Saturday, July 31, 2010

Weekend with family

Last weekend, my in-laws (and brothers Jacob and Jared) came in town.  We got to spend some great quality time with them eating out, playing at our house, swimming, and celebrating Lilly's 2nd birthday.

Lilly's birthday party was at a local pizza play land and the kids all had a great time.  They both rode their first mini roller coaster with Mommy and had lots of fun playing games with Daddy and Jared and climbing in tunnels.  JG and Ava also loved played with 2nd cousins Stephan and Analese.

We all LOVED our time with Nonnie, Pop, Jacob and Jared and wished they lived right around the corner.  In fact, every time we were getting in the car separate from Nonnie and Pop, Ava would say "Come to our house to play?"  Pop became her buddy this weekend and she was happy to follow him around.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Scissors and a 3 year old...

You know how all mom's dread their daughters getting a pair of scissors and cutting their hair.... mine did worse.  She cut a 4-5in. chunk of hair out of MY ponytail!!  I was in need of a little trim, but I guess I'll be getting a new style today instead :)

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Summer happenings

I'm on a blogging kick tonight, so I thought I'd journal a few other things the kids have been up to this summer.  This post is for me so I can remember a few things that I'm sure I'll forget.  For example, JG and Ava took semi-private swimming lessons this summer from an incredible teacher.  In 4 short lessons, JG learned how to jump off the side and swim underwater with goggles all the way across the pool.  He definitely has a long way to go before becoming a proficient swimmer, but he made so much progress this summer and I am so proud.  When I was able to sneak a peek at the lessons, I especially enjoyed watching Ava.  She did whatever the teacher asked when she was watching her, but when she wasn't, she was watching bugs in the pool and playing with toys.  She didn't learn to swim yet, but she now can jump off the side, turn around, and reach for the wall.  That's a good start.  I'm proud of her too!  
Also, a little ballet update from the last post, Ava now LOVES ballet.  Her first class was just an off day and she was so grumpy from getting woken up from her nap.  These last two classes, she's been on top of it.  Several of the mom's asked me if she'd taken classes before, and when I said no, they told me she was a natural.  They were amazed by how well she payed attention and followed the teachers directions.  It was fun to watch all those cute little girls in her class.  I would enjoy just sitting and watching every minute of it,  but I'm busy just trying to keep up with Adrian as he explores the rec center. 
Adrian, Adrian, that boy is busy!  Out of the 3, he is the busiest.  He is always moving and into something. These days, if there is a crayon to be found, he will find it and eat it... that and any other crumb on the kitchen floor as well.   Adrian is my easiest sleeper though.  He will lay right down in a pack'n'play and go to sleep anywhere (as long as he has a paci and blankie).  It's true what they say about 3rd children, they just go with the flow... Does anyone know what they about the 4th child??  Just curious.  Also, in the last month or so, Adrian has learned to nod yes and no and it is adorable.  It isn't a small slight nod of the head, he nods his head like he is trying to shake it right off his neck.  It makes me laugh every single time and I often find myself trying to think up stuff to ask him just to see him nod his head again!  Adrian is really enjoying starting to play with Ava and JG.  He's not just into their stuff anymore, he's got a purpose.  If they are playing chase, he is trailing behind and laughing.  If they are hiding, he's trying to hide with them.  The other day, I think I saw him throw his first little temper tantrum on the floor.... I'm not quite sure, because I just walked away and completely ignored it  :)  I haven't seen him try that since.  Oh-- and now, if I give him something different to each for lunch from what the kids or I have, he will fuss until he gets some too.  He has even started noticing if the kids having chocolate chips in their muffin and he doesn't.... Anyway, I love seeing his attempts at communication and all his other antics.  While most days over here are completely crazy, when I sit down to write a post, all I seem to think about are the good, fun, precious things.  Thank you Lord for all of those.  Keep them coming for they keep me sane!!  If anyone actually read this post, thanks, hoped you enjoyed my ramblings.  Please comment, I'm curious if anyone is still out there.  If no one is, that's fine too.... this is really for me :)

Ava turns 3!

Yesterday was Ava's 3rd birthday!  We didn't do anything too exciting to celebrate yesterday, but we had a pool party at my grandparent's house today.  I learned my lesson from years past and kept the party small.  A few friends, my grandparents, and all of us.  Small equaling only 20 people.  We had a lazy time by the pool and shared lunch together.  We had such a great time and I thank all of you that were able to celebrate with us and for my sweet grandparent's for their blessing us with a day in their pool paradise.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Happy Birthday Ava!

Happy 3rd birthday precious girl!  At 3 years old, you are a bubbly, friendly, girlie girl.  Your favorite things right now are your small stuffed puppy dog (named Meow), princess Snow White, puzzles and games, reading books, swimming, playing outside, and watching bugs (especially ants) crawl around.  You are SO independent and always want to do things all by yourself.  You are sweet to your brothers most of the time, but you definitely don't let either of them push you around.
We all love you so much Ava!  You are a light in our lives and you bring such joy to each day with your sweet smile and contagious laugh.  God has given you a sweet, kind, and generous spirit and we are thankful to Him for the gift we have in you.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Guitars wanted

A friend on mine has started a ministry on our local campus for international students.  He is offering them free guitar lessons and will be using this time as an opportunity to invest in relationships and share his love for Jesus.  If you have a guitar that you are not using and would be willing to donate it, please let me know (tax deduction available).  Students will be lent a guitar for their own use while they are students here.  When they graduate, if they desire, they will be given the opportunity to purchase the guitar for $125.  Just think, your guitar could end up in India, China, or many other places... and through your gift a student will get to hear David's story and his love for our precious Father.   Let me know if you can help  :)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

VBS Family Style!

Last week, our church has hosted a family VBS. JG enjoyed everything especially the games and snacks. The evening included worship in the auditorium, family devotion time, and games.  One of the kids activities was to carry a full water jug around the church just like the kids in Uganda do to bring water to their homes. The jugs weighed 21.5lbs and JG struggled to carry it. Jesse tried to see if he could balance it on his head like the children in Uganda do, but that didn't work either. Another activity/game was to smear icing all over one parents face and see how many cheerios your family could throw onto it. Of course, Jesse nominated me. The worship sessions focused on what is means be like Jesus through what we do and the way we think.  JG listened intently and asked a lot of questions.  I love that he came home from church singing some of the worship songs that we enjoy on Sunday.

Enjoy the pics: me pre-cheerios and JG with the water jug