Happy 4th of JULY!

What an awesome country we live in! How we celebrated America's birthday... we swam, had a BBQ with Kevin and Megan (who just drove back into town for the weekend to pack up their stuff and make us miss them even more), and just spent time together as a family enjoying the many freedoms we have!

As soon as it got dark we headed outside for fireworks with our awesome neighbors. Texans know how to celebrate Independence Day! We sat in our cul-de-sac and enjoyed fireworks from all the other streets, they seriously spent some cash but we enjoyed so thanks! Then we ended our celebration with Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bunt Cake (our favorite chocolate cake recipe, thanks Bridgette!) and Blue Bell Millennium Moo ice cream! The perfect ending to a great day, and the best way to cheat on a diet!

Damian’s Grandma Hunt sent this email. I couldn't believe it was Jay Leno who wrote it, but it really hit home! We are blessed and happy to live in this beautiful country...God bless the USA!

" As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been,
but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to
hit the mark 'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across
some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the
source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67percent of Americans are
unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the
country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of
the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle

dragger I am, I started thinking,

"What are we so unhappy about?''

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a
week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer
and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see
more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific
Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present
identification papers as we move through each state?

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the
way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around
the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and
provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to
take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a
group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use
top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your
family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar
or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest
will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This, all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias
raping and pillaging the residents, Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own
cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy
that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no
plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval
rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark
days after 9/11? The president who cut taxes to bring an economy out
of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every
name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats
safe from terrorist attacks, the commander in chief of an all-volunteer army
that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this
news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around
for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about
it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you
personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss
your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The
troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases
may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this
country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up
with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge
or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the
brig.

So, why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of
Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads
and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with
blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner?
The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They
offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by
'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a
murderer like O.J Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife,
but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of
your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the
most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.'

Jay Leno

Mr. Clean mows the lawn

Today was Damian’s weekly date with our lawn mower. Since we moved into this house with a monster backyard that I love, I have been trying to convince him to pay someone else to mow it. Partly due to my jealousy of him spending more time with the mower than me, and partly because I feel guilty watching him out there pushing a mower back and forth for hours in the sticky hotter than he** heat. Sometimes my guilt sends me out to weed, but only after the sun sets.

Today we had the neighborhood crew running around in the back while he was mowing. When Damian (a.k.a. Mr. Clean) finished, he went to hose himself off before he came inside but felt the urge to spray some kids nearby first. Of course the kids were delighted, but I am not so sure about their parents when we sent them home dripping. Sorry Heather!

I was laughing my head off at Mr. Clean after the aforementioned water fight because he was determined that all the kids would be grass-free prior to walking on the freshly blown driveway. He hosed each one of them down individually and then one final time to make sure they passed inspection to walk on the concrete. Yes, my cute and somewhat OCD husband was worried about grass meeting concrete.

eDeN...O Wise One

Eden is the happiest girl…when she is BUSY! She doesn’t let an hour go by when she isn’t asking, “What we are going to do next?” She’s got too much energy for me, but I love her for it! She makes me realize I need to take time out to plan activities and to just learn to go with the flow- her flow.

This lifestyle change has been an adjustment because the boys still nap, (See, miracles do happen!) and because I haven’t been feeling good I have been taking a daily nap with them. Yes you read right, a daily nap for me has become a necessity! I felt guilty at first, but then I realized that I was a better mom after a little R&R. And, to be completely honest, cuddling with Carter is one of my favorite things to do! Have you seen those cheeks?

Eden will go to her room for a while during quiet time, but she comes out rearing to go! Her theory is:

When the boys are asleep, bring the projects on!

When I came out of the bathroom on Friday she had gotten paint out, put it into containers and had the rest of the supplies all ready and waiting for approval. Like I could say no after she so carefully laid everything out. I get it, I know that crafty feeling!

I gave the A-OK and proceeded to check off some of my chores until I heard this little voice behind me. “Mom?” I turned around to see Eden’s sad face and I asked her what the problem was. Like a punch in the stomach she said, “Aren’t you going to paint with me?”

Talk about guilt! Of course I consented and we had a blast painting all kinds of masterpieces together! As we talked and laughed, I realized I was doing the most important thing in the world. My guilt was replaced with sheer satisfaction, and surprisingly accomplishment. Thank you, oh wise beautiful daughter for reminding me where my priorities need to be! Times like these make me glad I am able to be home raising my kids, or letting them raise me!

On Saturday, Eden and Damian built a radio, a horn and an alarm on their electronic playground. The best part was some quality one on one time with dad…AND when she used the alarm to wake the boys up from their naps!

Kiss the Cook!

She is kissable, isn’t she? Eden just finished her 3 day cooking camp at a local Tea Room, and I was secretly told she was their star student. The first day she learned to make boiled omelets, banana pancakes and Baconator breakfast rolls. The second day they learned new lunch recipes, and the third day dinner. She had a blast and has become quite the cook! I have decided to let her handle the rest of the meals for the summer so I can take the time to put my feet up. You’ll have to come over to Café Vest and sample her delicacies. Bon appetit!

diAPeR dAys

It is estimated that a baby will need approximately 6,000 diapers during their first two years. On average, that amounts to $1,600 or $66/month. With those calculations, I have figured that we have spent about $5,000 in diapers in the past 6 ½ years! I probably shouldn't be making that tally within earshot of my husband or he'll have me swishing the cloth diapers. I my humble opinion, it's worth it! Landon would be potty trained by now if Damian would have taken me seriously when I put it on his list of things to do while he was on his break from school, but no luck.

Any parent out there knows how difficult diaper changes with a toddler can be. We have learned how to get pretty creative. Today I enticed Landon with a diaper headpiece modeled by big sister, Eden.

Of course he wanted one too and then the diaper craze began. They were all trying to figure out how many different ways they could ‘wear’ diapers. It was pretty entertaining for all involved, especially when Eden and Carter decided to test out the theory that diapers make good padding as they ran, slid, climbed, jumped, and fell. Who knew diapers were so cool? This thought process has probably set us back a step in the potty training process, but the fun was worth it and yes we eventually got Landon’s diaper changed.

fLyiNg hIGh!

Today was my bi-monthly Costco trip. Damian would prefer it to be only a once a month occurrence, but I can’t make myself do it. I’ve tried. Really I have. I can’t stop it. Sorry babe, it just feels too darn good!

Some people feel a ‘high’ after buying shoes. For some it comes with finding bargains. Still others feel it after eating chocolate. I completely understand these highs because each of these causes a semi-high for me as well. But there is nothing like the post-Costco or post-Container Store high I get when I unload my treasures and get to ORGANIZE them!

I am getting excited just writing about it! It makes me so happy when I can open my cupboards, closets, pantry, fridge, etc. and see order. Groups of like things together in nice perfect rows, every item exactly where I put it! But the best part is actually moving things around until I can find that perfect place. Oh, beautiful and wonderful day!

YEAH BABY!! Aren't you feelin' it too?

Sketties

Damian usually doesn’t make it into the house when he comes home from work before he is assaulted by a joyfully screaming toddler. It is too cute! Landon loves his daddy, but I think it is safe to say the crazy love is reciprocated.

As soon as Landon heard the door open today immediately started screaming, “Daddy home! Daddy home!” and took off running for the back door. He tackled Damian with a bear hug around the legs that, catching him off guard, almost brought him down. After Damian returned the squeeze Landon began his pleas, “Daddy, wrestle me! Daddy play wit me!” Daddy, I wanna hold you!”

Everyday weekday a similar conversation ensues about letting daddy change his clothes first, and then IT BEGINS…

All the kids eventually join in, and sometimes the mom, although I have learned I have to have an empty bladder because the finale always includes bouts of hysterical laughter for one reason or another.

Landon was showing us his new wrestling move he calls “Sketties.” Apparently, he uses Sketties when he wants to tackle someone and take them down. He primes his attack by bobbing up and down as fast as he can and then springs on his prey. Hopefully I can figure out how to get the video thing to work. He was making us laugh our heads off!

You better watch your back if our little man is around. You wouldn’t want to be caught off guard if he’s bringin’ the Sketties!

Grateful...

I win the mom of the week award for leaving Eden and Carter at Vacation Bible School a half an hour past pick up time! My brain told me it was over at 12:30pm instead of noon. Embarrassing!

The theme is Power Lab: Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power. It is at St. John’s Lutheran Church and they pulled out all the stops today. All of the leaders were wearing goggles, white lab coats and gloves, and when we came in there were several on the stage jamming to some Power Lab tunes.

Eden and Carter learned about how Jesus gives us the power to be thankful and came home with one suggestion on how to remember to show gratitude that I have never heard:

Think of something you do every day- like tie your shoes,

take a drink, or brush your teeth.

Plan to thank God for

something every time

you do that activity.

I am going to give it a shot, no pun intended...

I have so

much to be grateful for!

Today I am grateful that:

Landon is playing on the sewer and not in it.

Chaos ruled our house with 10 healthy kids running around.

Landon loves me so much that he wanted to be held all day.

Home Sweet Home

I can’t describe the feeling I had when I opened my eyes…it was light and I could see familiar surroundings! Damian had some kind of super power to drive all night long and I am filled with guilt and gratitude because of it.

We did it…3,000 miles, 8 states, $600 in gas, and 46 driving hours in the car with 2 kids and Landon whose lung capacity blows my mind! I lost count of how many times I heard “bum bum,” “smarker face,” and “young man” at a decibel level I am positive has permanently damaged all of our hearing. The boy loves his books though and would not share even the one he was using as a headrest. Nevertheless, everyone is still alive and we all arrived tired but relatively happy. This is nothing less than a small miracle!

Some of our travel tricks:

- separating the kids so they can only hand each other things

- new children’s books on CD

- individual snacks with enough for everyone to have the same

- suckers for when I feel too guilty using ear plugs

- flashlights for nighttime shadow puppets and entertainment

- kids songs to help the kids settle down

- tiny travel pillows and blankets for all (thanks Ann!)

- rolling down the windows when sanity is at stake

- flicks for screaming

- hand sanitizer in the mouth for potty talk

- using movies as rewards and taking turns choosing

- an empty bottle for just in case

- stickers and surprises up front to pass out when car fever strikes

- maps with the states to follow along and the license plate game (We saw plates from 38 states!)

- nap mats on the floor for mom crawling back and forth

- family stretches and relays during gas and potty breaks

It’s great to be home and I must have gotten some sleep last night because I had everything unpacked and put away within a couple of hours of getting home. There is no feeling like walking into your own house and sleeping in your own bed. Ahhhhhhh

daddy's girl

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Anyone who knows me well knows I am my Daddy’s girl!

We have always had a special relationship and I was thrilled

when I realized that I got to be with him on his birthday!

I feel so blessed to have this incredible man as my father and one of my heroes. He has taught me practicality like how to fix things around the house, spirituality by reminding me what is most important, and how to be a friend by showing me unconditional love, support and encouragement throughout my life.

As I listened to his cell phone ring though out the day with people calling with birthday greetings I realized that he has touched so many lives, but he still makes me feel like I am the most important person in the world to him, besides my mom of course!

At 65 the

silver fox

can still dunk!

I love you Daddy-O!

Thank you so much for all you do for me!!!