Do you like that shaken or stirried?

That my friends was the most difficult question I had to answer this last weekend. We met up with Angela and Justin in Leavenworth for the first annual Baerlocher/Jones weekend. I say first annual because it must be repeated. Often. The fun cannot be overstated.

Things I learned from this trip:

-While you may cry when you wave good-bye to your three babies, waving frantically from the window, you will spend very little time wishing they were hanging out in the hot tub with you. You know, the hot tub you spent hours in, under the stars, laughing and relaxing in. Yep, didn't miss those babies then.

-Ninety minute massages are not 50% better than sixty minute ones. They are 400% better.

-Watching Gonzaga make it to the Sweet Sixteen is fun. More fun when shared with friends. Best fun when watched with friends and accompanied by an adult beverage.

-Sitting on a hotel bed for hours, eating chocolate, and talking until 1 a.m. is awesome.

-Going on getaways in March is splendid. Nice hotel at good price, no crowds, and amazingly cooperative weather. Breaks up the monotony of an otherwise monotonous month.

-The Baerlochers are hands down one of the coolest couples we know. I would go anywhere with them. Any time, any place.

-Coming home to your babies rocks.



One of those precious, above mentioned babies.
They always love, respect, support, cuddle, help, encourage, and cherish one another. I am also a compulsive liar.

The brain washing around here is complete. Here the babies are, eating pizza, prepped for the first round of March Madness.

Have a great week y'all. (That was a shout out to a certain Texas friend.)

Easter video

I haven't made it through this video dry eyed yet.

I walked up hill both ways

With a child coming on school age, the question of where to send our kids to school has been on our minds a lot lately. Public, private, or home school? Or just put a blanket over our heads and hope the little darlings learn all they need to know off of bathroom stall walls?

I'd love to hear other opinions. If you have kids in school, have an opinion on a type of schooling, or any other information related to this topic, I'd love to hear it. What do you think?

p.s. I do have one option that I like best but will not say because I don't wish to influence the conversation. I'll revisit that after people respond.

Different kinds of awesomeness

This is what the Jones family is like.

Aubrey loves reminding her brothers that she is oldest, there for, most awesome. (As a fellow oldest child, I relate to that feeling of greatness.) Yesterday she told Nathan, "I am older than you. I am taller than you. I am bigger than you. I am 4 1/2 and you are only 2. AND, I wear a size 5 clothes. AND, I wear a size nine shoe. (No matter that Nathan wears the exact same size.) AND (wait for it), I AM THIRTY SIX POUNDS!!!!!" Poor child with her under developed sense of self esteem.

Greg has a black beanie hat that he wears all the time. Last night our friend Roth told him that it makes him look like he's going to hold up a Walgreens. I think he looks hot in it. It makes me wonder if that's my tiny way of imagining I'm married to my own smoldering bad boy. He does look a lot like James Dean.

It is dumping snow on us right now. The family mantra is, "NO MORE WINTER!" Repeat as often as necessary for health and happiness.

Dane refuses to be an innocent bystander in this family anymore. He is a person! With opinions! And a doozy of a fit! He flopped on the floor today in the kitchen, wailing, signing please, and alternately pointing furiously at the counter. He had spied the remains of bad news brownies.
While reading the kids a story before nap time today, Nathan pointed to one of the pictures and said, "Uncle David is like Santa Claus." The book was about The Little Red Caboose. The pictures was of a "big black engine, puffing and chuffing." David, what are your thoughts?

It's 1:30 and I haven't showered yet. I keep thinking I'm going to get a work out in. The decision I'm at now is whether or not showering is even worth it at this time of day. If you stop by, I'm guaranteed to look shlumpy and unbathed.

The blushing bride and dashing groom

See the post below for a thorough explanation of this stunning young couple.

Do you rock?

Matrimonially speaking I mean? Because my parents do! Today, Wayne and Julie Montgomery are celebrating 30 YEARS OF HOLY MATRIMONY. (Some years more holy than others.) :-) Oh, and I'd like to point out that they are still happy together. You know, no living in separate cottages or communicating via their servants.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! You guys are awesome and I love and appreciate your example so much. If Greg and I are as happy at 30 years as you two are I will consider ourselves truly blessed. Have a fantastic day!

p.s. My parents have neither servants or cottages. Or a moat.