God in a storm

God reveals his awesome power during thunderstorms in the midwest. Last night we had a doozy. The raw power and force behind a thunderstorm with all of its noise and lights and rain and hail. But right in the middle of the storm we had a break. I stepped outside and saw this. Rays of light shining through the storm. I was almost reduced to tears. The picture doesn't do it justice. Even through the storms of our lives, Christ is there with his peace and grace and mercy. Thanks for the reminder.

Fulton Family Weekend

What a weekend! It was amazing! We have been blessed the past two weekends with our families. Ben, Janielle and David came in from Lindsborg. Mom and dad drove up from Wichita, and Clark and Kerry came Friday night from Columbia. We haven't all been together since Christmas! Little David has gotten sooooo big and he is now able to play with his cousins.



Love this picture, because we love us some Eddys. There is something about a sister that you simply cannot replace. Thanks for coming K-bear.


Without any prior coordination all men over 25 wore yellow shirts yesterday. They look like a bunch of Easter Eggs! Handsome ones I might add. Check Clarks shirt too. As Janielle would say, "yellow is the color of wonderful". I love being able to eat outside this time of year. Before the bugs and the blistering heat. I think we may have spent about an hour inside all day!




The toy of choice for big kids and little kids was the new trampoline. Ben went running to the backyard as soon as he pulled in. And he's going to be 30 this year , right? Got a few pics of Kerry and Ben and the kids in mid air! Even David and Grandma got in on the fun. Thanks for coming everyone...it doesn't get any better.

Sewing Weekend

Don't worry...I wasn't the one sewing this weekend. My machine sure was busy though. Jan and Vicki came to Topeka with Torey over the weekend and brough their sewing know-how with them. Jan made these skirts out of jeans that the girls had outgrown or blown out the knees from constant wear. The one above is exactly like the one Jan made for Torey (15) and therefor Abby had to have one just like it. Notice the camoflauge and pink!

The detail on this shirt was hand stitched by my mother-in-law Vicki. Morgan just loves the petite feminine touches like that. I know Vicki really enjoyed sewing again and seeing the excitement on the faces of her grandchildren.

Morgan's skirt was my favorite. The jeans have been her favorite, but they were a little too short and the knee had been blown out. She picked out the trim herself and the patches were from a collection of fabric I have (just case I actually get around to sewing myself). Thanks Jan for making such neat little skirts for the girls. They love them!

Morgan wore hers to church on Sunday. She likes tights and boots, but decided the skirt would be cuter when she could wear it with flip flops and a tank top. Where did she get all of this fashion sense? Poor Parker didn't get a skirt, but asked for one - in orange. He just doesn't like to be left out. I think we decided the next project would have to be a shirt for the boy. God knows he wants everything the girls have. Poor guy had 6 girls in the house with him and a daddy at work. Estrogen overload.

Alright girls...you may have inspired me. I left the sewing machine set up and may venture to try a project of my own.

Abby's Day of Beauty

Yesterday afternoon Abby came with me to get my nails done. Being the oldest of three kids isn't always easy, and doesn't mean very much time alone with mom. We had a great time shopping and Abby decided on her very first pedicure. The little place I go for my nails will do pedicures for little girls (they only charged me $15). Abby was is seventh heaven. She felt so special (they did the whole nine yards for her). She especially lijes the flowers on her big toes. Every little girl needs some time alone with their mom...Morgan's turn next time. Thanks for a great day Abby!

Go Shockers!

Alright, our beloved Jayhawks went out of the Tournament this weekend, but we are thrilled to see another Kansas school in the Sweet 16. Will grew up watching the Shockers, and mom and dad have been recently turned on to the WSU basketball team. They are a lot of fun to watch. They thumped Seaton Hall and were able to squeak by Tennessee this weekend. It would have been great to see WSU beat UNC next weekend, but Roys Boys got taken out on Sunday. Poor Roy (sniff, sniff). I'm sure you all are done hearing my take on college basketball, but I will leave you with this...Rock Chalk Jayhawk (see them next year) and GO SHOCKERS! Make it to the Elite 8!

St Patty's People

Yesterday morning I had to make sure I was up and dressed before the green police (who were in green pjs, just in case) arose from their slumbers. The girls had fun getting ready for school and Parker, Will and I headed for the parade after a quick visit from Grandma. St. Patricks day is different now than when we were younger - at least for us. St. Patricks day was all about the bar, and the bagpipes that were too loud for such a small place, and green beer. Now we are catching candy at a parade with Parker squared (our Parker and his best friend Parker Jackson), making a quiet dinner at home, and settling in for some basketball. I wouldn't change it for the world (except the outcome of the Jayhawks game).

Trip to Carol Joy Holling

The kids and I went on a spur of the moment day trip yesterday to Omaha and Carol Joy Holling Camp to watch Ben and Jamie perform at a coffe house. I have some audio of this, but can't figure out how to post it. I have always loved to hear Ben sing, and he was truly in his element last night. John Denver would have been proud!

The lighting in the cabin cafe was amazing when we first went in. Morgan's hair looked like spun gold! The kids had alot of fun running around the camp. And what a beautiful day to go! A little bit brisk, but spring was in the air!

I love this picture of Ben. I think it may become one of my favorites. Nothing reflects his personality more than his music. I could have sit and listened to him for hours - oh wait, I did sit and listen for hours! Great job Bubby!

Abby had a blast playing cards and coloring on the sheets of butcher paper that lined the tables in the cafe. When we walked in the first time, I was hit with a rush of memories. The smell of the cafe was identical to the camp we went to gowing up. Maybe its just a lodge smell, or the cedar in the walls mixed with campfire. I just remembered all of the fun I had at camp growing up. Carol Joy Holling has all the making for great camp memories in the future. Thanks for the fun Ben!

Mops and Pops Night

Tomorrow night we are attending the annual "Mops and Pops" night for the Mothers of Preschoolers I am in. I'm on the steering committee for this group in chatge of Hospitality. Needless to say, this is our big night. There have been three of us working to pull off a fun evening for 25 moms (who don't get a night without the children very often) and their partners in parenting. The kids are thrilled because they get to have a babysitter tomorrow night! The picture above are just a few of the decorations. The basket is a door prize with lots of fun grilling stuff. The table decorations are the fresh daisies in mustard bottles (its a picnic theme). Wish us luck and keep us all in your prayers!

Esstials of Faith

For those of you who read my blog from T-town, I want to highly recommend the group meeting during Lent at St. David's. Will and I attended last night, and it was wonderful. The topic for the next few weeks leading up to Holy Week and Easter concerns the basis of our Faith. Fr. Don is challenging us to determine the Essentials of our Faith. We talked last night about those times in our lives when we have had turning points. And where was Christ during these times? Can we see his work as we look back? What are the essential parts of our faith that make us Christians? I could go on and on. The whole evening was engaging and thought provoking. This is important during Lent. We should evaluate what makes us who we are. What is most important? Is it essential to believe that you must be part of a community of faith to be a Christian? To believe that the Bread and Wine are literally the body and blood of Jesus? Is it important to be saved in front of a gathering of Christians? To pray every day? To go to church every Sunday and twice during the week? To be baptised with water, or is the spirit enough? These are all questions that we should intenionally ask ourselves during this time. What is essential to my faith and my journey with Christ? Why are different things deemed absolute and essential for others? Lots of questions today...do you know the answers?

NapTime

The men of the house have had a rough day - can you tell? We had a million errands to run this morning and Will just finished workng nights. He went to work at 5ish last night and didn't go to bed (in this case just a nap) until early this afternoon. Parker decided a nap might be a good idea and joined him. Peace...Quiet...what shall I do? Take a picture of course! Will puts his body through so much switching shifts the way he does. I sure do appreciate the time he spends at home. Parker does too. Sweet dreams my sweet boys.

Big 12 Champs (almost)

After the defensive brilliance of the young Jayhawks agaist the Colorado Buffs, KU is one step closer to at least a shared Big 12 Title. This from a team none of us expected to even reach the NCAA tournament. I love being a fan this time of year. The excitement and adrenaline rush of watching your favorite team in a close game. I love college athletics! Kids - some of whom will never play in the NBA - play with more heart than the "pros". Its not all about the money and the women and the money and the bling, oh and the money. Especially at a school like KU where the history and the expectations drive the athletes. I suppose you can find that on any campu. Wichita State isn't one of the storied schools of Division 1 basketball, but they have stirred up a city with excitement and anticipation. Go March Madness and Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Shrove Tuesday

We had a fabulous time at our church last night for Shrove Tuesday. What a neat group of people they are. The men above made hundreds of pancakes for well over 100 church members while the kids served and cleaned up. These same guys make breakfast every Sunday morning. What an amazing service they provide! Fellowship and celebration on this last day before Lent was very cool. Harry Craig, our Deacon and resident KU fanatic, took the children outside at about 6pm. He told them the history behind Ash Wednesday. The he burned the palms from last year's Palm Sunday to be used for today. It was a pretty dramatic way to teach children about Lent. So remember everyone, today begins the season of Lent. A season to pray, sacrafice, and remember what Christ gave to us. We are dust, and to dust we shall return.

Curious George

The kids and I went to see Curious George this weekend. I loved those books growing up, and I wasn't disappointed with the movie in the least. It wasn't one of those computerized, realistic cartoons. It was just like the illustrations in the book. The kids LOVED it. I only wish we could have seen it with the Eddys. Clark, you must see this movie. Very cool.

New Look

Sorry about all the different looks lately. Just trying to find the best way to present my blog. I like this one. The black just wasn't me. Here's my newest dilemma. We bought this painting in Lawrence Yesterday. I lOVE it, but we have a few issues. I think it may be too big for the space. The wall is fine, but the focus of the room is all srewed up when the tv is on. Plus Will thinks it makes his tv look small. We designed the room to focus on the fireplace. I like the piece, but it may be too busy. I need help. Any comments? I feel about as decisive as Kerry these days. sigh.

Kansas Weather

I Love living in Kansas. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The weather. In the past 3 weeks we have hit 68 degrees and -6 degrees (with out the windchill). We have had snow and glorious sunshine. For those of us who have a hard time making up our minds anyway, this weather is perfect. As sson as you get sick of one weather type, it will change. Plus, I was able to take the kids to feed the ducks with no coats in February...case closed.

2. The home of the Jayhawks. They have been so entertaining this year. Who knew they were going to be so good? I think their average age is 10 this year! Can't forget how well the Wildcats are doing in BASKETBALL this year.

3. The wide open spaces. Classic Kansas joke - Kansas is soooooooo flat that on a clear day you can see the back of your head - ha, ha. This is the Kansas I prefer.

4. I love Kansas now for all of the reasons I wanted to leave when I was younger. Its a safe place to raise my family. People are friendly. Its not very big. Things move a little slower. I know I have the time to appreciate the little things because the bustle of the big city isn't right outside of my door. I see 10 people I know everytime I go to Target. I see the governor in the local Eddie Bauer - and no one is bothering her.

These aren't all of the reasons I love to live in Kansas, but they are a few important ones. The most important is that my family is here and together and happy and healthy. It doesn't really matter where we are - the rest is gravy.

Brother Ben

I have been thinking alot about my brother Ben lately. He is in training in Alabama right now. His poor wife misses him something awful. Growing up, Ben and I couldn't have been more different. We were so close in age (17 months) but eons apart in personalities. To this day, no one can push my buttons and get me instantly furious the way Ben did when we were kids. We fought and argued and cussed and even got physical at times. I swore I would NEVER like him. Now that a few years have passed, I can truly say that I DO like him. The things that drove me crazy when we were kids (his outgoing personality, his humor, his charm) are the things that make me adore him now. I couldn't be prouder of my baby brother if I tried. He has turned into an amazing man who cares for his wife and son, loves his parents, makes all of us laugh, and lives his life in such a Godly way. When God made Ben, He truly broke the mold. Hopefully a little cyber gushing will make up for the time I tried to throw him out of my car in high school...while it was moving.


PS - nice legs Ben! The goose picture was when Ben was about 2 - one of my favorites!

Parker's Girl

This is Parker's good friend Hayden. Isn't she about the cutest thing you've ever seen? She reminds me of Abby at her age because of her extensive vocabulary and tendency toward drama. Hayden has anew baby sister named Emery who is every bit as cute as her big sister - adn I think she has as much hair! Parker loves protecting Hayden (she's a year younger and about half his weight). This is absolutely the closest thing he will ever have to a little sister and he loves it!

Morgan's First Grade Program

What a fun night! Last night was Morgan's first grade music program. She has been excited for weeks! Grandma Mary came up from Wichita and let her pick a place to eat for dinner. She picked Johnny Carinos for spaghetti and italian cream sodas. Every six year old has to carbo load before a big music program.



The program was great. Hundreds of parents and grandparents sqeezed into an elementary school gymn. There is nothing like it - really. But as soon as the kids came out in their pretty dresses and button up shirts, your heart melts. They worked so hard on some really cool songs with actions and ribbons and the works. Morgan is one of the smallest in her grade, so she was in the front row - easier for picture taking moms and grandmas! Good job sweet first grader - we are so proud of you.
P.S. Don't you just love the striped tights!

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK

After Sunday's game, need I say more!

A Day in the Life

There is nothing better in this life than playing in a blanket fort with your three year old son. I spent most of the morning getting our taxes sorted out, but when Parker came up with a blanket and said "hug me, mama" it was all over. I would much rather play in a blanket fort than do the taxes anyhow. I have all the time in the world to do my taxes (at least till April 15), but I only get this time with my son once. Thank God I have these precious moments at home.