Science Center the second time around...

Today with Luther having a day off after having to work Easter Sunday we decided to take a second field trip to the Greensboro Science Center. We explored the down stairs this time with cool fish and lizards. We got to go out to the petting zoo which we had never been to in the many times we have visited!

Heading to the Barn to pet the animals!

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Gibber looking for some comfort from his big brother!

Jackson Petting a sheep!

Milking Bessy!

MOO!!!!

The boys were thrilled that the Alligators were out to see!! (FYI-This is not a Real one!)

We also got to see a 3-D Omnisphere show. It was about the boys favorite dinosaur the T-Rex! We all thought it was WAY  COOL!!!!

Waiting for the show!

This is going to be so COOL!!

 

We had a lot of fun spending some much needed family time! It was great to be with the boys and we all had a great time learning together. I am so glad we decided to get a season pass because it is a blast being able to go as we please.

The Twelve Apostrophes

In true Weston form we got a slightly altered and hysterical version of the story of the Twelve Apostles. After explaining what apostles were and asking if everyone understood we pulled out our Bible reader. Weston began to read and had gotten through the first to words pretty well and then he started to stumble. I told him remember what I told you these were? He waited a minute and then blurted out The Twelve Apostrophes!!! I tried to hold in my laughter as I reminded him it was Apostles!! Sometimes I am amazed at the things this kid comes up with.

I think we have finally gotten over the hump and are back into a routine. Glad to get back at it and can't believe we only have a couple weeks left in our lesson plans. Gearing up for a summer of fun and learning!!!

Unusal kind of Easter!

Easter this year was different in a lot of ways. We have just returned from a long trip which was exhausting in itself. Everything seemed out of place and hurried. I had to shop, cook, clean and put it all together when I didn't even feel much like getting off the couch!

The day before Easter we had a cookout for our church. It was a ton of fun with lots of food, fun and church family. The boys got to do a Easter egg hunt and got three sacks of candy! It was a wonderful time of fellowship and it was great to see everyone!

Gibson Playing with Paisley!

Playing at our church cookout.

Whew we were exhausted!

That night I had a lot to do to make our traditions happen! I felt so exhausted and my back was hurting. I just thought it was because of all the things we had done that day so I trudged on! I make a bunny cake every year and so I put that together and the Easter bunny made  his appearance!

Mess making time!

Waiting

I want green!

Dipping the egg!

Okay I will smile if I have to.

I love blue!

This is fun!

The dreaded bunny cake!

The next morning I was so looking forward to spending the morning at church but when I woke up I knew I had a Kidney infection. I felt like I had been ran over by a Semi! Luther also had to work so we woke the kids early and they got to see their baskets and hunt for eggs.

Checking out the baskets!

Cool!!

After the Easter Baskets Gibson broke out crying and grabbing his ears. He ran a fever off and on all day and was miserable!! We didn't get to go to church because of my Kidney infection and Gibber's ears. It never seems like Easter if you don't go to church!

We did manage to get a few Easter Pictures!!

My big boy!

Sweet Jackson!

Gibber!

Started out pretty good!

This is what it turned into!! :)

Despite sickness, exhaustion and not getting it all together I am blessed beyond belief! Jesus HAS RISEN!! He saved me from my sins and gave me eternal life. That is what Easter is all about anyway. Not the traditions that you think you can't live without!

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

The Stapleton Saga! The good, the bad and the ugly! Part Three

On Sunday Morning we woke up and said a tearful goodbye to all our loved ones. Mom was doing better and at home and I was praying all would continue uphill. The day was smooth and we made great time. We were looking forward to a goodnight sleep in Dumas Texas. Then it happened twenty nine miles to our hotel a deer decided to jump out in front of our van. To be honest I didn't even see the event and I am sure God knew what he was doing. I am a dramatic and emotional person and I know I would have gone hysterical. All I remember is a huge bump and crunching sound. I looked at Luther and yelled "WHAT DID YOU DO????" He said "Mindy I hit a deer! We were going sixty five miles an hour there was nothing else I could do."

Feeling completely helpless I called my Aunt Beth who basically took over from there. She sent Uncle Bob to get us and a wrecker on the way. As we stood by the rode I honestly felt like I could take no more. It had been the worst two weeks of my entire life and I just wanted to sit down and cry. Then I remembered the three boys in the back of the van with scared little faces. Luther and I said a prayer together on the side of the rode and a sense of peace washed over me for the moment. Uncle Bob arrived and we piled all our stuff in  his Van. we rode silently to the motel Luther and I holding hands in silent prayer all the way.

I didn't sleep much that night but kept thanking God for protecting us as the accident could have killed all five of us. The next morning we had breakfast and moved all our stuff over to Beth and Bob's. The next few days were filled with questions of how to get home. Finally we found a car rental place that had one way rentals and we planned to go the next morning.

The silver lining to the whole thing was being able to stay at Beth and Bob's. The boys got to know them very well. Gibson and Bob bonded and were best buddies! We got to spend time with Lily. My Cousin Brittany's daughter! They had a blast together playing outside, watching movies and eating smores (yes Aunt Beth is the coolest ever!)

Bob and Gibber!

Aunt Beth reading to the crew!

Lily and the boys!

We left on Wednesday morning and we made good and safe time and stayed in Jackson TN! The next day we traveled home but on the way we got to have lunch with our dear friends Sue and Joe Thompson! It was wonderful to see them and the boys loved them!! Finally we made it home and boy were we glad to be here!!

Thank you everyone for your faithful prayers on our behalf. So many of you have helped us in various ways! We are so grateful to God for each one of you! God truly is mighty and hears the prayers of his people! Please continue to pray for God's will to be done in regards to our van!

Stapleton Saga! The good, the bad and the ugly! Part two!

The night after we got to Wilcox we all packed up and headed to the hospital. Cody and Penny had to do their taxes so we got to take Emma with us. She had a lot of fun talking to Weston and he endured talking to a "girl"! Luther was so helpful and kept the boys entertained at the hotel and park. I stayed with Mom helping her with all sorts of things. I think we actually visited better than we have since the boys have come along since all we could do was talk. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn and my Dad just stayed down the hall. The boys loved being with Grandpa!

Cousins!

Uncle Cody had a awesome swing set!

Chilling

Sweet cousins hanging out at the hospital!

In the hospital cafeteria! He was wiped out!

Sleeping with Grammy at the hospital!

Feeding the ducks!

Ducks!

Having fun playing!

We left Tucson a couple of days later to go help get Mom's house clean for her arrival. Cody, Luther and I all worked very hard cleaning, dusting and arranging things for her return. Penny was working but we had fun hanging out at their house at night and laughing till we cried.

Snuggling!

Yo quiero taco bell!

Yummy!

Good Stuff!

Uncle Shusher captured the heart of our little Emma. They read, snuggled and played the days away! The last day we were there she just clung to him and hugged his neck.

Uncle Shusher and Emma!

Best Buds!!

He is soooo funny!!!