We have moved.

No we haven't moved to Brazil quite yet. Although these days all we want to do is pack our bags and catch a plane.

However we did move this blog

We are a .com.

Please visit us at www.dugansincahoots.com

We are busy working on the construction and decor of our new place.

So for the next few weeks please ignore the mess.

And don't forget to change our address on your bookmark or blog list so you don't get lost next time!

Night at the Park

It seems like most of our family fun these days includes some kind of water. On Friday night we had a nice bbq at the park beside a stream with the deMellos. And of course the kids ended up going home happy and very WET!

Sibling Love

A Haircut

We thought that Caleb needed a new haircut. It was getting a little too long- and even though it was adorable we figured he needed a bit of an edge to his Big Boy personality. What do you think of our boy's stylin do? Looks like Caleb is quite please with Master Cuts job- no this mama didn't do it! I just got the courage to finally cut my kids fingernails. There is NO way I am taking sizzors to my babies hair. "What?!" says Caleb. "You don't like it? I am a MAN!" ( his new favorite phrase in the bathroom)
What about this look? Now do you approve?
I love both cuts.
But wish his new one didn't take away his baby look. Where is my Baby?

The End of A long Two weeks

We survived the two LONG weeks of Michael being gone. We had good times, bad times, fun times and some sad times. I am very thankful Michael doesn't work long hours all the time ( at least not for now!) and we get to enjoy him being home more often.
These pictures are one of the fun times we had. A "pretend" outdoor picnic. The only thing real was the cookies...another fun activity we enjoyed together.

A Patience Meter

I am very glad that God didn't make me with a built in patience meter. How horrible it's viewing would have been today. With every huff, puff and loud groan the world would have witnessed my meter dip lower and lower.

Michael's over time hours ended last night. Phew. Except today is youth group which means the kids only saw their Daddy for 30 sweet minutes ALL DAY! Caleb had already been testing the waters with me for a few days. Hitting, throwing fits, and blatantly disobeying the simplest command. I am one strong mama. But without my backbone my resolve was quickly disappearing and monkey boy was moving in on me. I could feel his breath on my back.

Today he took full advantage of my weakness and pushed me full force with all of his will. If you know Caleb, you know that he is STRONG. Much stronger than most boys his age and older. He is also stubborn. Those two qualities have the potential to teach a mama a thing or two.

I would like to say that I won every battle. But the truth is, I lost most of the face downs.
And he knew it. Stinky boy knew his strength. And he showed me my weaknesses.
Don't you hate that kids have the ability to show you all that you are lacking.

Therefore that leaves me at the end of my day at Michelle's house beyond frustrated and feeling pretty defeated in the parenting department. Thank goodness for Michelle. I love her. I love that she had patience for my monkeys, and her borderline crazy sister in law. Michelle is by far the most patient person I know. They were ALL over her house. Jumping on furniture, breaking things, and picking on one little "happy" girl. Crying, shouting, and getting into every thing that was off limits. My kids. They know how to party.

And you know, for a brief second I actually fantasied leaving poor Michelle with the babies and running far away to the nearest Starbucks. I know. I sound horrible.

I didn't . Of course I didn't. I stayed and allowed Michelle to make me dinner. And make me laugh at the true silliness of the situation. And I did have fun.

As I was tucking Bella into bed tonight, her smile quickly turned into the saddest face I have ever seen. She then burst into a waterfall of tears. She sobbed, and wiped her boogers ALL over my neck. Yummy.

Then the most beautiful thing happened. In between sobs she muttered" Mommy, I just miss my Daddy SO much." This one sad sentence upped my patience meter. And I embraced my role.
And my child. That I love more than anything- and is worth everything.

Tip #30093

What you do you do on a long day with two crabby kids and one crabby mom? Build a fort outside. This method rewards mom with at least 20 mins. of smiles and giggles.

Beach Day

Graves 601 Hotel

That is where we were! On the 11th floor- Look at this view! This year was my turn to choose a date location. I think that I did pretty good. Don't you? After dinner we returned to this view! We were right beside the Bellanotte and enjoyed their outdoor fire pit while we talked on our private ledge. Couldn't have been more romantic!
I loved this t.v.! Our original plan was to go out and see a movie in the theatre. But instead we opted staying in and ordering a movie. We had the best seats in the house : King size beds, luxurious bedding, $3.oo bottled coke, $4.00 can of pringles and as much PDA as we desired. Heavenly! In fact the bed was SO nice we ended up sleeping 11 hours in it!
This bathroom was amazing! I loved the sink. Michael's favorite part of this room was the little t.v. set up in it!

Highlights of our getaway:

• Jumping and sinking into the cloud like bed.
• Watching the video leading up to our wedding ( surprise from Michael)
• Having No schedule- and no interruptions
• Breakfast at the starbucks next door
• Watching t.v. while taking showers
• Sleeping in as long as we wanted
• Cuddling, kissing, talking, dreaming, eating, laughing, holding hands
• Knowing that our kids were well cared for and loved. ( thanks Chris and Michelle!)

We had such a great time. The best part was being together , thanking God for five wonderful years.

Friday is here!

The day where Michael and I escape reality for about 24 hours! I am not going to tell you where we are going yet... but this is one of the views from our dream world. Wow- I can't believe how excited I am!

Gabriella wasn't too excited for us however. She told me that she wanted to go on Mommy and Daddy's wedding birthday too. She changed her mind about going however when she learned who was staying with her. Tia Michelle, Tio Chris you guy are the best!

Some more sap and cheese.

This weekend Michael is hoping to steal me away for a night; and I couldn't be more excited about the prospect. I love being with Michael. It really doesn't matter what we are doing, or where we are- just being with him is enough. Really! Put me in my p.j.s with a good movie, and a bowl of popcorn, sit me beside my love and I am good to go.

That sounds good right now! Michael for the past week has been working long hours. Keep in mind that I am a spoiled wife who's husband usually pops his head in the door around 2 pm- so don't feel too sorry for me- A little bit of pity is welcome however.

He is covering for his boss the next couple of weeks- so he leaves home early and comes home exhausted just in time for the kids night time routine. Which makes for a long day for all of us! I am finding it easy to adjust to the extra work. Cooking, cleaning, and entertaining the kids isn't difficult at all. In fact I would dare to say that it is easier without Michael around, since I find myself doing what I want in my own time, and running a tighter ship with the kids. Not much has gotten past Sgt. Mommy these days. But.

Shoot!

I miss my husband. I miss him chasing the kids when he gets home, creating havoc and tons of baby laughter. I miss our car drives, and conversation. I miss him just being here. I miss the question, "So whats for dinner." And the question, "Want me to take the babies for a while so you can rest?" (even though we both know I would rather hang out with all of them) I miss running errands together. I miss arguing. Yes- arguing. I long to hold his hand, and exchange sighs and exasperated looks when one of the kids do something naughty. I miss the spontaneous hugs, and kisses. Just his presence changes the dynamics of our home. I love what he brings to our day.

I never imagined before I was married, how wonderful marriage is. I mean I thought it would be good- but this life with Michael is fantastic. When Michael and I did our testing with the mission last fall, the counselor commented that my answers revealed that I was a bit over optimistic regarding our marriage.

That makes me laugh. It's not as if I don't think marriage takes work. It does. But the end result is so worth my time. And to be transparent, there are issues that do need our time. But I am just so aware of the fact that what Michael and I have is good. So good. Good enough to protect and fight for.

Everyday I thank God for Michael, I thank Him for our marriage. And I ask that Jesus will always be the most important thing in our lives.

I know that without God our marriage would struggle. He is the beginning of all things good.

Debra Smith says, "Take away love, and our marriages are a battleground."

God is love. To take him out of the equation would leave me fearing for our marriage.

Thankfully I am married to a man who fears the Lord. And I am experiencing so much joy in our union. I don't fear for our marriage. And I never have had to.

Michael - I know that you read this! I love you SO much. Thank you for working so hard. And for striving to put God above everything in your life. You are such an example to me. I miss you!

To all the other readers. Sorry for all the sap and cheese. What can I say? I am in love!

5 years

June 7th will mark FIVE years of marriage with this gorgeous man! My heart still skips a beat when he walks in the room, and when he puts his hand on the small of my back, the world literally spins out of control...but nothing compares to the deep growing passion I now have for this man. I don't just love him a little. I love him more than words can describe. I am so thankful to be sharing my life with this passionate, loving, solid, committed, loyal, intellegent, hard working man. I am so proud that he is my husband. My lover. My best friend. Everyday with him is a gift that I don't take for granted. I love you Michael!