Shanks Family

2012-02-23T13:12:00.004-08:00

It's been awhile I know! I put most everything on Facebook these days but need to keep this blog up for my own sake. I know that when my kids are grown and leave our home I will have this blog to look back on and remember all of our fun times together.

Another reason I am blogging again is because we are having another baby! I am over the moon about God blessing us with a third child. This baby is part of God's amazing plan for our lives and I cannot wait to meet him or her. On that note, let me tell you that we have no idea what we are having. We had the opportunity to find out on Monday but want this one to be a surprise. Chad wasn't able to go with me because Cam and Noah both have the flu and he had to stay home with them. He was so afraid that I would find out and cheat but I did good. I really have no desire to know because I think the surprise of it all will be so sweet.

Well I am not sure if there is anyone out there still reading but even if there is not I am creating a great journal to look back on years from now.

2010-12-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Cameryn and her sense of humor!
Noah with a saw...enough said

Watching Daddy cut down the tree

On our way to cut down our tree

Merry Christmas!

They're Here!

2010-12-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Braxton (5 lbs) and Beckham (5 lbs 9 oz)

Aunt Manny holding Braxton

Aunt Manny holding Beckham

Aunt Stacie & Kellie holding the cutest babies ever!

Beckham with his sweet little eyes open

Jesus Calling...

2010-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last year one of my students bought me a daily devotional book. I was touched by such a sweet gesture but honestly didn't open the book until this fall. I had no idea what I was missing out on. The book is titled Jesus Calling and it is written by Sarah Young. She has a way of putting things into perspective and making you stop and think everyday. These daily devotions have been such a blessing and an encouragement that I wanted to share with you. If you need something that helps you stay in the presence of Jesus, this book is it. Here is a piece of what today's devotion said:

Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life. People will say and do harmful things to you, things that you don't deserve. When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you. Don't be concerned about setting the record straight. Instead of obsessing about other people's opinions of you, keep your focus on Me. Ultimately, it is My view of you that counts.

2010-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Kellie at her baby shower--around 7 months prego

Noah in his favorite new hat

Cameryn on "Twin Day" at school

Noah and Cam before the Homecoming Parade

2010-09-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

My strong willed child is becoming quite the young lady- What a blessing she is!

My little Farmer Boy has been spending a lot of time with his Grandpa Gary lately. His one true passion in life right now is farming...today he hauled two loads of corn to the city and went to Trenton with his Papa.

Over the weekend Chad and I got to have a night out. Chad's friends from High School all got together down at Power and Light. We had a fun night together and we enjoyed catching up with friends!

2010-09-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Chad taught Cam how to drive the BIG mower

Noah after a long day farming with Papa Gary

Cameryn and Clayton on their four wheelers headed to Uncle Todd's pond with Uncle Matt following them in the golf cart.

A Visit to Aunt Rhonda's

2010-09-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

More of Horse Lessons....

2010-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

First Day of School!

2010-08-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

For my sister, Kellie...

2010-07-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fun at the Lake!

2010-07-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

2010-06-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Cameryn putting on her saddle

Noah, Addy, & Cam hanging at the pool

Noah's favorite summer treat!

Cameryn's First Horse Riding Lesson

2010-04-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Snow Ice Cream!

2010-02-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

2009-12-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

2009-12-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

WEBB CITY GAME

NOAH AT THE DOME

THE CREW AT THE ARCH

GRANDMA BAYER WITH THE GIRLS

THANK YOU GRANDMA BAYER FOR ALL THE MEMORIES, COMING TO YOUR HOUSE IS ALWAYS SO SPECIAL FOR US.

THE WHOLE GANG

UP ON THE HILL VISITING UNCLE FRED'S PRIDE & JOY

UNCLE TAY WITH THE KIDS AFTER THE GAME

MY FAVORITE PICTURE!

SO BLESSED TO HAVE THESE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!

NOAH AND ONE OF THE KINDEST,MOST GENEROUS, & THOUGHTFUL PERSON I KNOW

MY COUISN (MORE LIKE BROTHER) JORY.

THE GIRLS AFTER THE GAME WAITING FOR T

UNCLE TODD AND NOAH

THE CREW BEFORE THE GAME AT THE ARCH

MY SISTERS & I AT MY CLASS REUNION...I DRAG THEM EVERYWHERE WITH ME!

2009 Football

2009-11-28T19:54:00.001-08:00

Girl Scout Cookies!

2009-11-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Turn your head or computer sideways for the full effect.

This is what you get when a 6 year old gets a hold of your camera...

2009-11-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

Noah Bowling for the first time

2009-11-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ear Piercing Part II

2009-11-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

Remember the last time I posted a video of Cameryn getting her ears pierced? Last time she only made it through getting one ear done. Well this time she was bound and determined! Watch and see!

Cowboys and Indians (Native Americans)

2009-11-01T10:02:00.001-08:00

Miley Cyrus Concert

2009-10-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

Cameryn's Bike Riding Adventures

2009-10-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Shanks Boys farming with Uncle Todd

2009-09-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Races

2009-09-12T07:35:00.001-07:00

Noah and Daddy lined up ready to go!
The competetive side of Chad was gearing him up for the big race!

Cameryn and Jane showing their prizes after the three legged race

Cameryn on her bike

Oh the glorious days of no teeth

Noah's day at the airshow

2009-08-23T17:32:00.001-07:00

The First Day of School

2009-08-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

At Open House the night before

Cam and Addy on the first day!

Stacie and Addy

Cameryn probably bossing Addy around...

Thinking hard

Our visit to Aunt Missy's

2009-07-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Chef teaching Cameryn how to make awesome pizza!

Her finished product!

Uncle Mike teaching Noah some life lessons

Grandma Bayer and Chef Cameryn

Bradley letting Noah take "Grave Digger" for a spin

2009-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Noah talking to Daddy from the beach

2009-07-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Continued!

2009-06-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Did I really forget to put pictures of my kids dying Easter eggs?!

2009-06-27T19:48:00.001-07:00

A tribute to all the father's I love...

2009-06-21T11:52:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all that you do, I am so blessed!

Look what Chad has the kids doing for him because it's Father's Day!

2009-06-21T11:50:00.001-07:00

This is what our family dinners are all about...

2009-05-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

2009-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Rub a Dub Dub, Four Cousins in a Tub!

Taylor and me before prom, he likes to think he is cool!

Cameryn and Noah playing with Duke

Cam and Noah playing in the mud puddles, a favorite activity at our house.

Can't believe Kindergarten is almost over!

2009-04-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

This year has gone by so fast and Cameryn has loved her first year in school. We have all been blessed with the teacher she has. She only had 13 other kids in her class so the teacher had a lot of one on one time with the kids. It is rare to have a class that small these days and we really lucked out! Cameryn has come so far and is impressing us with her reading and math skills. This picture is of her best buddy in her class, James. I say they have a love/hate relationship because they argue as much as they play. He is a very sweet boy with LOTS of personality. He told me at Cameryn's birthday party that she was a "nutcase"! Really I am not surprised at all, she acts just like me!!

Check it out, Mom made the news!

2009-04-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Click here: Once and Again

Please Pray

2009-03-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I know there are many children in this world who are sick right now but this one is really tugging at my heart strings. Click on the "Pray for Stellan" to the left to read updates about him. I have been following this family's blog for over a year now and this just breaks my heart!

Living in Missouri...

2009-03-29T11:52:00.001-07:00

This was at 10:00 this morning...
Matthew and Noah making snowballs

Aunt Stacy, Matthew, Cameryn, Addy, & Noah building a snowman.

This is at 1:00 in the afternoon

Only thing left of our winter storm is this lonely snowman

Playing outside today

2009-03-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Noah helping Daddy with the Rhino
Cameryn taking her turn with the camera

Still working...

Cameryn feeding the horses

Cameryn's Birthday Party at the Pool

2009-03-22T14:36:00.001-07:00

Cameryn and Addy creating their stepping stones

2009-03-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

Nana got Cam a stepping stone kit for her birthday and she loved it. The night of her birthday Cam and Addy painted their stones.
Starting to paint...

Hard at work

The finished product, Thanks Nana!

2009-03-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

Cameryn celebrating her birthday at Aunt Stacy's

Cam with her teacher on her birthday

Cam dressed Noah up and took pictures of him.

Noah playing in the backyard, Cameryn made them spots to lay down in case they got tired

Cameryn's 6th birthday at school

2009-03-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

2009-02-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow!

2009-02-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Cameryn and Chad are both sick with the flu. I had it earlier this week and managed to pass it on to them. I am sure Noah is next, but he will probably wait until Monday when we have to go back to work. Anyway this morning we awoke to almost half a foot of snow. Noah wanted to play outside so bad but it so cold and with everyone feeling yucky no one could take him out. Feeling sorry for him, I decided to bring the snow IN so he could still play. I dumped a bunch of snow in the bathtub put his snowsuit and boots on him and he went to town. He had so much fun in there and the snow lasted for about an hour. Every 10 minutes or so I would go out and get another bowl to dump in.

Hopefully everyone is better after this weekend so we can enjoy the 70 degree weather this week!

Cameryn's Valentine's Party

2009-02-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Courtney's Surprise Party

2009-02-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

My class made the paper!

2009-02-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.kearneycourier.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1944:presidents-day&catid=19:academics&Itemid=122

This morning at our house...

2009-01-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

Noah with his ULTRA snotty nose and read below for the rest of the story

Cameryn doing chores as Hannah Montana

Chad went to go get fence so we could put it up around the pond. With a son like Noah you can imagine why we find the need for a fence around a pond filled with poop.
I am home with the kids trying to dig out of this pig pen we call home. I started with our bedroom and mount laundry. Cameryn wanted to help so she organized Noah' room (really she just threw everything in one big pile) but it is the thought that counts. She also has taken on the chore of unloading and loading the dishwasher! When I get her to master this one, I will have it made!! Anyway she was busy doing her work and so was I but where was Noah?
Good question, I ask myself that MANY times a day...
He has now figured out how to open all the doors (yes, he has escaped from the house a few times, but we found him he made it too far) He has also learned how to open the fridge doors. Yesterday morning he found the eggs. Yes, as you would expect there were many cracked eggs on the kitchen floor. I tried to find my camera but no luck. ANYWAY... today he found the butter, yes the butter folks. What goes with butter... a butter knife of course! He was on the floor going to town on the butter with the butter knife.
Me of course concerned for his safety, I ran for the camera instead of taking the knife from him. He just thinks he is is so darn funny when he is into something. It is so hard to scold him plus we are just so use to it by now, nothing surprises us.
Have a great Saturday!

Just another day in the Shanks family...

2009-01-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is actually a happy face, Aunt Stacy bought him all the Starburst he could eat!

So I am sitting in the salon getting one more row of extensions. For those of you who don't know I got hair extensions this week. My hair is half wet and I am under one of those loud dryers. One of the girls that works there brings me the phone and says it's my sister. I get on the phone and can hear the panic in my sister's voice. "Mandy, it's Stacie, I think Noah ate one of my provigils, What do I do, What do I do!" My sister has MS so she is on several medications and this is one of them. I told her to call poison control and Stacy Rule would be there shortly to come get him so we could take him to the ER. So my sister in law went and got him and I met them at the hospital because I was already in Liberty. Once we got there they got him right in and made him drink (shot it down his throat with a syringe) this Charcoal stuff. It has the consistency of syrup and is chracoal black. It absorbs all the medication and binds it together and the next day you get to see it come out the other end. (By the way, it looks the exact same way when it comes out as it does going in!) He was a little trooper and was cracking us up at the hospital, Chad is out of town so Aunt Stacy and Alison went with us.

My sister felt so bad and kept calling crying and checking on him. I told her this could've happened to any of us, the child is into EVERYTHING! Heck, Chad lost him last week and had to jump on the Rhino and search the neighborhood to find him. This kid does not stop, I know we will have tons of stories to tell his wife and kids some day! Here are so pictures of us at the hospital after the Charcoal episode.

Meet Logan..

2009-01-12T18:23:00.001-08:00

Clean Comedy from Tim Clue - Debt

2009-01-04T16:26:00.001-08:00

2008-12-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

Just in case you are wondering, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will take PERMANENT sharpie marker off of a computer monitor and a kitchen table...Just in case you were wondering!

2008-12-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

2008-12-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

All of Noah's RO-RO's (trucks)

Cameryn's new barbie house from Santa

Noah's new ride, he let "Hannah Montana" sit in the passenger seat

She couldn't believe Santa would bring such a big thing!

What could it be?

2008-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

Santa brought her all kinds of Hannah Montana hair!

Cookies and milk for Santa

Daddy and Cam sprinkling the reindeer sparkly food so they would make sure to stop at our house.

Christmas at Poppy's & Gomo's

Christmas Eve in their PJ's

2008-12-30T07:19:00.000-08:00

Snuggling with Poppy

Grandma Bettie (Chad's Grandma) with the kids

All of Grandma Bettie's great grandkids!

Opening gifts at Papa Pat's and Grandma Bettie's

Noah celebrating his birthday at Grandpa Dan's and Grandma Janice's ( I think that high chair used to be mine!)

Another one for the fam

2008-12-23T18:56:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Snapfish:Photo:Owned

2008-12-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Marriage...

2008-12-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know every now and then I tend to get a little sappy on my blog. So here I go again...

One of the blogs that I regularly read had a great post on marriage. I started reading her blog when my cousin recommended it. She is truly inspiring, she has four children all under the age of 4 and one who was just born. They were told their last child would die while still in the womb. Long story short, God intervened and by the power of LOTS of prayer from A LOT of people her son was born completely healthy.

ANYWAY...I urge you to read her latest post on marriage. I found myself crying by the end of it because I could completely relate with her experience. She makes so many awesome points and said it better than I ever could. When you let God take the reins of your marriage you will truly be rewarded! So if you are interested: Click Here

Have a great day, I know I will...SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Random...

2008-12-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Noah at his second birthday party

There he goes again, this time my mascara tube...

The REAL Christmas tree after the kids and I decorated it

Cameryn putting the star on top of the tree

Noah sleeping on Daddy

Our visit to the Christmas Tree Farm

2008-12-14T17:50:00.001-08:00

Mommy and Noah on the wagon ride to get our tree

Noah and Daddy being silly

"Not by the hair of my chiny, chin, chin!"

Cameryn the snowman

Cameryn with Santa

My little elves!

2008-12-07T19:21:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

"Do you know the human head weighs eight pounds?"

2008-11-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

My sisters swear Noah looks like the kid, Ray off of Jerry Maguire. They put glasses on him the other night and this is what it turned out like. Don't mind the nasty shirt Noah has on, that is what all his clothes look like after he eats!

2008-11-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Lion King

2008-11-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

May I just say that my children are SO blessed to have the Daddy that they have. Not only is Chad an amazing husband he is the most thoughtful Dad a child could have. He is always thinking of things to do with the kids that they would love or enjoy.
This week Chad picked Noah up early from Daycare to go ride in the combine with him. Just him and Noah doing the farming thing. If you know Noah you know how much he LOVES trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and anything else with a motor. As Noah gets older he will truly treasure these times with his Daddy.
Then last night Chad surprised Cameryn and I with a special date with just him and his "girls. He took us to see the Lion King musical at the Music Hall. He didn't mess around either, our seats were six rows from the stage right in the center. We were not allowed to take pictures inside so I posted a video from you tube that some what does the show justice. It was amazing to be so close, goose bumps ran up and down both of us as we watched the show and watched Cameryn's reactions. She sat there for three hours and never took her eyes off of that stage. She had a once in a lifetime experience and still can't quit talking about it. It one of the neatest things I have seen and would recommend seeing it if you ever get the chance.
So now as my husband leaves me alone with kids for another weekend of deer hunting I will continue to remember what an awesome Dad/Husband he is. We are all so blessed!

The Lion King

2008-11-06T18:58:00.001-08:00

Picture Catch Up!

2008-11-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

Noah and Daddy playing

Cameryn and Noah at the Pumpkin Patch. (It was really bright that day)

Cameryn feel asleep in the hunting blind that her and Chad were deer hunting from

Daddy and Cameryn headed for the woods

The three amigos (Addy, Noah, & Cameryn) all dressed up

Picture Catch Up!

2008-11-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

Noah in Cameryn's dress up wig.

Cam, Aubrey, and Eden at Crosby's birthday party

Cameryn and I at her classroom Halloween Party.

Cameryn with "Gino" her favorite restaurant owner

2008-11-02T11:14:00.001-08:00

Tis the season of hunting husbands...UGH!

Raising a Boy...

2008-10-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is so different than a girl. Maybe not for everyone but for us it is a completely different experience. Cameryn was able to entertain herself and took breaks throughout the day. Not Mr. Noah, he goes non stop. This weekend he has managed to do the following:

1. Dump out all the pictures onto my bedroom floor
2. Wrap himself up with the entire box of foil I just bought
3. Dump all of the AJAX on the bathroom floor
4. Take all of Cameryn's markers out of her room and color the table downstairs and his legs.
5. Broke my glasses (good thing I got insurance on them)
6. Turned the bathroom counter into a soapy water fest
7. Dumped all the powder out on his bedroom floor

I could go on but I will stop there. As soon as you clean up one mess he is onto another. I know when Cameryn and Noah are teenagers the roles will reverse and he will be the easy one. For now please pray for our sanity. I know I look up to mom's of more than one boy, I cannot imagine the energy two toddler boys could have and the things they could do together.

I'm OBSESSED, I know, just watch...

2008-10-14T18:11:00.001-07:00

2008-10-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

The movie is out, go see it!

2008-09-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend the movie Fireproof came out. For those of you who live in the Kansas City area it is playing at Barrywoods. It is AWESOME and we highly recommend it! You can see the movie trailer at www.fireproofthemovie.com
The book in the picture above is the book that is in the movie that helps save their marriage. Chad and I have a copy of this book and it is amazing. If you want to make your marriage better buy this book and follow the dares... You can purchase it online at amazon.com for 8.99
For those of you interested, our church is doing a six week sermon series on this movie/topic. Today was the first one and it was really good. We go to Community Covenant (on the corner of 33 Hwy and 19th Street) there are two services, 9:00 and 10:30
Have great week!

I am SO proud of my husband!

2008-09-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

I don't why these came out so small. This is the lake the morning of the swim.

All the guys ready to jump in that COLD lake!

The guys had fun posing in their cute swim caps!

Headed out on the bike after the swim

Running Bill into the finish line

For those of you that don't know, Chad has been training for a triathlon. This past weekend Chad, Dave, and some other friends went to compete in their first triathlon. They had to swim 3/4 mile in a lake, bike 18 miles, and then run 5 miles. People could not believe that they picked this one to do first because it is a pretty big one. Chad did awesome on his swim (I was very nervous for him!) When he was on the biking part his bike broke down at mile 9. He stopped to change his tire but no one had the proper tools to fix it therefore he had to head back in the "van". He wasn't able to finish and was pretty disappointed. He is already planning his next one. He will run in the 10K this weekend here in Kearney for the Jesse James Festival.
I am so proud of how much work he has done to meet his goal. I can't even keep up with him, he is becoming one lean machine! He plans to get in shape and then go to the doctor to run his blood work to see if his cholesterol is better. Chad has heart disease history in his family so he is trying to beat the odds! Here are some pics of his adventures...

I love this picture... it makes me smile EVERY time I see it!

2008-09-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Cameryn and Friends at Friday night's football game

2008-09-07T14:56:00.001-07:00

Who knew you needed a license to cut...

2008-09-03T14:30:00.001-07:00

Pictures!

2008-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Rhino Time

Crosby and Cameryn before the "Hannah Montana" concert (They couldn't tell she was a fake!)

Cameryn's Kindergarten haircut

Cameryn at acrobats

Cameryn and Brock enjoying ice cream in Colorado

Picture Catch Up

2008-09-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Clayton and Cameryn at the Platte Clay Meeting in August

Clayton, Cam, and Matthew on their way to Colorado. Todd and Chad thought it was necessary to stop at the World's Largest Prarie Dog place on the way.

You can tell this was a Daddy/Daughter vacation...look what she is wearing! She had tons of fun though and got to experience Colorado through her Dad's eyes.

Matthew and Cam

Cameryn at a cementary high in the mountains

2008-08-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I have been an irresponsible blogger! Life has been crazy with Cameryn starting Kindergarten, myself going back to school, Chad and Cam's vacation to Colorado, closing down Shaved Ice, and my car finally breaking down (RIP my dear LS) Oh and I left my camera at Kellie's and still haven't had a chance to get it. I promise to add pictures very soon, probably more than you'll want to see!
Cameryn loves Kindergarten SO far and came home with all smiley faces on her behavior chart the first week. We are hoping the rest of the year goes this smoothly!
I love my class and I am really looking forward to the year. The staff I work with are really fun so I hope to fit in easily.
Chad is busy, busy with work (thank you God!) We are hoping to get the rest of the stuff done to house that needs to be done so we can put it on the market soon. For those of you who don't know, we bought a lot and plan to build next year.
Noah is as wild as ever, in to everything as usual. He has been going to Aunt Stacy's since I went back to work and he loves it!
All is well in the Shanks' household, we will post pics soon!

FIREPROOF Teaser Trailer

2008-08-15T18:33:00.003-07:00

I know I have written before about my love for Kirk Cameron when I was a kid. He was in the Left Behind movies which made me love him more. ANYWAY my sister Stacie called me this afternoon excited about his new movie coming out. She said she was going to buy tickets for all of us because it comes out the day before my birthday. I encourage you to watch the movie trailer and see if it interest you. Most of you know that Chad and I hit a rough spot in our marriage a few years back. We went through two years of counseling that saved our marriage. We are very open about it and recommend it to anyone who is struggling within their own marriage. God completely healed our hearts and continues to help us get through everyday with better communication. Please watch this...

FIREPROOF Teaser Trailer

2008-08-15T18:33:00.001-07:00

2008-08-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2008-08-04T10:38:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2008-07-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Cannot wait to see this movie!

2008-07-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have attached a link to watch a trailer for a movie coming out in September. I know I have written before about my love for Kirk Cameron, well guess what, he is in this movie.
Many of you already know that Chad and I hit a rough spot in our marriage a couple of years ago. Without counseling and God our marriage would have ended. God completely restored our love and our marriage, we are here to say it is possible! If you are married, getting married, or ever plan to get married this is going to be a great movie to see.

Fireproof Movie

Trip to the Zoo

2008-07-24T14:08:00.001-07:00

Noah checking things out

Cameryn with the sheep
Their piggies from my view

Looking at the flamingos

On the train

Random pictures from Stacie's Computer that I have never seen

2008-07-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

Noah last fall
The girls in our camper two summers ago
Look how dirty Noah's feet are from walking around Mexico! GROSS!
Chad making buckeyes last Christmas, you had to be there to know how funny it was!

Girls Day out at Worlds of Fun!

2008-07-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

A lot of people ask me where Noah gets his blonde hair from...

2008-07-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Uncle Todd and Chad's idea of fun

2008-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

July 4th...

2008-07-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

Noah in his fourth of July outfit out at the Hoy's

Cameryn still in the pool at 11 pm...we had to pull her out finally!

Noah's favorite new shoes (actually their my favorites too!)

The kids and I before heading to the Nicholson's BBQ

The Pod's AWESOME firework display at their house

Article in the Kearney Courier, I'm Famous!

2008-06-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Kearney Koolers Shaved Ice provides summer treats

By Carrie Alexander

Carrie Alexander/The Kearney Courier
Mandy Shanks poses inside of her new business, Kearney Koolers, on June 4.

For Kearney graduate and teacher Mandy Shanks, having a place for Kearney folks to get a sweet, inexpensive and refreshing treat has been a longtime goal. Shanks recalls visiting a local shaved ice booth with her family during the hot summer evenings as a child growing up in Blue Springs, and she said she thought those memories were something she could recreate for the community she now resides in.

Shanks recently met at her shaved ice shop to discuss her business and what it was about her flavored ice that has quickly become a town favorite.

Q: What sparked the idea of starting Kearney Koolers?

A: Growing up I remember every night wanting to go get a snow cone. Now as an adult and a teacher, being off during the summers provided me just the right opportunity to have this business. I love shaved ice, so it was something I just decided to do.

Q: Besides your love for your product, what else do you love about your business?

A: I am a people person. I like seeing people in our community and being able to have conversations with them. Being a teacher, I also love kids, so I am hoping that this can become a hangout for the youth in our town.

Q: What do you think is the biggest benefit that your business provides to the community?

A: It’s a place that allows people to come and just hang out talking with each other. I have also had the opportunity to take this booth to the field days at some of our elementary schools, and I also took it to the Holt Heroes Day event. It’s a nice addition to some of the other things that are typically offered.

Q: What are your future plans for Kearney Koolers?

A: I am hoping to get another machine to shave ice so that we can be available to rent for parties or other events. I am also planning on expanding our hours.

Q: What is your best-selling flavor?

A: Definitely our most popular flavor is the Tiger’s Blood. Kids really like it. Our strawberry shortcake is also a great seller. We provide 30 flavors and countless combinations, as well as sugar-free alternative since our product is so inexpensive it’s something that families or groups can all come and enjoy together, especially with the price of gas being so high.

Kearney Koolers Shaved Ice

- Where: The purple and gold trailer located in the Big V parking lot.

- Hours: noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

- Phone: 255-0867

Staff writer Carrie Alexander can be reached at 628-6010 or carriealexander@npgco.com.

Close Window

The Tooth Fairy's first visit to the Shanks Family

2008-06-21T08:22:00.001-07:00