Can you believe Joel is 11 today? It seems like just yesterday he was 3 and we had just met! Joel is an amazing young man and I am blessed to be his step mom! This year we did a low-key birthday. Last weekend he had two buddies over to spend the night! They had a great time watching movies, eating pizza and turning our downstairs into a WWE Wrestling ring (opening his first gift, thanks again Josh and Laura)! Then this weekend Joel opened his gifts Friday night. This year we pulled our money together with Jon's parents and got Joel a wii!!! He's been asking for one since last year, but the money has never been there! We decided to bite the bullet and just go for it! After his football shaped ice cream cake we set up the wii and had family game night!! It was so much fun! Saturday morning Joel slept in then we headed to Bob Evans for brunch (his choice). He has a table full of gifts here waiting, unopened from family that didn't get to see him before he went back to his mom's. I plan to go over to his mom's tomorrow night and have him open them there, so he can see them before November. (we leave for FL on Thurs and won't be back until Oct 31).
Joel is super excited about his camp Kern trip next week! It's the big 5th grade field trip that he's been talking about since 2nd grade!! His class tie-died their camp shirts on Friday, his turned out great! He is almost finished with Fall Ball (baseball) and is glad, it's been a long season! He is doing GREAT in school right now!!!! He's working really hard at studying and being organized! It's paying off too! He got a 101% on his Science test last week! He is also giving up his afternoon recess each day to help the 1st graders during Art Class! He has such a big heart!!
**pictures soon to follow**
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Big Girl Bed
A few weeks ago I got ambitious and decided to take Aliya's crib apart and turn it into a toddler bed. Here is what she slept in for 3 weeks or so...
Then Grandma and Grandpa W. gave her a real toddler bed that they were no longer using. Aliya was SUPER excited to have a real big girl bed!!
I got a quick shot of her tonight sleeping!! She's doing so well and loves her new bed!
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!
Then Grandma and Grandpa W. gave her a real toddler bed that they were no longer using. Aliya was SUPER excited to have a real big girl bed!!
I got a quick shot of her tonight sleeping!! She's doing so well and loves her new bed!
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ashland
This past weekend we traveled up to Ashland. We had a great time. Friday night my grandpa was inducted into Ashland High School's Hall of Fame! Kristy watched Aliya for us so Jon and I could have an evening among adults. We realized after we left her screaming at Dan and Kristi's house that this is the first time EVER that we have had someone watch her at a place she doesn't know. (I think twice someone from church as watched her and that's about it) It ripped my heart out to leave her, but we had a great time honoring grandpa!
Here's Aliya getting ready on Saturday...no music on the headphones, only the music in her head
We stayed the night in a hotel with Mom and Mike Saturday night and had a relaxing Sunday. After breakfast Aliya and I went swimming. Mom took pictures of Aliya jumping off the side of the pool! Hopefully I'll get those from her and can post those soon.
After bath and hair time we headed to Honey Haven Farms to meet up with the family for some outdoor fun! It was cold, but not raining this year! Aliya was on the verge of a nap, so our fun was cut short by her needing to sleep BADLY! While there she had a pumpkin ice cream cone (she did not want to share, can't say that I blame her though, it was really good!) She was fascinated with the face painter, so we stood in line, but when it was her turn, mommy got the pumpkin on her cheek instead. (imagine that) Next we went on a horse drawn wagon ride to the middle of a HUGE pumpkin patch and the kids got to select their own pumpkins.
Aveline was trying to show her how to hold her pumpkin up for a picture, but I think Aliya thought we were going to take it away from her, as she kept putting it behind her back. It was really cute!
Aliya was not happy there was mud on the pumpkins..."eeewwww"
After riding back to the main part of the farm, Aliya got her second wind and began running around (not with her cousins, just running! She was so funny, doing this new squat walk thing that she does.
As the adults were trying to round the kids up for a picture with their pumpkins Aliya decided it was time to pose in the pumpkin cut outs...
Sweet Aveline
Aveline and Isaac
Our ladybug!
Here's Aliya getting ready on Saturday...no music on the headphones, only the music in her head
We stayed the night in a hotel with Mom and Mike Saturday night and had a relaxing Sunday. After breakfast Aliya and I went swimming. Mom took pictures of Aliya jumping off the side of the pool! Hopefully I'll get those from her and can post those soon.
After bath and hair time we headed to Honey Haven Farms to meet up with the family for some outdoor fun! It was cold, but not raining this year! Aliya was on the verge of a nap, so our fun was cut short by her needing to sleep BADLY! While there she had a pumpkin ice cream cone (she did not want to share, can't say that I blame her though, it was really good!) She was fascinated with the face painter, so we stood in line, but when it was her turn, mommy got the pumpkin on her cheek instead. (imagine that) Next we went on a horse drawn wagon ride to the middle of a HUGE pumpkin patch and the kids got to select their own pumpkins.
Aveline was trying to show her how to hold her pumpkin up for a picture, but I think Aliya thought we were going to take it away from her, as she kept putting it behind her back. It was really cute!
Aliya was not happy there was mud on the pumpkins..."eeewwww"
After riding back to the main part of the farm, Aliya got her second wind and began running around (not with her cousins, just running! She was so funny, doing this new squat walk thing that she does.
As the adults were trying to round the kids up for a picture with their pumpkins Aliya decided it was time to pose in the pumpkin cut outs...
Sweet Aveline
Aveline and Isaac
Our ladybug!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
From over a year ago
Jon cleaned out my van for me today (yeah husband!) and in the bag full of stuff he brought in for me to sort through, I found the following...I remember writing this, but never finished it. I thought I'd share it.
5/21/08
My Dearest Aliya,
Where do I start? First and foremost I want you do know how much I love you and how much you are wanted and prayed for. From the minute I saw your picture on the St. Rita's website, I knew you were mine. Even after J changed her mind and decided to parent you, I knew God's will would prevail and three weeks later you came home to us.
I still remember the exact time, date, moment and location we were at when we got the call. It was 7:47pm on Sunday January 20th 2008-Target parking lot...I screamed and cried as Jon told me who wa on the phone with. Thankfully I had the day off on Monday and I stared at the phone all day waiting for the call that you were on your way. 6:10pm January 21st 2008 you were carried through our front door bundled in a pink sleeper and purple snow suit. I cried again-tears of joy that you were finally home.
Martha was at the house with us and got your arrival on video. In all honesty, you looked terrifeid-wide eyed and unsure about your surroundings. A few hours later (and after a million calls to family) Grandma and Grandpa W came to meet you. They too fell in love with you right away. After everyone left we were alone with you for the first time. We counted your fingers and toes and thanked God for you. You were home. We called Joel and emailed him a photo of you. He couldn't wait to meet you! And on that Wednesday he finally did! You weren't too sure of everyone yet, but quickly you became fascinated with Joel.
You've been with us almost five months now and I still smile every time I think about you. You do new things everyday and are one of the happiest babies we've ever seen. My heart melts every time you put your hands on my face and look into my eyes. You "talk" none stop and can't wait until you say mommy for the first time.
Everyone has prayed for you from the moment we found out about you. Got is so faithful and has truly blessed us with you.
We met with our attorney today to sign our petition to adopt you. 60 days until we can finalize...my countdown has started!
I should finish this letter...maybe by her 2nd birthday!
5/21/08
My Dearest Aliya,
Where do I start? First and foremost I want you do know how much I love you and how much you are wanted and prayed for. From the minute I saw your picture on the St. Rita's website, I knew you were mine. Even after J changed her mind and decided to parent you, I knew God's will would prevail and three weeks later you came home to us.
I still remember the exact time, date, moment and location we were at when we got the call. It was 7:47pm on Sunday January 20th 2008-Target parking lot...I screamed and cried as Jon told me who wa on the phone with. Thankfully I had the day off on Monday and I stared at the phone all day waiting for the call that you were on your way. 6:10pm January 21st 2008 you were carried through our front door bundled in a pink sleeper and purple snow suit. I cried again-tears of joy that you were finally home.
Martha was at the house with us and got your arrival on video. In all honesty, you looked terrifeid-wide eyed and unsure about your surroundings. A few hours later (and after a million calls to family) Grandma and Grandpa W came to meet you. They too fell in love with you right away. After everyone left we were alone with you for the first time. We counted your fingers and toes and thanked God for you. You were home. We called Joel and emailed him a photo of you. He couldn't wait to meet you! And on that Wednesday he finally did! You weren't too sure of everyone yet, but quickly you became fascinated with Joel.
You've been with us almost five months now and I still smile every time I think about you. You do new things everyday and are one of the happiest babies we've ever seen. My heart melts every time you put your hands on my face and look into my eyes. You "talk" none stop and can't wait until you say mommy for the first time.
Everyone has prayed for you from the moment we found out about you. Got is so faithful and has truly blessed us with you.
We met with our attorney today to sign our petition to adopt you. 60 days until we can finalize...my countdown has started!
I should finish this letter...maybe by her 2nd birthday!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Joel
I just want to tell the entire world (or at least the 3 of you that read this blog) that I have the most amazing step son in the world! He is kind, gentle, funny, gifted, sweet, loving, smart, and a whole long list of amazing words!!!
I love you Bug and I am proud to be your step mom!
I love you Bug and I am proud to be your step mom!
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