try this at home...

I saw a link on the internet on how to make paper cowboy hats, so I tried it. It was alot of work to make so many, but if you were doing just one, it wouldn't take very long. Basically, you start with 2 big sheets of newspaper, drape it over a balloon (or head), get a helper and use masking tape around the lower portion (to make the top). Then fold and tape the sides the way you want them. Next, use a flour and water mixture (papier mache) and paint it all over. After it is dry, paint it with tempera paint. Let that dry and then finish it off with twine (I used hot glue).

Jared's party

We had Jared's friend birthday party, which was farm-themed. We had lunch, cupcakes, and pony rides. A friend from church was nice enough to bring their pony for the kids to ride. Jared was a little scared, but most of the kids enjoyed it. Jared fell asleep in the middle of the party, while waiting for all the kids to get done with the pony rides. We had to wake him up to do cake and presents. The kids also found eggs, with animal magnets in them, and they did horseshoes, fished in the kiddie pool, played with play-doh, and just played like little kids do. The after party was perhaps more fun - some of them stayed and jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath.

Life-changing decisions

Well, it's time to let you in on what's been going on lately...

We've got a big decision to make. Without going into all the little details (remember think low profile, especially with any comments), here's a general synopsis:

Alex has a job offer in Santa Barbara, California. It's an amazing opportunity and I'm very proud of his hard work and what he has accomplished to even get the offer. We weren't seeking out the position - it just fell in our lap (that's another story).

We flew in this past weekend for a visit, and I really liked the area (the boys minus Owen stayed with my parents for a few days). The climate and scenery (beach & mountains) are amazing, the people that we met were very nice, there's plenty of things to do, and it's a great career move. But the housing was horrendous. It's amazing that anyone can make it out there with the cost of housing, but we do have some options as far as that goes.

On the flip side, we also love it here in Oklahoma. We both grew up here, so it's pretty much home. We have a stable job (although with little career incentive), great friends, and a comfortable life, including a house that's paid off in 10 years. It's pretty predictable where we will be in 10 years, although anything can happen whereever you are.

We haven't made a decision yet. Do we step out and take the opportunity or just stay here? Will we regret not taking the opportunity or will we regret leaving what we've got behind? We've been considering all the pros and cons, but don't know what to do. Change is always hard. And by far, it is always most difficult to say good-bye to friends. We have been really blessed with good friends everywhere that we have been.

What do we do? We have to make a life-changing decision very soon.

Stay tuned...

interesting thought...

"I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly, correctly. I am easily managed - you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a human being. You may run me for a profit or turn me for ruin - it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Who am I? I am habit."

-Anonymous

Someone turned 3!

I think he had a good day... pancakes for breakfast, McDonald's for dinner, followed by trying to ride his new bike, cake, and presents. His friend party will be later...

5 months

Today was the day to try rice cereal. He did pretty well, although alot of it came back out. I think he just liked chewing on the spoon, and you can see why - look at those teeth.

paintin' pigs

Just been getting ready for Jared's farm birthday, painting pigs to dig out of the sandbox... the boys had fun helping me do those.
And decided to do our own cupcake toppers. Gettin' crafty around here! It saves money and it's fun.

mom

Today is mother's day, and I'm afraid that I will fail miserably in a post. I don't have any funny pictures - I can't even think of any funny stories. Words would not be sufficient to express my gratitude and love for my mom. But I can say that what I am today and who I am still trying to become is in large part because of my mom's example. Her simple service and sacrifice is an inspiration to me. I thought this picture of us kids would be a good tribute to my mom - I think she did a pretty good job, don't you? I think this is a reflection of her and the wonderful mother that she is. I love you mom!

Our freedom has a price

My friend posted this on her blog. It's worth your time to look at - it's a good reminder that our freedom isn't free. I'm so grateful for those who risk and sacrifice their lives for our freedom. This navy seal lost his life by falling on and covering a grenade to save his comrades.

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/04/us-navy-seal-mi.html

Passing along some good music

I hope she doesn't mind - her sisters have posted it on their blogs, so I hope it's okay... (Sharon has it on hers). I just thought this was amazing and so calming- it's an arrangement of I Feel my Savior's Love titled He Loves Me, and it's by someone I know from Bartlesville - Jackie Reid.

http://www.box.net/shared/1chj3k5d6z


(Sharon, let me know if I shouldn't pass this along - you know, if she's making a CD to sell or something... :))

Spring cleaning

It's amazing what ends up under the couch...

easter eggs and empty chocolate bunny boxes...

maybe we do have a bunny living under our couch.