The Good Family

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!

2011-05-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!: "Im so grateful to be able to give away Silhouette SD machines on my blog. This week, I am offering another chance at a giveaway! This set ..."

This just in....

2009-07-13T08:57:00.001-04:00

Apparently Sal Bear has lost his voice!!! Avery is convinced that it is in the woods, but Jake is asking for prayers @ bedtime!
Thanks for your help! LOL!

A chapter ending

2009-07-03T08:45:00.002-04:00

Avery graduated from preschool this year and is off to Kindergarten in the fall. She is so excited to ride the bus and be a big girl. So far, I am handling it fine, although, I can't believe how fast she is growing up!
We absolutely LOVED her preschool! Her teachers were kind, she learned a ton and they did such a great job not only teaching her ABC's and 123's but bible verses and stories that she can apply in living her life. I will really miss that part of her education as she transitions into a public school system. I wonder how to explain it to her, as it was her favorite part of learning every day?

Daddy's son

2009-07-03T07:44:00.004-04:00

Last Christmas we were looking at the Fisher Price catalog and Jake's obsession started with motorized vehicles. He wanted the Lightning McQueen Speed race car soo badly and didn't understand why he couldn't have it RIGHT NOW! It was annoying yes, but at 2 1/2 it is hard to explain that you just don't go buy what you want, and it was too much money to spend on a car for a 2 year old. Not to mention the fact that it only rides one child. But also pretty sweet, because he really connects with "Speed" and thinks he is his best friend.

Common sense just did not work. So, when garage sale season started, I put the 2 best shoppers I know on notice... I need a motorized vehicle STAT!!!

We did not end up with the Lightning McQueen vehicle, but we have something to drive and he is Thrilled! They take their "kids" to the grocery, DisneyLand, drs. appointments, and of course to work! Good times had by all!!!

Quotable Quotes

2009-06-29T21:13:00.006-04:00

Avery picked a very boring & plain shirt today (for her) and when I asked her why she choose that one she said it was "because she NEEDS to wear her new sandals"... And so it begins......

After not doing Avery's hair exactly as she asked, she said "Oh man! Now no one is going to play with me!" Ha!

"Oh no, you never yet go, thru the snow, and thru the nose, Oh you never yet go of me" Avery's version of "You never let go of me" Ha!

Jake's Antics

2009-06-29T21:10:00.003-04:00

I had to try not to laugh out loud the other day... Jake just clipped his tongue with a chip clip, even though I told him NO!!!... Poor guy! He had to have a popsicle to stop the bleeding!

I don't know which is sweeter the picture Avery drew for her pediatrician or the fact that Jake was physically pushing him off of her while he was giving her shots and screaming " DON'T YOU HURT MY VIVI!!!!!"

Weekend Wedding and a New Bike

2009-06-29T13:26:00.004-04:00

On April 18th the kids and I went to London, KY for my cousin, Jarrod's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and it was great to see family I don't get to see that often.
The kids played in dirt & gravel, "hunted coyotes" and thanked Jesus for "doing such a great job on the beautiful mountains" It was so cute!
One thing that constantly amazes me is seeing all of the little cousins playing together like they never missed a day. I think it is one of my favorite things about this age. They are old enough to remember each other and the only thing on their minds are playing like crazy. It is so cool how even extended family shares a bond with each other, even at early ages. I really look forward to seeing them all grow up together and hope that they will always be as close as they are now.

When we got home from Kentucky, Daddy had put together Jake's new bike..A "Speed" bike of course! KaChow!!!!

From the mouth of Babes

2009-06-28T22:28:00.004-04:00

Jake just found the treasure box from his pirate ship and said

"Mommy, I found a treasure, its for you!"

I said " Thanks Buddy, May I have it?"

He said " First I have to send it to the White House!"

Ha! I swear I haven't talked to him about taxes..... but from the mouths of babes!!!!

(in interest of honesty, this happened in June, but I am way behind and had to break up boring monthly updates)

Easter

2009-06-28T15:01:00.008-04:00

This year was different for us due to the fact my dad was in the Philippines at the time. So instead of going to my parents like usual, the family went to their respective churches and Wanda and Larry hosted us for dinner after. We had the traditional yummy food, a great Easter egg hunt and a relaxing afternoon. It was a bit chilly and windy this year, but we had a great time!

The 2nd half of our NC trip

2009-06-28T14:11:00.005-04:00

Since we had traveled sooo far, we couldn't go home without going to see Mike's side of the family in Wilmington, NC. Wanda and Larry were visiting there for a few weeks during the winter and so it was perfect timing to see everyone. We missed Mike being there with us, but all in all, a busy albeit fun trip! We stopped by the Fire Dept. where Andrea works and got up close to the Fire Trucks, we went to the Children's Museum there, which is small, but very charming and got to see their whole family! Fun times!!!

March 09

2009-04-12T22:23:00.011-04:00

March came and went pretty quickly in our house. With Spring fever setting in, my brother in law and I decided to surprise my sister for her birthday. So.. my Mom, sister in law Kris, nephew Kai, Avery, Jake and I loaded up the van and made another trip to North Carolina. The kids did really well and Julie was Shocked! Matthew had rearranged her schedule for the week, and taken the week off himself, so we had lots of fun times...

Early Wake up

2009-02-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

1:49 am-
Jake whispers "Mommy, have you seen Sal anywhere?"
" Jake, you have to go back to bed!" I say, still sleeping.
" Mommy! Sal is missing!" he says through tears...
"I will find him buddy...."
Why was he awake @ 1:49 am looking for Sal? ( He had fallen behind the bed).
True love, I guess!

My Baby is 3!

2009-02-22T20:38:00.003-05:00

It is so hard for me to believe that my baby is 3! Every time I look in his dark blue eyes, I am reminded of how perfect God's timing is.

I have marveled at this before so, I will keep it short. After trying for a long time to have Avery, we didn't think that we could or would be having another any time soon. Then, just after her 1st birthday we found out that we were having another. When I shared the news and shock with my mom, she explained that even though I thought I had learned that it was all in God's timing, I apparently had not, due to the fact that I was so overwhelmed and confused on how exactly this had happened!

Jake is a sweet, loving, emotional guy who loves nothing in the world more than Avery, cars and trucks. He lets me see what Mike must have been like as a little boy (because they are so alike) and that is a wonderful treat for a wife to see. He looks at me like I hung the moon just for him (nothing is better than when he gently rubs my face and says "Mommy, you are so pretty!"). He absolutely adores Avery and will do whatever it takes to protect her. (I am not stretching here, he really does protect her and it is the sweetest thing I have ever experienced). He is generally quiet (content to let Avery have the spot light) kind, and funny. We have been truly blessed!

Happy Birthday, Jake-y! We love you!

Looking back, I am so thankful for God know exactly what we needed. Our family is so perfect for us right now, and who knows what is in store for us.

Feburary Fun...

2009-02-22T20:15:00.005-05:00

Feburary was pretty uneventful for us, some nice days were mixed in with all of the snow and cold we were having. We went to the Bounce Zone with friends, spent alot of time at the gym, trying to "get healthy" as the kids say and had lots of Birthday parties to attend. Including Jake's. These pics are of the kids with their Valentine from Daddy, Jake playing his guitar, Avery pretending to be like Mommy and the kiddos smiling for Daddy's Valentine picture frame. Daddy wouldn't pose for a picture with his Valentine's gift.. I had tshirts made for us both mine saying "I love my husband" and his saying " I love my wife". He wears it proudly around the house, I can't imagine why he hasn't worn it outside of the house yet? He is a cheesy guy, but apparently not that cheesy! HA!

Janurary Blues

2009-02-22T19:30:00.003-05:00

I know I am behind on posting, so I will do a few short posts to catch up!

January in Indiana was Cold and Long, and I found myself having a rough time keeping my chin up and having a good attitude. Only so many days in front of a fire not being able to leave the house is considered warm and cozy.

The week I remember the most was the week where 20 of our friends headed to Florida for a wedding the temp here was hovering around -12 without windchill and I was Grumpy to say the least. We had decided not to go, back in September and I was content with that until the weather set in. Then, Mike decided to try to go to Arizona for the Barret Jackson car show. I was NOT happy. I would love tell you that I encouraged him to go with a happy heart, but I am an honest person. I was really bummed and mean! By the time I gave myself a much needed attitude adjustment and sent him a text to tell him I was sorry and I hoped he had a good time, His flight had been cancelled!

I felt horrible! Now he was home, as I wished, to freeze slowly with me and the kids. I felt so badly. He handled it very well though and forgave me for my selfishness, thankfully. I still feel like a dunce for that one!

The rest of the month went pretty smoothly and Mike and Jake got to go to the Monster Truck Show, while Avery and I took the opportunity to have a Mommy Date. The pictures below are from that evening.

Christmas @ the Good's

2008-12-28T21:17:00.003-05:00

We were fortunate enough this year to host Christmas at our house! It was fantastic! I think the kids opened presents for 3 hours, we opened and put together everything as we went and played until they were ready for another one. Jake didn't really want to leave his new firehouse alone, and Avery was much more curious to see what was in all of the other packages, so needless to say, she was finished way before him. It was a great relaxing day @ home filled with family and love. Just how it should be!

We have spent the rest of the week spending time with extended family and friends. We fill so blessed to have such a large group of family who are continually invested in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for, not to mention the true meaning of this special season. Gods gift to us, his son, Jesus.

Sal Bear

2008-12-16T21:28:00.003-05:00

When Jake was 8 mos. old, my friend Amy and I were shopping at New York & Co. and she grabbed a $5 stuffed teddy bear for her daughter, Finley. I thought, "Hey that is really cute and soft" and I grabbed one too. I am telling you, AS SOON as I handed it to Jake he held him out, looked him in the eyes and promptly ate his nose. Since then, Sal as we call him... has never left his side. He goes everywhere with us, and Jake has NEVER slept without him.

Amy's daughter Finley, played with hers for a few minutes, and discarded it like most stuffed animals are, to the bottom of the toy box. So, I took it (yes, I asked and offered to pay)

So, for the past 2 yrs we have had 2 Sal's that I switch between, if I can't find one @ the moment, or it has been left @ Mamaw's, to wash him, etc. Jake has never seen them @ the same time, we acted like they were one in the same. We did notice when we swapped them, that Jake would look him in the eyes, smell him, and then hug the stuffing out of him. He even called the fluffier one "Fat Sal", although we never acknowledged the difference.

The other night when Mike took Jake to bed he said, "Daddy, this is fat Sal!"

Mike said, "Jake-y, thats Sal, we don't call him fat!"

Jake explained, "Daddy, I have 2 Sal's. This is fat Sal!"

Mike questioned him, " Jake, you only have 1 Sal!"

Jake, "No! You silly Daddy!"

Mike, "Then where is your other Sal?"

Jake laughed and said, " Mommy has him Daddy! In your closet!"

We thought it was very funny, never mentioned it again. And most importantly gave him no evidence! So on Sunday when we were trying to get them down for naps, we couldn't find Sal, so we relented and got out "backup Sal". Jake followed the same pattern, look him in the eyes, smell him, kiss him, and went to sleep.

Fast Foward to this evening.....

"Jake-y!!!" Avery yelled..."Look, I found Sal!!!!"

Jake "Avey?" (that's how he says her name) "Sal's right here!"

"No Jake!!! Here he is!!" Run, Run, Run.. "Uh-Oh!!! MOM! Jake found BOTH SALS!!!!!"

When Mike walked in, Jake ran to him, both Sals in hand and said "See Daddy! I told you I had 2 Sals!!!!"

The infamous Sal!

Oh well, the cats out of the bag (or bear, if you wish!). I hope Santa lasts longer! Do you think he'll notice the varying lengths of Santa's beard?

Jake is Potty Trained!

2008-12-15T19:43:00.004-05:00

I decided, in May, it was time to potty train Jake. Avery was 26 mos. when she started, so naturally, Jake should be too! HA! He wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with it, and when I asked him, he would run out of the room! So I patiently waited, and Finally! I am so excited! It has been a little under 2 weeks and he is good to go! No problem at all! YAY!

Thanksgiving fun!

2008-12-15T19:22:00.003-05:00

Mom and Aggie- our chefs Our Thankful Turkey

We had a great time at Thanksgiving this year, Aunt Aggie hosted and we spent time playing with the kids, eating, watching football, etc.. Everything the holiday is about!
The next day we went shopping, an annual tradition with the girls! Much to Mom and Julie's chagrin we decided that we should hit Edinburgh at midnight. Mom is always up for such an adventure, but had been under the weather, Julie on the other hand somehow did not inherit the shopping gene that all of the ladies of our family posses. She kept saying, "Seriously, you don't think being home at 8 am is successful? That is 8 hours of shopping! ARE YOU KIDDING?" In her defense, she wasn't feeling all that well, but nonetheless, is not a marathon shopper like the rest of us.
After finally convincing her to go, we left at 9:30, and drove to Edinburgh. We were VERY pleased with our purchases there (Julie was in the car asleep by 2:30), and then we headed to Greenwood to have breakfast, at 3:30. We were @ Kohls at 4, Walmart at 5 and Meijer by 6. We are pros! We got home around 7:30, when Julie finally woke up. She had slept thru most of the night!
It was a great night followed by great naps, and lots of giggles along the way! I love Black Friday!!

2008-12-03T14:25:00.002-05:00

Hello friends!
As many of you may know, about 3 years ago, I decided to retire from my job as a hairdresser at DL Lowry Hairspa to stay at home with my kids. I have continued, to a very small degree, to style and care for close family members and friends’ hair while I have been at home.

Many of you have asked if I do hair at home, if I would be interested in doing yours, etc., over the years and my response has always been less than responsive. Know that the reason has never been out of lack of confidence or willingness to do so, but rather out of uneasiness of propitiating the image of a kitchen sink hairdresser. I have always been proud of being a stylist. Enjoyed the fashion industry and thoroughly enjoyed making people feeling like great about themselves. I love having a relaxing space for people to go where it is all about them. Giving my clients a short time of peace and quiet where the only thing for them to do is sit back and enjoy. Allow it to be, if only for a few moments, all about them.

In saying all of that, I have now been presented with a unique opportunity to share in a booth rent space in Carmel at Halo Salon. This really seems like a great opportunity for me to dip my feet back into the industry that I have been in for so many years, so that I can work a little and still be at home with my kids the majority of the time. With that being said, I am sending this to you to let you all know that I will have time in an actual salon (no more kitchen sink hair!) I hope that you will join me there if you’d like, or if not, refer people to me that are looking for someone new for themselves.

My tentative price list is as follows:
· Haircut (wash, blow dry, style) - $35
· Color or Highlight- $50
· Foils added w/ color- $5.00/foil
· Kids cuts-$17
· Men’s cut- $25

You can schedule @ 414-9391 or email me @ heather.halosalon@gmail.com

Sweet Moments

2008-11-20T10:09:00.002-05:00

A couple of years ago, Mike and I heard a song by Tim McGraw named My Little Girl and decided that it was "daddy's song" to Avery. The kids love it, although we haven't really pushed the song on them, its just on a disc in our car. After a while, Jake started asking constantly for "daddy's song" to be played over and over again. It is just now that I realized that he actually thinks DADDY is singing the song. Yesterday, the intro started playing and he said," Mommy, why isn't he singing?"
I said, "He will!" when he started Jake yelled, "there's daddy!"
I said, "Honey, that isn't Daddy singing, it is Tim McGraw!"
He said, "Mommy, you silly! That is DADDY singing!"
Too funny! I will venture to say that we both wish Mike sang like Tim McGraw!

Being Thankful for Simple Things

2008-11-09T16:27:00.002-05:00

Last night after the kids went to bed, I settled in and starting reading my bible study book. I really enjoy it as I mentioned in an earlier post.
The chapter I was reading was titled "I love smelly shoes". Huh? What was this? The author was teaching us to be thankful for everyday, small things that would usually irriate us. She was telling a story about how one day she was trying to do her own bible study, but she kept being distracted by the shoes laying around the room. She started counting them and realized there were 14 pair of shoes in the living room. With a heavy sigh, she got up and started picking them up. Soccer shoes, flip flops, ballet slippers, you name it. Suddenly she realized that she should, instead of frustrated her kids hadn't put them in the closet on their own, she should be thankful that she had strong, healthy kids who were able to play these sports, for the mud that they were healthy enough to be able to play in, for the dances they had done to scuff up the toes. She encouraged us to instead of being discouraged or frustrated the next time we are picking them up to pray over the feet of those who fill them. The next time you pick up a pair of men's loafers, pray for the large responsibility that rest on those feet.
I was feeling very touched and inspired, I looked around and thanked God for the airplanes, the dog toys, etc. and I went off to bed. Then, I walked in my room saw the clean sheets laying on the top of the bed and yelled, "Oh man!! I cannot believe I forgot to put the sheets on the bed!" I felt a little tug at my heart and said begrudgingly..."Thank you God, for a bed to sleep in and for clean sheets to snuggle up in!"
Timing is everything, Right?!

Avery's quote of the day

2008-11-07T12:23:00.004-05:00

Avery has now gotten the aforementioned cold and when I went to her up from my in laws house this morning to take her to school, I realized she was running a slight fever. I told her that she wouldn't be going to school today because we didn't want the other kids to get sick. She was DEVASTATED!!! I couldn't understand why so,

I said, "Honey, why are you so upset? You know that you can't go to school when your sick!"
She said, "Mommy, I am the line leader today and all of those kids will not be able to go to recess if I'm not there! They will be so sad at me!!!!"

I have been drilled lately by her about when I met all of our friends, what our wedding was like etc. and this really just drilled home that kids truly have no concept of life without them. She then asks "where was I at your wedding?" or "where did I live while you were at college?" I simply say "You were a sparkle in my eye", somehow it works!

I bet most of us who are parents can't really imagine our lives without them either!

The Sweetest Thing (Part 2)

2008-11-06T22:46:00.003-05:00

We have had a nasty colds going around the past week or so and last night Jake was having a massive coughing fit around 12:30. So, before he was fully awake, I gave him some cough medicine and a sippy cup of cold water.
He briefly opened his eyes and said "That's yummy"
I said "What honey?"
He said "That's yummy water, Mommy" he then sat up and gave me the biggest kiss!
Then, right back to sleep.
Soo sweet! I cuddled up next to him and slept there all night!

Then today, we were on our way to my inlaws house when Avery, who notices EVERYTHING said
"Mommy, did you know that papaw isn't wearing his medicine bracelet any more? He's all better!"
I said, "I know, isn't God good?
She said, "Mommy, he is the goodest!"

I love this time in my life!

Voting Today

2008-11-04T10:38:00.002-05:00

We went to vote, stood in line for around an hour and it was over! The kids were patient and excited to help mommy vote!

My First Bible Study (as an adult)

2008-10-30T11:03:00.002-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while, but I will not bore you with excuses.
As many of you may know, we have been a perpetual hunt for the right church for our family over the past few years, attending most out of the need to be in church, not because we were really "moved" by any of them or most certainly not because we felt like it was the right place for our family. Mike would love one, be inspired, feel @ home and want to get involved, I would love another, so we would try another. On and on to the point that when we pass churches Avery can tell us which one she liked the best and ask if Pops church was "our" church. (BTW, it is and always will be. ) Feeling out of place @ every Church is not something I enjoyed and most importantly my kids really need and desire to go to the same church every week. After feeling like we had tried "every church in town" I decided to look again @ the theology of the church I have been attending MOPS. We tried it one time and we ALL loved it!!! Even Jake, and he never likes nurseries!! Yeah!
I am so excited to have found a place we can sink our teeth into. So, when the bible studies started last week, I eagerly signed up. It is FANTASTIC! Our leader is someone who has quite a following there, several ladies call themselves "Susan Junkies" they take every bible study she offers and after only one week, I know why. Our study is titled "My bathtub is overflowing, but I feel drained" referring to all of the unspeakable joy we have in our lives being mothers, wives, friends, neighbors etc, so why do I feel so drained? I am so thankful to have gone there and gotten to get involved in this wonderful study with such great women! I look forward to building friendship with them and continuing to find new and wonderful things to get involved in!

Voting

2008-10-06T21:31:00.003-04:00

As many as you know, I have pretty strong political views. I promise I will not use this blog to express my political views @ any time, most everyone reading this already know them anyway.
What I want to talk about tonight is the push to get people to vote early.
I understand that people who are going to be out of town, college students or elderly with little access to public transportation need some extra time or help getting there. I have no issues with that.
I just think that having people go early just to "avoid long lines" and to ensure that people "Rock the Vote" is just silly to me. I believe that if you don't care enough to get up and be there @ 6am, stand in long lines, miss or be late to work, take time out of your precious day for the sake of voting for our countries leaders, any year, especially this year. Than you don't care enough.
Not only that, but I encourage everyone who reads this between now and Nov. 6th to not only go and vote on Nov. 6th, but what if we all took our kids? I have taken Avery and Jake every year, and they really love it. I just tell them that it is important to vote, every time you get the opportunity. They love watching mom "push all the buttons" and talking to all of the people working the polls.
Ok, no more lecturing, I just couldn't resist as I watched the news tonight and they were telling us all of the places we could go & vote starting mid-October.
Thanks for putting up with me on this, I will try not to "bog" down the blog with politics. Its early though, so I'm not promising anything!
~Heather

1000 Hits!!!

2008-10-06T17:58:00.001-04:00

Whoo Hooo! We have over 1000 hits now!! Who knew? I am sure that most of them have been my mom, but oh well! I feel sooo Popular! HAHAHA! I just wanted to update that!

There is a joke in here somewhere!

2008-09-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

So by 10:00 this morning I was ready to call it a day! Just go back to bed, Things are not looking so great! Gizmo had a MESS in his crate this morning, one that sent me to the bathroom myself... Yuck!!!! I feel really bad for him, he apparently had cried @ 5 am, but Mike thought he was just being a pain so he put him in the laundry room and went back to bed.. Not so much! The joys of owning a dog! That's not all... When I dropped off Avery, Jake and I went to the Hamilton Co. Republican office to pick up MY MAN MITCH signs to deliever thru out the county. All of a sudden I hear a strange noise only to turn around and see that Jake is throwing up right in the middle of the office..Yuck! He never throws up, and is feeling fine now! Too strange. I am sure this will make all of friends who are not in the Republican party laugh out loud.

Oh well, off to give baths, to both Gizmo and Jake! Pray my day gets better!

2 Super Sweet Quotes in 1 Day!

2008-09-23T21:27:00.002-04:00

So today, I got the sweetest quotes from BOTH my kids,

Jake: " Mommy, I lole (aka.. love) you, thanks for letting me push a big boy cart!"

Avery: " Mommy, can we get all dressed up and go on a Mommy Date? I want to go out with just you!"

This is exactly what I signed up for!!!

Why do kids have to scream?

2008-09-23T08:22:00.001-04:00

Why do my kids feel like they have to scream at the top of their lungs for no reason at all? Ughh!! My head hurts!!!!

At least its a happy scream!

A long, long time!

2008-09-20T22:01:00.002-04:00

I have really been bad at not blogging lately and I have no excuses! We haven't been busier than usual or traveling the world, just normal life in the good house!

Mike started his MBA a couple of weeks ago. We are really excited about that, it is something that he has always wanted to do and we figured why not now? He only goes 1 night a week for the next 2 years and then he will be finished. I am really glad that he has this opportunity and is following his dream. I could not go back to school at this point, I have no desire! So good for him!

Avery and Jake are doing well, they started school the beginning of Sept at Centennial Bible School, and they LOVE it! They are learning soo much! Not only are they learning alot about letters, numbers, shapes, sharing etc.. all the normal stuff that they go to preschool for, but they are learning bible stories!!! You should hear Jake tell you about Baby Moses being put in a basket and then he "floats" and Jesus took care of him until a nice lady took care of him! Too cute!!! They are really seem to "understand" the stories! I love it! I love that they are surrounded by people who teach them to live in our world for our saviour. That the rules we enforce are because that is what Jesus wants. How the bible stories apply to our daily lives. They are very happy there!

I have had a pretty good summer although over the past few days I have had a pretty weird and to be honest concerning headache/virtago/ dizzy spells. I can't really explain it and I am in no pain, I just don't know what is going on. I will figure it out though. No worries!

I will try to do better at keeping up!

WHEW!!

2008-07-30T22:08:00.001-04:00

Finally, all caught up!!!

Touch A Truck

2008-07-30T21:53:00.004-04:00

Today we went to the Carmel Touch A Truck @ the high school, and it was really cool! I had no idea what to expect, but nearly every stay @ home mom and kids in Carmel were there, and we had a great time!! We were joined by the Neales, Cooney's x2, Bracha's and all of the kids had fun learning about all of the firetrucks, army vehicles, school bus, John Deere digger and Indy Car! Too cute!!

We are blessed to have such a large group of old and new ( Hi Bracha's!!!) friends that share the same values, and experiences as us. The kids get along great and it is really fun to create great memories for them and with such great people on a daily basis.

July BBQ

2008-07-30T21:37:00.003-04:00

We had some friends over on Saturday nite for a spur of the moment BBQ. We haven't done that for a while and it was very fun, relaxing and a great way to catch up! The kids had a ball too!

Babies Galore

2008-07-30T21:21:00.005-04:00

There have been an awful lot of babies born among our friends lately, and I just wanted to update those of you who know them.

Brandi and Brad Neale had another girl, Estella Rose, on May 20th. Big sis Mallory is very proud!

Evan and Amy Hiple had another girl (their third) Parker Lynne July15th. Ella and Finley are keeping each other busy with dress up while mom is tending to the baby

Kristen and Steve Cooney had Kaitlyn Ashley on July 18th. Big brother Carter is as cute as ever and having a great time with all of the visitors coming to see them! I don't have a picture of them yet!
Jim and Julie Norman had their 1st baby last Friday nite Kendall Cassidy. I hear she is beautiful!
Finally, our friend Tammy Dock who lives in Atlanta, had her son today Eli. I hear he was 9 lbs! Go Tammy!!

Lots of happy families right now!! Congrats Everyone!!!

While we were gone!

2008-07-30T19:31:00.006-04:00

As I mentioned, the kids and I were gone for 7 long days, and while Mike had a great time the first couple of days, (think poker, golf and more golf) after a while he started missing us and decided to redo the kids rooms! He painted Avery's and bought Jake a big boy bed and bedding! I had no idea that this was in the works! What a SURPRISE! Thankfully, my husband is talented and we have very similar tastes in decorating! Most women would shudder at the thought of their husband decorating with NO input from themselves, but I am lucky!

Pretty impressive huh?

Our trip to North Carolina

2008-07-30T19:18:00.003-04:00

My mom, Aunt Edie, Aunt Agnes, the kids, the dog and I packed up my van and ventured out on a 12 hour drive to Raleigh, NC to visit my sister and her husband, Matthew. Crazy, you say? Probably! But we had a surprisingly low stress and smooth trip filled with lots of giggles and memories made! Mom, Agnes and I had done trips like this in the past, but it was the first time that Aunt Edie had joined us. She is my dad's sister, and the only girl in her family so a "girls trip" (sorry Jake and Matthew) is something she doesn't have much experience in. We did great!!

Julie and Matthew have a great house that was set up perfectly for us and we were all very comfortable. Avery and Jake surprisingly loved all 3 of their dogs, and Gizmo tortured them most of the time.

We went horseback riding and shopping. We did garage sales and landscaping. We checked ALL of Duke's campus (thank you Julz! haha), and went to consignment shoppes. The kids went to the Science Museum with Matthew and Julie, they had a BALL!! It was nice for me to be able to have some grown up time too!

We really missed Mike though and he missed us, as I will show in my next post!

Way Behind!!!

2008-07-30T18:40:00.004-04:00

I have no idea for the fact that I haven't been blogging lately, so I will spare you any lame excuses. I guess I have just been uninspired!!

So, let's start with July 4th...

We started the day with what has begun a tradition among our friends, the parade. This year it was raining, so it really put a damper on things. (I am so clever aren't I? ;) We introduced some new friends to the group and had a great time nonetheless. Later in the day we went to the Cooney's for a cookout and fun. I mentioned that it had been raining so it was pretty much a muddy mess, but all the better for the kiddos! They had a GREAT time. Then Mike (Cooney), Mike (Good) and Steve put on the best home firework show ever! A great time was had by all!!

School!

2008-07-11T07:59:00.001-04:00

When does pre-school start again?

Not soon enough! Haha! We need a distraction!!!!

The funniest thing

2008-06-25T11:20:00.002-04:00

Jake to me: "Mommy, you watering the flowers?"
Me: "Yes, Jakey"
Jake: "You Jesus Mommy?"
Me: "What?!!"
Jake "Jesus waters the flowers Mommy. You Jesus?"

How funny! I guess a 2 year old does get it!

Avery's Birthday

2008-06-25T10:53:00.003-04:00

We had a great weekend celebrating Avery's 4th birthday. We started out @ the PBS in the park with Nana and Pop, Uncle Bubby and Kai Guy, and Mamaw and Papaw. It was a perfect day! Then on Sunday we had a birthday dinner and cake and Avery and Jake got a puppy!! They were sooo excited! He is really a great puppy! On Monday we had some of Avery's friends over for a party and a great time was had by all!!

I can't believe that Avery is 4 years old! Although she acts around 30 most of the time, it seems like yesterday that I was really questioning whether I would ever be able to get pregnant! God needed me to learn that everything is in his time. I thought that I had learned that lesson, until I unexpectedly got pregnant with Jake. I remember telling my mom, as I was in complete shock, that I had already been taught that lesson, she said "Apparently not!" You were right mom! God had the perfect plan for our family and I could not be more blessed. I wonder what the rest is? I know, I know, patience and trust! I am just nosey!

Avery is such a special little girl, filled with love and joy. She is the most nurturing little one I have ever seen. Papaw calls her his little nurse, because she is always making sure he has on his medical ID bracelet, that he has taken his blood pressure, his medicine and more. She is constantly chattering and although it often drives me crazy, her thirst for information is amazing. Often it is not trivial, things like "Why did Zacheous hide in the tree from Jesus mommy?", "How does Jesus keep us safe?" , "Why can't I go to heaven and meet pop's daddy?", or "Is mamaw Jones still in that chair in heaven?" Complicated questions from a complicated girl. Truly a gift from God!

Summer Time

2008-06-17T22:03:00.004-04:00

We have been busier than usual this month with lots of birthdays, a spur of the moment trip to Cincinnati, the Great Wolf Lodge and Kings Island and father's day! For those of you who haven't been to Great Wolf Lodge it is a family friendly water park/hotel right next to Kings Island! A great time! Thanks for planning a fun trip honey!

Avery started gymnastics last week and she loves it!! It has been really great to see her so excited about it, and I love nothing more to hear her tell me her favorite parts.. "all of it!!" She is the most animated little girl I have ever known. She tries to talk to us just like an adult. It makes for really fun conversations with her hands waving and grown up animations. Just soo cute! Next week is her birthday so we will be updating with lots of pictures soon!

Jake is doing great, talking a TON, growing up very quickly and starting to show us his temper tantrums! Whew! He perfected them quickly!

Just as one child gets thru one stage, the other starts one. The joy of parenting!

We are looking forward to a fun summer with them both!

Have a good night!

The Sweetest Thing

2008-06-02T22:09:00.002-04:00

Before I start this story, I will say, for the record, that there were 3 adults and 2 children that witnessed this event. Last Thursday Wanda, the kids and I went to Avon to visit my Aunt and cousins. While at lunch this is what happened:
Jake gets off of his seat and while I am in the middle of telling him to sit down until he is excused he comes to me, puts his hand on my knee and says "Mommy, you so pretty". Then he went and sat down.
My heart melted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have you ever heard anything so sweet? Everyone just busted out laughing, and then the jokes about how wrapped he has me, but seriously, who wouldn't be wrapped with a son who says things like that! I just had to share... The sweetest thing..

Pictures from the 500 Parade!

2008-05-28T07:52:00.004-04:00

Pictures from the weekend!

2008-05-28T07:42:00.003-04:00

Yummy Corn!

One Down, One to Go...

2008-05-28T07:18:00.002-04:00

This weekend we crossed a bridge... I realized that Avery can read her clock in her room and explained that she needs to wait to get out of bed until the first number is 6. That means no more coming into our bed @ 2, 3, 4 etc. She needs to stay in her bed like a big girl. She actually listened! It took a couple of tries, but she is doing it! Yeah!!! Now, on to Jake. He has never come into our bed.. until of course, Avery stopped! On Sunday night Mike heard a rustling on our duvet, which had slipped onto the floor and found him sleeping soundly on our floor at the foot of our bed. Complete with his pillow and 2 stuffed animals, Sal and Harpo. It was so sweet! Mike woke me up and told me it could be the cutest thing he has experienced thus far as a parent. He (Jake), never made a peep. We were not fully asleep when we found him, so he must have come in VERY quietly! Too cute!

We had a great family weekend last weekend. We spent time at the 500 Parade, planted flowers, went to church, went to a cookout, spent time with friends and family. GREAT! We did miss that there was no cookout @ Aunt Agnes' this year, so we didn't all get together but nonetheless, it was relaxing and we spent lots of time together, and that is what holidays are about.

Off to do the laundry!! Have a great week, it is supposed to actually feel like summer in the next couple of days!! Yeah!!!!!

Summer Break Begins!

2008-05-21T22:31:00.002-04:00

Well, tomorrow is the last day of preschool for my kiddos and I am sad! We love their classes, friends and teachers and I know that we will miss everyone very much. Jake has really taken to his classmates and we didn't know how long that would take. It was a rough couple of months in the beginning. Avery has learned ALOT from her friends, not all good, but nonetheless, she does like them and will be asking about them daily! Notice I did not mention the fact that my time alone is gone for the next three months-- that has nothing to do with my sadness ;).

We are going to try to stay busy and have lots of fun this summer. Here are some of my goals:

Start a "chore/responsibility chart" for the kids. We need to reinforce our expectations. With Jake just learning them, the door is open for Avery to test them.

Practice writing with Avery. She has really come a long way in the past few months and she loves to "show off" her new talent.

Potty train Jake. He is not at all interested, so we will see how that goes. I won't push him too much.

Go to the zoo @ least 2x a month. We have to make use of our zoo pass right? Plus, its nice to visit our extended family! Hahaha! (you can decide for yourself which side they are on)

Stick to my yard work. Mike gives me a hard time about being strong out of the gate, but not much for stamina, so I want to work on that.

Feel free to check in on my progress, I sometimes need a thump on the head to remember all of the things I wanted to do.

PS. Larry came out of surgery well and should come home tomorrow.

PSS. We had our last MOPS meeting last night, and to any of you who may see this, I will miss you this summer and had a great time over the past few months. It was great to meet you all! It is really encouraging to know that there are so many other moms out there just doing the best they can to raise good, god fearing,well balanced children in this crazy unbalanced world we are in! See you in the fall!

Pray for Larry

2008-05-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

Please pray for Larry as he has surgery today. From what I hear it is pretty routine, but extra prayers never hurt!!!

Pics from the week

2008-05-08T21:29:00.003-04:00

At the zoo with Aunt Agnes, Grant and Tyler, Matt and Grandma Helen

Avery giving her baby a bath during our yard sale at Aunt Agnes' house
Jake was so enamoured with the peguins.
My to waddle, waddle, waddle buddies!
Oh how I love them!

The Days of our Lives

2008-05-08T20:44:00.003-04:00

We have been going nonstop for the past few weeks, and it feels GREAT! Sometimes I feel like we do the same things everyday and it has been refreshing to have places to go and people to see.

The kids are growing up so fast and keeping me on my toes. Jake has started talking up a storm since we took his paci-wire, and I swear he has grown up 6 mos. worth in the past few weeks. It is great to hear his sweet voice all day. I have never heard "Why mommy?" sound so sweet and pure. It is truly a testament to God's wonderful plan. Kids are so innocent in this crazy world of ours. "Why hold your hand mommy?", "Why no spoon in my water?", "Why no running away from mommy?" Too sweet!

Avery, on the other hand, whew!! She has taken me on a ride the past few weeks! I have a almost 4 year old who is turning 15 soon. She is sweet and bossy, a caretaker and a toy taker, happy and angry, humble and snooty, thankful and greedy, all within a blink of an eye. We are banging heads at every single corner, and to be honest, I am at a loss. I am the only one she challenges in this way. I am sure it is because we are so much alike, but nonetheless, I have to figure it out and SOON! I can't figure out how to "Break the will, without breaking the spirit". Of course I know that this is installment #1 or 2 of hundreds we will have over the next years, I just want to start out on my feet.

Other than the above mentioned, things are great. Daddy gets home soon from the Philippines, and it will be good having him back on American soil. Wanda and Larry are home from Wilmington, and I am thankful to have them back in our state. Mike is home and doing well, putting up with me with a smile on his face. Thanks honey!

I will write more soon!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-04-27T07:54:00.003-04:00

Since my last post, like I have been going nonstop! Let me catch you up!

Mike got home safely and we are all together again, Thank Goodness!

Julie and Matthew (my sister and brother-in-law) came home for the weekend and we had a wonderful visit! Matthew arrived earlier than we expected, so he spent the evening with us until Mom and Julie got here. Saturday morning we went to Aunt Agnes' for a huge breakfast and family time. Then, down to Bedford for more play and church on Sunday morning. Matthew and Julie have only been married for a year and live in N.C. so our time with them is precious. Although Julie was tied up with a baby shower on Sat. afternoon, it was really great to spend a lot of time with Matthew. The kids really loved his attention! Aunt Julie made a big impact and taught Avery a few new Sunday school songs. She loves "peace like a river". It was great to see them both!!! I really miss my sister especially as we get older.

My dad left for the Philippines on Wed. the 23rd and will be gone 17 days. He is having a great time and is very tired! He is preaching 3-5 per day for the next several days! Pray for him to keep rested and for the Lord to keep him safe on his trip! He is in a very dangerous area and they do not like preachers of any kind teaching the Bible, much less an American preacher who doesn't tend to sensor himself for his audience :). Check out his blog @ goensmyway.blogspot.com.

This weekend we had a garage sale at Aunt Agnes' house and had a great time! Aunt Agnes' worked herself silly and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! She is the best! Mom came up to help us out and between the three of us, it was a very successful weekend! I have so much fun with these two women and feel so so blessed to have them in my life. They are everything I hope to be. They are a constant example to me of how I want to live my life, as mothers, wives, friends and ladies. Thank you both for all you do!

I will write again soon, have a great weekend!!!

A long week

2008-04-16T21:10:00.002-04:00

We have all had a long week this week. Mike has been out of town all week in sunny California for work and while I am sure that the warmth and sunshine feel good, I know that he really misses us! Thank Goodness! haha!

We have really tried to have a good week, but the kids miss their daddy, Jake has no paci, mommy has a cold and no one is sleeping really well.. Ugh!!!!

I don't know why everytime Mike leaves town, I get something...sinus infection, the flu, something. For those of you who have a husband who travels some you know that when daddy's away we, as mommy's, have to step up the fun factor. We have to do something to take their minds off of the fact that at 5:30, it is still only mommy. I have not been able to do that this week. Sorry kids!

I did make a promise to Avery that if she was a great listener and went to sleep like a big girl all week that she could have a surprise today. She has been REALLY good (she loves to take care of me when I am sick, that must come from Aunt Julz or maybe Mamaw) so she got a scooter today and she loves it!

Jake has done pretty well without his paci, except at bedtime, so for that I am thankful. I will be very happy when he starts sleeping through the night again though! Whew, I am tired! On a better note, he got his "big ole band aid" off this week and is starting to use his hand more everyday! So far, we are think we are not going to have any physical therapy or surgery! Thank You God!

That is about all for us this week, I hope yours has been great!

No More Paci-Wire

2008-04-11T10:50:00.003-04:00

Yesterday after naps I decided that our precious boy no longer needed his paci-wire, as he calls it! WOW!!! To whoever reads this post and thinks it is cruel to take things like this away when they are little, I strongly disagree! It is so much easier when they are little! When they are 2 years old and can tell you how sad they are..that is cruel! I held him as he cried for 2 hours straight, I watched him as he threw himself on the floor, I laughed as he sang " I love my Paci, oh yes I do..." (yes, he really sang that). I have heard all of the ideas people have, have a paci-party and send them off with balloons, cut the tips off, give them to a baby, etc. and that is what my intention was. But yesterday when I asked for him to give it to me and he wouldn't. I decided it was time.

For those who know me, this is not a surprise. I will procrastinate for a long time, but when I decide to do something.. Watch out.. No one is safe.

If I could only decide to eat healthy. If I could only decide to exercise-every day. Maybe someday.

I have to go...another round of crying is starting. Pray for us! He is really sooo sad! :(

Spring Break

2008-04-09T22:59:00.003-04:00

We have been having a great week, finally lots of sunshine! It has been so great to play outside! It is amazing how hungry the kids get after running around the backyard! We have been to the park and the zoo and its only Wed. I just wanted to share some pictures with you! Thanks for checking in!

I am Thankful

2008-04-04T12:50:00.004-04:00

I am feeling especially thankful today. Nothing special happened today, no special phone calls, no unexpected checks came in the mail, no breakfast in bed, just a regular day at home with the kiddos. It started out as all mornings do with Jake calling "Mommy!!!" We cuddled for a 1/2 hour and started our day. Avery told she loves me, and we all came down for our "fuel". Coffee for me, milk for them. We have been cleaning while watching the Bee movie. Nothing special.

I am just thankful for being able to be home with the kids.

Hearing Avery's excitement as she says
"Mommy, LOOK! All the water Jesus has been sending to the flowers is working! They have big green leaves on them and will be growing flowers soon!"

Being able to blow her nose for the 700th time this morning, cuddle her when she is sad and teach her how to clean the baseboards. (No laughing! I was actually cleaning the baseboards, and she wanted to help!)

Hearing Jake sing "Happy Birthday to Jakey" and tell me its his birthday(its not!). And watching him watch in awe as the bee's on the TV swirled around in front of him.

Nothing Special. Everything I signed up for when I quit work to stay at home!

I am so thankful that I am able to be here for those little moments that are so easily missed and most often taken for granted.

I am so thankful for my husband who is encouraging, thoughtful and supportive of me.

I am thankful for my family. I have the best family a girl could ever ask for. My parents, in-laws, brother and sister and their families, aunts and uncles... No drama or fighting (ok maybe a little :) ). Close friendships and lots of love and laughter!

I am thankful for my friends. They are a constant source of entertainment!

I am thankful for God blessing me and my family so much!

Enough already.. I know. Thanks for reading.

Resilence

2008-03-31T15:51:00.003-04:00

As some of you may know, Jake burned his hand last week and it required a trip to the er, a plastic surgeon and what I can only assume to be many more visits to the dr. and hopefully only a small amount of physical therapy. For those who were not aware, he burned it on the glass in front of a fireplace. It happened most accidents do, in a matter of seconds, when he was just around the corner from 4 very compentent adults.

Anyway, that is not the point of this blog. I am amazed at the resilence of children! Within 3 hours he was cuddling on the couch with me and he slept a ton that night, I am sure due to pure exhaustion. But he has not been slowed down since. He is running playing, climbing, falling, rough housing and giving no thought to his "big ole bandaid" unless he finds a string off the gauze or when we change it.

It made me think that if only we could brush things off like this and have the never quit attitude of a child. How far we could go. How much does concentrating on the things that should slow us down effect our daily productivity?