Cedar Point, 2014

So, Tyler and I threw around the idea of going to Cedar Point, just the two of us, for a while now.  We were not able to go on a family vacation this year, so we knew we wanted to do a little something special before the season was over.  We picked a date, got the sitters figured out for our four boys (I am so thankful for my Mother-in-law and my Mom!), and were excited for a day to ourselves at Cedar Point.  It felt a bit childish and dorky to go there by ourselves, but we actually think we are going to make it an every year thing.  It was a blast!

We grabbed some coffee at Mcdonalds and made our way to Findlay, OH.  We stopped at good ole Bob Evans and ate a big breakfast.  We soon made it back in the car and traveled another 1 1/2 hours to Sandusky, Ohio to the World's Best Roller Coaster park!  The weather started out cool (perfect jacket weather)  and ended very warm with clear skies all day.  Perfect.

We started out with Maxair (this ride creeped me out the most) and the Windseeker (gave Tyler the heebie Jeebies) which were thrill seeker rides. We road roller coasters such as the Raptor, Gemini, the Iron Dragon, the Cork screw (My Least fav), Top Thrill Dragster, Magnum (My fav!), and the new Gate Keeper.  Then for a little relaxation, we rode the Sky ride and train.  We both realized that we aren't near as adventurous as we use to be, but it was fun to push ourselves and 

get our blood pumpin!

Tyler and I looking attractive on the train.

What a dork.  Now we know where Malachi gets it :)

Enjoying the Sky Ride.

The Gate Keeper did not open until around 6:45pm.  We ended up waiting close to an hour, but were determined to ride it before we left!  It was a smooth, exciting ride with awesome seats- worth the wait!

Oh my, the mint chocolate Dippin Dots were delightful and I finished it to the very last drop.  Ahhh, delish.  We also enjoyed Auntie Ann pretzels and cheese and some dreadful chili cheese fries which makes me gag just thinking about 'em.  

We ended the night at a cool little restaurant in Sandusky called, Crush Wine Bar.  Tyler got pizza, of course, and I got some Salmon over Spinach noodles in a truffle, goat cheese cream sauce with sundried tomatoes.  Now tell me that doesnt sound good!  (Can u tell I wasn't on a diet for the day?)  I haven't even gotten to the best part yet.  I also got a Belgian Chocolate Mousse with whipped cream and a chocolate cigarette, they called it.   I call it... diviiine!  Perfect end to an outstanding day.

The best part of the trip was the interaction I was able to have with Tyler without any interruptions from our kids.  We were able to enjoy each other's company and that is sooo needed with our busy lives.  

Now, when is our next date?!?  :D

My Zakky.

Zakariah Tyler (5) is by far our most surprising kid.  Most days it seems like he cannot focus and he is in his own little world.  But what a sense of humor he has, along with a crazy amount of sweetness.  He is a smart boy who dances to his own drum beat.  I love that he isn't cookie cutter and he keeps me on my toes!

A few clever things he has said that I would like to remember:

"Mom, I am full of jokes."
"You don't see THAT everyday."
"I love Jacob, I just want him to be happy."
"I'm bored.  I get hungry when I'm bored." (Don't we all)
"Good is my middle name."
"I could hug you all day!"

I know there are more, but I can't think of them! He's a character.

2 nights ago, I was giving Zak kisses and hugs before bed and I asked him if he wanted to pray and he did.  "Dear Lord, thank you (mumbling)... my bed, ....my family..., (more mumbling) ... my mommy's so pretty and Daddy's so handsome, I love you, Amen."  I had to laugh hearing him say that.  He is just the sweetest thing and always makes me smile.  My Zakky.

Brother Love.

I wanna keep this in my memory bank...

From the moment Zakariah could interact with Jacob, he has adored him.  Sometimes I wonder why, because Jake can seriously treat him like dirt.  But that doesn't stop Zak from trying to win his affection on a daily basis.  On those rare moments when Jake is nice to Zak, it makes me so happy to see the smile on his face.  On a good day, Jake will say, "Zak is my best brother."  This was a good day and Zakky was on cloud 9.

Today, not so much.  We had one fruit yogurt smoothie left.  Zak wanted it, so I gave it to him... he asked first.  A little later, I hear Jake saying he wanted it and Zak just hands it to him.  I proceeded to make sure he knew that it was the last one and he would not have one if he gave it away.  He understood and seemed content with his choice.  I said, "Why did u give that to Jacob?"  Zak says, "I love Jacob... I just want him to be happy."  Jake ended up putting it back in the fridge.  He said "thank you", but did not act very thankful. 

Zak has a hard time focusing on directions, he is hyper, stubborn, can be dishonest at times to get out of trouble, but boy does he have a loving heart (among other good qualities).  He not only is sweet to Jake, but he tells me that I look pretty and that he loves me at just the perfect moment.  And that boy's hugs and kisses.... I'll tell ya, he is gonna make some girl happy one day.  We love him to pieces and the joy he brings to our lives is priceless.

Baseball Season.

This Summer has been crazy so far.  I had the bright idea of signing Zak up for T-ball and Jake for Minor league.  I was just trying to be a fun Mom!  Little did I know that most of the games would be at the same time at different locations.  Ooohh, and neither one of them want to go to practice or any of the games.  Lesson learned.  From now on, I will be asking them if they want to play baseball.  (I enjoy watching the games, so I am REALLY hoping they find a passion!)  But, I do remind them that they need to finish what they started and to try their best (and they get a snack at the end of the game... that helps too!)

Minor league is a major step up from T-ball, which I am more use to.  They are very serious about the game, they actually take score, and the kids feel the pressure.  Jake has done really well for his first season of Minor league, but last nights game...  it was hot, late, and no one seem motivated.  Especially Jake... he had yet to strike out, until last night.  He struck out twice.  

On our way home from the Geneva Minor League field:

Me:  "Jake, why were you moving so slow?  It's like you were tired and didn't want to be out there."

Jake: "I WAS tired and DIDN'T want to be out there."

Haha.  Well, that makes sense.  I went on to tell him that he needs to try his best whether he likes to play or not and that his teammates are counting on him.  He really does a good job.  I think if he had a little motivation, he could be really well!  

Well, if nothing else, my little ball players look cute in their uniforms :)  

Indy Get-A-Way!

So, while going through the basement transformation, Tyler and I decided that we needed a get-a-way, just the two of us, when the basement was complete!  After 3 months of enjoying the basement, we took a little road trip, 2 hours away, to Indianapolis on Valentine's Day weekend.  It was busy, but very enjoyable!

We left Thursday evening, dropped the boys off at my parents, and headed towards Indy.  Our first stop was Buffalo Wild Wings in Anderson, Indiana for their Triple Threat Nachos, oh yaaa :)

It was a later supper, but that place was packed!  It just happened to be 60 cent wing night and some fundraiser was going on.  Luckily, we got right in and sat on the bar side.  We were walking in to find a seat when we heard, "Tyler!"  The only possible people we could see in Anderson were Armin and Kim, and that's who were there!  So, we had an added little bonus and had supper with my cousin and her husband.   Service was slow, but we got half off our bill and got some extra time to chat :)  They even treated us to Starbucks!  What a great start to our trip.

We got checked into our hotel located downtown Indy and got settled in our room.  We looked out the window and saw a spectacular site.

Looked like a scene from Sleepless in Seattle <3  Couldn't have been prettier.
(unless it was a beach, but I will take what I can get)

After doing some research and getting some recommendations, we decided to eat at "First Watch Cafe" just a short walk from our hotel.  Delicious breakfast and great service.  

Then, after getting full bellies, we headed over to the Circle Center Mall.  We got there as things were just opening, so we enjoyed the walk around the empty mall.  I, of course, stopped and got a diet coke to quench my obsession.  Soon after, we headed over to TJ Max and were anticipating some good deals like we had gotten there before.  And good deals we got!  Nothing like getting some quality stuff at a good price!  Tyler even looks forward to going there :)

After some awesome purchases, we headed over to CVS to buy some drinks and candy for the movie theatre in the mall.  Shame on us... we stuffed it in my purse and headed on in to see a matinee.  We hadn't seen a movie in a theatre together is probably 2 years!  We watched "Monument Men" with George Clooney, Bill Murrey, and many other awesome actors.  It was clean, hilarious, and historical.  We recommend it!

This was Valentine's Day and we had no reservations, so we decided an early supper was the best idea.  We had heard Palamino's was an Indy favorite, so that's where we went.  We were maybe 1 of 3 couples there, so it was perfect.  I got my Moscato wine and Tyler got his beer of choice to accompany their amazing food.  I don't remember ever dining at such an upscale restaurant.  The highlight of the meal was the dessert- Sicilian donuts with Marscapone cream and Nutella chocolate sauce.  I am a dessert junky and it was extremely delightful.  

My Valentine and I dressed very casual due to the cold weather and thick snow that was coming down the entire day.  It made for a very eventful and pretty day.

After going back to our room to rest, (naps are a must when you have time away from the kids) we went back to the mall and just sat and talked at the food court.  We talked about life, our kids, and our faith.  We both agreed that that was the highlight of our trip.

We ended the night in our hotel with pizza from a nearby restaurant, the Olympics, and our PJs.  We had an awesome nights rest and slept in, kidless, until 8:30am and I could have slept longer.  Ahhh.

We got ready, checked out of our hotel, and drove to "Another Broken Egg Cafe".  Spectacular breakfast and probably the best meal we had on our trip.  It was there that we saw the US team beat Russia in Hockey for the 2014 Winter Olympics.  That topped it off :)

We went to the fashion mall and then to the affordable mall (ha) to use Tyler's gift card at the Buckle.  After going to a couple more stores, we picked up some Chik-Fil-A 

(we were in need of some normal food), and headed home.

I feel very blessed to have been able to spend the weekend with the love of my life and just enjoy each other without little ones to interrupt.  BUT, we did miss our kids and our life is truly only complete with them in it :)  

Thank you, Grandparents, for watching our kiddos while we were gone... y'all are such a blessing in our lives and it is so awesome knowing they were in good hands!

Now, come on Spring, get your butt here!!!

Spiritual Gifts.

"3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."  (Romans 12:3-8 NIV)

My Dad has been preaching on spiritual gifts the last few Sundays which has really spoke to me.  What are my spiritual gifts and how can I use them? Well, the easy answer is through music.  Tyler and I have ministered through our music for years now, leading choruses at our church and we feel that calling for sure, but we both want to do more.  We both want to be used to further God's kingdom, even in a small way.

I love that God gave us each our own spiritual gifts, unique to us.  I have spiritual gifts that no one else has, which is comforting to me.  I have always had a hard time finding my purpose in this world, but I think it has been my perspective.  I am expecting this GRAND calling and I am missing out on all the small ones.  God can use me anywhere, I just need to keep my eyes open and fixed on Him.  

We just came back from a weekend away in Indianapolis (A late basement celebration, just the two of us), and as we were people-watching at the Circle Center Mall, it was very clear to us that there is a huge need for God all around us.  And what are we going to do about it?  That is what we are praying about.  We are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I have had several opportunities to take meals to people and I love it.  Those times have been SUCH blessings in my life.  It may seem small, but that is what life is all about.  Helping others and showing God's love through our actions and generosity.  I look forward to more opportunities to give.

I have always told Tyler, that after the kids are all in school, I want to go to a Bible class so that I am more equipped to go out and witness.  Well, God answered my prayer a little early and I have had this great opportunity to go to a college Bible class 15 minutes away!  I have gone several times and absolutely LOVE it. They are finishing up on the Old Testament and next is a Theology class and I am super pumped to get started.  I know this is all a part of His plan and I am excited to see what He has in store in the near future!

The coolest thing we have experienced was our trip to the Veterans Hospital in Fort Wayne (I have talked about this before).  We got a chance to sing Christmas carols to the patients and the reaction was "Ahhh" inspiring.  Jake went a long with us and instead of getting bored and acting up (he is 7), he stood respectfully singing with his music sheet, saying "Merry Christmas" to every patient, and he was eager for the next song.  He got it that day.  He knew how it was impacting those patients.  That was a proud moment as parents.  We saw God is Jake that day. 

Our biggest mission is clear.  Our world needs Godly men and we are called to raise 4.  We WILL be planning more outings and ways to show the love of God to our kids.  We have been blessed with some great kiddos who show me more love than I deserve.  They have good hearts and I believe they will do amazing things one day.

"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  (Romans 12:9-13)

Even if my calling is small in my eyes, I must do it with sincere love, patience, faith, and much joy!  We all have unique, spiritual gifts that are all important in furthering God's Kingdom!  This has been on my heart.

Lord, we are open to anything that You want us to do with our Spiritual gifts and we ask You, Lord, to take the lead.  Help us not to ignore the pull of the Holy Spirit, to speak up when the time is right.  We know You will give us the right words to say.  Help us to train our boys, so that when they are older, they will not turn from You, oh Lord.  Show us our purpose in this life and use us to glorify Your kingdom.  In Your Name, Amen.

High and Low of Christmas.

I was asked recently at Bible Study, "What was your high and your low point at Christmas?"  Surprisingly my low took some time to figure out, but my high was chosen in about 1.5 seconds.  No question what my high point was this Christmas.... caroling at the Veterans Hospital in Fort Wayne will be engraved in my mind forever.

A dear church friend, who I have talked about before, was going to be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day getting a khemo treatment at the Veteran's hospital.  Instead of being depressed about having to spend Christmas in the hospital, he invited us to come join him Christmas Eve and sing Christmas carols to the patients at the hospital.  He had a long white beard, so he was rockin' the Santa hat and he walked down the hallway pulling his IV along side him.  This guy...  I have never met someone so selfless.  Why is he like this?

Because he gets it.  He just gets it.  Blessing others in turn blesses us.  There is nothing more important than to show the love of God.  And he is beaming with God's love.  He has used this trial in his life to grow closer to God and bless others through it.  Amazing.

As we walked into the VA Hospital, Tyler and I pulled Jake just a bit closer.  It didn't exactly appear friendly in there and we actually opted not to look anyone in the eye.  It goes to show you, you can't judge a book by it's cover.  There was NOT ONE rude person in that place.  The Doctors and staff were happy we were there and the patients were even more happy to see us.  Men sat up out of there beds to listen, others asked for an encore, many cheered in the waiting room full of smiles... even a lady stopped us at the end and told us how we brought tears to her husband's eyes.  We were meant to be there and it was the coolest thing I have experienced in my 27 years of life.  God used us in a mighty way last Christmas and we hope to do it again.

In picture:  My Dad, Me, Jacob, Jan, my Mom, Tyler, and LeRoy.

Before we went that day, we were talking about how it did not feel like Christmas this year.  

But by the end, it never felt MORE like Christmas.