Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Girls Night Celebrating Annie's Birthday and almost BIRTH day of Baby Talon!
For Annie's Birthday Emily had called and asked her what she wanted to do. Annie said "Outback & Bingo" so Outback & Bingo it was! We thought it would be fun if Baby Talon decided to come on this exciting night (he is due Aug 29th.) However.......Nope! No baby & NO WINS! Can you believe it? Out of six girls, some of us playing 12 individual cards at a time... none of us won even once!!! Crazy! We did win by enjoying the evening with each other though. :)
My Own Little Goldilocks
The night before last we had quite a scare. I was just getting home from a night out celebrating a friend's birthday and I went upstairs and was shocked to find Mollie's door open and her fan still on. I called down to Joey to let him know as my heart begins to pound. Okay so I really do try to work on the worry thing but all I could think in that moment was about the children that have actually been taken from their bedrooms. But... the door was open. I went to Jones room thinking for sure I would find her there. When Olivia and Jack are over, Mollie always sleeps in Jones room and often now I find her in his bed and normally she has turned on both his music and fan but NEVER at night! I was surprised Joey hadn't heard anything. Actually he did say he heard our baby gate but he thought it was Jones.
So.... I opened the door....no sign of Mollie. This is when I really began to panic. The only other room up there besides the loft (which I could clearly see)was our room. I opened our bedroom door and the lights were off and our turbo fan was on high (we NEVER have it on high because it sounds like a jet engine on high!) And....there she was completely sound a sleep on my side of the bed. I was so relieved to find her and at the same time decided to make a new rule.
From now on Mollie is not allowed to leave her bed until I come get her ( I still have a monitor in her room.) I know it sounds a little strict but she's ONLY 2 1/2 and lately she has been getting up even before me and getting up from naps and such. So... I told her to just say "Moooommmyyy" and I would hear her and come get her. Then when she is a little bit older and I can trust her to come straight to where I am or engage in a safe activity when she gets up, then it will be allowed.
I have to admit though... it was pretty cute!:). And Joey did get a little bit of an earful from me about checking on the kids if he is hearing strange noises at bedtime!
So.... I opened the door....no sign of Mollie. This is when I really began to panic. The only other room up there besides the loft (which I could clearly see)was our room. I opened our bedroom door and the lights were off and our turbo fan was on high (we NEVER have it on high because it sounds like a jet engine on high!) And....there she was completely sound a sleep on my side of the bed. I was so relieved to find her and at the same time decided to make a new rule.
From now on Mollie is not allowed to leave her bed until I come get her ( I still have a monitor in her room.) I know it sounds a little strict but she's ONLY 2 1/2 and lately she has been getting up even before me and getting up from naps and such. So... I told her to just say "Moooommmyyy" and I would hear her and come get her. Then when she is a little bit older and I can trust her to come straight to where I am or engage in a safe activity when she gets up, then it will be allowed.
I have to admit though... it was pretty cute!:). And Joey did get a little bit of an earful from me about checking on the kids if he is hearing strange noises at bedtime!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Summer Nostalgia?
I have pretty much been blogging my life in pictures lately as I have been taking pictures and videos constantly! I don't know if it is because summer is wrapping up rapidly, or my children seem to be changing so much each day, or because it is has been only a year since Jones & Molly joined us and now I am sending my oldest baby off to Kindergarten. I can't believe he just turned six and now he is going to be a big Kindergarten boy. I am very excited for him and HE himself is very excited. It will be different around here without him, although we did find out that he is afternoon Kindergarten so our schedule really won't change all that much (that is his normal quiet time.)
Anyway, I don't know the purpose of this post. Check out my zillions of latest blogs and lastly check out this candid picture of this delightfully laughing twosome.
Anyway, I don't know the purpose of this post. Check out my zillions of latest blogs and lastly check out this candid picture of this delightfully laughing twosome.
Cute Quote
I hope it is okay with my friend Annie if I share a cute quote she sent me on MySpace. Logan & Jordyn are Annie's children and very good friends of Jones & Mollie.
Logan: "I'm gonna be Indiana Jones for Halloween."
Jordyn: "I'm gonna be Indiana Mollie."
Soccer is Over
Jones first soccer season ended on Thursday. We were so happily surprised that Jones really enjoyed soccer and was actually pretty good at it! This is Jones first organized activity since coming to the United States, actually, probably EVER! He had a wonderful season with Coach Jesse and all his friends as teammates. And for his last game... he scored the last goal for our team! Way to go bud! And THANK YOU FAMILY for being TOTALLY loyal fans!!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Initiation
My cousin Jennifer was in town the last few days and we had a lot of fun together. One night we did facials and last night we had a sibling game night. We played Talk Show & Cranium & we ate salad & a baked potato bar. It was fun & yummy! Brandon brought Tiffany and Jameson was introducing us to his new girlfriend Brittney (I am not sure how she spells it yet.) Anyway, Jameson was running late so the rest of us planned for literally over an hour how we could trick them. We initiated Tiffany (well, I wasn't really part of it cause I am not good at it!) in the beginning too. Oh, and Mom & Dad stopped by too!
So the overplanned plan was to go as follows:
1. Jameson & Brittney enter and my sis Brittany greets them.
2. The rest of us smile and shake hands but stay silent.
3. Those that can't keep it up should leave the room (I knew I would be one of them!)
4. I turn on the music "Bust a Move"
5. We casually bob our heads and tap our feet and gradually beginning dancing with more and more enthusiasm until we all take our turn in the center to which we then on cue surround "the new girl"
How did it go? Well...
1. They enter
2. We smile but I for one cannot even look the poor girl in the eye!
3. 4 of us lead the room, I start laughing and water comes out my mouth & nose.
4. I do turn on the music.
5. We do dance! We follow through with the remainder of the plan (except for wussy Jennifer & Joey!) And guess who dances in the middle??? Brittney!!! She passed the test! Way to go girl! And by the way... "Nice to meet you too!"
It was a fun evening of games, eating, and getting to know each other even better. :O
Dad & Olivia
My sis Britt, Mom, & Molls
The Boys
Jeremy
Jameson & Brittney
Brandon & Tiffany
Me & Jen
So the overplanned plan was to go as follows:
1. Jameson & Brittney enter and my sis Brittany greets them.
2. The rest of us smile and shake hands but stay silent.
3. Those that can't keep it up should leave the room (I knew I would be one of them!)
4. I turn on the music "Bust a Move"
5. We casually bob our heads and tap our feet and gradually beginning dancing with more and more enthusiasm until we all take our turn in the center to which we then on cue surround "the new girl"
How did it go? Well...
1. They enter
2. We smile but I for one cannot even look the poor girl in the eye!
3. 4 of us lead the room, I start laughing and water comes out my mouth & nose.
4. I do turn on the music.
5. We do dance! We follow through with the remainder of the plan (except for wussy Jennifer & Joey!) And guess who dances in the middle??? Brittney!!! She passed the test! Way to go girl! And by the way... "Nice to meet you too!"
It was a fun evening of games, eating, and getting to know each other even better. :O
Dad & Olivia
My sis Britt, Mom, & Molls
The Boys
Jeremy
Jameson & Brittney
Brandon & Tiffany
Me & Jen
Monday, August 18, 2008
Free Time!
Wow! I never thought I would be able to say it but I have almost a completely unplanned week! Woo HOO! I have Bunco tonight and Jones last soccer practice Wednesday and last game Thursday and that's it! I can't believe it! I know I will probably be scheduling in play dates and job searching but this feels soooooooooo good. It has been such a busy summer and we are soon heading into a busy school year (our first as a family.)
What will I do with this free time? Hmmm.....ANYTHING I WANT! Actually I have a ton of stuff to accomplish. I have a whole house that has been neglected in the wake of our busyness full of cleaning and projects to be completed. I have women's events for church that need to be planned. I have some things I have been wanting to do with my kiddos that we can finally do too! And take time to make a plan for cleaning, meals, etc... Maybe I can finally convert our office/loft/toy room into just a toy room and maybe we can move the piano out of the dining room & finally create my "Mommy Center" in it's place that I have been waiting for! The garage could get cleaned out? My craigslist stuff could get sold? I could spend more time on my knees with Jesus! Wow, I am excited! I don't know how much will actually get done but I am super excited to start checking things off my list and be able to focus more on the most important people in my life: my Savior & my family. :) Aah.
What will I do with this free time? Hmmm.....ANYTHING I WANT! Actually I have a ton of stuff to accomplish. I have a whole house that has been neglected in the wake of our busyness full of cleaning and projects to be completed. I have women's events for church that need to be planned. I have some things I have been wanting to do with my kiddos that we can finally do too! And take time to make a plan for cleaning, meals, etc... Maybe I can finally convert our office/loft/toy room into just a toy room and maybe we can move the piano out of the dining room & finally create my "Mommy Center" in it's place that I have been waiting for! The garage could get cleaned out? My craigslist stuff could get sold? I could spend more time on my knees with Jesus! Wow, I am excited! I don't know how much will actually get done but I am super excited to start checking things off my list and be able to focus more on the most important people in my life: my Savior & my family. :) Aah.
Shortest Job I Ever Held
Well...Many of you know I applied at The Fairgate Inn and was hired to join their catering staff. I have been very excited and very very nervous for the last couple of weeks waiting to start. I was happy to work in an environment surrounded by weddings and events (totally my thing!) but was very nervous having not really worked in a year and having never served before.
I started Saturday. I knew it was going to be a long day because we had Jones' Birthday Party earlier in the day and it was what? 100 degree weather! I absolutely loved serving my tables and preparing the tables for the next morning. I also loved the people, they really were great to work with. The difficult part for me was moving around all the furniture. I wasn't ready for that. I moved 160 chairs and several tables from the gazebo to the side of the house (luckily and angel of co-worker helped me with the tail end of it) and stuff like that. Man! I have so much respect and admiration for those hard workers there! For myself I just don't feel that in this stage, age, and shape of my life that I can handle it. I sound like a wimp but it was literally the hardest work I have ever done and that includes lugging around ovens for Papa Murphy's Events! As a Momma of two that is tired at the end of the day anyway, to just be starting work at 5pm or so and then to serve at weddings and do all the laborious work after the event was just too much for my hours before bed. Maybe if it was in the morning I could do it. It was also hard to be away from my family on "our" weekend night. And I was sooooooooooooooo tired and sooooooooooo sore! Also my swollen leg is still extra swollen. I am learning that at 31 I am not as resilient as I was at 20. Gosh I make it sound like I am so old and weak! Well I am not!!! And I am actually a hard working girl but looking at the money vs. the job in this case, I decided it just wasn't worth it.
I just feel absolutely horrible about quitting. I am dreading calling today. I also have some personal connections there which makes this extra hard. I just have to have the strength to make the decision that is best for my family. Now I start back at square one so I am still open for suggestions as I am back on my part-time job search.
I started Saturday. I knew it was going to be a long day because we had Jones' Birthday Party earlier in the day and it was what? 100 degree weather! I absolutely loved serving my tables and preparing the tables for the next morning. I also loved the people, they really were great to work with. The difficult part for me was moving around all the furniture. I wasn't ready for that. I moved 160 chairs and several tables from the gazebo to the side of the house (luckily and angel of co-worker helped me with the tail end of it) and stuff like that. Man! I have so much respect and admiration for those hard workers there! For myself I just don't feel that in this stage, age, and shape of my life that I can handle it. I sound like a wimp but it was literally the hardest work I have ever done and that includes lugging around ovens for Papa Murphy's Events! As a Momma of two that is tired at the end of the day anyway, to just be starting work at 5pm or so and then to serve at weddings and do all the laborious work after the event was just too much for my hours before bed. Maybe if it was in the morning I could do it. It was also hard to be away from my family on "our" weekend night. And I was sooooooooooooooo tired and sooooooooooo sore! Also my swollen leg is still extra swollen. I am learning that at 31 I am not as resilient as I was at 20. Gosh I make it sound like I am so old and weak! Well I am not!!! And I am actually a hard working girl but looking at the money vs. the job in this case, I decided it just wasn't worth it.
I just feel absolutely horrible about quitting. I am dreading calling today. I also have some personal connections there which makes this extra hard. I just have to have the strength to make the decision that is best for my family. Now I start back at square one so I am still open for suggestions as I am back on my part-time job search.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Erin's Nightmare
Joey found this picture on the internet and put it on our desktop titled "Erin's Nightmare." I have to say it is SO TRUE!!! Actually as a kid in our backyard we found this huge Jurassic Park size larva and a few months later we saw something very similar to this picture on our back patio!!! It was soooooo freaky. My mom put it in a jar and I was TERRIFIED!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Family Day Celebration
On 7/7/07 we arrived home as a family and the kids we able to meet their extended family. On 7/7/08 we celebrated one year together with a American meal potluck.
A Look Back
So a little over a year ago on July 7th Joey, Jones, Mollie & I arrived home to the United States as a family. It was an exciting and a day of total relief. I remember it well. I can't believe it has been one year. In some ways it feels like it was yesterday but in most ways and most days it just feels like it's always been the way it is today. I can't remember Jones even talking Russian and I can barely remember the disciplinary challenges we had the beginning (oh, believe me, we have them now but back then it was different, more of definition of the way our family would run.) Wow, it is amazing to look back. Below are two excerpts from my two last posts from Russia before returning home:
"Last Day- Can you believe it
Today is our last day here! In fact we leave in less than 12 hours! Amazing! Today I am off and on emotions wise. Today I realized that it may not be all nerves but I think my trembling might also be excitement! The only other time I wanted to come home so bad was moving home from Virginia. Actually no,I have never wanted to come home more and have never been so excited to see your faces. I am trying to take the attitude of whatever happens, happens. There is only so much in my control. The Lord has to take care of the rest and if that is to let both my kids scream or something, then I will probably cry but have to endure. Please be praying very hard that we can get seats together. Right now we do not. I am a little concerned about that but I know the Lord has us in His capable hands. Please also pray for sleep for the kids. Neither of them sleep unless they are actually in bed so I am hoping that they will regardless. And lastly - just for smooth flights and transitions. We only have an hour and a 1/2 in Frankfurt to switch planes so we are in need of His guidance in that circumstance as well. I of course am nervous being my nature but I think God is working on strengthening me. I have had times of calm today though. It hasn't helped having so much cooped up time to think."
"Posted by Erin at 6:30 AM 0 comments
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Lord Jesus,
Be with us. I trust you I do. This situation at times especially like now has actually caused me to doubt my faith and trust in you. I will not let Satan influence me in this way. Please know my love for you and that I will choose to rest in you. Please bless my family in a special way Lord. Please comfort my children supernaturally where I can't. Please be my words when I can't communicate. Thank you for my children, and my incredible husband who has carried so much weight literally and figuratively this trip. And thank you for my friends and family who have showed incredible loyalty and committment. Please bless them ten fold in their lives and let our family be to them what they are to us. And Lord thank you for you. For the hope we have in you.
Erin"
Goodness, reading those brings back so many memories but looking back I have to be honest and say that those were two posts where I was so nervous but so excited that we were almost on our way home and I was able to have a decent attitude. I am ashamed to say that if you look back at earlier posts last June & July you will see lots of frustration, doubt, and fear. But....as always, the Lord brought us through.
I can't believe how far we've come. I can't believe how far THEY'VE come. Jones and Mollie are an incredible blessing and I will continue to thank the Lord everyday of my life for allowing me to be their Mom. It is so amazing to look at how much they have changed and to see fruit coming from their lives. I know the Lord has a very special plan for them and I am so honored to be able to witness it. And I am still so grateful for the support of family and friends throughout it all and still today. I love you all so much. Thank you again. Our words could never ever express the gratitude we feel in our hearts.
"Last Day- Can you believe it
Today is our last day here! In fact we leave in less than 12 hours! Amazing! Today I am off and on emotions wise. Today I realized that it may not be all nerves but I think my trembling might also be excitement! The only other time I wanted to come home so bad was moving home from Virginia. Actually no,I have never wanted to come home more and have never been so excited to see your faces. I am trying to take the attitude of whatever happens, happens. There is only so much in my control. The Lord has to take care of the rest and if that is to let both my kids scream or something, then I will probably cry but have to endure. Please be praying very hard that we can get seats together. Right now we do not. I am a little concerned about that but I know the Lord has us in His capable hands. Please also pray for sleep for the kids. Neither of them sleep unless they are actually in bed so I am hoping that they will regardless. And lastly - just for smooth flights and transitions. We only have an hour and a 1/2 in Frankfurt to switch planes so we are in need of His guidance in that circumstance as well. I of course am nervous being my nature but I think God is working on strengthening me. I have had times of calm today though. It hasn't helped having so much cooped up time to think."
"Posted by Erin at 6:30 AM 0 comments
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Lord Jesus,
Be with us. I trust you I do. This situation at times especially like now has actually caused me to doubt my faith and trust in you. I will not let Satan influence me in this way. Please know my love for you and that I will choose to rest in you. Please bless my family in a special way Lord. Please comfort my children supernaturally where I can't. Please be my words when I can't communicate. Thank you for my children, and my incredible husband who has carried so much weight literally and figuratively this trip. And thank you for my friends and family who have showed incredible loyalty and committment. Please bless them ten fold in their lives and let our family be to them what they are to us. And Lord thank you for you. For the hope we have in you.
Erin"
Goodness, reading those brings back so many memories but looking back I have to be honest and say that those were two posts where I was so nervous but so excited that we were almost on our way home and I was able to have a decent attitude. I am ashamed to say that if you look back at earlier posts last June & July you will see lots of frustration, doubt, and fear. But....as always, the Lord brought us through.
I can't believe how far we've come. I can't believe how far THEY'VE come. Jones and Mollie are an incredible blessing and I will continue to thank the Lord everyday of my life for allowing me to be their Mom. It is so amazing to look at how much they have changed and to see fruit coming from their lives. I know the Lord has a very special plan for them and I am so honored to be able to witness it. And I am still so grateful for the support of family and friends throughout it all and still today. I love you all so much. Thank you again. Our words could never ever express the gratitude we feel in our hearts.
Finally sharing our 4th of July on this 25th of July
For our Independence Day celebrations (our kiddos very first) we started by setting off some fireworks the night before. On the actual 4th of July my parents treated us to dinner and a movie. We saw "Kung Fu Panda." This was Mollie's first movie. It was a little challenging to say the least. Mommy did not really get to enjoy it but at least Mollie kept her volume down. Then we went up to my parents to view the fireworks across the city and also watch the "Fort works" from afar. And we also lit some of our own. My kids weren't scared which was great but they were a little too unafraid for my liking. It was absolutely amazing. First of all, driving up Prune Hill to the house was so scary and exciting. There were fireworks going off EVERYWHERE! It felt like a war zone. We kept ducking INSIDE the car! One we were up there the view was spectacular. It was amazing to see fireworks going off from all directions around the city. I wish I could explain it better. It was breathtaking.
The Pre-show
I just love their little feet.
Mollie's First Movie
Grams & Jones
Our Family
Momma, Me, Mollie, & Tiffy (as Mollie calls her.)
Grandpa saving Mollie from herself. She was trying to run into the fireworks.
Brandon and his girl "friend" Tiffany. (Isn't she so cute?)
The Pre-show
I just love their little feet.
Mollie's First Movie
Grams & Jones
Our Family
Momma, Me, Mollie, & Tiffy (as Mollie calls her.)
Grandpa saving Mollie from herself. She was trying to run into the fireworks.
Brandon and his girl "friend" Tiffany. (Isn't she so cute?)
Day to day...
Homemade Lasagna...hmmm...it's been about a year I guess. It's Joey's favorite and I NEVER make it! I think it is time to evolve the recipe though. I have been making it the same way for our whole 11 years of marriage. Pretty basic, but he likes it! However he hates spaghetti (my fave) which I just don't understand!!!
Jones' Pre-Op physical with Dr. Miller preparing for his dental surgery (now delayed.)
Our "BIG" grocery trip to Walmart.
Picnic at "soccer park" (according to Jones.) So okay, I feel lame. It is a Burgerville cheeseburger picnic but give a girl a break...we were in between errands!
Playing "Hot Lava" after a crazy hot game of "Freeze Dancing." Oh yeah, we were doing it up old school!
"Daddy, I'm bored."
Friends who Flirt - Jones & Haley (I think she may be already spoken for though!)
"Sweet friends Jordyn & Molls- one loving the pizza and one not loving it. Unfortunately that one is gonna have to love it. It is sort of a requirement in this family." (Actually she does love it, just not that kind:)
Jones' Pre-Op physical with Dr. Miller preparing for his dental surgery (now delayed.)
Our "BIG" grocery trip to Walmart.
Picnic at "soccer park" (according to Jones.) So okay, I feel lame. It is a Burgerville cheeseburger picnic but give a girl a break...we were in between errands!
Playing "Hot Lava" after a crazy hot game of "Freeze Dancing." Oh yeah, we were doing it up old school!
"Daddy, I'm bored."
Friends who Flirt - Jones & Haley (I think she may be already spoken for though!)
"Sweet friends Jordyn & Molls- one loving the pizza and one not loving it. Unfortunately that one is gonna have to love it. It is sort of a requirement in this family." (Actually she does love it, just not that kind:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
