Centerville trip

From what I hear, Levi was quite the squeegee/vacuum helper!!

check out that awesome yellow booted man on that amazingly sharp INDOT floor!!

yes, Will has craaazy hair. and who are these two handsome teenaged men??

I thought I got a pic of David, Levi and Uncle John (in the blue overalls) but apparently it didn't turn out so this will have to do.

Just a glimpse of our recent trip to Centerville, IN, which is on the eastern side of the state, near Richmond (which is where we stayed at a Hampton Inn).

David's Hybrid floor looks quite awesome in this brand new facility. I will blog more about this later...surely....but I have a lot of catching up to do.....

Happy Thursday to you!

Levi's such a lucky boy/Time in a bottle cont.

2005? this is the only kid that tilts his head to the side like his father.

2004? that's a big baby ya got there, sir.

2004, at one of many soccer games...this is a sight I will never tire of, one of our kids on this man's shoulders.

he used to LOOOOVE haircuts from Dad....2005. He'd be eating hair by the end because you can see that hand in that mouth. not a good combination. lotsa gagging. snot and tears.

this was at a friend's wedding...and this is during a Village People song...that little sailor hat on that sweet baby face was pure adorableness. 2005

Levi as a carry on. he used to be so tiny. 2006

taking in some fireworks with his Dad. 2009

David's just a big kid...2006

HEY! the sun is shining today. It's really quite incredible how that can really lift one's spirits. is it just me? I know the weekend holds lotsa thunderstorms and stuff but just knowing that the weather will be a bit warmer helps a lot.

I'm not sure why I wanted to post these pix of Levi and David other than the sheer fact that I know how much I love to see pix of my sibs and I with one of my parents or David with one of his...so to see a slew of pix of one of my kids with a parent is heart warming. (wow, that was a blabbery mouthful. sorry)

David is a really good dad. broken record. He does creative things with his kids, gets them moving, motivated and spends as much of his "free" time and even work time with his them as he can. I'm just thanking God for putting such a cool guy in my life. yeah, he can drive me crazy and I KNOW I do the same to him, but that's really what makes this whole wild n crazy life worth living. We are in this together and he's really picked up a lot of slack with my weird pregnancy. He holds us accountable in our spiritual lives and is a reasonable sounding board for us when we face situations of confusion.

Levi, you are one blessed little guy to have a dad that cares about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health so much. I can't even imagine being a dad and knowing just how responsible you are for each of your kids and spouse. That's a heavy load and he carries it well! I love you, David. You are an encouragement to all of us.

Pray for this guy...

awww! this was David shortly before we were wed (1993)...so much promise ahead of him...

He is recovering well from his surgery that he endured this past Tuesday...After much prayer and some research, our childbearing years will end in June, when the nameless one emerges. (A collective whoop whoop from all of my family and friends...I can hear you!!) he texted his friend, Jeff, the other day, to tell him that he was officially "sterile", and Jeff's reply was PRICELESS..."You had a good run!!"......David got a kick outta that, even in his Valium-induced stupor. Six kids later...yup, you did, my man...a good run indeed.

I know he would appreciate your prayers, as he has had a difficult time sitting still enough to heal...

On a brighter note...well, there really isn't one. it's 35 degrees here today...cloudy. bring back the 70 degrees, Lord. ok, I will be thankful that it's not snowing....

Let me just say this...I will choose to embrace and enjoy this last pregnancy. Even though it has been my most uncomfortable, panicky one to date, I know it is a gift. I know I'm very blessed to be able to carry this little fella. I'm almost positive that I will have a textbook delivery. And even though I can't breathe very well, and can't eat big meals (which, hey, is a good thing...right?) because the heartburn and general discomfort induce some amazing panic...I will praise the Lord for this gift. In light of the decision we've made, I will cherish these last three months of pregnancy (my due date is 3 months from today, though I feel I will go before June 24).

Hope to get out of the bloggin' slump soon...our two big boys leave for Spring Break Work Week on Sunday...so I will only have 3 kids around here next week...ohhh, the parties we will have! :) ha ha. yeah right. good night, folks. hugs to you, wherever you are....know that I'm praying for u.

The Skating Party to remember!

Let the fun begin...

Revelers trickle in...Hello Teige, ya little cutie...

gearing up for some skate-a-licious fun!

Charlie Sheen made a guest appearance....so angry! :)

awww, we love this family (though 1/4 of them is in college far away)...Vince, Janice, and Megan...our lives would be dull without you! (and if I remember correctly, Dad had a very appropriate name for V..."One Lap Vinny"..which is much more favorable than his other nickname of "Two Plates McCartney")

Tambo and Caroline...makin' the skatin' look EZ. love you, girls!

Becky, Henry and Nicky...lovely ladies, hangin' with the little flirty boy!

The O family had volleyball that night but stopped by for a half hour of skating JOY...Mona, your enthusiasm was infectious! heck, all y'all had me stoked. Thanks for coming, fine folks.

Cali and her Skate Mate...this girl LOVED skating!

the S women did amazingly well skating around. pretty girls!

Charlie Sheen again.... Man, this guy is EVERYWHERE! but boy, can he skate. (Tom, I was really quite impressed with your mad skating skillz) I bet he's not moving very quickly today. I know David, Will and Ethan were hobbling around (though they had a 2 hour soccer practice right before the party...ha ha.)

happy skaters

David and Matt (his twin brother)

My sis and her hubs...they really longed for a couples/slow skate so they could snuggle and maybe even backward skate. Becky, you are an awesome speed skater.

This was Molly while we were at Steak N Shake afterwards....she was CRABBBBBY!! but what a great picture!

Last night, we hosted a skating party.

Since David skated THEE WHOLE TIME, I acted as the immobile half of our union. There were quite a few people that showed up (YOU ALL ROCK, you know that right???)...so yes, I'm leading up to a list of excuses as to why I DIDN'T get pix of everyone that attended and why there aren't any pix of David NOT skating.

He skated the whole time. I'm so glad he did. He had such a great time.

We want to thank every one of you that made the effort to come out and celebrate with us. It really, sincerely means a lot.

These are just a smattering of the pix that could've been taken...in all honesty, I'm a little bit sick, dealing with some weird right rib pains that are giving me fits of even more uncomfortableness than I was already experiencing...so I wasn't on top of my game in the photo dept.

And since Tom isn't on FB now, I can't go steal the few pix he took...if you were there, and I failed to get your pic, please PLEASE please forgive me. Most of David's Illinois family came over (THANKS GUYS), my family, Becky's entire in-law clan even came (THANK YOU C FAMILY...YOU ROCK)...Friends we haven't seen in a while, people that work with David, kind folks from church, even some folks we didn't know showed up...haha.

We have a VERY busy week ahead of us....I hope to be back at some point with some updates but for tonight, I'm tired, old and just glad that TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING WOOO HOOOOO!

Thanks again for all of your support and friendship...we are truly very blessed to have such great folks around us. MWAH!

Sunday update...

Becky got $ for the iPod she is wanting to get.

not sure if David got anything. ha ha.

Uncle Tom, flanked by his two blonde nieces. I think they were trying to take his birthday money.

this is how Molly digests her carbs.

Ethan, Will and Mel, trying to digest their delicious Grandma-made lasagna before embarking on the infamous Boyden's cake perfection! Love E's expression.

Beck just proves that being 33 does not require one to be serious and boring! (this is one of her famous "self portraits")

My very serious, nearly 40 year old husband. (he won't greet 40 till this coming Sunday, March 6th)...Hello Chief.

David wanted to embrace these two (I mean, they are employees of his and such...) and Beck thought it would be fun to grimace...David made us re-do it...see below

We gather together to celebrate the momentous births of these 3 amazing people! Three of my favorites.

This girl had a busy day...she went to church with Beck and her family...spent the afternoon playing with the girls and there was no time for her nap between pick up time from Becky's and heading back to Beck's for the birthday party. Needless to say, she was grumpy, frenetic, and over tired. We got home by 9 p.m., she got herself p.j.'d up and tried to sneak past me. I nabbed her, and amidst her protests of "I'm not tirrrrrrred", I pinned her down and she instantly fell asleep. it was niiiiiiiiiice. and quiet. whew. she is quite precious when she sleeps though. I'll give her that. :)

(notice I took her stinkin' paci outta her mouth...I'm trying. I really am.)

So, it's Monday again.

I will bullet point some of the things I'm looking at this week:

~Another month starts, which is cool in a way, and with it brings spring. Our beloved Aunt Sherry & Uncle John (remember the Great Adventure trip, Kansas stop) are MOVING here this very week. Tomorrow in fact. Today is her birthday!

~David will turn 40 this coming Sunday. That almost leaves me speechless. hold on...I need a moment.

~I am 23+ weeks today, can't believe how fast, yet how slowly this pregnancy seems to be going. I am trying to "live in the moment" and enjoy this, as it will be my last one (yes, I know I've said this before but now I MEAN IT. if you've been around me, you have to know I'm DEAD serious.) I enjoy feeling the nameless one wiggle around, esp. after I've eaten...and I'm really trying to soak this up. I just know I will miss it. but honestly, I will be really glad to live through another labor and delivery, au naturel. Can't wait to see this guy's face.

~I guess I didn't have as many things to say as I thought I would.

In other news, Melanie and I really enjoyed a Mother/Daughter time away yesterday morning. My sis took Molly for me and David had the 3 boys. We went down to the Edinburgh outlet, enjoyed browsing without Molly. The weather was really mild (though it's far from mild today, due to thunderstorms that rolled thru last night, bringing with them cooler temps). Mel got a cool new Gap sweatshirt and I found a Gymboree blanket for #6 (the same blankie brand as Molly's) with little crocodiles on it.

got me thinking as to how funny it is that baby girls clothing is all flowers, mermaids, and cuteness, while baby boys clothing is bull dogs, sharks, crocodiles, and earth moving equipment. Very non-cuddly. kinda funny to me.

I will leave you on that note...time to gather my strength for the next 3+ hours out of the house tonight. ugh.

Maybe I'll put the crib up.

Five days...

...till this guy and I celebrate our 17th anniversary.....

I find this rather hard to believe....

in just over 3 years, I will have been married longer than I was single. weird.

Anyways, today promises to be extremely crazy, as Monday's do. Biology for Will, Piano for Levi and Mel, Karate for E and Levi. I guess it's really not all that much but when you live 20 minutes from the places where all of these activities occur and you are the lone driver, it makes for a tiring day. I just made myself tired.

Maybe I will squeeze some coffee time in with my sister today. Or catch a glimpse of Tambo, whose leaving town and is returning my coffee maker....I can hope.

We'll see....all I know is that it seems weird that even though David is still in town, we haven't seen him much. We did get to be with him at the hotel on Saturday night and that was fun, fun, fun...I pray he will actually get to have some time off for Thanksgiving, like the hospital says....

I miss that boy!

six square

David and other people are working on a six square version of his HTFS flooring over at the Bandy's residence...Many people have donated lots of time to seeing this thru.

That is where my husband and sons are at today...Will's last day as a 15 year old. sniff.

But man, isn't it a glorious autumn day? 62 degrees, sunny, leaves blowing in the wind, Pumpkin spice Americano to sip on....(after weigh in of course)...

Tonight, David is hosting an open house for his investors. He is legally supposed to do this...kinda tell people where the work/patent/$ is at....and we still wait on other news.

The good part of said open house is the fried chicken from Byrd's Cafeteria and other fine food. It is sure to be an informative and belly-filling time.

Hope your weekend is spent enjoying some outdoor time and wonderful worship.

so much catching up to do

Young Ideas shared boothspace with the IMI (Int'l Masonry Institute)...we thought that maybe it was the busiest booth but when it was announced at the end of the show, it was nice confirmation. David and Juan are superb salesmen.

David even ran into his former employer.

this is Richard. he was kinda scary but I'm sure completely harmless.

David and part of his amazing network of coolios. I like how the two guys have their hands on their hips. Becky (in pink, haha) and Juan. Two of the most awesome folks you'll ever wanna meet.

Before these memories get away from me, I wanted to get them posted. David's patent company took part in a local tradeshow. He met lots of architects, spec writers and others in the "industry".

Honestly, a lot of changes and great things are on the horizon. We are really excited and praising the Lord for all the storms and joys He takes us thru. I have so many thoughts roiling around in my noggin and not a clue how to get any of it out, making sense.

so honored to be alongside David on this roller coaster ride of life. so thankful that he has some fellow Christians to support him in the workforce. I stand amazed.

this post is just not doing any of the things taking place any justice at all. mush head.

Resting in the Lord...

this pic pretty much sums up our past year...

he may not be thrilled that I posted this but ya snooze, ya lose. right? (snicker...hee hee)

It was nice to hear him sawing logs after being gone so many weeks at a time...it's always nice when this high energy, never stopping, intense guy slows down! I love you, David....Your kids and I appreciate your out-of-this-world dedication and commitment to providing for all of us.

Happy Tuesday to y'all...I hear that tomorrow, the sun may be making an appearance. I'll believe THAT when I see it...nevertheless, my little seedlings are sprouting and that rocks!

Hangin' by a thread or so it seems

either Molly is trying to lick her dad's (balding) spot or she's embarrassed because of the annoying game we are playing. I'll go with two. We were doing that weird thing parents do "Where's Molly?" "did we leave her in the resort?" and she responded by doing this weird thing with her tongue. I guess it made her feel less self-conscious. (I used to do weird things like this too)

Ahh, I don't think they want you standing on their fancy shmancy chair, Miss!

even the restrooms at the West Baden Resort were hoity toity...cloth towels, golden filigree mirrors, amazing hexagon tiles on the floor (my faves)...

this was actually on the way down to check out the job at the Springs Valley School. We really enjoy it when this kid sleeps. She's non-stop action and attitude lately. love is a commitment.

Hi.

How are you? I hope you are well. I really do. We aren't doing so well over here. Stress is an ugly thing. Even good stress takes it's toll.

With all of the changes taking place in our lives on an almost daily basis, it seems, I knew it was a matter of time till it caught up with David and I. He's been under the weather all weekend and it trickles down. Poor fella. Some good decisions have been made regarding his company and it's moving in a most excellent direction, just not as fast as in the movies. ha ha. :) The decision to sell his construction company was a great one. The decision to work on M-F only is an even better one.

It may take time but his dedication and drive tell me that it will happen.

Some fun things happening now, for posterity's sake or for that time when I go back for his records to remember what we were doing at this time...

-Soccer season starts soon and all four of the big kids are playing for one last time at MPCC before Will, and possibly E and Mel join a local, incredibly awesome travel homeschool league called the Thunder! Will is so flip-flappin' excited for some moving up.

-Life is crazy. good crazy. but crazy breeds tempers, anger and no peace so this week, after organizing, Goodwill piling all weekend, I am looking forward to freeing up my/our schedules a bit. Piano, guitar, karate, exercise time, AHG, library service doesn't leave much time to umm, breathe.

I'd keep going, and I know you are curious but I just realized the time and I'm supposed to meet my sista at the Y with my girlies!

Happy Monday...brb.