Jonny~
You are the Love of My Life. Thank you for sharing the last ten years with me on this journey. We've accomplished much and I'm so proud to be your wife.
Can't wait to see what the next ten years may bring.
Love you!
8.27.2009
10 Years of Wedded Bliss!
Jonny~
You are the Love of My Life. Thank you for sharing the last ten years with me on this journey. We've accomplished much and I'm so proud to be your wife.
Can't wait to see what the next ten years may bring.
Love you!
8.24.2009
Birthday Milestone!
Yesterday was my Grandma's birthday.
I'm going to refrain from stating her age because she may get upset with me (wink)when she reads this, as she doesn't like all of the attention.
She looks fantastic and you'd never guess anyway.
So what did she do to celebrate this birthday milestone?
She took a ride on a Harley!
In honor of her birthday, I've decided to list my top 10 favorite things about her.
10) Family is, and always has been priority. She and Grandpa were so involved in all of our activities then and now.
9) She volunteers her time to help others.
8) She golfs (and tried to teach me many years ago-wish I would have paid attention).
7) She's competitive and stubborn (both strong family traits that are well-suited for game nights)
6) Hot fudge sundaes, homemade pizza, butter cookies, and buckeyes!
5) All of my memories from spending days & nights at her house growing up (swimming, gardening, cards, playing with Tara's barbies, watching cars go by on CR 8, walking to Krider Gardens, the list goes on and on)
4) Traditions (Easter egg hunts, Pumpkin farm trips, nativity plays at Christmas, Cubs games just to name a few)
3) She loves the Cubs (even after all of these years of waiting and wishing).
2) I love to watch her love on my kids. They call her G.G.
1) I admire her for the way she has lived her life and raised her family with Christ at the center.
Hope you had a fun birthday yesterday Grandma! Glad we could celebrate with you.
8.20.2009
Kindergarten
And you're off...
You got on the school bus for the first time this morning and as the bus drove away, I had tears in my eyes.
You were confident and anxious. It helped that 5 others from the street got on at the same time (3 in your class).
In a few minutes you'll be settling down in your class getting ready for the day. I can't help but be nervous that you will get to all the places that you are supposed to go today without any trouble. The teachers assured us yesterday at Orientation that they've never lost a child. The system works, but this is my first experience, so forgive me if I'm a little nervous for the first few days. I'll probably tell you 100 times to follow the teacher and listen with open ears. Just bear with me, I'm your Mama, so you'll hear that a lot from me.
We've taught you about how to be a well behaved young lady, but now you're on your own. I'm so anxious to hear how the first day goes and to watch you develop over this next year.
Enjoy your first whole day! The hours can't go fast enough until I get to pick you up and hear all about it.
I love you,
Mommy
You got on the school bus for the first time this morning and as the bus drove away, I had tears in my eyes.
You were confident and anxious. It helped that 5 others from the street got on at the same time (3 in your class).
In a few minutes you'll be settling down in your class getting ready for the day. I can't help but be nervous that you will get to all the places that you are supposed to go today without any trouble. The teachers assured us yesterday at Orientation that they've never lost a child. The system works, but this is my first experience, so forgive me if I'm a little nervous for the first few days. I'll probably tell you 100 times to follow the teacher and listen with open ears. Just bear with me, I'm your Mama, so you'll hear that a lot from me.
We've taught you about how to be a well behaved young lady, but now you're on your own. I'm so anxious to hear how the first day goes and to watch you develop over this next year.
Enjoy your first whole day! The hours can't go fast enough until I get to pick you up and hear all about it.
I love you,
Mommy
8.14.2009
Annual Applesauce Activities
It's that time of year...Homemade Applesauce!
A few weeks ago, we gathered our transparent apples and set up shop in the kitchen. It was a family affair.
The kids helped wash the apples and Avery and Jon were a big help throughout the whole process (until they bailed on me a few hours into it to go hang out with the neighbors)
Avery is such a big helper and wants to be involved. Austin is our official taste tester...trying to sneak in a taste at any opportunity!
Last year, our applesauce supply lasted us through February. We made twice as much this year, so that will hopefully get us through to next summer. Though we've already finished two of the containers!
A few weeks ago, we gathered our transparent apples and set up shop in the kitchen. It was a family affair.
The kids helped wash the apples and Avery and Jon were a big help throughout the whole process (until they bailed on me a few hours into it to go hang out with the neighbors)
Avery is such a big helper and wants to be involved. Austin is our official taste tester...trying to sneak in a taste at any opportunity!
Last year, our applesauce supply lasted us through February. We made twice as much this year, so that will hopefully get us through to next summer. Though we've already finished two of the containers!
7.31.2009
It's Booked!
Start the daydreaming...
Jon and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary this year and to mark the special milestone, we're taking a (kid-free) trip to the Carribbean!
The flights are purchased, the hotel reserved, the bathing suits nearly packed.
How are we going to focus for the next 3 months until the departure date arrives!?!?
Jon and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary this year and to mark the special milestone, we're taking a (kid-free) trip to the Carribbean!
The flights are purchased, the hotel reserved, the bathing suits nearly packed.
How are we going to focus for the next 3 months until the departure date arrives!?!?
7.24.2009
Local Attractions
It is easy to take for granted all of the wonderful attractions we have within short driving distance of where we live.
Over the last month, our family has taken advantage of several of these local attractions and have really enjoyed each one.
Over the 4th of July weekend, we visited the zoo with our niece and nephew and had a great time. We were there earlier in the day and all of the animals were visible. Though we all agreed that the $2.00 train ride was about $1.50 too much.
On a recent Sunday, after church we drove to Lake Michigan and had a great time. For the afternoon, we pretended like we were on a tropical beach vacation somewhere.
We played in the waves, built sand castles, and collected sea-shells.
The great thing was that it didn't cost a penny. Only the gas it took to drive us there and back.
We also have a very nice baseball stadium nearby that is great entertainment for all. Who doesn't love a baseball game? Even better when they have fireworks after the game.
This particular night was sort of cool...mother nature can't make up her mind this summer.
We spent last Sunday at the county fair eating our share of taco salads, Tom Thumb donuts, riding rides and looking at all of the animals.
We've had a great time exploring all that surrounds us!
Over the last month, our family has taken advantage of several of these local attractions and have really enjoyed each one.
Over the 4th of July weekend, we visited the zoo with our niece and nephew and had a great time. We were there earlier in the day and all of the animals were visible. Though we all agreed that the $2.00 train ride was about $1.50 too much.
On a recent Sunday, after church we drove to Lake Michigan and had a great time. For the afternoon, we pretended like we were on a tropical beach vacation somewhere.
We played in the waves, built sand castles, and collected sea-shells.
The great thing was that it didn't cost a penny. Only the gas it took to drive us there and back.
We also have a very nice baseball stadium nearby that is great entertainment for all. Who doesn't love a baseball game? Even better when they have fireworks after the game.
This particular night was sort of cool...mother nature can't make up her mind this summer.
We spent last Sunday at the county fair eating our share of taco salads, Tom Thumb donuts, riding rides and looking at all of the animals.
We've had a great time exploring all that surrounds us!
7.05.2009
Ka-Boom!
There's at least one member of our family that is happy that the 4th of July won't come again for another year!
Other than lots of tears during the fireworks, it was a great weekend! A visit to the zoo with the cousins, helping Mom and Dad move, the neighborhood bike parade, and lake activities.
Happy 4th of July, 2009!
Other than lots of tears during the fireworks, it was a great weekend! A visit to the zoo with the cousins, helping Mom and Dad move, the neighborhood bike parade, and lake activities.
Happy 4th of July, 2009!
6.29.2009
Lazy Days
Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability
-Sam Keen (American Philosopher)
I love summer! Yesterday afternoon was perfect...sitting outside getting some rays and watching the kids have a ball together. The nice breeze made the day even better.
Summer weekends get so busy and even though the house needed cleaning, it was so wonderful to just sit outside with a glass of lemonade and a few good magazines and enjoy the day together.
The only downside is when it's time to get the kids into bed. It's still daylight well past their bedtime and last night, Austin just stood at the window longing to be outside.
We're looking forward to a short work week due to the 4th of July weekend!
-Sam Keen (American Philosopher)
I love summer! Yesterday afternoon was perfect...sitting outside getting some rays and watching the kids have a ball together. The nice breeze made the day even better.
Summer weekends get so busy and even though the house needed cleaning, it was so wonderful to just sit outside with a glass of lemonade and a few good magazines and enjoy the day together.
The only downside is when it's time to get the kids into bed. It's still daylight well past their bedtime and last night, Austin just stood at the window longing to be outside.
We're looking forward to a short work week due to the 4th of July weekend!
6.05.2009
My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles
What was your family doing last night at 9:30pm?
Yes, I know that my children should have been well on their way to
sleepytown...but we had important learning to do.
This is the solar system. Okay, it's my improv explanation of the solar system at 9:30pm with the materials available in a 3 year old boy's room.
Last night as we were putting the kids to bed, Avery and Austin were looking at the moon and started asking some questions. How far is the moon? Where does the moon go during the day?
So what I thought would be a very quick visual explanation, turned into full fledged internet research.
Can you remember the names of the the 8 planets in order? (M,V,E,M,J,S,U,N---notice the phrase on the title of the post to help me remember)
Did you know that Pluto is no longer considered a major planet? As of 2006, it is considered a dwarf planet.
How long does it take for the earth to orbit the sun? I thought a year, but second guessed myself and when we looked it up...I was right. I did learn something in science class.
We found a great website for kids in case you also have kids that like to stall bedtime by asking lots and lots of questions.
Yes, I know that my children should have been well on their way to
sleepytown...but we had important learning to do.
This is the solar system. Okay, it's my improv explanation of the solar system at 9:30pm with the materials available in a 3 year old boy's room.
Last night as we were putting the kids to bed, Avery and Austin were looking at the moon and started asking some questions. How far is the moon? Where does the moon go during the day?
So what I thought would be a very quick visual explanation, turned into full fledged internet research.
Can you remember the names of the the 8 planets in order? (M,V,E,M,J,S,U,N---notice the phrase on the title of the post to help me remember)
Did you know that Pluto is no longer considered a major planet? As of 2006, it is considered a dwarf planet.
How long does it take for the earth to orbit the sun? I thought a year, but second guessed myself and when we looked it up...I was right. I did learn something in science class.
We found a great website for kids in case you also have kids that like to stall bedtime by asking lots and lots of questions.
5.31.2009
Three Years Old!
Today, we enjoyed a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday celebration for two little characters!
Austin turned 3 today and our neice, Sophia will turn 3 on June 11th, so we had a joint celebration at the lake with our families.
It's hard to believe that it's been three years since Austin was born! Where has the time gone?
Austin, you are a lovable little man and you've grown up so much in the last 3 months-you can slow down a little if you don't mind. We love you so much little buddy!
5.25.2009
Summer is Here!
On Saturday morning, we packed the car and headed up to Michigan for our 2009 inaugural weekend at the lake. The weather was beautiful!
The kids enjoyed playing in the water and we enjoyed getting our fill of sunshine!
What I like most about the lake is that, in a way, we are on a mini-vacation...away from computers and clocks, just enjoying the company and mother nature.
On Memorial Day, we spent the day working outside. We picked up flowers and came home and played in the dirt for several hours planting and adding some color around the house!
5.15.2009
Another Milestone Crossed
This household is Diaper Free! (except overnight, of course)
One week ago today, I decided it was time to turn up the heat on the potty training. We hadn't really been pushing the issue and he wasn't at all interested. Fast forward one week later.
We've only had 2 accidents the whole week and he has filled up his entire sticker chart and we're going to start another one.
One night this week, he wanted to go every 30 minutes just so he could put another Lightning McQueen sticker on the chart.
I'm so proud of my little man...one weekend and Austin has turned into a big boy! What a great Mother's Day gift that was.
One week ago today, I decided it was time to turn up the heat on the potty training. We hadn't really been pushing the issue and he wasn't at all interested. Fast forward one week later.
We've only had 2 accidents the whole week and he has filled up his entire sticker chart and we're going to start another one.
One night this week, he wanted to go every 30 minutes just so he could put another Lightning McQueen sticker on the chart.
I'm so proud of my little man...one weekend and Austin has turned into a big boy! What a great Mother's Day gift that was.
5.09.2009
Laps, Legends, & Legacy
For the last eight years, we have spent the first weekend in May in Indianapolis for the mini-marathon. It has become an annual event that we started before we had children and now the kids enjoy spending the weekend there just as much as we do.
Just over a week ago, Jon completed his 8th 13.1 mile run. This year he was plagued with a bulging disc in his back, so he wasn't able to run as much as he would have liked, but he completed it and I'm so proud of him!
He was joined this year by my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andy. I, personally, have walked the mini-marathon four times, but now enjoy watching all of the action from the sidelines with the kiddos.
35,000 participants and their spectators take over the downtown area and it's amazing what sort of planning must go into this event. I thought I'd share some of the sights that we saw on that Saturday morning.
There is a good chance that if you drink a lot of Gatorade...
and eat several bananas...
You may just need to find one of these along the way!
With our cow bells in hand, we waited to see if we could catch of glimpse of Daddy as he ran past, but we must have missed him since he was running so fast :) The kids and I spent time at the hotel having a wonderful breakfast and swimming in the pool while we waited for Daddy to finish.
The other exciting thing that we get to do on that first weekend in May every year is celebrate birthdays!!
We were able to get together with our very good friends and celebrate 5 birthdays! Brad, Stacey, & I all have the same birthday and Kerri's is just one week before. Brad & Stacey's Dad was also in town and had a birthday within that week, too.
Our kids enjoyed playing together and the adults had a great time visiting with each other as well. As we drive home every year, we talk about how much fun we would all have if we lived closer together and Jon is usually on the computer looking for our next house by the end of the night.
Another successful mini-weekend and we're already looking forward to next year. Jon says next year will be his best time ever and that the training starts next week (Ha-that's a joke, he says that every year!)
Just over a week ago, Jon completed his 8th 13.1 mile run. This year he was plagued with a bulging disc in his back, so he wasn't able to run as much as he would have liked, but he completed it and I'm so proud of him!
He was joined this year by my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andy. I, personally, have walked the mini-marathon four times, but now enjoy watching all of the action from the sidelines with the kiddos.
35,000 participants and their spectators take over the downtown area and it's amazing what sort of planning must go into this event. I thought I'd share some of the sights that we saw on that Saturday morning.
There is a good chance that if you drink a lot of Gatorade...
and eat several bananas...
You may just need to find one of these along the way!
With our cow bells in hand, we waited to see if we could catch of glimpse of Daddy as he ran past, but we must have missed him since he was running so fast :) The kids and I spent time at the hotel having a wonderful breakfast and swimming in the pool while we waited for Daddy to finish.
The other exciting thing that we get to do on that first weekend in May every year is celebrate birthdays!!
We were able to get together with our very good friends and celebrate 5 birthdays! Brad, Stacey, & I all have the same birthday and Kerri's is just one week before. Brad & Stacey's Dad was also in town and had a birthday within that week, too.
Our kids enjoyed playing together and the adults had a great time visiting with each other as well. As we drive home every year, we talk about how much fun we would all have if we lived closer together and Jon is usually on the computer looking for our next house by the end of the night.
Another successful mini-weekend and we're already looking forward to next year. Jon says next year will be his best time ever and that the training starts next week (Ha-that's a joke, he says that every year!)
4.14.2009
Highlight of the Night
Last night's bedtime conversation:
Avery: "Mommy, I'm in charge of my room, right?"
Me: "Yes, I suppose so"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my Barbie house, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my closet, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "Is Austin the boss of his room?"
Me: "Well, actually it is his room, but I wouldn't say that you or he are the boss. Mommy and Daddy own the whole house, so we really are the bosses."
LONG PAUSE
Avery: "Well, Congratulations!" (in a slightly sarcastic tone while reaching over and patting me on the shoulder)
I couldn't stop giggling!
Avery: "Mommy, I'm in charge of my room, right?"
Me: "Yes, I suppose so"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my Barbie house, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "I'm in charge of my closet, right?"
Me: "Right"
Avery: "Is Austin the boss of his room?"
Me: "Well, actually it is his room, but I wouldn't say that you or he are the boss. Mommy and Daddy own the whole house, so we really are the bosses."
LONG PAUSE
Avery: "Well, Congratulations!" (in a slightly sarcastic tone while reaching over and patting me on the shoulder)
I couldn't stop giggling!
4.13.2009
2.16.2009
I'm Taking A Break...
...from blogging.
I need a little separation from the blog these days.
Work has been so busy lately, I want to enjoy time with the family after I get home from work, and I'm too tired to think up creative things to share with the blogging world once everyone has gone to bed.
So like the groundhog..I'm going into hiding for another 6 weeks or so, until Spring comes and renews the senses!
Be well!
I need a little separation from the blog these days.
Work has been so busy lately, I want to enjoy time with the family after I get home from work, and I'm too tired to think up creative things to share with the blogging world once everyone has gone to bed.
So like the groundhog..I'm going into hiding for another 6 weeks or so, until Spring comes and renews the senses!
Be well!
1.28.2009
Forever Friends
Last weekend, I was able to slip away to the city for a Girls Night Out (or G.N.O., for you Hannah Montana fans!)
We've all known each other for a long time, but the time we spent together during our Chicago adventure has brought us even closer. Imagine what can be accomplished through nearly 30 hours of uninterrupted conversation with your gal pals!
We rode the train downtown and made our way to Michigan Avenue for some retail therapy, followed up with some dinner and then headed back to the hotel. We enjoyed girly things, like painting our fingernails, celebrity gossip magazines, and a bottle of Easley Wine (thanks Tommy!)
Then we got all dressed up and headed out for some excercise, or dancing.
A fun time was had by all and the time went by way too quickly. We've already promised to make this an annual trip. You can visit Stacey or Jamie's blogs for more fun pictures from our adventures.
Thanks, girlies, for a great trip. The next one can't come soon enough!
We've all known each other for a long time, but the time we spent together during our Chicago adventure has brought us even closer. Imagine what can be accomplished through nearly 30 hours of uninterrupted conversation with your gal pals!
We rode the train downtown and made our way to Michigan Avenue for some retail therapy, followed up with some dinner and then headed back to the hotel. We enjoyed girly things, like painting our fingernails, celebrity gossip magazines, and a bottle of Easley Wine (thanks Tommy!)
Then we got all dressed up and headed out for some excercise, or dancing.
A fun time was had by all and the time went by way too quickly. We've already promised to make this an annual trip. You can visit Stacey or Jamie's blogs for more fun pictures from our adventures.
Thanks, girlies, for a great trip. The next one can't come soon enough!
1.15.2009
Food Drop 2009
Each year, our church (via the Christmas Offering) buys semi-trucks filled with boxes of food and personal care items from Feed the Children.
The boxes go out to several local food banks and neighborhoods in the city where we live. It's awesome to see our money going to local people that need help so badly, especially during these trying times.
We've always given to our Christmas offering, but haven't participated in the actual Food Drop festivities.
Last Saturday morning, Avery and I bundled up and headed to church to help load the trucks. What an awesome ministry! It was freezing out and the snow was flying, but nearly 2,000 people showed up to volunteer.
We stood in lines and passed boxes person by person, unloading 4 semi trailers into 12 smaller trucks that were headed out into the community.
I'm so glad that Avery and I were able to experience it together. I'm hoping that it will be something that we continue every year going forward.
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