Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Papa made it in time for the party
Do you think the kids were anxious to see him?
He was still trying to figure out what time/day it was.
And there were Liberian gifts all around...
Mom said these looked like her and dad.
Hmmmm...I don't quite see the resemblence. :)
So glad he's home.
So much to hear about.
So many pictures to sort through.
Lots left for him to process.
He was still trying to figure out what time/day it was.
And there were Liberian gifts all around...
Mom said these looked like her and dad.
Hmmmm...I don't quite see the resemblence. :)
So glad he's home.
So much to hear about.
So many pictures to sort through.
Lots left for him to process.
That's a wrap...
Family birthday party for Ayla this evening.
Mondays are insane for us, so it was a quick one.
And if she isn't the cutest with her gifts, then, well, I don't know...
Mondays are insane for us, so it was a quick one.
And if she isn't the cutest with her gifts, then, well, I don't know...
Love her.
And she's especially cute tonight, fast asleep and peaceful.
I'd call her day a success.
In case you were wondering...
Jody and dad made it to Chicago.
They are on their way home right now.
3 hour drive ahead of them.
Jody said they'd be up for almost 48 hours so pray for this last leg!!
Can't wait to hear about it....
They are on their way home right now.
3 hour drive ahead of them.
Jody said they'd be up for almost 48 hours so pray for this last leg!!
Can't wait to hear about it....
It's almost too much for my heart to handle
Don't they call this stage the terrible two's?
I kinda think with your third child, it hits earlier.
It's been a crazy year with this one...
Can't you see it in her eyes?
I can.
But guess what...
I think she's getting better.
There has been a drastic decline in the number of biting/scratching/hitting incidents in recent weeks.
The scratch on my face has healed and she seems to be controling her anger better.
She can communicate better.
She speaks better.
She can understand better.
She knows right from wrong in most circumstances.
And we are seeing big improvements.
We went bowling for Lani's birthday and it was the first time we have done an activity like that as a family where Ayla has been able to participate.
She was so excited.
And she did great.
I think we're crossing over into a new stage with her.
She's hysterical and this stage might be more fun!
Her cuteness truly is almost more than I can handle.
Oh Ayla...
I kinda think with your third child, it hits earlier.
It's been a crazy year with this one...
Can't you see it in her eyes?
I can.
But guess what...
I think she's getting better.
There has been a drastic decline in the number of biting/scratching/hitting incidents in recent weeks.
The scratch on my face has healed and she seems to be controling her anger better.
She can communicate better.
She speaks better.
She can understand better.
She knows right from wrong in most circumstances.
And we are seeing big improvements.
We went bowling for Lani's birthday and it was the first time we have done an activity like that as a family where Ayla has been able to participate.
She was so excited.
And she did great.
I think we're crossing over into a new stage with her.
She's hysterical and this stage might be more fun!
Her cuteness truly is almost more than I can handle.
Oh Ayla...
Really? 2 years?
My baby.
My last baby.
This morning, 2 years ago, feels like yesterday.
I couldn't wait to get her OUT.
To meet her.
To touch her.
To look into her eyes.
And it was more exciting than I had even begun to imagine.
Oh Ayla...you were all we didn't know we wanted.
All we didn't know we needed.
All that and more.
You slept for about 6 months. I think you were gearing up for the next 18 months.
Because man, these last months have been doozies!
You have brough spunk and zest into our house like we've never had it before.
You are passionate and smart and beautiful.
You have that sparkle in your eye and an aura of curiosity surrounds you.
You spin and dance and wake up singing.
You say "Why?" more than all the other children on the planet combined.
You are wise beyond your years.
Our third child.
Sometimes when we ask you how old you are, you say, "Eight."
And sometimes I think that's about right.
Never missing a beat and always wanting to be a part of your brother and sisters activities.
You love avacados and black beans.
You beg for "Choppy nilk" nearly everyday. (chocolate milk)
You love dolls and your green blankie.
You can do the most amazing front roll. :)
And coffee. You love coffee. You would sit and drink a cup of coffee with me every morning if I'd let you.
And if it had peppermint mocha creamer in it, you'd drink 2 cups.
You beg me to read books to you all. day. long.
all. day.
You walk with a purpose and love to wear hats.
You never want to wear shoes...unless I don't want you to wear shoes. Then you beg to wear them.
You are the most independent child I have even known.
"Ayla do it."
You speak in third person most of the time.
Oh...and you potty trained yourself completely.
When I ask you to do something you don't really want to do, you usually end up saying, "Ugh...K...BINE." (okay...fine) with a very irritated tone.
You are too much.
I could go on and on.
But I won't.
Just know today and always that we love you.
And we thank GOD for you every single day.
We didn't know.
We didn't know how you would complete our family.
We didn't know how badly we needed you here.
And we can't imagine our family without you in it.
We love you.
We pray your passion and independence will be used for good and for God.
Happy 2 years baby girl.
Happy 2 years.
You are too much.
I could go on and on.
But I won't.
Just know today and always that we love you.
And we thank GOD for you every single day.
We didn't know.
We didn't know how you would complete our family.
We didn't know how badly we needed you here.
And we can't imagine our family without you in it.
We love you.
We pray your passion and independence will be used for good and for God.
Happy 2 years baby girl.
Happy 2 years.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Home....
We made it home.
Whew.
Why does the drive seem so much longer on the way home?
It was a great weekend.
So thankful for these people I get to call my family.
They are amazing.
Back to reality tonight.
My inbox is full.
My etsy orders are plentiful.
And tomorrow my baby turns 2.
And that scares me.
And look at her up there.
She's already reading. AMAZING! :)
Feeling a bit emotional tonight.
Jody's blog has been hitting me hard.
So much to process.
So honored to be a part of water4christmas.
So excited for our water weekend.
Lots to do between now and then.
Lots to do.
Just hangin' at nana and papa's
We accomplished most of our goals this weekend...
baby shower, birthday party, water park.
All fun and good.
But the Hawkeyes.
Well, I'm not going to speak of them.
:)
There's always next week.
Look at Hadley.
She looks like a DOLL in the background of this photo...
And seriously, could she be any sweeter in these pics?
I think not.
baby shower, birthday party, water park.
All fun and good.
But the Hawkeyes.
Well, I'm not going to speak of them.
:)
There's always next week.
Look at Hadley.
She looks like a DOLL in the background of this photo...
And seriously, could she be any sweeter in these pics?
I think not.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
One last post...
I'm heading out for the weekend.
JUST got off the phone with Dad/Jody.
They were speaking so fast I could hardly understand them.
Very very excited.
Dad received a chicken as a gift from the chief of one of the villages.
He was beyond ecstatic.
Jody says he is BEAMING.
He said he talked with one of the chiefs for a long time and they were all laughing at him. He doesn't think they were talking about the same things! :)
He's pretty sure he heard "CRAZY WHITE MAN" somewhere in their conversation.
Pretty sure Jody and dad are a good pair to be doing Africa.
And by the sounds of it, we will barely recognize them upon their return.
Quite certain this is far beyond life-changing.
Off for the weekend.
Happy they are learning so much and believing even more in the work charity: water is doing!!
JUST got off the phone with Dad/Jody.
They were speaking so fast I could hardly understand them.
Very very excited.
Dad received a chicken as a gift from the chief of one of the villages.
He was beyond ecstatic.
Jody says he is BEAMING.
He said he talked with one of the chiefs for a long time and they were all laughing at him. He doesn't think they were talking about the same things! :)
He's pretty sure he heard "CRAZY WHITE MAN" somewhere in their conversation.
Pretty sure Jody and dad are a good pair to be doing Africa.
And by the sounds of it, we will barely recognize them upon their return.
Quite certain this is far beyond life-changing.
Off for the weekend.
Happy they are learning so much and believing even more in the work charity: water is doing!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The daily candy trade
Every day since Halloween there has been a candy trade at our house.
They sort their individual bags of candy and then trade.
They do it while Ayla is sleeping.
And they give her all the raisins and those black and orange wrappered candies.
And they take the chocolate and pixie stix.
And they get their daily sugar fix.
It's quite disgusting.
They sort their individual bags of candy and then trade.
They do it while Ayla is sleeping.
And they give her all the raisins and those black and orange wrappered candies.
And they take the chocolate and pixie stix.
And they get their daily sugar fix.
It's quite disgusting.
And I know this because I've been doing it, too.
They think they are tricky by stealing Ayla's candy while she's sleeping.
Well Paul and I are stealing THEIR candy while THEY are sleeping.
It's become an issue.
So yesterday we consolidated all candy into one bowl.
No more trading.
No more sneaking.
And this morning my 9:45 I literally was shaky.
See...a problem.
I'm done.
Went grocery shopping today.
Bought fruit and yogurt and string cheese.
I'm drawing the line.
It's November 5th.
We can no longer blame Halloween.
This binge is OVER.
Oh man...it's Thursday already
And we are leaving around noon tomorrow for the weekend.
My list is ready.
I was up early due to the early-morning wake-up call from Liberia! :)
So I'm ready to tackle this day.
Heading across the state tomorrow to celebrate Paul's sister, Erin and her baby that is due in December. So excited about that!
Then we will be celebrating Ayla's birthday later in the day.
Got the cake made yesterday and it's pretty cute.
And finally, hoping we'll be celebrating another Hawkeye victory.
Lots going on and I need to be packed, with the house cleaned and ready to walk out the door in about 28 hours.
Yikes!
Bring it, Thursday!
My list is ready.
I was up early due to the early-morning wake-up call from Liberia! :)
So I'm ready to tackle this day.
Heading across the state tomorrow to celebrate Paul's sister, Erin and her baby that is due in December. So excited about that!
Then we will be celebrating Ayla's birthday later in the day.
Got the cake made yesterday and it's pretty cute.
And finally, hoping we'll be celebrating another Hawkeye victory.
Lots going on and I need to be packed, with the house cleaned and ready to walk out the door in about 28 hours.
Yikes!
Bring it, Thursday!
Just got off the phone with Dad.
They got in late last night. Dad said he couldn't sleep. Ended up going out and talking to the security guards. Typical for him.
Jody had emailed last night and said her shower was freezing and their may have been lots of bugs. So I'm sure she didn't sleep great either.
But as I spoke to them on the phone, I could hear the amazement in their voices. They had just left their first stop in the city of Monrovia...the Clara Town Slums. I got no details from dad. He just kept saying "It's unbelieveable. UNbelieveable." And I'm pretty sure Jody put it best when she said, "And even though it feels like a different world, it isn't. Injustice for one is injustice for all."
Something to think about.
Jody is posting pics from her camera phone on her blog HERE. Also, she is updating fairly regularly on twitter. If you don't "do" twitter, that's fine. Her 3 most recent twitter updates are along the left hand side of her blog. You can follow her there.
They were on their way to a rural village...a 5 hour drive. And I'm sure entering what will feel like a different world again. But it's not. These faces, these stories, they are our own.
And now...I offically can't sleep for the rest of the week. :)
Jody had emailed last night and said her shower was freezing and their may have been lots of bugs. So I'm sure she didn't sleep great either.
But as I spoke to them on the phone, I could hear the amazement in their voices. They had just left their first stop in the city of Monrovia...the Clara Town Slums. I got no details from dad. He just kept saying "It's unbelieveable. UNbelieveable." And I'm pretty sure Jody put it best when she said, "And even though it feels like a different world, it isn't. Injustice for one is injustice for all."
Something to think about.
Jody is posting pics from her camera phone on her blog HERE. Also, she is updating fairly regularly on twitter. If you don't "do" twitter, that's fine. Her 3 most recent twitter updates are along the left hand side of her blog. You can follow her there.
They were on their way to a rural village...a 5 hour drive. And I'm sure entering what will feel like a different world again. But it's not. These faces, these stories, they are our own.
And now...I offically can't sleep for the rest of the week. :)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hooray!
Jody just posted on twitter that they made it!
Yay!
I know nothing else.
It's dark there and I'm sure they are just happy to be on African soil.
More updates to come, I'm sure!
Yay!
I know nothing else.
It's dark there and I'm sure they are just happy to be on African soil.
More updates to come, I'm sure!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
one last one before bed...
Just got a quick email from Jody.
They made it to Frankfurt. They got bumped to business class for "no apparent reason". :)
Dad lost his phone in Chicago.
So I made a late night call to US Cellular to suspend his line.
They told me I wasn't authorized to do that.
I told them he was in Africa.
They suspended it. :)
Jody says Dad is still bleeding. I kind of believe her. I'm not sure toilet paper is a sufficient remedy.
They have another short flight to Brussells and then one more long one to Liberia.
I'm heading to bed.
But now I'm so excited I don't know if I'll be able to sleep!
Heading to bed with thoughts of Africa, water, cell phones and airplanes on my mind....
They made it to Frankfurt. They got bumped to business class for "no apparent reason". :)
Dad lost his phone in Chicago.
So I made a late night call to US Cellular to suspend his line.
They told me I wasn't authorized to do that.
I told them he was in Africa.
They suspended it. :)
Jody says Dad is still bleeding. I kind of believe her. I'm not sure toilet paper is a sufficient remedy.
They have another short flight to Brussells and then one more long one to Liberia.
I'm heading to bed.
But now I'm so excited I don't know if I'll be able to sleep!
Heading to bed with thoughts of Africa, water, cell phones and airplanes on my mind....
And they are off...
Just talked to Jody and dad.
They survived the drive to Chicago....even after the missed turn and the mass quantity of blood that dad lost in a packing accident. :) (although he IS still bleeding and Jody informed me that he walked out of the bathroom with his wound wrapped in toilet paper stating, "Good thing I'm a trained medical professional." yes dad. good thing. i'm sure jody is very proud.)
They got through security with their 2 carry-ons each and didn't have to check their bags, so that was a good thing.
They grabbed a quick sandwich and will be boarding the plane in about 15 minutes for Germany. This first flight is a long one. The one that they SHOULD be sleeping on because of the time change, etc. But it's a FULL flight. They weren't excited about that.
Just thought I'd do a quick update as we won't be hearing from them for a long time now.
They sounded excited and actually kind of giddy. It was hard for me to join in on the goofiness while folding my 12th load of laundry of the day.
But I tried. :)
So exciting!!
Praying for safe travels....
They survived the drive to Chicago....even after the missed turn and the mass quantity of blood that dad lost in a packing accident. :) (although he IS still bleeding and Jody informed me that he walked out of the bathroom with his wound wrapped in toilet paper stating, "Good thing I'm a trained medical professional." yes dad. good thing. i'm sure jody is very proud.)
They got through security with their 2 carry-ons each and didn't have to check their bags, so that was a good thing.
They grabbed a quick sandwich and will be boarding the plane in about 15 minutes for Germany. This first flight is a long one. The one that they SHOULD be sleeping on because of the time change, etc. But it's a FULL flight. They weren't excited about that.
Just thought I'd do a quick update as we won't be hearing from them for a long time now.
They sounded excited and actually kind of giddy. It was hard for me to join in on the goofiness while folding my 12th load of laundry of the day.
But I tried. :)
So exciting!!
Praying for safe travels....
Tuesday...
All caught up on all things ETSY.
Big shipment went out today.
Last night did Ayla's birthday shopping on etsy.
Got this and this.
How cute!!
I hadn't gotten anything for her yet.
And ooooo, she is going to love her gifts.
All things handmade.
Woo-hoo!
And today I'm tackling the second floor of our house.
It's the one place that I feel like I can clean and it stays clean for at least a couple days.
So I'm focusing on it today.
I need to feel productive.
I also need to figure out what to do for Ayla's birthday cake.
And go over my list for Erin's shower.
But I'm kinda feeling on top of things.
Hmmm...what's that about??
Very rare!
It's a gorgeous day.
And I'm going to make the best of it!
(and on the travel front, i spoke to jody and dad this morning. apparently i distracted dad enough that he missed his turn to go to chicago. so they may end up in new york or something. i don't know. hope they don't miss their flight!!)
:)
Big shipment went out today.
Last night did Ayla's birthday shopping on etsy.
Got this and this.
How cute!!
I hadn't gotten anything for her yet.
And ooooo, she is going to love her gifts.
All things handmade.
Woo-hoo!
And today I'm tackling the second floor of our house.
It's the one place that I feel like I can clean and it stays clean for at least a couple days.
So I'm focusing on it today.
I need to feel productive.
I also need to figure out what to do for Ayla's birthday cake.
And go over my list for Erin's shower.
But I'm kinda feeling on top of things.
Hmmm...what's that about??
Very rare!
It's a gorgeous day.
And I'm going to make the best of it!
(and on the travel front, i spoke to jody and dad this morning. apparently i distracted dad enough that he missed his turn to go to chicago. so they may end up in new york or something. i don't know. hope they don't miss their flight!!)
:)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Not this time!
I usually cry when saying goodbye to Jody as she heads to Africa.
Last time I cried quite excessively, to be honest.
It was scary.
And I had no idea how she was going to rescue her children and bring them home.
But not this time!
Nope.
I just handed over my favorite camera lens, gave her a quick hug and smiled big.
Because I am so excited for this trip!
Even though I wish I were heading out on that plane tomorrow, I can't wait for them to go without me!
The stories.
The pictures.
I can't wait.
This is so exciting.
And I'm sure Jody and dad will do a great job showing these villages in Liberia how much they mean to us.
How much they mean to God.
I get chills just thinking about it!
So nope.
No crying.
Not this time.
Only excitement!!!
Last time I cried quite excessively, to be honest.
It was scary.
And I had no idea how she was going to rescue her children and bring them home.
But not this time!
Nope.
I just handed over my favorite camera lens, gave her a quick hug and smiled big.
Because I am so excited for this trip!
Even though I wish I were heading out on that plane tomorrow, I can't wait for them to go without me!
The stories.
The pictures.
I can't wait.
This is so exciting.
And I'm sure Jody and dad will do a great job showing these villages in Liberia how much they mean to us.
How much they mean to God.
I get chills just thinking about it!
So nope.
No crying.
Not this time.
Only excitement!!!
Meet the water team...
Here they are.
Most of the men and women who can be found every Sunday night meeting and planning and going over notes and throwing out ideas.
I love them.
I love my Sunday nights with them.
All passionate about the same thing.
Water.
All understanding what it means to people in Liberia.
Life.
I look at this collage and it makes me teary.
And so honored to be a small part of this group.
We've been working on WATER WEEKEND for months.
And it's about "go time".
We are at less than 3 weeks until Scott Harrison arrives and the event schedule goes crazy!
It's getting exciting.
Jody and my dad leave tomorrow at 8am for Liberia.
I cannot wait to see the pictures and hear the stories coming out of Liberia.
I think it will bring us all a renewed motivation.
Jody is bringing her lap top.
She will be blogging from Liberia.
You can follow along here.
And send up a prayer or two if you would.
Our whole team could use them!
Can't wait to see this all come together.
Thanks for joining us!
Most of the men and women who can be found every Sunday night meeting and planning and going over notes and throwing out ideas.
I love them.
I love my Sunday nights with them.
All passionate about the same thing.
Water.
All understanding what it means to people in Liberia.
Life.
I look at this collage and it makes me teary.
And so honored to be a small part of this group.
We've been working on WATER WEEKEND for months.
And it's about "go time".
We are at less than 3 weeks until Scott Harrison arrives and the event schedule goes crazy!
It's getting exciting.
Jody and my dad leave tomorrow at 8am for Liberia.
I cannot wait to see the pictures and hear the stories coming out of Liberia.
I think it will bring us all a renewed motivation.
Jody is bringing her lap top.
She will be blogging from Liberia.
You can follow along here.
And send up a prayer or two if you would.
Our whole team could use them!
Can't wait to see this all come together.
Thanks for joining us!
Another jam-packed week
And I'm sorry if I'm not answering your emails!
I'm alive and doing good.
Exciting stuff going on!!
Erin's baby shower this coming weekend and a birthday party for Ayla at Paul's parents house.
I'm trying to stay caught up on all etsy orders.
The next big shipment goes out tomorrow morning.
Currently have shipped 110 packages...385 items...$3700 worth of merchandise.
Pretty amazing!!
We are at less than 3 weeks until WATER WEEKEND.
Plus, Jody and my dad leave tomorrow.
So lots going on here.
If you email me and I fail to respond, know I'm not ignoring anyone!!
Happy Monday!
I'm alive and doing good.
Exciting stuff going on!!
Erin's baby shower this coming weekend and a birthday party for Ayla at Paul's parents house.
I'm trying to stay caught up on all etsy orders.
The next big shipment goes out tomorrow morning.
Currently have shipped 110 packages...385 items...$3700 worth of merchandise.
Pretty amazing!!
We are at less than 3 weeks until WATER WEEKEND.
Plus, Jody and my dad leave tomorrow.
So lots going on here.
If you email me and I fail to respond, know I'm not ignoring anyone!!
Happy Monday!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Trick-or-Treating
The very first house.
Ayla said "tickotweet"
and "hoppy weenie"
Her costume was perfect.
Our little stinker...
Costumes
Aren't they cute?!?
All costumes were borrowed from AMY.
Who has lots of kids.
And loves Halloween as much as we do.
And graciously let me dig through her Halloween tub and pick out whatever I wanted.
And then told me my kids would be adorable in them.
Wasn't that great?
Everyone should do a costume exchange every year.
We'd never have to buy costumes again!
All costumes were borrowed from AMY.
Who has lots of kids.
And loves Halloween as much as we do.
And graciously let me dig through her Halloween tub and pick out whatever I wanted.
And then told me my kids would be adorable in them.
Wasn't that great?
Everyone should do a costume exchange every year.
We'd never have to buy costumes again!
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