God's voice, God's prompting in our own life?

It is important, I believe, to take care of myself. To know who I am in Christ. It is important for everyone. I, for one, am going to work on the discipline of listening...to God. I am going to work on understanding His work in my life. I want to experience God, on every level, not just the levels that are easy for me.

It is so hard to put into words what I really mean here, but I suppose this will have to do, for now. I do think it is funny, though, how the "eat" and "love" parts I already get...it's the prayer that stuck out to me. Hmmm, I think I'll let this soak in for a while.

So Is The Silence

2010-08-11T19:57:00.003-04:00

So is the silence. First day and I was hoping to get to hear all about it. Nope. Not Kal. He had nothing to say except for "it was not what I expected." Is this good? Is this bad? I don't know. Kamden and I drilled him with questions. Kamden started by asking if he had made any friends. I asked him what he ate for lunch. We got, "yes" and "mashed potatoes that smelled like green beans." GREAT. I do think, overall, it was a good enough experience for him. He does want to go back tomorrow. He was so brave today, went in without so much as a wave good-bye.

Kamden and I had a busy day today too. I was, of course, up early to start work. Then Kamden got a hair cut, came back for a couple of hours, then went to the dentist (for the first time). That kid is too much. He charmed his way through both the haircut and the dentist visit. He kept telling the dentist "this is awesome!" I think he made an impression. The girl cleaning his teeth would stop every once in a while and say "You are just too cute!" He sure can work his magic. It's a good thing he is cute, because he sure is a pill. He is so full of personality, I love it!

I, for one, am very glad the day is over, well, except for the homework Kal's teacher gave me. Kal told me there were 100 pages and Adam and I can split it 50 pages each. Thanks. Sad thing is, that's pretty close to accurate!

The First Day Of First Grade

2010-08-10T20:07:00.003-04:00

School starts tomorrow. My firstborn will begin the first grade. He is very excited about it, and so am I! He thinks he was born to go to the first grade. For about 3 weeks now, that is all I have heard about. First grade this...in first grade that...

I am glad he is excited about it. I cannot imagine how hard it would be if he was dreading school and scared to go in. I don't ever remember being scared on the first day of school, but things were different where I come from. I knew everybody in my class already (all 18 of us who went through all of school together). I always already new my teacher (there was only one per grade). I cannot imagine going through the first day of school now. Kal is in one of 4 first grade classes. he has met his teacher only once, briefly. He has a locker. He has a pin number for the lunch line. He will be logging on to the computer with his own log in information for his school work. Wow. I think that would make me nervous...even now.

He is fearless. He loves to forge through new things. When he falls down, he gets back up again. Sometimes it may take a while, but he does. He forgives. He forgets. He goes on. He keeps his eye on the goal. He is not afraid to be himself. Oh, the innocence.

I have learned a great deal by watching Kal grow. He complements me, which makes things like the first day of first grade not so scary for either one of us.

Beauty From Ashes

2010-01-20T11:14:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it feels like the world is spinning so fast and things crumble all around us. That seems to be the case in the Colter household lately. It is like we are all trying to find a new normal. I am not even sure why we need to but we have very clearly entered a new phase of life. This is challenging and chaotic, but in a good way, I think.

I can only imagine how the people in Haiti feel right now. I feel like my world is crumbling some days when their's actually is crumbling, literally, around them. Sitting on my nice cozy couch, checking up on the Internet, drinking my nice hot coffee after a good work out and Bible study I learn of another earthquake/aftershock and I am afraid. I can only imagine how afraid I would be if it were my home, my family, my body stuck in the rubble, killed, life as I once knew it...GONE. Without my faith I am sure I would be angry, bitter, and wish myself dead. With my faith would it truly be any different? Would I be able to handle it better? I would like to think my faith is genuine, strong, withstanding. Would I be blinded by the tragedy? What would comfort me? What would comfort you? God. God is the answer to all of those questions. God, I pray my faith is strong and can withstand any test. I believe, God, that you can bring beauty from ashes...That is what Jesus was sent for! THANK YOU!!!

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devestated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4

Parenting?!

2010-01-18T10:40:00.002-05:00

I love my boys. I love watching them grow and develop. I love how they are night and day different but still best friends (which I hope will never change)! Kal is very smart, very thoughtful, and has a HUGE heart. So sweet. I teared up yesterday when after church I had the boys up in the high school room and the teens had left a ton of trash. He was picking up all of the little papers and throwing them away telling me "I just don't like to see this mess." So sweet! Last night at church they made "rainbows". Kamden's was just green. He loves green. The entire rainbow was, well, green. Kal's was a perfect ROY G. BIV! It had to be just right. Kamden is so fun-loving, care-free (maybe a little too much so) and FUNNY!!! Kal is our perfectionist.

The challenge has hit us that now we can really see their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, how do we encourage them without inflating them? How do we correct them without making them feel ashamed of their gifts? Kal needs to lighten up sometimes. He is so serious and, dare I say, prideful. It can come across as mean sometimes especially to his friends and he needs to be corrected but I do not want to discourage him from taking pride in what he knows or does (in a healthy way). Kamden needs to take some things more seriously, he needs to shake off the stubbornness and eat his dinner. He needs to listen and learn instead of being the clown in the back of the class...or in front of the class but I do not want to discourage him, he truly has a gift! That kid can bring a smile to ANYONE's face! I thought parenting was hard before, but now the challenge is a little scary.

I suppose this is the phase of life when I can look back and see why my parents may have made the decisions they made or handled things the way they did. Were they just as clueless as I am? I hope so. We all turned out okay, that gives me hope!

Life. It happens.

2010-01-15T11:05:00.003-05:00

It seems like everyone now days is very busy. Everyone. Very rarely do I hear "I'm bored." Even my boys don't have time to get bored. If they have nothing to do, they cherish the down time.

I find if I have a few minutes uncluttered I try to figure out how to clutter it. Should I get on the computer? Watch me some HGTV? Read a book? Go work out? Call my mom? Why can't I just sit in silence?

"Life" has been going on all around us...the contractor, the plumber, meetings, losing parents, friends diagnosed with cancer, report cards, play dates, Bible studies, earthquakes, freezing temps, conferences, visits, engagements, announcements of first pregnancies and third...life, death, healing, hurting, happiness, and joy all wrapped up in this thing called life.

I have been overwhelmed with so much lately. Why? Because I tend to stress about things. I am so jealous of those who take it just one day at a time and not stress out. UGH. Listen to me... "Overwhelmed, jealous." YIKES.

"In this world you will have troubles, but I bring you My peace." "In this world you will have troubles, but I bring you My peace." "In this world you will have troubles, but I bring you My peace."

Peace. Ahhhh. Thank GOD!

Over a year later...

2010-01-12T09:59:00.002-05:00

Wow. December 6, 2008. Seriously? Where has the time gone? I must admit, it is kind-of fun going back and seeing old posts and pictures. It is amazing how time can pass but something as simple as a picture or a few words can just bring the memories rushing back.

For Christmas, the owner of Curves here in Newburgh gave the staff wives at the church a free 1-year membership. So, of course, I am taking full advantage of that...and loving it!!! But I have realized that I have very few T-shirts to work out in that are decent enough to be seen in public. Most of them are very oversized, stained, painted, and even a few with holes. So, I figured I would go to my local thrift shop to pick up some T-shirts for working out. I then remembered that my mother had saved a bunch of my old T-shirts from Jr. High and High School to make a quilt. Well, I had not seen or heard of any quilt yet so I figured they were just being stored somewhere in the basement. I gave her a call and sure enough she had an entire tub of them! She brought them down to me this past weekend and with every T-shirt and every sweatshirt memories, feelings, thoughts all came rushing back.

What is it that triggers your memories from the past? Certain scents? Pictures? T-shirts? Movies? Music? Sometimes it does not take much. Do we have certain triggers when it comes to our relationship with God? When we have strayed from the discipline of Bible study...is there a phrase, a verse, a song, a concept that just can send us rushing back, even for just a moment? What about when we are in the "habit" of church. When it just feels like you go because that is just what you do. Is there an old hymn that can take you back to when you first accepted Christ? To a time when you could see God active and working in your life.

It seems to me that we all go in cycles. We have different sets of memories at different times. Some good, some bad, some funny, and some sad. It is nice to be reminded of where we have come from, what has shaped us, BUT I am very thankful that they are just memories and that we do not have to hold on to them as though they are life right now. And, what is life right now will one day be a memory and we will have new experiences and create new memories. Life is fascinating. God is always active and working in us and through us. Though sometimes Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection seem to be just a memory, we must know that it is so much more! Let every time we stray, every time we sin, every step we take, be a trigger to that memory.

2009-01-17T13:29:00.002-05:00

Well,it has been a while since I have posted...I don't know where to start.

After Christmas (26th and 27th) we traveled up to Brown County State Park and had a Christmas gahtering with the McKee family in the lodge. IT WAS SOOO COOL! There was a very comfy atmosphere and a super water park...inside! It was nice to spend time with the family too! I would post pictures but...

...that leads me to the new year. To begin, my hard drive crashed. Thanks to the Geek Squad we managed to get a new hard drive and boosted my computer a little...but I lost everything. Everything. So, I have no pictures to post. I'll try to get some from the fam and post them later.

Oh yeah, Adam's birthday was the 29th and I got to be a part of the biggest surprise of his life. One of our girls from F-ville flew down to surprise him for his birthday and we pulled it off! It was great!

Just last weekend we got to take our new group down to TCTC in Gatlinburg. It was a great conference! It was nice to spend time in the mountains too.

So, there is nothing exciting going on to update...maybe next time there will be something to talk about.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T18:18:00.006-05:00

It's been busy...on Sunday, my "baby" turned 2! It was great fun! Grandma and Grandpa came down and enjoyed a weekend with us. We celebrated on Saturday with some Papa Murphy's Pizza, presents, and cupcakes. Kamden really liked his new stuff and especially liked being sung to!

Sunday brought McDonald's for lunch, seeing Grandma and Grandpa off, and getting more company in the evening. Chris, Nicole, and Morgan stopped in on their way to Virginia for a family Christmas. It was nice to visit. The boys really like Morgan and had a lot of fun with the visit! Below is a slideshow of the festivities!

Then brings us to Christmas. We really have had a nice time. For Christmas Eve we hung around the house and while Kamden napped Adam and Kal went to see The Tale of Despereaux. They enjoyed the afternoon out. We went to a very nice Christmas Eve service at church then came home, had some dinner, and we let the boys open one gift. It was tough to get them to bed as they were enjoying their new stuff. Kal got a super spy kit and Kamden got a race track. BOYS. They loved it! Then, off to bed. The boys got up around 7 and had some breakfast informing me that they wanted to play with the racetrack first thing. Adam and I smiled as they seemed to have forgotten that there would be more presents this morning.

We established a Christmas tradition when we got married to read the Christmas story (usually from Luke) before we open gifts. So, after breakfast Adam had the boys go to the couch to read the story...then they saw it...they remembered...and they did very good listening to the story before digging in!

So, tomorrow, we head up to Brown County State Park to stay in the Lodge with my family and do our gift exchange. It will be nice. Will update on that later!

Thankful

2008-12-18T21:14:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a day!

Kamden came down with a fever last night and today it spiked at 103.7! Poor thing. When that child it sick you can see it. He was pathetic! He woke up this morning only for a few minutes then fell back to sleep on the couch the rest of the morning! Adam was off today and for that I am very thankful!

You see, he layed with the sick "baby" all morning while I worked. He got Kal around for school. I finished making snowman ornaments with candy canes attached to them (which were quite cute by the way) for Kal's classmates' goodie bags. Adam got lunch for Kal and I took him off to school just in time for a small conference with his teacher and to pick up Adam's check. So, then it was off to the bank for me and to the new Pediatrician to get the paperwork filled out and records from Georgia released here. While I was there filling out paperwork and scheduling appointments for the boys, Adam called and informed me that Kamden needed to see the doctor, so, while I was there I tried to get Kamden in, but his doctor was off for the rest of the day and all doctors were at lunch...so, Kamden went back to bed with some Advil. Adam said at that point he sweat for 45 minutes! (Hooray!)

Meanwhile, I ran to the school for Kal's party (only 5 minutes late) and enjoy my time there. He did the cutest little dance to the "12 Days of Christmas". He is precious. During the party though, Adam called saying that another doctor could see him. He did a series of tests and it came up tonsilitis with a sinus infection. YUCK. So, a prescription for amoxicillin later they are out of there...

Meanwhile, Kal and I had gotten home from the party and I was starting to work. Then, I needed to go out to return a few things and do some more shopping so Adam got home with Kamden and I went out to fill the prescription and shop. I went to Kohl's and returned a bunch of stuff (maybe we should have gotten a babysitter so we could both shop together...) and headed to Target..arguably my favorite place to unwind. I finished some shopping and came home to a very happy Kamden playing ball with Kal in the playroom. Whew, that is a relief! While this was going on, Adam was making dinner! Woo-Hoo!

Finally, I sat down to finish my work and the day is finally come to an end. Maybe I will wrap some presents, I don't know.

Bottom line, I AM THANKFUL for my husband without whom I never would have made it. Thanks sweetheart!

FUN

2008-12-12T21:44:00.003-05:00

So yesterday (in the FREEZING COLD) we went tree shopping...30 years of life and never an artificial tree...hmmmm maybe next year! Anyway, we found a very nice tree or should I say trees. The house we just moved into is an older home and it has a built in brick planter right by the front door. It is okay, nothing I am going to rip out right away but I did have to clear it from the sea shells and articial bouquet shortly after we moved in. We found a very small, maybe 2 foot tall, real tree. We strapped the bigger tree to the top of the minivan and put the smaller one in back and headed home. We brought it in and after a couple of hours of deciding where to put it, we set it up and got the lights on. Now, in the past, Kal has never been too excited about the tree, he had always liked to play with the ornaments and stuff but never really cared much. Well, this year, I he became a very good decorator. Kamden enjoyed helping too...he is very talented, he managed to get 3 candy canes at the end of one little branch and they stayed there. With the exception of having to move a couple of candy canes I did not have to de-decorate or re-arrange after the boys went to bed. It was nice!

Today, I branched out of my comfort zone and went to a cookie swap. Now, let me clarify, cookie swapping is not scary...its the not knowing anybody because we just moved here scary that I am talking about. I met this lady from church a couple of weeks ago and she had invited me. I went, I mingled, I met a couple more girls from the church that I had not met who had small children (woo-hoo!) and I met the whole staff from a local dentist office --cookie swap is kind-of a funny place to meet them! I had a lot of fun and I even learned how to make home made thin mints!!!!!!

On top of all of that fun, there were a few small snow flurries today!

Birthdays, Bowling, and Bathrooms

2008-12-09T17:22:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, Kal went to a birthday party for one of his new friends at school...Parker. It was a bolwing party and all of his friends from school were there. I, personally, was a bit nervous as he had never bowled before (except on the Wii) and I did not know how he would do as he was convinced that he would be able to bowl a strike every time. Well, as it turned out he had a great time and he did actually win from his team with a score of 76 with the bumpers (of course).

Nick, Kal, and Parker

Kal watching the ball roll slowly....slowly...

On another note. Last night while I was on the phone with Adam as he was trying to find some medicine at Walgreen's (and the clerk was not being very helpful) I noticed Kamden had been in the bathroom for a long time. So, I went in and this is what I found:

The look on his face was "get me out of this shirt...it's soaked!" He had gone in to brush his hair (hense the water and the hairbrush). When I walked in he had just put some handsoap on his hands (lukliy it was only in his hands and not in his hair!) He wanted his shirt off soooo bad but I just had to get a picture. Isn't he just toooo cute!?!

SORRY!

2008-12-06T20:43:00.005-05:00

So, I know, it has been a LONG TIME since I have posted. There has really been a lot of stuff going on. We'll start with the move. On November 11, we loaded up and drove to Indiana...this time to stay. Adam drove the moving van pulling his car and I drove up with the boys in the van. The trip was uneventful. We pulled in to a house full of people and a stocked refridgerator and candy filling the spice pantry and very fun posters plastered all over the walls. We also had a nice hot dinner brought to us and it only took about an hour to get unloaded! A few ladies did come in and clean before we got here, they touched every surface so the house was CLEAN! The boys were in heaven...tons of attention and lots of fun new space to run around.

Later that evening, Lisa and Andy came to help unpack some. Lisa helped me with the kitchen. It was a quick visit but nice...and helpful! As they were leaving our first overnight guest arrived. Brandon happened to be in the area and so he came by and stayed. He went the next morning with Adam to the office to get unpacked.

Adam was welcomed that morning in the office with all of the staff members in there waiting for him. They began his ministry there with prayer! Cool!

It did not take us very long to get unpacked but since the previous owner of our home was a smoker...and was quite advanced in years...it smelled like...well...stale smoke and old folk. So, we have been busy painting and painting and painting. Now, I will say that I am very thankful to those who came to clean...I cannot imagine what it smelled like before. But, thanks also to KILZ we have a home that is quite nice. We have painted nearly every wall, we just have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a hallway left. That is quite an accomplishment! We are settling in and making it home.

We are adjusting to the colder climate here. I actually had to go out and buy the boys winter coats...Adam is stocked in his hats to keep his head warm...and we have lots of HOT CHOCOLATE!

We have lots of space for the boys to play. They have a fabulous (flat) back yard with a full privacy fence, a sunroom, a play room, all in addition to the rest of the house. Adam has a library that he has to share with my office. It is nice.

So for our Thanksgiving holiday, Janet (Ganjee) came up for a while to visit and went up to my parents for our family gathering. It was nice to have her around. The trip to my parents was nice. It was good to see everybody. I got to see Anne, Adam, and Jackson...it was nice to see them; Andy and Lisa where around too (along with baby "peanut")!!! Mom and Dad were happy to see the kids and have their own kids all under one roof. I think they enjoyed having Janet there too! We then went out to Uncle Mike and Aunt Jodi's for dinner. ABSOLUTELY everybody made it this year. Kal and I counted 28! It was nice. We got to relax while we were there...aaaaahhhhh.

We came back home on Saturday morning...it only took about 5 hours! WOW! We enjoyed a little more time with Janet, showing her around town and such. Then, Monday, back to the routine.

Speaking of routine, Kal started school only 2 days after we got here. I was going to wait until the following week but he was READY. He started and he loves it and has not looked back! The boys really like their new church too. I am very relieved. They handled everything...all of the new...very, very well!

So, now we are in the process of decorating for Christmas. It is fun but challenging to decorate a new space for Christmas when it is not even decorated yet period. But it is still a very nice time. Kamden has found a favorite decoration. He's soooo cute!

Well, there is the last month in a nutshell. Please forgive me if I have left anything out...but I think I got it all. I will do better keeping this updated (for those of you...and there is more than one...who have been anxious for an update).

I would like everyone to check out Adam's new blog at http://www.firstmancolter.blogspot.com/ !

Packing up.

2008-11-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

So, we have been packing for weeks now, pacing ourselves nicely...so we thought. Today is our last packing day before the big move. I know, we don't load the truck until Monday but we have a High School purity retreat Friday, Saturday, into Sunday and when we get back there is a church-wide party for us, to see us off. We load Monday and take off Tuesday morning.

We are excited but saddened too. Last night was the last "Crossing" (youth worship service) for us. It was surprisingly difficult. The original Crossing Band came back and played, Adam gave his last message, and there were tears. I did not expect it to be hard...but it was...I can only imagine what the rest of the weekend will be like.

On a different note, I got word that our home in Newburgh is beeing deep cleaned before our arrival so I get to go into a nicely cleaned home when we get there. I am thankful. The boys are a bit anxious and acting on it this week but who can blame them...we have the house torn apart and the kitchen is packed up! NOTHING IS "NORMAL" right now. I do think Kal is excited to make the move though. I look forward to seeing them adjust and make new friends. Change is just so hard. But I think we are up to the challenge!

Well, I need to get the pantry packed up and start on some cleaning, so that is all for now.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:43:00.003-04:00

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with Halloween but with my oldest child who apparently is "anti-Halloween". I could not get him to dress up for school today. He FLAT OUT refused...I did not push the issue.

But, this morning right after breakfast the following happened:

Kal: Mom, can I have a pencil and some paper?
Me: Sure...here. Why do you need them?
Kal: I have something cool to write.
Me: Oh, OK...(he has been working on writing "words" for several weeks now and it just a bunch of letters)

A few minutes later he brings me a piece of paper. I look at it and it says "Kal is Kal."

Me: Very good Kal, you wrote a sentence...and the word "is".
Kal: Yep...I'll be right back.

A few minutes later he brings me another piece of paper. I look at it and it says "Kal is Kal forever."

Me: Kal...WOW...you wrote the word "forever"! How did you learn to spell that?
Kal: I just sounded it out!

That is just super cool. Today was his last day at school before we move and he goes to a new school. I have been really impressed with his preschool here and I am sad he has to go as he has apparently learned a lot! I am sure his new school will be just fine. It was nice though today they gave him a present for being his last day today!

Anyway, just thought I would take the opportunity to brag on my kid!

Moving on up...

2008-10-17T09:27:00.002-04:00

...to just north of the Mason-Dixon Line. That's right, God's calling is more powerful than Adam's determination to stay in the south. For the first time in his life, he will be moving north. Adam has accepted a ministry at First Christian Church Newburgh, IN. So, back to Indiana I go but I hear that southern Indiana is very different from up where I'm from. It does not snow as much and is not as cold, not so many corn fields and farms, BUT it will for sure be a change from Georgia. It will be nice to be a little closer to my family too. It's still 5-1/2 hours but a lot closer than the 10-12 it is now! We'll also only be about 6-1/2 hours from Adam's family so really we'll be practically in the middle! Kal's excited that when his cousins visit they will get to stay the night or two or three!

We are looking forward to the new adventure in November but we are also saddened by having to move away from our friends and family down here. This is all the boys know, they were born here!

But, as one of my friends pointed out...my new best friend is waiting for me in Newburgh! That's a good way to look at it! We really are exited. God has blessed us by giving us the opportunity to serve at Fayetteville Christian Church for 6 years and has made this new opportunity work out very smoothly. Things are falling into place and we are thankful!

Boys. Boys. Boys.

2008-10-09T08:31:00.004-04:00

So, Kal enjoys enduling in an episode of "Spiderman and His Amazing Friends" on Jetix before bed, and since his dad enjoys it as well, it happens relatively often.

So, this morning, Kal was "Iceman" (one of Spiderman's Amazing Friends) and he came to Kamden, put his hand on his shoulder, and said "I'm Iceman and I'm giving Kamden the cold shoulder." I thought it was very funny, but then cringed at how much he picks up from those shows.

On a different note, yesterday morning before school I noticed that the boys were not downstairs when I finished with the breakfast dishes, so I snuck up the stairs and found them...both standing on the stool in front of the sink and Kal was brushing Kamden's teeth! It was soooo adorable! My camera is broken otherwise it would have been a great photo!

Anyway, they are just at a super cute stage together and I'm loving it!

PANCAKE NIGHT

2008-09-27T17:18:00.001-04:00

This is a blogworthy pancake nite for us. So, when I make pancakes, I don't make little tiny pancakes that anyone could eat a half dozen, they are a pretty good size. So, to tally up tonite's dinner:

Mom: 3 pancakes (barely)
Kal Justus: 5 pancakes (and wanted more)
Kamden: 4 pancakes (and could simply eat forever)

So, the totals are not that many but the fact is both boys ate more than me! It has begun!

Must See TV

2008-09-09T21:46:00.003-04:00

As promised...superboy lessons

2008-09-02T14:20:00.003-04:00

The Demonstration

Getting Ready

The Execution

The Result

Gone to Carolina...

2008-09-02T09:18:00.002-04:00

So, I hope everyone had a good Labor Day weekend. We went up to North Carolina with the boys and Adam's sister and her daughter to see their grandmother. "Granny" was diagnosed last week with breast cancer so we went up to see her and be an encouragement/distraction to her and Adam's Uncle David. Kamden really enjoyed Uncle David. In fact, he was looking for him this morning! It was cute!

We got to do some swimming and I taught Adam to do a flip turn. It was great fun! The kids were great on the trip up and on the way back. It really helped to have cousin Kadyn along, the boys just love to be with her.

It struck me funny while in the van as in the very back we had Kal and Kadyn watching the same movie on 2 different screens, in the middle was Kamden and whichever adult not in front during any given rotation watching yet another movie on his own screen, then in front the radio/ipod/cds were going ALL AT THE SAME TIME! It was crazy but it worked! We are so spoiled now days.

The trip was nice, the visit was nice, but the kids were very happy to sleep in their own beds last night. I managed to forget my camera so we have no pictures from the weekend but I do have a superhero collection of pictues from the other day that I plan on posting later (maybe today)!

That's all for now, I should check to see if there is any work available as their wasn't this morning (whoo-hoo! I had the morning off!) But, there is a reason I work so bring it on!

BOYS.

2008-08-26T10:24:00.004-04:00

So, lately the boys have been challenging. I suppose that is normal for children, especially when routines are changing. Kal loves school, Kamden hates that Kal loves school. Kamden gets to go to the gym with mom, Kal hates that he does not get to go anymore (because of school). Kamden has decided that he does not need naps any longer nor does he need to sleep past 6 am. Kal is craving independence and is dressing himself daily. Kamden likes what Kal puts on and wants to wear it too, and the list goes on and on and on. Needless to say, it has been very "exciting" around here lately. In all of my frustrations with the challenge of keeping things semi-organized and the children in one piece, I can't help but grap the camera. Those boys sure do know how to "work it" when I am getting a bit stressed out. Enjoy the mantage:

This is Kamden (supposed to be napping) being sweet lying on the chair working his charm to get out of trouble.

This is Kal having dressed himself (again, long sleeves in August in Georgia) and trying out my heels...(?) Silly boy.

Kamden, wearing Kal's shirt from earlier, sitting in the midst of his toys with his sippy hiding from the camera, just being CUTE (during nap time).

Here we go again...

2008-08-18T19:51:00.003-04:00

Kal had his first day of pre-K today. He is at the same school, with the same classmates as last year but he has different teachers. He was super excited to go today. We let him pick out his clothes, and he chose long sleeve shirt (one we got new for the school year) and a pair of jeans. He was very handsome but it is August...in Georgia! Even so, he was adorable. Kamden missed him, it was sweet.

This afternoon Adam came home a bit early and we headed off to Turner Field to catch a game against the Giants. The boys just love the ball park. It was fun. Now we are very tired and will be calling it a night.

I want to give a shout out to our niece Kaliese who turned 6 yesterday! Happy Birthday!!!!! Wow, time flies.

Until next time...

CUTE PIC OF THE DAY

2008-08-09T19:49:00.002-04:00

So, it has been awhile again. We have been super-duper busy lately, thank goodness the summer is almost over. It is such a busy time. Honestly, there has been a ton of blog-worthy happenings around here but quite frankly, I'm tired, so I don't think I am going to play catch up, after all, I'm not so sure many folks (that don't already know the goings on) read...so I will just leave everyone with a cute picture and pick up on my blogging on Monday. Happy weekend to all!

Kadyn (cousin), Kamden, and Kal Justus

going to see the Braves on a rainy evening in late July.

So, here it is...

2008-07-26T19:59:00.002-04:00

Adam's Accent (not his cute little southern drawl) but his cute little car!

"Kudos" to Janet who noticed my clever title of the last post! Just curious...did anyone else get it? If not, it might be kind-of fun to play the clever game more often...to keep us all on our toes!

Today was a nice day, just hanging with the fam. We went this morning to the hospital to see Grandmother (who is doing just fine by the way) then we came home and just hung out together. It was a much needed day of rest. Tomorrow starts another action-packed day/week/end of month...you get the picture!

Anyway, just thought I would share the pics.

Accent

2008-07-25T20:27:00.002-04:00

Wow, so, July has nearly come and gone...already. So much has been going on this past month I am not even sure I can accurately re-cap. I will say though that in the middle of the month Adam spent a week in Mexico with the teens. They had a great trip, but Adam stayed in bed VERY sick for a majority of the week. Thanks to his adult volunteers and an all around good group of teens the week went smoothly without him. Adam was better by the time they came back and all is well!

Mom came and stayed with me and the boys that week. I think that was a long week for her. She had her first real experience with a Georgia summer. Yes, you folks in other parts of the country, in Georgia "hot" is an understatement. Whew.

On a different note, Adam took the plunge today. For about a year-and-a-half Adam has been driving a 1991 Mercury Topaz. It was very nice in it's day, power everything, air conditioning, et cetera...but the power windows quit working in front, AC out (remember I mentioned those Georgia summers) no cup holders, et cetera, et cetera, and recently it would cut off randomly (but thankfully started back up each time). We live about 30 minutes from the church...so Adam drives about 250 miles a week. So, after careful research and consideration, he bought a Hyundai Accent today. It is a 3-door hatch back, completely basic. Power nothing. BUT, it has AC and cup holders...ahhh, the little things in life! This little car gets really good gas mileage and is very hard to come by. They did not make many to start with, do not make them anymore, and they are quite popular because of looks, fuel efficiency, quality, warranty, and price!

This month has been a rough one, part of why I have not been blogging. As Anne and I were talking the other day she mentioned my lack of blogging and we came to the conclusion that "If you can't say anything nice, do not say anything at all"! So, there you have it.

Until next time...

Girls' Weekend Out!

2008-07-02T19:21:00.002-04:00

So, this past weekend, my sister-in-law Katie, our friend Nancy and I went to Savannah to escape. We had a great time. We spent Saturday on the beach. The weather was beautiful. I have a slight phobia of the ocean; the awesomeness is just too much for me, but I did get in (briefly). Katie and Nancy enjoyed the water and even shared it with a dolphin! He was just swimming around out there with everyone out enjoying the water!

Speaking of dolphins, we took a boat out dolphin watching. We cruised the river then moved out to the Atlantic and found a buch of dolphins. They were playing and popping up to see us! We all went to the back of the boat and the guide picked up the pace to make a big wake and the dolphins went "surfing". It was really cool to see! Below is a picture of the three of us just before getting on the boat:
As we were cruising the river looking for dolphins we spotted something:

Yes, that is a deer! Well, a fawn anyway! It was just swimming across the river to get to the other side! The guide said he had never seen anything like it!

Speaking of deer, Tuesday while I was working, I saw something out the window, and yes, it was this deer. We have seen her quite a few times in the time we have lived in this house but rarely in the middle of the afternoon!
Well, I have so much more to say about our trip but I really need to organize my thoughts, so maybe I will post more as I think about it. Until next time...

Been awhile...

2008-06-24T20:30:00.005-04:00

Well, it has been a while since I have updated last. A lot has been going on. In my last post I mentioned Adam was in the middle of IMPACT week. It was a really great week! Since then, he did recreation at VBS and Kal got to participate in VBS. They both had a really good time. Kal loved making crafts and the singing time.

Last week was CIY. Adam took a group of 12 high schoolers up to Anderson, IN (close to home) for the week. The boys and I drove up behind the church van to spend some time with my family. It was a very nice trip. The conference was wonderful, Adam, Nancy, and the teens really had a great time. The weather was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! It hovered in the upper 70s, lower 80s all week, with sunshine every day!

The boys and I had a good time at my parents. I got to see my dad on Father's Day for the first time in a long, long time. It was nice because Lisa and Anne were also there that day, so we had all of us together! I got to visit with Lisa and Andy that day and also got to see baby Jack too! It was really nice to see him, I had not seen him since he was born and he is now nearly 3 months and 3 times the size! It was nice to hang out with Anne and Adam (some) too! My mom really enjoyed the boys, as usual. We took it easy some, played outside a lot, and on Tuesday we went to the Ft. Wayne Zoo. Kal loved it, Kamden was fascinated at first but then tired, and Jackson slept the whole time! It was fun. To try to get a picture of the three of them together was no easy task either. I finally got a picture...kind-of:

On Wednesday, I went up to Anderson to meet up with Adam and the group and Nancy (the female sponsor) came to Portland to meet up with an old college roommate. I had fun with Adam and the crew, we took it easy in the afternoon playing volleyball and just hanging out. What a great group of teens!

That evening, I drove just over to Pendleton and met up with my old college roommate, Jen, and her kids (with a quick hello to Danny)! It was nice to see her (and her kids) again. We got to enjoy only a few minutes but it was nice.

Before leaving Portland on Thursday, I stopped in to say "hello" to Cathy. She is amazing! She just had a highly specialized brain tumor treatment and she said she worked all of the way through it and she was working when I saw her too. She just keeps going on...with supernatural strength (not Spiderman or anything) but she has shown amazing strength that comes only from God. She and her family have such an amazing testimony! She looked great and seemed to be feeling great too! It was nice to visit.

On the way back we stopped at The Close and visited with the Johnson family...and Greers. It was very nice to see them as usual. Kal, Ivy, Kamden, and River played and played until about 9:30 pm. They had so much fun.

We finally made it back home later the next day and we are still all a little tired from the trip. The good news is that the boys are sleeping better than ever!

Well, that is about it for now, I am tired, will update later.

SO COOL!

2008-06-05T21:36:00.002-04:00

This week has been a tough one. Adam has IMPACT which is a community wide youth service week. Several churches in the area participate and the youth all come together, split into groups, and do service projects in the community, then in the evening they get back together for a time of worship. It is really great...but Adam is working 7 am to 10 pm every day. It is tough.

A month or so ago we decided to take advantage of a special opportunity through Sharpsburg Youth Baseball League to Parade around Turner Field before the game tonight against the Florida Marlins. We jumped on the opportunity, got the tickets, and then realized it was IMPACT week. So, we decided just to not go...BUT someone (thanks Laura!) decided to take our youth to the evening worship session so Adam could be with Kal and go to the game.

So, we went, we walked the field, and it was SO COOL! Kal was very much in awe...but so were Adam and I. Poor Kamden was not feeling well. He had a bit of a fever and it was super dooper hot (90s) so needless to say he was miserable. Kal got to say "hi" to Brian McCann, and Adam said "hi" to anyone in a Braves uniform...and they were kind enough to respond and wave! It was GREAT!

For pictures, click below:
http://community.webshots.com/album/563706279zcjAEY?vhost=community

We stayed and watched the game for a while but poor Kamden was having a hard time holding out... so we left early. We got home, turned on the game, and THEN watched Chipper hit his 400th home run!!! UGH, we just missed it in person! That's okay though.

Will try to post more later, until then...

Fun in the Sun!

2008-05-29T15:04:00.003-04:00

Monday was a great day to just relax and hang out with the family. Although I did work in the morning, I was able to enjoy a wonderful day at the ballpark with Adam and Kal, while Judi AKA "JuJu" kept Kamden (who apparently slept the ENTIRE afternoon). Then Adam, Kal, and I headed to the Knights to get Kamden and to enjoy a cookout with some friends fully equipped with Brats, Ribs, swimming and corn hole. It was nice! Here are a few highlights:

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-24T20:58:00.001-04:00

BUSY, BUSY

2008-05-22T19:24:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful start to the week. We took a trip up to our Alma Mater as Adam wanted some educational advice. We got to spend some time going around Knoxville...which Kal refers to fondly as the "little city"...we went to McKay's which is in a new location, bigger and better. For those of you who are not familiar with McKay's it is a used book store. We had quite a bit of credit from some books we traded in so we walked out of there with a bag full of books without spending any money!

Adam's meetings were really good, I think he has decided to pursue a Master of Arts in New Testament and then he will go from there. The best part of the trip was that we got to spend some time with some good friends! We had a great time with the Overdorf family. The boys love to play together and it is nice to chat with Daniel and Carrie. Claire hangs right in there with all of those rowdy boys! She's sooooo cute! We also got to visit with Anyssa and Dustin Blackburn and their two adorable kido's. The boys loved jumping on the trampoline with all of their "new friends". I wish I had pictures, but the batteries were low so I didn't get any.

Well, he did it. Kal finished T-ball tonight. He really had a good time with T-ball. I am not sure it has sunk in that it will be a while before he gets to play again. He got a really cool trophy...bobble head! Thanks to all who came out and endured a T-ball game or two this year!

Shout out goes out to Braedyn today... he is 3 years old! Happy birthday Braedyn!

Adam and I also celebrated a big day on Tuesday, it was our 8th anniversary! I cannot believe it has already been that long! It was nice to be back visiting the place we first met. We even showed the boys where we went on our first date. They were unimpressed. Thanks Adam for 8 great years, I look forward to many many more!!!

OOPS!

2008-05-17T20:02:00.002-04:00

So sorry Kelly and Brian--- They celebrated their 4th anniversary on the 15, not the third! Time just flies soooo very fast!

Today was a good day, the weather was very nice. Kal had a T-ball game this morning and it was nice to be out at the ballpark.

The boys spent some time this afternoon playing in the sprinkler...they had a BLAST! I love to see them having so much fun together!

Well, that is all for today, gotta put the boys down.

Catching Up

2008-05-16T21:55:00.006-04:00

So much has happened in the past week plus! Sorry for being so slow to post! Well, I did it. I turned 30. I got to enjoy a Braves game (with great seats) to celebrate. Eddie and Nancy joined us...it was great fun!

Adam and I also went downtown ATL to the Shakspeare Tavern with Kelly and Brian. We had a very nice dinner and enjoyed a wonderful interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was fabulous!

Kal had a Mother's Day brunch at school that I got to attend. It was very nice. His class sang a song then we ate a very nice mid-morning meal. It was very nice to watch Kal in action at school, and to see him interact with his friends. I got some pictures but the lighting was not quite right and there is a ton of red eye. I think my camera is supposed to catch that automatically...oh well.

Speaking of Mother's Day, mine was particularly special. Kal had made me a very nice breakfast, waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream, a glass of milk, and coffee. He wrote me a card and got me a yellow mum. Adam said he negotiated with the florist. He wanted something yellow that would not die quickly...a yellow mum. How sweet! Kamden of course was completely involved in all of this too. Another very special part of the day is that my mother was down to visit and I got to spend Mother's Day with her! After church we went to La Parilla, a favorite of mine, Katie, Janet, Grandmother, and my mom...so it worked out great that all of us "moms" got to enjoy such a nice lunch. We even got roses! It was very special to share that meal together.

Well, Kal officially completed his first year in preschool. He really enjoyed the year and learned a lot! He had a small ceremony and an ice cream party afterward that I got to attend. They, again, sang a song then got their diplomas. It was adorable!

I am so blessed to have Adam and my boys. Kudos to Adam for working so hard to make this "big celebration" month special! We will celebrate our anniversary next week too...#8! Speaking of anniversary...shout out to Kelly and Brian on celebrating their 3rd yesterday!

I will try to update in a more timely manner next time...but until then...

Please read the previous post...

2008-05-06T10:24:00.001-04:00

...if you want this to make at least a little sense.

http://community.webshots.com/album/563313254wYwmDU

Surprise!

2008-05-05T21:37:00.003-04:00

This week (Wednesday) marks the fact that 30 years have now passed since my mother gave birth to her oldest child...(Okay, I celebrate my 30th birthday...there...I said it).

So, this Saturday I casually went out to a movie "Baby Mama" (good movie by the way), with my friend Krista...fun times. It was so nice to get away for a Saturday afternoon. Afterward, we had to run to the church because I needed to pick up a book for Adam and she needed some ice for a wedding shower she was throwing for her niece the next day. So, we head to the church, I walk into the room to get the book and SURPRISE!

There was a party waiting for me! Adam had been planning this surprise party for me for months! I was REALLY surprised! The whole room (and the people in it) was totally 80s! There were posters of 80s movies, 80s songs were playing when I walked in! Everybody was wearing leg warmers, cut off jeans with off-the-shoulder shirts, bright blue and/or pink eye shadow, glittery pink and orange spray in the massively teased hair-dos. The guys basically dressed like their wives 80s hearthrobs! My father-in-law even came as Indiana Jones! Adam put in a ton of time planning this and it was wonderful! We had our jelly bracelets, my cake was a boom box, I even got a Goonies lunch box out of the deal! It was fun to let loose and enjoy the party! Krista was in on it the whole time!

My sister and brother-in-law came down from Kentucky...all dressed up! It was great fun! Thanks Adam for organizing the party...and pulling it off! Below are just a few pictures, we should have more when Kelly gets hers pulled together! But....here's a taste of the action:

Kelly and Brian:

Ross and Lindsey (and Eddie):

Katie (and Lisa):

Krista and Nancy:

Me (and Lisa):

Check it out!

2008-05-01T15:16:00.002-04:00

What got me started in this world of blog is a "childhood friend" of mine...okay, he lived in the house next door my whole life...had a little girl a couple of years ago born with a heart defect and chromosome disorder. Unfortunately, Baby Kate's heart stopped working earlier this year. Her mother, Krista, blogged her journey and I got really into the blog world from there.

Kate was a beautiful little girl, that I only had the pleasure of meeting in person only once, but she made a lasting impression. Her parents (and big brother) wanted to preserve her legacy and have now begun a service for other children in the hospital. Kate loved to read and look at books so begins "Kate's Kart". I have a link on by blog page...please feel free to check it out...and donate!

God's presence has been tremendously strong in Andy, Krista, and Seth's lives over the past couple of years and their testimony is nothing but glorifying to God...Amen! It is so nice to see the reminder that God is alive and at work in our lives, even when things do not seem to be going the way we want. He is faithful!

I would like to help the Layman family promote Kate's Kart in honor of Kate, and her family. Please click on the link below for more information also. Find out more about Kate and what you can do to contribute!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=5709f4a0e48ed8b547ef10&skin_id=1705&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=image

Layers

2008-04-30T09:11:00.002-04:00

After 6 years of living in this wonderful state of Georgia, I still cannot figure out the weather. It is most definitely more mild than the Indiana weather I grew up with but this morning it was a very chilly 41 degrees with highs to be 75. That makes dressing Kal for school a challenge. But, when all else fails, layer!

So, here comes the real story...I grabbed a sweatshirt for Kal to wear over his T-shirt for school. Kamden went to the closet (that they share) and was reaching up...he apparently wanted his too (they match). So, I comply, and he is then wearing his orange baseball sweatshirt too. Then I proceed to Kal's drawer to get his jeans. As Kal is putting them on, Kamden is also digging in that drawer and grabs a pair of Kal's shorts. He proceeds to put them on his head. I thought he was just trying to be funny but when I help, he got very upset because I just put them on top, he wanted the shorts ON. So, I put them on (correctly) over his sweatpants. He was very happy. I think he wanted to be just like Kal today AND he decided that layering was the best way to go today as well!

So....

2008-04-26T19:34:00.003-04:00

I have a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks...and I got an early birthday present this week and it is JUST TOO COOL! Adam got me a waterproof MP3 player!!!! It straps right to my goggles and has waterproof everything so I can load my own music and listen as I swim. It makes it hard to count my yardage but I can very easily keep track of time...just load x amount of minutes and when it is done, that is how long I have been swimming! I've already tried it out. I LOVE IT! Thanks Adam!

Kal had another T-ball game today. He just loves his games! Today, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Brian, Kaliese and Braedyn came today to see him play. Thanks guys! Braedyn has the record for coming to the most games! Good job buddy!

It rained (shortly) this afternoon and the boys had a BLAST playing outside in the rain and puddles. Kal is really in to "roley poley" bugs...he spent tons of time collecting them in the rain today. Kamden has gotten into ball (finally). He loves all kinds...kick balls, soccer balls, golf balls, footballs, and of course baseballs. He's got quite the arm. Maybe he will be a pitcher...he sure can throw but is horrible with the bat!

I will update another day but for tonight, I must get the boys to bed here pretty soon!

Never A Dull Moment!

2008-04-23T14:17:00.003-04:00

HE JUST

CANNOT

SIT

STILL!

Yes, he's cute BUT he has been into EVERYTHING lately! I have had to get him off the table several times this week. He has amazing speed when he is climbing, jumping, or whatever he does. I turn my back for just a second and he is on to something new (literally)! I suppose it is a new phase, I should enjoy watching his "adventures" and keep him out of trouble so he does not get hurt.

Kal has had a couple more T-ball games since I posted last. Shout out to Ganjee and Braedyn for coming out Saturday. Thanks guys! Kal is really loving his T-ball games. He says he likes them much better than practice!

Yesterday was my brother-in-law's 30th birthday...Happy Birthday Andy! Hope you enjoyed your dinner and the Red's/Dodgers game!

Kamden celebrated Earth Day appropriately yesterday by picking up all of the trash around the ballfield and putting it in the trash. It kept him busy the entire ball game!

Not much else to report for today, will update more another day!

Swimming?

2008-04-17T22:07:00.002-04:00

Okay, so, it was very warm here today...and calling for 78 tomorrow. Kal has been begging to set the pool up to swim, so, being the softy that he sometimes is, dad brought out the pool. THEY HAD A BLAST! Apparently, the water was quite cool, even after about 12 panfuls of hot water from the faucet. Here are a couple of adorable highlights:

#9

2008-04-15T19:16:00.002-04:00

Well, he did it! Kal had his first pre-T-ball game. He was ADORABLE! He had two "home runs" and a base hit. He really had a lot of fun out there. You can check out the pictures at the following link: http://community.webshots.com/album/563112914cGIBRw?vhost=community

Eddie and Nancy came out to cheer him on (but ended up mostly helping me chase Kamden everywhere)! Thanks guys!

In pre-T-ball, both teams each get 3 times to bat and 3 times in the field. Every member of the team bats through and crosses home plate. They run the bases until the ball is thrown to the coach. Very simple stuff but the kids learn about hitting then running, paying attention to the next batter, and how to go after the ball and throw it in. Very basic basics...but he loves it!

The assistant coach did well too (Adam). I think he was just as adorable as the kids were!

Well, Adam's at a meeting, the kids are in the tub and I have about 3 hours of work thanks to a slow morning of dictations. So, needless to say, the kids need out of the bath and Kamden needs put to bed...so long for another night.

Kal's Fall School Pictures

2008-04-15T10:49:00.002-04:00

Just an easy way to share his school pics! Here you go!

Spider-Kid and Huggy Baby

2008-04-14T22:35:00.002-04:00

by Adam

When I arrived home from work today I was immedialtely accosted by a diminuitive SpiderMan, sans mask. "Dad, can we wrestle?" Feeling very much the villain, I replied in my most menacing tone, "Yep". Taking Kamden hostage I made my way to the boys' room where Spider-Kid and I drew our battle lines. We sepnt the next 45 minutes "destroying" each other with pillows (me) and invisible webs (Spider-Kid). Every so often Kamden, feeling left out, would insert himself into the fray and give Dad hugs, wrapping his stubby arms around my chest, laying his head down and cooing "Awwwwww". Spider-Kid took this distincly non-wreslting behavior in stride and I enjoyed the brief respite from the "gentle" kicks and punches of the superhero wannabe who claims to love me. It was great fun and just what I needed today. Whatever anxieties and stresses had been weighing on me during the mind-numbing drive home dissipated like fog in the sun when my boys made me the center of their prodigious attention. I love being a Dad.
Now, at 10:30 p.m. I finally get a few moments of face time with Sara, who just finished work. So I'll sign off, the proud pater familia of Spider-Kid and Huggy Baby.

2008-04-10T22:11:00.002-04:00

Today was just another day, I suppose. I am still hanging on to this sinus infection and Kal is now complaining of a sore throat. Great. Here we go again! Not to mention the pink eye struck again!

Adam was off work today. He went for his weekly meeting with a few other area ministers this morning and returned early from that...bearing gifts! Apparently, he went to Starbucks this morning, got his drink, and they had an extra frap...so they gave it to him...free! He was going to pass it off at his meeting but got there and realized there was no meeting today because of spring break! He came home with that free frap just for me!!! Thanks Adam! I needed that pick-me-up at 9:00 am!

Kamden has been extra fussy the last few days. I don't know what the problem is, but I hope it will pass. My patience is running thin. No matter how fussy he is or uncooperative, he is still SO CUTE!

Kal did well at T-ball practice tonight. He caught 3 balls!

Adam and the boys got to go to the park with Ganjee, Aunt Kelly, Kaliese and Braedyn. That was a nice treat! Kal said that was his favorite part of the day.

We did get word though that Adam's Grandmother may have cancer. We seem to be lacking answers and information right now, but please pray for peace and healing...and for Adam's mom.

Below are some pictures I just could not resist sharing, my sister took these when we were visiting Jack and they are just adorable...

Kal admiring his new baby cousin, Jackson.

Family photo with Jackson.

The Trip

2008-04-07T20:52:00.005-04:00

The weekend was great. It was so nice to see baby Jack. He is perfect! He seems to be a pretty good baby too! Kal really liked him...and got to hold him! We were all still pretty sick though, we wore our masks faithfully and loaded up on the hand sanitizer. Kal and Kamden did well on the long trip up...but were miserable on the way back. It is a really long drive but I personally enjoyed the downtime through the travel and just the slow pace of the weekend.

Adam and Kal learned to fly kites...Kal did well. The boys were very spoiled (as usual) over the weekend, it may take a week of detox but they sure enjoyed it!

Adam really enjoyed the trip too, he liked relaxing, seeing the baby, and just getting to be with us. One thing though, he cried himself to sleep on Saturday night. I think he has recovered though. The good news is we get to watch the Braves play tonight instead!

Enough of that, here are some pictures:

Baby Picture!

2008-04-02T10:32:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of Adam, Anne, and Jackson. AREN'T THEY PRECIOUS!
(Thank's mom for sending me the pictures!)

2008-04-02T10:30:00.001-04:00

JACK

2008-04-01T21:24:00.002-04:00

Jackson "Jack" Adam Rockwell was born April 1, 2008 at 5:47 pm weighing in at 8 pounds flat, 20.5 inches long. They say he is perfect...he even has dimples just like his dad! Anne was really hoping he would have dimples. Everyone is doing well. I can't wait to get up there and see him!

On a different note, here at the Colter household we are under attack! I mentioned in an earlier post that I had a sinus infection...and both boys have picked it up too...and pink eye...me and the boys! Adam is the only one in the clear. Hopefully we will be better before we go up to see the baby...we are obviously contagious and I do not want to spread it!

Hopefully by the weekend I will have some pictures to post of baby Jack!

No Joke!

2008-04-01T12:39:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note because I am so excited I just have to share it...Anne's water broke just after midnight last night...so we will have a baby Jack today!!! Hooray!

2008-03-28T21:59:00.002-04:00

Well, the week was great! Our visit with the VandeLinde family...and the Beckhams. It was nice to be around some old friends again. The kids had fun too!

The week was also great because Anne called on Thursday and she is going to be induced on Thursday (April 3)! Woo-Hoo! So, we are preparing to head up north to see baby Jack late next week. I am very excited about a new nephew!

Kal and Kamden have been very cute together lately, they really are starting to enjoy playing together. I could just watch them play all day!

The Braves had their first home pre-season game tonight. It was very nice to watch baseball again. Kal and I made some popcorn and watched the game together. As a side note though, Katie managed to get some GREAT tickets for tonight, but I could not go because I had to work and I picked up a sinus infection/chest cold and feel kinda yucky! It would have been nice to go though. Thanks Katie for asking me to go!

Well, it's late and I'm needing to catch up on some sleep. Until next time...

Girlfriend

2008-03-27T13:23:00.005-04:00

Good friends of ours are in town visiting from St. Louis. It has been nice to have them around, catch up, and play matchmaker...but we have run into a small problem. Morgan, Chris and Nicole's 11-month-old daughter was very excited to meet Kamden, Kamden likewise. They played and played and enjoyed each other's company. After school, Kal got to meet little Morgan. She could not keep her eyes off of him and he wanted nothing more than to play with her! SO CUTE! So, the dilemma, both of my boys are "in love" with the same girl! It is all very funny!

I will catch up and post more from our visit later, but for now, here are a few pictures to highlight the situation.

JUST TOO SWEET!

2008-03-24T19:44:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe I forgot to mention this yesterday...but I had a date with Kal. Adam insisted...thanks Adam! It was a very special time. Kal and I went to the theater and watched "Horton Hears A Who!" We have read the book several times (including right before we went to the movie). Kal LOVED it! It was a good movie, but I think I enjoyed watching Kal watch the movie just as much as I enjoyed watching the movie itself! He was too cute...and it got even better: Adam also insisted that Kal take me to Starbucks after the movie. So, we left the movie and headed to Starbucks. We went in and Kal says, and I quote, "Hold on mom, I got it..." and he pulled a ten dollar bill out of his pocket! He ordered our drinks for us and paid for it...all by himself. He wanted a "strawberry drink" (strawberries and creme blended fruit drink) and he ordered me a "tall skinny vaniwa watte" (vanilla latte...we are working on those "L's"). He knows I get the same thing every time. IT WAS SOOOOO ADORABLE! And thanks again Adam for setting that up! My boys are just too sweet!

Introducing Jesus

2008-03-23T20:33:00.001-04:00

He Is Risen... He Is Risen Indeed!

2008-03-23T20:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter! What a beautiful day! I hope everybody enjoyed their Easter. At church this morning we were reminded that because of the death, burial, and resurrection the best is yet to come....kind-of like dessert after a nice Easter lunch!

We were also motivated with a clip of Steve Harvey introducing Jesus. It was very cool!

The boys were cute as usual...dressed alike...as usual!

Visitors

2008-03-21T20:19:00.007-04:00

Wow, what a week! It has been quite busy around here, but nice. My dad and his twin brother drove down to visit and to do some yard work. (Thanks guys!) They drove all day Wednesday through the storms. Dad said it rained (hard) from Indiana all of the way down. But, the rest of the week paid off for them as the weather here was very nice! They finally got the construction fence pulled out and they got some of the smaller trees cleared away. The boys really enjoyed the company. I think they get bored with just me and Adam.

Adam is into March Madness as usual. His brackets are doing really well. As I type, he is about 20 for 24 (or something like that, it changes seemingly every minute). He is having a good time with it. It is also fun for him to compete with his sister. The phone has been ringing off the hook! Either he calls Kelly or she calls him with every win/loss!

Kamden has had a fever off-and-on for the past few days, mostly just at night or when he first wakes up in the morning. He seems to fine during the day though. I think he is just fighting his last tooth coming in.

Kal got stung by a bee at T-ball practice Thursday night. Poor guy. It landed right on his collar bone and stung him when he started fighting it off. But, he's a trooper. He went right back out on the field and continued practice! At least we know now that he is not allergic!

I must say though, today was a very good Good Friday. The weather was nice, the pace was [relatively] slow, and it was nice to have family around.

Here are some picture highlights from the week:

Grandpa and the boys playing outside:

Uncle Milt and Kamden:

Kamden and his new toys:

He's a natural!

Egg Hunt

2008-03-16T13:42:00.006-04:00

This morning after church we had a very nice lunch then an egg hunt for the kids. They separate them into age groups then send them out to their own special sections to hunt eggs. So, there is not much hunting as they are really not hidden just laying all over the church lawn. They boys had a blast. Kamden even got into it! It was very nice to have cousins Kadyn and Jesse around too! Here are some pictures to highlight the event:

Picnic In The Park

2008-03-13T19:59:00.004-04:00

It was such a beautiful day today! Sunny, warm...the works! Adam came home around lunch time and packed us a picnic. We went to the park to eat and play. PB&J + 1 year old + picnic blanket = MESS! Wow, I have never seen a kid so covered in his lunch before. It was fun! We ran in to several friends and Kal got to throw some sticks in the water (one of his favorite things to do!) Here are a couple of pics of our time at the park today.

Chasing After The Wind

2008-03-11T21:17:00.006-04:00

As some of you know I have been leading a Bible study (part of a large group meeting in smaller groups in homes) on Ecclesiastes. Honestly, it has been a bit of a drag. We spent several weeks talking about how so many things in our lives are meaningless: work, entertainment, et cetera. Bottom line...meaningless....meaningless...meaningless... Tonight in our wrap up, the truth came out. Without God, life itself is meaningless. Once priorities are straight: Fear God and keep His commandments, the other "chasings" become small pleasures. So, take time to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee, spend time with your family (even when work is hanging over your head or there are dirty dishes in the sink), go see a movie, endulge in your favorite dessert, et cetera.

Sometimes I need that reminder in trying to juggle life and all of it's craziness!

Speaking of craziness...my boys are just that...crazy! They have literally been bouncing off the walls! Kal aka Spiderman scales the walls in all of his superhero business (I litterally found him hanging from the mantle!); and Kamden who is finding great pleasure going from ottoman to couch and back, occasionally missing his step. They are so cute.

Until next time...

Did I mention...

2008-03-09T20:42:00.003-04:00

It snowed yesterday morning! I could not believe it. Friday was so warm and humid but then Saturday morning...flurries. It did not stick or anything but WOW. Crazy Georgia weather!

It was nice again today though and they are calling for 70s this week. This morning at church we had a guy speak to us from Papua, New Guinea...a native. His English was pretty bad but his point got across for sure. He was talking about how he came to America for the first time in August 2007. He took the 4 hour walk to the main road to catch a truck to ride to the airport to catch a plane to the US...but did not have a ticket yet. He had never even seen a seatbelt and did not know what to do with it airplane so you can imagine his shock when he got to the USA. He is here for the opportunity to be educated in order to go back to his country and help train his people to spread the Gospel throughout. It was very sweet and motivating! His ambitions to go WAY outside of his comfort zone to fufill his calling. What struck me is how we take so much for granted here. We sit in our nice big well-lit building on comfy seats every Sunday only after we drive our nice cars and stop at Starbucks, then afterward head to our favorite place for Sunday lunch and go home for a nap, then do it again the next week. Sometimes it feels so shallow. I need to answer the question what more can I do? Just a little food for thought.

I had some time to play with the boys outside, they were adorable as usual. What a blessing! But at end the day, there is nothing like being beat by a 4-year-old in Hi-Ho The Cherry-O! It's the little things in life!

SPIDERMAN

2008-03-08T14:11:00.007-05:00

Today was Kal's birthday party. He had all of the boys from his class at school and the whole "Colter clan" over. It was nice. It was very Spiderman! Spiderman decor, Spiderman cupcakes, Spiderman games, Spiderman shirts, and at the end...Spiderman himself (pictured later)!

He had a really great time. I think his friends and cousins did too! Here are some highlights:

Well, I am very tired and have a couple hours of work to do, so until next time...

Happy Birthday Kal Justus!

2008-03-06T16:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was Kal's 4th birthday! I cannot believe how fast time has gone by. It seems just like yesterday that he was born! He is so big. He was very excited all day! He got tons of phone calls and cards. We got him a web shooter (spiderman) and a new T-ball glove. He got a "twisty" straw out of the birthday box at school and they sang to him at snack time. He got to go to Chick-Fil-A for lunch and play in the play place with his dad and brother. I was really looking forward to lunch with him as well but, wouldn't you know it, I got sick. I could not move at all and could hardly get up from the couch. It was miserable! I wanted so bad to play with his new toys with him and enjoy a nice lunch out, but I was asleep on the couch as much as I could be. Bummer. I am feeling some better today. I did get up off the couch and did a little bit of work, but still slept quite a bit.

Kal is having a party on Saturday. All of his cousins and the boys from his class at school will be here. It is, of course, a Spiderman theme. It will be fun. I will be sure to post some pictures of the party on Saturday's blog.

For now I will leave you with these pictures: Kal's birthday breakfast and Kamden: victim of web shooter!

Happy Leap Year

2008-02-29T21:38:00.004-05:00

I don't mean to brag....but my kids are sooooo adorable. Where do I begin, well, last night Kamden got his first hair cut. Around here we cut the boys' hair with the clippers. We were trying to let Kal's hair grow out but it just could not happen...his hair is just like mine, very thick and coarse. I was afraid if we let it grow much longer one of his friends may ask him why his hair looks like a mop...

Anyway, Kal got his hair cut and then Kamden, for the first time. I am not sure why but first haircuts always look very choppy. He is very handsome with his new do though. His hair was getting pretty and I would hate to have him mistaken for a girl!

For entertainment down here in the south, we have "Hee Haw" (just as country as the old show). About 200 people gathered tonight at the church for a full blown southern dinner complete with all the fixin's (including collared greens). "Yetti" - Kal's name for Big Eddie - was the MC tonight on his 6th birthday (yes, leap year baby---Happy Birthday!). Great job tonite Yetti...we especially enjoyed your performance with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"! Kal and Adam did a segment and sang complete with their guitars and everything. They did "Dreams" by Andrew Peterson. The song is wonderful all in itself but to see my hubby and oldest son up their singing. IT WAS PRECIOUS! I tried to get pictures but my camera could not get a good picture, my flash was messed up! We did get some great video though. I will be sure to post the video once we get it off the camera and onto the computer!

I went consigning today with my sister-in-law. It was a lot of fun! I came home with all sorts of great treasures. The boys did not need much but I got them some play clothes, shoes, baseball pants, and even a bicycle helmet. Thanks Kelly for going shopping with me! It was nice to get out some this morning.

Well, that's all for tonite...enjoy your weekend.

$2.69

2008-02-25T22:52:00.002-05:00

So, Adam started feeling really bad again tonight and begged for something to help him sleep. I immediately head out to our friendly neighborhood Kroger to get him some NyQuil. As I am walking into the store there are signs posted that their credit/debit machines are out of order, cash and check only. Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not ever carry cash, or the checkbook....but I had been traveling over the weekend and I had some cash on me...$2.69.

Before turning around and heading to my nearest ATM, I decide to see what is on sale. Gotta love the Kroger plus card... I found some generic NyQuil on sale for $2.31 (or something like that). I grab it, scan my KP card, and the total: $2.69...EXACTLY what I had in my wallet. Nice.

Hardened Chunks of Mud

2008-02-25T21:38:00.006-05:00

What a beautiful day it was today! It was sunny, warm, with a light breeze. Adam was home sick today and I ran out of work for an hour or so and we got to sit out on our new deck for a while. It was very nice.

Later, before dinner, I spent some time outside with the boys. Kal loved throwing large hardened chunks of mud into the woods, while Kamden ate similar pieces of large hardened chunks of mud.

I tried and tried to get a cute picture of the boys together, who knew it would be so hard!!! It was fun to try though...the camera is just not the most exciting thing to look at I suppose:

Anyway, it was a nice day all in all. It was nice to spend time with Adam home with us on a Monday, even though he is not feeling well. He went to the doctor and all tests came back...you guessed it...negative! The doctor did give him a numbing medication for his throat but that is that. I hope he feels better tomorrow! Speaking of tomorrow, maybe I'll get some baby shower pictures posted by then. Until then...

Baby Shower

2008-02-24T20:16:00.003-05:00

It's been a while, I know. To update, Kamden remained sick until Thursday evening or so, we never heard back from the doctor though so he is still on his antibiotic.

I left early Friday morning and caught a plane up to the cold and snow for Anne's baby shower that Lisa and I put together. Thanks mom for picking me up at the airport with our last minute change! The shower went well, Anne enjoyed herself so that was nice. She got a lot of great baby "stuff". I was impressed as most of the things she got were actually practical and she got very few duplicates! I think she is pretty much set, just waiting for the big day to arrive! It was so nice to see everyone, family family, church family, and friends of the family. I just love families!

Speaking of family, when I arrived back home this afternoon Kal said to me "It's nice to be a family again". HE'S SO CUTE! The trip back was smooth and easy. Thanks Adam and Anne for getting me to the airport this morning....and thanks (my) Adam and the boys for picking me up...the timing was great! (My) Adam called me this morning though informing me that he was starting to feel "strep" sick...so, here we go, week #3!

Well, it is getting kinda late. I will post some pictures from the shower when I get them organized. I've gotta go tuck my "sickie" in, so good night.

Spoke too soon...

2008-02-19T21:20:00.005-05:00

So, Kamden was feeling better last night but he had a fever off-and-on today. He really did not feel well at all, poor thing. But, even so, he is just so darn cute!

Speaking of cute, our boys were "watching the man build the deck" today and I captured the sweetest picture:

Aren't they just precious?!

Well, we should get the strep cultures back tomorrow, maybe it's not strep and it's just a bad case of getting his last two teeth! We'll see!

Round 2

2008-02-18T23:03:00.002-05:00

I suppose it comes as no surprise but this morning Kamden woke up a bit grumpy and refused to eat his chocolate chip waffle. This kid NEVER passes up food, or anything that can be put in his mouth for that matter. Of course we suspect strep, I grab the thermometer and, of course, he has a temp. I call the doc, get him in. Cultures, as expected, were negative but the doc gave him some med anyway just because of the exposure. She also gave him some new drops for the pink eye. So, both boys are on antibiotics at the moment. Fortunately, it is the same antibiotic for the same condition so we don't have the risk of getting them mixed up!

After one dose of the med he perked right up and he seemed to feel great and got his appetite back. HOORAY!

So, another crazy day at the Colter household, well crazy for us anyway. At least I had the option of grabbing some Starbucks in the grocery store as I waited for the prescriptions to be filled. I did not endulge myself, but I had the option. I had to keep the cart moving with a grumpy sick baby and a 4-year-old who has been confined in the doc office and grocery cart for nearly 2 hours total...(which is unfortunate considering we live less than a mile from the doc and Kroger).

Hopefully next post will be nothing but good and exciting news. Also, to all of you HGTV dream house contest enterers, tomorrow is the last day to enter to win....

Pink eye and oreos

2008-02-17T19:34:00.003-05:00

Wow, what a ride. Kal is better and lovin' life. He's so cute. He did tell me that the "wind blew me off the swing" today at church. Apparently he fell of the swing and landed directly on his face. He is a little beat up but he is okay. Kamden, on the other hand, came down with pink eye just last night. We're putting drops in his eye so hopefully in the next day or two he will be okay.

We had the opportunity to attend a wedding/reception for a girl who used to be in the youth group. She was a beautiful bride. Congratulations Amanda and Chris!

Tonight, we braved the nasty storms and got to watch a couple of girls (identical twins) baptized by their father tonight. It was wonderful. Kal loves to watch baptisms. I am not sure how much he understands but he was very excited about the whole thing. Congratulations Annika and Teegan!

Kal is out of school this week and Adam does not have to teach either. They are moving toward year-round school around here so they have a "winter break" this week. We will be preparing for Kal's 4th birthday party. He wants a spiderman party. That will be fun. We only have a couple of weeks to get it planned!

Speaking of planning a party, I went and got some decor for Anne's baby shower. It is going to be precious, I can't wait!

Well, not much else to say but I will leave you with a picture: Pink eye and oreos (100 calorie pack oreos)...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T21:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everybody got to celebrate the day in the style that pleased you. I got a surprise delivery of roses. Thanks Adam! Kal loved them. He said "More flowers....neat-0!" He's so funny. Speaking of Kal, I got a call from the doctor today...strep cultures came back positive. Monday they were negative. HMMMM... so this morning I loaded up the boys and headed back to my local friendly neighborhood (fancy) Kroger pharmacy to get an antibiotic. I informed the doc that his fever was gone and he was starting to feel better but she wanted the med in him anyway. One dose of that and he perked up completely. No trace of any sickness.

He did get to go to T-ball practice today. He is the youngest one on his team! Adam said he was very cute! (Of course he was!)

Kamden learned a new word today, he can say "baby"...just in time for cousin baby Jack to get here in just a couple of months! Hooray! Speaking of baby Jack, Lisa and I are throwing a baby shower for Anne next weekend...I am sooo excited. I am looking forward to some time with my family and getting to check out the new nursery and help Anne and Adam put some of the last few pieces together before the big day! I am sure Anne will get a lot of great baby "stuff" at her shower.

Well, so long for now.

Finally

2008-02-13T11:49:00.002-05:00

Kal was still very sick all day yesterday and he woke up feverish this morning. Naturally, as a concerned mother, I call the doctor. The doctor said without an exact temperature (which I could not take thanks to our "into everything" one year old who broke our thermometer just last week) she could not do anything and she cannot give him any stronger medicine anyway because of his age so he will just have to wait it out. He missed his Valentine's Day party at school today and his first T-ball practice is tomorrow nite. So, planning to go to the store to get a new thermometer when Kamden woke up from his nap, Kal snapped out of it! He still has a little cough but no fever and had some energy! WOO-HOO!

Kamden woke up, we headed to our newly remodeled Kroger (fanciest grocery store I have ever been in...I think I am getting spoiled!) to get a thermometer. Got it...took it...97.0! Can you believe it!?! I took his temp several times...that is a little strange to me! So now I have to call the doctor back and tell her that he has no fever anymore, actually his body temp is really low! He did manage to get a half of PB&J down today for lunch...progress!

So, he will rest today and maybe he will be okay for practice tomorrow!

Just a little drowsy...

2008-02-11T20:56:00.000-05:00

So, Kal started taking that extra-strong cough medicine. I had asked the doctor if it caused drowsiness and she said "maybe a little". Kal layed down for his 1:00 nap and I woke him up at 4:30, 5:00, and finally about 5:30 or so I had to walk him down the stairs to get him to the dinner table! He seems to be feeling a little bit better tonight.

On a different note...Kamden. My goodness, he's a trip! He is absolutely in to everything...that he is not supposed to be in! I found him in the dishwasher today. Yes, he opened it up (it apparently was not latched completely) and climbed in. The kid will not play with his toys. He got ahold of my laptop, foot pedal for work, headphones for work, the plug to a space heater, he has recently learned to climb onto the couch and he ran across the couch, back and forth, at least a hundred times with my only having to catch him once or twice! He thought he was big stuff. Every time I got out the camera he would act innocent:

I did take off work today to take care of Kal and keep Kamden away from Kal. It was very nice to play just plain old stay-at-home mom instead of stay-at-home-work-at-home mom. Hmmm....maybe someday.

Well, the boys are in bed and Adam is working on his "writing sample" for his Georgia State Master of Literary Studies application. All of you young folk out there striving for higher education KEEP YOUR UNDERGRAD WORK! Poor Adam did not keep anything...and is having to start from scratch. I know though that his paper will be great...and he will really do well when he goes back to school in the Fall, Lord willing. With all of that said, I am going to indulge in some HGTV and take it easy. Until next time...

Bottom Line

2008-02-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

The boys and I spent the morning at the doctor's office. They did strep test, negative. They did flu test, negative. Bottom line, he has a fever and a severe cough and cold. That's it. He feels miserable and we are really hoping that the rest of us don't catch this nasty bug. Dr. Cheeks gave him some strong cough medicine and told us to keep the fever reducer inside of him and he should feel better soon. I am unfortunately out of Lysol but plan to get me a nice big can and sanitize the house today. His first T-ball practice is Thursday, Adam has decided to help out. I hope he is feeling better by then so he can enjoy that! He is on the White Sox. It could be worse I suppose. We, of course, were pulling for the Braves, but would have been very happy about the Cubs or Cardinals. Kal is excited about being on the White Sox, that is what is important...bottom line.

Wow, what a day!

2008-02-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Kal woke up still sick this morning. Kal and I stayed home and sat on the couch all day. Adam had a training meeting after church this morning so he and Kamden did not get home until about 5 pm...at which time I took off to lead the 8-9 grade small group as a sub as their leaders were unavoidably detained. Well, the preacher's kid managed to not have his ride show up until 45 minutes after group ended....so.... I got hom tonite about 9:15. By that time the boys were in bed and Carolina was in double overtime! Kal stayed still all day long, poor guy. He is very excited to get to go to the doctor in the morning because "I will get better when I see the doctor". He also gets to miss school tomorrow, which he thinks it is kind of neat because he gets to be absent like other kids are sometimes. He loves school but is okay with this one day because he will get to go Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday is their valentine party, I would hate for him to have to miss that! So, Kal is still sick and we are crossing our fingers that the rest of it don't get whatever this is. Wow, what a day!

Here we go!

2008-02-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, on the first day of this blog I was wondering what I was going to have to say. Usually, our days are relatively uneventful. Today, though, was different. It was an absolutely beautiful day today, warm, breezy, and sunny! We took a family drive and checked out Serenbe, a beautiful planned community within the new city of Chattahoochee Hill Country (Yes, that is the name of the city...or town...). Kal thought it was very "cool". We came home and put up our ADT sign, yes, new security system... Anyway, Adam and the boys went hiking in the woods while I went to the gym for my hour of "me time". I love our YMCA. It is all media-ized. Personal TVs with each piece of cardio equipment and computerized weight lifting machines with personal work outs built in and customized to each person. Anyway, back on track, Kal woke up this morning with a "frog in his throat" and by bed time tonite he was really feeling sick. So, we have a sick one right now. That is very unusual for us, we are never sick. Well, we'll see how this goes. I hope he feels better in the morning. So, here we go!

Okay, let's try this....

2008-02-09T12:40:00.000-05:00

Welcome! We'll try to keep this blog, since our friends are so far away, to share the exciting (or not so exciting) happenings here with this branch of the Colter family.