Catching up..

I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted. I definitely need to "catch-up." It may seem as if I have fallen from the face of the earth. Believe me, if that had been a choice over the last month, I may have taken my babies and jumped. LOL!

Since the last post, we have experienced a lot of "adventures" in Colorado. Halloween was a great night. (I will post pictures later). One of our friends (yes, we have maybe two friends in this lovely state), had a Halloween party. The kids trick-or-treated together, and had a great time. Of course, Justin had worked the entire night and day before, and was exhausted. He barely got to attend the festivities, and was on the phone the entire time. (I heart Colorado and Fellowships.)

The highlight of the last month (and possibly the last six months) was a trip to Arkansas!!! We had a blast. It was great to see everyone. The kids were able to eat lunch at their Arkansas school. They visited with their friends. It was great to be around our friends and family. We miss you guys SO VERY much!! The trip was impromptu and was the result of Claire's parent-teacher conference where I was informed how poorly she was being treated by the girls in her class. Apparently, this group of girls are notoriously mean. (Aren't we lucky to have joined them). With this news, I , like any great mom, packed my kids and headed south. I booked the flights at 2PM on Friday, and we were on the plane by 7PM that night. Again, mother of the year, I am teaching my kids to run from their problems (in case you are still trying to cast your votes). I do think it was helpful for them to see their friends and to remember how brief our visit to Colorado is. They came back with a sense of refreshment. Now let me say, it did not improve Claire's situation at school, but it made her feel better. Honestly, if you see me on the Oprah show in the near future as the mom who kicked some third-grade "tail", don't be surprised. I think that is my next step. Just kidding, but I am running out of options. I guess Claire is going to be a stronger person. Maybe she will become more sensitive toward other peoples' feelings, or something. ugh! Whatever...just another adventure, huh?

The other thing that my children are gaining from their experience in Colorado is a "potty mouth." Braden has been discussing various body parts that his friends at school discuss on recess. Can you believe they are discussing such topics in first grade? We did not have a clue! I would also venture to say that the kids in Arkansas are not discussing such topics. These kids are very "worldly," and knowledgeable. I hope my kids are not learning too much. My fear is now they will go home with a potty mouth and will be avoided by all kids at home. I can hear some mom telling their child not to play with Braden because he talks inappropriately. What lessons they have learned?! Fabulous, huh?

On the positive side, the kids have learned to ski. It has been great fun wathcing them learn. They are fearless. I will post pictures later.

I hope everyone is doing well in Arkansas. We miss you guys so very much. It also made me realize how important "girl time" is to me. I miss my buddies, and the support and information I gain from you guys. I can't wait to get home!!