After 2 1/2 days of driving we have finally arrived at our spring break destination! Thursday night we stayed in Louisville, KY. We awoke very early Friday for a departure time of 5 a.m. The kids were able to fall back to sleep after a small fruit breakfast in the car. The ENTIRE drive through Kentucky was what I can only describe as a "torrential downpour"! Since we got through Atlanta well before rush hour and without any traffic problems, we decided to find a park for the kids to play at before our second stop in Perry, GA. Keith was having fun running around while Addy stuck to her ever-favorite swings. He found a great tree stump to climb on but after only playing on it for a few minutes I heard him casually state "um...mommy...I have ants on my pants!" I run over to him and see his red sweat pants FULL of biting ants and then notice they were all over his shoes, socks and some on his shirt. I had to strip him down naked because there were too many to brush off! He was laughing and only suffered 2 bites in total, a complete miracle considering the huge numbers of them on him!
In our hotel in Georgia we decided to clean the kids up. Being a microbe-phobe, Brian refused to let the kids sit in the tub to get cleaned up, so they switched out taking a shower with me. After washing Addison, I needed to shave my legs and then we were done. As I was turning off the water, Addison shouted "Wait, Mommy!! You forgot to shave MY legs!" I laughed and assured her that she didn't have to worry about doing that for many years!
The entire trip was not too bad as I had enough books, movies, music, puzzles, games, crafts and toys to possibly last an entire trip around the world! I will admit the last 2 hours were pretty torturous for all. We were anxious to get to the beach and tired of the car! We made it in time to jump the waves, play in the sand, save a beached jellyfish, and rinse off in the pool for a little bit. Now we sit in our room listening to the waves crash...
Sorry no pics until I return home!
Until next blog,
Jen
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter weekend pics
We had a wonderful Easter weekend, despite the cooler temperatures!! Saturday we went to an Easter Egg Hunt with Nana, Uncle Buck, and the Meyers. Later we had Nana and Uncle Buck over for a yummy meal followed by egg coloring. Sunday everyone got all fancied up in their new Easter attire and went to a very crowded church. Then we headed up north to celebrate with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Alex and Gretchen. We were all pooped in the end!!!
Easter egg hunt...
Here's Addy with the bunny...Trevon poses as "stand-in brother"
Coloring Easter Eggs
Rushing to make it to the 9 a.m. church service...the kids have had a few pieces of candy...I have had no caffeine...here is the succession of pictures we get:
We decide we need to hop in the pic in hopes of better picture outcome!
After a long day and lots of food, the kids get silly...
Hope everyone had a good holiday!
Until next blog,
Jen
Easter egg hunt...
Here's Addy with the bunny...Trevon poses as "stand-in brother"
Coloring Easter Eggs
Rushing to make it to the 9 a.m. church service...the kids have had a few pieces of candy...I have had no caffeine...here is the succession of pictures we get:
We decide we need to hop in the pic in hopes of better picture outcome!
After a long day and lots of food, the kids get silly...
Hope everyone had a good holiday!
Until next blog,
Jen
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday
Last night the kids and I went to church for a special night learning about the Stations of the Cross. Brian was with his boss in Louisville so, sadly, he missed it. The different stations played upon many of our senses so that we could try to understand the horrifying experience that Jesus had the day that he was crucified. The crudeness and gore of it, as was also represented in Mel Gibson's "The Passion", is often passed over so that we don't truly understand how much Jesus went through for US. The best way to summarize my thoughts on what I learned last night was using a line from a song..."Amazing Love! How could it be that you, my God, would die for me?"
While I was doing the "adult" stations of the cross, the kids were going through their own kid-friendly version. They received a little tote bag to bring home different things that represented the stations. Afterward, at home, I went through these things with the kids. There was a pipe cleaner crown of thorns, a nail, a cross with red marker on it to represent the blood of Jesus, etc. The last thing I pulled out were two small candy eggs with a cross on it. I asked "and what do these represent?" to which Addy replied "CHOCOLATE!!!".
Finally, for your viewing pleasure, here is a very cool video that they showed in church last Sunday. I urge you to take some time today to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.
Until next blog,
Jen
While I was doing the "adult" stations of the cross, the kids were going through their own kid-friendly version. They received a little tote bag to bring home different things that represented the stations. Afterward, at home, I went through these things with the kids. There was a pipe cleaner crown of thorns, a nail, a cross with red marker on it to represent the blood of Jesus, etc. The last thing I pulled out were two small candy eggs with a cross on it. I asked "and what do these represent?" to which Addy replied "CHOCOLATE!!!".
Finally, for your viewing pleasure, here is a very cool video that they showed in church last Sunday. I urge you to take some time today to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.
Until next blog,
Jen
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Purses
In case any of you missed this on yahoo's page today, I thought this was a pretty funny video about purses. I'd like to dedicate it to my Aunt Brenda who, for as long as I can remember, has had more purses than I currently have shoes!!
Currently, I'm carrying one of those info-mercial Buxton bags (purchased for me by my Aunt Brenda!!). At first, I must say, I was a little sad because the handle started pulling out of it. But, thanks to my handy-dandy sewing kit that I carry with me at all times, I was able to fix that in a jiffy. I'm definitely that first purse-onality, and yes, I could MacGyver any of ya'll out of jail with the contents of my purse!!
So, I'm dying to know...what is your purse-onality??? Come on Ray...you know you carry a European carry-all...now fess up!
Until next blog,
Jen
Currently, I'm carrying one of those info-mercial Buxton bags (purchased for me by my Aunt Brenda!!). At first, I must say, I was a little sad because the handle started pulling out of it. But, thanks to my handy-dandy sewing kit that I carry with me at all times, I was able to fix that in a jiffy. I'm definitely that first purse-onality, and yes, I could MacGyver any of ya'll out of jail with the contents of my purse!!
So, I'm dying to know...what is your purse-onality??? Come on Ray...you know you carry a European carry-all...now fess up!
Until next blog,
Jen
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Up from the blog she arose...
Yes, indeed. Its been a long time and I know it! Excuses? The camera broke, the computer went berserk, kids were puking and pooping out the wazoo, and I simply had the blogging blahs. But I think I've finally gotten back my energy to type all about the mundane details of our families life for my blog fans everywhere.
Currently, Addy lays on the couch still a little weak from a GI disturbance. She's definitely on the mend, but I decided to keep her home from school because I didn't think it would do much for her self-esteem if she accidentally pooped her pants.
Ever her faithful sidekick, Keith hangs close by just in case she perks up and wants to play for a few minutes. (sort of like a little puppy, don't you think?) Here he is with his Mary Lou Retton milk chin, which would only make sense to those of you who were old enough to become enamoured with her following her 1984 Olympic performances. (Brittany, Kira...were you even born yet???)
We have taken full advantage of any good weather that comes our way to get out of the prison, I mean house, that we've been held captive in for the last couple of months. Unfortunately, with above-freezing temperatures, also comes melting ice which, when mixed with dirt, becomes mud. Here are some picks of the kids playing with army men in the ice-slush-muddiness of our back yard.
In a few weeks, we are preparing to head south for another relaxing week in Florida. This year we decided to drive instead of fly. This will also give us practice for when we make the drive East for Aunt Beth's wedding. I'm a little concerned that Keith may come away from these excursions with scoliosis...
Until next blog,
Jen
Currently, Addy lays on the couch still a little weak from a GI disturbance. She's definitely on the mend, but I decided to keep her home from school because I didn't think it would do much for her self-esteem if she accidentally pooped her pants.
Ever her faithful sidekick, Keith hangs close by just in case she perks up and wants to play for a few minutes. (sort of like a little puppy, don't you think?) Here he is with his Mary Lou Retton milk chin, which would only make sense to those of you who were old enough to become enamoured with her following her 1984 Olympic performances. (Brittany, Kira...were you even born yet???)
We have taken full advantage of any good weather that comes our way to get out of the prison, I mean house, that we've been held captive in for the last couple of months. Unfortunately, with above-freezing temperatures, also comes melting ice which, when mixed with dirt, becomes mud. Here are some picks of the kids playing with army men in the ice-slush-muddiness of our back yard.
In a few weeks, we are preparing to head south for another relaxing week in Florida. This year we decided to drive instead of fly. This will also give us practice for when we make the drive East for Aunt Beth's wedding. I'm a little concerned that Keith may come away from these excursions with scoliosis...
Until next blog,
Jen
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Is there a little resemblance?
First of all, I would like to take a second and brag. Today was one of those days (well, at least until about 7 pm )when my kids were the best kids ever! We ran several errands today and even ran late into their naptimes. They didn't utter one whine, there were no temper tantrums, they shared with each other...heck, they even ate ALL their lunch and didn't ask for their dessert until they were finished. And at naptime, they went straight to sleep, even ADDY!! I would like to think of it as their early Valentine's Day present to me. As we all know though, life like this doesn't last and they are currently screaming and splashing bucketfuls of water out of the bathtub. But for a small moment in time, I had it good!
Anyway, I digress. One of our errands today was to go to JCPenney and pick up Addy's 4 year old pictures. When we were reviewing the proofs, my mom made the comment "she looks just like you did in your 4-year pictures". Well, I thought it would be interesting to see how true this statement was so, I just dug out my picture. See for yourself.
And, just so they don't feel left out, here are pics of Brian and Keith. Although they definitely are related, I don't they they are quite as clone-ish as Addy and myself.
Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!
Until next blog,
Jen
Anyway, I digress. One of our errands today was to go to JCPenney and pick up Addy's 4 year old pictures. When we were reviewing the proofs, my mom made the comment "she looks just like you did in your 4-year pictures". Well, I thought it would be interesting to see how true this statement was so, I just dug out my picture. See for yourself.
And, just so they don't feel left out, here are pics of Brian and Keith. Although they definitely are related, I don't they they are quite as clone-ish as Addy and myself.
Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!
Until next blog,
Jen
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
Is anyone else in disbelief that it is already time for lent?? Yes, all my blog-followers, today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent. Growing up in the United Methodist church, my family always observed this pre-Easter season and, even though now I attend a non-denominational church, we still observe it. This year I'm going to use lent as a spring-board to give up/decrease significantly my intake of coke. This is not the first time I've given soft drinks up for lent. Ray, do you remember that year that you tortured me by drinking pop in front of me every chance you got??? I still have mental scars from it, but I'm hoping this is the year I succeed in breaking this habit that causes me to consume so much refined sugar. I would love to hear what you might be doing for lent, if you observe it!!
Here is a summary of lent, for those of you who need it:
Lent is a season of the Christian year when people are invited to simplify their lives to focus on their relationship with God in Christ.
Where does the concept of Lent come from?
At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus hiked into the wilderness. Maybe he needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he was searching for direction and answers. Maybe he needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God, and himself, more clearly. For whatever reason, Jesus retreated into the wilderness for forty days to fast and pray. While he was there, he was tempted by Satan and found the strength to make some tough decisions. He also found clarity about God and what kind of person God wanted him to be.
What does Lent have to do with me?
It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of work, school, relationships, and family. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol or other things. We run from silence because we're afraid of being alone with God. So, like Jesus, we need to take some serious time to pray and figure out where God is in our lives, and where God is calling us to serve. We need to re-focus our lives to be more in line with God.
How do Christians celebrate Lent?
It's different in different traditions. But generally it's a time to return to Christ by cutting out all that distracts us. For some people that means giving up something like candy, TV, soft drinks, beer, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. Others take something on and collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to help children, or decide to be kind to someone they don't like. Whatever "stuff" is given up or taken on, the intent must be to draw us closer to Christ. Lent is a resolution to simplify our lives, and to return to the One who loves us -- Jesus.
Until next blog,
soda-free jen
Here is a summary of lent, for those of you who need it:
Lent is a season of the Christian year when people are invited to simplify their lives to focus on their relationship with God in Christ.
Where does the concept of Lent come from?
At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus hiked into the wilderness. Maybe he needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he was searching for direction and answers. Maybe he needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God, and himself, more clearly. For whatever reason, Jesus retreated into the wilderness for forty days to fast and pray. While he was there, he was tempted by Satan and found the strength to make some tough decisions. He also found clarity about God and what kind of person God wanted him to be.
What does Lent have to do with me?
It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of work, school, relationships, and family. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol or other things. We run from silence because we're afraid of being alone with God. So, like Jesus, we need to take some serious time to pray and figure out where God is in our lives, and where God is calling us to serve. We need to re-focus our lives to be more in line with God.
How do Christians celebrate Lent?
It's different in different traditions. But generally it's a time to return to Christ by cutting out all that distracts us. For some people that means giving up something like candy, TV, soft drinks, beer, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. Others take something on and collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to help children, or decide to be kind to someone they don't like. Whatever "stuff" is given up or taken on, the intent must be to draw us closer to Christ. Lent is a resolution to simplify our lives, and to return to the One who loves us -- Jesus.
Until next blog,
soda-free jen
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