Tuesday Tribute

Well, March is definitely "birthday mania" around our house. We have tons of March birthdays in our family. Today is my nephew, Jared's birthday. I can't believe that he is nine already! Jared has made a lot of progress this year and we are so very proud of him. He has learned some signing and is also speaking some words, which is truly a miracle. Jared is a special little guy who loves his trains (whoo whoos) and his race cars. He is almost always smiling and he makes us laugh all of the time. We can't wait to see how Jared progresses over the next year. Maybe by his next birthday we will move from words to sentences...I believe that it is possible! We love you Jared!! Happy birthday buddy!!

Happy Birthday Brock!

Today is Brock's 10th birthday. I can't believe that my "baby" is in double digits! This year, instead of a party with lots of friends, he chose to take his two best buds, Kain and Cade, to the Komet's game. Chuck (and his best friend, Steve) took them and they had a great boys night. It was the easiest party I have ever had, for sure! While they were doing that, we girls went to the Peony Pageant and had a great time. The first two pictures were taken before the game and the last picture was taken by Steve on his phone at the game. You can imagine Deanna and I getting that picture sent to us during the pageant. We were both cracking up at these kids. Honestly, they were the best kids EVER. I wouldn't even have known they were at our house. They are just great kids and they get along so well. Brock has made us so proud and we are glad he had a great day with his "buds" to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Buddy! Also, if you would be willing, click here and leave Brock a comment on his blog. That would be an awesome gift for him. Cade already posted a birthday wish on there. Just click on "comments" and leave him a birthday greeting if you would like. THANKS!!!

Thanks, JJ and Mike!

JJ and Mike never forget our kids and this birthday was no exception! Right on time, Brock's present was in the mail when he got home from school. He could hardly get inside fast enough to open the present. You can can only imagine how thrilled he was when he discovered a Lebron James jersey inside! He had it on within 10 seconds! Thank you both SO much for loving my kids as you do...we appreciate it and you will never know how special it makes them feel! Enjoy the video. I learned that I can't turn my camera when I'm making a video because I can't rotate it afterwards. I guess you all will just have to turn your computers on their sides to see this one! :0)

Southwestern Chicken PileUp

This is actually the second recipe that I have tried after putting the word out that I was looking for some new supper ideas. My first was Carole's Taco Ring ( a Pampered Chef recipe) and it was a hit at home! They loved it! (Thanks, Carole!) Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the picture I had taken of it. I was more careful with this one. I found this one on the Internet after my cousin's wife, Crystal told me about the Biggest Loser recipes they were using. This was really good, filling and full of protein! It was a wheat pita with southwest seasoned chicken breast, hummus, black beans, red peppers, cilantro and cheese. Yummy! If you would like to try it, go here to get the recipe. Also, if you have any other healthy recipe ideas, I would still love them (even if you are visiting but don't really know me!!!) THANKS!

What a Great Day!

Today was my birthday and all of my family and friends made me feel so special (actually, I had a great birthday weekend). It started off when I got home on Friday and Chuck gave me my birthday gift. He surprised me with a spa pedicure! I just love getting to do those, but never spend my own money on one. My friend Jen had gotten me one several years ago and I had enjoyed it so much that Chuck gets me one every so often on special occasions. I also was pleasantly surprised when Brock posted this on his blog this morning. Then, when I got up this morning, there was an envelope from Kenzie waiting for me. It had the most wonderful letter inside and she had made a picture and used ribbon to attach two dollar bills for me from her piggy bank (so cute!). Aside from all of that, my dad sneaked into our house on Friday while we were out on our "birthday date" and finished all of the trimwork on our flooring. Mom made me a special birthday dinner for me on Sunday and I even got a birthday serenade from my mother and father-in-law! I was really touched by their thoughtfulness. Finally, I had such a great day at school today with some very nice gifts and cards from my friends and my "secret pal" Deb brought in a wonderful meat and cheese tray with fresh fruit and lowfat vanilla yogurt to dip it in. I really appreciated how she took the time to bring in something that I could enjoy without guilt. I just feel so blessed to have so many very wonderful people in my life!!!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Today is my dad's birthday and the kids wanted to make him a little video for his special day. Dad, hope your birthday is a great one! Thanks for everything (and it is ALOT) that you do for us. We look up to you and love you very much!! You're the best!!!

More Spring Program

This picture was taken while we were waiting to get into the PAC building for the program. This is Kain's little sister Lexi with Kenzie. Isn't she just the cutest little thing ever?!?! (must take after her mom!)

Here are the two "buds" waiting to go in. Don't those just look like the most natural smiles ever?!?!

I'm not sure how Kenzie ended up on the top row, but we could hardly see her. We could see some of her good friends like Erica, Alaina, and Grace.

This was the best picture I got of Kenzie. This was when they were first coming in and lining up on the bleachers. Doesn't she look so serious?

More Spring Program Pics

We went to the PAC to watch the spring program tonight. I thought that the kids just did a terrific job and their music teacher had really put together a great show. It isn't very often that the kids have programs, so we really relish the chance to go and watch them when this one comes around. Below are some pics from the evening. I was pretty pleased with the pictures that I got with my camera, considering that we were in the dark and sitting a few rows back. I tried to get pics of everyone that was special to us. Hope you enjoy them!

Here is Brock getting ready to say his part. As you can see, he can hardly hold back the excitement.

Brock's other "best bud" Kain. He did a great job too!

Brock saying his part. He forgot for a moment, but he got it back quickly. We were proud!

Brock's friend Nick (his mom is one of my blogging buddies). He is a great speaker and did really well tonight.

This is SOOO Brock. Doesn't he just look bored to tears?!?! I couldn't resist snapping a picture!

Spring Program

The kids had their spring program tonight, so we took the opportunity to take a few shots before heading out. Can you believe how big my babies are?!?

"Yo, dog! Wassup'?" Couldn't resist posting this picture...I thought it was super cute!

Tuesday Tribute

Well, what is better in life than a true friend that you can count on through thick and thin? Brock is lucky enough to have two really good and true friends that we are so very thankful for and Cade is one of them. The most interesting thing about Brock and Cade is that they are distant cousins, but didn't really "know" each other until a few years ago when Cade's family moved in across the street. We never would have dreamed what a blessing that would prove to be. Not only with Cade, but also with Deb, Mike, Gage and Dane as well. We truly couldn't have asked for better neighbors and now feel so blessed to also be able to call them "friends." Cade is just the kind of boy that we, as parents, hoped Brock would be friends with. He is really fun, but also respectful, responsible, caring and dependable. We are SO looking forward to next year when the two boys are at the Goedde Building and we can only hope that their friendship continues throughout their teenage years and beyond. I can remember having certain friends who would come to my house growing up and they were so comfortable and just like family and it was no work for them to be there and that is the kind of friend that Cade is. In fact, we often joke that he is our "other son." As a matter of fact, Cade has been to several family gatherings on both sides of our family and everyone enjoys him so much. Thanks Deb and Mike for raising such a nice young man (well, three actually) and for letting us share him so often. We love him (and Dane and Gage) like they were our own!

Recipes Please!

Hey everybody...we are in need of some fresh recipes. We are looking for quick, tasty, HEALTHY, affordable meals (not asking for too much, right?!?!). If your family has a favorite or two to share we would be really appreciative. You can just leave me a comment or, since many of my family and friends can't figure out the comment thing, you can email the recipe to me at: cmbberry@yahoo.com. I am going to post the recipes as we try them and then maybe we can all get some fresh ideas! Thanks in advance for playing along and sharing your ideas!!!

Girls Night Again

Okay friends...how about Tuesdays and Wednesdays to start with? What do you think...6:30 or 7:00 ish? Let me know. Really, I am so glad that you all want to do this with me. Not only do I need the exercise, but I have to be honest and tell you that I am also looking forward to the "girl time." How lucky am I to know such great ladies?!?! Pretty lucky, I think!!!

It's A Date!

Amy, Deb, Deanna, and Carole...I am SUPER excited that you want to do girl's fit n' fun nights. I really want to get movin' and start the spring season off right. So, when should we start and what are the best nights for you? Oh, and how about a good time? I am ready to get fit (and have fun, of course!). Hopefully it will be nice enough that the kids can hang out at our house and play while we walk so we won't have to worry about them while we take some "mom" time...and my "houseboy" (that's what I'm calling Chuck while he is on layoff) will be there to supervise. :0) Let me know what your thinking...!

Tuesday Tribute

I don't even know where to begin with my parents. They are my role models on so many different levels and they are two people that I have always known that I could count on. Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time doing things with my parents. We had fun together, but I also remember doing a lot of hard work with them. Mom and Dad didn't have much money, but I always had nice things because of my parent's hard work. Everything that got done at our house was done by my parents. They built the family room addition together, remodeled the kitchen together, and when Mom wanted a pool, they built one together! They worked together side by side on many projects at home. For many years they also worked side by side at the bank, and even having spent all of that time together I always knew that they were one another's best friend. That is what I have always strived for (and have been lucky enough to get) in my own marriage. Here are just some of the many reasons that I love my parents:

*They ROCK as grandparents!!!

*They always took me camping when I was growing up and those are still some of my favorite memories!

*They always welcomed my friends into our home and treated them like family.

*They always forgave me when I made mistakes (and still do!)

*They love my husband as though he were their own son.

*I always knew that they were proud of me and believed that I could do anything that I set my mind to.

*They are hard workers and I have learned the value of hard work from them.

*They almost never miss their Saturday night "dates." :0) SO CUTE!!!

*They still say "be careful" when I am going out of town (even though I am 35 years old!)

*They rarely miss any of the kids' events.

*They would do ANYTHING for Chuck, the kids, or me!

Mom and Dad - I love you so much and I really can't thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me. You are the best parents ever!!! Love you bunches!!

Girls Fit N' Fun Night Anyone?

Hey girls, I am in a rut exercise-wise and I really want to get movin'. Now that it appears as though spring might actually be coming I was trying to think of a way to make it fun and motivating. I thought maybe we could pick a couple of nights a week to go walking. Maybe the kids could play at our house (at least while Chuck is here in the evenings) and we could walk and chat and enjoy each other's company at the same time. If we could get a few of us, then it might be easier to stick with so that if one can't make it, the rest of us could still help each other stay on track. Anyone else interested? Any other ideas for fun exercise options? Let me know what you think!!

After Pics

Well, here is the new floor. We are still waiting for a few more pieces of trim that had to be ordered (some for the entryway and some for under the cabinets), but it is mostly done and we LOVE it! It even makes the old cabinets look better. :0)

Tuesday Tribute

With everything going on in our household lately, we have tried hard to be faithful and believe that everything is going to work out fine with Chuck's job. I have said many times that I realize that so many others have more difficult challenges to overcome than ours. This video that I got from my friend Deb truly reiterated that to me. We really CAN conquer all things through Christ. What a testament! I hope you enjoy this tribute!

This is the most touching and inspiring video ever...

One day, a son asks his dad "Daddy, would you like to run a marathon with me?" The father says "yes." And they run their first marathon together. Another time, the son asks his dad again, "Daddy, would you like to run a marathon with me?" The father says "yes son." One day, the son asks his father, "Daddy, would you run the Ironman with me?" The Ironman is the most difficult triathlon ever (4 kms swimming, 180 kms biking, 42 km running?) And the dad says, "yes". The story looks simple until you watch the following clip. Just amazing, how much can love be.... ?

Before Pics

Well, if you have been following our blog you will remember the "date night disaster" when our dishwasher leaked all over our laminate "wood" floor. It has all been torn up and they will be coming tomorrow to replace the new, better floor. I am so excited! I thought I would take some "before" pictures to document the change. We are hoping to sand and paint the cabinets this summer, but not sure if we're ready to take that big of a job on yet. Anyway, keep checking back and I'll put the pictures of the new floor in when it's finished.

Here is the dining room. Sure looks bigger with everything cleared out.

This is the hall. Chuck painted the hall on Friday and I am in love with the color. I wish you could see it better in this picture.

This is the lovely vinyl flooring that was under our laminate. It really doesn't look too bad, considering it has been under our other flooring for so long. I am excited to see what the new floor will look like!