Trapped in Indiana

My Hope

2012-01-24T08:54:00.003-05:00

Seriously such a cool song. I've had it in my head for a couple days now and I'm so thankful that God can give a peace that passes understanding!!

My hope is in you Lord

All the day long

I won't be shaken by drought or storm

A peace that passes Understanding is my song

And I sing, My hope is in You alone!

On the Horizon

2012-01-23T09:13:00.003-05:00

Well, we have some exciting things on the horizon for our family. We are overwhelmed with the possibility that God has brought our way. Would you be praying with us over the next week or so as we make some decisions and figure out some details? I promise to share soon the crazy exciting ways that we're seeing God working in our family right now. He is pretty awesome!

Proud Owners

2011-12-16T14:09:00.002-05:00

Well, on our way home from a family Christmas up in Michigan last weekend, our beloved 1992 Toyota Camry bit the dust. We always said we would drive it until it died, and we did...twice. Six years ago, we put a "new" engine in when it died, and this time we decided it was time to move on. I have driven that car for the past 12 years and it was actually a bit sad to leave it at the mechanic!

Thankfully, we have a connection through my brother's father in law and we were able to score a 2010 Ford Fusion at a Dealer Auction in North Carolina!! We are so excited to get our new car! I'm saying this in public - so hold me to it...We WILL keep this car clean!! It is so hard having kids and a nice car. It seems like they always have something in their hands when they leave the house - a toy, a cookie, a blanket, a book, and the list goes on. It seems to always leave the house, but never return to the house. You would be amazed at the things we found when we were cleaning out our Camry! Craig even found the recording of our wedding (on a cassette tape!) in the console. I'll have to find a tape player so I can listen to it! :-)

It will still be at least 10 more days before we get to meet our new car in person. My parents will drive it back to us after they return from their FIRST cruise! (Just a little jealous) Hoping they have a fantastic time so that they'll want to go again with all of us kids!

And since I'm not that great at updating this blog, I will wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Turn That Frown Upside Down

2011-09-13T08:41:00.007-04:00

This is the shirt that Morgan wore to school yesterday for blue day...and it is the title of my post. I can honestly say that the past five weeks have been some of the hardest weeks of my life. I never dreamed that the transition to kindergarten would be so hard on our family.

For years, Morgan has been looking forward to going to school. She's gone to MOPS, church classes, preschool, etc. and has never really had a problem going to her class or dealt with much separation anxiety. Let me tell you, we were not prepared for her response to going to school. We had tears almost every morning before school. There were many factors that caused these tears, but overall, it was separation anxiety mixed with a feeling of being out of control of her environment and not understanding exactly what was expected of her which resulted in a fear of failure. I don't know where this came from since we've never expected perfection from Morgan - it is just something that she has put on herself. We spent many days praying and crying, asking God to help Morgan adjust and learn to love school.

This also took an unexpected toll on me personally. It was so hard to see our daughter so unhappy to the point of tears and stomach aches and I felt so helpless and unable to fix it. This threw me into a downward spiral that I'm assuming is what everyone calls depression. I've never dealt with feelings like I had for such a long period of time. (I know to some, 5 weeks doesn't seem too long, but to me, it was) I was not a fun person to be around. My relationships with my family suffered as well as normal everyday things. It was not a pretty picture. However - in the middle of all this, God did blow me away with some unexpected blessings.

I say this all to get to this point - we had tried everything. We had no idea what else to do. We had turned a corner from feeling sorry for Morgan and empathizing with her to frustration that we weren't seeing any progress. We had been sharing with our small group and they had been praying with us through this and weekly we would pray together. The kids are usually in another room while we are meeting and during our prayer time this week, Morgan came out and sat on my lap. She was listening to our prayers and asked, "Mom, are they praying for me?" I told her that yes we were and I laid my hand on her and so did a few others and we just prayed that God would take away all the fear and anxiety and that He would replace it with joy and love for school. When we got home, Morgan asked me (like she does every night) if she had school in the morning. I told her, "Yes!" She responded with excitement, admitting that she couldn't wait! Well, I'd heard that before, so I responded that I was happy that she was excited for school and then I tucked her in for the night.

Monday morning, she came into our room at 6:15am...ugh! (My alarm is set for 6:35 and this mamma LOVES her sleep!) She said, "Mom, is it time to get ready for school!? I'm so excited!" (Usually, she's asking for a few more minutes to sleep) I pulled her in with me and had her rest for 20 minutes, but she just couldn't stop talking. "Ooo, it's computer day today?! I LOVE computer class!" All morning she was in such a positive mood. The difference was more than noticeable. I found myself thanking God that we even had one morning with no tears. Craig dropped her off at school and I received this text - "Nothing but smiles a high five and a blown kiss down the hallway!!!" This was a definite change from her running the opposite direction of the school, Craig chasing her, and carrying her kicking and screaming to her classroom while teachers were encouraging him as he walked down the hall with an, "I'm praying for you!" (Which was a blessing in itself in a public school!!)

We have definitely turned a corner. Each day since Sunday, Morgan has had a good morning which results in a good day. She even ate school lunch yesterday which was a HUGE thing for her!!

I know we're still on a journey and God is teaching our family many things in this new season of life. But, I know that there were so many of you praying for us and I wanted you all to hear this awesome story of how God worked in our little girl's heart!! One of my friends responded that she wasn't surprised because Morgan has always been so sensitive to the Spirit. I couldn't agree more. God changed our little girl's heart in His time, and we were blessed to see it happen.

We have a Kindergartner...

2011-08-12T08:13:00.004-04:00

That's right! Our first little girl started Kindergarten yesterday! I was a bitter sweet day - I was such a mix of emotions. I was so excited for our little girl but I was also sad. So sad that I would be missing out on 7 hours of her day. For the past five years, I have stayed home with Morgan and enjoyed teaching her and watching her learn and grow. I had the overwhelming feeling that my job of instilling morals and values was over. (I know it isn't, but seriously, the first five years are sooo important!) I thought, "Well, I hope everything I've poured into her over these past years has sunk in and made her into the Godly girl I've prayed for her to be in this moment. I felt like I just had to trust and let her go - sooo not easy for this mama! I wasn't going to be able to protect her physically and emotionally. After we dropped her off at school, I had a little meltdown. I just wept in my bed while my gracious hubby held me. Then God gave me exactly what I needed - my little daily devotional told me this -

"God asks that we believe Him regardless of the risks - in spite of the danger - ignoring the odds." - Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, p. 370

"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He...was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." -Hebrews 11:17-18 NIV

And she was fine. She was more than fine. She had a blast! When we picked her up, she said, "When do I get to come back?" She was more than thrilled to hear that the answer was, "Tomorrow morning!" And let's face it, she did have stories of a little girl pulling her hair and pulling on her friend's backpack strong enough to choke her, but we had a good conversation about loving and praying for our friends who may not know Jesus. Morgan thought that was agreat idea. So, even though I wasn't able to be there to make sure she didn't get her hair pulled on her first day of school - which breaks my heart - I know that God is working in this little girl's heart and she is going to be a light for Him this year in her classroom! Praise God!

She's all ready to go! I can't believe this time has come. Hold on to every moment - I've heard it so many times - because time does go oh.so.quickly.

She was so excited! Just that morning she did confess, "Mom, I am just a little bit nervous too."

She wanted to talk to Grandma on the way to school!

Walking into her new school.

Welcome to Kindergarten :-)

Saying goodbye - This is also going to be a huge adjustment! Morgan and Jaron are so incredibly close. They love each other. Jaron was just lost yesterday without his sister. They play so well together and have really developed a special bond this summer especially. Morgan was getting ready in the bathroom and said, "Jaron, today is the day that I go to school!" Jaron replied, "I hate that."

I'm so blessed.

Just have to share!

2011-04-30T22:28:00.001-04:00

I stumbled across this blog and I have to share. I was literally laughing out loud as I was reading. She definitely has a way with words...and pictures :-)

http://peanutgalleryexithere.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-know-youre-mom-when.html

First Annual RJP Cutest Kid Contest!

2011-04-18T09:41:00.003-04:00

You’ve captured that perfect picture, now what?!

Why not take a chance to win a FREE mini session with ReneeJPhotography along with a CD with a photo release?!

Here’s how it works:

Email ONE photo…the cutest and most recent one you have of your sweetie (ages 0-10) to contest@reneejphotography.com by Sunday April 24^th.

· Photo must be a snapshot – no professional photos will be entered.

· No pictures will be accepted after Sunday April 24th. No exceptions.

· Include your child’s first name, age, parent’s name and contact email.

· *If you have more than one child. Enter each child separately.

· Session will be 30 minutes and will be held in the Grant County (IN) or Kalamazoo County (MI) area.

2. All of the photos will be placed in an album on Facebook entitled Cutest Kid Contest. On Monday April 25th voting will begin!!

· No negative comments towards any picture…if I see any I will delete them. Please remember all of the children are perfect and beautiful!

· Play fair. One vote per person!

3. How to vote:

Have all of your friends and family “like” the ReneeJPhotography business page on facebook.
From April 25 to May 1, have them “like” your photo in the Cutest Kid Contest album. The child with the most “likes” will win a totally free mini session with RJP and receive the proofed images on a cd with print rights!
REMEMBER!! Only “likes” will be counted! You may post comments but they will not be counted…only “likes”.

Start emailing me your pictures to contest@reneejphotography.com!! Good luck to all who enter.

And just because I'm a mom who loves to show off my kiddos too...

FYI... embarrassing!

2011-03-25T09:41:00.003-04:00

Okay, I finally bought a new card reader and I'm so embarrassed to post these pictures, but here they are...as promised!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I ended up with 5 bags to donate and one bag of trash!! YIKES!

Grrr...

2011-03-15T17:54:00.001-04:00

Well, I did clean out my closet...and I do have before and after pictures, but my card reader won't load my pictures onto my computer for some reason. It says I need to format my card. I've never had to do this. GRR!

So...stay tuned, I'll try to get my pictures up!!

It's Almost Spring...

2011-03-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

I saw this on my friend's blog and though I'm a bit late...I figure better late than never, right?! So, I'm jumping in...

Go HERE for more information.

Pictures to come!!

ME Time Myth

2011-02-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

Bear with me...this post is a bit long, but Tuesday at my MOMS Group at church, we were given an article to read and I think it is worth sharing.

The "Me Time" Myth

By Amy Roberts

I once heard a talk show host give a very compelling argument for why moms need time away. He said mothers give and give to the point of empty. They must refuel themselves so they can continue to give.

It sounded quite reasonable to me. Then why did my search for this hallowed “me time” always leave me feeling as though I needed more? While taking time for myself, I definitely felt refreshed, but the moment I got home and realized the sink was still full of dirty dishes and I would still have to give baths to all the children before the night would be over, I wanted to head right back out the door.

This left me feeling sorry for myself. Why couldn’t I have one night where I wouldn’t have to do the same things I do every night? Why couldn’t I come home to a spotless and trouble-free place where dishes were washed and children were in bed? Why did I have to go back to my duties so soon? To punish those who were making my life difficult, I would loudly sling dishes and be curt and hurried with everyone until I could get children into bed and escape to the sewing room or the computer for the remainder of the evening.

The next morning, feeling dissatisfied with the amount of me time from the evening prior, I would take my coffee, sit at the computer, and completely ignore my daily duties. I would get irritated with the children because their antics were cutting into my time. I was stressed and edgy and desperate for more. My children would call out for me and I would answer, “She’s not here right now.”

Then, I began staying up much too late in order to squeeze in more alone time. I dreaded going to bed because it meant waking up to children’s needs and a disaster of a house.

I became increasingly upset by my husband’s time off from work, along with the business lunches and the business trips. To compensate for the perceived unfairness of the situation, I chose to do nothing on weekends: no laundry, no dishes, no parenting. Soon, my weekends were spilling over both ends and into the weekdays. All of this only served to overwhelm me even more and feed into my desire to escape.

In a moment of clarity, as only the Lord can offer, I saw my behavior for what it truly was: selfishness. Along with this epiphany came the conviction to quit seeking Me Time.

Me Time is a myth. It is an unattainable, always interruptible, never satisfying piece of junk psychology. Me Time, by its very name, suggests that who we are during the daily grind is not who we truly are. It begs us to search for fulfillment outside of the titles of “wife” and “mother.” It accuses precious little ones and God-given spouses for suppressing us. It reduces motherhood to a disease in which little dirty faces and endless monotonous tasks slowly suck the life out of us. It says we can never be refreshed by spending time in the presence of those we care for day in and day out. It points out a perceived hole in our world that needs to be filled, a tank that must be refueled, a monster that will swallow us if we neglect to feed it Me Time.

The more we indulge the thought that we are somehow owed this time away, the more we will seek after it. The more we seek after it, the more every little opportunity afforded us to take a break will seemingly end too quickly. The everyday life of being a mother will become drudgery. We will dread every aspect of this role. We will snap at our children any time they try to draw us out of our precious time alone. Not getting this time will ruin our day, and if we do manage some time away, we will despise the re-entry.

However, with any lie, there is a certain amount of truth hidden within. There is an emptiness within us that needs to be filled, but only God can fill what you are aching for.

“The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” Lamentations 3:24–25

Our time away should be spent seeking Him. Anything else we try to fill that emptiness with will fall miserably short. Likewise, the company we seek during our time away should be spent with people who are about the business of edifying and strengthening us in our role as wife and mother, not tearing at the very foundation of our home. We will never gain anything but resentment from the counsel of those who encourage us to seek self.

We must cease to see the role of wife and mother as a job we put aside at the end of the day. We must do our daily tasks cheerfully, as unto the Lord. We must learn to enjoy being home with our families. We must find contentment in serving others. We should spend more time drinking in the beauty of our children, searching their eyes, holding their hands, being Mom. When we do feel neglected or overworked, we must immediately seek the Lord to refresh us and keep us from sin.

There will be days when we are afforded opportunities to do things alone or with other women, but if we are content in our God-given role, we will no longer cling so tightly to these moments as the only way to save our sanity. Our need for Me Time will fade as we begin to see motherhood as a blessing not to be escaped, but embraced.

Published on January 26, 2009

I have really been challenged in the way that I think about quite a few things as I read this article. I know that our children are gifts from God and I truly desire to see them that way. I can so relate with Amy as I'm sure all moms can. Let me know what you think of this article!!

Slippers, Leg Warmers & Cards

2011-01-20T15:54:00.005-05:00

Hello lovely people! I know it's been so so long since I've updated what's been going on. And to be honest, it's been a whole lot of not much :-) But I'm kind of okay with that. We have been getting lots and lots of snow the past couple weeks. (I say lots and lots, but really it's only been a few times getting a few inches, which is a lot for Indiana) However, it's been enough that Morgan has only had preschool 2 times in the last two weeks. She is starting to miss being at school! She did however manage to have a little girl time with a school friend yesterday who gave her these "GEMS". I can't believe that leg warmers are actually back....and Morgan loves them.

I must admit...she does wear them well ;-)

We've also been playing a new game from Christmas. I love that Jaron and Morgan can both play this game. It's the kids version of Phase10. Morgan and Jaron have been playing so so well together lately. I absolutely love hearing them in the next room being creative. They have come up with some great plays for me. So fun. If I could figure out how to get videos on here, you would laugh hysterically at some of the things those two come up with. I love being their mommy. They never cease to amaze me.

Don't you adore those tiny, chubby hands?! He had the nickname "Rolls" when he was a baby because he had so many rolls...now they are disappearing, and my baby is growing into quite the little boy.

And yes, I do believe that my little man most definitely must be cold blooded. The moment we walk in the door, he strips off his socks and shirt...while Morgan and I search for our slippers. I love this little boy so much. He makes me smile so many times every day. His new thing that just melts my heart is that whenever we are apart (even if it is just for an hour...or even a nap) he will find me and say, "Mommy, I missed you!" Then I get the biggest hug. He is definitely all boy, but I love that he has a soft snuggly side too!

I'll leave you with this...a thought for all of us moms who feel like all we do just doesn't always seem to make a huge difference:

"I don't do big things, I do small things with BIG LOVE."

-Mother Teresa

freedom

2011-01-03T09:54:00.004-05:00

"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM."

2 Corinthians 3:16-17 NIV

Horses

2010-12-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

When we first arrived for lunch, the kids saw the horses and couldn't stop talking about them. They wanted to take a carriage ride, but it was a bit pricey and VERY cold! So we opted for just petting them ;-)

On our way to see the horses...Morgan knew the way!

They were so BIG!

And beautiful.

Frankenmuth, MI

2010-12-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

We headed up to Michigan this past weekend to celebrate Christmas with the Reimenschneiders! Our first stop was for lunch with the group at Zehnder's in Frankenmuth.

Morgan and Jaron with our waitress.

SANTA!

This is the new way Jaron likes to wear his coat. Too funny - what he doesn't realize is that I kind of like the zipper in the back...he can't get it off without help! ;-)

Morgan with her candy cane from Santa - if you look close, you can see the lipstick marks from Aunt Becca on her cheek ;-)

LOVE these three!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T10:09:00.001-05:00

From our family to yours!

Preschool Program

2010-12-17T10:03:00.003-05:00

Sunday afternoon, we bundled up and headed out to Morgan's preschool Christmas program. She and her friend Ellie held down the singing :-) It was so cute to watch them. They knew all the motions and they sang out so much that you could obviously pick out which voices were theirs. I was a proud momma. Morgan has loved music since she was born and I'm so thankful that God has already blessed her with a gift of music at such a young age. I'm so thankful that I decided to put Morgan in preschool. It has been wonderful for her. I can't believe that she'll be heading to kindergarten in less than 9 months...oh my, let's not go there!

Calvin, Morgan and Ellie

Morgan and Ellie

Morgan and Ellie - They call each other "sisters." I'm thankful Morgan has a good friend at school!

Our Church Christmas Program

2010-12-17T09:56:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was a busy one, full of Christmas programs! Saturday, we had a dress rehearsal in the morning, and then our first show in the evening. Then, on Sunday, the second church program was in the morning, and then Morgan's preschool program (pictures in next post) was in the afternoon. Morgan was an angel in both programs and had such a fun time. Saturday night I curled her hair and she wanted me to curl it for her Sunday programs too. She said that it made her look like an angel :-) I thought so too!!

The Nativity - Morgan was all smiles.

She did such a good job as an angel.

I love this one...she really does look like an angel...however, I'm a little biased ;-)

The whole cast

Some Thoughts

2010-12-10T09:24:00.003-05:00

Here are just a couple thoughts from this morning:

-First of all, I love that Morgan is desiring to have her own "quite time" right along with mommy.

She does my heart good.

-As I was reading in Hebrews again, 4 times I read,

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart." WOW! Do you think HE may want to tell me something today?! I tell you what - I'm sure listening and my heart is OPEN!

-Hebrews 3:13 - "Encourage one another daily, as long as it's called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness." What a thought...seriously...here I am, going through one of the toughest times in life so far...just waiting for someone to encourage me. Ummm...HELLO! Instead of me feeling like I need some encouragement, I should be encouraging others! That way, we'll both be encouraged. That's the way God intended it to be.

-Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Why try to do anything on our own? God promises that he will never leave us. He is there to help us, all we have to do is ASK! How many of you have children? Isn't it the same way? We see them struggling to do something, and we want to help them so badly, but they won't help us. And, if they aren't ready for our help, they just get upset because they want to do it on their own. All the while, we are seeing that if they would only accept our help, life would be so much easier for them. I'm so thankful that I have a God who is personal and is waiting and wanting to be a part of my every moment life.

If You Want Me To - Ginny Owens | With Lyrics

2010-12-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

As I was reading my Bible this morning, this song was playing. Just had to share. It's been a favorite, but had some reminders for me that I needed right now.

Then, I was reading in Hebrews.

Hebrews 2:10 - "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."

So - Shouldn't we be eager for suffering in our lives so that we can be made "perfect" or more like Christ? Wow. I'm sure not eager for suffering right now. But maybe I should be.

Lord, help me to see suffering as something that is making me more like you. And I pray that I would be able to have the attitude and eyes of Christ as I go through those times of suffering. You never said it would be easy, You only said I'll never go alone. Thank you Father.

My Sweet Two

2010-11-16T10:43:00.001-05:00

I'm in the process of going through pictures from Craig's sister's wedding. I came across these:

They love each other...and they make my heart happy.

Praise You in the Storm

2010-11-15T18:14:00.002-05:00

And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands

For You are who You are no matter where I am

And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand

You never left my side and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm!

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth!!

AMEN!

Update

2010-10-13T08:39:00.000-04:00

...And for some of those recent photo sessions, go here for a sneak peak!

Crazy

2010-10-12T19:43:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm still alive. Life has been crazy and I hope to update someday...but right now, I'm in survival mode. My part time photography job is seeming pretty full time right now. I can't complain...it's a blessing to have one or two sessions every day of the week. I even had three sessions scheduled for the first Saturday of October - one, however, was rained out.

Life has been speeding by; Morgan has been enjoying preschool and dance classes; Craig has been busy with work, and Jaron is busy being all boy and tearing things up around the house.

Last weekend, we were up in Michigan for Craig's sister's wedding. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect and I was able to get some great outdoor pictures for them!

Here's one of Becca and Morgan - she was one of the flower girls.

On our way back to my parents, we got a call that Craig's grandpa had passed away. He was 96 years old and was a Christian man, but it's never really easy to lose someone you love. However, there is peace that we know that he is happy and made whole again. So, we'll be heading back up to Michigan Thursday morning for the weekend.

Then, I'll come back to another full week of photo sessions and end the week with a flight to Los Angeles. Craig and I will be boarding our ship for our cruise in less than 2 weeks and I'm soooo ready for a break! This vacation could not have come at a better time for us and we are really looking forward to getting away and spending some quality time together!!

I know I've missed a lot and I have so many pictures to share...but that will have to wait - I must get back to editing!

27

2010-09-06T12:06:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a great day. It was my 27th Birthday. I decided I was going to make a list of 27 things in my life that I am thankful for this year.

1. My relationship with God

2. My wonderful husband of 8 years!

3. My crazy silly, and incredibly intelligent daughter.

4. My one of a kind, big eyed, dimpled cheeked little boy.

5. A church that is supportive and passionately in love with and following after God.

6. A close group of friends who mean the world to us and are always there whenever we need them.

7. A job for Craig that he absolutely loves, even though he feels like he may need to pull his hair out sometimes.

8. A home that God laid in our hands 4 years ago when we became a family of three.

9. My parents who raised me the very best they could and taught me about the love of God.

10. My sister - the one who I always look up to, who always does the right thing and loves the Lord with all her heart.

11. My two brothers - getting older changes so much; they are both growing into Godly young men and husbands who adore their wives. I love seeing them grow up and think back to them running around as little boys playing together.

12. My childhood - There were four of us growing up together and so there were always people to play with. My parents were great. We even had a house where we were allowed to draw on the walls! Dad just periodically painted over them.

13. My in-laws. I'm so blessed to have in-laws who not only love us so much, but they also live in the next town over. They watch Morgan and Jaron weekly and it is such a blessing!!

14. MOPS - My mom's group has been such an encouragement to me! I've met so many wonderful women through that group.

15. Our hot tub. Our incredible Craig's list find! Craig sits in it nightly, and I join him about 3-4 times a week.

16. Ava. Our fifth dog. She is such a good fit to our family and I really hope that she is the dog who will bond with us and be our forever dog.

17. Grandparents. I'm so thankful that I was able to have a relationship with all four of my grandparents and that my children have a positive relationship with their grandparents and 6 of their great grandparents.

18. Cookie Dough. Enough said :)

19. Photography. Craig told me that I needed a hobby four years ago when Morgan was born. That hobby and passion turned into a small business that God has blessed and I am able to make a little extra while still staying home with my kids.

20. Being a stay at home mom. I have always imagined being able to stay at home with our kids. I never dreamed that it would be quite like this. It is challenging and tiring but so rewarding. I know that I am so fortunate to be able to spend these years with Morgan and Jaron.

21. Warm Showers. I never would have thought to be thankful for this until our trip to Haiti. Now, I am so thankful for warm, daily showers.

22. Seasons. God is amazing and I love living in a place where I can experience 4 seasons.

23. Music. - Huge part of my life and my relationship with God.

24. Mint Oreos - YUM!

25. The opportunity to travel. Seeing many beautiful parts of God's creation.

26. Telephones. I love and miss my family so much - I would go crazy without telephones :)

27. 27 years. I'm so thankful that God has given me 27 years. That He has given me grace, and peace throughout these years. I'm so thankful that he brings new opportunities into my life to grow closer to Him and to tell others about his love. I know that our days are numbered and I want to live as if each day may be my last. No regrets. No missed opportunities.

Forts

2010-09-04T15:24:00.004-04:00

I remember my mom as one of the best tent/indoor fort makers of all time! Growing up, we always had extra kids around the house because my mom had a daycare. She would make us tents that would cover the entire living room. She would use sheets, blankets, couches, chairs, and lots of books and clothespins.

Here's my attempt:

Jaron in the tent

Morgan reading some of her library books in the tent.

Eating lunch and watching Finding Nemo - Yup, I included the TV in the tent :)

Such a boy!

Our Apple Tree

2010-09-04T15:20:00.002-04:00

We have an apple tree in our backyard. A couple years ago, just about every apple on the tree was good to eat! I picked at least two big bowls full of yummy red apples. Last year, we didn't have more than a couple good ones to eat. The bugs had gotten to most of them. This year has been another year of slim pickings for good apples. However, the kids love looking for the good ones and will eat them right from the tree.

Jaron's excited to have his apple!

Sharing apples with our friends!

Morgan, Jace and Jaron

Library

2010-09-04T15:17:00.002-04:00

The kids love visiting the library. Whenever we go to the library, we have to stop and see Jack and Jill, the two guinea pigs, and then we proceed to the computers and then finally back to the puzzles before checking out our books.

Jaron loves playing Reader Rabbit and listening to all the songs.

Morgan enjoys Jump Start Kindergarten

I think Jaron just likes feeling like a big boy :)

Just the Three of Us

2010-09-04T09:05:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to spend Friday night with just Jaron. We don't often get the opportunity to spend two on one time. Morgan went to Michigan with Craig's mom and so we took Jaron to a baseball game.

Go Tin Caps!!

Sleepy and Snuggly...the game went until well after 10pm

What I've Been Up To...

2010-09-02T14:28:00.002-04:00

Hop over to my photography blog to see what I've been up to!!

http://rjp-sneakpeek.blogspot.com/

I did it!!

2010-08-28T07:58:00.002-04:00

I booked our first cruise! I am soooo excited! We are going with some friends from church the last week of October :)

We are traveling on Royal Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera stopping at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

This will be our ship: Mariner of the Seas

Amerie

2010-08-27T10:16:00.004-04:00

For a few weeks now, I've been feeling like we've needed to have Amerie over. You can read about her story here.

Last week, we were finally able to connect. Morgan and Amerie got a long great and had a fantastic time together. I'm so thankful for the innocence of youth. We had talked a lot with Morgan about how Amerie's mom had died and that Amerie might be sad. I was making dinner and I noticed that Morgan was whispering something in Amerie's ear. I watched for a minute and after they hugged and went on playing I asked Morgan what she had said. She told me that she just said she was sorry that her mom died. And that was that. I wasn't sure how to bring it up, I wasn't sure if I needed to.

We just made sure to give lots of love and hugs while she was at our house. I don't know what the future holds for this precious girl, but I pray that whatever part God wants us to play, we will be willing and ready. However big or small.

The hot tub was pretty low, so we were adding hose water and the kids wanted to play in the "warmish" water :)

Growing Up

2010-08-25T08:36:00.005-04:00

Morgan will finish her first full week of preschool today. I can't believe that she is old enough for preschool. I remember just four short years ago dreaming of these days. Now they are here. She is so excited each school day to get ready and put her backpack on and go see her new friends and learn something new.

Right now, whenever she comes home and we ask her what she learned she says, "Nothing." She is one smart little cookie and they are doing a lot of review right now :) Yesterday she said, "Mommy, Mrs. Beth didn't even give me any homework!" I reminded her that this was preschool and that she would probably start getting homework in kindergarten. She can't wait for homework. Heheheh. Such a little school girl.

Here are a few pictures from her first day!!

Daddy got to go with us to drop Morgan off!

Standing outside her classroom

Best Friends

2010-08-19T17:56:00.003-04:00

Morgan and Noah are exactly 6 months and one day apart. They have a special bond. Ever since Morgan was born and Noah's mommy found out she was pregnant, they spent just about every day together. We only lived a few blocks from each other and both being stay at home moms, we found an easy friendship. When Morgan and Noah were still babies, Noah's family moved to the town next to ours. Even though Morgan and Noah don't see each other daily anymore, they will still always have a special bond. Today, I was privileged to take Noah's 4 year pictures. Morgan just had to sneak in for one. So, I thought I would share.

4 years old

And one from 2007...just for fun :)

Already sharing stories

The start of a new friendship...Jaron and Emily Kate holding hands today at the photoshoot

A Nice Break

2010-08-17T11:14:00.004-04:00

We've been living in hotels since last Wednesday, and last night we were invited to go over to swim and have dinner with one of the workers from the bookstore. It was a great break to get away from the hotel! Here are some fun pictures of the kids and Craig - yes, I swam too...but I'm often behind the lens!!

Brother and Sister

So fun!

Daddy and Jaron

Getting ready to jump off the diving board...

SPLASH!

Jaron's turn...

No fear!

Traveling with Daddy

2010-08-16T12:23:00.009-04:00

Craig has had to work in Ohio the past 4 days and we still have 2 days to go. We are going a bit crazy today since we are stuck at our hotel and we have no car and there isn't really anywhere within walking distance except other hotels. So...we decided that our only option for lunch was to order pizza. Here the kids are waiting for the delivery man:

We started our Ohio journey in Circleville, OH. We arrived Wednesday night and then went to visit some friends an hour away while daddy worked on Thursday. Here's Morgan, Ben, Jaron and Paige:

We had fun playing on a new playground and having Coldstone ice cream TWO times in one day!! :)

Friday we found a fun little playground with some water fountains. The kids played for a while and then we found out that daddy was going to have to stay until Tuesday instead of going home on Saturday. We made plans to try to do something fun in Columbus on Saturday to break up the weekend. We decided to go to a baseball game as a family and the kids were so excited. Well, Saturday brought lots of rain, so we ended up seeing Despicable Me. It was a cute movie.

Yesterday, we made it up to Canton, OH. We made a stop at Target to get some more diapers and waste some time :) Jaron also got some big boy underwear and even went potty at Target!!

My brother and sister in law only live an hour from there, so they came over and had dinner with us and swam with the kids. Aunt Alli even brought us homemade chocolate chip cookies!!

Morgan has been using inventive spelling and this morning, she wrote down a bunch of animals! I was very impressed. She starts pre-school on Wednesday and she is sooo ready!

Cat, Bat, Dog, Tiger, Lion, Bear, Pig, Dinosaur, Horsey

Well, the pizza should be here soon. Just thought I'd give a little update!

My Heart is Broken

2010-07-21T10:35:00.004-04:00

There was a girl who came to church a few months ago. She was 24. Her name was Misty. She stuck around after the service because her dad wanted to introduce us. She was a single mom, and had a four year old daughter. Morgan was so excited to meet her daughter; she loves making new friends. After we talked for a few minutes, I got her phone number and said we'd have to get together so the girls could play.

I never called.

Morgan would ask about playing with her new friend. I was just too "busy" or didn't want to be "bothered" with the energy it takes to befriend someone new. That is normally not like me, I usually look for new people to befriend. However, Misty wasn't exactly like me. She came from a family who didn't look like me, or act like me. I don't even know if Misty or her family knew God.

I feel like I lost an opportunity that God placed in my lap. And I'm heartbroken. Misty had a bad heart, and she died last night.

Why?

Why did I have to be so selfish? I know it wasn't my job to save Misty, but it was my job to be her friend; to show Jesus' love to her.

This morning, before I found out that Misty had died, I was reading in 1 Thessalonians. God is stirring my heart for people who don't know him. I am praying for a boldness like never before. Really, what is there to lose? Nothing! But what is there to gain? Everything!

1 Thessalonians 2:4 - We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

So how should we lead people to the loving arms of Christ?!

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 - As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

It is my prayer that I do not let another opportunity pass me by. My heart is broken and I pray that someone else was obedient to God and that Misty truly loved the Lord with all her heart and surrendered her life to Him.

So I will follow Paul's example in v. 12 about how to live in relationship with others - ...encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God.

Father, I am so sorry that I was not obedient and loving to someone you placed in my life. This was a slap in the face to me and I needed it. Please help me to love others the way you love them. God, break my heart for what breaks yours. I see the need, I see the urgency. Please use me again. Give me the boldness to speak your truth and to be encouraging and comforting. But God most of all, help me to show others the importance of living lives worthy of You.

My Little Rocker!

2010-06-08T10:31:00.002-04:00

Amazing Week

2010-06-08T09:41:00.003-04:00

Hard.

2010-06-03T10:15:00.004-04:00

The second day was harder than the first. I think it might help if I get to sleep before midnight.

This morning I had to pray for God to "wake me up and refresh my soul!"

I'm having a hard time comprehending how to completely love God. To love him more than anything. I know in my head that I want that. And my heart is trying to follow...I just don't fully understand what that looks like. In our small group at church, we are reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I know that I want to be crazy in love with Christ. Chan says that we just have to ask. So, this morning, I also prayed and asked God to "help me to love Him." Then, after I prayed that, I thought - man, I'm ashamed and embarrassed that I have to ask God to help me...but like I've learned...I can not do things on my own! I even need His help to help me love HIM...a perfect, holy God. I do love God, but I desire to love him in a personal, intimate way.

Here's what He showed me this morning:

Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!"
1 John 2:4-5 - If we claim to know Christ, and don't do what His word says - or we aren't obedient - we are liars! But, if we do what His word says and we are obedient, "God's love (or LOVE FOR GOD) is truly made complete in Him." YES! The answer for loving God is right there - Do what His word says - and our love for God will be truly complete!!
1 John 2:9-10 - Anyone who hates his brother - or fellow believer - is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. If I'm not loving, I'm hating...there's no in between. God pointed out a few areas in my life where I'm not being loving...and I'm going to work on reconciling those relationships.

And I leave you with this:

Romans 15:13 - "The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."

Love

2010-06-03T07:57:00.002-04:00

Morgan, about her drawing: "This is me and Jesus and a heart for love."

Wednesday

2010-06-03T07:31:00.011-04:00

I've been waking up (without an alarm) at almost EXACTLY 6:30 every morning. I feel like it has been a God thing trying to say - Here's your time. So yesterday, I looked at the clock and it was 6:29. I did not want to get out of bed and all of a sudden the verse popped in my head, "My power is made perfect in your weakness." And then God gave me a promise of JOY! So, I drug my butt out of bed, and went to the back deck with my journal and my Bible.

God also spoke to my heart that morning that I can do all things through HIS strength...not my own. And it was true...it wasn't my strength that got me out of bed ;)

Then, I prayed that God would be with me while I read his word. One of the most frustrating things for me is being obedient, and then not knowing where to go or what to read. I feel like I end up in the same places in the Bible over and over again. So I asked God to show me HIS truth today.

This is what he showed me:

2 Corinthians 12:5-10 - I am so selfish and think more of myself than I should. I need to stop boasting about my strengths and "boast gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." I am told to DELIGHT in WEAKNESSES, INSULTS, HARDSHIPS, PERSECUTIONS, DIFFICULTIES - for Christ's sake! "For when I am weak, then I'm strong!" AMEN! But oh so challenging.
Nehemiah 8:5-12 - The Israelites had spent time worshiping and praising God and then the Book of the Law of God was read to them and they were weeping and mourning. Ezra told them not to weep - they were overwhelmed with what God was asking them to do. But Ezra reminded them to be obedient and not grieve because "The joy of the Lord is our strength!" Then the people did go and celebrate because they understood the words - that they did not have to do things in their own strength - God would help them!
9:3 - These people arrived at a place (about a month into their journey to grow closer to God) where they stood reading the word for a quarter of a day! And then, they spent another quarter of the day confessing and worshiping!

A new song on Pandora played while I was editing pictures after my time with God. I was just what I needed to hear.

Make Something Beautiful - by Laura Story

Verse 1:

When I’m at the point of breaking at the place where I resign,

And I’m at the stage of shaking my head as I look back on my life,

When I’m halfway through the grieving, but not quite through the ache,

When I cannot see the ending

Or which road I’m supposed to take,

All I know to do is lift my hands to You.

Chorus:

Take all of my life, all of my life,

And make something beautiful.

I open my hand, trusting Your plan.

Make something beautiful so all will see

Let's just say that my day was wonderful. I was ready to hear the kids call out, "Mommy!" Most days I lay in bed until I hear them...and then think, "Ugh...here we go again." But not this day. I was ready to love my children, my husband, and those who I interacted with. We had breakfast as a family and enjoyed each other.

It's been almost a month...

2010-06-03T07:29:00.002-04:00

...and there is a reason for that. Not a good one. I struggle every day with getting out of bed and spending time with God. I have been learning things in church and God has been gracious with me and still draws near to me on Sunday when I actually give Him the time. But the reason I haven't posted is because I haven't been spending time in God's word. I haven't been in set aside prayer time with Him. But that has now changed. I know, it's only been two days...but I have some amazing things to share!!

New Thought

2010-05-07T13:28:00.003-04:00

Just heard this on the radio and it really made me think...

It's not so much what we do, but the motive behind what we do.

So true! Whatever we do, big or small, easy or hard...we should be doing it as if we were doing if for Jesus! Whether I'm picking up the toys for the thousandth time, or driving down the road...my motive should be to please Jesus. Whatever that may look like.

It actually takes some of the pressure off. I don't have to find a bunch of new ways to love God, I just have to take all these small things that I'm already doing and do them to the best of my ability, with the attitude I need to have because everything that I do, no matter how trivial or routine it seems is done for one reason, to glorify my Father.

I am His

2010-05-07T08:54:00.002-04:00

As I was praying this morning, I was thanking God for his love. grace. forgiveness. patience. Then, as I was praying I felt like God was saying, Yes, I give you those things, but how long is it going to take for you to seek me fully? Yes, I am patient with you, but are you taking that for granted? I want a relationship with you, Renee. I want you to fully depend on Me.

Our God is a loving, forgiving, patient, full of grace God, but I believe there is a time when we have to decide that it's not all about what He can do for us, but what we are doing for Him.

So, what am I doing for Him? What am I doing to deepen my relationship with Him? I have to admit that I am at least talking to him more regularly, but what else? What else will help me to get to know Him better? Spending time in His Word. Singing praises and worshiping all day long. Remembering who He is, and that He is holy...and He chose me.

God has been using me, stretching me, teaching me. I am His. Now, I just want my life to show it.

Back to It

2010-05-04T15:36:00.005-04:00

Who knows who will read this...if anyone since I haven't been here in over a year and a half. But, I need a place to write what God is teaching me right now in life. I am so thankful for my family and friends and church family. God has been using them to teach me new things.

Craig and I just recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti. While I was there, I saw a lot of poverty and sickness. One thing that really stood out to me was the fact that even though these people had practically nothing, they were still happy. They were still smiling. They still loved Jesus. They would approach me and ask if I knew who Jesus was! I was there to tell them about Him.

One thing that has been hard since being back is continuing to let God shine through me and use me. We prepared ourselves to go and be Christ to everyone we came into contact with. We had time for everyone. We smiled to anyone we saw. We waved, we said "Bonjour!" Why can't I be that way here at home? I get so caught up in life that I forget to see people. I don't look for those who may need someone to smile at them, someone to tell them that Jesus loves them. My goodness, I'm even intimidated to say hi to another mom at the playground!

I want to be the kind of person who loves the Lord so much more than myself that I can not wait to show that love to others. I want it to be a part of who I am...to the point that I don't even have to try.

I'm working on it. It's a daily challenge. God is slowly pointing out things in my life that I need to surrender to Him. It is my desire to peel away everything that is getting in the way so that I can learn to love God more than myself, more than my husband, more than my kids, more thananything.

I'm on a journey. And I'm hoping to fall more in love with God, my husband, and my kids in the process!

Morgan

2008-10-30T16:03:00.001-04:00

Morgan has just been the sweetest thing lately. I love her so much and I love to watch her love on her brother. Her favorite thing to do right now is make Jaron laugh. She's such a big help with Jaron and he adores her. Here are a couple pictures from our Pumpkin Painting Party that we had this morning with our local MOPS group. What's not to love?!

Our Sweet Baby Boy

2008-10-14T21:44:00.004-04:00

Just a few pictures from today. He is so precious and a joy to our lives. Such a wonderful baby!

Jaron's Baby Dedication

2008-10-14T21:35:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday we dedicated Jaron back to God. It is such a privilege to be blessed with children, but we want to remember that our children really belong to God. It is our prayer that our children will grow to love God and serve Him with all their hearts. This Sunday, we made it public that it is our desire to raise Jaron in a home where Christ is the center.

Jaron wore the same outfit that Craig was dedicated in!

Pastor Bob asked if we could show a demonstration of how much Jaron likes to smile and giggle and he performed right on cue! Such a good boy :)

We sang, "He Knows Your (My) Name" We also sang this at Morgan's baby dedication.

Our family. Morgan LOVES her baby brother. I love how she put her arm around him.

Some fun Crafts

2008-10-09T15:21:00.003-04:00

First, a couple pictures of our big boy!!

Lately I've been feeling like I need to plan some activities for Morgan to do during the day. Here are a couple of the things we've done this week.

Aunt Ry gave us a great idea. We went out for a walk and collected a bunch of leaves, sticks, flowers and rocks. Then we came back and made some butterfly and turtle pictures. Morgan loved using her glue and glitter and stickers and markers!

We also went out back and got an apple off our apple tree. Then we cut it in half and used it as a stamp to make a placemat. Morgan loved using the paints!

We practiced writing the letter A. Morgan did a great job with the capital A.

Mmmm...

2008-09-30T15:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Morgan had chicken nuggets for lunch. She decided to stick almost an entire chicken nugget in her mouth as we were leaving the park to take Craig back to work. About 2o minutes later, Morgan laid down for a nap. Two and a half hours later, she woke up, and here's what I found...

I asked her if she had something in her mouth and she nodded. I asked her to open her mouth...

Chicken Nuggets!! I asked if she had it in her mouth for her whole nap and she said, "Yup!" I asked if she wanted to spit it out and she said, "Nope."

A Weekend with Aunt Ry

2008-09-23T09:23:00.007-04:00

Aunt Ry came to stay with the kids last weekend while Craig and I went to Wesleyan Married Couples Retreat. We had a great time and I did not worry at all because I knew that Ryanne was more than capable to take care of the kids. They did so many fun things together. One thing they did was make pudding and then they finger painted with it!

Of course they had to eat a little bit too!
Some of the masterpieces
Look at that face!

I love that there are little people in this one.

Making a surprise for mommy and daddyI called Ryanne to talk to her and Morgan wanted to talk to me too. She told me that she was making a present for me but that it was a surprise. She said, "Don't tell!" Too funny:)

This was on the table when we came home:

Obviously Aunt Ry wrote down exactly what Morgan told her. Click the picture to make it bigger so that you can read it.
Mommy's gift (that Morgan picked out)

Daddy's Gift

Just for fun...

Update...finally

2008-09-15T15:48:00.004-04:00

I've been emailed and told that I need to update our blog...thanks Aunt Becca!!

Grandparent's Day

25th Birthday
Morgan and Maddix - BEST FRIENDS!
Updated Cabin - The LOFT!
Morgan can do the stairs all by herself!
The cabin is even more done now. We have finished the drywall and we are mudding and painting!! Hopefully we'll be mostly done by this coming weekend. I'll try to get some more pictures.

Our Cabin

2008-08-26T14:23:00.004-04:00

Well, I've promised pictures, so here they are! We bought a cabin on the Fairmount Wesleyan Campgrounds and we're in the process of remodeling it. My parents are coming this weekend to help us out next week, so hopefully we'll get everything done that we're going to do this season. Next year, we'll do some more improvements, but we're going slow so that our budget can handle it!

Our Cabin! #1152

Come on in!
Before...Lovely wallpaper...you could sit in one spot and see 7 different kinds of wallpaper and 4 different curtain fabrics!
During - we (or should I say Craig) gutted the entire cabin, walls, ceiling, etc.
Our new, much bigger bathroom is studded in! You can see on the right side of the picture where the stairs/ladder will be for the loft.
It's still very much a work in progress, but hopefully by the end of next week, we'll have a lot done! Morgan still loves to go out and stay in her cabin!

Warning...not for the weak stomach!

2008-08-19T09:29:00.003-04:00

Last night we headed out to Grandpa and Grandma J's so that Craig could work on the cabin some more. (Remodel pictures coming soon) Morgan was so happy to find a fort that grandpa had made out of boxes! She was playing for a while when...

She said, "Uh oh..."
"...I poop in da fort!"
Oh the joys of potty training!!! I don't think I've laughed so hard in a while.
And I thought I'd include a picture of Jaron...he had no clue what was going on...

I hope I was able to give you a good laugh today!

A Fun New Toy & SMILES

2008-08-18T15:49:00.003-04:00

Grandpa and Grandma J brought Morgan a new pool for the backyard! Morgan loves to swim, so this will be a perfect way to spend our time for the remainder of the summer and next year. The water is still pretty cold, but Morgan and Craig did get in for a little bit yesterday before naps. I think we'll probably try it again this evening when Craig gets home from work.

Craig found a toad and Morgan thought it was fun to try to catch it...but thankfully, it was too quick!

I've also been trying to get Jaron's smile on camera, but every time I would get the camera out, he would stop smiling. I'd move it away from my face, and he'd smile. You know how it goes! So, Saturday, I caught some great smiles while Grandma J was holding him. I just needed to prove that I do have a happy baby!! ENJOY!

Baby in a Basket

2008-08-15T12:57:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd get out my baskets that I use for my photography and try to get some of Jaron before he's too big for them! So, here are a couple of shots from this morning...ENJOY!

Fighting Sleep

2008-08-14T14:17:00.003-04:00

Why is it that toddlers fight sleep? I would give almost anything to take a nap or go to bed at 9:00! This past week, we have been struggling with naps and bedtime with Morgan. Our schedule has been crazy and we have been away from home a lot the past couple months, and so I think that may be part of it. Every night this past week, either Craig or myself usually end up laying with her so that she will fall asleep. We do not want this to become a routine, so we have started just sitting by the wall in her room. Hopefully, we will get back to just laying her down, reading a book, saying prayers and getting out. Well, naptimes usually go a bit better - not today. So, I told her that she didn't have to sleep, but that she needed to stay in her bed and rest. She could read her books if she wanted. Well, after getting out of bed twice, two spankings, and a half hour later, this is what I found:

So, for the next 2 1/2 -3 hours, all is well in the Janofski household.

2 Months Old

2008-08-14T14:13:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that Jaron is already two months old. He has started a fun stage full of smiles and coos. Baby coos are the best! I love going into his nursery in the morning and being greeted with a huge smile! It is so wonderful to know that he knows who his mommy is! He loves his daddy and sister too! Morgan is still doing great with him. She wants to hold her baby brother all the time, but he's starting to get heavier so she gets tired quicker! He's going to catch up with her soon! Jaron has definately added a great deal of love and smiles to our home! Here are just a few pictures...I still haven't caught a good smile on camera!!

6 Years

2008-08-14T14:09:00.004-04:00

Sunday, Craig and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary! I am so thankful that I found such a wonderful man to share my life with. The past six years have been filled with so many great memories. I look forward to creating many more!

August 10, 2002

Please excuse the picture - it's a picture of a picture.

Family Reunion

2008-08-04T17:37:00.005-04:00

This past weekend, we headed up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for our bi-annual Janofski reunion. We had a great time seeing all of our family and getting to know them all better. This is actually the 4th reunion that I have been a part of! I can't believe that I've been around Craig's family that long! We got home last night, or should I say early this morning at about 12:30AM. We are pretty tired today, but it was worth it. We are already looking foward to next reunion, which by the way, I hear I am planning! The rest of this post will be mainly in pictures, so ENJOY!

FRIDAY

We met up with some of the family to have a picinic before the reunion started.

Morgan had fun seeing her Aunts from Kansas City!
Blowing Dandilions!
Grandma J and Jaron on the beach
Cool Dude!
Precious...
Morgan had fun feeding the seagulls and sneaking up on them.

Aunt Becca and Morgan
Our sweet Morgan heading down to the beach, one of my favorites!

Family Reunion

2008-08-04T16:50:00.007-04:00

SATURDAY

We hiked up Sugar Loaf Mountain! Morgan had a blast and she did SO well! She is such a girly girl and loves to paint her nails and play dress up, but she also LOVES to be outside and play in the dirt. I couldn't believe how well she did. She didn't asked to be carried at all!

About half way up!
It was beautiful.
Our family. Thankfully Jaron slept the entire way up and most of the way down.
Here's the Janofski clan that made the hike up. I think the final count of people at the reunion was close to 80! I think about 40 of us climbed.
When we got back, we got to go for a boat ride on Lake Superior.

Morgan wasn't too sure at first...

But once we started going FAST, she loved it!

The oldest and youngest at the reunion: Aunt Nettie and Jaron

Our family with the beautiful sunset.

SUNDAY

Craig's birthday was on Sunday, so Morgan gave him a card and some snacks for the ride home. She opened them for him. They both LOVE beef jerky. We stopped on US-2 to play in Lake Michigan and stretch our legs!
Morgan loved the water ALL weekend! I think we need to move to the beach.
She was playing in the black dirt and putting her little handprints on Craig.
Daddy's are so much fun! He kept throwing her and she'd say MORE!

Thursday

2008-08-04T13:40:00.004-04:00

Thursday was a fun day for us! We headed up to Grand Rapids, Michigan with Craig since he had to stop in and work at Cornerstone University Bookstore for a bit. We were able to spend some time with a few friends!

First, we went to see Michelle and Ted and their two kids, Teddy and Hope. Morgan and Teddy played in the lake and then they both took great naps while Michelle and I caught up and spent some time together with our babies.

Teddy at the lake

Hope and Jaron (5 months and 2 months)

Then, I had the opportunity to meet a friend who I've only known through emails, a message board and phone calls. Her family met our family at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner! Susan is a wonderful Christian woman who I was very happy to finally have the chance to meet. She and her husband have three gorgeous children two boys and their precious little girl, Jana. Jana and Jaron actually share a birthday!! Here are a few pictures from our meeting.

Morgan loved Susan! We got ice cream at Coldstone after dinner.
Proud daddy's!
Make sure to check back soon. I have a lot of pictures to share from our weekend. We were up in the upper peninsula of Michigan at a family reunion. We had a great time, but we are very ready and happy to be home. I'm going to take advantage of BOTH children napping and try to get a nap in too! Happy Monday!

Back in Business!

2008-08-02T18:06:00.003-04:00

After taking a much needed "new baby break" I am back in business! Please click on the image below to see full size!

FUN at Splash House!

2008-07-18T09:08:00.004-04:00

Saturday morning, we really wanted to take the family to Splash House, but it was rainy. But, after naps, it was gorgeous, so we packed up and enjoyed the afternoon in the sun! We took turns sitting with Jaron in the shade, and I brought my zoom lens, so we have a couple of pictures to share:)

Morgan's own "Splash House" at Grandma and Grandpa J's house!

One Month

2008-07-18T09:01:00.003-04:00

Well, Jaron is now 5 weeks old, but here are a few pictures from when he turned one month old!

4th of July

2008-07-18T08:48:00.004-04:00

We all headed up to Michigan for the 4th of July. Morgan had a lot of fun playing with all of her aunts and uncles and getting lots of attention from Grandpa and Grandma too. She loved showing off her new baby brother. Her biggest accomplishment this weekend was learning to swim all by herself if Grandma and Grandpa's pool! She even jumped off the diving board!

Playing with Daddy in the pool

Eating out on the deck with Uncle Rob
Jaron sleeping with Aunt Ryanne
Morgan wanted to ride the pony, but she was scared, so she pet it instead.
Then, Aunt Crystal rode with her on the BIG horse. (as Morgan called it)
Swimming
What a big girl!!
Jumping off the diving board!

Thank You For Praying!

2008-07-04T12:04:00.001-04:00

PRAISE THE LORD! The doctor's did not find any damage to any organs and only needed to remove one fallopian tube! Ryanne is in recovery now and will be home in a couple hours! Thank you so much for praying. Please contiue to pray as she heals emotionally and physically!

PLEASE PRAY!!!

2008-07-04T07:13:00.002-04:00

I don't know how many of you will read this on a holiday, but we need your prayers. My sister has been feeling sick for the past month and it has gotten worse over the last two weeks. Last night the pain became unbearable and so her husband and my mom took her to the ER. After many tests and two different hospitals, they found out that she was 4 weeks along with a tubal pregnancy. The doctor's are doing exploratory surgery sometime this morning because they are worried that some of her other organs may have been effected because of the heavy bleeding. Please pray that they don't have to do a complete hysterectomy. Also, pray for peace for my sister as well as her husband and the rest of our family. I am thanking God that we are all together right now for the holiday so that we can try to get them through this difficult time!

3 Weeks Old

2008-07-03T10:29:00.003-04:00

Well, Jaron was three weeks old on Tuesday! I can't believe how fast time is going by and how quickly he is growing! We have a digital scale, and right after I changed his diaper, I weighed myself and then held him and weighed us together. The difference was 10.6lbs! So I'm guessing that if he's not already 10lbs, he's close to it! Craig was joking that he's catching up to Morgan! She's 2 1/2 and weighs just barely 26lbs!

She likes to hold her brother.
PRECIOUS!
Kisses

Morgan's Spa Party

2008-07-03T10:18:00.003-04:00

Morgan had a great time at her Spa Party! It was her friend, Jessa's, birthday and she invited Morgan. I thought it was so cute that an 11 year old invited my two year old to her birthday party! Morgan LOVES Jessa and had so much fun being the entertainment for 4 other "big girls."

Her party gift bag - she got to take home TWO fingernail polishes and chocolate!

Morgan and Jessa
Soaking her feet for her pedicure
Janna massaged all the girls' feet. Morgan was so cute, she kept saying, "It tickles!"
She let mommy paint her fingernails, but she wanted to paint her own toenails!

An Update in Pictures...

2008-06-28T11:39:00.004-04:00

Morgan's friend, Jessa, came over this morning to play with Morgan. They were being silly with the ski goggles. We were all laughing really hard!

Morgan was being SUPER SILLY!
But she was having FUN!
LOVE the combinations she comes up with...ski goggles, bathing suit, backpack and high heels!
Jaron just slept through it all. You can tell when he's REALLY out, he puts his arms above his head. He likes having all this space to stretch out, unlike his time in mommy's tummy!

My mom took this when she was here last week. She caught us all snuggling watching WinnDixie. This was after one of Morgan's major meltdowns. All four of us...and Bentley.

Daddy put sand at the bottom of Morgan's slide. She loves playing in it and JUMPING in it!
Quality Daddy-Daughter time
Eating mulberries!
Our friends Sophie and Maddix came to play with Morgan. It was SO hot out, we decided to have Popsicles.

It's Been Over a Week...

2008-06-24T19:35:00.005-04:00

I know...I'm sorry! We've been a little busy this past week; we're trying to adjust to being a family of FOUR! Here's what we've been up to:

SUNDAY: Father's Day

Craig and Morgan decided to put up our tent to play in and maybe sleep in. They did get a lot of playtime in Sunday afternoon, but by Sunday evening, the tent had to come down. We heard the sirens going off, and we decided that it would be best to take the tent down otherwise it may have been blown away by the storm!

Tuesday -

Jaron is ONE WEEK OLD! In his first week, he gained 1lb 1oz, so he weighs 8lbs 6oz! His pediatrician was impressed! He said that they usually hope that babies will be back to their birth weight by their first appointment. Jaron went above and beyond! He's a good eater!

Wednesday -

Today Craig went back to work. Thankfully, my mom was here to help with the kids and our transistion. Morgan has been having a really hard time with the adjustment which makes it really hard on me too! She just needs a lot of attention. Grandma L. has been able to give her undivided attention. Morgan loves Jaron, but seems to take out all of her frustration on me. She'll randomly come up to me crying and tell me that she wants me to go away and that she doesn't like me. It's hard to take, but I have to remember that this will pass and she'll be back to herself soon! She has also decided, after two weeks accident free, to go back to diapers. We put big girl panties on her and she just wets right away. I think she likes the attention of a diaper. I know we'll get there again, she knows how, she's just adjusting.

Thursday -

We went to the Grant County Fair! It was a lot of fun and a much needed time out and away from the house! Morgan LOVES her daddy. She has been having a lot of quality time with him.

Friday -

Aunt Ryanne, Uncle Nathan and Nana came to visit for the weekend. We had a great time visiting with them. Mom and Grandma left on Saturday afternoon. I was a bit worried to start my week without mom here anymore!

Monday -

Today was a great day! Morgan did really well. She was a big help and she did really well with it being just the three of us at home. It gave me hope that it really is possible to adjust to having two kiddos! (Not that I didn't believe all of you who told me it was possible!)

Tuesday -

Oh my - where did my sweet Morgan go?!? This morning was ROUGH! I know I have to be consistant with her and be strong but it is so hard! Jaron has been sleeping on my bed all morning because Morgan just wants me to hold her. She won't let me put her down. I needed to brush my teeth and she wouldn't even sit on the bathroom counter, she cried because I wouldn't hold her. It's so hard for me because I know I can make her happy, but I can't give in to everything that she wants. We did snuggle on the couch for most of the morning. I'm just glad that she WANTS to snuggle me again! Grandma J came by this afternoon and asked if Morgan could spend the night. Morgan was very excited so she went. I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning! Another exciting thing - Morgan called us this evening and said that she went potty on the big girl potty! I think we may be turning a corner:)

Alright...I think that pretty much sums it up...I'll try to be better with updates!

5 Days Old

2008-06-16T13:12:00.002-04:00

We're Home!

2008-06-13T20:44:00.004-04:00

It is so nice to be home. We are all adjusting pretty well. Here are a couple new pictures from today.

Gotta love the baby yawn!

Bentley (our almost 3lb dog) next to Jaron

Morgan and Jaron snuggling

Hospital Picture

2008-06-12T21:32:00.001-04:00

http://www.mgh.net/skins/photodetails.aspx?PhotoID=1374

Day 2

2008-06-12T15:08:00.003-04:00

We are having so much fun with our little guy! He is a very good baby...so far :) We plan to go home late tonight after they release us. We are anxious to start our family time at home! Aunt Becca and Aunt Elizabeth are on their way here from Kansas City and will get to meet Jaron when we get home tonight! We are so thankful for our family! Morgan has loved spending time with Grandpa and Grandma L. the past couple days!

Morgan, Grandma L. and Jaron

Such a good big sister!

Morgan LOVES her little brother!

Hmmm...

2008-06-11T21:43:00.001-04:00

JARON

MORGAN

More Pictures...

2008-06-11T21:35:00.002-04:00

Morgan came in Tuesday night to say goodnight before she went to bed so that she could see where mom and dad were and what was going on. I was worried that she might be scared of mommy being in pain, but she did really well! She wanted to hold my hand and she put on an extra gown and she helped me breathe through my contractions. She was so cute! She was a good labor coach. She kept saying, "Go Mommy Go!" and "Good Job Mommy!" This picture was taken an hour and a half before Jaron arrived.

Can you tell she's excited to have a little brother?!

In Grandpa L's Arms

Proud Daddy!

Sleeping...so peaceful!

Jaron Andrew is Here!

2008-06-11T10:57:00.004-04:00

Jaron Andrew
June 10, 2008
10:35 pm
7lbs 5 oz (same as Morgan)
20 1/2 inches long

More pictures to come!!

Splish Splash!

2008-06-09T21:49:00.004-04:00

This morning it was HOT HOT HOT! It has been so muggy and hot the past few days! I thought that maybe, after Morgan's nap, we would go swimming at our friends from church's house. She called and said that the water was PERFECT! Sounded good to me! Well, I was anticipating Morgan to wake up around 3:30 and at 3:15 the thunder started and the dark clouds approached. I was so sad! I was really looking forward to a good swim! Well, Morgan woke up around 3:45, and she put on a bathing suit and went out to play in the rain. One of her all time FAVORITE things to do is jump in puddles. So, this may have been even better than swimming in her eyes!

SPLASH!

She noticed that mommy was taking pictures of her...so she went and got her camera and took pictures of Bentley "jumping" in puddles.

Notice the sucker? That's because she went inside (in the middle of puddle jumping) and went potty on the big girl potty!!! YAY!

First Fridays

2008-06-09T21:43:00.003-04:00

In our little town, we have what is called "First Friday's." It's a mini-fair type celebration every first Friday of the month throughout the summer. There are all sorts of vendors that line the streets of the downtown square. Churches have booths, there's live music, good food, horse rides, blow up jumpy things, and LOTS of people. We've only been one other time, and probably won't go again because Craig hates crowds, and it was just overwhelming with a two year old. However, Morgan LOVED it. It may have helped that she was with her good friend Maddix. Here are some pictures I took before the sirens went off and the HUGE storm came! We got inside JUST in time!

Morgan and Maddix

Some of the vendors by the courthouse.

I just loved what this caution tape said!

He seemed like he was having a good time cooking though!

Potty Training!

2008-06-07T23:03:00.002-04:00

So today has been a GREAT day for potty training!!! Morgan was in panties almost the entire day. We did go through about 4 pair, but it was a good day! She would realize that she needed to go, and then say, "Mommy, I gotta go potty!" So we'd rush off to the bathroom...well, she went a bit in her panties, but the majority got in the potty. AND, we went to Arby's for lunch today and she didn't have an accident while we were out! YAY! We usually put a diaper on her when we venture out of the house, but we thought we'd try a short lunch trip. So tonight, at a graduation open house, she was in a diaper, and she told me she had to go potty, and so we went in and she actually went potty somewhere other than her potty chair!! And her diaper was only a little wet! (Can you tell I'm excited?!) She was so cute, she sat there on the potty saying, "Listen mommy! Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle!! I proud of you!" I think we tell her that we're proud of her enough:) My last little bit of excitement came tonight. I was in our back family room, talking to my mom on the phone, and I heard Morgan yell, "Mommy, I go potty!" So I got up, and there she was...sitting - in the dark - in the bathroom on her potty chair! She had gone in all by herself and gone potty!!! Woohoo! I think we're turning a corner!

Anyway, just thought I'd share my excitement! Any mother of a two or three year old who is going through potty training their child can relate to my joy:) She may just be potty trained before the baby gets here...we'll see!! It's a race!

38 Weeks

2008-06-04T08:50:00.002-04:00

Here I am at 38 weeks with baby #2

Here I am at 37 weeks with Morgan...never got the 38 week picture.

Our Garage Sale Find

2008-06-01T20:54:00.002-04:00

**See post below (2 posts today!!)
Saturday morning, we decided to look for some garage sales. Morgan loves to take pictures - or at least pretend to take pictures. She'll hold her hands up by her face like a camera and tell us to "say cheese." So, while we were at one garage sale, she picked up a camera. It was only $.75, so we thought we'd get it for her since she liked to pretend. (You can tell she watches her mommy take lots of pictures!) Here's a picture of us taking pictures of each other! The camera actually flashes and winds itself. We just don't put film in it. She loves it!!

Sundays

2008-06-01T20:47:00.003-04:00

Sundays are always nice, relaxing. Our normal Sunday routine includes early morning cinnamon rolls, going to church, lunch, a nice long nap, quality family time, church in the evening, and then spending more family time together before bed. The weather has been getting nicer and nicer and we love to spend time outside. Today, I decided to grab a couple pictures of Morgan while she was out admiring the flowers. Then, Craig took a couple this evening after church. Enjoy!

I love her BLUE eyes...and her cheesy Cheeto mouth:) They have been the snack of choice lately.

Picking flowers...AKA...weeds.

She is definitely my little poser! (Notice the small tattoo on her arm trying to make its way into the picture? Tattoos are her new favorite thing!)

Giving brother kisses and hoping he'll come out soon!

"Soon..."

2008-05-29T17:00:00.003-04:00

Morgan took a three hour nap today. WOW! When she woke up, we were snuggling on the couch and she was talking to my belly. Here's what followed:

Morgan: "Mommy, he's talking to me."
Me: "Oh yeah, what is he saying? Tell him it's time to come out and play."
Morgan: (to the baby) "Time to come out and play."
Me: "Ask him when he's coming out."
Morgan: "He says soon."

Too cute :)

Waiting...

2008-05-25T17:34:00.002-04:00

Baby J - Your daddy and I can't wait to meet you! Only 22 more days until you're due. Your little sister decided to arrive two weeks early. We've agreed that it would be okay if you want to come a little early too, as long as you're healthy and ready! We love you already and know you will bring so much joy to our lives! ~Mommy and Daddy

YAY! Look What We Caught!

2008-05-23T08:28:00.003-04:00

Wednesday night, we were sitting in the back family room, watching the American Idol finale and low and behold, Mr. Raccoon comes strolling right outside our slider window! He just stood there...long enough for Morgan to come from the front living room to see him. He just stood there looking at us! He didn't seem scared at all! So, we set the trap again, baited with tuna. He didn't take the bait Wednesday night, but last night, we got him! Now I feel better about taking Morgan in the backyard to play on the swing set. Also, Bentley loves to go under the back deck...where we saw Mr. Raccoon escape to!

So Keetha...did you catch yours?!?

Fun at Grandma & Grandpa J's

2008-05-19T10:48:00.004-04:00

Morgan loves playing out at G&G J's house! They are the caretakers of a campground, so Morgan has lots of room to play, and lots of fun things to do.

Morgan and Grandma found this robin's nest in the drinking fountain!

Poor Bentley! I don't think he minded all that much.

Morgan's BIG wagon!

Aunt Crystal's idea...Morgan was a little scared...

So, mommy got in with her (I told you it was a BIG wagon!)
Once I was with her, she didn't want to stop!

A Mom After God's Own Heart

2008-05-16T12:18:00.002-04:00

I was tagged by Wendi and I'm supposed to summarize myself in six words! Here are the rules for the meme.

1. Write the title to your own memoir using 6 words.
2. Post it on your blog.
3. Link to the person that tagged you.
4. Tag five more blogs.

So, as I was thinking about this, I thought of a book that I'm currently reading called, A Mom After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. My mom gave this to me when Morgan was a newborn, and I'm just now reading it. To be quite honest, I've been struggling lately with the feelings of being a failure mother, wife, photographer, friend, etc. I know that some of these feelings are part of being a hormonal 36 week pregnant woman, but it also stems from the lack of time spent alone with God. I have the desire to be a Mom/Wife after God's own heart, but I don't have the energy, patience, commitment, dedication, etc. to get there. One thing that my book keeps saying over and over is that I need to be consistently spending time reading God's Word. I completely agree. However, now I feel like, where do I start. What an overwhelming, huge book. Do I start at the very beginning? Do I go to the small New Testament books that I have read and re-read? Do I look for a reading plan? I just really don't know where to begin.

I really do want to be a better person. I know that with God's help I will be able to be the mom, wife, friend, photographer, teacher, etc. that He wants me to be. I'm open for any suggestions and comments on my rather heavy entry. You asked for it Wendi!!

Alright...I'm going to tag Michelle, Carrie, Karla, Jamie, and Mindy. Have fun ladies:)

Look What We Caught...

2008-05-16T11:44:00.002-04:00

A couple nights ago, Bentley managed to tree a raccoon in our backyard before bed. Interesting since the raccoon looked to be at least 10 times Bentley's size. The raccoon managed to scurry up the tree, on to our roof, and next to our chimney. So, the next morning, Craig called his dad and asked him to bring his live trap out since we are not legally aloud to shoot anything since we live in the city. Well, of course we haven't seen the pesky raccoon since we set the trap, but we have managed to catch three other animals! The first was a dog. I was sitting editing pictures and I hear this yip, yip, yip! Yes, we had caught poor little Bentley in the trap. Hahah! Then, yesterday, we woke up and there was a HUGE, fat stray cat. So, we called the Humane Society and they came and got him out for us and took him in.

Then, this morning...we found this...

Morgan was pretty curious, yet thankfully still cautious.

She also found a paci in her toy box...wonderful...

She kept saying, I want to pet it!

Thankfully, Grandpa J came and picked up the trap just a bit ago. Morgan was a little sad and told the Opossum, "See you later!" Well, she won't be seeing this Opossum later!!!

Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T09:51:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!
Just wanted to share some pictures from our Mother's Day yesterday:)

Morgan and Mommy

Love this girl!!

Eskimo Kisses

I really don't remember what was so amusing, but I thought the picture was cute:)

Morgan and Grandma J.

Grandpa J's 94th Birthday!

2008-05-10T20:54:00.003-04:00

Today we celebrated Craig's grandpa's 94th birthday! It was so nice to see some family from Michigan who we only get to see a couple times a year. I am so thankful that Craig comes from a family of strong Christians. Morgan loves visiting "Papa Great" and she brings him more joy than one could ever imagine. Here are some pictures from our day:

Grandpa arrives at his party!

Morgan snuggling with Papa Great

Blowing out the candles...

He got them all in ONE blow!

Our family with Papa Great

Where did the Sunshine go?!?

2008-05-09T16:43:00.004-04:00

I have been extremely busy trying to get all of my photo sessions done before the end of next week. This week, I have had sessions with 5 different clients and next week I think I have seven. Crazy! I've been up late trying to keep up with all the editing after each shoot. This baby will be here before we know it and it's getting harder and harder to have the energy for photo shoots!

The weather has been so NOT fun lately! It's been great for shoots because we don't have the sun glaring causing squinty eyes, but Morgan has not liked the rain! One morning this week, we were able to get out before the rain for a bit of play time. I thought it was funny that she didn't want me to put her pants on her after I changed her diaper. Oh my, what my neighbors must think:) Oh well, she was happy...however, you may beg to differ from this first picture!

Look at that face!

Our beautiful tree started losing it's flowers. When the wind would blow, the flowers would fall like snow. Morgan said, "It's snowing flowers, mommy!"

LOVELY! Just had to share...this is why we MUST have barrettes!Just chillin'...

More Swingset Fun

2008-05-05T10:44:00.003-04:00

After church last night, we let Morgan play a bit before bed. Sorry if you're getting tired of all the pictures...but I just can't get enough of her lately!!! I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa and Aunts and Uncles are happy:)

Swinging on the trapeze! She holds herself up.

In a daze...
Whenever she takes her shoes off, she smells her feet and says, "Peeew-y!"

Our New Swingset

2008-05-03T19:16:00.004-04:00

Morgan couldn't wait until the slide was attched to start playing!

Having TONS of fun!!
Look at how windy it was! She didn't seem to mind.
She does REALLY well climbing up all on her own.
FUN!

YAY!!! We now have a swingset, or playground - as Morgan likes to call it, in our backyard! It was quite the project to put together! Craig and I started around 10:00 this morning, and since I'm not able to help much, it took us about an hour to set everything out and get the slide put together. Our friends Tyler and Jena came over and Tyler helped Craig finish while Jena and I entertained Morgan. It still took about 6 hours to put together and we still haven't put the little picnic table in under the tower. We decided that could wait for another day.

Our little monkey!

She did NOT want to go inside!

Giving her new playground a hug:)

Almost 34 Weeks...

2008-05-03T09:56:00.005-04:00

I thought I'd put a picture up of my growing belly...here I am at almost 34 weeks!!

Baby #2

34 Weeks with Morgan

May Giveaway!

2008-05-03T09:52:00.002-04:00

If you decide to enter, please mention me as a referrer!

http://www.windyridge.typepad.com/

It's May! Let's celebrate. Three lucky blog readers will win an eden's bouquet gift certificate on May 16th. Refer your friends to increase your chances!
1st place: $250
2nd place: $100
3rd place: $50

DETAILS:
1. To be entered in our drawing please send us an email with "may giveaway" in the subject line.
2. Please include your name & address.
3. Each time your refer a friend your name will be entered again, no limit. Your friend must enter the drawing and list your full name as the referrer.
4. Name will be drawn on May 16th at 4pm PST
5. Post a link to our blog on your blog & your name will be thrown in the hat thrice more. Just drop me an email with the link showing the link to our blog on your blog. blog. blog. blog.
Let the games begin!

Memories

2008-05-02T15:41:00.003-04:00

Now the house is quiet. Grandma J just came to pick up Morgan and Unlce Randy left to go to Uncle Rob and Aunt Alli's house for Rob's graduation. We had a great time visiting with Uncle Randy and we REALLY hope that he decides to come to IWU in the fall. Morgan just adored spending time with Uncle Randy.

Right before he left, Mo and Uncle Randy (and Bentley) took a nap together.

Last night, we went to dinner at the new Buffalo Wild Wings. (It's so exciting to get new businesses in our town!) It took FOREVER, but the food was really good. Well, while we were there, the baby got the hiccups. Morgan has never really been able to feel the baby move, but last night, she felt him and got so excited. This morning, he got them again, and she kept saying, MORE, MORE, MORE! So this afternoon, I was able to catch it on camera:)

Waiting for the hiccup...

The intense thrill of feeling her baby brother moving in mommy's belly!!

It is so much fun having such a sweet little girl. Being two is not an easy thing for her. I often say that she has one personality for each year that she's been alive. She's an angel most of the time, but those horns sure come out once in a while. I've heard that the three's are even more difficult...I'm hoping people are wrong about that!!! We'll just have to wait and see, and for now, cherish every moment that God gives us with this precious girl!