Amanda's Blog

Last year, we started what we hope will be a new tradition…going to see the eagles at Land Between The Lakes.  We had a wonderful time last year and had been looking forward to doing it again this year.  Well, a couple of Saturdays ago we sat out, all 6 of us + Stella (our Golden Retriever) in Josh’s truck for a fun afternoon.

We don’t take a paid tour…we just ask where the eagles are and then drive there ourselves (yes, we are cheap! But, with 4 kids and me staying home, I guess we will have to be:) We were a bit disappointed that we couldn’t get as close as last year.  Last year, we were able to drive close to the water and then walk even right up to the small pond.  We were able to watch them in their nests, dive to the water, and soar above our heads.  This year, however, there must be some high-strung eagles at LBL because we were not allowed very close at all…guess we stressed them out last year:)  The road was blocked off, so we had to go to a “viewing road” that was across a field and levee…  Needless to say, we were a bit disappointed, but still enjoyed watching the majesty of them soaring through the air.  At one point, I counted 11 soaring together and three white dots in the trees meaning their were three in their nests.

The kids LOVE getting out in nature, and they especially loved taking Stella with us!  Caleb even got out to watch the eagles for a brief moment, but he didn’t care too much for the wind taking his breath away!

While at LBL, we had to do the Elk and Bison Prairie.  For some reason, I have always loved to drive through and “hunt” for the elk and bison.  This trip was a little more interesting than others because we had Stella in the back of the truck!  And, what do you know, the elk and bison were both really close to the road!!!  When we came up on the elk, she started barking and all the elk turned and looked at us.  (Insert worried and crying children here…Brooke was worried about Stella getting hurt, but Landon assured us that he would run over the bison with the truck if they came after us:)  

Josh got out and told her to hush, and she listened better than the kids…we didn’t hear another peep from her.  As we approached the bison (that were walking in the road!) we were all a little okay, mostly a lot worried (except Josh, of course).  Thankfully, Stella was quiet and the bison took no notice of her.  Don’t really think I care to take a dog through a wild life trail again…it wasn’t near as relaxing, but it has been a great story for the kids to tell!

 And, for our family, a trip to LBL is not complete without standing on the rock at the Golden Pond Visitor’s Center or throwing rocks into the lake!

This is probably the kids favorite part of the trip!!

What a beautiful way to end a day enjoying God’s creation!!

Today is the 13th anniversary of the day I married my best friend!!!  I love Josh more now than I even knew would be possible.

His name has thirteen letters, so I will use them to describe him:

J – Jesus first

O – Others above self

S – Sacrificial for family

H – Honest in all things

U – Understanding of me and my crazy ways:)

A – Adoring of me and the kids (and he lets us know it!)

K – King of the house (He is a great leader for our family!)

E – Educated (So proud of his MDiv he worked hard to earn this past year!)

T – Tough and able to do any job (He’s the daddy, after all!)

C – Cares for everyone

H – Hardworking and Humble (I know that’s two for one, but I couldn’t choose:)

U – Upbeat and positive

M – Manages time and money well

I love you JOSHUA KETCHUM and am so thankful for the 13 years of marriage!

The Friday before Christmas, Josh was able to take off of work, and we were able to spend the day getting things ready to go to MO for Christmas.  (Who knew that you would need a WHOLE day to get ready to leave for a few days…guess that is life with four kids:)

On Thursday, I was talking to Austin about all that we had to get done on Friday.  He looked at me and said, “That is the best day of Christmas!” I was a little shocked, so I paused waiting for him to explain why.  He went on to say, “It is fun when we are all home working together. I like it better than getting presents.”  It was definitely a proud momma moment (and believe me, I have to hang on to those because with four little ones, there are plenty of “scratching my head,” “I feel like a failure” moments…)

So, I wanted to give you a glimpse into “The Best Day of Christmas”!  It was a fun, full day…

We started the day by making cookies for Santa.  It was not easy to find a sugar cookie recipe that would allow for all of our special diets, but I found one online, and the cookies were delicious!!  (I plan to post the recipe in a separate post soon!)  We all were involved in making and EATING the cookies. (I know you aren’t suppose to eat the raw cookie dough because of the eggs, but it is SOOOO stinking good!!)  (On a side note, I must say – It is fun to cook with the kids, but it does get hairy trying to remember whose turn it is to pour in the ingredient, turn on the mixer, turn off the mixer…do you all have the same problem???)

We also spent time today vacuuming the house, doing laundry (which is never done…), packing for our trip to MO, finishing wrapping presents, and cleaning out the car (actually the kids cleaned out the car – that is their job around here).  Brooke also squeezed in some time for our dog Stella.  She loves Stella. (I think it is because she can boss her around:)

I am glad that Austin enjoys these days at home working together.  I do too (until it is 11:00 p.m. and I am still trying to finish up…)

FYI: Josh helped a lot today…contrary to what the pictures show:)