Anniversary Celebration!

This weekend Danny and I had the most amazing time celebrating our anniversary. Words can't describe it. Pictures can't show it. But the memory of it will always be engraved in my heart.

We went to DC and stayed at a hotel a block away from the White House, right in the middle of all the action, near all the attractions and museums. Even though we live nearby we totally felt like tourists.

We spontaneously took a carriage ride around the city... it was cold but it was very romantic and sweet.

This is the hotel we stayed at - The Willard - a 200 year old hotel with amazing views and an incredible feeling of the history surrounding us.

Isn't this spectacular? We could see the Washington Monument right outside our window! At night it was even more stunning!

Out the other window in our room we saw this view - the White House is off towards the back right... so neat.

The concierge sent up a bottle of champagne and fruit and chocolate on the house! We were so surprised and blessed!!

Today we took a long, leisurely stroll around the art gallery - I had never been there before - it was so beautiful, I was blown away by some of the paintings. I could have spent the whole day there. Danny obliged me - I had never been to an art gallery before so he took me, and I definitely want to go back.

Thank you honey for such a wonderful, memorable, romantic time away!!

Update from Hannah!

Hey, this is Hannah, the main blogger's daughter! Mom's been really busy lately doing dishes, laundry, cooking, taking us to classes, teaching school, doctor appointments, etc.... She asked me if I could do a post for her to catch her up on her blog. So I did! I'll just post a bunch of pictures and say what we did in them and when...

I got a handicap tag in September...

I got a sewing machine (that I use a lot) in late September...

We got a wheelchair in late LATE September. It was mainly for me because of my back, but everyone can use it if they have to. The only reason that I'm in the picture and not somebody else is because I was the only one who would let Ryan take a picture of me!

We've had a lot of board games in October. Well, not really. Just this one time. I won this game of Monopoly. We've mostly been doing school, doctors, and everything I said before...

We sadly lost our beloved dog that we've had for almost 10 years on October 21st. Ginger was such a good girl... We found out on a Tuesday that she had cancer and by Thursday she was gone. The house and yard seem so empty without her. We really miss her so much... This year has been a hard year in so many ways, but we never thought losing Ginger would be one of them.

The bunnies are doing great...

The Polaris, not so much. Ryan crashed it into the fire pit October 26th! He is fine - and was able to laugh about it when it was over!

Grandma and Grandpa have arrived and have already started working really hard, as usual. It's great to have them here! Not for the work they do, just having them is great! We've been playing a lot of Farkle, the bestest game EVER! Of course, we made them play Settlers of Catan with us. Grandma loved it (partly because she won) but Grandpa didn't like it too much. He likes action... like Farkle! Settlers is a slow game... I can see why he wouldn't like it. Oh well! I like it...

And, finally, Ryan also crashed the wheelchair! At least we know who not to trust to drive! haha

Jacob is Fifteen!!

One week ago Jacob turned 15 - time is really flying by now. I remember when Matt hit high school, those four years went by in a blink. I am trying to slow down the blink this time... I want to cherish every moment with this wonderful boy!

Jacob is outwardly a quiet, sometimes serious boy, but then he comes out with just the most funny outbursts and makes us all laugh harder than anything! He is a very responsible young man who is now serving the church on the sound crew as well as consistently serving at home. He enjoys his classes and considers going outside to shoot one of his favorite pastimes. He also loves to read. He has a close friendship with Hannah, and the two of them make each other laugh more than anyone else can. I love it.

Jacob's birthday cake - Hannah, Ryan and I worked to surprise Jacob with a book cake! Our first one! Hannah and Ryan actually did most of the work and I think it is one of the best cakes we have ever made!

Jacob had Jeremy over (his best friend) to spend the night - we ate buffalo wings and then went to a surprise showing of Cirque Du Soleil! It was absolutely amazing! The talent in those people just blows your mind. You are enthralled from the moment it begins, and wonder after wonder just unfolds before your eyes. Incredible!

But even this amazing show isn't as incredible as Jacob. Truly. Happy Birthday Jacob!!

Here is a recent picture of Jacob and Jeremy...

Back to School

School time is back again! We have cracked open all the new books and are diving into Ancient History, Math, Reading, plus tons of other subjects. I always enjoy this time of year, but the kids have a different opinion. (no surprise) I feel like the summer was so long and unproductive, though, that it feels good to have some purpose and routine back in life. May God bless our school year!!

This is Hannah's new work station for this year. She has a pretty sweet setup! This is where you can picture her doing all her school, writing her papers, e-mailing her friends and cousins, working on her blog, etc.

And this is Ryan's new workspace! He has personalized it with all his favorite things - and he feels left out without a computer of his own, so if you look closely you can see his computer made of paper and cardboard! haha

My workspace...

Somehow we didn't get a picture of Jacob's desk, but he can be found ALL OVER the place doing school. At his desk, at the table in the basement, at the kitchen table, in the guest room, and even upstairs in the bedroom!!

A broken heart

My son just left home after 21 years.  His car just disappeared out of the driveway, and his room is empty.  All his stuff is gone.  With a quick kiss and a "see ya mom", it's all over.  I know he isn't far away, but he isn't here either... this, one of the sharp pains of motherhood.  I will miss my Matt every single day...

A Visit from the Bodine family!!!

A couple of weeks ago we had a wonderful visit from my brother John and his wife Lisa and their nine children. It was so much fun - we hadn't seen Lisa and the kids for 3 and 1/2 years!! Needless to say I barely recognized the kids... all of a sudden the oldest kids were young adults and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them in a completely new way. They are all such sweet, kind and pleasant children. Over the years I have wondered how on earth they can do all they do with so many kids, but they are really successful at parenting - they are all happy, well-adjusted, fulfilled kids who play sports, are homeschooled, and love the Lord! It was very pleasant to have them around. Seven of the kids are girls, so Hannah was absolutely in heaven with all the girl time.

Yeah, I know it. She does NOT look like she had nine children. She hasn't changed one bit in all these years - she looks exactly the same as the day they married. Quite sickening actually. But I still love her!!

John holding their youngest, Ben.

The girls all had fun with the bunnies. We even managed to convince Lisa that those seven girls just HAVE to have two of our baby bunnies...

Who could say no to these faces??

Look at little Laura with two bunnies on her lap!! Isn't she a cutie pie??

We loved the full house! Hopefully they will return sooner than 3 and 1/2 years this time!!

Matt's 21st Birthday

I literally held back tears as I posted this picture... I remember when Matt was just a little boy running around, riding his bike, playing with legos, enjoying his lightsabers, and enjoying making rice krispy treats with me. He used to talk to me all the time, and I so enjoyed him from the moment he was born. He has always made me laugh, and his infectious smile would brighten up my most dreary days. But now, here he is, a young man. Moving out in a couple weeks to finish up college in Baltimore.

I distinctly remember when he was little and was always in my sight, and I always knew where he was, I would say to Danny, "I can't imagine letting him out of my sight to ride his bike down the street", and now I am going to have to let him out of my sight to leave home...

I remember this sweet little boy like it was yesterday!

And now... he is 21!!!

I arranged to have this huge card put in the yard today - what fun! All day long cars were driving slowly by, stopping, and backing up to read this.

Matt spent his day shopping for his iphone, and going out to lunch with Sherry. We went out to dinner at Rio Grande for dinner as a family. I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to have my son turning 21, and rather than be out with friends he chose to be with us - the people who love him most in the world.

I really can't tell you how much I love this young man, and how much I am going to miss him when he leaves. I have been preparing my heart for years for this, and yet I am not prepared at all. I know that when his bedroom is empty of his presence and I don't hear him coming home at night or see him going off to school or work, I am going to have a huge, empty place in my heart. But I am sooooo proud of my young Matt!! Happy Birthday son!!! Thank you for celebrating it with us!!