Our week without Kris

is almost over. He is actually in town, but can't come home until tomorrow am. He spent the week at Ft. Chaffee playing with guns and grenades, and I spent the week chasing kids and dog.

Jasper is fitting into the family nicely. He knows to go potty outside with the occasional accident, and he knows what SIT means at least 50% of the time. The best news is he now sleeps for 7-8 hours at night...yahoo!

The flu is going around right now and it landed at the babysitter's house, so I stayed home most of the week with the kids. Aunt Brenda also stayed for 2 days to help out (she is a lifesaver) and we all enjoyed her visit.

The weather was beautiful this week!! I'm talking 60's, 70's, and sunny. What a relief from the winter blues. Kailey earned a ribbon in gymnastics this week for mastering her back walkover! We were very excited, but wish Kris could've been here to see it.

Jayden and Jasper are already asleep, Kailey's watching tv, and the rain is moving in, so I'm going to spring forward and go to bed. Night!

We broke down

and bought a dog! He's a 6-week old black lab and his name is Jasper Forrest Tate. For those of you who are muttering about my Twilight obsession...although that has something to do with it, Jasper is also the county in which Kris and I got married. All together now: "Awww."

Anyway, so far he's a pretty good dog and seems to be picking up the potty thing fairly quickly. The kids love him and it's hilarious to watch him chase them around the house. Heehee...they are exercising each other. I am so smart!

In other news, we have been so busy lately! Spring break is coming March 21 and I can't wait. We'll be spending the weekend in St. Louis: Supercross, Zoo, City Museum. FUN! Until next time (I promise it won't be a month)...