The Weeks' week's blessings...

   In hopes of posting and sharing more (and more often...) I am going to attempt to share my personal and our family (as a whole) thanks and blessings of the prior week. This "idea" is in no way my own, yet it comes from one of my Favorite Blogs, in which the author, Kari Patterson shares her "Week’s end with thanks". 
   And, although the idea of sharing our Thanks and Blessings is not my own, all of our Thanks, of course, will be my own, as well Brian's, Jackson's and Maggie's. We have so much to be thankful for on a weekly, daily, hourly basis... yet, I find that we don't share them enough.
  So... here's our 1st "Weeks' Week's Thanks" (did you catch all that?)...
1. Snuggles with Munchkins, even if sick... sometimes it's worth the day long snuggles.

2. Same day pediatrician appointments
3. "unknown-strange rash" on Maggie's wrist turning out to be intense eczema due to her drooling when sucking her thumb
4. Robot-Jackson and Robot-Maggie, talking in the BEST Robot Voices ever!
5. Car Carts at the Grocery Store. Happy Munchkins = Happy Mama. (although, is it just me, or does it take some serious muscle to push those things? Apologies to all of those I have bumped rammed into... it was an accident, I promise. I have very little control of those car carts, but they save me every time I take both kiddos to the grocery store for more than one item!).

6. Robots running out of batteries, and getting to tickle give said Robots new life batteries
7. Giggles... non-stop giggles, even when trying not to giggle
8. Jack and Maggie playing Robots together
9. Maggie to Jack, "I wuv oooo, Dack. Ooo my favowites color." 

10. Jack to Maggie, "I love you, Maggs. You're just such a cute little girl. Come and give me a hug."
 
11. Grandparents
12. Grandparents/Mom and Dad/Nana and Papa (aka Brian parents) moving closer, being closer, helping closer
13. Amazing (above said) Grandparents picking Jackson and Maggie up on Saturday morning, returning them home Sunday afternoon 
14. Sleep... lots and lots of sleep to finally (!!!) get over a nasty bug (accomplished due to #13)
15. Sewing
16. Jackson jumping up and down as I'm sewing and trying to keep up with the needle bobbing up and down
17. Teaching Jackson how to sew (on a mini sewing machine... he's a natural, and loves it!)

18. Playing dollhouse with Maggie, me being the "big girl", Maggie being the "mama"
19. Buster panting hard from playing fetch with Brian in the backyard 
20. Our family, even with a rough week behind us of all being sick, mounds of laundry, and dealing with all that goes along with munchkins having the flu... I love them more than words can describe.

21. This amazing man that brings me happiness every day! 

22. Sunshine Days

 (Maggie swinging on the "big girl swings" at Jack's school!)
23. Jackson getting a big bed (thanks Kara!!! We love love love you!!!)
23. Being back home at First United Methodist Church
24. Making Valentine's with Jack and Maggie
25. MOPS, friends from MOPS, support from MOPS and the goodness ahead 
I promise not each week will have such a long list... but, we do have so much to be thankful for! And, of course, that includes each of you!
Hope you all have a fabulous week! xoxo

 

Thankful and Blessed don't even describe it!

Maggie's Special Day...

Our Sweet Little Miss Maggie had a VERY Special Day on January 8, 2012 when she was Baptized at First United Methodist Church, our Home Church in Vancouver, WA.

(note: We were active members when Jackson was a baby, and then we moved to Gig Harbor and then back... Needless to say, after MUCH "church shopping", we just weren't finding what we had been looking for ... which was First United Methodist. :) The drive is about 30 minutes, but it is completely worth it! We love being back at FUMC, and are hopeful that maybe in the future (who knows when....), we'll be a bit closer!)

Our Sweet Girl!

After Church Service, all those who were able, joined us for Lunch to celebrate Maggie's Special Day! We went to Beaches Restaurant in Vancouver, and it was really fun. The kiddos had a great time finding treasures in the "treasure chest", and making their own ice cream sundaes!!!

Maggie is nothing but a Pure Joy in our Lives, and in all who she surrounds.

We are incredibly Thankful to all of our wonderful friends and family who were able to join us for such a special and memorable day (and, of course missed those who were unable to be with us). Maggie was spoiled too (of course) with some incredibly special gifts.

All, that I know she will cherish forever!

 Jackson's ready to make his own Ice Cream Sundae! With the supervision of Daddy, of course! :)

 Still Adorable, even with a stinker face! :)

 Making Ice Cream Sundaes!!!

 Treasure Hunting ... (fyi: they both chose those "dinosaur clencher thingies"... you know the kind with the dinosaur mouth that opens and closes with the little handle. they have not only been used to "pick up toys" (which takes FOOOOORRREEEEVERRR!!!! but, apparently they are also great "swords" for pirate fights.... Oh Goodness!)

So many special gifts!

We are so blessed in all the love and kindness given to our sweet little girl!

Big Brother, Jackson!

(he was just doing his part, in being "King" for Lunch... he played the role very well!)

The day prior to Maggie's Baptism, we spent some time at church with Pastor Tinney...

Jack and Maggie really LOVED being on stage and playing all of the musical instruments!

Marjorie Elizabeth Ann, you have blessed our lives more than you'll ever know! We love you more than any words could describe! We know you are going to continue to grow and be the most loving, sweet, kind and amazing girl, you've already shown us you are!

"Baptism is a sign of God's ever-present and ever-flowing grace." ~ Pastor David Tinney

Thank you all for loving our little Princess as much as we do!!!!

xoxo

Jackson + Preschool + Fall + Halloween!!!

Jackson + Preschool = Super Smart, Super Fun, Super Cool Boy (yes, smarter, more fun, and much cooler than pre- preschool... which is incredibly hard to imagine!!!!)

As most of you know, Jackson started preschool in September, at the Methodist Church Preschool, near our house. It's been amazing to see how much he has learned so quickly, and it seems like everyday he is telling me about something new, or doing something new. We are thrilled with what a GREAT fit his preschool is for him. Not only is it such a sweet little school, but, his teachers have both been teachers there for a LOOOOOONG time, and are so invested in each child in their class.With Jackson's birthday being in early November (we can't believe he's going to be FOUR... there will be a whole post, in it's own, on that!), he will be one of the oldest kiddos in his class when he starts kindergarten. So... he will go to preschool this year, and then AGAIN next year. His preschool does have a pre-K program, for next year. It'll be great for him to learn all the skills needed to start Kindergarten. Not to mention, how great it will be for Maggie to have her big brother at the same school as she, for her FIRST year of preschool. Yep... she has (what is considered) an early birthday (early July), and therefore will be one of the youngest in her class. Our munchkins birthdays, also make it so they'll be back to back in school. When Maggie starts Kindergarten, Jackson will be in 1st Grade... whew! sloooooow down!!! It is hard to even imagine them in elementary school... but, I know all too well, how fast time flies, and it'll be here before we know it! (*sigh!)

Speaking of time flying by....

remember this cutie? Jackson's FIRST Halloween, October 2008

 Halloween #2, 2009

(he was NOT into dressing up... at.all.!!! until, as you will see... he discovered if you were sweet and wore your costume that your mommy put on you, your pumpkin bucket would get filled full of yummy treats... yep, totally worth the dragon costume!)

 mmmm... taking a little break to taste some of the yummy treats!

Back out to get some more loot!

 Maggie's FIRST Halloween, 2009

She was such a good sport (ok, in the beginning) and was the cutest Pumpkin ever!

 Again, she was so so good.... and then it was time to go home, and she was just done. Done with trick or treating, and REALLY done with having her picture taken!

Our FIRST Family of 4 Halloween

Gig Harbor, Washington

The gorgeous fall trees in our neighborhood, when we lived in Gig Harbor...

Halloween #3 for Jackson!

What a sweet scary Tiger!

Maggie's 2nd Halloween

Such a sweet sweet sweet Ballerina!!!

 ... yep, the Tiger costume will be coming out for year #2, tomorrow

(we think Jackson is under the impression, that you wear the same Halloween costume, until it no longer fits .... we're ok with his thoughts on Halloween costumes, and are thankful that his costume was a bit too big last year!)

We can't wait to share the pictures from Halloween this year!

(couldn't NOT share the CUTEST Halloween munchkins ever... 

but, back to preschool...)

Jackson is loving preschool, and is making some great friends. His teachers proudly report to Brian and I, each week, how he is learning the routine and rules of school. How he is very caring and kind towards his teachers, and his classmates. All things, as his Daddy and Mommy, we of course, LOVE to hear.

I was invited to help out in his classroom last Thursday, for their "Harvest Party". (note: they didn't have a traditional "Halloween" party, so the Harvest Party, somewhat took the place of what most preschools consider a "Halloween" party)

I had so much fun seeing Jack, in action at school. As most, 3 1/2 year old boys, he definitely tests limits, is full of energy, and sometimes "forgets" the difference between "walking/inside" feet and "running/outside" feet... but, he is quick to "FREEZE" (a notion the teachers have taught the kiddos to do when they call their name, following with the word "freeze", they are to literally freeze their bodies, not moving any further than those running feet were originally taking them), make eye contact, listen to instructions, and carry on with what his teachers ask of him. 

I enjoyed getting to know each of his (whopping 10!) classmates, too. We made a fun craft... using a small glass jar (leftover baby food jars... yes, I've been holding on to them for a LOOOOONG time... and they've finally found a good use!). We covered them with orange tissue paper (using a sticky mixture of glue + water), after the layer of tissue paper was dry, we then added eyes, nose and a mouth... making it a jack-o-lantern. Each kiddo took home a little battery tea light to put in to their jack-o-lantern, and it makes quite a cute little candle.

 One of the cute "Jack-o-Lantern" Candle Holders we made at home, during our "test run".

Jackson was super helpful in making sure the tissue paper stayed on, and although he wasn't a huge fan of the crazy stickiness involved, he was great about helping me add more and more and more glue.

(Maggie on the other hand, ditched out on us quite early on in the craft. Once the sticky glue hit her fingers, she was out... and FAST!)

Jackson, now has 2 (we had made them at home first... doing a trial run, to make sure that they would turn out ok, etc.), and LOVES them. Since he made them, they have stayed on his dresser, and he makes sure each night to push the button on the bottom of the tea light candle, and has it on all night long while he is sleeping.

 He's a super cute and NON-Scary Jack-o-Lantern at night time. 

It's actually been a really good way, to get away from all of the "scary and spooky" parts of Halloween. And, for him to remember that Halloween doesn't have to be spooky or scary, but it is just silly and fun. He's definitely not one for too much spooky and/or scary... and neither is Maggie. :)

 Jackson's teachers are so thoughtful, in that they send us weekly "news", regarding what our munchkins were up to at school during the week, also always adding in fun photos they've taken of different activities they've done that week too!

I love getting the "news" and photos, because Jack usually has explained to me some things they've done, so actually seeing the photos, and hearing from his teachers the activities they did, is so fun to put the whole thing together!

I gotta say, the baby owls they made, are SO CUTE!!!! I will never, ever, ever, ever call a baby owl, a baby chick again. It is very very hurtful towards a baby owl, I was soon to be told! :)

Tomorrow for Halloween, we are going to go and visit Nana Bette in the afternoon, to show off our two sweet little Goblins. We'll head home for an early dinner, and then head out for a little trick or treating just around our neighborhood. We're excited that our awesome friends & neighbors, The Kleine's, will be joining us. They have 3 girls, two a bit older than Jackson, and their youngest is just a few months older than Maggie. It should be fun for the kiddos to have some friends, to show them the "ropes" of trick or treating. :) I'll be sure to get some pictures of our Goblins (little hint: a FAST Tiger, and a SWEET Ladybug).

(wouldn't Maggie be the Cutest little pumpkin girl? She was certainly the cutest pumpkin baby! Maybe next year...) 

We hope you are all enjoying this fun time of Fall... 
Make sure you have LOTS of candy on hand...
I'm just going to try my best to not eat any all of Jack and Maggie's loot! :)
Happy Halloween!!!!

RV's and Surgeries...

Yep, you read the title correctly... and no, I am not having a surgery in an RV... ;)

Although, we have/will have experiences with both within a few days...

This past weekend we headed up to Brian's parents home in Lacey, WA.  It was funny when we first got there, because Jack wanted to look all around, as did Maggie. It dawned on us, we hadn't been up there since Christmas... and little ones don't always remember every little detail... so they took themselves on a quick tour of Nana and Papa's house. :) 

As soon as their toys came out, they seemed to remember the fun times we've had there. 

Brian's Aunt and Uncle were on a road trip (in their AWESOME RV...  Just a quick note: I have never been too keen on the idea of traveling via RV or trailer (it is completely unfair for me to feel that way, as I have never traveled in an RV or Trailer - what is the difference between the two???). 

My reasoning:

I always envisioned it being cramped, a bit unsafe (thinking of Jack and Maggie bouncing all over the place, whilst Brian trying to drive "schoolbus" size vehicle... just makes me a bit nervous ~ as does each of those individually too). 

Then, their is the whole "bathroom" issue. I just always figured, if you're going to road trip it, why not 

A.) camp

or 

B.) (...my personal choice...) Stay in luxurious hotels in between stops of fun

WELL... I am a changed woman! 

Uncle Gary and Aunt Mel have given me a whole new outlook on RV'ing, if you will. Their RV is ah-maaaaaaaaaaazing!!! It is really spacious (not the crampy feeling I envisioned), and it "hooks" (totally the wrong term I'm sure, but I'm not a professional RV'er... yet!) on to their truck, so they don't actually ride in the RV while driving, they ride/drive the truck... 

My thoughts have also changed regarding the "kiddos bouncing all over the place", if it were an RV that was "all together" (again, I don't know any RV lingo, yet....  ~What I'm trying to say is, an RV that doesn't "hook" onto a truck. You know, one that is just all one big RV... oy vey, that made no sense, but I hope you're still with me here...). 

So, if it were an "all together" RV, I think I'd be ok with the munchkins hanging out in the back, watching Veggie Tales. Brian and I could might actually be able to TALK and not LISTEN to/or WATCH Veggie Tales (or whatever "show" of their choosing... it for sure wouldn't be HGTV -unless it was my luckiest day EVER!)... or I'd be chillin' back there with them, as Brian chauffered us all over vacay land (vacay land: term for unknown vacation destination).

Lastly, the "bathroom" issue... = no issue. It's actually pretty cool that the bathroom is RIGHT THERE! The bathroom itself may have sold me on the RV'ing ~ after the past drive to Nana & Papas with Jack (ie. yes, he's doing AWESOME with his potty training, but that AWESOME = stopping, literally, every.other.exit. while he screams that "pee pee is telling him it needs to come out nooooooooow!!!! That is a whole other post in itself.) 

Yes, I say... Forget camping, using yucko bathrooms ~ I'd rather have my own Porcelin awaiting me ... AND Jack).

Sorry for getting a bit off track there, but the RV is COOL! Really Cool! It was parked in Brian's parents driveway while they were visiting for a few days, and so it wasn't connected (hey, is that the correct term... rather, than "hooked"?) to their truck. Jack and Maggie thought it was SO COOL (I totally agreed with them!). 

Jack kept begging for just a little little little ride (it became little little little after he asked 12 zillion times and was told no 13 zillion times). Yes, he would've loved it, but as I'm sure all can imagine, it's not like all hopping in the car for a quick spin around the block. 

Someday, Jack... someday, sweetie. Like I said, Mama is anew in her thinking of RV's... and I'm a like'n 'em. 

Uncle Gary and Aunt Mel (Gary, is Brian's Mom's (Karen) brother) live in the Fresno area... so this was the first time for me and the kiddos to meet them. They were great! We had such a fun time getting to know them... and in addition, Uncle Bruce and Aunt Karin, Great Grandma Weeks, Misty and the girls (Michelle & Ashley) all came up too ... we had a great BBQ, and just overall fabulous family time! We missed Jeff & Chris, as Chris had basketball that he couldn't miss.

I am really enjoying meeting more and more of Brian's family! (most have lived/or still live out of state... hence, not seeing them often). We can't wait for another visit with U.Gary and A.Mel! 

Brother and Sister

Uncle Gary and Mom (Brian's Mom, Karen)

So Sweet! 

Love how even as adults, 

it's the typical brother thinking "enough, enough"... 

and sister thinking "i love you, and too many hugs and kisses are never enough!".

They had such a great time catching up!

 Brian and Great Grandma (Marjorie) Weeks

We were so glad she was able to join us. It was her first time visiting Mom & Dad (Brian's parents, her son is Brian's Dad... got all that??? :p) home.

 Jack had so much fun, and was such a good boy the entire weekend!

And... just gotta mention, how HANDSOME I think this monkey is!

Maggie was too! 

She LOVED saying all of her new words, and of course...

singing, dancing, running and just being cute!

Check out those pigtails! 

She looks so grown up with her hair like that! 

It is finally long enough to put up... however, in the tub when it's all wet after washing, it is 1/2 way down her back... just "boings" back up as soon as it dries, 

with those GORGEOUS (to die for!!!) curls.

 ... and to think this (above picture was last fall... less than 1 year ago)!

wowzers, she is growing FAST!!! 

and..

She is just CUTE!!!!

Jack with Nana and Papa. 

Not sure what's up with the face...

and no pants... umm... 

either getting them wet/dirty outside 

or????????? 

Ok, I have no idea. :p

Fun playing outside. 

It was an absolutely gorgeous and perfect day!

Papa knows all of Jack's "tickle zones"... :)

Buster was in ... or trying to be... on the action!

Cousin Michelle and Jack.

He absolutely ADORES his cousins, and the feeling seems to be mutual.

Michelle heads off to college this fall!

Wow, makes Brian and I feel ooooold.

Ashley relaxing...

Looks like she found a snuggle partner.

Mom/Nana ... the most wonderful hostess!

Food was great and the company even better!!!

Great Grandma and Maggie

Do you think it's trouble when two Marjories are hanging out together??? :)

 One big happy family...

with a few missing members...

 Caught with my mouth full...

always a flattering photo, right? :p

 My two very favorite munchkins in the world.

 Maggie says "stop takin' my picture. i'm busy chatting with the girls..." :p

 Lots of running, blowing bubbles, playing hide n go seek and 

just having a whole bunch of fun outside!

 Think someone is getting t.i.r.e.d. She didn't take a nap all day, but actually did great! 

There were a few minor meltdowns... to be expected when you're:

a.) 2

b.) a little girl who is a bit quite stubborn

c.) typically a big sleeper and missing her afternoon princess snooze

 Papa's Girl

 Aunt Misty getting Jack with lots of tickles...

and more tickles!

 Michelle, such a cute girl! 

And, a pretty fun niece/cousin too.

 Papa with two of his three special girls!

Observing everything and everyone! 

 Jackson being silly with Uncle Gary and Aunt Mel...

or is it the other way around???

 Wild Monkey...

and still no idea on the case of the missing pants... ???

 Daddy and his sweetpea.

 More Silliness ensues...

 We cannot wait to see Uncle Gary and Aunt Mel again.... SOON!!!

What a GREAT time!!!

We came home later on Sunday, and had a relaxing evening. Today... was housework, laundry, playing catchup, and did I mention housework??? :p

Brian's Mom came to our house this afternoon, and will be staying for the week... as tomorrow is "D" Day for me. 

I have my big surgery tomorrow... 

I am filled with many thoughts, feelings and emotions running through me, that I know I could not even begin to explain. I hope and pray all goes well, and that I can come home after only 1-2 nights in the hospital (rather than possibly more... all dependent, of course, on how my body reacts to everything). Then I am eager to begin a (hopefully) very speedy recovery, both physically and emotionally. Prior to a surgery date being set, I had really only thought of my physical recovery. However, the emotional side of it all came on quite quickly after the date was set. It was really happening, and as I said... I had/have so many emotions. Ranging from happiness at the thought of being done with all the yuckiness that has led to this surgery, to overwhelming sadness that I will never carry another child and that part of me will no longer be.

Again... prayers, prayers, prayers, are/is all I can do, and trust that this is the path that was chose for me. 

I do know in my heart this is the right & best decision. I know I will feel better than I could have ever imagined... it's the in between time that is going to be a bit bumpy... hopefully not too much. We'll keep you all posted.... and in the meantime, please keep us all in your prayers.

Lots of Love, and BIG (virtual) HUGS!!!