Celebrating Valentine's Day!

Justin and I decided we wanted to do something different this year. Instead of going out to eat and spending some cash, we asked the kids if they would like to "put on a date night" for us. They immediately said yes and were very excited. We told them they were in charge of all the details: Menu, cooking, table service, and clean-up. I have to say my heart melted with such appreciation for all the thought they put into the night. 

Julia was our waitress, and she wore her princess dress to look all fancy for us.

 Caleb and Zach were the waiters, they brought us our food. Caleb even gave each of us a Bible verse about love while we were waiting for our food. I love how they were so excited to put on their ties for us. Caleb even delivered our food on his roller blades. I failed to get a picture of it though. Seriously so stinkin' adorable!

 Lance was master chef and was in charge of when they sent the food out. He executed a fine meal.

 Justin joked about where our bill was....a few minutes later this appeared.

I think this clearly states the menu they came up with...I love our payment! Justin was very proud of them and tipped each one of them with real money. They were thrilled and surprised.

We all had such a great time I think we might makes this a yearly event. It could be real fun to see what they come up with over the next few years. They are all for it, and it's been really fun starting a new family tradition.

Caleb's DOUBLE DIGIT Birthday!

On February 21, our spunky and energetic son entered double digits. Ten years ago during a crazy snow and ice storm he entered the world. His birthday also marked the beginning of my journey as a full-time stay at home mom. It's impossible to count the blessings that this whole journey has granted me. I am thankful for each trial and triumph all the same. 

Caleb enjoyed a fun sleepover in honor of his birthday, complete with Lemon Cake and Cookies and Cream Ice Cream.

 As a ten year old Caleb loves building Legos, listening to music, he is learning a few chords on the guitar. He loves our puppy dog Jasper, and reads to him nearly every day during school.

 He also thought Jasper should enjoy one of his favorite gifts. A hand me down IPOD shuffle loaded with hundreds of songs! Caleb your growing into a great young man, we love you very much.

January in Review

The month of January was fun for all of us. We got to celebrate my sweet Hubby's Birthday! I'm not sure how many men ask for a pad for their tractor seat, but he was tickled to get it. That made us all very happy to get it for him.

 We always celebrate at my in-laws house with cake and ice cream!

 He got this vintage t-shirt of Waylon Jennings. It's incredibly soft and feels wonderful. Again he was thrilled, again I wondered why.

We got to go to the Shrine Circus! This was the kids first time to go to the circus and they enjoyed every minute. We have a really great time! I forgot my good camera, so we just got a few pictures together before the circus started.

 

 Since Justin is still healing up, we've been doing more relaxing than usual. Julia and Daddy spent some time just hanging out and watching a little show.

 We have been spoiling Jasper and he has enjoyed cuddling up with the kids while they read. He is currently taking some dancing lessons from Caleb, shown here. I'm still trying to decide whether he is thrilled or really wanting someone to send him outside.

We also celebrated out 100th Day of school.......lots of pictures to come.

Happy B-day Caleb!

Today marks my 9th year as a full time stay at home mama! I can't even hardly wrap my brain around the whole idea of it, but it's true. Caleb Curtis, who's nickname is Cubbie, was born on a very wintery storm kind of day...lots of ice and snow. Which meant that our visitors were very few! Caleb is so sweet and compassionate yet I would venture to say he's my orneriest one of the lot. We love his adventurous spirit, although sometime I just hold my breath and pray for the best.

Happy 9th B-day BIG MAN!

 

 This past Saturday he had a few friends over to help him celebrate!

2011 CHRISTMAS Memories!

 I know...I know...It's February, but I've finally got the pictures from Christmas that Hubby had stored on his phone. I'm warning you that there are MANY "captured moments" to follow!

 I was REALLY THRILLED with the number of Christmas card we got this year!

 All the Christmas loot.....

 We always start by reading the Christmas story. Lance started reading....

  Caleb finished up.

 

 

 The kids bought gifts for each other this year. They all got to spend $1 on each person. They had such fun shopping for each other! Not nearly as much as they had getting the gifts from each other! 

 Many hugs followed as they thanked each other for their thoughtfulness.....this is a tradition we will be doing again and again for many years to come!

 

 

 

 

 

 Now that Zach is reading he got his first Bible this year! It even has his name stamped on it!

 Julia's bitty baby, Sarah, had a good Christmas! She got many new items to wear and play with!

 

 My Hubby wrote me a sweet note explaining my gift to me.

 

 

 

 So many great gifts, lots of fabulous food, and family time....

What more could you ask for? A few more pictures.....okay since you asked!

Wow, I'm not sure about you, but I feel such a relief now that we are all caught up again :)

The BIG one!

If your friends with me on FB your have already seen these pics of my Hunting Husband....if not, then these are for you. It's his biggest buck ever......and might always be!

 He weighed in around 200 field dressed. His antlers are scored somewhere around 171.....or so we've been told. None of that jargon means anything to me....but my husband's smile does!

I'm very thankful that the Lord has chosen to bless us with several deer this season, and we can enjoy a full freezer of venison for the next year to come.

New Happenings at THE GAERTEGANG Household!

A few things have been happening around here as of late. Our basement flooded (after a faucet handle decided to just blow off), two weeks ago. Since everything is still in a "mess" we have been unable to function as normal, whatever that is. Here are a few pictures...I know they don't show a whole lot.

super soaking wet carpet....

more super soaking carpet!

When all is said and done, it could have been SO MUCH WORSE! I'm glad we were home and could start clean up right away. We are all dried out, with pretty minimal damage. For that I am truly grateful!

On Monday we discovered that our youngest little man, Zach needed some vision correction. He was so super cute and excited about getting his glasses!

His before: LOVE THOSE FRECKLES!

 His after:

I would LOVE TO KNOW how to eliminate those glares on his glasses. Is it my picture taking skills that need tweaked or can I just use something in editing to get rid of them.....do tell!!

On the very same day, Caleb got his braces! (Can you hear our bank account groaning?)

I can't tell who is more excited Caleb or Julia.....I can tell you that later that day and today Julia is defiantly more excited. With an upper & lower expander and braces all in one setting his little mouth is aching pretty good.

It makes me all warm and fuzzy to see how excited they were for each other.

(Believe me I need those fuzzy moments.....every once in awhile......in between fights!)