Tornadoes

Thursday evening, we were under a tornado watch. These are some pictures that were taken by a co-worker of mine. She lives in the town that I work in.
There were tornadoes all around our area. One as close as 3 miles away.
On our way to work on Friday morning, we saw lots of damage. There was a hog building blown into the driveway of one yard, lots of trees down, and roads closed because of power lines down.
Praise the Lord that no one was hurt.

Cats

We also got 2 cats on Sunday evening. These were house cats at one time, but since I am allergic to cats (especially if they are in the house) they are outside cats. (They still have their claws)

There is a white and black one that is very friendly - we haven't decided on a name for this one yet - so it remains Salt - from the previous owners. Both kids can carry this cat around and the cat doesn't care, and the kids think this is great!

The other cat is gray and black. This one is not quite as sure of us yet - but Caden has named this one Ceasar. I was able to get a picture tonight.

Our New Dog

We received a boxer dog named Dora from our friends Brandy and Carey on Sunday evening. She is 3 years old. She had a puppies not so long ago, but was not able to care for them. Since they raise dogs, they are unable to keep Dora and were looking for a loving home for her. If you want to read the story of her one puppy that lived, go to Carey's blog and read April posts. It is such a neat story.

The kids love having a dog around again. The first night was rather difficult. We started out with Dora in the porch, since it was cold outside. (snow on Friday, and cold the rest of the weekend) She started barking around 11:30 and so we decided to put her outside where she was supposed to be anyway. She continued to bark off and on through out the night, but the second night was much better. Everytime we leave our yard, Caden says, "Mom, I'm really, really gonna miss Dora"




















Here is Dora licking Caden. He just giggles and giggles when Dora does this.
Allyson isn't quite as sure of Dora getting so close to her.

Florida Cousins Visit

This weekend, one of my cousins along with his wife and kids were here to visit from Florida. It was so much fun to visit with them and our kids got along very well. Wish they lived closer, so we could see each other more often. Here are a few pictures of the kids playing!

We Love Popcorn

The kids love popcorn. The minute Caden wakes up in the morning, he is asking to make popcorn, and as soon as we get home from daycare, Allyson asks to make popcorn. Here is a picture of them watching it pop.















And here is a picture of Caden after he fell off a bike at daycare and scraped his face on the cement.

6 Random Things

Candi tagged me - so here goes.
I am supposed to list 6 random things here.

1) Lately we have watched a couple movies, and I love it because my kids cuddle up next to me on the couch. Caden especially is such a cuddle bug. He loves to put his arms around me and just cuddle.

2) Both Caden and Allyson have been saying "I love you mom and dad" at just random times during the day lately! It is so sweet, and catches me off guard.

3) I am so excited, I made 3 scrapbook pages last week. Beginning to end! If only every week could be that good!

4) I am so ready for it to actually feel like Spring. It has been rather chilly and I am looking forward to being outside more!

5) I can't wait to go camping this Summer! The kids are so excited, and I love to camp!

6) I love to read! I have read all of Karen Kingsbury and Sally John. Both are excellent authors, and haven't figured out what to read next. I am open to suggestions on other Christian authors that you have tried, and would recommend!

Okay - I hope that is random enough for you.
Now, I tag Carey, and any others that read this but don't have a blog - you can just email me your random list!

Happy Birthday Sis

Wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to my sister!
This is one of my favorite pics of us.
Hope you had a great day!

Our Favorite Book

Our favorite book right now is I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges & Sue Buchanan
This story is about a mama bear and her bear cub. When they say "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH" they stretch their arms out wide - as far out as they can go.
It is based from the bible verse:
I pray that you ... may have power ... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:17-18 (NIV)

When you arise with sleepy eyes, my smiling face you see. I always say, "Well, look who's up." You laugh and say, "It's me!" How I love your morning hug: you nestle in my touch. You wait to hear me whisper low, "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH." I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you deep. I love you wide. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH! Throughout the day we hide and seek; I love to see you smile. I always say, "I found you, dear" But I had you all the while. You run to me with open arms; I love to feel your touch. We shout out loud for all to hear, "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH!" I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you deep. I love you wide. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH! I trust you know that God is so, by what I say and do. I tell you he is safe and sure. And what he says is true. He holds you in his loving arms; you feel his tender touch. You hear the heavenly Father say, "I love you this much!" When day is done at setting sun, we bow our heads to pray. I trust you to God's loving care. You safely drift away. I kiss you on your sleepy head, with one last gentle touch. The words still ringing in our ears, "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH." I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you deep. I love you wide. I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH!

Happy Birthday G'pa Rick!

The kids wanted to send you a birthday message! Even though your birthday isn't until the 15th, we wanted you to see this on your actual birthday, and since you are 13 hours ahead of us, it is actually our 14th!
Happy Birthday Grandpa Rick! We love you!

G'pa Rick's Birthday

Here is a pic of the kids with G'pa Rick! Hope you are having a happy birthday!
We love you!
The kids are worried that since you aren't here, you won't have your birthday! Allyson says "Grandpa Rick really, really wants his birthday!"