Pictures to share

I am really enjoying the Fall colors, the beauty of God's creation, and the smells of Fall. It was a beautiful day outside! Tonight, we went for a pontoon ride, and (yes) I took pictures. Something is on our camera lens making a black dot, so sorry about that. I think we need to check into getting that cleaned up.



Caleb~ He was having a blast. He really likes to drive the boat around in circles. He floors the gas, and then brings it to a stop. He loves freaking us out. When we were stopped, and feeding the birds, he started the pontoon~ without warning. Dad didn't appreciate that too much, and Caleb realized he better not do that again.
Nathaniel loves wearing his face mask. It was a bit chilly when we left, but I am sure he was happy to have it on because after awhile, the temps were dropping. I am glad he isn't afraid to wear it, because it keeps him warm and toasty.

Madelyn would not smile for the camera tonight. She did have fun filling up the drink cups with leaves, though. She loves the boat rides.

We didn't get that great of pictures because we didn't get out on the boat until 6:15/6:30, and the sun goes down earlier and earlier these days. Maybe I will have to snap a few photos when I am out and about tomorrow. **Sorry about that black dot**
The Sea Gulls were crazy! Seriously, I felt like I was in the movie "The Birds" from Alfred Hitchcock. There were a gazillion birds out there! No joke!
We also fed them pieces of our left over pizza crust, and hot dog buns that were going a bit stale. They had a smorgasbord of food. The kids had a blast feeding the birds. Lena, our dog, seemed a bit confused as why we were feeding them and not her.

Maddie and Caleb~ etc.

Last night was a rough night. Maddie and Caleb were both up....A LOT! I gave Madelyn Tylenol, and Terry gave her cough meds. Caleb ended up getting cough meds., too. Then, Madelyn decided to get up at 5:40. She was having such a fit crying and hollering at me. I finally got it out of her that she just wanted to get in the pack in play (at the end of our bed) and watch some cartoons. I was thinking that it was way to early for her to be up! At least I got to rest a little longer with her in there. I was thankful that we were able to be home today, so that Caleb can get his much needed nap, and I could sneak a nap in to.

Tonight, we went out on a pontoon ride. It was really nice out for the first half of the ride. The temperatures were perfect. We did have on our coats and hats, but we have to get in those rides while we can. We will be taking the speed boat and pontoon out before the end of October. I love looking at the fall colors on the trees. Fall is, by far, my favorite season!!

Tomorrow I have my Bible study in the morning. We are going though one of Beth Moore's studies: Stepping UP...the Psalms of the Assent. It is a great study! It is really showing me that I haven't been making my quiet times with God a priority. There is "homework" of 5 lessons for the week. I have been unfaithful in doing a daily lesson. Our relationship with God is work sometimes. It takes time, obedience, and commitment. It's not that I don't want to spend time in study and prayer...it's that I find too many other things that I need to do, or (as bad as it sounds) want to do. I know that I need to make more of an effort to make the time, and to schedule it in my calendar.

honker stalker?

Tuesday night, we went out on a pontoon ride. It was great to get out and enjoy our lake. It is getting a little chillier in the evening, but we have to take advantage of ever moment we have before winter. So, we were out trolling slowly along the shoreline, when a goose decided to fly over to us and land in the water right in front of the pontoon! I kid you not, it was so strange! I was driving at the time, so I was freaking out a bit, because I did NOT want to run the goose over. So, Terry directed me in the direction to back up and go around the goose. The bird stayed along the side of the boat, then it trailed behind a bit. Soon, the bird honked it's horn and flew up to land beside the pontoon again! It was so incredibly weird, and amazing all at the same time. I have never seen a goose act like that. This happened a few more times, then we went faster to the middle of the lake where we played "sea gull bowling." OK, it really isn't as bad as it sounds. We have a gazillion sea gulls on our lake this time of year, and they take up a good section of the lake. So, we started the tradition of driving fast toward them and they all take off. It really does look cool to see all those birds taking off from the water. I know it sounds a bit mean, considering they all probably get the snot scared out of them, but it is good humor to us.

So, last night, our friends were over (and it was great to see them, by the way) and we went out on a ride. We had told them about our little goose friend. We were hoping the goose would come out again. So, we were driving near the site where he came out the previous night. We saw a goose sitting on the shoreline, but it didn't respond to us. We figured that it maybe wasn't the same one. The kids were a bit bummed, and we kept on with our ride. About 5-10 minutes later, we hear the "honk," and sure enough our little honkin' stalker was back. Nathaniel brought some bread with and fed him, so I think that made him happy. He did stick with us for quite awhile. I still laugh at the whole thing. It is pretty strange, and we really don't know what to make of it. Maybe he is an orphan? Maybe he gets a lot of snacks from boaters, or is he a pet?

***We may never know~~***

Caleb's 3rd Birthday party~

Saturday was a fun day for Caleb. We went to the city parade at noon, and he got to see the BIG FIRETRUCKS, the BIG TRACTORS, and the BIG SEMI TRUCKS! He thought the parade was super! He gets so excited to see the big vehicles! He really liked the motorcycles and trikes, too! Him and Madelyn got so much candy! They also got a Mr. Freeze and a Beer hat (to which we gave away). Oh, and they each got a Rice Krispie bar, too! Madelyn didn't even freak out from all the sirens and loud honks. I was impressed by that. We ate some hot dogs and chips at the parade since the parade started at noon.

After the parade we came home and had about 20 minutes before the party was going to start. So, Caleb didn't get a nap, but surprisingly he did great. He got some really nice presents (a lot of clothes)~thank you! Great Grandma made him the requested Batter Batter Baseball cake. He had told her he wanted the colors green, blue, orange and red. AND Sprinkles. That is what she did! The cake turned out great, even though she complained about it...Caleb loved it! We went out on a pontoon ride, and the little boys with Madelyn loved walking/crawling around looking out. They had so much fun. We even got to help out a boat that was not running, so we pulled it into shore. In the evening, my parents stayed for supper and it was great to visit with them longer, too. We had baked chicken, corn on the cob, potatoes and salad. It was delicious! Cheryl had brought a pie, so that was the dessert~thanks, Cheryl!

So, Today is Caleb's official Birthday! I remembered throughout the day where I was and what I was going through 3 years ago today. His birth wasn't the easiest out of the three, but he was so worth the pain! I had 3 epidurals with him, since the first two were put in wrong. I was also induced (and my body was NOT ready for labor). But, he did need to come out because the amniotic fluid was so low. I delivered him about 7:30 in the evening. So, the labor (after the Petocin was put in) lasted about 12 hours. Not too bad.

He was happy most of the day, but he is running a bit of a temp, has a cough and is complaining of his ears again. I hope he will just get healthy soon. Maddie has a cough today, too. It is hard to know if some of it is allergies or not. We went to church today, then had lunch at home. This afternoon, I got to lay down with Caleb for his nap. I didn't get much of a nap, but something is better than nothing. Then, this evening (after a tornado warning swept the area) we went to Menards to check out flooring for our dining/kitchen area, carpet for the store, and ceiling ideas for our hobby store. Then, we decided to grab McDonald's head home, and enjoy a picnic on the pontoon. It was such a nice night. Caleb had fun having a picnic on the boat.

Good Times!

I had a great weekend! Friday night, as I mentioned, we went out for dinner with my dear friend, Jennifer, her hubby and their son. Then, Saturday, Jennifer and Brody came over about lunch time. The day went so fast! Poor Brody was having a tough day. He was overly tired coming to our house, and Jennifer had to hear him scream the whole time she drove to my house. I feel bad for her and him. Then, about 5-10 minutes from my house (wouldn't you know it) he fell asleep. She tried to lay him down when they got here, but that didn't work out so well. So, Brody and Maddie played for about 45 minutes and then we went to McDonald's. Brody screamed his little heart out was upset the whole way there. He was fine once he had food in front of him. I was so impressed with this older gentleman at McDonald's. He saw me walking with the tray and holding Madelyn. He was in front of me before I could place the tray on the table. He had a high chair for me ready, with the tray off! Talk about being a gentleman! I was so touched! He asked me if I wanted the tray. I said no, and he said he would put it away for me! Wasn't that nice? I wish more people like this man were out in our world. Somewhere people have lost touch with the good 'ol chivalry! After McDee's we went to the grocery store. I needed a few items, and Jennifer wanted hair color. She asked me to cut and highlight her hair, and I was happy to do this for her. I figure I need all the experience I can get.
Then, we went back to my house. I forgot to mention that Nathaniel was with us, and Brody was not impressed by him, for some reason. I know Brody was tired, but I felt bad for Nathaniel, because every time he was around Brody, he screamed and cried. So, we had the tunes of Brody's wails on the way home, too. He was fortunate to get about a 30 minute nap, while I was preparing Jennifer's hair. I just got in the first foil, and he woke up. We put him in the pack in play, with his bottle of milk. He threw up, and then, we gave him some Tylenol. Jennifer said his teeth were really bothering him. Needless to say, we did get her hair highlighted and cut between our kiddos having some issues. I think it turned out really cute. I cut it a little shorter than Jennifer and I would have liked, but all in all...I like it a lot. I hope she will continue to like it. Thanks for the great day, and the experience, Jennifer!
Today, we decided to play hookie from church and clean some things in our home. I cleaned both bathrooms (thoroughly), and Terry fixed a few items on the "honey-do list," while doing the laundry. I know I don't like to skip church, but I really felt like we needed to do this. Plus, it was a really nice day, finally, and I knew Terry wanted to get the pontoon and the dock in. He was at the train show on Saturday with Caleb and his mom. He was gone most all day on Saturday, so he didn't really get anytime at home. At noon, I left to go see Jennifer! (Day 3 with her!) We went to a play at the Ordway in St. Paul. It was a good play, and fun. I would say it was a bit risky, but there were some chuckles from Jennifer, her sister Roxanne, and I. We got free tickets from Jen's sister, Tami. Thanks Tami! It was a good time, with LOADS of laughs! I was even in tears from laughing so hard. Thanks for a great day, Jennifer!
Tonight, we ate supper, and got the kid's baths done. Then, we went out for a family pontoon ride. It was a bit chilly, but it was great to be on the lake again!

Seasons are made for change

The time is drawing near for winter to come. I love fall...the vibrant colors, smells, cooler and crisp air, bon fires, wood stove burning, etc. We had fun riding in the pontoon the "last time" for this year before we took it out.
The boys were having fun throwing the leaves at each other. With the wind at their backs the leaves hit Terry and I...and you know that was hilarious! We really had a blast chasing the sea gulls. I am surprised that they didn't all team up and bomb us from the air with their ammo. (white poo). I know if I was a sea gull and people chased me with a boat, I would nail them!

My boys are being funny with this picture...Money see, Monkey do! Little Miss Maddie loves the boat and being out doors. We bundled her up that day with the winds as cool as they were.