Monday, August 25, 2008
Smile...PLEASSEEEE
I just wanted to remind myself (for the future) of why I do NOT go to professional photo shoots anymore.:) After 3 different attempts of going to Olan Mills (which just for a side-note I have in the past gotten very good pictures there) this past week I was wishing that I had spent ALL my service auction money on the photo shoot from Jessica and outbid Shelley--next time girl...it's all me!:) Seriously I was thinking about shooting myself. The first time I had all 4 kids, do I need to say more? Props were bumped off the wall, a tire fell on another kid..ahhh Second attempt Dad had the other kids and Addie just cried and drooled and Third attempt she looked at the lady as if she were an alien and would not budge....not even a teeny smile. So Addie when you read this you will know why we don't have a lot of pictures of you. It's not because you are the fourth child...I tried:)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Shopping anyone?
Just in case you have not heard of this place and would be coming to the St. Louis area just wanted to tell you to check into the St. Louis Mills. I didn't take my camera so I don't have any pictures. However, we only walked around looking at the things to do here and my kids had a great time. At this mall they have stores galore (some outlets) but they also have a lot of fun things to do in the different "neighborhoods" like: an ice skating rink (where the Blues practice), a little perana aquarium, a little train, miniature golf, go carts (inside and out), a movie theatre, playground, a video game on the floor you play with your feet (my kids played on this for a long time while I checked out children's place) and more. Oh, they had glow in the dark miniature golf too and laser tag. Anyway just saying it was fun even just walking around so if you needed a place to kill time or you like to shop, you might check this link out and see if it is worth trying next time you are in the area: www.stlouismills.com
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Midnight Snack?
When I came home tonight from cub scouts Dave told me he had this conversation with Haley explaining what a true midnack snack was. Haley has been using the term when she would like a snack before bed. After explaining what it meant to be a "midnight snack" he promised her that he would get her up at 12:00 a.m. so she could have one. Just for the record, I did not approve of his promise:) You can't see the clock (although you can see the need-to-update-kitchen:)) but I promise this was at midnight!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Addison
Tomorrow Addison will be 4 months old. It seems so unfair to me. How is it that it takes sooo long to get them here and then those first months go by like a blur? She has now gotten to where she likes to play and be watching things. I just couldn't resist putting her pictures up. I can't imagine our family without her.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Picnic time
Dave's work had the annual picnic today so we got to meet some of the people he has been working with. We also got to do a little swimming and play mini-golf. It was the kids first time and it was so funny watching them. Megan has several strategies for getting it "in the hole!":) Enjoy the video!!!!We've been swimming lots of times this summer but this was Jordan's first time going off a high dive. 
I thought he would start with the lower one since he's never gone of a diving board before, but he surprised me and went right for the high dive. 
Haley going down the "water slide" As a side note to Dave's job...he is still liking it and a few weeks ago he was told he would be doing a few different things now for his work. Then this week he got told he would be changing where he will be part of a different team working more on development. Then last night he came home and told me he was given another responsibility (server for security) from Redlands, CA. He is looking forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.
I thought he would start with the lower one since he's never gone of a diving board before, but he surprised me and went right for the high dive. 
Haley going down the "water slide" As a side note to Dave's job...he is still liking it and a few weeks ago he was told he would be doing a few different things now for his work. Then this week he got told he would be changing where he will be part of a different team working more on development. Then last night he came home and told me he was given another responsibility (server for security) from Redlands, CA. He is looking forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Little Hills Festival
Tonight we went to the Little Hills Festival down the street from where Dave is working. He heard there was a magic show and thought the kids would enjoy it. It was right on the road and Jordan even got to help out at one point.
It's hard to see but he's holding one of the metal circles that magically gets looped into the two the magician is holding.
This is the very first state capital building for the state of MO before it was Jefferson City. (Don't mind the guy on the phone:) There were so many people walking by, that there was no way I would be able to get a picture without someone, so he's the lucky guy--haha)
It's hard to see but he's holding one of the metal circles that magically gets looped into the two the magician is holding.
This is the very first state capital building for the state of MO before it was Jefferson City. (Don't mind the guy on the phone:) There were so many people walking by, that there was no way I would be able to get a picture without someone, so he's the lucky guy--haha)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
First day of school
Today was a big day: first day at a new school for Jordan and first day of kindergarten for Jordan. We are experiencing lots of 1sts.(if that is a word) Anyway we did find out all the kids on that street really do go to Duello. It was built one year ago due to the population growth here. The assistant principal told me that this is the fastest growing school district in the state of MO and by next year (even though they just built Duello) there will be 2 more new elementary schools! I teased Dave about being "outdated" parents because their new school has a computer lab with all flat screens. It is a really nice school with a seperate gym and stage and a multi-purpose room/cafeteria. Their music room really impressed me with risers and at least 7 xylophones and instruments to play. Jordan will be learning the recorder this year---I had to smile when she told me and said "sorry" haha. Oh well, at least now maybe I'll hear a song instead of just a screeching noise when they play it. Anyway when I registered last week I found out kindergarten was only 1/2 day and Haley got assigned to the PM class 12:10-3:10. School starts 30 minutes earlier here so we've been making adjustments in many ways. So first it was Jordan
What a handsome guy
Then we came home and had to wait 4 hours till I could take Haley--you can only imagine. We've waited over 5 1/2 years..."is it time yet?" It was like torturing the child..finally, after many different outfits and hairstyles:)we got her all ready to go (and just for the record she wanted to walk in by herself...I told her I was coming)
The school
When I came back from taking Haley I pulled into the driveway and Megan says "me picture me" And I realized she wanted me to take a picture like the other kids and when I got her out of the van she went to the same spot I had taken Jordan and Haley's picture. Then she says "yeah me school too":)
the annual first day of school treat---fresh cookies and milk:)
What a handsome guy
Then we came home and had to wait 4 hours till I could take Haley--you can only imagine. We've waited over 5 1/2 years..."is it time yet?" It was like torturing the child..finally, after many different outfits and hairstyles:)we got her all ready to go (and just for the record she wanted to walk in by herself...I told her I was coming)
The school
When I came back from taking Haley I pulled into the driveway and Megan says "me picture me" And I realized she wanted me to take a picture like the other kids and when I got her out of the van she went to the same spot I had taken Jordan and Haley's picture. Then she says "yeah me school too":)
the annual first day of school treat---fresh cookies and milk:)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Nothing short of a miracle
This happened right before I left but I haven't had much time to blog:) (imagine that!) However, I don't want to forget. These things happen to me and it is so amazing to go back and see how many miracles happen everyday. I do not for one moment think this was a conincidence.
I was meeting a friend who was helping me with the kids so I could finish packing. As I backed out of the parking lot, yes I hit this Toyota Camry. No, not a happy moment. I got out and there was a dent the size of at least a volleyball. So my friend got out and was sad for me;) and I started searching for paper and pen to write a note telling them I hit there car blah blah. And my friend says "Angela, it's gone" and I'm like "what? What are you talking about?" and when I went back around the dent was TOTALLY gone...I'm not exaggerating. My friend can verify, she saw it too. Now I hear they make bumpers different these days but I'm telling you it was not a small little thing. Truly it was a miracle and I am more than grateful that for some reason I was blessed that day. Now I know you see the scratches but they were yellow and the black one wasn't me either. Of course I still wrote my note and gave my contact information but as you can see, there was nothing left to show. Truly a miracle, no doubt about it.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The First Week
All I have to say is Dave and I both looked at each other and said, "next time...Allied all the way":) No, it wasn't that bad, but I don't want to do that again. I can see why they charge so much to move people and we can't say thank you enough for the many many friends who helped us load not one but 3 trucks (our renter) and for the missionaries who were so inspired to call the missionaries over here to help us unpack (what were we thinking???!!). Anyway here is a little week in review of our first week in our new home:
Cleaning, grocery shopping, cleaning, unpacking boxes, laundry, did I mention cleaning?, Grandma's van being towed to the dealership, unpacking, cleaning, and taking our van to the automotive shop to have our transmission (yes, the one we JUST had fixed, the one we have a year warranty on but are not using..yes, that one) we won't talk about that-and playing. The house was well cared for but you know when you move into a new house you want to make sure it is really clean and dissinfected. My mother-in-law super lady came and helped me do all the dirty work. It was like spring cleaning and I can't thank her enough for all that she did. Seriously you could never guess her age for what she did:) She is a known woman. While she was here someone called her from Iowa wanting to know if she could help paint the restaraunt they own (a friend of theirs). I nicknamed her the Energizer bunny. My mom called and asked if I wore her out and I said, "no she wore me out:)" haha Thank you Grandma Vicki! My ocd thanks you too! Over the past couple days without her here I have not succeeded at getting much done (I'm sure you can imagine) and my appreciation has even deepened. I couldn't have done it without you!
Jordan helping take off the air conditioning vents so we could wash them. He is getting pretty handy with his power tool!:)
Grandma and Haley scrubbing windows
The new-to-us house
And swinging for fun!
Cleaning, grocery shopping, cleaning, unpacking boxes, laundry, did I mention cleaning?, Grandma's van being towed to the dealership, unpacking, cleaning, and taking our van to the automotive shop to have our transmission (yes, the one we JUST had fixed, the one we have a year warranty on but are not using..yes, that one) we won't talk about that-and playing. The house was well cared for but you know when you move into a new house you want to make sure it is really clean and dissinfected. My mother-in-law super lady came and helped me do all the dirty work. It was like spring cleaning and I can't thank her enough for all that she did. Seriously you could never guess her age for what she did:) She is a known woman. While she was here someone called her from Iowa wanting to know if she could help paint the restaraunt they own (a friend of theirs). I nicknamed her the Energizer bunny. My mom called and asked if I wore her out and I said, "no she wore me out:)" haha Thank you Grandma Vicki! My ocd thanks you too! Over the past couple days without her here I have not succeeded at getting much done (I'm sure you can imagine) and my appreciation has even deepened. I couldn't have done it without you!
Jordan helping take off the air conditioning vents so we could wash them. He is getting pretty handy with his power tool!:)
Grandma and Haley scrubbing windows
The new-to-us house
And swinging for fun!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Columbia, my Nauvoo
I have dreaded this post for a long time now. I'm not sure if I will be able to find the words to express all that I am feeling but since I am keeping this as a journal I feel like I should try. We've all heard the phrase, "you don't know how good you've got it, until you don't have it anymore". Well in this case, I feel like I do know and that is why leaving is so hard. One might think I am just hooked on Columbia, [(the hiking trails, university influence, the family friendly community with tons of activities, many of which are free, the school Jordan thrived at, library (no late fees), the dentist who generously thanks me for referrels, the pediatrician who enjoys working with children, the unforgettable doctor who makes personal home phone calls and genuinely listens and cares --is saddened by your loss of a baby, worries about necessary red flags, text messages the doctor on call to make sure your delivery went well and celebrates with you when you are having "your fourth!", no rush hour traffic, ] that makes me the think it is the best town in the world, but it's not the town…let me try to explain…
You might be surprised to know that I really didn't want to move here, but it is true. I didn't know why but I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. And so I came….never knowing that this would be the best place I have ever lived or how it would change me for the rest of my life.
It is here that I met my eternal companion and we have started raising a family. Yes, that in and by itself would explain my deep fond memories of this town. However, it is not all. (plus they are going with me)
You always hear that clichÃĐ that there is no greater gift than true friendship. Even when I write it I feel myself smiling at the overused quote knowing that even though it is true those words cannot begin to explain or make one "feel/understand" what it truly means. It's like trying to describe what salt tastes like….salt.
So even though I can't explain my blessings I will at least list them and perhaps if you have been blessed to have experienced them, you might begin to understand. In a conference talk recently Elder Eyring talked about writing down "how have I seen the hand of the Lord in my own or my family's life today". We started doing this around the dinner table before Dave left for his new job and unfortunately I haven't been as diligent but I have not forgotten all and will share a few of the countless ways we have been blessed: (some of these are more recent as we've been going through this adventure and some of these are just while we have lived in Columbia)
1.Friends who gives you rides (some safer than others haha)
2.Friends who gives your children rides so you don't have to go out (and some that even got a treat on the way home~ very generous)
3.Babysitting: not just the swapping kind, but the "not-keeping-track" times
4.Babysitting arranging: This means people actually call for you to get a babysitter-yes I can't believe it either…but truly doesn't that show the kind of people that I have been blessed to know? I mean seriously…so thoughtful that they don't want you to miss out because you don't have someone to watch the kids so they get a babysitter for you so you can't say no?
5.Meals: Yes, this is a pretty standard one after having a baby …but not 8 or 9 totally voluntary--not because they are your visiting teachers but because they want to OR how about for no reason (you're not sick, in the hospital, etc) OR how about when the person who is bringing a meal just had their own baby a few weeks before and you didn't take them a meal (humbling??--yeah, I would definitely say so) OR how about when the person bringing you a meal is providing enough food not just for you little family but all the extended family as well as they are visiting from out of town OR how about when the person who is bringing a meal or two or three…is on bedrest herself???
6.Calls from people going to the store willing to pick up something for you
7.Friends to help you in public places so you can go out (like at the park when the newborn wants to eat, the two yr.old wants you to hold them at the same time and is crying and then the 5 year old falls off the rocks and is now crying etc etc)
8.Friends who don't think you're a bad mom when #7 happens (at least they don’t' tell you if they are thinking thathaha)
9.Friends who call you and give you the news there is a "deal going on at…."
10.VT companions who encourage you to do better, not by their words but by their example.
11.Friends who forgive and forget when you say things you don't mean
12.Friends who have their family in town but brings you breakfast on your birthday anyway
13.The best visiting teacher I have ever had
14.Home teachers who bring lessons (and after they leave you ask--how did they know we needed that one?), bring lessons appropriate for kids (boxes) and who keep coming back despite the mad chaos and jungle gym tricks that happen each time they come. (despite the ever continual lesson/lecture: "we don't…..when they come")
15. Friends who spend hours taping new shows for you so your kids can survive the packing days.
16. Friends that help you stay healthy and exercise by spending several hours taping for you because you no longer go to the gym and because they understand it isn't always that easy.
17. Friends who keep you on the down-low with groovy music to scrub your toilets with hahahe
18. Friends who go shopping with you and help you not look so "nerdy"&"frumpy"
19. Friends that come to your moving day when you are 6 mo pregnant with a toilet scrubber ready to help you--not pack or move boxes, but to do the nitty gritty--clean!
20.Friends who eat your food despite where you grocery shop
21.Friends who love your children even when they are naughty.
22.Friends who give gentle and loving rebukeings
23.Friends who show you who you want to be when you grow up
24. Friends who patiently walk you through projects step by step so you can do it right and it doesn't end up in the "unfinished projects" box at the top of your closet.
25.Friends who share their amazing (and funny) knowledge/tips/ideas/talents with you to help you become a better wife, mother, person: like home dÃĐcor, interior design, organization, parenting, marriage relations, etc…
26. Friends who make you laugh so hard it hurts
27.Friends with good recipes and share them
28. Friends who share their testimony, which of course, strengthens yours; and not just over the pulpit but in everyday living
29. Friends who know you are having a bad day even when you are trying to hide it.
30. Friends who give you the courage to try new things
31.Friends who tell you to try again when you mess up
32.Friends who remind you of old talents and encourage you to find them again
33.Friends who make you want to be a better person
Is it any wonder why it isn't easy to leave this place? I mean really what can I say more? You may think I'm just being extreme or exaggerating but I'm not. And I have seen these amazing friends do these incredible things for so many different people. Little things…that make a big difference. Seriously, our compassionate service leader will learn of a concern but before she does, it has already been taken care of. I've never seen people give so much-- take care of others so well. It's like I've seen a little piece of heaven. No, it isn't perfect, but I don't know of anything closer.
So how do you thank the people who have changed your life for the better? How do explain to someone how much their little acts of kindness and love has affected you? To them it might seem so insignificant but you want them to know that for you, it meant everything. I guess I can't. I just honestly pray at night for each one of them, asking our loving Heavenly Father to bless them with things they need individually that I can not do that they might know how I am feeling but unable to explain. And even though it is ripping my heart out to leave, I thank Him too, because even though I wish I could stay, I had the opportunity (even if for a short time) to meet and know these "blessings".
If you are familiar with church history you know that the Saints came to Nauvoo in dire circumstances. They built a beautiful city where they experienced a lot of peace and happy times. Unfortunately they had to leave it not knowing exactly where they would be going but trusting in Him that knows all and going forward with faith. And so I will try to follow their example; mustering up some courage to go forward and trusting in His plan for me and my family, the next chapter of our story…
You might be surprised to know that I really didn't want to move here, but it is true. I didn't know why but I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. And so I came….never knowing that this would be the best place I have ever lived or how it would change me for the rest of my life.
It is here that I met my eternal companion and we have started raising a family. Yes, that in and by itself would explain my deep fond memories of this town. However, it is not all. (plus they are going with me)
You always hear that clichÃĐ that there is no greater gift than true friendship. Even when I write it I feel myself smiling at the overused quote knowing that even though it is true those words cannot begin to explain or make one "feel/understand" what it truly means. It's like trying to describe what salt tastes like….salt.
So even though I can't explain my blessings I will at least list them and perhaps if you have been blessed to have experienced them, you might begin to understand. In a conference talk recently Elder Eyring talked about writing down "how have I seen the hand of the Lord in my own or my family's life today". We started doing this around the dinner table before Dave left for his new job and unfortunately I haven't been as diligent but I have not forgotten all and will share a few of the countless ways we have been blessed: (some of these are more recent as we've been going through this adventure and some of these are just while we have lived in Columbia)
1.Friends who gives you rides (some safer than others haha)
2.Friends who gives your children rides so you don't have to go out (and some that even got a treat on the way home~ very generous)
3.Babysitting: not just the swapping kind, but the "not-keeping-track" times
4.Babysitting arranging: This means people actually call for you to get a babysitter-yes I can't believe it either…but truly doesn't that show the kind of people that I have been blessed to know? I mean seriously…so thoughtful that they don't want you to miss out because you don't have someone to watch the kids so they get a babysitter for you so you can't say no?
5.Meals: Yes, this is a pretty standard one after having a baby …but not 8 or 9 totally voluntary--not because they are your visiting teachers but because they want to OR how about for no reason (you're not sick, in the hospital, etc) OR how about when the person who is bringing a meal just had their own baby a few weeks before and you didn't take them a meal (humbling??--yeah, I would definitely say so) OR how about when the person bringing you a meal is providing enough food not just for you little family but all the extended family as well as they are visiting from out of town OR how about when the person who is bringing a meal or two or three…is on bedrest herself???
6.Calls from people going to the store willing to pick up something for you
7.Friends to help you in public places so you can go out (like at the park when the newborn wants to eat, the two yr.old wants you to hold them at the same time and is crying and then the 5 year old falls off the rocks and is now crying etc etc)
8.Friends who don't think you're a bad mom when #7 happens (at least they don’t' tell you if they are thinking thathaha)
9.Friends who call you and give you the news there is a "deal going on at…."
10.VT companions who encourage you to do better, not by their words but by their example.
11.Friends who forgive and forget when you say things you don't mean
12.Friends who have their family in town but brings you breakfast on your birthday anyway
13.The best visiting teacher I have ever had
14.Home teachers who bring lessons (and after they leave you ask--how did they know we needed that one?), bring lessons appropriate for kids (boxes) and who keep coming back despite the mad chaos and jungle gym tricks that happen each time they come. (despite the ever continual lesson/lecture: "we don't…..when they come")
15. Friends who spend hours taping new shows for you so your kids can survive the packing days.
16. Friends that help you stay healthy and exercise by spending several hours taping for you because you no longer go to the gym and because they understand it isn't always that easy.
17. Friends who keep you on the down-low with groovy music to scrub your toilets with hahahe
18. Friends who go shopping with you and help you not look so "nerdy"&"frumpy"
19. Friends that come to your moving day when you are 6 mo pregnant with a toilet scrubber ready to help you--not pack or move boxes, but to do the nitty gritty--clean!
20.Friends who eat your food despite where you grocery shop
21.Friends who love your children even when they are naughty.
22.Friends who give gentle and loving rebukeings
23.Friends who show you who you want to be when you grow up
24. Friends who patiently walk you through projects step by step so you can do it right and it doesn't end up in the "unfinished projects" box at the top of your closet.
25.Friends who share their amazing (and funny) knowledge/tips/ideas/talents with you to help you become a better wife, mother, person: like home dÃĐcor, interior design, organization, parenting, marriage relations, etc…
26. Friends who make you laugh so hard it hurts
27.Friends with good recipes and share them
28. Friends who share their testimony, which of course, strengthens yours; and not just over the pulpit but in everyday living
29. Friends who know you are having a bad day even when you are trying to hide it.
30. Friends who give you the courage to try new things
31.Friends who tell you to try again when you mess up
32.Friends who remind you of old talents and encourage you to find them again
33.Friends who make you want to be a better person
Is it any wonder why it isn't easy to leave this place? I mean really what can I say more? You may think I'm just being extreme or exaggerating but I'm not. And I have seen these amazing friends do these incredible things for so many different people. Little things…that make a big difference. Seriously, our compassionate service leader will learn of a concern but before she does, it has already been taken care of. I've never seen people give so much-- take care of others so well. It's like I've seen a little piece of heaven. No, it isn't perfect, but I don't know of anything closer.
So how do you thank the people who have changed your life for the better? How do explain to someone how much their little acts of kindness and love has affected you? To them it might seem so insignificant but you want them to know that for you, it meant everything. I guess I can't. I just honestly pray at night for each one of them, asking our loving Heavenly Father to bless them with things they need individually that I can not do that they might know how I am feeling but unable to explain. And even though it is ripping my heart out to leave, I thank Him too, because even though I wish I could stay, I had the opportunity (even if for a short time) to meet and know these "blessings".
If you are familiar with church history you know that the Saints came to Nauvoo in dire circumstances. They built a beautiful city where they experienced a lot of peace and happy times. Unfortunately they had to leave it not knowing exactly where they would be going but trusting in Him that knows all and going forward with faith. And so I will try to follow their example; mustering up some courage to go forward and trusting in His plan for me and my family, the next chapter of our story…
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