I Stand Amazed

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you all for your prayers and support over the course of the last few days. I am still in a state of disbelief. When I bustle around the house doing normal tasks it feels like Kevin will be here momentarily. Then I trip over his tennis shoes or look at his toothbrush and I realize that he won't be back. These have been hard days. But I know that I will see Kevin again. I know that he is with Jesus and that he isn't hurting anymore. As I gaze into the eyes of my precious children I am reminded that God granted a miracle to me - all 6 are alive and healthy. The blessings that have come out of this tragedy have been incredible. In fact, they have blown me away. The night of the accident I made a choice. I could have turned completely away from God -- I mean after all my life was forever changed. Or I could go all in and trust and believe that God is sovereign and that He will turn these ashes into beauty. I am all in. I praise my Jesus!

You Need This!!!

ok -- so i haven't blogged in a full year. i finally, after many attempts, have found my password and corresponding email address!

so here's a product that you need. trust me... it is awesome. this is a heated eyelash curler. you can purchase it a sephora. it heats up in 15 seconds. apply your mascara and then comb the heated tool through. no pain and curvy lushes lashes in seconds. for $16 plus tax -- you will be totally satisfied.

it's good to be back!!

Poor Hokie

Poor little Hokie had knee surgery on Monday. We just got her back!!! Beamer was lost without his sister. She did get a very cool cast in hot pink!

Snowy Day

The bad weather began on Tuesday. The kids were thrilled to finally have some snow to play in. The boys went to the Sabad's for an exciting day -- they had an awesome time especially snow-boarding and sledding. Katie, Chloe, and Beamer enjoyed playing in the snow, too. Poor Hokie had knee surgery on Monday and is still at the vet recovering. She missed out on all the excitement. Mayson and Isabella watched Cinderella III, opting for the warmth of the inside. I love snowy days -- they take you back to being little. Although it feels like we had lots more snow in MD when I was little than we do now.

Valentine's Day Fun

What a fun Valentine's Day! We decided to celebrate with the kids. No school.....sledding.....baking. What fun!! We had a "heart" dinner with heart-shaped pizza, heart-shaped cake, fondue with strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows. Katie even made valentine lolli-pops. The kids had a blast! It was such a relaxing day.

The West Coast Has the Sunshine!!

We had so much fun in Palm Springs! What an incredible get-away! Thanks, Jodie, for watching the kids for us. What a blessing.
Palm Springs is absolutely beautiful. The desert and the mountains are an amazing combination. The weather was perfect. We rented a "hot" red convertible. It was awesome to drive. Kevin had his first Starbucks! We ate in great restaurants, enjoyed the spa, and even got to have dinner with Ed and Alana! That was way fun! Can't wait until the next get-away! Although there really is no place like home!

Max and Katie's Sleepover

Max and Katie finally had their birthday party on Friday night! Wow!! The cakes were awesome (thanks, Rachel). They were a total hit! The dogbone cookies were also a favorite (thanks, Amy and Rachel for the idea). Katie had 9 friends sleep over and Max had 3 friends. The boys were upstairs sleeping and the girls were downstairs -- well, not exactly sleeping! That Rachel Burch sure is a late night party machine!!!! The kids had fun eating pizza, cake, cookies (lots of junk food). The girls did a craft and the boys played flag football in the dark -- thanks to the lights of our trucks! My kids had a blast! The party went off well until Kristen (the neighbor) threw up before breakfast!! Kevin REALLY enjoyed cleaning that up! I am kind of glad that we only do parties every other year..... the people here are still grumpy from their late nights!!! I still am not sure why they are called "sleep"overs.......

Medieval Times

For a blast of the past..... if you want to feel like you are hanging with King Arthur and his knights.... head to Medieval Times at Arundel Mills. It was so much fun. Upon entering every guest gets a crown. The color of the crown corresponds to the knight that you are to cheer for during the show. You feel like you are truly a part of the Middle Ages during the meal... there is no silverware. You get to eat with your hands. Above are some pix of the food -- vegetable soup which has to be slurped, a rib, half a chicken, half a potato, and some garlic bread. The show is really good and full of jousting and incredible horse tricks. The kids had a blast -- it was a great time. Kind of expensive, though, but worth it for a special occasion!!