I'm babysitting Aaron and Alexa today. So I have a 4 year old, a 3 year old and 2 - 18 month olds.
They've been here for an hour and so far the only problem is that Alexa and Sullivan keep tattling on each other - they come up to me and point and grunt and squeal towards the other one.
Avery and Aaron are coloring and painting, and being perfect angels.
Only 6 hours left. (Kidding, we are going to have a great day!)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tractors
You know you're really searching for things to do with your kids when you load them up on a rainy morning and take them to watch all the new tractors parade into town to the new implement. We had been sitting in our lawn chairs for about 3 minutes when Avery looked up and said, "Mommy, what are we doing here?" I didnt really have an answer.
The tractors were too far away for Sully to really enjoy and because the road was blocked off we couldnt get any closer. But it was kind of amazing to see the really LONG line of tractors making their way down the highway - only in Iowa!
The most exciting moment came when an old man who was too busy watching the tractors, drove right into a mailbox pole. Both Avery and Sully got a kick out of that!
Here they came - way in the distance...
New home.
The tractors were too far away for Sully to really enjoy and because the road was blocked off we couldnt get any closer. But it was kind of amazing to see the really LONG line of tractors making their way down the highway - only in Iowa!
The most exciting moment came when an old man who was too busy watching the tractors, drove right into a mailbox pole. Both Avery and Sully got a kick out of that!
Here they came - way in the distance...
New home.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Getting ready...
Always a princess...
Joe sliced his eye lid open 2 days before the wedding while wrestling with Robert. Stacie (Nick's wife, aka the make-up and hair lady for the day) had to fix him up with some make-up!
Olivia (Nick's daughter), looking far older than 13.
Amy checking to see how Stacie did on Joe's eye.
Blur
The past week has been a complete blur! Between Lauren starting school, wedding preparations, the wedding and recovering from the wedding - I'm shot!
But it was a great week! Joe and Amy had the most beautiful day. It was weird to watch my 'little' brother get married. He was probably the brother I fought the most with...he really got on my nerves as a kid! But watching him on Saturday he seemed someone different, very in love and very grown up. Seeing his tears as his bride walked down the aisle to him was almost more than I could handle.
Much of the day was hard to fully embrace without my dad. I kept thinking, oh he would have loved that part or this part. He would have been so proud and so happy. We supported each other throughout the day and made sure Joe had an unforgetable day. The message of Christ was beautifully told during there ceremony and my dad would have loved that most of all!
Lauren and Avery are now ready to be hired out as professional flower girls. They did great!
The groomsmen - 4 of my brothers - Nick, Robert, Brian and Jordan (known as little Jordan since I married another Jordan)
Avery playing in the corn on rehersal night.
Avery hugging Eli, the ring bearer
But it was a great week! Joe and Amy had the most beautiful day. It was weird to watch my 'little' brother get married. He was probably the brother I fought the most with...he really got on my nerves as a kid! But watching him on Saturday he seemed someone different, very in love and very grown up. Seeing his tears as his bride walked down the aisle to him was almost more than I could handle.
Much of the day was hard to fully embrace without my dad. I kept thinking, oh he would have loved that part or this part. He would have been so proud and so happy. We supported each other throughout the day and made sure Joe had an unforgetable day. The message of Christ was beautifully told during there ceremony and my dad would have loved that most of all!
Lauren and Avery are now ready to be hired out as professional flower girls. They did great!
The groomsmen - 4 of my brothers - Nick, Robert, Brian and Jordan (known as little Jordan since I married another Jordan)
Avery playing in the corn on rehersal night.
Avery hugging Eli, the ring bearer
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
School Days
Well the big day arrived. I was secretly hoping that time would stop and it wouldnt. Ok, maybe that wasnt a secret. Actually it was fun to watch Lauren today. She was the most excited she could be. She will love school, I have no doubt.
Much like Cassie did, Jordan and I spent last night before bed going through the basics, "If someone is mean to you, dont be mean back, that's not what Jesus teaches us, Be nice to everyone, Listen to your teacher."
I suddenly felt like there was a lot I'd like to still teach her. I felt like I was sending her to college unprepared - not to kindergarten.
But I think today I finally realized that kindergarten might be fun for me too! Volunteering in her class, class parties, field trips, getting to know the other mom's...
SOOOO -
Lauren, you are so ready for school and we know you will do wonderfully. We are forever proud of you. Just remember - we are also forever here for you to come home to!
Eating breakfast at school...
Avery was more than a little jealous this morning so she got some pictures taken too!
Much like Cassie did, Jordan and I spent last night before bed going through the basics, "If someone is mean to you, dont be mean back, that's not what Jesus teaches us, Be nice to everyone, Listen to your teacher."
I suddenly felt like there was a lot I'd like to still teach her. I felt like I was sending her to college unprepared - not to kindergarten.
But I think today I finally realized that kindergarten might be fun for me too! Volunteering in her class, class parties, field trips, getting to know the other mom's...
SOOOO -
Lauren, you are so ready for school and we know you will do wonderfully. We are forever proud of you. Just remember - we are also forever here for you to come home to!
Eating breakfast at school...
Avery was more than a little jealous this morning so she got some pictures taken too!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dad
My dad would have been 61 today.
It remains very hard to even believe that he isnt here for us to celebrate with. I wonder if that will ever change? Actually I hope it doesnt, as much as it hurts, I dont want it to ever feel 'normal' for him to be gone.
It is also hard to believe that this weekend we will be adding a member to our family that my dad never even got to meet. My dad would have been the third happiest person at Joe's wedding. He would have been so proud of Joe and Amy. It seems very wrong that he cant be there, although I know that this is God's perfect plan and someday we will understand. And the best part is that someday he will meet Amy.
Happy Birthday Dad, we miss you every single day. Loving you....
It remains very hard to even believe that he isnt here for us to celebrate with. I wonder if that will ever change? Actually I hope it doesnt, as much as it hurts, I dont want it to ever feel 'normal' for him to be gone.
It is also hard to believe that this weekend we will be adding a member to our family that my dad never even got to meet. My dad would have been the third happiest person at Joe's wedding. He would have been so proud of Joe and Amy. It seems very wrong that he cant be there, although I know that this is God's perfect plan and someday we will understand. And the best part is that someday he will meet Amy.
Happy Birthday Dad, we miss you every single day. Loving you....
Monday, August 20, 2007
Good Things...
We had a good weekend full of lots of good things and more answered prayers.
1. The hospital golf tournament is over and was a success...phew
2. Sully is not only taking steps to us but last night we turned and saw him doing it without us even near him. He is making giant leaps. A week ago I thought the child was destined to crawl his entire life. Today Im beginning to wonder if I can keep up with him! I have no doubt in my mind that God is very much working in Sully and me right now!
3. Rosanna babysat the kids while Jordan and I were both at the golf tournament on Saturday. She is the world's best. The kids love her, she leaves my house cleaner than she found it and she brings games and toys from home that my kids love.
But that's not the best part. The best part is that she often leaves me notes telling me reasons why she loves each of my kids and funny stories of what they did while I was gone. I dont know many college kids who are as capable as she is. In fact, she might take better care of my kids than I do! Sad!
Here are the latest notes I received (hope you dont mind Rosanna!):
"Have you ever considered getting Avery a contract with Hollywood? I'm pretty sure that she would be the star of every show!"
"Quotes for your enjoyment:
#1 Avery (surveying the mess Sully made while was feeding himself lunch): 'Oh no! This is a mess! (shaking head sadly) Mommy wont be happy about this Mr!'
#2 Sully: 'waaaa'
Rosanna: 'What's the problem Sully?'
Avery: 'The problem is....(hands go on her hips) he's got an attitude!'"
4. My brothers start arriving today for Joe's wedding this weekend. The girls are really excited.
1. The hospital golf tournament is over and was a success...phew
2. Sully is not only taking steps to us but last night we turned and saw him doing it without us even near him. He is making giant leaps. A week ago I thought the child was destined to crawl his entire life. Today Im beginning to wonder if I can keep up with him! I have no doubt in my mind that God is very much working in Sully and me right now!
3. Rosanna babysat the kids while Jordan and I were both at the golf tournament on Saturday. She is the world's best. The kids love her, she leaves my house cleaner than she found it and she brings games and toys from home that my kids love.
But that's not the best part. The best part is that she often leaves me notes telling me reasons why she loves each of my kids and funny stories of what they did while I was gone. I dont know many college kids who are as capable as she is. In fact, she might take better care of my kids than I do! Sad!
Here are the latest notes I received (hope you dont mind Rosanna!):
"Have you ever considered getting Avery a contract with Hollywood? I'm pretty sure that she would be the star of every show!"
"Quotes for your enjoyment:
#1 Avery (surveying the mess Sully made while was feeding himself lunch): 'Oh no! This is a mess! (shaking head sadly) Mommy wont be happy about this Mr!'
#2 Sully: 'waaaa'
Rosanna: 'What's the problem Sully?'
Avery: 'The problem is....(hands go on her hips) he's got an attitude!'"
4. My brothers start arriving today for Joe's wedding this weekend. The girls are really excited.
Friday, August 17, 2007
The pool
We are without a pool this summer so tonight we headed over to a nearby town to enjoy their brand new pool. We had a blast - even though it was really too cold to be there! Jordan even talked me into doing 2 of the slides. The kids thought that was pretty funny!
Oh my cuteness!
Oh my cuteness!
Sully
Sully had his legs casted today to make molds for his braces. He didnt appreciate the process a whole lot but did pretty good.
This picture was on the way TOO the appointment...
This picture was on the way HOME. They wrote on his legs before doing the casting and Sully knows he isnt supposed to write on himself. He pointed at his legs and said uh-oh just about the whole ride home. Too cute.
This picture was on the way TOO the appointment...
This picture was on the way HOME. They wrote on his legs before doing the casting and Sully knows he isnt supposed to write on himself. He pointed at his legs and said uh-oh just about the whole ride home. Too cute.
Hiking
Ledges has great hiking. The rules are much stricter than they were when I was growing up. Rappeling and rock climbing is no longer allowed...bummer.
We hiked up to Table Rock
Jordan has to do this one on his own. When I was 7 months pregnant with Lauren he made me climb up there though for the perfect picnic spot. I almost didnt make it.
We hiked up to Table Rock
Jordan has to do this one on his own. When I was 7 months pregnant with Lauren he made me climb up there though for the perfect picnic spot. I almost didnt make it.
More Ledges
Our time in the water was cut short by this snake and all its babies.
So we played baseball.
And I took pictures.
Reunited
Lauren FINALLY came home on Tuesday night about 10:30. Jordan and I were so anxious we were waiting at the curb for her. I dont think she realized how much she missed us until she saw us. She started crying and just seemed shocked. She slept with us and then when she saw Avery and Sully the next day, she started crying again. Very sweet.
We headed down to Ledges State Park for some family time on Thursday. I spent a lot of time here growing up with my family. I LOVE going there.
Jordan calls Ledges a 'boys paradise'. he's right!
Part of the fun is getting splashed by all the cars.
We headed down to Ledges State Park for some family time on Thursday. I spent a lot of time here growing up with my family. I LOVE going there.
Jordan calls Ledges a 'boys paradise'. he's right!
Part of the fun is getting splashed by all the cars.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
My heart is light
Probably 2 months ago I told Stacie (our babysitter 2 days per week) that it was my dream that one day this summer I would walk into her house at the end of the day and she would say, "Watch this!" And Sully would walk around the corner.
Well it didnt exactly happen that way, but...
My mom had to pick the kids up for me today and she got to see Sully walk from the couch to Stacie's arms. Stacie had him taking 5 steps at a time all day. At one point she said he took 9-10 steps - all on his own - holding nothing!!!!
We are so very very close!
I dont know which made me happier, the tears in my mom's eyes when she showed me how Sully could walk, the sound of Stacie's voice when I talked to her on the phone to hear her story about it or the look of complete joy and pride on Sully's face when he showed me how he could walk to grandma. Ok, I do know which made me happiest...but my mom's face and Stacie's voice were pretty good too! :)
Jordan has the rest of the week off and we are excited to work with Sully and see what more he can do!!!
Well it didnt exactly happen that way, but...
My mom had to pick the kids up for me today and she got to see Sully walk from the couch to Stacie's arms. Stacie had him taking 5 steps at a time all day. At one point she said he took 9-10 steps - all on his own - holding nothing!!!!
We are so very very close!
I dont know which made me happier, the tears in my mom's eyes when she showed me how Sully could walk, the sound of Stacie's voice when I talked to her on the phone to hear her story about it or the look of complete joy and pride on Sully's face when he showed me how he could walk to grandma. Ok, I do know which made me happiest...but my mom's face and Stacie's voice were pretty good too! :)
Jordan has the rest of the week off and we are excited to work with Sully and see what more he can do!!!
Monday, August 13, 2007
more pics
Seriously - if it has wheels or a steering wheel this kid is in heaven. If you can bump it into something - even better!
HOT!
Adventureland
Sully was excited to get going!
Does anyone NOT like the Frog Hopper?
Waiting for the bumper cars - both Sully and Avery's favorite ride!
Peek!
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