metal

Last week was our first full week back at our normal activities after the holidays, and it went well!  Monday night was volleyball and we had a great game.  (We needed it!)  Tuesday morning the Bible Study I attend started a new book, and I think it's going to be really good.  It's a study on The Sermon on the Mount, by Jen Wilkin. 

Wednesday evening Word of Life started back up for the older boys, so it was Dad, Mom, and J-man hang out time.  :)  I needed to go to Kohl's, so we hung out at the mall.  Jackson wanted to give high-fives to as many mannequins as possible (almost knocking over a few in his eagerness); and he thought he wanted to ride the carousel, until it started and he did NOT like it! 

Thursday was a big day for Caleb - he got his braces and retainer.  He was anxious beforehand, but he did really well getting them put on.  Side note, I was a little nervous about having Jackson with me and keeping him occupied the whole time.  There was a train table in the waiting room, and he was loving it!  Actually, he threw a fit when we had to leave.  :)  I had other toys and snacks packed for him, and he didn't need any of it!  Mike was able to leave work for a bit to come as well, and I think that was really good for Caleb - not just having a supportive father, but since Mike had braces he can sympathize.  We're a few days in now, and Caleb is still pretty sore.  Hopefully he'll be able to eat fairly normally soon.

Friday evening we dropped the boys off at my brother and sis-in-law's house, and we were kid-free for the weekend!!  We decided to just stay home.  We love adventure and going fun places together, but there's also nothing like being in your own home when it is peaceful and quiet.  :)  We could be on our own schedule, easily walk out the door when we wanted to go somewhere, and just veg.  We had a few meals out - all great.  Crazy Horse Steakhouse on Friday night, Cracker Barrel on Saturday morning, and Butcher's Union in downtown GR for dinner Saturday night.  Either I'm old or a country girl (or both...), but I don't need to go out on the town all the time.  :)  Butcher's Union is apparently a popular place (they did have REALLY good food) - the restaurant was packed and loud.  Didn't bother me at first, but after a while I was ready for some peace and quiet!  Ha!  On Saturday we managed to complete our search for a "new to us" elliptical after a few strike-outs.  Seems like it was a good find, hope it works out well!  The thing is a BEAST (in a good way).  Took a bit to get it in the basement yesterday, but we managed without anyone getting hurt.  Mike and I were both able to work out on it this morning, and so far so good.  Time to get these old bods in shape!