a Day in the life: 08/01/2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Jam and Work

So, a few years back when Rob and I were living with his parents in Brier, my friend Sarah came over to help me make jam. It started a tradition that I now do with the two girls that I graduated in Family and Consumer Sciences with at WSU. Last year Sarah and Staci made the trek up to Lynden to see our new house and make jam. We made lots of it and had tons of fun! This year we planned to do it again, but circumstances were a little different. Sarah couldn't make it because of Justus' recent surgeries, so just Staci came. I woke up with one of the worst migraines I've ever had on jam day (throwing up...the works), but that didn't stop Staci. She somehow managed to take care of both of my kids in the morning until Lisa could come and pick up Jovie. Then she occupied Jack while making 6 batches of jam. It wasn't a very easy task, and she did badly burn her thumb, but it definitely wasn't anything she couldn't handle. Thanks Staci for everything you did for us, and I'm sorry I wasn't a better hostess. Sarah, you were greatly missed, but we're confident you'll be here next year! I'm already looking forward to Jam Fest 2010. Love you girls!

On a different note, today was my first day back to work. Students don't actually start school until Thursday, but it's back into full swing for us. I'm quite sad about being away from the kids again, but they are in good hands and it sure makes me thankful for every second I have with them.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Disneyland

Everyone had such a good time at Disneyland! Jack's highlights of the trip were Star Wars and Splash Mountain. I loved the Electrical Parade at California Adventure, and the character breakfast at Disneyland. Jovie loved It's a Small World, and the big waterfall at California Adventure. Rob loved the Soarin' Over California ride at California Adventure. Sara loved Space Mountain, although her highlight was probably spotting Tim Burton and Helena Bonham-Carter outside of the Alice in Wonderland ride at Disneyland. I don't know if Joe had a favorite ride, but he sure pushed Jovie around in the stroller a lot (Thanks!), and I think Cathy just enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. We loved this vacation. It was much needed for us, and of course, we can't wait to go back.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Clint Black

Yesterday my sisters, my mom, and I went to our local fair to see Clint Black. It was an amazing show! More than a decade ago (actually more like 15 years?), my mom took us girls down to the Puyallup Fair to see Clint Black. We loved it then, and loved it even more now. He's a great entertainer, and still looks and sounds great! It was a special evening. My mom presented us with the tickets on Christmas. She wrapped a framed family picture for each of us from Beth's wedding, and placed the ticket right on top. Soon after we all unwrapped them and realized what it was, Julie's next words were "Well, I guess I'll have to get a babysitter"...her way of telling us that she was pregnant. Needless to say, it was more than just a fun evening out with my favorite girls in the world! Thanks Beth for the picture, and thanks mom for always making everything so special!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Jack is 4!

Four years ago on August 5th, our first child, Jack, was born. He made his appearance 13 days late, forcing me through many hours of labor, and then ultimately a c-section. All of that unpleasantness was quickly forgotten when I held him for the first time. It was love at first sight. Now he's 4, is about to start his 2nd year of preschool, rarely lets me change his clothes or help in the bathroom anymore, and is becoming so independent and self-assured that he reminds me to calm down when I get too uptight. "Mom, just calm" he says.

A few months ago I asked Jack if I could read him my favorite book "I'll Love You Forever". It was my favorite book as a child, and is still my favorite book because my mom gifted it to me at the hospital on the day that Jack was born. When my mom used to read it to me, she would sing the words of the song with her own little made up tune (at least I think she made it up). I now do the same for Jack, and even though he's starting to get annoyed with me when I do it, he usually lets me. The last few months have been pretty difficult and emotional, and the last time I read the book to Jack I was a complete basket case. However, it just reminds me that there is no stronger love than a parent for their child, and even though Jack is growing and the years are flying by, my baby he'll always be.