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.