So my boys are telling me that I really need to update... so I guess I do! lol. Hmmmm, what's been happening? Let's see. Weekend before last, the kids and I and some friends went to the zoo and visited with our relatives there.  (aka monkeys.. lol) We fed the fish and rode the train and bumped into a lot of people we knew. That was a lot of fun. Then we went to Chucky Cheese's for lunch. Hunter hit the Jackpot on the game he was playing (literally) and won TONS of tickets. We all had a really good time.

We rented March of the Penguins the other night. FANTASTIC movie. It was so fascinating. We learned a lot about penguins. All of the kids were wanting a pet penguin by the end of the movie. LOL! I don't think a penguin would do too well here in Louisiana. What do you think?

And the biggest news since I've last updated... drum roll please.... I am now the proud owner of a new house! Woo-hoo!  I closed last Thursday on the house so that night we had a pizza party in the house to celebrate. We also used that time for everyone to pick out the color they wanted their rooms painted and I have been painting all weekend. Hunter and Jared's room is "Pear Green", Abbey's is "Dog Ear" aka Pepto Bismol pink, lol, and mine is a light steel blue. I joke that it looks like an Easter egg has exploded inside my house.  WHEW! We have color!!! That's just the bedrooms though - you gotta have fun with color in there. The rest of the house is "normal". I'm getting Andre's business to build new cabinet doors for all my cabinets in the kitchen. And I've got to replace the sink in the main bathroom. Other than that, just a little more paint and we'll be move-in ready! I'm excited, can't you tell! I know the kids are too.

Soooo, Hunter asked me this morning about Sunday's sermon at church. He wanted to know what the "main idea" was.. so I'll share here. Good points to remember. The sermon was entitled "Relational Basics" and since EVERYONE has relationships one way or another, mother/child, friend/friend, co-worker/worker, etc... these basics can help everyone. 3 things to remember... 1 QUICK and 2 SLOWS. We need to be:

• QUICK to listen
• SLOW to speak
• SLOW to anger

If we will follow these relational basics, then we will have a lot better relationships in life and have fewer regrets. Ever heard anyone say, "I'm so sorry I listened so much?" Get the point?

Ok, so now that I've written a small novel at this point, I guess I should wrap it up. I know that you guys probably all need a break from reading.  I've added great eye strain to your day. LOL!!!

I love you HUNTER, JARED and ABBEY!!!! My kids are the GREATEST!   Big smooches to you!

P.S. Please pray for Abbey. She is under the weather, AGAIN!

So what's new? Hunter made A/B Honor Roll on his Report Card and Jared made A Honor Roll. Woo-Hoo!!! I am so proud of my boys. I know its been a tough school year, transitioning from home schooling to public school in the middle of the 2nd six weeks amidst major family changes, but they have done so well. I couldn't be more proud of them.

The kids and I went to the rodeo last weekend. That was a lot of fun. We've never been to one before and didn't really know what to expect. The coliseum was SOLD OUT and they were even asking parents to put their children on their laps to accommodate the crowd. We sat right over the bull pen. That was very interesting because we got to see the riders get set up before they let the horse or bull, whichever the case may be, before they opened the stall. Abbey really enjoyed the clowns. I think Hunter and Jared liked the calf wrangling the best. We left before it was over, but it was still a really good night.

That's it for now. My kids will be at their dad's this weekend. I'll miss them but I know that they'll have a great time.

I love you HUNTER, JARED & ABBEY!!!!!!!!   

Currently Listening Lifesong By Casting Crowns see related

Hi all!

I am striking up a XANGA so that I can comment my little ones' Xangas. Hunter and Jared each have their own accounts and I am very proud of them for the work they have done on them. They look GREAT you guys! My boys are growing up so fast. I can't believe they are even old enough to do this. GEESH!

So anyway, my name is Shana. I am the mom of 3 wonderful, beautiful (uh, handsome?), talented, children. They are my treasures - true gems. I work as a legal secretary in an attorney's office and I am learning so much everyday there. I am enjoying stretching my brain a bit and challenging myself.

I am a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria and was recently baptized there by my wonderful pastor, Dr. David Brooks.

I am in the process of buying a new home for my children and me. It's a bit scary, to be on my own this way, buy I'm trusting the Lord that He will be my strength when I have none. He is so AWESOME!!

Anyway, there's lots more that could be said, but I'll close for now. I really just wanted to get something up so that I can send notes to my children- they are my heart. I love you HUNTER, JARED and ABBEY!!!!!