Trunk or Treat

Yesterday was "Trunk or Treat" at our church.  With food, games, fun, and candy, we just couldn't go wrong.  We had a family costume theme--Zany Zoo.  The little boys were a tiger and a zebra, and Matt and I dressed as zookeepers.  As a mom to three boys, zookeeper is a role I feel quite comfortable in.  The boys' costumes were handmade with black zip up hoodies, sweatpants, and colored duct tape--cheap, easy, and super cute!  I snagged the "zookeeper" khaki shirts from Goodwill for a measly $6, made some name badges, and we were good to go!  Jacob, his mom, stepdad, and siblings joined us and it was a wild, but super fun time.  Here are a few photos from our adventure!

"Mama-Zookeeper" (as Eli called me) and the wild animals

Precious little zebra mane

This tiger is "grrrrreat!"

"Let me outta this cage!"

I just want to tickle his whiskers

 Sloan Family Zoo

(Last 3 photos courtesy of Niki Wilbanks--thanks!!)

Pressing on...update from last post!

If you read my last post, you know what's been going on.  Just when we thought things had calmed down...


Update:  When we arrived home from church tonight, we discovered that the dogs had raided the pantry and proceeded to help themselves to 3 full packages of Lance crackers.  That's 18 packs of nabs, 108 cracker sandwiches!  Really, dogs!?!  My kitchen floor is a wreck...hands-and-knees-cleaning type of wreck.  I'm reminding myself of my earlier words, "we'll get through each of these things one by one" but this one will have to wait until tomorrow!

Pressing on

I love Sunday afternoons.  Refreshed from church, I can just sit and relax.  Boy, do I need some relaxing today.  This has been one wild weekend.

Here's the rundown of what's gone on:

• the oven stopped working--which isn't terrible news since the stovetop works and I love my crockpot.  However, it really makes my prior commitment to make a cake and some baked goods for "Trunk or Treat" at church a challenge!  
• Eva had a seizure and we spent yesterday afternoon at the emergency vet rather than the State Fair as planned.  Eva seems to be fine now.  The doctors have no conclusive diagnosis and we pray it was just an isolated and random event.  I'm thankful for that but oh, how I mourn the loss of that funnel cake and the kiddie rides!!  
• the "check engine" and two other dash lights lit up on our van.  And let's not forget the AC went out last Sunday and we are currently a one-car family.  On the bright side, the lights were not lit on the way to church this morning.  So, hopefully the dashboard will stay dark!
• Eli had "yucky dreams" last night and Matt and I were in his room no less than 9 times during his 10-hour night's sleep!  We still made it to church on time thanks to coffee and Coke Zero!

Whew!  That sounds like so much.  But, I have to admit, despite all those "situations" I'm not stressed.  I know that God's in control and we'll get through each of these things one by one.  I know we are blessed far beyond what others have.  I have an amazing husband, fabulous kiddos, and a supportive family and together, through Christ, we can do all things!  So, we press on trusting in and leaning on Him.  And I boldly say, I can't wait to see what this week holds for the Sloans!

Be blessed!

A visit to "Far, Far Away"

We just returned from a visit with Matt's family and had a very nice time visiting and catching up.  The nine grandchildren range in age from 10 months to 12 years old, which makes for a very busy house when we are all in for a visit.  Unfortunately, due to the distance, we don't get to see them very often, and I just love watching the children reunite and enjoy each other--not to mention the adults!

The timing of this visit allowed for some pumpkin carving fun.  The kids had a great time scooping and carving and being together.  The daddies and mommies looked like they had lots of fun helping, too!

(Simply amazed they are all smiling...sort of!)

As I said, the visit was great.  The traveling, well it wasn't so great.  There's nothing like 11 hours one-way with three kiddos in a confined space!  Eli summarized the trip by using a "Shrek" reference and saying "Pappy lives far, far away!!"  The travel fun was topped off by the van's AC going out on the return trip.  Needless to say, we are thankful for the impending fall weather!  Looking on the bright side, we had safe travels and a wonderful visit and for that we are grateful!  

My guys

When I see these four, my heart just overflows with love and gratitude.  I'm truly blessed to be the wife and mother of this family.

You know I hate to brag, but my guys are pretty much the best!

A little less of me

June 2010

October 2010

November 2010

 All these are before pictures.  They are all before I chose to make a change.  You can read about that choice here.  I can't believe these photos weren't deleted, but I'm thankful to have something to look back on--to see where I've been and how far I've come.  

Last night I went to my WW meeting and heard the wonderful words, "You've hit your goal!"  To say that I was excited would be an understatement of great proportions.  I may have jumped up and down at the scale and possibly screamed just a little--maybe!!  I have such a sense of accomplishment (and apparently very little shame)!  

Now, I'm on the maintenance track--six weeks to learn how to maintain my goal weight and stop losing.  To be honest, it's a little scary, but I'm ready.  

This was taken in August, which was 4 pounds ago, but is the most recent full length photo I have.  Here's to seeing a little less of me from now on!

Kickin' It!

This little one started soccer recently.  It seemed like a good match.  He loves running and kicking.  He also loves falling down, just for fun!

  Watching three-year olds play soccer is interesting, to say the least.  Essentially, it's packs of preschoolers chasing a ball.  Last week, Eli scored a goal!  Despite the fact that the goal was scored for the opposing team, I cheered--loudly!  Yeah, apparently I'm "that" mom!

Of course, as with any activity with preschoolers, there are ups and downs.  We try to have just as much fun on the sidelines waiting for another turn on the field--sometimes too much fun, since the kiddos often say "no" when asked if they want to have a turn playing.  Those years of teaching preschool have come in quite handy!

Here's a picture of Eli putting the ball into play by kicking-off from mid-field.  He was quite proud of himself.

Tonight, we hit the field again!  Can't wait to see my little soccer player in action!

GO HUMMERS!

Pink for October

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, this blog has gone pink! Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women in the US, including my mother, my aunt, and my cousin. Be proactive! Do monthly self-exams and ask you doctor about your need for a mammogram! It just may save your life.