our wonderful watkins weekend!

I have so much to blog about this weekend that I don't even kow where to start! Chad finished his first week at grad school Friday afternoon and we then left to go visit our good friends, Matt and Jessica Watkins, from Syracuse, NY. We had not seen them in 4 years and what a great weekend! Matt and Jess have 4 little kids: Katie Beth is 8, Korryn is 5, Quinn is almost 3, and Maddie is 4 1/2 months old. Throw in Aiden who is 4 1/2 and Kian who is 2, it was a lively bunch! We are so thankful for godly, encouraging friends! I love spending time with this couple, not only is their passion for God contagious, I love the fact that they will be open and honest with their feelings. I hate the run-around and they don't give any of that.
Aiden spent literally the entire time with Korryn. They were so darn cute together. Aiden kept forgetting her name and she replied, "just call me Peanut." (She's a tiny little thing and that's the nickname her daddy calls her) So precious, that little girl. Aiden forgot the next day as well and Korryn told Aiden again to just call her "Peanut". Aiden replied, "ok, then you can call me Chip." It was so funny. Seriously, chip?? Anyway, our boys had so much fun jumping on the trampoline, playing with the trains, going swimming, watching movies, and chasing after each other.
We spent several hours on Saturday frog-catching. Literally Matt and Chad caught 19 frogs. Matt needed frogs for a church picnic family frog race. We went to 2 ponds and it was hysterical. I so wish that I had a video recorder. Chad when he caught one would scream what sounded like a victory war cry. We laughed and laughed watching them.
It was just such a lovely weekend! There is such refreshment being with fellow believers and knowing that you can be honest about struggles and life and that they won't judge, but listen and love. Chad and I both felt humbled and encouraged by the few days that we had together. Thank You so much God for moments like this!

date night

Generally when I talk about date night, it is in reference to Chad and I. Last night, however, Aiden and I went out on a date night. We went and saw Toy Story 3 and then went to Friendly's. We had such a good time and I am so glad that I did this with him! After the movie, Aiden commented, "that movie was beautiful mom." He is so stinking cute. It's hard for me to believe that my oldest is going to be in school. I look at past pictures and just think, "where did the time go??" I know he is ready socially to go to school, however, I have nagging doubts that Chad and I haven't prepared him well enough. I don't know if it's possible to prepare your child enough. I guess I have to completely hand him over to God and trust that God will protect him. I'm learning that is not an easy thing to do! I can't imagine having to take him to college!
We are having a great time here at BBC. This morning was spent playing golf, going to the game room and walking to the pond. After naps we are going to the local park that has sprinklers that the boys can run through. Continue to pray for Chad. He is swamped this work and also is quite tired. I'm trying to get out of the dorm as much as possible just to let him have a quiet environment to work in. I know he will get it done, I just think he is a little overwhelmed. This class is not extremely interesting to him either (it's called "Philosophy of Curriculum"). So if you think of it, pray for him!

oh what a morning!

It has been a very eventful morning and not in the way I would of hoped! Chad got ready for classes this morning and we gave the boys showers. Chad left and I got in the shower. I got out of the shower and saw that Kian's shirt was soaking wet and he had the surface/glass cleaner in his hands. I asked him if he ate it and he said yes (not to mention it was dripping down his face). I also noticed his eyes were red. I called my parents and the poison control center. Meanwhile, Kian had gotten my car keys and was trying to put them in the electrical outlet. I took my keys, brought Kian back into the shower for 15 min to wash out his eyes and skin. I changed his clothes again, got myself ready and the boys breakfast. I cleaned up the toothpaste that Aiden spilled on the floor while trying to brush his own teeth. I then noticed that Kian was chewing on my computer battery. Ok, seriously??? I cannot leave this child alone for any amount of time right now. I am hoping for an uneventful afternoon!!
We made it to grad school fine and Chad is fully into his classes. The boys and I are trying to find other things to do so that Chad has lots of time to study. This week alone he has 700 pages of collateral reading to do and then he has textbook reading and assignments. So if you think of it, pray for him (and apparently the safety of our children!)

grad school

Tomorrow we leave for grad school. Chad is getting his Masters in Physical Education and we found a summer program that he can take for 3 summers and then have his masters. We are excited, but I know he will be overwhelmed with all of the work. On the weekends, we are going to see various friends that we haven't seen in ages. It should be a lot of fun!
Chad is finishing basketball camp today. He has had a great week and has had a good time with his college coach and friends. His team has also started summer league and has been doing really well.
The boys and I had a good time house sitting and running my parent's garage sale. I am VERY glad to be home, although it's short lived! Kian did not enjoy my friend's pool and wouldn't go in it. I am hoping that will change in the future. Aiden, on the other hand, could not get enough of the water! I really need to get him swimming lessons. Since we are gone most of the summer, I can't get them at the community pool and YMCA is stinking expensive.
The boys are doing great. Kian is definitely showing his defiant streak and it always seems like it happens in public. He somehow knows that there is nothing I can do. He is a cute little stinker though! It's hard for me to believe that Aiden will be starting school this fall. He is super excited and I know he will love it!

update

What a whirlwind of a week! I guess I should start back at Memorial Day weekend. We decided sort of spurt of the moment to go to my parent's for the weekend. We spent time going to open houses, graduation, and family. We came back and took our car to get fixed. The next Wednesday, we came back to Elkhart so my parents could watch the boys. Chad and I went away for a night for our anniversary. It's not until June 29th but because of grad school, there really was not other time for time for us. We came back and went home and went to semi-state for our girls softball program. They had such a great season! About half of the girls on my volleyball team are also on the softball team, so we enjoyed watching them play! This past Monday, my volleyball camp started. In the first session I have 12 girls (grades 4-6) and in the second sesssion I have 15 girls (grades 7-9). I am VERY pleased with the turnout. I also have most of my team helping at the camp. In the evenings, Chad had basketball practice and I have volleyball practice. Tomorrow is the last day of camp and I will be leaving immediately after camp for Elkhart where I am running my parent's garage sale this weekend. We are also house sitting for some friends of ours there. We had a great time at their house last summer and they asked us to do it again this summer! Chad starts his basketball camp Monday and then we leave for grad school next Friday! Crazy huh!!!
The boys are being great and I am so thankful that they handle going places so well! Kian hit a milestone this week. He is no longer in his crib! He has officially transitioned into his "big boy" bed! I was shocked at how easy he went from his crib to bed. I never once had to discipline him for getting out of bed. Our crib has been taken down and now we are in the process of trying to find a bunk bed for the boys. I am very excited that we don't have to bring our pack and play this summer for grad school!
Anyway, life has been hectic and crazy, but I am beginning to realize that that's our life! And I LOVE it!