Our Aweful Beautiful Life

For the last several years, we've found a weekend when all our camping buddies can gather up Grandparents, friends, Aunts, Uncles, the homeless man across the street....whoever we can find to watch all our kids for a weekend so we can get away and actually CAMP. You know. Sit in our camp chairs and stay there. Sleep in. Not eat powdered donuts for breakfast. And lunch. And afternoon snack. Or do, whatever. Actually enjoy a cold beer by the fire. Play bags. NAP.  Basically, a weekend to do WHATEVER WE WANT TO, without having to worry about kids safety and entertainment plans. We've ventured down to Rockville Lake in Parke County for the past three years, and have come to love the little tradition we've started. We've gone floating on Sugar Creek. We've went out on a boat on Raccoon Lake (only because we planned to float and overslept adn happened to know someone who knew someone with a boat).  This year, Stefanie & Trent joined the ranks, and Stef offered up he...

We've been talking for some time about having Harry & Lucy down to spend the night, and with the impending arrival of a new baby, we thought it'd be well timed to give Matt & Sarah a date night, while the kids got a playdate at our house. What a FUN time we had. The kids all played great, slept great, and pottied great -- which, with two freshly potty trained boys, is a victory in and of itself!! The only pitfall to the weekend was that Aunt Kim thought she'd completely win over her nephew by making our morning pancakes into the shape of a tractor, only for Harry to request circle pancakes. Apparently, my tractors were a bit too crazy for his liking.... We can't wait to have another cousins sleepover! (Or for Uncle Matt & Aunt Sarah to return the favor! HINT HINT...HAHA)

1st and 3rd grades. I'm not entirely sure how this is even remotely possible. There are still days I swear Colton is that cute little chubby guy bouncing around learning new words, or that Emmalyn is the sweet doused in pinks and purples newborn....but here we are, 4 & 2 years in to school, respectively. As we drove to the school for sign up, we asked each of you who you wanted as a teacher, and Colton you were quick to answer with Mrs. Brewer, because you'd had her in summer remediation, and really enjoyed her. Emmalyn was quick to say anyone BUT Mrs. Banes. Colton found out he got Mrs. Brewer, but Emmalyn, you were a bit disappointed when you found out you had Mrs. Banes. However, as you progress through the school year, you speak very highly of Mrs. Banes, and seem to be thriving in class. You were both so excited for your first day -- and even know the picture routine, and didn't haggle me for the pics I wanted. Your Dad and I are so proud of you -- proud of the...

We snuck out the Friday after the fair to the beaches of Michigan City. Brad & Jacki celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on July 30th (and we celebrated 11 years that day!). They wanted nothing more than a getaway with their kids and families, so that's exactly what we did. They had rented a house nearly right on the beach, and it was gorgeous. We all arrived later Friday evening, and us "girls" left to go get the groceries while the men manned the children & excitement levels. While I knew that Jacob had planned to propose to Makayla during the course of the weekend, the last I had heard from him was it would be Saturday on the beach. So be it. While we were getting groceries, however, Jason was blowing up my phone with text messages left & right telling us to hurry up, Jacob's doing it tonight, he's super nervous...what's taking you so long, etc. So, we finally return from groceries, and finally dig into the pizza that had been delivere...

If I've done one thing successfully as a parent, its been to raise three kids who adore the White County Fair as much as their Momma does. I'm not sure if Dad would agree this is a success, but I think thats partly because he doesn't want to openly admit how much he enjoys it too. 2016 was our last year of not-quite-there in 4-H. 2017 marks the Stockment's inaugural 4-H year, and we Colton couldn't be more excited. But this year -- this year we simply soaked in me being on vacation, attending every.single.day of the Fair and the kids getting to know the grounds, the people, and the love of agriculture and community that you just cannot find anywhere else. Except, maybe, the State Fair! :) Colton did have the opportunity to "practice" showing a pig in the first ever 4-H Mini 4-H Show, and he was beyond thrilled. We had a great time watching his excitement, and know he'll be a fine showman about this time next year! ...