Random pictures

I am so far behind on my posts and pictures, so this is a random picture kind of day. Ready for photography overload???

My birthday was a few weeks ago, and Nathan enjoyed every bit of cupcake.

Didn't he?

No, I don't think he liked it at all

Maybe just one more bite!

 All Done!

The kids all play together (sometimes).  As you can see, Nicole was crying, while Hannah and Nate were having a good time crawling over her.

I realized the other day that Hannah still does not have a firm grip on her letters. So, we started playing some letter games, include "Go Fish" Bingo. The are "fishing" for letters (this is a game I made as  part of our unit a few years ago on Hello Ocean.  I plan on doing lots of unit studies this summer when CC is over for Nicole.

Hannah had a photo shoot with daddy a couple of weeks ago. She is so darn cute!  Especially when she rests her cheek on her hand like this.

or this....

or this....

Here she is, all dressed up as a doctor.  Dr. Brown, she calls herself

Rassln' with daddy

Finally, finally, I have more space for all the zillions of pictures and stories to tell.  I have much to catch up on, so this may take a while :-)

I had to share some of these fun photos from a weeks ago.  It is well known that we love to spend time in the evenings, hanging out and playing as a family. Well, to be honest, I'm usually just a spectator, the kids are the players and Jeremy is the arena.  The poor guy can not sit or lay on the floor without someone jumping on him.  Most of the time he joins in the fun and a great time of laughter, tickling, chasing and an occasional tear comes out of it.  This night was no exception.

After a long day at work, Jeremy laid down on the floor in the kids' room,  Moment later, he became a bouncing bag.  Nicole was tackling Hannah while she was sitting on her daddy's back.

Daddy occasionally gets some lovin', in between tackles.

Soon, the "monster" awoke and chased whoever was closest.

Hannah hid under Nathan's crib

Nate was wondering what the heck was going on!

At one point, Hannah bonked her head (and her big sister immediately jumped up to get her ice...because we always have ice around for the boo-boos that come about each day).  Unfortunately for Hannah, we got ahold of that ice, and stuffed it down her jammies! hehehe

  (This is where the tears came in, but they were quickly washed away by giggles).

And, of course...as always, there is lots of sweet "make up" time

Then, we decided Nicole needed to know how cold the ice was too.

 If you look closely at this picture, you can see Nicole's mouth open because she is cracking up!

This was just before bed time (of course!) so Nathan was hanging out in the crib, screaming with joy and encouraging his sisters along.  Isn't he cute?

I love this expression of Hannah. you can see the pure joy and excitement in her face.

CC - Presentation - and ramblings about the family

I'm home.  I made it!  The kids made it.  The other sweet moms in the class made it.  Thank you Lord!

This morning I had the opportunity to be a substitute in Nicol's CC class.  I was thankful for the routine and schedule that her regular teacher has, because I was able to follow it pretty closely and the kids all stayed engaged.  We made it through the day, and it was actually pretty fun.  The morning is extremely fast paced.  You have about 4 minutes to introduce each subject (1/2 hour total), then we have science for half an hour, then presentations for half an hour, then art for half an hour and finally review for half an hour.  Latin was the hardest subject.  The paper I had for the kids was a level above them, so they had a hard time filling in the blanks.  But, I think the rest of the subjects were introduced fairly well.  The kids especially liked kicking the ball to learn about Newton's First Law of Motion. As a review game, we played Alphabet bingo.  I put letters on the review cards with a paper clip through a whole.  Then the kids "went fishing" with a magnet.  They had to answer the question and then everyone could mark their bingo pads.  I wasn't sure how it would go...but it worked.  They didn't get bored until the very end.  I enjoyed the opportunity to teach and would certainly do it again, if they ever asked me to:-)

I forgot my camera, so I couldn't tape Nicole's presentation. She talked about groundhogs.  Since she had been sick, it was a little rough coming up with a topic this week.  But, she pulled together yesterday to learn the info she needed to know. 

Next week, Nicole and I will be leading the opening ceremony.  I'm not sure what to talk about.  I was thinking about talking to the group about coupons.  Does that sound lame?  Nicole knows quite a bit, just from helping and watching me.  Maybe it could be informative for the moms and we could talk about being a good steward of our money.  Any other ideas out there?

On a different note....I want to always remember how Hannah, at the age of 2 1/2 always asks us if we remember things.  For instance, this morning, she was talking to Jeremy before work and she said, "Daddy, we went to your work, you remember?" (we were at the office with him last night while he caught up on some paper work).  I wish I could take a picture of the way she says it, with her head cocked to one side and a sincere and inquisitive look on her face.  She's so stinking cute!

I also love how she doesn't call Jeremy "daddy" right now.  She's calling him "Daddy-o"  For instance, today I was helping her go potty and she said, "mommy, you help me...not daddy-o"  hehehe.  Two phrases I know she'll outgrow that I don't want to forget.

Finally, I have a prayer request I'd like to share with you.  Jeremy is preparing to take a sate certification exam within the next few weeks. This will give him a certification to do low voltage  or "limited energy" work anywhere in the state.  Passing this test is sort of a job requirement for him.  It is a very difficult exam that generally needs to be taken several times for people to pass.  Of course, he would prefer to only take it once.  If you think about it, would you remember him in prayer this month as he prepares?  He will need many hours of studying.  When we have an exact date for the test, I will let you all know so you can pray for him then.  We were hoping for Feb. 9th, but he may not be "approved" in time.  So, thank you....I appreciate it.

Teaching tomorrow

Tomorrow is Tuesday, you know what that means, right?  Nicole goes to Classical Conversations (CC).  She LOVES Tuesday morning.  She always runs out and says, "Today we go to school!"

Tomorrow will be a little different. She'll have to run out and get ready super fast because we have to leave extra early.  Unfortunately, her tutor is sick.  Actually, his whole family is sick!  Poor guys.  They have been battling the flu for several days now.  So, our director called me and asked if I would be up for being the sub tomorrow.

I am excited.

I am scared

I am excited because I was thinking about becoming a substitute, or full time tutor next year (it helps to pay for the classes).  I am excited because I like to teach. 

I am scared because the people I am teaching, are 10 years younger than the ones I used to teach.  I am scared because the moms will be in the room, judging my every move (but they are kind and gracious, so I think they won't throw tomatoes at me or anything).

So...I would appreciate your prayers tomorrow morning.  I'm nervous about my classroom management skills among 7    4-6 year olds.  I loose my patience almost every day with just two preschoolers...I'm not sure how I will manage with 7:-)

I know I can not replace her teacher, because he really does a great job.  I hope though that I can fill in while he is gone and help the children learn their next set of facts:-)

Out of Space?

So...I tried to post some pictures today and it said I have used up all of my free storage for photos and videos :(  Now I have to buy storage.  I'm' not sure I'm up for that. 

I may be taking a blogging break so I can spend time downloading and printing my blog and cleaning up my albums.  Or, do I just have to start a new blog?  Anyone run into this yet on their own blogs?

Our New Toy....

A couple weeks ago, Jeremy was informed that he can no longer drive his work van home.  We have only had one vehicle for years because we didn't really need a second.  So, after over 5 years of only having one car...we bought a new one. 


Of course, we didn't just buy any old car.  We knew that when the time came, we would absolutely buy another Jeep. We've been watching Craigslist and other sites for a couple of weeks, and finally we came across a Jeep, and a deal, we couldn't pass up. 

Introducing, the newest toy in our family......our 2000 Jeep Wrangler!!!

This baby is 11 years old, but it has just over 14,000 miles!!!  Yes, 14,000 miles.  It was owned by a local Doctor that just drove is around occasionally on weekends.  It's never been off road or in 4-wheel drive.  This was exactly what we've been looking for, and at the same price as other Jeeps that were older and had nearly 100,000 miles.  It was a steal!

Yes, slowly but surely, we will be modifying it. 

The kids love it. 

Even Nathan likes it.

Nicole even got to go for a ride with the top down and doors off. 

Jeremy is very excited to have a Jeep to drive every day.  I'm excited to have a different vehicle for date nights.  And, we are looking forward to many weekends spent outside getting dirty. 

Yup...we're Jeepers.

More pictures from my birthday surprise

If you haven't read about my birthday surprise, then, you should scroll down to the next post and read ahead.

I got the other pictures from my friend this weekend, and just had to share a few. 

I just got in the limo, I'm trying not to cry.

The view out the limo to my girls and hubby.

Finally, after several trys, the driver got a picture of all of us.

And, from a different angle, all of us in the limo.

Our stop at the cupcake store in town.

Outside the cupcake store.

Thanks again ladies for joining me on such a fun night!  I love you all!!

My 30th birthday Extravaganza

It's no secret.  I am 3 days away from the Big 3-0.  In all honesty, I am excited about it.  In December I was a little sad to be leaving my 20s...but, now...just days away, I feel blessed that I have lived for (almost) 30 years with a wonderful childhood, an amazing husband (more on him in a minute), precious children and wonderful friends.  I am so thankful for life that I am looking forward to celebrating another year.

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to think of something B.I.G. to celebrate with...but I just couldn't think of anything.  I've already been skydiving (twice), I (used to) SCUBA dive quite a bit, and we are going skiing in Colorado soon. I really couldn't think of what to do.  I decided I would be happy with a Gatsby's pizza and a cookie cake (I know I'm getting the pizza next week...not sure about the cookie cake. If not, I'll treat myself to a "double dooze" soon:-)

As far as I knew...we didn't really have plans for my birthday and that was ok with me.  I feel a little goofy throwing myself a birthday party at this age.  I don't know...it's just me.

Ok, I'm rambling.  Focus Michele!

So, yesterday was Valerie's birthday (my mother-in-law) and I was told that we were going out to a nice dinner to celebrate with them.  The kids were coming too!  Jeremy asked me to have everyone ready by about 6:00 and to have clothes laid out for him (in case he was running late).  I didn't get his clothes laid out, but I did have the kids almost all ready to go.  We finally walked outside and got distracted by a new toy we bought that day (that will be in another post)

I heard a car horn honking a lot and Jeremy grabbed my arm and my purse out of the van (Nathan was already in his car seat to "go out to dinner") and Jeremy turned me around and started walking me through the yard, to a giant limousine parked in our front yard!

My first thought was, "Wow, Greg rented a limo taking us all to dinner tonight.  Where in the world are we going?"

Then Jeremy gave me a kiss and said, "Have a great night tonight.  I love you" and turned me around.

I thought, "Why am I going out to eat with his parents in a limo and why isn't he coming?"  And then I thought, "Wait a second...why am I going in the limo all by myself?"

He sort of nudged me toward the open door and so I looked in and I saw the faces of some of my best girlfriends and they all shouted "SURPRISE!!!"

I turned around and started crying like a baby!  I just lost it....shoulders shaking, covered face crying.  Jeremy gently grabbed me, and said again, "Babe, have a great time tonight with your friends.  Happy Birthday."

Crying, he put me in the car and all of my friends were laughing and talking and clapping and video taping my ever move.  I was still crying.  I cried for a while.  I just couldn't stop.  Every time I looked at one of my girl friends, I started crying, then I thought of my wonderful husband and wanted to cry more.  Why?  Why would he be so gracious to me?  Where on earth did he come up with this sweet and amazing gift. To give me 4 hours of worry-free girl time with 6 of my favorite girl friends? (he planned every aspect himself)  It just took a long long time to sink in.  I felt so humbled that these girls would give up an evening with their husbands and family to bless me and celebrate my birthday with me.  Seriously, I am near sobbing tears again just thinking about it all. It was overwhelming.

Our first stop for the night was a Japanese Hibachi restaurant (you know..where they cook in front of you) called Da Ru Ma.  My sweet friend Teri videotaped the chef the whole time he cooked. She had never been to a restaurant like that.

 Tanya, me, Alison, Jami, Teri, Jennifer P. and Jennifer S.  

 (I know of two others that Jeremy called, but they couldn't make it for various reasons.  I know one reads the blog...and no that I miss you greatly, but totally understand why you couldn't come. Maybe we can have our own"girl's night" soon;) 

 Don't those veggies look SOOO good?!?!

 The Flaming Onion Volcano (I was so excited for this to happen!)  Cool picture, huh?


Of course, after dinner, they brought me my very own lava flowing chocolate birthday cake with a real chef's hat.

We had 2 1/2 hours left on our limo rental and I got to decide where to go.  We went straight to Gracie's cupcakes and we each chose our own desired flavor of amazing cupcakes (I got a butterfinger one...super!). We have pictures, they are just on someone else's camera.  I will post more pictures when I get them...she even has pics of all of us in the limo:-)  *hint hint Jennifer P.**

Then we took off for the pier.  I love to go to the pier, especially at night.  And, it had been a long long time since I was there.  We had fun walking, talking, and laughing the whole way down and back.  I wanted a group photo...and Teri decided it would be best if everyone held me. Unfortunately, Jennifer S. had the majority of my weight and everyone grabbed what they could.  I don't think they really expect Teri to pick me up :-) hehehe

 Please don't drop me!!!!

 The moon was kind of cool last night, in and out of clouds

I guess it's been a while since any of us had been to the pier, because the bathrooms have been remodeled and they are actually nice and clean! (with real mirrors!)  So... 7 girls, 3 stalls..of course we had a little fun while waiting our turn:-)

 I guess Jami thought it was a bit stinky in there, hehehe

 Surprise!

Their hands were cold?  I don't know.

After the pier, we had about 45 minutes to blow, so we drove down 5th Avenue (downtown) and took a little stroll (and of course, more pictures) 

BUT, we had so much fun! We laughed....I cried...we ate WAY to much food, and even WAY more dessert.  I enjoyed every minute with those girls.  We are all moms and get to see each other fairly often at MOPS or on playdates...but very rarely do we get to see each other without our sweet kiddos around.  We had real, adults conversation, no responsibility and lots of fun.  I think it was just as refreshing to them, as it was to me.

Thank you friends for joining me and celebrating my 30th birthday with me.  I grateful for each of you in my life.  You all have blessed me in very different and special ways.  I am so grateful to know each of you, and like I said earlier...humbled that you would take the time away from your busy lives and family to share with me.

Thank you Jeremy for being the most thoughtful and amazing husband I could ever ask for.  Although I missed you greatly that night, I am so grateful that you understand me enough to know how much I would value and treasure that "girl time".  Those four hours have and will continue to have an impact on me for a long time.  I wish I knew lots of big words to say to you to express how my heart and mind feel.  But, I love you so very much.  I have loved every moment I've been with you.  You always are, and will be, my knight in shining armor.  Thank you my sweet husband and very best friend of all!