The Clog

Since getting new carpet, my vacuum seemed to have worse and worse performance. I have a bagless and usually I can vacuum the entire house before I have to empty it, so I continued this routine. I noticed that it was getting more and more clogged to the point that I dreaded vacuuming because it wasn't even working. Finally, with screw driver in hand, I took the whole thing apart and MAN the clogsssss that I found. I was discouraged to say the least! It was thick with new carpet fuzz. I got as much as I could out and just knew it was a lost cause. All of a sudden, my sweet, smart little girl said, "I know, I'll get Benton's tools" (they are all plastic). I wish I could have had her enthusiasm, but alas, I was thinking that a new vacuum was sounding like a great Christmas present. I went to change out the laundry and apparently I left the situation in good hands. I heard a lot of plastic hammer on plastic tubing sounds coming from the bedroom and by the time I got back Alea had pulled handfuls of fuzz from the vacuum hose!!! This was working, she is a genius and oh, so patient. Little by little, hit by hit, she got the biggest clog out of the vacuum. THANK YOU ALEA!

Slow progress, but she got it done!

Thank You Sid

Children are creatures of imitation! I saw this clearly after my children watched an episode of "Sid the Science Kid" (PBS Kids) about using a ruler or tape measure to measure distances. They were pleading with me to get them a ruler and tape measure so they could measure stuff. "This is good" I thought, "they are enthusiastic about measuring, how scientific"! I was in my bathroom fixing my hair and was shortly joined by my two little scientists complete with measuring instruments. They proceeded to extremely seriously measure many items in the bathroom, including all of our rears (haha). Who else would have gotten my children excited about measuring anything or the vocabulary associated with measuring? I tip my hat and say, "Thank you, Sid!"

SNOWAYITSNOW

What a shocker to get snow yesterday!! It was beautiful. The kids enjoyed dressing up all warm and heading out to play in the fresh, powdery snow. They acted like they had never seen snow before. Greg and I sat inside and enjoyed listening to all the giggles more than we would have enjoyed bundling up and joining them. Kevin, on the other hand, joined the kids in the romping around-in shorts, a T and flip-flops no less. Brrrr. . .

After the playing we made s'mores over the fire and enjoyed a relaxing day. Greg did finally go out and he and Kevin made a giant snowman which they proceeded to smash. I loved the peace and tranquility fresh fallen snow brings. Honestly though, what I'm enjoying more is a 40 degree day in which all the snow is now melting!! The best of both worlds.

Mmmm. . . it's "snow" good!

Big, beautiful flakes. . .

Lessons in snowball throwing!

Thanksgiving 2009

We enjoyed this Thanksgiving in a BIG way! We left from our home in the morning and returned to our home in the evening: tired, full and happy. We began the morning at Greg's families' house and ended at Callie's house. Two Thanksgiving dinners never hurt anyone ,right? Well, none of us complained but Alea did ask why we had to leave Nana's house to go have dinner at Callie's house. We were surrounded by family and wonderful food all day!

We were also joined by our faithful friend, Kevin. We were so happy he was here with us during this time of celebration! There is so much to be thankful for and I praise God for his faithfulness and blessing this holiday season.

Jon, Greg and Kevin

Thankful for "the game"!

Josiah, Benton and Gideon

Thankful for cousins!

August, Miriam and Alea

Thankful for dress ups!!!

This is the Bestest Popcorn Ever!

Too cute not to share. . .

My niece, August, is here for the afternoon and she came during "rest time". I have computer catching up to do and so I thought a good rest for the girls would be watching Bolt. Alea popped them some popcorn and they laid down on the kids old mattresses to watch the movie.

Conversation starts: August said "That was the best bite of popcorn I ever had", I giggled and said "Good". Two minutes later, "Aunt Erin, you make the most goodest popcorn!", Me "Why, thank you August". Two minutes later, "Aunt Erin, this is the bestest popcorn ever!"

All I can say is "Thank you Act II Butter Lovers for making me the best popcorn maker ever!" I didn't even make the popcorn, Alea did. . .

Long Awaited Pictures of Our Home For JONI

Our new home. . .

Is that a back porch and backyard??

Why, yes it is. . .

Living room-complete with tile, corner

fireplace, new flat screen TV, small

vaulted ceiling.

Master bedroom-

Master bedroom-that's the big screen
in the corner!

More Pictures of Our New Home

"Alea's" room-they use this as a playroom.

We're going to paint it pink with a princess castle!

Nice NEW CARPET!!

"Benton's" room-actually they share

bunk beds in this room.

Kid's bathroom-the curtain blocks

the beautiful tile work in the tub.

Dinning area-the table has a leaf in it

and we can still walk around it!

My beautiful, giant kitchen-with new appliances!


The End. . .

Oh Childhood is Bliss

While all the packing was going on, Benton had fun with the simple:

Yes, I Have no Bananas (Or Do I?)

Just thought I'd share this with who ever is interested:

Before we left Des Moines, I got some quite green bananas just sure that they would ripen up and we'd have fresh bananas, just like they always do. Well, a week and a half later, they were still too "unripe" to eat. I love bananas and I had to go buy some ripe ones just sure the green ones would be ready soon-nope. Days ticked by and still green. Seriously, they were Shreck colored. Every morning I'd check on the bananas and they were SO green.

With the packers en route, way to embarrassed to offer green bananas-of which had been green almost TWO WEEKS-to any friends and knowing they wouldn't make the trip to Amarillo, I had to do something quickly. I decided the best choice was to chunk (or chuck, depending on where you're from-Amanda) them in the trash. So, I just thought it was strange and wondered how unripe they were when they were picked . . .

Closing. . . at last?

As of right now, this minute, this second, we are suppose to be closing on our house Friday! This could change, but for NOW it's only two days away. We want new carpet, the ducts cleaned and fireplace swept so we'll get that done Monday. The moving company is moving our things into the home on Tuesday. This is what the plan is for NOW, we'll see how it goes!?!?!?

It's been a great two weeks here with mom and dad and we are so blessed with the opportunity to stay somewhere so comfortable and with people that love us. It will be wonderful to get back to our routine and into our own home but the interim has been relaxing and fun.

We Are Texans-Again

Just a quick update on our family/moving/living/surviving situation.

We officially and tearfully left Des Moines on Friday-sniff, sniff. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!) in Kansas City, and had so much fun! Pictures will follow once I get my own computer up and running again. We made the L-O-N-G drive on into Amarillo Saturday-for the last time for a long time! We're staying with my gracious parents and were hoping to close on our house this Thursday, but the owner of the home is in China. Why am I surprised? We may have to wait to close for another week, but we're in the final stages and we're all together, what could be more important!?

*Side story: I have obviously been a little distracted with the move and everything involved. One afternoon, I was making the kids lunch and Benton was right at my legs whining and even crying around a little. I finally stopped making lunch, looked down at him and asked, "Benton, what do you want?", he tearfully looked into my eyes and said "YOU!". I chuckled as the realization of his honesty knocked a hole in my heart. Of course I sat down and held him until HE was ready to move on. Lunch can wait, Packing can wait, Laundry can wait, Everything can wait when my kids need ME! I had to think that our Heavenly Father must feel like doing that to us sometimes. Saying, "I just need YOU!". Remember to give your time to what matters most!

Is it the Perfect Fit?

It is the perfect house, but the driveway could double as a ski slope (In Amarillo, what??). Wonderful layout but the backyard is the size of a dog run. Great backyard but the add on is a little scary. The bedrooms would be cramped with a toddler bed in them. Does the word 'update' mean anything to you? Who wallpapers the ceiling? Carpet in the dining, really? If we could only knock out this wall . . . My concerns went on and on, house after house. I began to question if there was a house that would meet our needs/wants. Our list of what we preferred weren't extravagant but apparently the combination was not happening. We've all been there, right? We were suppose to go down to Texas and find that perfect house, place a contract, the contract be accepted, visit with friends and family and return home boasting about how wonderful life is and how we walk in such favor. NOPE!

After looking at 67 homes (yes, I physically went into 67 homes), two contracts that fell through, driving to Oklahoma City just to turn around and go back to Amarillo, cry, pray, regroup and continue looking, I found one that actually got better the further into it we tread. I got excited when I looked in the giant kitchen, the bedrooms were great for the kids, two full bath-including bath tubs in both (a rare find), sky lights, tile, fire place, storage, right price, YES, this could definitely WORK! Skidddd. . . will my husband even fit in that shower? If he couldn't comfortably shower in "our new home" I'd have to continue looking and possibly be in Amarillo yet another week. Well, only one way to find out, I called up my 6ft 7in brother-in-law and excitedly told him that we may have found "the one", politely asked him if he wanted to see it, and timidly included a quick "Will you see if YOU can fit into the shower for me?". He was so understanding of a tall man's needs he met us there-twelve people in all-to look it over and see if it might just be the right "fit".

As you can see, Lance fits nicely in the shower, shew. Our contract was accepted last night, shew. We are going to try to close on the house in two weeks, shew!! Thanks for any and all prayers made on our behalf, the battle is half won and we're still in for some rough times, but at least WE HAVE A HOUSE, and yes we walk in favor and grace everyday-still!

Still House Haunting . . .

Oops, did I say haunting? Yes, I did, and I mean it. This is not going according to plan and I am a stickler for plans. We have yet to find "the house" and so Greg returned solo to Des Moines while the children and I stay here and . . .
keep . . .
looking . . .
I am stressed, tired, confused and missing my husband. But hopeful, loved and looking at MORE homes tomorrow. If YOU think about it, will YOU pray for our family?

House Hunting

We will be house hunting Tuesday, September 22-Saturday, September 26! Pray that we find favor with a seller and find the perfect house (for us!).

BIG NEWS!

About nine weeks ago, Greg applied for a manager position in Amarillo, Texas. We did not tell anyone because of the location and the possibility of moving back so close to family. We felt like it would be better to only share if we actually got the offer-ya right! While mom and dad were here last week . . . we got the OFFER! We were all so excited and they just couldn't believe it since they didn't even know there was a job available in Amarillo. We are moving HOME!! I am so proud of Greg and all his hard work. He had a goal in moving us up here and he's now taking the next step. The fact that that step is in Amarillo is so awesome! We are so sad to say good-bye to all of our dear friends, sigh. However, we are extremely excited to be moving so close to family. We have been here three years and they have been blessed way beyond what we ever imagined! We have wonderful, faithful friends and an amazing, young church. I can not even begin to sum up all the growth and stretching we've done here in Des Moines. It's painful to feel the roots being pulled up but we're going to fields of outstretched arms! House hunting and moving dates have yet to be determined, but I'll keep this blog as updated as possible. Prayers for our move and new home would be appreciated-to God be the glory in all we do.

Our sweet Alea-when we moved here! 13 months old

Such a good helper-getting ready for her little brother.

Look how little she was when we moved!!

Our family THREE YEARS LATER . . .

More Pictures

Dad is still not too old to play in the sand!

Jester Park

Alea, Mom and Benton at Saylorville's Butterfly Garden.

Dad and Benton feeding the Koi fish at the zoo.

Eating at HuHot! Mmmm . . .

Visitors

It had been 15 months since anyone has been up here to visit! Finally-we had visitors!!! Dad, Mom and Nannie came all the way up for an "almost fall" trip. We had a great time. We did a lot of local activities: apple orchard, raspberry pickin', softball game, Ledges State Park, Raccoon River, Jester Park and local eateries. We enjoyed too much food, lots of laughs and perfect weather. We love it when people come to visit and are finally catching up on some sleep since they have been gone.

Alea and Benton pickin' apples.

Mom and Dad at the apple orchard. How corny!

We found this mask at Walgreens and had many a laugh with it.

NANNIE!

Yes, that is Greg pulling Nannie-she's 87 years old!

Mom showing Alea the "ripe" raspberries.

Determination at it's finest!

It wasn't raining when I decided to grill!!!

Enough said . . .

Yes, those get into the house too!

Way too cute not to picture and post! The other morning I went to open up the windows and screeched as I almost stepped on a small roach of some kind. Of course, if mama is screeching about something it's gotta be worth leaving breakfast for a formal investigation. Both of my children race from their breakfast to see what the fuss was about. They were so interested in watching the little bug squirm and try to hide. It made us laugh because they aren't that interested in spiders in the house anymore, but THIS, this was great. You would have thought that it was the most interesting thing-a time altering experience-to see a bug in the house. Alea was asking all kinds of questions and I really wanted to say, "Yes, those get into the house too!"

I've often thought about how many things we wouldn't miss in life if we approached it like children. They find mystery and fascination in everything. They make the ordinary extraordinary and turn the rain into a dance. We can learn so much from them! "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4

And so . . . school begins . . .

What a look!?! Can you say, "We're having so much fun!"

Her "first day of school" outfit-PINK!

Looks like kindergarten!

The lesson plans are all made, I've stacked the papers, I've gone over the day's activities one too many times-WE ARE STARTING. I've decided to home school Alea this year-no surprise really-and begin her in kindergarten. Yes, I know it's a little early-according to her age-but I feel like she's ready. We've done preschool for the past two years and I feel like another year would be a waste of time. The beauty of homeschooling is going at your child's pace and I feel she is ready to delve into kindergarten.

I remember doing the "home visits" for preschool preparation. A little nervous going up to the front door plastered with a super sweet smile for the impressionable first impression. I loved meeting the kids for the first time and meeting their parents. I got a peek into their world. By visiting their homes, I already had a feel for where they were coming from. First day of preschool (2-3 year olds) was a bit weepy-mostly moms-and then after about two weeks, routines began and children became compliant. The year began with all it's stories, songs, snacks and sleep!

The day begins with a terrible yell and "Mommy, I need a band-aid!" Upon investigation, Alea has contracted a splinter. It's a perfect one though. The kind that is big enough to see and had one splintery finger still sticking out from her thumb. She sat like she was about to get shots waiting as I got the tweezers to extract to splinter. I don't know how many times she asked if it was going to hurt, but - with her distracted by the TV - when I finally did pull the pest out she didn't even flinch! Perfect, and now we can start our day. The first day of kindergarten!!

I remember the "open house" for second grade school preparation. I felt like teaching second grade was like getting a new job every August. You have a new class and new parents every year. The first day of class was basically an interview for the upcoming school year. You're nervous, you sweat, you try to get organized, the children look at you like you're some sort of real leader and are more than eager to follow. Routines begin and before you blink we're out for Christmas!

We couldn't have asked for a more smooth transition into our home school routine! Alea, being Alea, picked out her "first day of school clothes". She decided to wear a ballerina shirt (pajamas-sorry mom!), matching tutu, pink panty hose and her ballet slippers. We began the day with a song, did language arts, computer technology, art, literature, math and ended with a reading circle. I have blocked off an hour and a half and we went over that today. I hope this is a sign of things to come, a love for learning and teaching. I am using My Father's World curriculum with supplemental materials. This is suggested, tested and loved by my wonderful older sister of whom also home schools her FOUR children. Benton did great also, he did everything right along with us. I'm looking forward to watching my children grow and learn while I grow and learn right along with them!

On the side. . . Alea proceeded to call me "Teacher" or "Erin" while school was in session. It was too cute.

Our Tenth Year of Marriage!

Today marks a great achievement in today's marriage standards-or lack thereof. Greg and I happily celebrated our TENTH wedding anniversary. I can't say that we did anything of grandeur or expense but we did the most important thing for both of us, we spent time together. We both talked about how significant TEN years really is and how different we thought life would be after TEN years of marriage. Sooo, this year we wrote down where we think we'll be in another TEN years, put our predictions in an envelope, sealed it, not to be opened until August 7, 2019. It'll be fun to see where we are compared to where we think/hope we are after TWENTY years of marriage.

Greg is my best friend. He is always encouraging, supportive, faithful and so full of life. We have lived in two states together: Texas and Iowa. Been out of the country twice. Lived in a total of eleven residence-eight of which were our "permanent" address. Achieved four and six year college degrees. Birthed and are raising two beautiful children. Since marriage, Greg has had eight different jobs and I've had four. We've survived a tropical storm on Galveston Island and three winters in Iowa! Greg has played in bowling leagues, multiple softball leagues, a flag football league and golf tournaments he also coached basketball. We have been through seven cars. We've owned only ONE refrigerator, microwave, washer, dryer, wok, toaster and kitchen table. We've buried four grandparents, welcomed seven new nieces and nephews, been in three weddings and thrown multiple wedding, baby and lingerie showers. We've watched movies until we've laughed ourselves to tears, stayed up all night to see the sunrise, gone to bed before the sun, exhausted ourselves watching TV shows, saved a puppy and gotten locked IN our apartment. We've kissed each other good night (excluding nights we're apart of course and those nights we talk on the phone until one or both of us fall asleep) every night and never gone to bed mad at each other-honest. I'm convinced that we are a perfect match-though I had my doubts-and we just couldn't be happier. . . TEN years later.