My new Scrapbook Blog

Check out my new Blog! There isn't much there yet. LOL! But I plan on using it to post my Scrapbook layouts, Card making ideas and stuff like that. There, I will also let you know about the workshops I have in my home. Hopefully it will be a spot that you check out often for a little inspiration and ideas. brenda-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

Mr & Mrs Durrant Goes To Washington

It has been quite fun watching the coverage of President Obamas inauguration and being able to say with Brian I've been there...remember when we were there? It has been fum to reminisce about our trip we took to D.C. last April for David and Vanessa wedding. It was the BEST trip. EVERYONE needs to put the Nations Capitol on their MUST places to visit. This amazing! Full of history and awe. I didn't know quite what to expect...but it was FAR more inspiring than I had ever thought it would be.

So I thought I would share a few photos of our trip. This is just a taste of what we saw and did. It would take me a week or so to blog about. In fact we still didn't see everything we wanted to and are planning a return trip with our kids...when they are a little bit older of course.

The Capitol Building. President Oboma will take the Oath of office today on those steps.

The reflecting pool in front of the Capitol Building. What a gentleman Brian was to LUG my big old purse all over Washington!

Statue in front of the Capital. I forget who the guy on the horse is. I know he is someone important. But there was just too much to remember.

The thing with Washington D.C. being so old, for at least U.S. standards, is that there are all these little gems hidden throughout the city. This is actually what I guess you would call a little courtyard out on the lawn of the Capitol.

It had little benches and a drinking fountain. Behind that little window There is a little waterfall. I couldn't even imagine what great Statesmen have come here take a little break and relax a bit.

Drinking Fountain Outside the Capital Building. No I did NOT drink out of it. Although it was working.

This was by far my most absolutely FAVORTIE building. The Library of Congress. I wonder how you get a Library card. Trust me these pictures do not give it justice. This is the most Beautiful building I have ever seen.

Look at that marble Staircase and pillars

The HAND painted walls and stained glass window were truly breathtaking.

Gorgeous!

Monuments Everywhere! Here is the Jefferson Memorial. All of the monuments and buildings for that fact, are massive.

Thomas Jefferson. They had just gotten trough Celebrating his Birthday a couple days before. That is why you see those wreaths there at the base.

We Stayed at the Gorgeous Mayflower Hotel. Most recently made famous for the Hotel Governor Spitzer used to entertain of be entertained by his high end call girls. Hmmm I wondered why Brian chose this hotel.

Here's Brian hanging outside our Hotel waiting for my LOST luggage. Here's a little funny. Upon arriving to our hotel and unloading the car we realized that we had lost MY luggage somewhere between here and the Airport. Called the Airport to see if it was left on the curb...it wasn't there. Called the Hotel where we had just drop off Craig and Crystalee...wasn't there. So As soon as we checked in our hotel we headed across the street to buy me some new clothes and ALL that other stuff. Wahoo! However when I was in the dressing room Craig calls and tells us that someone had found my luggage. I guess when they unloaded the their luggage they had to take mine out to get to there's. Well apparently they drove off leaving mine on the curb. They said they were going to put my luggage in a cab and send it over to me. Boy were we surprised when a limo pulled up to deliver my luggage. The driver said I'm not sure how much to charge. I haven't ever just given luggage a ride. We ended up paying him $50! Too bad I missed out on getting a whole new wardrobe. However I was glad to get my luggage back. What a fun way to start out vacation. We just laughed about it. Brian Couldn't believe hoe calm I was being over the whole ordeal. Hey what could we do?

Brian was so funny. He was so excited to be running into Senators and such in Washington. He knew who everyone was. I think he was a little star struck. While walking to our Hotel we ended up standing on the curb with George Steffanopolas(sp) I have know Idea how to spell his name. Brian's all under his breath saying "Do you know who that is?" "Yeah Yeah Brian I know". Brian was so excited and went and stood RIGHT next to him. And as soon as George got in his cab. Brian stepped off the curb and snap a photo. What a geek! Now George probably thinks he has some stalker after him.

Lincoln Memorial - It's HUGE!

The New Obama residence

Brian was absolutely fascinated with the White House. We went back a couple of times.

He was really concerned about the Security! He didn't think it was Adequate LOL!

Brian wanted to talk to George Bush about his concerns. Some contractors showed up to set up for something on the White House lawn. Brian thought that maybe he could just sneak in with them. Actually he is on his phone talking to his work. Can I just tell you how much I HATE BlackBerrys. You can never get away.

Brian STILL trying to find George.

This was cool to see. The Tomb of the Unknown.

Even though I have just hit the tip of the iceberg, I have to go now. We loved our trip to DC and I had sooo much fun just spending time with my hubby!

The Dawns Early Light

Every morning when I look out my window I am amazed at the beauty of the morning sun rise. The first thing I do in the morning is open the blinds in my kitchen so I can witness the amazing gift God has given us. Every morning is different, but just as breathtaking. What a beautiful way to start the day.

Cool Socks Dude!

I believe in buying only white socks. So much easier to mate. Aunt Karen however gave Karson a package of socks that have stripes...airplanes...trains...and so on. Karson LOVES these socks. The only thing he hates is that when he puts his pants on, they cover up his socks, so he can't see them and neither can anyone else. So he insists on having his pants rolled up when he wears these socks. Brian took him down to the Top Stop to get a drink. As soon as he got out of the car he insisted on pulling his pants up as he walked through the store. Can you imagine? Too Funny! This little boy just gives me the chuckles.

My Baby Just Started Preschool

My youngest has flew the coop and headed off to Preschool. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad about this. With my other three kids I waited until they were 4 Years old before I sent them Preschool. But I though this would be great for Karson (who is 3) to get out to interact with other kids, since in the winter time he is stuck inside with only mom. I THINK he is liking preschool. I am sooo impressed with his teacher Miss Sommer. However, he is really bummed that he doesn't get to ride the school bus yet like Brinley. I have to admit I am enjoying my "alone" time that I get for a couple hours a few days a week. But I'm sad to be heading into another phase of my life. Sometimes I wished time would hold still for just a moment.


Karson needed a new backpack for school. I'm really not of fan of Character backpacks, shoes or clothes, But there really isn't much to choose from in the Month of January. I found this back pack for 90% off at KOHLS. Paid a big whopping $2 for it. Now that's a deal!

My big boy!

CHEERS!

As we look back and Celebrate another great year for the Durrants we are grateful for all of our many blessings. Do you ever feel like life is too good? That is how I feel. However, I feel a little apprehension that the ride might end soon and it scares me. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and great kids. Here's hoping for another great year!

We party hard!

Is it Midnight yet?

Actually it is only 7:30pm

1:30 AM Wake Up Call

So what time did you all get up on Christmas Morning? Yup it was 1:30 AM for our household. I heard Santa leave at about 1:15AM. Then Ashlynn got up to go to the bathroom, saw all the goodies Santa brought and went and woke everyone up. I heard her up and about and I leaned over to Brian in bed and exclaimed"You've got to be kidding me!" Which he replied "Who gave Santa the idea to come early this year?" Santa Usually doesn't come until around 5AM, but this year he wanted to get it over with so he could get some zzzzzzzzzz. I think next year I'm telling Santa to wrap EVERYTHING. That way we can send them back to bed and make them wait for Mom and Dad to get up before tearing into their presents. However Brian and I did go back bed and told them they could not open any presents or wake Karson up until 6AM.
Santa scored big when he brought Karson a race track. This kid raced cars for three days straight. He was always asking his dad to come to his room to race. He also got a remote control car. Needless to say...we need to go on a battery run.

What 12 year old boy doesn't want a cell phone. "All my friends have one!" Santa caved

Brinley was not happy AGAIN this year...She got too many clothes and not enough Toys...Will I ever please this child? Grrrr!

Karson got this air compressor thingy that he Loves. Here he is fixing the tires on Ashlynn's new scooter.

The girls each got a Nintendo DS. Brinley got frustrated with the games. I think it had to do with the lack of sleep.

Ashlynn on her Scooter and Brinley on her new bike. Too bad there was to much snow outside to take the bikes out. Ashlynn spent the day driving her scooter up and down the hall way. Poor thing. Hopefully we thaw out soon so they can take thier new toys for a spin.

Brinley crashing at 4PM. I think we all felt this way by the end of the day. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Not a little Funny...but a BIG Funny!

So I'm sitting here trying to get caught up on some blogging. Brian comes down and says's "The door knob on our bathroom is messes up. You know, we really need to get it replaced before one of us get stuck in the bathroom. I can just see me getting it stuck in there and them you posting it on your blog. How embarassing"

I little while later a hear " Kyle...Mom...Anyone..."

Guess what Brian got locked in the bathroom...kind of a self fulfilling prophecy. We couldn't figure how to get him out. Kyle shimmied a screwdriver under the door and Brian removed the door knob...but that didn't help much. Then Brinley came up with removing the hinges. Kyle pounded the door a few times and our dad was Free!

What a door knob:)

Hoping Daddy Makes it Home for Christmas

This is what was happening outside our house on December 22. Brian was supposed to be flying home on December 23, after spending the past two weeks in Australia golfing, taking morning jogs on the beach, taking excursions to exotic Island and oh yah...I THINK he was working there too. Anyways we were getting quite nervous because flights were be canceled or delayed and we worried he might have to rent a car and drive home. But Lucky for us he made it home safe and sound. It is so good to have him home with us. We missed our dad.

Never Met a GingerBread Man That I Didn't Like

For Christmas I wanted to do a little something for the kids in my Nursery Class at Church. Well I kind of waited until the last minute...Sunday Morning:) and decided to make gingerbread men.


Of course my kiddos were eager to help...note to self...not a good thing to do on Sunday Morning!

mine

Their's

Boy this gingerbread man should have ran...he does not look happy.

Now HURRY...let's get ready for church!