What things are important to you?

This was a question that I was asked a couple of weeks ago by a doctor. It made me really think about those things that are important to me and I continue to think about it. I know that my faith, family and friends are important in my life. I began to think about my day dreams of staying home with the boys, eating healthy fresh foods, play groups, bible studies, traveling, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

But after thinking about this, I realize that I am so caught up in the rush and busy-ness of the day that there never seems to be time to even breath. The days seem to fly by and I sit here wondering what I did yesterday, because I can't remember. I seriously do good not wearing the same outfit to work in one week. With working fulltime, I am always wondering where I can steal time from to spend on something else? But I always seem to neglect something that either needs done, or the boys just need a little more mommy time, or I have one more errand...Ugh!

I am always amazed at how families can handle having one parent stay home with the kids and the other working and be able to have true influence in their children's lives while providing everything they need. How do you afford a house, a car, the utility bills, healthy food, family activities and clothes for the kids (since they seem to have out grown them even before you left the store)?

So I ask you, What things are important to you?

Papa Shu Is Coming Home

Today is a big day in our family. Papa Shu is coming home after being in the hospital and rehab center for a year! Last April Papa Shu had a LVAD (heart device) put in as a bridge to transplant and it has taken him a while to get well enough to come home.

Last night, we did a "trial run" with and took him to dinner at Steak n Shake. Which went pretty well, though MawMaw apparently takes the corners a little to fast-per Papa Shu. John seemed to enjoy being out and really enjoyed having dinner that was not institutional grade (though I hear he likes that kind of food).

For those that know Papa Shu's humor- So last night when Mawmaw wheeled Papa Shu out to the van and opened the door- he remarks "Phew, it smells like our car in there."

So feel free to call him @ home!

Lions, Tigers, and Bears- Oh My!

This past Saturday after the Race for the Cure downtown, we took the boys to the zoo for the first time this year (and Aiden's first time ever.) They both had a blast and we spent a good part of the day there before they (and I) had enough. It was really nice weather (74) and the zoo was PACKED.

We rode the train, because you can't get away from it with Jonah. He also was interested in the roller coaster, but he is a little too short (3 more inches).

(see I do exist)

This year the zoo has two new bears (our last one pasted away during the fall), so we went to visit them and Jonah growled at them for 10 mins. It was so cute, because I was probably 30-40 feet away (because of the crowds) and I could hear him.

They have also replaced the shark exhibit from the mishap with a maintenance mistake that killed almost all of the sharks. It is an exhibit that has dog sharks and you are able to pet them as they swim by. It is really cool.

I am looking forward to going later this summer. They are going to have an exhibit on the Komodo Dragons. I have always wanted to see one. Then next summer, they will be having some cheetahs and we seen some work happening in the forest area that has a 2011 date on it, but we do not know what is coming yet. Last year, the Koalas were in the forest area.

So, anyone want to join us? You are more than welcome to come along. :)

Saturday Mornings in the Shu house

Saturday Mornings are a peaceful time in the Shu house. I am usually up (just because my body is programed for work wake up time, though it is actually harder to get up during the week.) and the boys are usually sleeping and I have my "me" time. Here are a few views of Saturdays...

(I got caught!) He always wakes up happy...

Walking kinda a fool

Aiden has started to figure out the joys of walking and is trying to keep up with busy Jonah...

Happy Easter!

Today is truly a day to celebrate..for Jesus has risen and one day we will join him with our Holy Father.

But we also take part in the tradition of Easter and anticipate the arrival of the easter bunny (similar to the anticipation of Santa.) We began the weekend with coloring eggs.

So this year, the boys received one basket to share (to which Jonah does not believe that he is to share this.) from the Easter bunny at our house. The easter bunny left the boys a bible, 2 other story books, teddy grahams, nutter butters, M&Ms, 2 stuffed animals. Ma-Maw Cathy got the boys a stuffed bunny, skittles, and peeps (my favorite) and Ma-Maw Julie got the boys chocolate bunnies and other great selection of nandy (candy-jonah's words).

As an added suprise for Jonah, we went on an easter egg hunt (in the front year)...

Happy 1st Brithday, Aiden!

Wow it is hard to believe that you are already a year old and no longer a little baby. We wish you the happiest birthday and look forward to many more... Love mommy and daddy.