Happy Anniversary To Me

Today was our eighteenth wedding anniversary. Steve fulfilled my worldly needs by surprising me with

and

Then we ate Chipotles and off to work I went.
I love you Steve and look forward to many more years to come!

Happy 16th and a fun day it was

Me and my 6 foot baby

Nate is the prince for the day and totally spoiled

The gang: Nate, Mark, Trent, Matt and Issaac

(and i must say i had to force the boys to pose

for this picture explaining the whole time why

I wanted a picture)

It was 16 years today that this miracle came into our lives. Many memories and a lot of exciting chapters, with this next one being a biggy....driving, dating and more independence. It was so important to me that this was a fun and memorable day, not only for Nate, but me as his sappy mom. The festivities started off at 12:02 am with the midnight showing of Transformers 2. A very crowded movie, but provided much debate among the guys. Followed by a day of sleeping. Then pizza for dinner, a delectable chocolate cake and an evening at Main Event. We played a game of bowling....totally fun as we were all horrible. Then the guys had a round of laser tag and I was totally wiped and ready for bed.

collision time

It is ironic that Steve and his car were taken out today (being Nate's birthday). Steve had surgery on Nathaniel's 13th birthday. When he turned 14 we were broke and sick. Last year on the 15th, Nate was away at scout camp. He has lost out on this being a special day and for a week, we joked that it the cycle of bad karma happening on his day was done....and then the early AM call home came.
A trailblazer that was in a lane to go straight, decided he wanted to turn and turned right into Steve and his small Kia. Lets say the Trailblazer won and as Steve describes it..."the guy got out and in my face saying the I got in his way." Thank goodness it appears the insurance adjuster has some common sense and is ruling mr trailblazer at fault. The extent of damage is not yet known, but Steve was not physically hurt.

Missionaries

The topic today at our church service was on our ward missionaries and some of the missionaries thoughts. A family member of each missionary spoke. Steve spoke on behalf of my parents. His thoughts were very enlightening and showed how much respect he has for my parents. Excerpts from their letter also provided us how doing a service mission can still bring blessings to many. Along with talking about my parents and their service they are providing; Steve gave some nice thoughts as he reflected on his mission that he served as a young man in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As we are raising a teenage boy, I hope that some of the messages today stick in his head. Nathaniel talks of going on a mission, in private to us. As his parents, we hope that he stays worthy and keeps this as a goal. I will always love missionaries and the sincere service that they provide.

Fort Worth Zoo

Diego and Oscar at the end of the day
The boys still have some spunk here
Kelly and Steve with two active nephews

Today was my work picnic and it happened to be at the Fort Worth Zoo. I was able to get tickets and we took Oscar and Diego for their birthdays. The weather was not too hot and the crowds not too bad. We walked the entire park in about 4 hours. Saw everyones favorite animals and some creapy ones too. Got off easy with the purchase of the boys hats. Over paid for drinks and dippin dots. Wore the boys out and finished the day with dinner at Mc Donalds (much cheaper than zoo food).

Thumbs Up To Hot Springs Arkansas

Last week, Steve and I went to Hot Springs, Arkansas for a little adventure.

Me enjoying a traditional bath

Can you see the steam from the hot spring?


I had been aching to go anywhere. This getaway was awesome and I enjoyed the time with Steve. Neither one of us new what to expect out of our chosen destination...but the verdict is that we will return again. However, this is not your place if you are totally into asthestics. You will find old history, broken tiles and make shift whirlpools in the bath houses. If you want some serious relaxation and some soft skin for a day or two, then a traditional bath is for you.
The question that first came to my mind was...to wear a swim suit or not. We chose the not and to those who would are trully missing out on the true experience. You have your own personal attendant who escorts you around. First, it is to the 20 minute hot bath and scrub (yes, you are given a scrub from your attendant). Then it was off to the steam room, I chose the hot steam and all I could handle was maybe ten minutes. Next, the hot moist body wrap and a twenty minute relaxation period. Then it was a quick rinse off in the pencil shower. And finally, your attendant excorts you to the massage. My experience was precisely this and wonderful. However, Steve enjoyed the luxury that he did recieve. Unfortunately, there must have been a new male attendant and he left out half of the package. The attendants do see you naked, however, it is a pretty modest experience.
It was a complete down pour of rain on our full day there. Instead of doing as much hiking as I would have liked...we drove the mountains. We caught a good nap in our nice hotel, ate some great food and saw Star Trek. Arkansas was beautiful and the people were nice. Monday, was a little drizzly, but we were able to walk the bathhouse row and tour one of the original houses.