Orgaments

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

This morning Jade was asking if she could put a little tree I have as extra decoration in her room. I said sure and she then asked if she could put her special orgaments on it. I asked, what are they called, just to hear it again, and she said (seriously) orgaments. Too funny. I think I'll let her say that for a while before I tell her it's ornaments. 

We're all doing great. We're healthy and really enjoying the season. A friend changed my outlook of winter about 3 years ago now by telling me that she thought of winter as "cozy". It's amazing what one word can do because ever since then I just bundle up and enjoy. There are days but for the most part I am not the terrible witch all season long like I used to be . . . Gary's now taken up that role! ha! I can't blame him though if I had to work outside in it everyday I'd probably hate it too.

This week at school Jade is the "quality kid" which means she gets to do special tasks and a poster all about her was hung up. We put the pictures from the wedding on it and she couldn't wait to show everyone! The question what's your favorite animal - a dog. What's your favorite thing to do - watch TV and play with my toys. Favorite color - blue. What do you want to be when you grow up - a horse rider lady. Now today I'm going to read a book to her class. It's one she got from the advent calendar I've been doing this year. . .A Merry Marley Christmas. About a naughty dog. She loves it. And I'm going to surprise her by having lunch with her today. 

I'm counting down the days until we leave for Florida! I can't wait!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

More pictures of Jade and Gary and myself at the wedding! Thanks to Melissa for sending me these photos.

Our life is incredibly blessed. Not only do we have food, shelter, clothes and jobs . . . the basics. We have been given much more. An amazing family who is supportive and strong. We are surrounded by the love of family near and far and friends that are near and far. 

Speaking of friends, I have made some of the dearest friends in my life in the last year as well as strengthened long time friendships. . . for a girl who had never lived anywhere more than 3 to 4 years these friendships are a treasure more than anyone can understand. Thank you to all the girlfriends who have blessed my life.

I am blessed to be able to do what I love which is take care of my family as well as pursue other interests and this all thanks to an amazing husband. He is not only HOT! Ha! He's a hard worker who would do and does do anything for his girls! This is something I don't know that I've told a lot of people but I started praying for my husband when I was very young. I did it quietly in my thoughts. I don't know why or how I thought to do this but those prayers paid off because I have been given an amazing partner, friend and love to spend the rest of my life with. 

 As I sit hear and try to find the words to express how grateful I am for all I have in my life,  my cup runneth over . . . seriously when we change the focus from the negative to the positive and blessing . . . it becomes all you see and you realize that your life is better than you ever dreamed possible. I give all the glory to God. He is teaching me that if I come to him with praise and thanksgiving, even in the tough times, He in return (no matter what's happening in my life) will give me PEACE and an underlying JOY that I don't know how to express in words.

Happy Thanksgiving! I love you.

Jade at the Costume Parade

Monday, November 17, 2008

Sorry not a very good movie - kind of blurry! Can you hear me!? I wanted to make sure Jade knew we came to see her!

Major Slacking

Hi - sorry it's been so long since I've written. Have I said this a few million times on this blog already?. . .I can't believe how fast time goes! Next week is THANKSGIVING! What?! Yeah, that's right - the "Holidays" are here! I'm dazed.

Jade and I went to the Old Log Theater with her class today to see the Elves and the Shoemaker. Very cute little play. As we were watching Jade started to get antsy and was moving the squeaky, movie theater like seat back and forth. It was apparently annoying and one of the volunteers from her class said "Jade!" and she immediately stopped. I was embarrassed because I didn't even notice it. Oops! After the play Mrs. Olstad wanted to take pictures of the kids with the cast and just the way Jade looked at them and would have no part pictures - I'm sure she was thinking "not with those weirdo's." 

Well Jade's getting off the bus. Just wanted to put something down. I'll try and upload the little movie of her walking in her costume at the School parade. Ha! nothing like putting photo's and movies on from a month ago. . . . okay check back.

Happy Harvest!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Okay so I'm not a big fan of "Haloween" I don't like all the scary, evil stuff. Dressing up is fun and I only wish there was another reason to do it! Tonight we are going to our Church's version of Trick or Treating and it's called Trunk or Treat. Everyone will back their cars in and open their decorated trunks and the kids go from trunk to trunk for their treats! No scary nothin'! We haven't been to this before but I'm really looking forward to it. Sounds like afterwards the youth band plays and everyone rocks out. 

Jade went to school in her costume today. They've been practicing Halloween songs for a month or more now and they went to an retirement community home to sing. How cute! Later at the school there is a Halloween costumer parade. I'll get pictures. Jade was so excited to be a dragon again this year. And I'm beside myself thrilled because it didn't cost us anything . . . it's the same costume she wore last year! woohoo! Wonder if we can get away with that a third year in a row?! Ha!

Okay now for pictures of the wedding we attended last Saturday. Everyone had a grand time and Jade pretty much thought the entire day was about her - sorry Melissa! It was great . . . I just love weddings and all they stand for . . .  family, new beginnings, life, good times and sticking through the bad. Melissa and Lincoln make a beautiful couple . . . but I guess I was a bit obsessed with taking pictures of Jade because I have none of them. OOps! That's why they hired a professional. Oh and wait until I get the copies of and share the pictures the pros took . . . tears! So here's our girl - she looks so beautiful. Makes my heart hurt. We are blessed.

Jade took it upon herself to sign the guest book!

Her signiture! I couldn't stand it - I have never seen her sign her name like this before. She knew it was special book. So cool!

Oh ya, Gary was in the wedding too. Isn't he handsome!

The back of her dress

And I have to add this little video shot of Jade after the wedding! Such a happy kid! When she asks oh so patiently (not!) "where are they?" She asking about Uncle Dean, Aunt LeeAnn, Whitney and Gracie who she was going to have a sleep over with after the reception. Thanks for hanging with her guys! Gary and I had a (much needed) fun evening.

And quickly - Ellie's back in the hospital. Pray for a quick recovery and this nasty cold plaguing every GOES AWAY! 

Cold Season

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Cold season is here and I have my first one. I'm sure I caught it from my darling daughter, who, thank God, seems to be getting over hers. Last Wednesday I volunteered in her class for a few hours and it sounded a little bit like I was sitting in an urgent care waiting room. All the sniffles, coughing and sneezing. How do teachers stay healthy?

Gary is in the process of avoiding me like the plague. I think if it weren't so far to drive he'd go stay with his parents when we're sick. It's kind of funny because he walks way around me to avoid even being in the same air space. I'm not going to complain though! It gets me out of having to do things! Hee, Hee! 

This is a funny picture of Gary attempting to do Jades hair last Saturday. I had to show him how to use a hair binder of all things!

Alrighty, I'm off to take an Epsom salt bath and go to bed. 

Don't forget to check in on Ellie . . . it sounds like she did well and God is being glorified in many ways. I know I don't have to ask but it makes me feel better to do so. . . please continue to pray boldly. If you wouldn't mind throwing up a few prayers for my cold and glum mood that'd be appreciated too. We have a big weekend coming up and I want to be at my best!

Pikin' Punkins

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Here's a movie of Jade out picking pumpkins - kind of goes back to an entry from below. 

Make sure to read down a few entries - I did a lot tonight! And I'm saving some for later. ;>)