Girl Scout Fun

Sarah decided to join girl scouts this year, with a little encouragement from her Dad!

Of course in exchange for that encouragement, Dad was the responsible parent during tax season.

One of the events was at Crab Orchard Wildlife Nature Preserve in Marion, IL.

Sarah had a blast; she loves anything to do with animals and craft projects!  This was both, so it was perfect for Sarah and Caleb enjoyed it too!

I believe they are making an eagle's nest in a paper bag.

 I have no idea what this big blue bird is, but the kids were cute . . .

The best part of the day, was seeing Uncle Jason and playing at this "really cool" park.

Grandpa & Grandma Voss went along for the adventure too!

I think they all had a great time!

 This was part of the park toys; Brandon said Caleb loved climbing on it.

Spring is here!!

There are some sure signs around our house that spring is definitely here!

We love the spring weather; we love being outside!

I strongly dislike the dirt found all over my floors . . . where does this come from???

Probably from these. . . boots and shoes, which never seem to get put away!

Who owns these boots???

C-A-L-E-B!!!

What is he looking at outside the front door?

Why is he holding a tractor??

Why does he look so sad???

Oh. . .Daddy is out mowing the grass, on the tractor, WITHOUT Caleb!

Don't worry - as soon as Daddy was done mowing the grass,

Caleb got a ride on the big tractor and then still had time to play with his tractor outside.

What a beautiful picture Brandon took . . .

this always makes me think that no matter what is going on or where we are God is looking down and taking care of us!

Sarah's Cheerleading Clinic

 Sarah wanted to take a cheer leading camp through the school - it was one afternoon - several of her friends had signed up too - so I figured she would enjoy it!

She loved the craft time, loved the picture time, loved the pom poms, but was a little shy in front of the crowd, which surprised me!

They were getting all the kids lined up for the dance routine!

There were a lot of girls!

We may have a future cheerleader on our hands!

The World is his TOILET!!!

Who would have thought that 2 minutes before this beautiful picture was taken was a boy standing on top of our retaining wall, hands behind his hips, pants around his ankles, "watering" our newly seeded grass???

But who could get mad at a cute face like that, especially since our very good family friends were all laughing hysterically??

Caleb was much easier to potty train than Sarah, but I won't bore you with the comparissons!  The job is done and that is the important part!  Should I be upset that he thinks the world is his toilet?  Heck, no!  As long as his pants are dry (and we live in the country) - I say go for it!  However, this may backfire on me in the future. . . I'll keep you posted!

Doesn't that expression just make you want to smile?

A Few Quick Notes

It's still tax time and my husband and family are surviving without me!

I only see the kids (awake) for about 30 minutes each morning, but I've picked up a few things that have been going on around the house:

• Keys are a very important to have when trying to enter your home . . . more about this later!
• As we were passing the water fountains in town this morning, Caleb noticed they were turned off.  Brandon asked why they were off and Caleb replied "Because they aren't on Dad."  Very interesting reasoning by Caleb!
• Sarah loves riding the school bus . . . I haven't had any arguments with her in the morning since she began riding the bus . . . none!  I feel like I've been living in another universe!  Who knew my mornings would be so peaceful if when riding the bus!  It's hectic getting up & out the door in under 30 minutes, but well worth it to avoid the separation anxiety at the school doors!
• I turned in Caleb's preschool papers for enrollment this fall and I did it without crying!  I came close when talking to Brandon about it later that night, but I held myself together!  I cannot believe my baby will be starting preschool in September!
• When watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Caleb told Mickey "We're coming to see you, Mickey!  See you soon."   I think someone is excited about going to Disney World!
• Sarah had a field trip to the control tower at Scott Air Force Base; Brandon got to go with her since I was at work.  I'm not sure who had more fun!
• Sarah is attending a cheer leading camp tomorrow . . . stay tuned!
• Caleb has been potty training!  He is doing a great job, but is afraid to poop on the potty . . . apparently we still have some work to do in this department!  He has been wearing big boy underpants and loves them!  Of course, he got to buy his first pair of underpants . . . Mickey Mouse!

And the biggest change in our house. . . . Brandon shaved his beard and is back to sporting a goatee!  He looks very handsome!

I love my family for supporting me, feeding me and encouraging me during this time!

Only 6 1/2 more weeks to go!!!

It's Tax Time!!!

I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone else that gets excited about tax season!

I do!

I love working on taxes,

I love being busy,

I like the challenge of the tax code,

I like talking to people.

My blog is up to date. . .

The laundry is done for today. . .

The kitchen is cleaned. . .

The basement is a mess. . .

The bills are paid. . .

Time for bed!

Play Time

At Grandma Betty's Christmas gathering,

Caleb got to play with Uncle Jason.

Caleb loves playing with Uncle Jason!

Uncle Jason reads to him. . . 

He climbs up through Jason's legs . . .

and back down again. . .

sometimes he gets stuck in the middle. . . 

Caleb gets to sit on his lap. . . .

and even slide down his legs. . .

(good thing he has long legs!)

And best of all, Uncle Jason listens to whatever Caleb has to say!