Somewhere over near Branson......

We had a great Halloween weekend this year. We enjoyed time with dear friends, the Gerdels (& the Tapley's, & Maggie & Lane) & the Langs----and our wonderful family. Chris, Greg, Evan, & Nathan ran in the Bass Pro 5K and did great. Missy & her sister in law ran in the half marathon on Sunday and also did amazing. The pumpkin patch was tons of fun even though it was in tin-buck-tu. I had wanted Chris & I to dress up along with the kiddos, but the day just got away from us and our plans were changed and therefore we did not. But I would have been Glenda, the good witch of the North, and Chris would have been the Scarecrow. Eden LOVED being Dorothy, Eli LOVED being a lion, not necessarily the lion from the Wizard of Oz. I think he wanted to be Simba from the Lion King, and Tobe could care less. Although I thought Tobe's was the most fun costume to put together....The other two were borrowed outfits of which I am grateful, but I loved adding the heart to Tobe's outfit (minor details). Anyways I love this pic my friend captured.....I think it depicts the friendship among my kiddos and although they occassionally drive me crazy getting on each other's nerves and mine at the same time, I know they love each other, just like the dear friends in the movie who were there for each other the whole time.

PCOS.........Say what?

PCOS.....Say What? (I am saying this in my best Hannah Montana voice---if you moms get my drift.) At least Eden would be proud. PCOS is what I have recently been diagnosed with. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is genetic (which makes me feel a whole lot better that I had no control over getting this or not)! It affects the ability to ovulate (Praise God for my 3 miracles), lose weight (which is why I've struggled for 7+ years or so) and lots of other lovely symptoms that I don't want to necessarily mention. It is connected with my insulin, so I am prediabetic. And if not managed properly can lead to many other severe health issues down the road. One out of ten women have it, so it is pretty common.

Let me back up a bit, I was having some majorily weird symptoms & hormone issues and thinking the vasectomy we had a year and a half ago wasn't doing its job. Knowing I probably wasn't pregnant, but kind of wishing I was I headed to the doctor to see what was "wrong" with me. Pretty quickly got my confirmation of PCOS. In some ways glad to know what was going on, but in other ways disappointed to know that I have to deal with this "disorder", manage it, wake up, etc. I am struggling with the idea of having to do something, rather than choosing to do it on my own. (You know quit soda, exercise daily, etc.) When I am told what to do, I like to rebel. But I didn't choose these healthy habits on my own, I waited too long and now I have to and it is hard.

My husband is on his own weight loss journey and doing great (he has already lost several inches & 15 pounds). He just completed his 4th 5K and didn't walk once (which is a goal I have yet to accomplish in my own 5K's). I am proud of him. But up to this point, it has been me thinking I am kicking him into gear, me thinking he needs this more than me, me thinking I am being simply supportive. Rather than the real fact that I need to be kicked into gear maybe more than he does. Granted diabetes is a risk from both sides of our family, but I seriously thought it would be Chris to get it and not me.

All this to say, I need help. I don't have the motivation. I hate to wake up early to exercise, especially when it is so dark outside. I LOVE to sleep. I LOVE Coke or Pepsi or anything that fizzes. I have other things I am working on and I am tired. I LOVE fall and the cool crisp air only if I don't have to run in it. I hate the tread mill, but I hate running outside if it is cold. Sounds like I have a lot of "hates", doesn't it?

Well, I thought I would finally just jot down what I was thinking and see if it jump starts me on the right track. I am not necessarily looking for suggestions, I know what I need to do. Maybe I am asking for prayer to help me do what I need to do and stop doing what I don't need to do. I hate Romans 7. :) Thanks for listening.

Not the "middle child" for a day.

Well I think Chris and I finally did something right. :) We did not give in to the "middle child" syndrome---well at least for a day. Chris and I ran in our 3rd 5K this past Saturday. It was the Run to Read Race sponsored by the YMCA and the Missourian. So I thought it would be fun to sign up one of my kids. They had a "baby dash" for 5 year olds and younger. Thinking to myself, I haven't signed Eli up for any sort of sports yet, this might be fun to participate in. Well he did have fun. He loved getting a T-shirt like mommy and daddy. He really loved racing like "Flash Gordon" around the indoor track. And he really, really loved getting a medal for running. Little did I know that big sister would be jealous of her brother getting to run. It was tough trying to explain to Eden why I didn't sign her up, regardless of the fact that she was too old for that category and she would not have been able to run the 5K. She insisted on running the track afterwards all by herself and was pretty put out that Eli got a medal. I had to mention how she earned $16 in the fair and about a dozen ribbons for her art in the art exhibit. Eli could not participate. We mentioned several other things that she gets to do, that Eli does not get to do. SO....for the first recorded time (maybe we did this once before---but I didn't log it so I can't remember) Eli got to do something before his sister. It was a long day, and we had to give lots of extra love to Eden that day. But I loved our time with Eli that day. I guess we need to intentionally do this more often with each of our children---have some one-on-one time with all three of them. But until then we will relish in getting it right at least once.

Packing away "teddy" named Octopus

I wanted to tell you about the octopus Eli got for his 1st bday. It was a blue Baby Einstein Octopus that Eli named Octopus. He literally stopped sleeping with it last week. It has been the "teddy bear" for the last 3+ years. We were going to have him give it up for the 4th bday in Aug. and mail "it" to my new nephew who "needed" it--(because Eli sucks his thumb when he holds the octopus) ---but I couldn't. Of course I was going to mail a new one, and keep my germ-infested one in a keepsake box. In the 3 years, I've washed octopus once. So I hate to think what might live on it (but hey, my kids are pretty healthy). As of a week ago, someone told him he was going to turn into a zombie if he sucked his thumb and he hasn't used his octopus now for a week. I hate that he thinks he'll turn into a zombie, but am somewhat glad he isn't sucking his thumb. I will be sad to pack the octopus away. We still are going to get my nephew, Mason, one for Christmas. He turns one in Jan. In Eli's scrapbook, I have a page devoted to his octopus, although he was only one when I took the pictures. Don't think I even knew the extent to which he would love that octopus. It is weird when you see those commericals of kids where they can't function without the teddy bear or blanket. My Eden never had a lovey that she had to have. But if we took Eli on any over night trip and forgot octopus, you might as well drive back to the house to get it because you were not going to sleep that night anyway. It got really hard last year when he had to go to the babysitter 2 days a week and I could never remember to pack octopus. They had some bad naps. Anyways, again I will be sad to pack away that little part of his life. Now to move on to the pacifier and his baby brother.......

the D-word

I hate the D-word. No it's not a 4-letter D-word (although I'm sure those aren't so good either), but a huge D-word. DISCIPLINE. Why is self-discipline so hard? I mean really. The fact that I am no good at self-discipline is not a new concept. Even in college, my girlfriends and I tried to challenge each other to be the "QUEEN OF DISCIPLINE" for a semester and hold each other accountable to our studies in a timely fashion. It lasted a little while, and then I fizzled out. I do that over and over again.

So now I am at this time in my life, I am really thinking it is about time I got a good handle on a few things. My devotion time, my finances, my health and body, my discipline/teaching of my children, my house routine (cleaning of), just to name a few. It is so hard to start a routine in several of these areas and keep up with it. I also know that many times you need to conquer one thing before you move on to the other, but I don't think so in this situation. It's like waiting to have a baby until you have enough money. It will never happen! We cannot afford to wait on taking care of our health/weight until we have all of our finances under control, yet it is hard to eat properly when all you can afford is boxed food. If we were to wait, we are hurting our chances of making progress in the other areas of needed discipline. Anyways, I am just babbling, but please pray that I can be pleased with the baby steps in several areas of my life, and not be discouraged. I, myself, would rather take giant leaps than have to take baby steps. But baby steps are good. Right?

My journal entry for the last 10 years (when I actually journal---which is very few and far between) goes something like this: Lord, forgive me for my lack of discipline. Please give me the discipline to...... I am taking hold of a verse this week and maybe you can too. Not that it is new to anyone, but just a powerful verse that I need to be reminded of. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Holy Spirit, may I rely on your power to help me endure temptations in my life and to give me the strength to continue in my quest of self-discipline. PLEASE & AMEN!

I got a glimpse.....

I got a glimpse on Tuesday about what life will be like when everyone gets to be school age and how quiet my house can really be. Eli started preschool and Eden headed into the first grade this past Tuesday. First off, let me say my kids were cute and so ready for school to start. Thank you Grandma Thompson for some back-to- school clothes and supplies. Eden loved her teacher, classmates, etc. Eli goes in the afternoon from 11:45-2:45. He loved it and only cried when I had to pick him up and he was upset he could not ride a bus home. To be honest the special needs students serviced by the school are the only Pre-K kids that can ride a bus. That is hard to explain to a 4 year old....I attempted and all Eli could say was that he was special too. :) So anyways, I'm regressing.....On Day 1, I actually made it home and Tobe had his nap for 2 1/2 hours of the 3 hours. Oh JOY! I cleaned and enjoyed it, because no one was interrupting me. Now I just need to make sure that I do not overcommit myself every day and miss out on my 3 hours---because the first week I only was able to have that quiet time one day out of the four. Week 1 down, lots more to go. I do look forward to a few lunches with Chris and the church staff w/ only 1 kid to worry about, a few playdates w/ less stress, and just some one on one time with Tobe. But I surely did enjoy those 2 hours!

Smell those feet!

Last Friday Eden and I went to Six Flags, just the two of us. We had lots of fun. It was nice to go with her and do the slides, wave pool, and rides that she can do and her brothers cannot. She just loves the Tidal Wave, it was actually like 70 degrees, so rather chilly for the water rides, but that is what she wanted to do. Anyways at one point we headed to the bathroom. [Sidenote: When we go to the bathroom these days, I always make her go to the stall next to mine so we can always see each other's shoes.] But this time we actually didn't have any shoes on (although it sounds gross, it was normal at the water park). I was staring at her feet, I still knew they were her feet, but for the first time they looked HUGE! I just sat there and realized she doesn't have baby feet anymore. I probably wouldn't even pretend to smell them, like I have in the past and like I still do for Eli and Tobe (you know the "stinky toes" game). No cuteness to her feet. It made me sad to think this thought. It made me think of a book my friend gave me "Let Me Hold You Longer" by Karen Kingsbury. This book highlights some of the "lasts" we have as parents. Usually we are always documenting the firsts. First smile, first word, first step, first t-ball game, first recital, first report card, first boyfriend, etc. But we never really document the lasts. The book is a real tear jerker for moms. So that is what came to my mind. I don't remember the last time I smelled her feet and pretended she had "stinky toes" and now she and her feet are too big for that. It may help me savor each and every moment, because it may be the last time I do that game, hold that tradition, tell that joke, sing that song, give that bottle, say that prayer, smell those feet.

the Jack's

OK---this is actually a comment to one of my friend's very funny posts of her intense need to pick up a package (Season 3 of 24) and her minute by minute play of whether or not she was able to accomplish her mission. I decided my comment was so long, and obviously something Chris and I are passionate about, so I just decided to re-post it on my page so that you would know how Chris and I got hooked on "the Jack's":
I love Jack, Chloe, Tony, and anyone remotely associated with 24. Our BFF's got us to watch it during the off season also (I think in one summer Chris and I watched Seasons 1-4)....Since then we've been watching it via the TIVO, which is a lot harder to have to wait a week to see IF Jack will get out of his predicament. But I least I get some sleep....Watching 4 episodes in one night can be kind of draining when you actually have to care for your offspring the next morning. Anyways you MUST catch up, because it definately becomes love/hate!!! Our friends also made us do this with LOST the next summer and we again caught up and it is just as bad, but his name is Jack ________? For some reason his last name just left me. Anyways, I LOVE both Jacks....and also thought your post was the most intense I've read lately...way to keep me on the edge of my seat. BTW, since Chris and I must drive a mini-van, at least it is jet black and Chris likes to call it the CTU van. That way if Jack is ever in need to apprehend a van, we are ready!

Shepard! His name is Jack Shepard. Whew! It just came to me. I feel good that I didn't have to google it. For a minute I was thinking I'm not a real fan. BTW, our friends tried to get us to watch HEROS as well. But we had to draw a line somewhere. We are addicted to the Jack's. Is there a character named Jack in heroes? I might reconsider if there was.

Lazy Days of Summer

Summer has been crazy. Whatever happened to that old saying "the lazy days of summer"? We have been to to the lake in Branson (just the kids and I went with Missy and her kids to their cabin for a couple days), VBS (It worked me out daily and I got "swamped" literally at the end), mini stayvacation in St. Louis (in one weekend we caught a Cards game, Six Flags, and the Zoo),4 night camping trip at the Meremac for the 4th, mini-Springfield vacation (Fantastic Caverns,Lambert's, and the Landing w/ our friends in Branson), not to mention a book club and a bible study and normal church gatherings thrown in there. If we don't have major plans we are trying to take advantage of the tot time at the city pool and our season passes to Six Flags. Chris is planning an FFH/Newfire concert and we had Highest Praise from OCC here as well. Now to end out the summer, Eden is participating in cheerleading camp and gets to cheer during the Little League Football season in the fall. We have the annual fair (which is HUGE here). Chris always has a float in the parade and it normally is the hottest day of the year. This year my MOPS group is going to offer a diaper changing/nursing station at the fair which will take lots of extra time. Plus Eli likes the fair more than Six Flags (he actually calls it eight flags (more flags, more fun!). My Eli turns 4 on August 16th and then starts preschool on the 18th. My baby girl starts the 1st grade! Finally Tobe and I will get some rest. (Side note: Maybe he will start talking when brother and sister are not around to do it for him.) I am going to need a break from summer vacation. Needless to say that is why I haven't posted all summer and probably won't post again till September. Who knows? We've been anything but lazy, which is why when we are actually at home: guess what? We are lazy!

Mother's Day and 5K's--they go hand in hand. Right?

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! It has been a long time since I've posted. I have been pretty busy since getting to play around in the Caribbean. Friday was my last day teaching my students, and this week will be my last week of work. There are TONS of paper work to catch up on. I am very excited to not be going back to work and enjoying the summer with my three beautiful, funny, and smart kiddos. Which is why I'm posting today. Another friend made a post about Mother's Day and helped me think about all those women who do not look fondly on this day for one reason or another. I did take time to think of some of those women in my life. It also made me think how I for one should not take this day for granted. God has truly blessed me with my kids. I feel like Hannah when she prayed in 1 Samuel "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." I too struggled trying to have that first kid and it took a long time, so I just have to remind myself not to take this job for granted.
So today and yesterday were such great days. I chose my own mother's day gift which was a really cute running outfit. I'm positive it helped me run faster for my first ever 5K. (Hopefully you know I'm joking). But I felt cute and that was fun. I ran the 5K in 32:04, which involved a lot of walking. So in spite of my self, I think I'm going to sign up for another, because I am too competitive and think I can knock some time off of that time immediately. I just need to strengthen my legs---they were what gave up first, not my heart (the cardio part). It is kind of weird, because I was just positive it was going to be my first and last 5K. But it was a lot of fun after the fact and my running friends were very supportive and so encouraging. So.....Anyways it is appropriate to go ahead and combine the 5K and mother's day into the same post, since my gift had to do with running and us mothers have to run after our kids all year long, right?
Well on the acutal day of mother's day I got a break from running after my kids. So, since Chris is always gone very early on Sunday morning my kiddos gave me my card yesterday with their recorded voices and a coupon good for 1 breakfast in bed to be saved for next Saturday when I can sleep in a little and really use a good breakfast in bed. Eden has been dying to do this. She also made a flower with coupon petals for help around the house. It was very cute. Eli's sunday school class gave me a spoonful of kisses, but was upset when I wanted to actually eat the kisses and not give them to him. Tobe was just cute all day and is wanting to say so much. I had a lovely day today, worshiping the Lord, a wonderful lunch (with soda!) and then a GIANT nap. All in all I was spoiled. The last few days have been fun as a mama (and dada) because we are watching all three of our kids play together. It is fun watching them giggle and chase each other. They sometimes drive Chris and I crazy and the house is so loud, but the three of them are loud together. I love it. Thanks to my family and God for such a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.

My wonderful cruise

OK---I know all the facebookers had an opportunity to read this already. But...my AZ friends won't get on FB. So in order to share with them I am posting my note on my blog..... We had so much fun on our crusie to celebrate 10 years of marriage (March 26th). I highly recommend it. First of all for those who did not know, we DID NOT take our kids. I was so thankful through out the week that we did not have our kids, although I missed them, it was so great to just focus on Chris and I as well as relax a little. If our kids were there, I would have been working and who wants to do that on a crusie?
So it was a 7 day cruise, with 2 days at sea, then we ported at Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, and then one more day at sea. We took an awesome river raft ride on a bamboo raft for two in Jamaica (similar to a gondola). Then in Grand Cayman we got to swim in the ocean and tour the island. In Cozumel we got to swim with a dolphin and ride on the belly of a dolphin. Of course lots of shopping, a little too much Bingo, some amazing food (did I mention the lobster bisque?) and some soaking up the sun. Each island had its own personality and my anal brain thought too much about that. So we got a souvenir for a different child at each island. Jamaica, was the laid back island "no problem mon" and I got something for my very laid back Tobe, Grand Cayman had tons of pirates and was the adventurous island, so of course that reminded me of Eli and finally Cozumel was the most beautiful island we visited and that reminded me of my Eden. For specifics on the ship, activities, etc. you are going to have to ask me personally. Again too much to say. PHOTO 1: Chris and me and the gorgeous ocean in Grand Cayman. PHOTO 2: Elegant Dress Night on the Ship.These are our friends, Andy & Christina from AZ, who we went with, who also celebrated their 10 year anniversary on Feb. 28th. Photo 3: The view from the tubs at the Three Amigo Cantina in Cozumel. PHOTO 4:The sunrise, Saturday March 7th. Might be the first sunrise I've been up for....very beautiful....very early.



Just know that Chris and I want to do it again, but will probably have to wait 5-10 more years. There was one person on the crusie that had cruised 37 times. Isn't that crazy? I think I would love to be old and cruise the rest of my life. So all that to say we had a blast, yada, yada, yada, oh yeah did I mention the bisque?

Time Continues to Fly

So I kind of bypassed Tobe's 1st bday. It was on the 8th of February. We had a small party for him on the 7th and then had a Baby Dedication on his actual birthday at church. It was funny, because at Eden's baby dedication she was only 3 weeks old. Eli was 7 months on his dedication. And I finally fit Tobe in at 1 year, when hopefully it would still be considered a "baby" dedication. Anyways time flies.

Tobe still is my baby. He mumbles two words "mama" and "dada". Although he can wave, give kisses, and say gentle and more with his hands, we don't get much out of the guy. He is cruising and crawling, but I don't think he is anywhere near walking. Although I probably forget how fast they go from one stage to another. Anyways, I said that is OK, he doesn't have to walk until he is 3 since he is my last baby. Either I truly have babied him and Eli at the time, or there is such a HUGE difference between boys and girls. Now Eden walked at about 9/10 months and Eli walked the week of his first bday. But we were just thinking (and I guess comparing) what Eden was doing when she turned one: she was already sleeping in a toddler bed, she would dance to Dragon Tales on the TV, she would sit and listen/read a book, she was talking in paragraphs, and running! It is such a vast difference. Now Eli is VERY verbal as well, although it just came all of a sudden like at the end of 2--beginning of 3. I was worried for a while, only because I only had Eden to compare him too. (I know, I know, You are not suppose to compare). And now Tobe is on the same track. I only hope he doesn't decide to walk when I am out of the country and on my cruise (in 10 days!!Yeah!). Anyways each phase has it's own blessings and curses. I am enjoying Darius Rucker's new song "It won't be like this for long" and really trying to soak it in. I just cried in the car, on a long road trip listening to that song, looking back at Eden sleeping and thinking I'm not sure I will be able to let her go. It seems so far away and yet time continues to fly.

The Luckiest Girl in the World

So today during our MOPS meeting, we had a husband panel to share some secrets of marriage and get some guys perspective on some items that can often cause tension in a marriage. Well overall it went great. All of the husbands were great and very vulnerable to speaking to a whole room of ladies...however, my hubby was on the panel as well and anyways........I totally take Chris for granted. I am so lucky to be his wife. He is not your stereotypical man (OK---he does still leave his socks and clothes in the middle of the floor), he is quite the opposite. One of the more lighthearted questions was: "What is the one housekeeping task that you have not admitted to your wife that you would actually not mind doing if she could not?" Chris really could not answer this question. Why? Because there is not a housekeeping task he hasn't done. OK, he is not great at cleaning the bathroom and he HATES doing laundry, but he daily cleans dishes, cooks, sweeps, mops, vacuums, still takes out the trash, grills, mows the lawn, etc. In other words, he does the "normal" guy things and a lot of what would be normally the "woman's" thing. He also feeds our kids, changes as many diapers as I do, and puts gas in my car. It kind of makes you wonder what I do, doesn't it? I feel like I am always doing stuff or trying to force naps during the day that by evening it wears me out. Chris is a wonderful partner, I couldn't ask for more. So if your man is anything like mine, please don't take him for granted. I have already done it enough for all of us.

Which came first?

Because of You, God

Because of You
I have life.
I am a princess and part
of the bride of Christ.

Because of You
I have a song.
You gave me a Godly man
whose love is strong.

Because of You
I am warmed.
You gave me Delight,
my lucky charm.

Because of You
I can smile.
You gave me my Sunshine,
whose joy lasts for miles.

Because of You
I am amazed.
You gave me my sweet Valentine
to cherish and raise.

Because of You
I am blessed:
-with life,
-with song,
-with happiness.


I am not much of a poet, however, this came to me the other night at 1 am when I was up with sick kids and then laying wide awake (anyone ever experince that?) So I got up and penned this poem. At the time, I was trying to find some inspiration for a tatoo that I plan on getting in the near future, but could not decide what I wanted to do. So I don't even know if the tatoo or the poem came first, kind of like the chicken and the egg. But here is the result, this poem is sort of a testimonial to the blessings God has given me. So I plan on getting an ankle charm bracelet and each charm will mean something significant: a small tiara showing that I am a daughter of the King of Kings (i.e. princess), a cross explaining what Jesus did for me which allows me to be part of his bride and join him in heaven some day, a treble clef which represents Chris "my song", a shamrock because Eden was born on St. Patrick's Day "my luck charm", a sunshine because Eli was born in the heat of the summer and his favorite lullaby is "You are my Sunshine", and a heart because Tobe came a little earlier than his Feb. 14th due date so he's my favorite Valentine. So now I am really excited and passionate about my future tatoo and believe that this passion will hopefully diminish some of the pain. Wishful thinking, right? Anyways, God's blessings are good.

Could it be any colder?

This week has marked one of the coldest weeks I've seen in years. Maybe I'm just more aware of it, since I'm bundling up my little girl to head to school and having to do the same to the boys when it is time to pick her up. But on Thursday it was at one point -4 degrees with a wind chill of -20. On Friday we had a heat wave and it reached 8 degrees at 3 pm. On days like these I truly do miss Arizona. Chris and I lived in Arizona from Nov. of 1999 till July 2004. It was such a fun time, especially as newly weds, on our own for the first time, big city and all. If you can stand a little heat for 3 months, the other 9 months is just gorgeous weather. (Now those Arizonians start freaking out when it gets in the high 50's--that's too cold for them). Now I'm not laughing at them, just stating the facts. We both vividly remember on Jan. 1, 2000 (after seeing that everything was ok from Y2K :) )buying our exercise bikes and wearing shorts. Who would think of buying bikes in Missouri in January? (The answer is no one.) Being AZ newbies, we even took a picture of us holding the newspaper in our shorts. Don't laugh at us!!! Unfortunately the bikes have not seen the light of day very much, they have been moved from one garage to another, more than they have been ridden, but that is another blog. Anyways, I guess I will never wonder why when I suggest to my Arizona friends they should pack up and come live by me in St. Louis they don't jump at the chance---especially if I ask them in Jan. or Feb. I must convince them about the beauty of Fall and how rain in the Spring can actually smell good rather than smell like dust, crisp air Friday night football games, and how you don't always have third degree burns from your steering wheel when you drive in the summer. (If you haven't noticed---I am trying to talk myself into staying in MO.---because I can't take the cold much longer.) SOOOOOO......Christina & Andy, Shanna & Matt, Nicole & Joe.... why don't you all come live in Missouri?! I'm about to become a snow bird.

Beautiful Branson

So I am a little behind...but better late than never. Right? Over the New Year Holiday we got to go to our friends' cabin in Branson and ring in the new year with them. (The above picture is Eden & Eli and the Gerdel clan ringing in the New Year at 10 PM CST. They were pretty excited to get to toast and stay up till then.) The Gerdel's are our best friends here in Washington and have a cabin in Branson (no offense to my best friends in Phoenix or my best friends in Branson or my other best friends all over the country). Normally when we've gone somewhere with the Gerdels it has been camping at the Meramac State Park during the heat of summer, so needless to say, Eden was confused. She asked if she could bring her bike to ride. I had to say no, because riding your bike in 40 degree weather isn't as fun. Then she asked the funniest thing. "Is Branson full of nature?" Having lived in Branson for a year, we told her yes. It is a beautiful town full of nature. I guess it is a little sad, that she doesn't recognize Washington as being "full of nature". (Because it also is a beautiful town on the most southern tip of the Missouri River). She thinks in order to view nature, it must be a long trip that we have to pack for, rather than looking for nature in our own backyard. I guess I need to highlight God's creation a little more often at our own home. We did have a great time and the weather actually was in the mid-60's. It truly was gorgeous nature weather. We got to go to the fish hatchery under Tablerock Dam, the Branson Landing, explore around the cabin, see at least 8 deer from their back door, and visit some other best friends as well. All in all, it was a great trip: very relaxing, lots of laughing, making new friends and keeping the old, ringing in the new year, and of course enjoying nature! Thank you, Missy and Andrew, for including us in your family and allowing us to ring in the new year with you and in your wonderful cabin.