Lewis and Clark Circus

We had a wonderful time last night at a circus in town. It was nothing fancy, but in our "oh so busy" life, it was a night away from our constant stresses to just be with the girls. They had so much fun. Sarah would watch the acts with such intensity, and then she would tap me on the shoulder to let me know that if I tried that I would probably kill myself.

Abby got chosen out of all the kids in the crowd to hold an alligator. It was too precious. He asked for the bravest kid in the crowd. Abby was standing as tall as she could with her hand raised as high as it would reach. The ringmaster was looking in our directions and said, "That young lady right there." Abby pointed at herself as if to say, "You mean me?" The ringmaster was like, "Yeah you, in the cute little dress, with the nice little polo shirt, and cute curls." She had so much fun. She obviously has no stage fright whatsoever.

Of course, the kids got free tickets at school, and they so wanted to go, but they just figured we wouldn't. Dan really surprised them, and we all had an awesome evening out.

Ten Years Already!?

Dan and I had the wonderful privilege to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary.  I had hoped to be able to scan in our wedding picture, but I can't get the scanner to cooperate, and it just isn't worth it tonight.  Who knows...maybe tomorrow. 

We have two coworkers who gave us one of the most memorable gifts ever.  I thought I would share.  It reads :  Dan and Amy, we snickers at the thought of you two having spent ten years together.  Twix us butterfingers we realize that many times you have had Zero tolerance for each other as you awaited a PayDay.  However, you have given God top priority and claimed Him as you Lifesaver.  May Christ bless your wedding anniversary.  Love the Doves.  

Double click the picture to see it for yourself!  It was too cute.

From the mouth of Sarah

I have been enjoying getting my new office tailored to my taste.  One of the things that I have been lacking was a treat dish for all the little ones that stop by my window along the way.  Yesterday, I picked up a nice dish and some M&M's for my dish.  The kids all got to pick out a pack of candy too.

On the way home, the girls were all eating their candy, and my mom and I were sampling some new chocolate skittles.  Sarah piped in,

"Grammy, can I have some of those M&M's in your bag?"

"No, Sarah, those are Mommy's, and she has a special place for them."

"I have a special place for them too, Grammy."

"You do?"

"Yep, right here in my hand!"

Oh my so matter of fact, nothing gets passed me little girl.

Whitewater Rafting

On Thursday, Dan and I had the privilege to go rafting with a couple of our college kids and a senior. We headed to the Ocoee River in Tennesee. It is full of class III and IV rapids. Dan and I have taken our teens rafting numerous times, but it was on the Nantahalia which doesn't pack quite the same excitement. I think we were all ready to get wet and have some fun. Our guide was awesome. We had just started out on the river, and all of the sudden he landed right beside me in the boat as we went through a few little dips. He scared me because it was so unexpected. He jumped like that through most of the rapids. If you look at the pic this guide (while not ours) is doing the same thing. Notice the kid riding the front of the boat. Dan ( of course) as well as Megan and Nick all had to take their shots at the front. I think Dan is actually the only one that remained seated for the ride. Megan and Nick both fell back in the boat.

We had so much fun. Our guide managed to break his paddle in half. So he just used one of ours. On one of his wild jumps through the rapids, he mislanded. It bounced him out of the boat almost. He managed to grab my life vest strap and the side strap of the boat. As he tried to pull himself in, he was actually pulling me out. Thankfully, Megan turned just in the nick of time to save us both. It was quite the fun.

The best part was when our guide intentionally dumped us. We were approaching one of the last rapids, and he gave us the option of hitting it straight on or going through it sideways. We were up for the excitement. It was the ONLY rapid he said, IF you go out of the boat, don't worry. I think his statement got us all thinking. As we approached, he told us he would have us put all our paddles in the air so that no on got smacked. We got to the edge, he gave the command, and as my paddle was going up, I was going out along with Dan, Megan, Jessi, and NIck. I honestly thought the raft had turned over, but as we surfaced, there was our guide safely in the raft. As he approached us, he said, "Next time I tell you to lean right, lean right!" We all quickly informed him that he never gave us that command. He then laughingly stated that he had somehow forgotten. It was quite the experience floating through such a rapid. It was definitely an experience I would gladly do again today!

If you would like to actually see us going through the first rapid to get a real taste you can scoot on over to http://www.ocoeerafting.com/ and view pictures of Havard for the 1:30 trip on 7/17.

Am I that old?

Today, we had a funeral at our church. The church was packed. I sat in the sound room with two friends, one who is 28 and the other a college student, 19. The funeral director kept coming back and forth to see what part of the service was going on. During one of the songs, he asked me if my two friends were my daughters. I choked. Oh, how I couldn't believe he was serious. I was like no way these aren't my daughters. Julie, my 28 yr. old friend, spoke up and said that she is the younger sister. Then in the most ridiculous voice I could I said that Jessi the college student was my daughter then. He totally bought it and thought we were serious. He went on and on about the resemblance. I made some joke about it being my gray hair. The funeral director told me that it was being married to a pastor. It was so hilarious, but seriously, I am only 31. Do I really look soooo old that I could have a 28 year old kid. Of course, I think it is an insult to my friend's maturity stating she didn't look her age, right? At least that is what I am going to believe.

Welcome to the pastorate

Our church voted on Dan as the pastor last night. We received a 94% vote to call us as pastor. We were so excited. It has been a hard few weeks. We have been so busy doing the work of the ministry, but we haven't had the ability to do all we desire because of the limbo of waiting on the vote. Now, we are definitely here. We are all excited about the change. It has been great to already see the unity begin among our church people. Together we can build a wonderful work for Christ. Thanks to all my family and friends who have prayed so fervently for us throughout this process.

Questions and answers?

Wow, what a busy week. Last Sunday we had a question and answer time as part of our candidating process at the church. Dan began by preparing a power point of the needs and our heartbeat for the ministry. it was so funny as he explained our burdens for our church. At one point he paused and explained that he wasn't trying to sound like a presidential hopeful, but that he wanted the people to understand our heart for the ministry. It went very well, and many of the questions were satisfied with the powerpoint illustration. The church will vote on the 13th of this month. We are praying for 100%, but understand that it may not happen. We just want a very clear indicator. Other than that, we are just hanging in limbo until then. If we are the choice, then I will begin as the church secretary, and we will begin making plans to start the school year. Thankfully, our Vacation Bible school is this week. It should be a great distraction for us as we look ahead to next week. It has been a whole lot of hurry up with even more wait.

My favorite excursion in Utah was our visit to Olympic Park. Here are some pics.

Caught in the Whirlwind

This summer had been super busy for us. We took our annual vacation to the lake with my parents in early May. We then came home for a few days rest and headed out to the wonderful world of Salt Lake City, Utah with Dan's parents. Now we are home. It has been great, but we have so much to catch up on. In the midst of all of this our church pastor decided it was time for him to step down. Last Sunday, he formally resigned. Dan has been named interim pastor, and the deacons met and presented the idea to the church for Dan to be the candidate. Our church family is still in shock. Pastor Zolninger has been here for almost twelve years. He's the only pastor that some in our church have ever known. Change is never an easy process. Unfortunately it comes and goes as it pleases. For now, Dan and I are in the middle. We want what God wants for our lives and what our church people feel is best. For know, we are going round and round in the whirlwind and trying to keep the chaos from spreading.

Abby's 1st Piano Recital

Abby is so excited to be finally taking piano lessons. She began this fall, and this spring she had her first recital. I am so proud of her. She really enjoys the piano and I believe Rebekah will begin next fall. We shall see. Abby played "Lightly Row" and "Pop Goes the Weasel". She enjoyed the opportunity to be in front of everyone. I love her nod to the crowd and her curtsy.

Sarah's Spring Program

Sarah had her big debut in a spring program on Tuesday evening. She wasn't so sure she wanted to sing, but she did well after all. My niece Kaitlyn, and my nephews, Jacob and Colton, are also featured.

Fishing

So my dad and Dan have been fishing for the past couple of days in a church tournament. They are trying to catch largemouth bass. There are several types of bass, but largemouth are the most predominant here in the south. The first day the conditions were tough. Dan and dad were fishing hard, and instead of a largemouth, Dad hooked a twenty nine pound striper. It is quite the fish. I thought I would post a few pics for those of you who don't understand the big fish idea, or that people really do catch fish!

Haircut Day.

Today, my mom treated the girls to a haircut, including shampoo and blow dry. It was so much fun. It was also Sarah's very first haircut. I can't believe how big they are all getting.

There was a guy and a girl there to cut. Rebekah was determined that no guy was cutting her hair. Sarah was the ham of the day. The staff kept calling her Curious George. The guy just enjoyed Sarah. While he cut Abby's hair, he talked away with her. He did a great job. He was certain he was going to do Sarah. When the lady was free, she offered to take Sarah, and he spoke up to let her know, Sarah was his next cut. Rebekah was thrilled. The older two got the shampoo and conditioning. They so loved it. It was so relaxing to Bekah I thought she was going to fall asleep. The best part of the afternoon was when we were waiting on Bekah's hair to be done. A gentleman came in and he wanted his hair cut short. He had served in the Army and had kept that style. Curious Sarah was up in the chair to watch. As the guy cut the man's hair, he took off all on on side, and he announced he was done. He asked Sarah what she thought, and she just put her hands over her mouth in shock. It was so funny. Enjoy the pics of the girls. They are all so adorable. Of course, I know that I am extremely biased.

A Day at the Park

We decided the weather was just too nice today; so we all went to the park. It has changed a lot since I was a kid. Funny how the park always seemed so huge as a kid, but now as an adult..not so much. The kids had a blast.

Rebekah's Hives

It seems that unusual sickness and injury plague my family. Saturday night after being put to bed, Rebekah came down stairs to tell Dan and I that her belly itched. When she lifted her pajama shirt, she had bumps everywhere. They didn't look like true hives. Since I have excema, we thought maybe she was having a break out. This is always a tough time of year for me. We lotioned her and sent her back to bed with the order, "DO NOT SCRATCH!" Sunday morning she got up, and she had hives down her leg. They quickly cleared. Not a big deal at this point. We headed to church Sunday night, and the hives began to reappear. By the time we got home she had hives from head to toe. She was so afraid to tell us because she is terrified of getting a shot from the doctor. Thankfully, after a dose of benedryl, the hives disappeared. The hives stayed missing in action all night and all day without any meds. Once we arrived and got settled here in SC, we took a romp through the clay pit and woods. As soon as we came in and the girls settled down, back came Rebekah's hives. She is too cute in her timid way of letting us know. Again, the hives were quickly gone after the medicine. So today, Rebekah has kept us aware of her hiveless state. She will come right up to us and slightly lift her shirt, and then she asks if we are glad for her. The first time I was caught off guard, and I reminded her that she shouldn't lift her shirt ever. Then, she ever so slightly cut her eyes at me to let me know she was showing me her lack of bumps. Thankfully, we are at the end of the day, and there has been no breakout. Maybe this has passed. Let's hope so.

Welcome to SC

It is so nice to have a break in the action. We are spending a week with my parents in SC. The girls are having a blast, and Dan and I are enjoying some downtime. One of the girls favorite things to do is to walk through the woods. It brings back tons of memories for me. My brothers and I spent so much time in the woods. One really neat thing is the clay pit that has always been a part of our property. It is a huge pit, and the sides are so beautiful. I remember all the dirt bomb wars my brothers and I used to have. The girls have enjoyed visiting and climbing and throwing dirt clods as well. Only I don't let them throw them at each other as my brothers and I did. I hope to post some more pictures of this area so you can get a real view, but the wall of the pit is in the backdrop of the new profile photo.

Pranked

I am not a big fan of pranks and practical jokes for many reasons. Often, the joke cause hurt feelings or public humiliation. The worst part is that what goes around comes around. Regardless of all that, we have some jokers on our staff. Dan is a really tough prank job. Last year, one of our fellow HS staffers pranked Dan with a gift. This year, we put our heads together on what to do. It always revolves around his birthday. This year, I supplied the idea. We decided to have some one call staging as a police man or the DMV to tell Dan that his boat had been stolen. I provided all the info for the boat. I knew for Dan to believe it the guy would have to know as many details about the boat as possible. My fellow staffer had her brother in law call Dan. It was during his class; so a voice mail was left. My fellow staffer let me know the call had been made. I had to put on my serious face and pretend I knew nothing. At class break, I had yet to see or hear from Dan. My staffer's fear was that he would so believe it he would leave without telling me. I assured her that he would come to me quickly if he believed it or not. Five minutes into my class, Dan shows up at my door, and he is panic stricken as he has listened to the voicemail and returned the phone call. My students had no clue. We had planned to tell him a former student had stolen the boat. After that was stated, Dan's wheels began to turn. It was sooooooo great to get him. It took probably 30 minutes for Dan's heartbeat to return to normal.

Definitely Good Friday

Dan and I were so thankful for a day off. We are really looking forward to spring break. I think we are more excited than the kids. Today was so nice. It was definitely made to be a family day. For Sarah's birthday, my parents bought her a co-pilot bike system. It attaches to the back of an adult bike, and Sarah can pedal, but she is pulled along behind. When we head to the greenway, she can't keep up on her little bike (not to mention she hasn't quite mastered the art of brakes). Today, we took the girls. We biked for several miles, and Sarah loved every moment. This will definetly be a repeat event.

I got so tickled. Thankfully, there are a couple water fountains along the way. When we stoppped at the first one, Sarah had to get her drink from all her hard work. She pedaled and pedaled, and when I looked at her to laugh at her hard work, she actually had broken a sweat. It was great. I loved all the looks we got from all the other parents pulling their kids in those big trailers. They all had the wheels turning on why they didn't have one.

Signs of Aging?

I am not sure whether it is truly a sign of aging or just simply ironic. Dan turned the big 30 on Saturday. He has been fighting a major sinus infection for a few days. I had encouraged him to visit the doctor numerous times. Over the weekend, I was definitely feeling similar pains. I had some spots of question on my throat. Dan encouraged me to visit the doctor to be sure that I didn't have strep. It is going around like crazy here. Of course, I was sure to comment that it was ok for him to send me to the doctor on an iffy basis and for him to still not go. I set up my appointment, and Dan called shortly after and set up one as well, only we were going to be seen together. He was certain that he was fine and there would be no medicine to help him. Poor guy, when the doctor checked his ears, he questioned Dan's hearing due to the amount of fluid. He asked him if he wanted him to clean that up for him. After the doctor was done with the exam, he was telling us that there is a new study in which they determing that antibiotics don't help sinus infections. There were some flaws in the study. Dan was certain this meant no antibiotics for him. He gave me a smirk only for the doctor to inform him that regardless of the study no real doctor would let a two week old sinus infection go untreated. I am sure my smirk was bigger. So here we are both us at the doctor together and both of us with a huge bottles of pills for the next ten days. Which is the greater sign of aging: having a joint doctor's appointment or the huge bottle of antibiotics we are now taking?

The Big 3 - 0

Today was the day that Dan finally left his 20's. I have been relishing this day far too long. So far his transition has been much smoother than my 30 year. I seemed to have broken 3 bones in less than six months that year. It was a very nice day. It was busy and unfortunately for my early rising husband (NOT!!!) Rebekah had a 9:00 am game. We did our presents at 7:30 this morning because the girls just couldn't hold it in anymore. Thanks to Grammy and Granddad, Dan is now sporting a new Ipod Nano. He is already enjoying it, and he is looking forward to his podcasts. That means many quotes for me in the near future. I am so glad for him. We also got him some fishing stuff, but we won't bother with those details. The highlight of the night was the cake. Abby and Rebekah helped me every step of the way, and I think we were all pleased with our creation. At least we all ate our slice. Abby had two and for Sarah, she ate the frosting and the cake...that is always a news flash for her.

I have been learning some photo software tricks. I created the Dan fishing pose.

Basketball season

Abby's basketball season came to an end this past Saturday. I am not sure who is more relieved, Abby or us! She did a great job. Her team was really young, and they struggled through the season. They had two wins and four losses. Often, they faced the giants, literally. Compared to her teammates, Abby outsizes them all, but she was outsized often by the opposing teams. Through it all she had a great spirit, and she loved playing. I think we are all glad it is over, and we ended with a win. YAY!

We are all looking forward to indoor soccer season now. A great delight is that Rebekah has decided to play.

Monkey Joes

Over our Christmas break, my dad took our family to this great place called Monkey Joe's. It was awesome. It is full of all these huge inflatable bounce play areas. Our kids had a huge blast. It will definetly replace the favored trip to Chuck E Cheese. The great thing is that parents can play too. Next time, Dan and I are joining in on the fun as well. I would strongly encourage you to look up Monkey Joe's and visit one if you are near one!

Snow Day

OK, well, I know it has been forever since I have actually posted anything, but I had some formatting errors that weren't right and I couldnt' fix them so I have actually deleted my blog and started over. What better way to start over than to post pictures of our first snow day of the year. Dan and I were delighted to get up at five and see that it has snowed, and then we were really glad that we could turn off all alarm clocks and wake up with the kids. Of course, since we are all on an early schedule, the girls awoke around six to peek out the window. Somehow Dan was able to encourage them to go back to sleep for a bit. After breakfast we went out for a while. The discouraging part was the rain that began around ten, but we did get about three inches of snow. Maybe the girls will go out again later. Sarah wasn't too sure about it since she had a hard time getting around without slipping. We all had fun. The girls go to see a snow plow in action. I honestly don't think I had ever seen one that was actually plowing the roads. I know that this snow doesn't compare to my dear friend in the North, but indulge me for at least today, please! :)