Cutest Birthday Cake EVER

Christmas Time

We just came home from a wonderful time in Branson doing a lot of activities.  I think I have posted lots of entries about Branson before, so I am going to skip downloading all of those pictures, just so I can catch up with this blog (I am writing in the future~it is actually April 10th!)  On Christmas Eve, we made Christmas cookies for Santa, watched Polar Express, and put three very anxious children to bed.  I love this time of year, spending it with my sweet family.  Merry Christmas everyone and a happy, healthy 2011!



Yes, I'm That Age

Well, not officially until the 26th, but today I went to dinner with some friends that I thought was for celebrating Erin and Pete's recent college graduation.  But no...it was for me and my milestone birthday!  Even Katrin drove all the way from KC just to be a part of it!!  As you can see, I have trouble even writing down the number (40)---yuck.  However, I am glad that I don't feel that age!  I know people who are younger than me that have way more aches and pains than I have!  Well, here are a few facts about me upon this milestone:
I have been married to Jon for 17 years, but have known him for 29 years (wow).
I am a mother to 3 amazing children: 
                                                                 Justin-12
                                                                Nathan-10
                                                                 Owen-4
I have the best job in the world:  I am a stay at home mom.  However, once Owen starts kindergarten in 2012, I would like to finally put me degree to use and substitute teach so my main job is not effected.
I have lived in the following places:  Ann Arbor,Michigan,   Dearborn, Michigan,   Dunedin, Florida,   Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri,   back to Dunedin, Florida,   Hanau, Germany,   Langensebold, Germany,      Killeen, Texas,   and back to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  I would love to move back to Florida, but we will see with the way the job market goes.
My parents and brother all live in Florida.
My hobbies are reading and running...I hope to run a lot next year. 

Yeah, this age is not too bad :)

Some Special Items and Our First Big Snow

We had our first big snow fall of the year, and of course, that meant it was a time for play!  Also, we went to the Christmas Festivities on post, and though I didn't take any pictures, Owen was in the paper (and you can see Nathan's red hat).  Then, this flyer was sent home because it is science fair time again.  This year, both Justin and Nathan are competing!  Can you guess who the "#1 District and State Science Fair Winner and Special Surprise Guest" was?  He did such a great job talking to the parents and showing off his 2 past entries.

Happy 4th Birthday, Owen!!

My "baby" is 4 today.  He has such a special place in our family.  Before he arrived, I always wanted one more after Nathan.  Jon did not because he was afraid especially after all of the major complications I had with Nathan and that C section.  Even the Dr's. told me not to ever get pregnant again.  However, I always told Jon, that it felt like someone was missing...someone that was suppose to be here.  Years went by and that never went away.  We decided to try for 2 months (with the majority of that time, Jon being gone) and if we didn't get pregnant, it wasn't meant to be.  Jon only agreed to this because he never in a million years thought it would happen :)  Owen Jon Abresch:  you were meant to be here!

Owen's Birthday Weekend

Since it is Owen's birthday coming up, we asked him what he wanted to do.  He mentioned he wanted to ride The Polar Express again like we did for his last birthday, so during the Thanksgiving Break, we headed down to Branson!  First we vistited the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.  We also walked downtown, and finally went to see Santa and ride the Polar Express.  The next day, we went to play some mini golf and then we went to the World's Largest Toy Museum.  Owen had a great time...we all did! 

Old Stagecoach

Nathan and his 5th grade class went on a field trip to the Waynesville Old Stagecoach, where they had an exhibit from the Smithsonian come true.  It talked about Ellis Island, and all of the immigrants that came to this country.  It also talked about how they settled land and traveled across the nation.  At the very end, they had the kids split up in groups and put on little skits where they were traveling abroad.  Nathan and his group were traveling by train, and he was the conductor.  Of course, most of if was goofy :)

Halloween 2010

Halloween is always an exciting time in this family.  Weeks go into thinking about costumes and candy and pumpkins.  I have to say that Justin wasn't quite as enthusiastic about it this year as in past years.  Could it be a sign that he is growing up?  I sure hope not.  We spent the day carving pumpkins, having a bonfire, and then of course - trick or treating.  Justin was a vampire, Nathan a ghoul (i think), and Owen the Thing.  Even Jon and I dressed up this year!