2009 Family Vacation

This year our we went to Destin, Florida for our family vacation. I had never heard of the place until recently...but everyone that we told said it was very family friendly, and just a great place to vacation!

We left for our trip on Friday, April 24, and we got home on Thursday, April 29. 

We had such a fantastic time! Our hotel was wonderful. We had a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite with a full kitchen & living room. The hotel was on the grounds of a resort, so we got to use all of the resort amenities. There were several pools that we could go to, and the private beach was literally a 2 minute drive. 

The beach had the whitest sand that I've ever seen, and it was very clean. It was not overcrowded, so we had plenty of room to set up our 'stuff'!

There were 2 outlet malls within 10 minutes driving, so we made sure to go to both...more than once! I got a new COACH purse that I just absolutely LOVE!

We definitely got our fill of shopping, eating and beach! It's definitely a place that I would go back to, and I think it would be fun for a group to go to!

I did get pretty sunburned, so we cut our trip a little short. We drove back all in one day, and I can say that I definitely preferred that over turning it into a 2 day trip. The drive wasn't bad at all!!!

Here are a few pictures from the trip. The rest can be seen on my smugmug:

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 7 Challenge

Here's Bonnie's Challenge:
Week 7 - 'Favorite Thing About the Neighborhood You Live In'

We all like to get outside once in a while, when we're not digiscrapping, and it's the prettiest time of year. So... what's your favorite thing about the neighborhood you live in?

Have your LO to Bonnie by next Wednesday night. She'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.

***Edited 5/2***

We just got back from vacation so I didn't make the deadline for this week. I'll update when I get the page done.

Great Time

I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for your prayers for safe travel. We made it Florida ok, and have been having a great time so far! We've been to the beach twice, went shopping, and have had some yummy food! Our hotel is like a 2 minute drive to the beach. The sand is the whitest sand that I've ever seen, and the ocean is just beautiful. I've started uploading pictures from our trip onto my smugmug. I may not get them all done now, but it's a start. When we get home and I've had time to settle in, I'll definitely be posting a more detailed post about the trip, and I'll include pictures! See you on the flip side!

Off We Go...

to Florida! I'm so excited! We are leaving now, and will arrive in Florida tomorrow afternoon. I just want to be at the beach already! Please pray for safe traveling mercies!

Prayers Please!!!

I've been getting sent home from work early just about each shift that I've worked for the past couple of weeks. It's frustrating, but more than that, we count on the money that I earn...and I haven't been getting all of it. So, I filled out an application for another local hospital on Monday. On Tuesday I got a e-mail invitation to complete their online assessment. The assessment is basically asking your reactions to certain situations. It's a pretty general test, but you have to score a certain way to move one. Immediately after I submitted the assessment, I was sent an e-mail to complete a more thorough nursing assessment...again asking what I would do in certain situations...this time situations related to nursing. I sent that in, and received a call from the hospital's recruiter this morning! Whoo-hoo! That was the FASTEST that an HR office has ever gotten back to me!

I have an interview set up for Monday, May 4. I would have done it sooner, but we are leaving for vacation tomorrow. Please pray that I do well in my interview! I'll update closer to the date, but I am just so excited that I had to post about it today!

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 6 LO's

Week 6 - 'Then & Now'

My LO

Casey's LO

Bonnie's LO

Emily's LO

Check out Bonnie's blog tomorrow for our next Digi Collab Challenge.

Brennan & Alyson

I love getting pictures of Brennan & Alyson Kolb together since they are only a day apart! Here a a couple of the newest ones!

Florida...Here We Come...

We will be leaving for Destin, Florida on Friday. I'm not sure what time just yet, as I work Thursday night, but I know it's some time on Friday. I'm excited to get away from the day-to-day stuff, and just have a nice, peaceful, relaxing vacation. We are driving there (thank God for a minivan!), and the boys are coming with us. I plan to lay on the beach and work on my tan (oh, who am I kidding? If you know me, you know that I DON'T tan). I'm bringing my laptop, so I will still have computer time (b/c that IS relaxing to me), and I'll have my cell phone to check in. I'll try to remember to post pics of me laying on the beach while you are all here (j/k). 

I'm not packed yet, and I haen't even started...I better get crack-a-lackin'!

Anyone have suggestions for car entertainment for Colin? He's 2 1/2.

Brennan's Dedication Portraits

A job well done to Frances! I just LOVE Brennan's dedication portraits! I'll get them uploaded to my smugmug as soon as I can, but here is a sneak peak:

Please visit www.francesoterophotography.com for information on portraits, and tell her that I sent you!!!

Brennan's Baby Dedication

 

Today was a special day for Brennan! We dedicated him to the Lord!

We were so blessed to have many many friends & family witness in this special event. We really appreciate everyone's presence there. I know it was a long drive for almost everyone, but it meant a lot to us that everyone was there. Pastor Ritchie Pruehs did his dedication.

After the church service, we all went over to Olive Garden (about 35 of us!!!), and had a yummy lunch. Brennan was passed around to everyone, and finally fell asleep.

After lunch, the boys and I went to my MIL's house to have some studio pictures taken of Brennan in his special outfit. I'll upload some of those when I get them!

All in all, it was a beautiful day, despite the weather!

Pampered Chef Consultant

I did it! I am officially a Pampered Chef consultant. I signed my agreement on Wednesday, and I recieved my kit today. Whoo-hoo! Now I just have to get over my shyness and start building my business!

I've started a new blog that is dedicated to my Pampered Chef business.

I'll be using the blog to update everyone to the monthly host & guest specials and also any personal incentives that I have for everyone!

I'd LOVE to host a show for you, so please contact me if you want to earn some FREE products!!!

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 6 Challenge

Week 5 - 'Then & Now'

Take two photographs of yourself that are 10 years or more apart. Include journaling about you that has changed (or stayed the same) in that time.


Have your LO to me by next Wednesday night. I'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi, questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.

***Edited 4/20/09***

Journaling:

1999 & 2009

16 & 26

So much has changed about me

in the last 10 years. I've graduated

hs & college. I got married, and had 2 boys. I bought my first

house. I have a 'real' job. Physically, 

a lot has changed too! My hair is 

shorter & is styled differently. I'm

also quite a bit heavier :(

Brennan's 6 Month Appointment & More

Brennan had his 6 month check up at his pediatrician's office this afternoon. He weighs 16 lbs. 2 oz. (25%...dropped down from the 50%), and is 26.5 inches long (50-75%).
He is a very social baby. Coos and babbles and smiles...when someone is holding him. Put him down and he's just a screaming mess.
We changed his formula back to Enfamil AR on Monday, and he seems to be doing better, again. The pedi. told us to go ahead and start the solid foods back up again, so we'll do that tomorrow. I'll also try him with a sippy cup soon, though since he's not holding his bottle yet, I don't see how it'll be any good.
The doctor re-checked his ears, and he STILL has fluid behind his right ear. We just finished a round of antibiotics for that last week. He said that it is 75% full, and is surprised that it is not a raging infection. So he perscribed us a broad spectrum antibiotic to see if that helps. I have to bring Brennan back in in 2-3 weeks for a re-check. Honestly, I'm hoping that the screaming fits are due to the fluid in his ear...because, if we can clear that up, then we can stop the screaming!
We are just starting to sign with Brennan. I'm hoping that I can do more with Brennan than I did with Colin.
Brennan is going to be dedicated ot the Lord on Saturday, and I'm so excited. We got a bunch of family and friends that are going to witness in our celebration. We plan to have lunch at a restaurant after. I'll definitely post pictures of that!
We leave for our family vacation in Florida in a week. I'm excited to go, but a little nervous about the car ride. It's only 12 hours to Destin, and I'm pretty sure that it will be ok, but you never know. Beach, here we come!

Silly Sayings of a 2 Year Old

So, here are a few of the silly/funny/not so funny things that my 2 year old has said recently. Some of them I cringe and pretend that I'm not his mother, some of them I try very very hard to hide my laughter and others, well, I just can't believe that he came up with them.

1. Colin asked me to help him with something right in the middle of me feeding Brennan. When I told him that I couldn't help him just then, but that I would as soon as I was done feeding Brennan, his response was: "It's okay mommy, Jesus help me".
2. I call Colin sweet pea or hunny a lot. Colin's response to me: "I not hunny (or sweet pea), I Colin".
3. While watching AI the other night, a professional came on stage to perform and I muttered to myself that she was terrible. Colin heard and said: "Her not terrible mommy". I said "Yes, she is". Colin said "No, her not terrible". I then said "You like the way she sings?" Colin responded with "Yes, I like her singing voice".
4. Colin was in his bedroom with his Babu (grandfather), and all of a sudden he comes running out and over to his Mimi (grandmother). He says to her: "Mimi, I want money".
5. When Colin and Brennan were being watched by a friend, Colin was overheard saying to his crying brother "It's okay baby Brennan, mommy be right back to get us". That's what I said to him when he was dropped off.
6. During potty training (which we are STILL working on), I asked Colin if he needed to poop in the potty. He said in a loud voice: "I not pee-pee in the potty". He then went back to playing. Less than 5 minutes later he ran over to me and said in a very authoritative tone: "Change my diaper mommy!" He had just gone in his diaper.
7. When Brennan was crying one day, Colin came over to me and said: "Mommy, put baby Brennan away".

These are just a few. As i think of more, or hear more from him, I'll add to this list. This kid cracks me up, and not always in a good way. I'm sure every kid goes through this, but some of what he says totally embarrasses me!

A New Venture...

I'm toying with the idea of becoming a Pampered Chef consultant...again. I did it a few years back, but I just wanted the starter kit and everything in it for the super cheap price. Now I want to do it to make a little extra money. It wouldn't be a full time job or anything, because, well, I don't want a full time job. I don't even work full time as a nurse! Anyway, I'm super shy, and thought that this might be a good way to help break me out of my shell a little bit. I love their products, and already have a ton...so why not sell it, make some money, and have some girlfriend time? Thoughts?

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!
We had a very blessed Easter. The entire family got together at Joel & Valerie's house for brunch. We had a yummy spread of pancakes, quiche, bacon, sandwiches, pastries, doughnuts, fruit, cheese, bread, etc.
After everyone ate, the kids got some Easter baskets and then we had an egg hunt. Actually, 2. We did one for the older girls and then one for all of the little kids!
Miguel read a story about the reason for Easter. The celebration of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection into eternal life with the Father. What a beautiful love story. Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Thank you for taking the burden of all of my sins so I may live forever, with you.
Above are pictures of each of the grand kids (from both side of our family) in age order. More Easter pictures can be found on my smugmug.

Easter Egg Dyeing

The family got together at Joel & Valerie's house tonight to dye Easter eggs. This was Colin's first time, and though he had fun dyeing 1 egg...the fun wore off after about 5 minutes. Colin did have a blast playing with Christian, and the grown-ups had fun dyeing eggs! More pictures on my smugmug.

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 5 Challenge

Here's Emily's Challenge:
Week 4 - 'Silly Faces'


Have your LO to Emily by next Wednesday night. She'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.

***Edited 4/14/09***


Journaling:
The many
silly faces
of Colin

6 Month Comparison

Colin - TOP Brennan - BOTTOM

6 Months Old

My Brennan is 6 months old!

Newborn

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months
4 Months


5 Months
6 Months

He's changed so much in the past 6 months! Isn't he just the cutest little thing you've ever seen? Though he looks like an angel, I can assure you that he is not! He is definitely our diffucult child. He likes to cry...a lot. We love him more than anything though and we are so blessed to have him in our lives. I took him in for his 6 month portraits, and I'll get them back next week, so I'll post them then. Brennan also has his 6 month doctor's appointment next week, so I'll post about that after it!

Brennan's First Haircut

I took Brennan today for his first haircut. His hair was looking pretty scary...a little Albert Einstein-ish! He did well. Actually, really well. No crying at all. He sat in the little race car and held onto the steering wheel. It was adorable. More pictures are on my smugmug.

Future Musician?

Everyday, and I do mean EVERYDAY, Colin tells me: "Mommy, I play drums, piano & guitar." It is the cutest thing...EVER. Here are a few pictures that I snapped recently.

***I'm still looking for the one that I took of him playing his guitar.

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 4 Challenge

Here's Casey's Challenge:
Week 4 - 'Vacation Memories'

Share your favorite vacation memory or memories and why it was one of your favorite memories.


Have your LO to Casey by next Wednesday night. She'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.


***Edited 4/6/09***

Journaling:
A few of my
favorite photos
of us during
our visit to PR
in March 2008.
We visited the
beach, rainforest,
historic buildings,
Old San Juan, &
family. We ate the
best food ever and
watched my in-laws
renew their vows.
What a blast!