Congratulations Mr. President

The kids and I were on our own for supper tonight, so I made some chicken with noodles. You can see by the pictures how much the kids enjoyed it!!

Teagan is pretty much pretending to like supper so that she can have dessert. Hey - whatever works!!

President Obama

Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president today. I had a chance to watch most of the activities on TV and found myself very hopeful and looking forward to where he will lead us. His speech was very good and I know I will print it off and read it often. Here is a link to it if you are interested: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28751183/?GT1=43001

I really enjoy watching the Obama's as a family. I think they are true and not just for show. Michelle Obama seems to be a very strong, independent woman. Her style is simple, but elegant. I feel like I would see her shopping at the Gap right next to me!
I like this picture of the family. I can't even imagine the pressure that is on all of them as a family and as the first family.

I also love the fact that the girls are obsessed with the Jonas Brothers and like the same stuff Teagan does. It really puts their family into perspective for me. I wish their family nothing but the best and am anxious to see what the future holds for all of us.

Rascal Flatts

We had a great time at the concert last night. Jessica Simpson was interesting to watch (lets just say the husbands probably enjoyed her a little more than the wives). Rascal Flatts put on a great concert and we had a blast! There were some issues with our seats though. When we arrived they told us that they didn't sell enough tickets to open our sections and were going to relocate us. OK - not that big a deal, but it took forever and we ended up almost behind the stage. It was actually closer to the stage than I have ever been so I didn't think it was bad.

They pulled this little girl up on stage during "Stand" and they finished the song right in front of us. It was pretty cool!

"Life Is A Highway" was one of the highlights of the concert. Check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3GmVXQ57pk
They also did an amazing medley of "Movin On", "Sara Beth", & "Feels Like Today". I can't find a video of the Des Moines concert, but here is video of the Kansas City concert which is the same.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtq0R1dSdK8

A concert is never a bad time when you love the songs and can belt out the lyrics with friends! The ride home was a blast from the past - great songs courtesy of Blake and his trusty I-Pod! We would have thought we were at a Bon Jovi concert! Thanks for the great time everyone!

This picture is being added a little late, but it sums up the night.

Lazy Sunday Morning

Ok, so I know we should be at church, but we have been really good lately and decided to have a family day. Brad made doughnuts for breakfast and then unloaded the dishwasher with Teagan. I know - where did that come from? But thats where it ended. I finished up sweeping and mopping (yes, mopping) the kitchen while Brad and the kids laid low.

As I am speaking Brad is teaching Teagan how to wrestle and they are having a sudden death match! Tate is just hovering around them watching.



We are headed to Des Moines for the Rascal Flatts concert tonight. I am super excited - always a good time with good friends. Jessica Simspon is opening for them and I have to admit that I am kind of excited just to see her. There is something about her that intrigues me!

So that is the plan for today. Not much else going on until we leave. The kids will be hanging out with Grandpa & Grandma Schaefer until we get home tonight. Have a great Sunday and take a minute tomorrow to celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. I can't even imagine what every day would be like if he didn't dedicate his life to change.

SNOW DAY!!!

SNOW DAY!!!!
Our day was supposed to start out with Tate getting tubes in his ears and his adnoids out, but Brad and I took a look outside at 5:45 this morning and decided not to brave the elements. We have rescheduled for next Wednesday morning - hopefully we will fair better travel wise.'

So, today is a snow day for the kids and I. Not sure what we will get done, if anything, but it is still a snow day. I am in the process of trying to find my camera - it is MIA at the moment. I would like to get some pictures of the kids. Have a great day everyone!

Sledding

It snowed last Friday night and Saturday morning and left great snow for sledding. It started out with Brad shoveling the drive and turned into everyone getting a chance on the sled. The driveway works out perfectly - just long enough to get going fast and not such a big climb back to the top! The kids had a great time. Tate couldn't get back on the sled fast enough and even tried to chase Teagan when she dared to go without him!!

I think this picture is hiliarious! Not only is Teagan holding on to Tate for dear life, but look at Brad's follow through. He is SO into it! What a good dad!

One of us had to be at the bottom to "catch" the sled. By the end of the morning Teagan was crashing into the neighbors yard across the street - and loving every minute!

Right before the last trip down for Tate. Teagan gave him a good push and he giggled all the way down. Then it was back inside to warm up and actually try and get a few things done. Yeah right, like that happens when you have kids. But what fun would life be if you didn't take time out for moments like this? There are a lot of people who don't and realize that these moments have passed them by. My goal is to have more of these moments with the kids.

Aunt Beth

So I can't go any further with talking about my kids without mentioning one of the most important people in their lives - Aunt Beth. This is her with my nephew Jackson and Teagan. The picture pretty much sums up the relationship she has with her neice and nephews. They count down the days until she comes home from school and Teagan has occasional meltdowns about how much she misses Beth. They have been known to have late night slumber parties and mean matches of Sumo wrestling!!

Both Derek and I have watched her grow up into a beautiful young woman who has created some great relationships with not only her family, but those people around her. I know how much my kids mean to her and what she means to them. So, Beth - this will probably embarass you, but I had to say it. Our kids (and us) are blessed to have you!!

Christmas at Grandpa & Grandma Schaefer's

Teagan is opening her gift from Grandpa & Grandma. Not sure who was more excited!

This is why they were both excited - a Hannah Montana guitar!! Teagan has been eyeing it and Grandpa would love to get her started on some lessons.

Daddy enjoyed the guitar too!

This is Tate opening the train table from Grandpa & Grandma. He wanted it out of the box right away, but it was assembled a couple days later. Those pictures will show up later!

Uncle Brett was trying to put together Kate's new art easel, with some help from Tate. Quite the team!




Both Teagan & Tate had to have their turns on Kate's sit-n-spin!