Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cousin Time


Asher and Janna
I just love this picture!

Potty Training


Simon is doing great potty training. Someday, like Sunday we went through 5 underwear and three pull ups, but all BM, he consistently peed in the potty. There are times like over Thanksgiving where he didn't use the potty once. (He also had leaking ears and wasn't feeling well.) We still have to convince him to try and go, he doesn't go / try willing the first time you ask. We are making progress though.

( Since I can't post how cute he looks in his underwear-this picture will have to do.)

Thanksgiving Trip

We had a great time with Family over Thanksgiving. We left Wednesday afternoon for Chantilly, VA. It was about a 9.5 hour drive. We stopped in Berkley for the night at a very nice Fairfield Inn. The hotel looked brand new. The rooms were decorated very nicely and the beds were very comfortable. We took the kids for a quick swim when we got there around 8:30pm. They had a great time. The hotel had a great hot breakfast so we left happy and full Thursday. We drove another 4 hours and got to Aaron and Christina's house about 12:30pm. The meal was delicious and was good to see everyone. Isaac's parents were there already. We didn't unpack the car until late that evening so I have no pictures of Thanksgiving day.
Friday morning we had a lazy morning, then we finally decided to go to a Tree farm and picnic and play. We stopped for subs but also some roasted hotdogs over the fire. There was a boat/ark playground the kids loved. There were also teepees and log cabins and a petting zoo. Although we had many chickens having a picnic with us. We waiting over an hour for a hayride that never showed up. Aaron and Christina got there first Christmas Tree as a family. Their kids has never had one before. It made me realized how blessed we are to have one every year, no matter what. We got lights on it and it looked great. Simon and Janna kept asking for ornaments, because we have a huge box full, but I had to explain to them that they didn't have any ornaments. That early evening Awesome Aunt Christina made a Gingerbread house kit with all four older kids. I admire her patience.
Aaron and Christina had a great playroom downstairs full of toys, and backyard with a small trampoline that the kids like. Janna tried Aaliyah scooter when we first got there and started to get the hang of it. Across from their house they had a playground with a climbing wall that Janna loved. Pawpaw took Simon a little farther to a lake with geese. The kids loved playing together. They even slept in the same room and overall did really well.
Saturday morning we went to the battlefield of Manassas after a pancake breakfast. We went a small hike in a open field with a cannons. The kids had a great time running around. When we got back we packed up the car and headed home. Isaac pulled through and drove all the way home. We stopped at Bob Evans for dinner. We got home at midnight on Saturday. We took Sunday to rest.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Good Behavior


We are trying a new technique. Good Behavior Rocks. For every time Janna and Simon listen the first time and do something good a rock is given to them. Then when full they can pick out a prize. For very bad behavior a rock is taken away.

Janna is doing very well. Simon is still having a very bad time at bed time, so his isn't filling up as fast. This is working out easier and better than the sticker chart so far.

Veteran Day Parade


We went to the Veteran Day Parade and the kids each got a bag full of candy. Simon didn't like the noise, he also had and ear infection too.

Thank you to all those who serve and protect our country.

Date Day

Janna has been wanting her old teacher Ms.Alison to come babysit her for a long time and we finally found a time that worked for all of us.
Isaac and I went on a date this Saturday.
It started with these beautiful flowers....

Then we saw....


It was awesome. We had a great time and the movie the was great. Now we have to wait another year until we can see the second part and the end of the series.

Thanks to my awesome husband who takes me to these chick flicks and loves me so much!

Natural Bridge

Two weekends ago we went to Natural Bridge on Saturday to hang out with my parents. We had a good time. The kids played on a playground and explored. There were fun wiggly bridges and the weather was perfect.
It took us longer to get there than we thought, probably due to stopping for gas, then Chic-fi-lia at lunch hour was crazy but delicious and the kids ate all of it, then another bathroom stop. Since we left Molly at home we had a time limit.
We had dinner at the lodge there that over looked a beautiful view. The kids had a wonderful with Grandma and Grandpa.
We attempted a family shot but it didn't work out as you see below, but we tried. Here are some pictures of the day.Neither one will work for a Christmas card but I wanted to show proof we are trying and it is Simon's fault.Simon's foot got stuck in the swing because of his boots and yes it took all three of us to get him out of the swing. It was quite a sight!The above two pictures are on the fun wiggle bridge. It shows the kids personalities. Simon bravely runs for it and Janna tentatively holding on to me and being brave to try it. She ended up really liking it.Pictures of them playing. See how they avoid the camera.I love this one and just had to include it. She was laughing so hard playing with pawpaw. Remembering moments like these are the best. I hear her little laugh everytime I look at this picture.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Yummy dinner


I found this recipe on pinterest and it was great!
Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Beautiful and thankful

I am very lucky to love my job and a bonus is this just out the front door. Every Fall I get to enjoy this scene. Thank you Lord for all you have made!

Yellow Leaves





Last year I missed getting pictures in the yellow leaves. This although there weren't as many yet, we took some pictures and played. It was a good time. Afterwards we out for pizza and just had fun together as a family. I am so blessed to have these two in my life. It is not always easy but it is always worth it.

These are the moments

Moments like these are my favorite. The ones I want to remember. The time we spend together as a family, doing activities together are so important. I prefer to do things together, like go to the zoo, rather than gifts or items. These free and simple moments are the best!
Moments like the one below show me how blessed I am and how I am so lucky that God gave me a loving family.

Haircut



I got my hair cut last week and donated it to Pantene Beauty Length - 8 inches!

All about Simon

Simon doesn't want his hair cut. When you ask why, he says pointing to his hair...this Simon. Not Simon if cut hair. It was a huge battle last time so at this point he will stay Simon and we continue to wait on a hair cut.

Simon is loving to cuddle to with his Daddy in the morning while he watches cartoons and drinks his orange juice. It is the sweetest thing to watch.

He is doing great with potty training and is in all pull ups now. Yeah Simon. He is getting there.

He is talking so much now, it is fun just listening.

Simon loves his spiderman and batman toys. We got books from the library and we have read batman and spiderman every night now.

Putting coats and socks on in the morning are still daily battles but the mornings have gotten a lot better.

Simon loves his snow boots, and wear them often.

Simon refuses to let you take a picture of him.

He currently has an ear infection...prior to finding this out, he told us at dinner one night in a very loud voice, I can't hear my voice...hello? It was so cute. That night a big hunk of wax came out one hear and the other ear started leaking yucky stuff. Then before bed he said, " I have a voice." So cute.

Simon is hugging more too.

Simon's eye squint up when he does his cheesy grin:)

His hugs can make anyone smile. When Simon hugs me I can picture the arms of God wrapping around me letting me know it will all be okay.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Treats on Main



We came home with buckets full of candy and the kids had a great time. We saw many friends downtown and it reminded us of how much we love this community.
Funny note to remember: we had to cut the wig to get it on Janna's head

Simon was sick

Around 4pm Sunday, Simon started to complain his head hurt. We gave him some medicine, but we could tell he wasn't feeling well. Before bed we took his temperature and it was bit high.
When he woke up on Monday he still was a little warm but very puny and crying he was sick. Around 8:30 am on Monday a little after I called in sick, Simon threw up on me and then again in the bathroom. He then napped on top of me while we laid on the couch. We watched a lot of cartoons. Our new favorite Shaun the Sheep. He attempted to play for a little bit but gave up and we rested again on the couch. Around 4 he started perking up, so we went and picked up Janna from school. He was still whiny and pale and refused to eat anything but was overall better.

We gave him the choice to go to treat on main. At first he said no but then changed his mind. Afterwards he finally ate a bagel and starting to feel a lot better. He was not happy about returning to school.

I don't think he is 100% better but he is getting there. It is hard to tell if he is feeling better between all the tantrums he is throwing. Pray for our patience. :)

Weekend




We had a nice weekend together as a family. Saturday morning we all did some much needed cleaning of the house. Even Molly got a bath:) Then the bathroom and tub got cleaned. Isaac helped out a lot and afterwards it was so nice to walk around and look at the clean rooms.

We took a trip Walmart to get some items we needed. We stopped at the library for books and movies. Then came back and had Pizza snowballs and watched a movie. It was nice day.

Sunday morning I had nursery duty. Then we went to Firehouse subs. Simon had a big meltdown and it was not fun at all but the food was great as usual. Then we came home and attempted naps, but the kids didn't fall asleep but they did rest. Then we went to Sarah Y. birthday celebration of cake and ice cream. Janna had a wonderful time. We ended up staying and having pizza with her family. The boys watched football and Misty and I talked while the kids played.

It was a fun evening and we got home in time for regular bed time.