Sisters

We had the best time over the Thanksgiving holiday just "hanging out" Did some shopping, some eating and LOTS of laughing. It was fun....I love you sisters!!

I am thankful for....

It's that time of year again to reflect on our blessings. I have a few things I've been thinking about lately that I am thankful for.

My hubby, I am so proud of him, going back to school and pursuing his dreams...and making good grades too.

Shayne, he is awesome. Love him so much just makes me laugh and smile.

My family, LOVE ALL OF YOU!!

I feel blessed this year that Jeff and I both have jobs, even if mine is very part time and he's taken a temperary pay cut....we have a roof over our heads and food on the table...we don't hurt for ANYTHING!!

My bible study that I started attending a few months ago....I'm really glad I'm going

My prayer group girls...you are my rock!!

Our dog, Star....she is a joy and makes my day better

friends who will always be there for me.

Our church family

God who has blessed me with ALL of these things.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Halloween 2009

Joe Dirt

Batgirl and Joe Dirt aka Susan Ward and Jeff

Jeff and I enjoyed Halloween...Shayne was sick so he stayed home. We hung out at the Henley's open house enjoying visiting and eating yummy food!!

Quick update

Haven't posted for awhile... things seem slow and boring around here which I guess is a good thing. Many things have happened though. Shayne's conference was Wednesday night. It was great. He has a 3.75 gpa. We're very proud of him. I wish I could sit on him though to stop him from growing...he's almost caught me in height!!
Jeff started Paramedic school. He started clinicals today. He's at DePaul ER working a 12 hour shift. Has many of those ahead of him but he's loving it. He has LOTS of quizzes and tests and has been studying hard! Great job Honey!!
I'm keeping busy. Started volunteering at the Humane Society walking dogs a few days a week. It's been for me. Exercising and helping doggies at the same time. It's been fun...even in the rain!!
That's it for our exciting update!!

Fire Truck Rally

Yesterday we headed downtown for the Firetruck Rally/Parade. The parade was very LOUD! Lots of trucks driving by blowing their horns and sirens. Very amazing though seeing all those heros passing you by. Then they all parked on the street and we could walk around and see them. There was new and vintage trucks Jeff and Shayne in front of an old truck "dogtown" fire department

Fireman's Prayer on the side of an engine

Jeff with the Lake Ozark fire truck.

Can't resist taking a picture of the Arch every time we're down there. It is an incredible monument.

Labor Day Weekend

We spent Monday "touring" some of Missouri's Historical sites and state parks. A lot of fun and a lot of driving. We started at Mastodon State Park in Imperial. That was interesting seeing artifacts that had been discovered in that area. Next, we moved on to Missouri Mining Historical Site in Park Hills. Shayne loved walking around looking at the old site...it closed in 1972. They have lots of minerals and fossils in their museum. We ended our day at Johnson Shut Ins. It is SO BEAUTIFUL there. Amazing. We didn't have out suits so we just waded and climbed on the rocks. The day was absolutely perfect!! Shayne and Mom at Johnson Shut Ins

Checking out the old Mine.

Dad and Shayne with a Mastodon

Mary Poppins

WOW!! It is a FANTASTIC show. Mom, Marsha, Steve and I all headed to the FOX to see Mary Poppins. I loved it and am still singing the songs..."Just a Spoon Full of Sugar" "Step In Time"....that was probably my favorite scene. I also loved "Supercalifragilistexpialidocious" It was a GREAT day!!

Mom doesn't remember the last time she was at the FOX. Possibly in the 80's. We had a great day!! Thanks Steve for being the photographer.

A New School Year

Shayne started 7th grade today. So far, so good. He likes his classes and teachers!! Woo Hoo!! Praying for a repeat of last year....awesome grades!!! and a good attitude (most of the time )!

THE BOYS

Some of the most special ladies in my life. I've laughed, hurt, cried and prayed with these ladies several times a month for many years. I love you all....even those of you not in my picture.

4th of July Fun

We did our "traditional" events of the 4th. Bridgeton parade, family BBQ and watching fireworks. Unfortunately it was a bit rainy but we got all 3 events accomplished!! Shayne watched the parade in the hatch of the car. We had fun watching with our little friend Calvin, Tricia, Marsha and Caitlin. Calvin had the best shirt on, it says "My Daddy is my Hero"

Our New Toy

weekend full of family fun

The whole "Kerper" gang was together for the weekend minus Heath who had to work. We had a great time. Enjoyed all the great grandkids. Spent a day at the Magic House which everyone enjoyed. Had LOTS of great food!! And just had a great time visiting and enjoying each other. Wish we all lived closer to each other and could do this more often. Loved being with everyone....I have an AWESOME family!!

Fisher Cave

While we were camping at Meramec State Park we toured one of the many caves there. It was beautiful inside. I don't think I can line my words up with the pictures I took b/c I did it in some strange fashion?? So, the group pictures is the gang waiting to go in. There is a picture of Uncle Mike, Sam and Tori. Another picture of Shayne and his buddy Adrian checking things out inside the cave. It was fun experience...we even saw some orange cave salamanders. Things bot pretty muddy Saturday morning but dried up rather quickly except for Mike and Tina's rug and campsite. The kids caught tadpoles,minnow and hellbenders at the stream near our sight. Overall, it was a great weekend. After the rain cleared out the weather was perfect.

Class trip to the ZOO

Shayne's "team" in Middle School took a field trip to the zoo and did a scavengar hunt. I went along and had Shayne and 2 buddies with me. Didn't take a lot of pictures but it was a fun day and the weather was perfect.

Some boys on his team. The ony one I know is sitting by Shayne. Dylan and Shayne have gone to school together since kindergarten.

Here's my boys. Shayne, Jeremy and Thomas.

Soulard and Fitz's

Last weekend we made a trip downtown. Started off with pretzels from Gus's...Yum!! Then decided to check out Soulard Market. That place was rockin'. Tons of people and TONS of produce. And who knew.....people sell baby geese and ducks. And who was tempted to buy one you ask? WE WERE!! But where do you keep a goose in suburbia? They were very cute. See how cute!!

Yummy Fitz's for Rootbeer and Dreamcicle floats. They are HUGE! Shayne gave up using the spoon and just took licks!!

We had an awesome day!! And the weather was perfect too!! Loads of FUN!!!

We were excited to get our camper out and start our camping season. We stayed at Washington State Park in DeSoto. We had great weather on Saturday. Sunday when we were packing up it started raining, but it wasn't bad. We ventured out to Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk State Park, and Pilot Knob Civil War Battlefield. Shayne's buddy Jacob went with us. We had a great time. Jeff, Jacob, and Shayne at Elephant Rocks

Civil War Battlefield

Shayne, Connie, and Jacob on the look out tower at Taum Sauk

The lookout tower. Lots of stairs to climb and a lot of strong wind. Shayne and I didn't like it....he's afraid of heights.

A little bragging

Shayne got straight A's this grading period!!! I'm amazed and very proud. Great job Bubby!!

Before and After

NEED I SAY MORE??!!!!!

EMT

I'm proud to announce that Jeff is officially now an EMT. He finished his class, did clinicals, passed a State and National test and received his OFFICIAL EMT LICENSE in the mail yesterday. He's still got lots of schooling ahead of him but is very excited to have this hump of his life crossed. He's hoping now to get on part time somewhere to get some experience and use his skills. I know he'll be great.
Next step, paramedic school and fire academy. Keep him in your prayers as he works hard to reach his dream.
Great job honey!! I love you!!

A Broken Wag

Monday night after we got back from Arkansas Star started crying and couldn't raise her tail. I took her to the vet on Tuesday morning and after telling the Vet that she had been swimming at the farm she diagnosed with Limber Tail aka Broken Wag. She was miserable and not herself at all. We had to give her anti inflammitory meds and I'm happy to report that her tail is back to normal and she is very active again. We found it humorous but felt sorry for her. Crazy dog!!

Trip to Arkansas

We had a great trip last weekend to visit family. We fed the cows at the farm, rode 4 wheelers, Shayne fished and shot his gun. Star played, ran and swam (more on that later). And of course we got as much Luke time as possible. He is laughing and smiling now...so sweet!! Look close and you can see the cows tongue
Star enjoying the water
Shayne's fish...a few minutes later he was attacked by dogs trying to get his fish.
Happy Luke and Uncle Jeff!!
We stopped at Lamberts on the way down for some "throwed rolls" Yummy!!
We are looking forward to Andrea, Heath and Luke coming to STL this weekend. More loving on that baby!!
Shayne is enjoying his spring break but it's already Wednesday....going too fast!!

Boys will be Boys

Shayne spent a lot of time "hunting" for snakes in our backyard. He found 5 garder snakes. We had a plexiglass fixture that he made an exhibit out of. He actually did get bit by one but go brave again and handled them. He is setting them free soon but is enjoying them right now. Star actually likes looking at them in the "exhibit". One got away and she chased it across the yard...never caught. Shayne is my Jeff Corwin when it comes to catching snakes.

SORRY AUNT MARSHA....WE KNOW YOU WILL HATE THIS POST.