Here is the finished kitchen (almost)
Still have to put all that shutters back on, mount some things and hang the new draperies!
Here are some before and after photos!
So glad to have this project ALMOST behind us.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Makeup and Kitchenmakeover
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(Aunt Julie, her little boy, Jack and Parker this summer at a family friends house! )
I just have to brag for a minute about a famous Makeup Artist whom I am related to!
My baby sister, Julie is a makeup artist in Grand Rapids, MI! She's worked for a big cosmetic company (hint: starts with "Cha" and ends with "nel") as a regional artist for several years now. Aside from that, she's freelancing and becoming more involved in the fashion industry and has some exciting jobs coming up. She was recently invited to work an event as the lead makeup artist for a designer that shows at NY Fashion Week! Anyway, I'm so proud of her! Check out her website: http://www.juliestrating.com/
My baby sister, Julie is a makeup artist in Grand Rapids, MI! She's worked for a big cosmetic company (hint: starts with "Cha" and ends with "nel") as a regional artist for several years now. Aside from that, she's freelancing and becoming more involved in the fashion industry and has some exciting jobs coming up. She was recently invited to work an event as the lead makeup artist for a designer that shows at NY Fashion Week! Anyway, I'm so proud of her! Check out her website: http://www.juliestrating.com/
I am very proud of you Julie and excited to see how God is using your artistic ability!
She definitely has an eye and is the one who helped me come up with my ideas for my Kitchen Makeover too!
And that's the other excitement.....
The kitchen is FINALLY getting painted TODAY! Here is the kitchen in progress! Looking forward to showing off the final product, new draperies & decorations soon! I have fallen in love with green and very happy with the way it will look!
I was a bit nervous about this shade-but Julie convinced me the bright color with the contrasting chocolate brown/green paisley print draperies will look sharp! She also said I could get away with it since there is so much edging and not allot of wall space! On top of all this , I am very grateful a friend could do it for us for a great deal!~Thanks Dave!
I will post the final product soon!
Jenn :)
Friday, January 09, 2009
Panic Attack ...take 2 & A Great Date!
How can a mom have a panic attack and a great date all in one day? Well ,it all really happened today! (And all in matter of 5 hours!)
I was cleaning the upstairs, getting ready for our sitter, Hannah!
Parker was happily entertaining himself by opening and closing the guest bedroom door. (He does this frequently around here! So, I didn't think anything of it-He was happy and I was getting MUCH done!)
I hear him in the room and I go to open up the door!!
"OH-NO! OH-NO!" It is LOCKED!! I can't get the door open! I begin to say "Peek-a-boo"
Instant Panic begins to take over my body!
Jennifer-"Think!"
I look at the door and I call Mike-NO ANSWER!
(I knew Mike was about to leave work-he was coming home by 5:30 so we could go on a date at 6:00!) However-it was only 4:45, and I still had to get Parker out of the room, feed him, get myself ready, and get everything ready for Hannah!!!
Onto my next thought-Our neighbor Rick-aka "Uncle Rick!" He was home and came to the rescue immediately!
Rick was able to take the door handle off and we got Parker out!
Thanksfully-Parker had NO CLUE!!!
(I have only begun the journey to being a mother of a BOY! How he got that room locked has me clueless- but he can reach the handles!)
I know I could have gotten him out myself, but I was in an instant state of panic and couldn't think!
THANKS UNCLE RICK!!!
After we got Parker out, I fed him dinner and Mike was home, Hannah arrived shortly after and
we were out for our date, FINALLY!
We really just wanted our local grocery store sub! A date out alone doesn't have to be fancy for us! We LOVE Publix Subs! It is not too often that we get to eat there by ourselves. We always get the subs to go! So, we enjoyed the delicious Turkey sub on my favorite 5 grain Italian bread! AND WE got a free upgrade- We paid the lower price for regular meet and got the luxury meat!! BIG DEAL to us!
During our dinner we battled over what movie we'd go see! I honestly didn't really care (I was just so excited to have a night out and go to a movie with Mike!) Last movie we saw together at the theater was Oceans 13!) Since Parker's arrival-we have taken nights out with friends... or waited for the movies to come out on Redbox!
So, we finally agreed to go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I was not to keen on a 3 hour movie...but Mike is all over 4 & 5 star ratings! We got to the theater at 7:20 and movie started at 7:40! We got the best seats in the house (middle row /center) and anxious for this drama/romance to begin. We were instantly captured by the movie's plot!
As it thickened (2 hours in) the VOLUME DIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Picture was great-but we can't read lips! Instantly the audience is going ballistic!!! We are in the middle of the row. So, we stay in our seats (still trying to figure out what Brad Pitt is saying) and wonder if we will hear the last hour of the movie ,We soon get an announcement that we can leave and get a refund!
Well we jumped in line.......and here is what happened with our night;
Price of Publix Boars Head Turkey Sub...($7.49) (We paid $1.00 less!!)
Price of Movie Tickets..............................($20.00)
Price of Babysitter....................................($30.00)
Cost of Night............................................. ($56.49)
Time spent together..................................(Flowers from Mike-Great Subs-"Upgraded",Free Movie Tickets, and a Full Refund........................(PRICELESS!)
If you do the math (adding in our free movie tickets and full refund back)
we actually spent out of pocket...$18.49
That is one great date for us!
Now what movie to see next?
I was cleaning the upstairs, getting ready for our sitter, Hannah!
Parker was happily entertaining himself by opening and closing the guest bedroom door. (He does this frequently around here! So, I didn't think anything of it-He was happy and I was getting MUCH done!)
I hear him in the room and I go to open up the door!!
"OH-NO! OH-NO!" It is LOCKED!! I can't get the door open! I begin to say "Peek-a-boo"
Instant Panic begins to take over my body!
Jennifer-"Think!"
I look at the door and I call Mike-NO ANSWER!
(I knew Mike was about to leave work-he was coming home by 5:30 so we could go on a date at 6:00!) However-it was only 4:45, and I still had to get Parker out of the room, feed him, get myself ready, and get everything ready for Hannah!!!
Onto my next thought-Our neighbor Rick-aka "Uncle Rick!" He was home and came to the rescue immediately!
Rick was able to take the door handle off and we got Parker out!
Thanksfully-Parker had NO CLUE!!!
(I have only begun the journey to being a mother of a BOY! How he got that room locked has me clueless- but he can reach the handles!)
I know I could have gotten him out myself, but I was in an instant state of panic and couldn't think!
THANKS UNCLE RICK!!!
After we got Parker out, I fed him dinner and Mike was home, Hannah arrived shortly after and
we were out for our date, FINALLY!
We really just wanted our local grocery store sub! A date out alone doesn't have to be fancy for us! We LOVE Publix Subs! It is not too often that we get to eat there by ourselves. We always get the subs to go! So, we enjoyed the delicious Turkey sub on my favorite 5 grain Italian bread! AND WE got a free upgrade- We paid the lower price for regular meet and got the luxury meat!! BIG DEAL to us!
During our dinner we battled over what movie we'd go see! I honestly didn't really care (I was just so excited to have a night out and go to a movie with Mike!) Last movie we saw together at the theater was Oceans 13!) Since Parker's arrival-we have taken nights out with friends... or waited for the movies to come out on Redbox!
So, we finally agreed to go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I was not to keen on a 3 hour movie...but Mike is all over 4 & 5 star ratings! We got to the theater at 7:20 and movie started at 7:40! We got the best seats in the house (middle row /center) and anxious for this drama/romance to begin. We were instantly captured by the movie's plot!
As it thickened (2 hours in) the VOLUME DIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Picture was great-but we can't read lips! Instantly the audience is going ballistic!!! We are in the middle of the row. So, we stay in our seats (still trying to figure out what Brad Pitt is saying) and wonder if we will hear the last hour of the movie ,We soon get an announcement that we can leave and get a refund!
Well we jumped in line.......and here is what happened with our night;
Price of Publix Boars Head Turkey Sub...($7.49) (We paid $1.00 less!!)
Price of Movie Tickets..............................($20.00)
Price of Babysitter....................................($30.00)
Cost of Night............................................. ($56.49)
Time spent together..................................(Flowers from Mike-Great Subs-"Upgraded",Free Movie Tickets, and a Full Refund........................(PRICELESS!)
If you do the math (adding in our free movie tickets and full refund back)
we actually spent out of pocket...$18.49
That is one great date for us!
Now what movie to see next?
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Is a sick day allowed in mommyhood?
Last week Mike was ill and this week I am ill!
Mike went to our family Dr, last Friday and found out he had a sinus infection! He had his down time and was completely knocked out (after taking cough medicine with co dine)! Now, he is doing much better and I started feeling "icky" on Sunday! I went to my Allergy/Asthma Dr. this AM (Mike stayed home with Parker-THANK YOU for a flexible job that allows him to work from home sometimes!).
I felt like I was coming down with Bronchitis (I tend to get it yearly)-but the good news is, no infection in the lungs! I actually have a respiratory virus that last 7-10 days, sore throat-laryngitis, weak lungs,( got a steroid for that and the horrible cough) and just feeling crappy! My allergist is actually getting over it too! I am so thankful he did not just prescribe an antibiotic just because-he knew my body and is very aware of what is best!
So, Parker just took a good 2 & 1/2 hour nap and I got a good hour in of resting. Wish I could have a sick day!
I wish there was a form you could feel out and have the day off of being a "mommy!" But -thankfully Mike came home early Monday, and allowed me a night out with my BUNKO girls, and stayed with Parker this AM!
I will be grateful to have this behind me...hopefully next week!
Praying I can sleep tonight!
Mike went to our family Dr, last Friday and found out he had a sinus infection! He had his down time and was completely knocked out (after taking cough medicine with co dine)! Now, he is doing much better and I started feeling "icky" on Sunday! I went to my Allergy/Asthma Dr. this AM (Mike stayed home with Parker-THANK YOU for a flexible job that allows him to work from home sometimes!).
I felt like I was coming down with Bronchitis (I tend to get it yearly)-but the good news is, no infection in the lungs! I actually have a respiratory virus that last 7-10 days, sore throat-laryngitis, weak lungs,( got a steroid for that and the horrible cough) and just feeling crappy! My allergist is actually getting over it too! I am so thankful he did not just prescribe an antibiotic just because-he knew my body and is very aware of what is best!
So, Parker just took a good 2 & 1/2 hour nap and I got a good hour in of resting. Wish I could have a sick day!
I wish there was a form you could feel out and have the day off of being a "mommy!" But -thankfully Mike came home early Monday, and allowed me a night out with my BUNKO girls, and stayed with Parker this AM!
I will be grateful to have this behind me...hopefully next week!
Praying I can sleep tonight!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year-We clebrated the Holiday with the Hoeyes!
Happy 2009!
We brought in the New Year by celebrating with "Auntie Lola, Uncle Rick & Terry." It was Terry's 21st birthday,so I made a special Ice-Cream Cake for all of us to enjoy...(one last good sweet) before the Diets all begin again! HA-HA!
We grilled some burgers and hotdogs...entertained Parker till 8:30, and off to bed he went.
Then at 11:00 we had fireworks,just a few. We saved the best for the New Year!
Parker was sound asleep in his Pack & Play. Surprisingly-he only woke up 1 time!
It is a HUGE tradition for New Years Fireworks around here!
It was a blast!
I do have 1 video of a good display of them at the end.
We are so blessed and so grateful for a fresh start to another year!
We grilled some burgers and hotdogs...entertained Parker till 8:30, and off to bed he went.
Then at 11:00 we had fireworks,just a few. We saved the best for the New Year!
Parker was sound asleep in his Pack & Play. Surprisingly-he only woke up 1 time!
It is a HUGE tradition for New Years Fireworks around here!
It was a blast!
I do have 1 video of a good display of them at the end.
We are so blessed and so grateful for a fresh start to another year!
Last night we watched Kayleigh, so her parents could go out on a date! Tonight, Mike is headed out with some friends. So, I am going out to a movie with Lorelei! Kayleigh and her parents are taking Parker! (It is great to swap kids and have "free babysitting!" )
UPDATE:
I got Parker's bathroom finished!
Aunt Joy, Uncle David and Trey got Parker a Pottery Barn Kids Shower curtain, and bath rug. I matched the rug for the paint and I LOVE it! I was nerveous it would be to "girly"-it is Periwinkle!!! The theme is frogs and he loves it!
Next Project=kitchen! My grandmother passed away this summer, and my mother shared with all my sisters and me the money that she received from Grandma!...So, I am redoing the kitchen! My Grandma LOVED to cook and bake! We have so many memories of her sending us Christmas packages with baked goods! Because of these fond memories, I feel strongly to make a special memory of it and re-do the kitchen! It would be so easy to just go and splurge and buy some nice jewlery or clothes...but having custom made curtains,decorations and a new Kitchen table is so special to me in her memory! I am getting the kitchen painted Olive Green~ big jump for me! The new draperies will be chocolate brown and green paisley! I am so excited. My baby sister, Julie is an iterior designer, so she helped me plan this and I am forever grateful!! I will post photos when it is finally done!
Our biggest adventure for the year will be going on a Disney Cruise Feb. 1-5 with my family! We are SO excited to all be together. We will be celebrating my parents 40th wedding Anniversary!
I have much to do between now and then!
I am forever grateful for the new Year and praising God for a wonderful family, great health, and great friends!!! We hope the new year has been off to a great start for you all!
Jenn' :)
VIDEO:
Here is Parker dancing to a famous song that Mike sings often to him-"Mini-Mike!"
I will upload the fireworks later!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Reflections over the past 6 + years!
As we are about to close this year, I couldn't help but reflect back on all that Mike and I have experienced together! It has been a true blessing to walk this journey of "marriage" with him! More then just being married to him, he has become; my best friend, strength, biggest cheerleader and a shoulder to cry on or comedian (which is an understatement)!
We did experience some tough times in the past 6 years and that was when we grew the most! The loss of Mike's dear Uncle Moose (April -2005) ,Grandma Parker (Feb-2007) & Grandma Wilson (July 2008). We will always cherish the memories that we have with them.
1998-Mike & Jenn meet in July @ Camp BaYouCa
1999-Mike and Jenn meet again (I was the Assistant Program Director and Mike soon takes on a new summer project, winning my heart!)
2000-Jenn graduates from Baptist Bible College and begins teaching in Syracuse, NY (Mike is finishing out his degree at Syracuse University)
2001- Aug. 18 (Caro, MI) Mike proposes to Jenn at J.J Jamokes
2002-June 29th , Our wedding at Hendricks Chapel (Syracuse, NY)!
2003- Mother's Day ,We become parents of an 8 week old West
Highland Terrier!!
2004- May 9th (We become an Aunt & Uncle for the first time: Grace Elizabeth)
June 29th -We move to Atlanta, GA
( Mike begins working with PWC ,Atlanta Office)
Aug-I begin teaching at NCCS (Short summer break)
2005-June 6th -We purchase our first house!
Aug-I became the Lead Teacher for the 3rd grade staff @ North Cobb
Christan School
2006 -Feb.27- MIKE PASSES HIS CPA!
March 16th - (Our first nephew, Josh is born)
June 16th- (Our second nephew , Samuel is born)
December 14th -We find out we are expecting our first baby...Awesome
early Christmas Present!
2007-April-We visit my family in MI
(Our 3rd Nephew, Jack is born, while we are there!)
June 1st-Jenn says "goodbye" to teaching after 7 years!
June, 29th-we celebrate our 5th anniversary at Borios, (Syracuse,NY) where
we had our wedding reception
Aug.20th-Parker Wilson Clark Riese arrives @ 6:55 PM , 8lbs & 20 inches!
October-I say goodbye to 20's and turn 30!!!
(By Far-Our biggest blessing of the year was Parker!)
2008-Feb-Mike ends his career with PWC (after 5 HARD years)
Feb 19th-Mike begins his new job with GE!!! PTL
Aug, 20th- Parker Wilson Clark turns 1!!
Sept.-Mike and his friends from PWC- attend Softball tournament and WIN!
November-we spend Thanksgiving in MD with Mike's family
December-Our first Christmas spent in GA -with Mom & Dad Riese
So many memories that I have listed and how can I end this with out a big hug and kiss to Michael, for putting up with me these last 6 years! I cherish you, Parker and our families! We have SO much to be grateful for! God has richly blessed us and I can't wait to see how the new year 2009, unfolds!
I couldn't help it-I had to put a slide show together of some of these treasured memories!
We wish you all a wonderful New Year!
Mike, Jenn & Parker
We did experience some tough times in the past 6 years and that was when we grew the most! The loss of Mike's dear Uncle Moose (April -2005) ,Grandma Parker (Feb-2007) & Grandma Wilson (July 2008). We will always cherish the memories that we have with them.
Favorite memories we have experienced together.
1998-Mike & Jenn meet in July @ Camp BaYouCa
1999-Mike and Jenn meet again (I was the Assistant Program Director and Mike soon takes on a new summer project, winning my heart!)
2000-Jenn graduates from Baptist Bible College and begins teaching in Syracuse, NY (Mike is finishing out his degree at Syracuse University)
2001- Aug. 18 (Caro, MI) Mike proposes to Jenn at J.J Jamokes
2002-June 29th , Our wedding at Hendricks Chapel (Syracuse, NY)!
2003- Mother's Day ,We become parents of an 8 week old West
Highland Terrier!!
2004- May 9th (We become an Aunt & Uncle for the first time: Grace Elizabeth)
June 29th -We move to Atlanta, GA
( Mike begins working with PWC ,Atlanta Office)
Aug-I begin teaching at NCCS (Short summer break)
2005-June 6th -We purchase our first house!
Aug-I became the Lead Teacher for the 3rd grade staff @ North Cobb
Christan School
2006 -Feb.27- MIKE PASSES HIS CPA!
March 16th - (Our first nephew, Josh is born)
June 16th- (Our second nephew , Samuel is born)
December 14th -We find out we are expecting our first baby...Awesome
early Christmas Present!
2007-April-We visit my family in MI
(Our 3rd Nephew, Jack is born, while we are there!)
June 1st-Jenn says "goodbye" to teaching after 7 years!
June, 29th-we celebrate our 5th anniversary at Borios, (Syracuse,NY) where
we had our wedding reception
Aug.20th-Parker Wilson Clark Riese arrives @ 6:55 PM , 8lbs & 20 inches!
October-I say goodbye to 20's and turn 30!!!
(By Far-Our biggest blessing of the year was Parker!)
2008-Feb-Mike ends his career with PWC (after 5 HARD years)
Feb 19th-Mike begins his new job with GE!!! PTL
Aug, 20th- Parker Wilson Clark turns 1!!
Sept.-Mike and his friends from PWC- attend Softball tournament and WIN!
November-we spend Thanksgiving in MD with Mike's family
December-Our first Christmas spent in GA -with Mom & Dad Riese
So many memories that I have listed and how can I end this with out a big hug and kiss to Michael, for putting up with me these last 6 years! I cherish you, Parker and our families! We have SO much to be grateful for! God has richly blessed us and I can't wait to see how the new year 2009, unfolds!
I couldn't help it-I had to put a slide show together of some of these treasured memories!
We wish you all a wonderful New Year!
Mike, Jenn & Parker
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Blessings...2008
We have so much to be thankful for, excellent health, wonderful family and great friends! But most of all the gift from our Savior!
We were blessed to have extra special company this Christmas (and it was our first Christmas in GA, since living here for the past 4 & 1/2 years) Mike's parents!
Parker loves spending time with them and he is enamored by big Poppy teaching him new things whenever he sees him!
We had wonderful Christmas Eve Service and had our friends the Fosters come over for Spaghetti following the service!
Christmas day we slept in!!! Yippee -Parker didn't wake up till 8AM! We had a wonderful morning opening up presents (and we always manage to get each other some little extra surprises....) and gave Parker his 3 big presents from us! Nana & Big Poppy loved seeing him explore so many firsts this Christmas! Of course most of Parker's presents all have BALLS or MUSIC! We are definitely entertained to say the least!
Our good friends "Uncle Rick, Aunt Lorelei & Terry" came and had Dinner with us! I got a fabulous deal on a Honey Baked Ham and it was Delicious! I am sure it tasted even better since I got it for $10.00 off ! We exchanged presents with them and watched Parker open up his ELMO Live from them...(they spoil him to much-but we are so blessed to have them in our lives!) Parker was fascinated with Elmo at times and then he ran from him too! It was funny.
The funniest part of the day was Lorelei and I almost giving each other the same thing. We each got a "friend" frame with a photo of us in it! It would have made it more funny if we had actually framed the SAME photo!
As I stated at the beginning-we are so blessed and we rejoice that God has given us so much to be thankful for!
We received a Christmas letter from my former Co-worker and good friend, (Elese Allen)
I LOVE getting her Christmas letter....she always writes a poem!
The ending of her Poem/ Christmas letter was touching and speaks volumes for what we all need to be doing during these tough times! I hope it touches you and that you will open up your heart to Christ this season if you have not already.
" This year our world has been filled with so much fear and uncertainty.
With war, lay-offs, elections, gas prices, and foreclosures-there's a lot of anxiety.
Many are seaching for some sign of hope
And coming up with all kinds of ways to cope
Allow me to suggest there is only one REMEDY-
Trusting in the very God who created you and me.
The world is constantly changing but my friends, He does not
He is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER- what a comforting thought.
Christmas is the perfect time to remember and believe what is TRUE
Christ was born as a babe in Bethlehem to one day die for me and you.
Jesus willing chose to die in our place
So we could spend eternity with God -what AMAZING GRACE!
Nothing that happens to us takes Him by surprise.
The Bible tells ups we're the very apple of His eyes.
Won't you put your trust in Him? He's everything you need.
He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE indeed.
No matter what the future holds, He can be your PRINCE of PEACE
His love endures forever-it can never cease.
We hope that as you reflect on this year, that you will have much to be thankful for
And that you recognize God's provisions like never before.
May Christmas with your family be a blessed blast-
Full of laughter and memories that will forever last.
May God bless you richly in 2009
And bring light and hope to others through your life and mine!
(Poem by, Elese Allen -2008)
Happy New Year!
Here are some highlights of this years Christmas!
Love,
Mike, Jenn & Parker :)
We were blessed to have extra special company this Christmas (and it was our first Christmas in GA, since living here for the past 4 & 1/2 years) Mike's parents!
Parker loves spending time with them and he is enamored by big Poppy teaching him new things whenever he sees him!
We had wonderful Christmas Eve Service and had our friends the Fosters come over for Spaghetti following the service!
Christmas day we slept in!!! Yippee -Parker didn't wake up till 8AM! We had a wonderful morning opening up presents (and we always manage to get each other some little extra surprises....) and gave Parker his 3 big presents from us! Nana & Big Poppy loved seeing him explore so many firsts this Christmas! Of course most of Parker's presents all have BALLS or MUSIC! We are definitely entertained to say the least!
Our good friends "Uncle Rick, Aunt Lorelei & Terry" came and had Dinner with us! I got a fabulous deal on a Honey Baked Ham and it was Delicious! I am sure it tasted even better since I got it for $10.00 off ! We exchanged presents with them and watched Parker open up his ELMO Live from them...(they spoil him to much-but we are so blessed to have them in our lives!) Parker was fascinated with Elmo at times and then he ran from him too! It was funny.
The funniest part of the day was Lorelei and I almost giving each other the same thing. We each got a "friend" frame with a photo of us in it! It would have made it more funny if we had actually framed the SAME photo!
As I stated at the beginning-we are so blessed and we rejoice that God has given us so much to be thankful for!
We received a Christmas letter from my former Co-worker and good friend, (Elese Allen)
I LOVE getting her Christmas letter....she always writes a poem!
The ending of her Poem/ Christmas letter was touching and speaks volumes for what we all need to be doing during these tough times! I hope it touches you and that you will open up your heart to Christ this season if you have not already.
" This year our world has been filled with so much fear and uncertainty.
With war, lay-offs, elections, gas prices, and foreclosures-there's a lot of anxiety.
Many are seaching for some sign of hope
And coming up with all kinds of ways to cope
Allow me to suggest there is only one REMEDY-
Trusting in the very God who created you and me.
The world is constantly changing but my friends, He does not
He is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER- what a comforting thought.
Christmas is the perfect time to remember and believe what is TRUE
Christ was born as a babe in Bethlehem to one day die for me and you.
Jesus willing chose to die in our place
So we could spend eternity with God -what AMAZING GRACE!
Nothing that happens to us takes Him by surprise.
The Bible tells ups we're the very apple of His eyes.
Won't you put your trust in Him? He's everything you need.
He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE indeed.
No matter what the future holds, He can be your PRINCE of PEACE
His love endures forever-it can never cease.
We hope that as you reflect on this year, that you will have much to be thankful for
And that you recognize God's provisions like never before.
May Christmas with your family be a blessed blast-
Full of laughter and memories that will forever last.
May God bless you richly in 2009
And bring light and hope to others through your life and mine!
(Poem by, Elese Allen -2008)
Happy New Year!
Here are some highlights of this years Christmas!
 |
 |
| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Love,
Mike, Jenn & Parker :)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
16 Months Old
(Photo 1-Parker pointing to "The Plane-The Plane!")
(Photo 2-Checking out the Christmas Cards!)
Parker is 16 months old today and took off walking this week!
He is a delight and yes....A HANDFUL at times! But, we couldn't ask for a happier little boy.
He is totally into "the plane(s)" flying over our house.
Hence the photo above of him pointing up! (It seems to be an everyday thing at least 20 times!) He has recently taken an interest in blueberries -prior to this month he had NO interest in their texture! Not to many more new things!
At his 15 month check-up he was 23 & 1/2 lbs. (30 %) and 31 & 1/4 inches length (50 %). He sure feels a whole lot heavier then 23 lbs!
He is a delight and yes....A HANDFUL at times! But, we couldn't ask for a happier little boy.
He is totally into "the plane(s)" flying over our house.
Hence the photo above of him pointing up! (It seems to be an everyday thing at least 20 times!) He has recently taken an interest in blueberries -prior to this month he had NO interest in their texture! Not to many more new things!
At his 15 month check-up he was 23 & 1/2 lbs. (30 %) and 31 & 1/4 inches length (50 %). He sure feels a whole lot heavier then 23 lbs!
On the home front,we put the tree up in the dinning room...and little decorations this year on it!
,
Someone is amazed by the "balls" that are on the tree...!
(Christmas Card Wall of Fame....Can you find your card?)
This past weekend Mike was in Memphis,TN for the Syracuse/Memphis College Basketball game. He went to the game with 3 of his friends from Syracuse who now live here in GA as well! I am glad he could have a weekend away-he deserves it for all the hard work and time he puts in!
I took advantage of redecorating Parker's bathroom. "Aunt Joy, Uncle David & Trey got Parker a Pottery Barn Frog Shower curtain set . So I decided to paint the walls to match the set! The bathroom is now,periwinkle blue & I love it so far. I will post photos when it is done! ( I managed to get all the painting done during his naps today! Yippee~)
Thanks to Aunt Lorelei and Uncle Rick for keeping me company and Parker entertained tonight! It was fun....and made the weekend go by faster!
Here is a video of him walking.
Jenn :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
GE Christmas Party Photos...
The night was a blast...and it was great to finally meet Mike's boss in person!
We had a wonderful full coarse meal, a surprise visit from Santa & great laughs during the gift exchange. FYI: Mike thought it was a White Elephant Party....but it was actually supposed to be a good laugh gift less then $20.00! Well we took a GE Hand mixer (that we got last week at a White Elephant Party) and Mike took an old toaster of ours ,that no longer works! It was so embarrassing -after I realized what we were suppose to bring!! Needless to say , I made sure he came home with the toaster. The mixer was wanted by 2 people! (That was funny-and I sure hope it works!!) Now I know what to expect for next year and I will go and take care the gifts!!
Here are some of our highlights of the night-we got home late, but we were so glad we got out!
Jenn :)
We had a wonderful full coarse meal, a surprise visit from Santa & great laughs during the gift exchange. FYI: Mike thought it was a White Elephant Party....but it was actually supposed to be a good laugh gift less then $20.00! Well we took a GE Hand mixer (that we got last week at a White Elephant Party) and Mike took an old toaster of ours ,that no longer works! It was so embarrassing -after I realized what we were suppose to bring!! Needless to say , I made sure he came home with the toaster. The mixer was wanted by 2 people! (That was funny-and I sure hope it works!!) Now I know what to expect for next year and I will go and take care the gifts!!
Here are some of our highlights of the night-we got home late, but we were so glad we got out!
Jenn :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Christmas Party Date with Mike
The hustle and bustle has begun of ; shipping packages off to my family, decorating the house (little this year), mailing out Christmas cards, getting gifts for close friends and...... the annual Work Christmas Parties for GE!
I look forward to the Annual parties with his job! We did hear that his old company PWC is not doing any Christmas parties this year due to the decline in the economy. They are trying to be respectful of their clients that are financially hurting! So, I was not personally expecting ANY parties this year with GE! I was wrong. We had one on the 5th with all the controllers. It was a nice dinner with about 20 people. It was great to get to know many other "financial" people like Mike! (*Actually no one is near like him and that is what makes him so fun and loveable for all!) And tonight we are headed to a Financial Christmas Party for GE and this one is to be Holiday Best dress!!? Hmmm? I decided to wear the "never go wrong" Black dress! Thanks to ROSS I found a cute one and I will be even happier when I use it again for our upcoming Cruise! I enjoy getting dressed up now that I stay home.
I love these parties because it is a nice "date" for Mike and I that is free food (and always top-notch)-apart from paying our sitter!
The other reason I am looking forward to tonight, is that I will finally meet Mike's Boss and the CFO (who I actually sent an email too by mistake ) I blogged about it awhile ago! Yes, it will nice to finally meet him and get some laughs too I am sure!
I GOT MY CAMERA BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So , I can even take some photos of our night! If you know me, I have to have a camera to capture the "moments!"
I will post photos tomorrow!
Jenn :)
I look forward to the Annual parties with his job! We did hear that his old company PWC is not doing any Christmas parties this year due to the decline in the economy. They are trying to be respectful of their clients that are financially hurting! So, I was not personally expecting ANY parties this year with GE! I was wrong. We had one on the 5th with all the controllers. It was a nice dinner with about 20 people. It was great to get to know many other "financial" people like Mike! (*Actually no one is near like him and that is what makes him so fun and loveable for all!) And tonight we are headed to a Financial Christmas Party for GE and this one is to be Holiday Best dress!!? Hmmm? I decided to wear the "never go wrong" Black dress! Thanks to ROSS I found a cute one and I will be even happier when I use it again for our upcoming Cruise! I enjoy getting dressed up now that I stay home.
I love these parties because it is a nice "date" for Mike and I that is free food (and always top-notch)-apart from paying our sitter!
The other reason I am looking forward to tonight, is that I will finally meet Mike's Boss and the CFO (who I actually sent an email too by mistake ) I blogged about it awhile ago! Yes, it will nice to finally meet him and get some laughs too I am sure!
I GOT MY CAMERA BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So , I can even take some photos of our night! If you know me, I have to have a camera to capture the "moments!"
I will post photos tomorrow!
Jenn :)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Guess Who Is ......
WALKING??!It is official-Parker took 4 steps....later during the day he did 6 steps....then tonight for Daddy he took 8! He has fallen into the typical category of 1st born boys....(crawled at 10 months and walked at 15 & 1/2 months). Parker looks like a little penguin with his arms out in front, but he is just a grinning after he realizes he has made it with out falling!
No pictures to post of this big milestone....but I do have a photo of another first in Parker's life...."his first time meeting Santa!"
No pictures to post of this big milestone....but I do have a photo of another first in Parker's life...."his first time meeting Santa!"
We are not big on Santa-and Mike and I both grew up knowing that Christmas is all about the birth of our Savior! However, it is fun to have this little part of "surprise Christmas morning-and wonder HOW so many toys could possibly get under that tree? We have come to a decision that we will not go overboard(since he gets so many great gifts from both sides of our families) and try to stick to 3 main gifts for Parker that we give him ...just as Jesus received the 3 gifts. We want to teach Parker the importance of giving!
So, yesterday my good friend Samantha and I took Parker, and her daughter, Marlee to meet Santa!
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OH boy! Did we get some looks...TEARS.... and more looks!
The pictures speak volumes!
We will see what he thinks of Santa next year! : 0
We will see what he thinks of Santa next year! : 0
I got confirmation yesterday,that I will have my camera by the end of next week-so yeah to that! I might figure out this new cell phone and do some photos of Parker walking. If not before Christmas, we will post some following the holiday.
I just mailed out the Christmas cards today, and they should arrive soon to all of you who are on our list!
Jenn :)
Jenn :)
Monday, December 08, 2008
Ouch ....2 stitches later!!!
Life on Gabriel Way was crazy this morning and the main person involved was ME!
This morning at 9:00 I hit my eye (the corner of my right eyebrow) on a new shelf that we have on the wall near the TV .
I was bending down to get Kayleigh's pacifier (it was time for naps)....I came up and BAMB!!! Ouch???! I start seeing stars....My glasses flew off. (This whole time Parker and Kayleigh are upstairs in the playroom) so they didn't see me cry...and the blood! Yes there was BLOOD!
I freaked and an instant headache began! I start crying....what just happened?
I put the paci down & find my glasses....run to the bathroom!
OH -NO! I don't want Stitches-I have NEVER had to get them (except for surgical procedures!)
I call Mike .He is about to pull into work (yet willing to come home) and says ....Call Lorelei and have her come and look at it!
Lorelei (my friend and neighbor) comes down....in the meantime I have managed to get 2 happy (yet tired) kiddos down for naps!
The cut is 1/2 inch long. I know that usually stitches has to be 1 inch of cut. So I am just sad that I have been so klutzy and now I am yelling at the stupid box! Not to mention my facial image now being scared....urr-"stupid box-I say again!"
I refuse to go to the ER unless I couldn't see out of my eye or the blood wouldn't stop! Lorelei insists I call my Dr. to get it checked out.
She helped me bandage it-I kept it on till my Dr. visit today at 3:45 and my Dr. made the choice for 2 stitches! It was a pretty deep puncture....and he says ...."Oh that is a cut all right and deep enough for a few stitches!!" ("stupid box I say again!") Mike is sitting there and I am begging him to get rid of it!
It is swollen a bit , but the 2 stitches is fine with me co
nsidering the damage could have been worse! I am SO thankful I did not puncture my eye! 
Here is a photo of my lovely stitches....(urr) and the Stupid (I mean...lovely box that is out of our 1 year old's reach....yet injures mommy in the mean time!)
This morning at 9:00 I hit my eye (the corner of my right eyebrow) on a new shelf that we have on the wall near the TV .
I was bending down to get Kayleigh's pacifier (it was time for naps)....I came up and BAMB!!! Ouch???! I start seeing stars....My glasses flew off. (This whole time Parker and Kayleigh are upstairs in the playroom) so they didn't see me cry...and the blood! Yes there was BLOOD!
I freaked and an instant headache began! I start crying....what just happened?
I put the paci down & find my glasses....run to the bathroom!
OH -NO! I don't want Stitches-I have NEVER had to get them (except for surgical procedures!)
I call Mike .He is about to pull into work (yet willing to come home) and says ....Call Lorelei and have her come and look at it!
Lorelei (my friend and neighbor) comes down....in the meantime I have managed to get 2 happy (yet tired) kiddos down for naps!
The cut is 1/2 inch long. I know that usually stitches has to be 1 inch of cut. So I am just sad that I have been so klutzy and now I am yelling at the stupid box! Not to mention my facial image now being scared....urr-"stupid box-I say again!"
I refuse to go to the ER unless I couldn't see out of my eye or the blood wouldn't stop! Lorelei insists I call my Dr. to get it checked out.
She helped me bandage it-I kept it on till my Dr. visit today at 3:45 and my Dr. made the choice for 2 stitches! It was a pretty deep puncture....and he says ...."Oh that is a cut all right and deep enough for a few stitches!!" ("stupid box I say again!") Mike is sitting there and I am begging him to get rid of it!
It is swollen a bit , but the 2 stitches is fine with me co
nsidering the damage could have been worse! I am SO thankful I did not puncture my eye! 
Here is a photo of my lovely stitches....(urr) and the Stupid (I mean...lovely box that is out of our 1 year old's reach....yet injures mommy in the mean time!)
So glad that Christmas cards are behind us!!
Jenn :(
Jenn :(
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Christmas Card Bloopers.....
So the time of year has come once again for the annual Christmas Card!
Last year I got away with a collage of many "first" moments with Parker! So we didn't have to go and "pose" for the Christmas card!
This year we were back into the routine. (Christmas cards are a BIG deal to me and I LOVE to get them in the mail-and I love to collect all the ones we have send out-this is #6 for us...WOW!) We went to a park a 1/2 hr away that had gorgeous scenery. We took a ton of photos,despite the chill in the air ! ~You will have to guess which ones we went with for the card!! I coordinated our colors with a sweater Parker got from Uncle Brian & Aunt Courtney and the outdoors were great for the colors were were in. I finally picked out 3 great ones after all our laughs from the many bloopers! Everything with Parker is about a ball-and we thought if Sam and Kendall held a Ball he would look at the camera!!! NOPE he cried for it!!! You will see.....
Hope you get a laugh out of some of these like we did.
Thanks Sam & Kendall , for going with us~ (we took theirs too).
Hmm,Can I do another collage next year? A lot of work to do it -but the memories are fun!
I ordered our cards from Shutterfly last night and glad to have that off the list!
Now for the decorations around here! I am getting motivated as I look at all my neighbor's yards!
Hopefully tonight at 7:30 (when Parker is in bed)-we will get going with the decorations and be done by our bed time...around 11!
Blessings to all of you,
Jenn :)
Last year I got away with a collage of many "first" moments with Parker! So we didn't have to go and "pose" for the Christmas card!
This year we were back into the routine. (Christmas cards are a BIG deal to me and I LOVE to get them in the mail-and I love to collect all the ones we have send out-this is #6 for us...WOW!) We went to a park a 1/2 hr away that had gorgeous scenery. We took a ton of photos,despite the chill in the air ! ~You will have to guess which ones we went with for the card!! I coordinated our colors with a sweater Parker got from Uncle Brian & Aunt Courtney and the outdoors were great for the colors were were in. I finally picked out 3 great ones after all our laughs from the many bloopers! Everything with Parker is about a ball-and we thought if Sam and Kendall held a Ball he would look at the camera!!! NOPE he cried for it!!! You will see.....
Hope you get a laugh out of some of these like we did.
Thanks Sam & Kendall , for going with us~ (we took theirs too).
Hmm,Can I do another collage next year? A lot of work to do it -but the memories are fun!
I ordered our cards from Shutterfly last night and glad to have that off the list!
Now for the decorations around here! I am getting motivated as I look at all my neighbor's yards!
Hopefully tonight at 7:30 (when Parker is in bed)-we will get going with the decorations and be done by our bed time...around 11!
Blessings to all of you,
Jenn :)
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Reflections of Thanksgiving 2008
We had a week of travels and we are back ....resting and getting ready for Christmas! Breathe....I am still trying to get energy so I can decorate for Christmas!
Looking back at our week:
We left last Sunday for Knoxville, TN to attend Trey's 1st Birthday Party. We had a good time....but someone was VERY ancy to get on the road (sooner then I wanted) so that made it hard to say goodbye! Men and their sports... (do i need to say who was ancy to go????!)
We arrived Monday at 10:30 in VA Beach ... the day was a hard one for Parker. He was cutting another Molar and it was hard for him to get comfortable ! We managed and were glad to arrive. He is such a great trooper and always adapts wherever we are!
We stayed at the VA Beach Resort & Conference Center (compliments of the Visitors Bureau)! Mike contacted them about the potential 2009 PWC softball tournament being held there! So we felt like a king and a queen to say the least during our visit! We met up with friends of ours from Church who were there visiting family! We had a great seafood dinner out and even got to drive on the boardwalk and see the Christmas Lights! It was so much fun to get to know you two more, Dusty and Megan! Not sure if the tournament will be there-the guys are checking out 2 other cities and then they will narrow down their decision by Feb!
We finally made it to our final destination (and MAIN reason for travel) to Fredrick, MD ! I was SO excited to finally arrive! (We were stuck in the good 'ol DC traffic for 2 hours on WED-not cool when you have a 15 mth old in the back seat-but thankful I had my MaMa Mia CD that kept him entertained LOL)
We stayed with Mike's oldest brother Brian and his wife Courtney! We could not have had better hosts (and they were WONDERFUL with Parker....and can I say SPOILED HIM WAY TO MUCH with gifts) A little side note; Parker took 3 steps on his own at their house. But his big accomplishement was learning how to climb or (go DOWN) stairs! He was SO proud. I am sure it helped him having the steps all broken up . (They live in a town house -so he only had 4 stairs at a time...he loved the big platforms to play on!)
Brian made a wonderful 21 LB turkey and the rest of us pitched in and made ALL (and we did not leave any side dishes out!) We had WAY to much food . No wonder I gained a few ....
Friday was Brian's 30th Birthday so we catered to making the day special for him.(We made sure to get up early and hit those awesome Black Friday Sales.....I was sad that we were limited on space (traveling home) but we got all the gifts and few items we did buy....home!!! YEAH!) We at a great BBQ restaurant and ended the night with Brusters Icecream Cake! Hope it was a fun 30th Brian for you!
Saturday we all woke up and focused on "Christmas!" Being that this was the year for all of Riese's to be together for Thanksgiving and not Christmas we ended the week exchanging our gifts! Parker was the king of gifts ... but that is the best part I guess about being the first grand-child! We are so grateful for ALL he got from all of you! HE LOVES all the musical toys you all got him!
I'm really looking forward to staying here and relaxing for Christmas...before our next departure....DISNEY CRUISE with my family (in Februray for my parents 40th anniversary) I am so excited but have so much to do between now and then! My neighbor next door teases me about being the world traveler....we are gone alot! ???! I am starting to enjoy having the weeks where we are just home more and more now!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving ~ I will get the Christmas Cards out shortly!
(Praying that my camera comes back sooon-or that they mail me a new one!)
Here are 2 slide shows of our week!
JENN :)
Looking back at our week:
We left last Sunday for Knoxville, TN to attend Trey's 1st Birthday Party. We had a good time....but someone was VERY ancy to get on the road (sooner then I wanted) so that made it hard to say goodbye! Men and their sports... (do i need to say who was ancy to go????!)
We arrived Monday at 10:30 in VA Beach ... the day was a hard one for Parker. He was cutting another Molar and it was hard for him to get comfortable ! We managed and were glad to arrive. He is such a great trooper and always adapts wherever we are!
We stayed at the VA Beach Resort & Conference Center (compliments of the Visitors Bureau)! Mike contacted them about the potential 2009 PWC softball tournament being held there! So we felt like a king and a queen to say the least during our visit! We met up with friends of ours from Church who were there visiting family! We had a great seafood dinner out and even got to drive on the boardwalk and see the Christmas Lights! It was so much fun to get to know you two more, Dusty and Megan! Not sure if the tournament will be there-the guys are checking out 2 other cities and then they will narrow down their decision by Feb!
We finally made it to our final destination (and MAIN reason for travel) to Fredrick, MD ! I was SO excited to finally arrive! (We were stuck in the good 'ol DC traffic for 2 hours on WED-not cool when you have a 15 mth old in the back seat-but thankful I had my MaMa Mia CD that kept him entertained LOL)
We stayed with Mike's oldest brother Brian and his wife Courtney! We could not have had better hosts (and they were WONDERFUL with Parker....and can I say SPOILED HIM WAY TO MUCH with gifts) A little side note; Parker took 3 steps on his own at their house. But his big accomplishement was learning how to climb or (go DOWN) stairs! He was SO proud. I am sure it helped him having the steps all broken up . (They live in a town house -so he only had 4 stairs at a time...he loved the big platforms to play on!)
Brian made a wonderful 21 LB turkey and the rest of us pitched in and made ALL (and we did not leave any side dishes out!) We had WAY to much food . No wonder I gained a few ....
Friday was Brian's 30th Birthday so we catered to making the day special for him.(We made sure to get up early and hit those awesome Black Friday Sales.....I was sad that we were limited on space (traveling home) but we got all the gifts and few items we did buy....home!!! YEAH!) We at a great BBQ restaurant and ended the night with Brusters Icecream Cake! Hope it was a fun 30th Brian for you!
Saturday we all woke up and focused on "Christmas!" Being that this was the year for all of Riese's to be together for Thanksgiving and not Christmas we ended the week exchanging our gifts! Parker was the king of gifts ... but that is the best part I guess about being the first grand-child! We are so grateful for ALL he got from all of you! HE LOVES all the musical toys you all got him!
I'm really looking forward to staying here and relaxing for Christmas...before our next departure....DISNEY CRUISE with my family (in Februray for my parents 40th anniversary) I am so excited but have so much to do between now and then! My neighbor next door teases me about being the world traveler....we are gone alot! ???! I am starting to enjoy having the weeks where we are just home more and more now!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving ~ I will get the Christmas Cards out shortly!
(Praying that my camera comes back sooon-or that they mail me a new one!)
Here are 2 slide shows of our week!
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| Make a Smilebox photobook |
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| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
JENN :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
15 Months Old
Hard to believe that we are nearing up the holiday season and Parker is about to celebrate his 2nd Thanksgiving and Christmas! Last year he slept the holidays away! This year he will be taking it all in....and I am sure getting into ALL of it too! Still trying to decide on the Christmas tree(s ) and how we will decorate them or if this year!! (Hmmm ?)
In the world of Parker he is walking around with us or a walks with a toy.... but the confidence is still being tested independantly. He can stand on his own and take about 2 steps! (That is fine with us!) The past month Parker has been cutting 2 bottom molars. Tuesday and Wednesday were really ruff days and he was so NOT himself! I felt so bad for him (and thank goodness for Motrin!)-He was in bed by 6:45 on Tuesday night and slept till 8:30 AM!
Parker's Favorites are still pretty consistent.
He has added 3 new words to his vocabulary "GO and Baby!" Which now sums up his total vocabulary to 8 words! You would be surprised how much we can talk about with just 8 words!
dada,
ball,
ball,
dog,
Abbey,
Go,
nigh-nigh, (or "No-no -nigh-nigh" when its time for bed)
mama,
mama,
baby.
Favorite Food:Pasta and sliced turkey meat
Favorite toy by far "DA BALL!"
Favorite book- The Penguin
In other Parker news... we are completely bottle free! He LOVES his Milk and we have had quite the time finding a cup he will drink out of. He's become a fan of the Playtex Sippy straw cups. They travel well and are leak free!
In the world of the Riese's we are looking forward to Thanksgiving with Mike's family in MD !
We will be spending the holiday with Mike's brother Brian and his wife, Courtney (along with the rest of Mike's family!) So we will be on the road ALL next week~We have a few stops before we actully get to MD!
We will be spending the holiday with Mike's brother Brian and his wife, Courtney (along with the rest of Mike's family!) So we will be on the road ALL next week~We have a few stops before we actully get to MD!
First stop is TN to visit Joy, David & Trey;
Second stop is Virginia Beach Virginia (we will be scouting out the area for the PWC 2009 tournament in September)
So PLEASE pray for us if you think about us during next week as we have ALOT of travels!
I am posting a video to show how much Parker LOVES to say "ball"~ I tried to get him to talk about "Abbey" but you will see he was very focused on "da ball!"
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you and remeber to GIVE THANKS not just this next Thursday, but each day God gives you!
Jenn :)
FYI: After I shot the video this AM, I got ready to do another video and the lens started acting up (which was the problem last month)! (It was "fixed" and worked great the last 2 weeks!) I called Olympus and they are once again going to "fix" it! So NO Camera for the Thanksgiving Holiday! Back to the Hospital it goes....hopefully back or even better and praying
my wish ("A NEW CAMERA - from OLYMPUS WOULD BE GREAT!")
Friday, November 14, 2008
A mother's worst nightmare....
locking your child in your car!!!!
Well, it happened today and today was one of the longest days for me as a mother!
Parker and I went and had lunch with "Aunt Lola" & "Aunt Sam" at the Teacup Cottage! Thanks for a great lunch "Aunt Lola!"
We left around 2:30 to do some errands! I was headed to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Old Navy...but we only made it to Jo-Ann's!
I got all checked out around 3:30 at Jo-Ann's! I unloaded my stuff, unloaded my purse (which had the usual...cell phone, wallet, and then I threw the keys in the seat too) FYI-I always take this with me when I get in the car....!
Next I loaded Parker in, shut the passenger door, & shut his passenger side door.
Grabbed his shopping cart cover, and thew it in the back of my SUV door....and off to the driver's door I go!
Here are my thoughts for the next LONGEST 45 Minutes of my day:
OH-NO! OH-NO! My door won't open??! (I look in and there are the keys on the passenger seat)...( I instantly knew if the driver's door doesn't open -then none of the others will open!!)
MY HEART STARTS BEATING FAST....
I go over and realize my "nightmare" has just come true!
NO! How can this be?
Why did I put my purse and keys in before Parker?
Now I really start to Panic!
There is an instant feeling of fear and hopelessness when you and your child are just separated by a piece of glass and you have no way to reach out to him!!!!
I look in at a HAPPY 15 month old sipping away on his juice.
However, he sees me (through the tinted window & thinks we are playing a "peek-a-boo" game)
So he throws down his juice and starts to laugh!
OH-NO! (That should entertain you ....now what do I do?!!!)
I leave him -"HOW DARE I LEAVE MY CHILD, unattended in a the car!!! Calm down Jenn, you have to call Mike-your phone is in the car!" I realize -no one can take him!
I begin to cry and try to compose myself.
I RUN into the store!
My face said it all!
"HI-I need to call my husband, I just locked my baby , my keys and phone in my car!"
Sales Rep-"Oh, NO!" Absolutely...she then speaks into her microphone (her private one) and says ("I need a manager up to the front. I need some help with a lady who is locked out of her car and her baby is in there!"....)
In the meantime I have to remember Mike's number....thank-goodness I know it...even though He is "2" in my phone!
(TODAY everyone is just one number in most cell phones....this wonderful tool called "speed dial"!!!)
I am crying and he hears it in my voice....he calms me down and leaves instantly....however he is 20 miles away-but a good 1/2 hour!
My mind begins to worry and I run back to the car.
Now the managers know and 2 are out to help me!
We tried to have Mike push the remote through his cellphone and into the managers phone! It didn't work...so after 20 minutes we called 911~!
Parker is now crying because Mommy is NOT getting in the car!
A really sweet lady, named Crystal insisted on giving me her umbrella! (It began to rain-but I didn't care! My boy was in the car and I had no where else to go!)
I think he could hear me-but he couldn't see me very well! Poor little guy!
(FYI-his latest is when he cries he says "Abbey -over and over again!" )
Within 10 minutes of the Management calling 911 the big red firetruck arrives!!!!)
My MIND-"A FIRETRUCK! I am SO embarrassed! This is really gonna be a great blog entry now-no even better....It will be a great story at the baby shower on Sunday!? (I was getting stuff to make a baby shower gift!)
So thank goodness for the local fire department and their little tools to open my car up!
My lesson: have a spare key somewhere (besides MIKE) , or with someone who can rescue me quickly!
When I got in the car, I was never so happy to take Parker out of that car seat!
It was the best hug I had with Parker yet!!!
All the feelings of fear and hopelessness faded as I embraced him!
Now I have a better feeling of how God feels when we are so close, yet so distant from him!
Hopefully this nightmare does not come true for any of you other moms out there!
(FYI-Mike pulled in just as the firetruck was pulling out!!!)
Jenn :)
Well, it happened today and today was one of the longest days for me as a mother!
Parker and I went and had lunch with "Aunt Lola" & "Aunt Sam" at the Teacup Cottage! Thanks for a great lunch "Aunt Lola!"
We left around 2:30 to do some errands! I was headed to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Old Navy...but we only made it to Jo-Ann's!
I got all checked out around 3:30 at Jo-Ann's! I unloaded my stuff, unloaded my purse (which had the usual...cell phone, wallet, and then I threw the keys in the seat too) FYI-I always take this with me when I get in the car....!
Next I loaded Parker in, shut the passenger door, & shut his passenger side door.
Grabbed his shopping cart cover, and thew it in the back of my SUV door....and off to the driver's door I go!
Here are my thoughts for the next LONGEST 45 Minutes of my day:
OH-NO! OH-NO! My door won't open??! (I look in and there are the keys on the passenger seat)...( I instantly knew if the driver's door doesn't open -then none of the others will open!!)
MY HEART STARTS BEATING FAST....
I go over and realize my "nightmare" has just come true!
NO! How can this be?
Why did I put my purse and keys in before Parker?
Now I really start to Panic!
There is an instant feeling of fear and hopelessness when you and your child are just separated by a piece of glass and you have no way to reach out to him!!!!
I look in at a HAPPY 15 month old sipping away on his juice.
However, he sees me (through the tinted window & thinks we are playing a "peek-a-boo" game)
So he throws down his juice and starts to laugh!
OH-NO! (That should entertain you ....now what do I do?!!!)
I leave him -"HOW DARE I LEAVE MY CHILD, unattended in a the car!!! Calm down Jenn, you have to call Mike-your phone is in the car!" I realize -no one can take him!
I begin to cry and try to compose myself.
I RUN into the store!
My face said it all!
"HI-I need to call my husband, I just locked my baby , my keys and phone in my car!"
Sales Rep-"Oh, NO!" Absolutely...she then speaks into her microphone (her private one) and says ("I need a manager up to the front. I need some help with a lady who is locked out of her car and her baby is in there!"....)
In the meantime I have to remember Mike's number....thank-goodness I know it...even though He is "2" in my phone!
(TODAY everyone is just one number in most cell phones....this wonderful tool called "speed dial"!!!)
I am crying and he hears it in my voice....he calms me down and leaves instantly....however he is 20 miles away-but a good 1/2 hour!
My mind begins to worry and I run back to the car.
Now the managers know and 2 are out to help me!
We tried to have Mike push the remote through his cellphone and into the managers phone! It didn't work...so after 20 minutes we called 911~!
Parker is now crying because Mommy is NOT getting in the car!
A really sweet lady, named Crystal insisted on giving me her umbrella! (It began to rain-but I didn't care! My boy was in the car and I had no where else to go!)
I think he could hear me-but he couldn't see me very well! Poor little guy!
(FYI-his latest is when he cries he says "Abbey -over and over again!" )
Within 10 minutes of the Management calling 911 the big red firetruck arrives!!!!)
My MIND-"A FIRETRUCK! I am SO embarrassed! This is really gonna be a great blog entry now-no even better....It will be a great story at the baby shower on Sunday!? (I was getting stuff to make a baby shower gift!)
So thank goodness for the local fire department and their little tools to open my car up!
My lesson: have a spare key somewhere (besides MIKE) , or with someone who can rescue me quickly!
When I got in the car, I was never so happy to take Parker out of that car seat!
It was the best hug I had with Parker yet!!!
All the feelings of fear and hopelessness faded as I embraced him!
Now I have a better feeling of how God feels when we are so close, yet so distant from him!
Hopefully this nightmare does not come true for any of you other moms out there!
(FYI-Mike pulled in just as the firetruck was pulling out!!!)
Jenn :)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Back home & healthy
...my Olympus Camera is back in business! LOL
According to the "Drs. report" they had to replace the lens. P.T.L. it was all under waranty!
Mike and his friends played in a local Softball Tournament today. They got 3rd place and did well, considering that they played against teams who play constantly in tournaments!
Parker, as I have mentioned in previous posts is ready to walk.
While we were at the ballpark, Aunt Lorelei was motivated to get Parker walking! Here are a few photos of Parker in action (not quite walking but so close) and one photo ( under mommy's legs LOL).
We only stayed for 1 game and then found ourselves all of a sudden at Old Navy getting some great bargains! Parker desperately needed a winter coat and they were 50% off today!
Modeling his new winter coat
Peek-a-boo...I see you!
Parker and "Aunt Lola"I got a little carried away, but love it when we get great bargains!
Here is a little video too of Parker "walking" for that softball
Jenn :)
PS: If you haven't signed up for the Parlee Pocket giveaway...we still have the contest going on for 1 more week!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A First for Everything....
Last night was History in the making....Our first Black President Elect come January! I hope that we get some good change that America needs. Now we must pray for him as he embarks upon this new role! Being an educator, I have been moved by this victory that the "dream has finally happened for the African- American Race, and believing that there was NO future for them ....amazing history in the making!" I really do wonder where we will be 1 year from now? Peace?!! Better Economy?! The list goes on!
Change is supposedly about to happen with our Government , but one thing will NEVER change...God is still on his throne and he is in Control!
Another "first" in our household....Mike and I awoke to a happy boy this AM! When I went in to get him ....(beacuse I heard this tap, tap, tap that couldn't be an object anywhere near his bed) he WASN'T IN THE BED! Parker was on the floor tapping the trash can like a drum! The room was in complete disarray, it really looked like a tornado hit! I said to Mike, "GET IN HERE! (Trying NOT to LAUGH) Did you come and get him out?" He laughed-at Parker's creative escape" (Parker has a door on his crib and it wasn't latched apparently last night.) So, this morning when he was singing away and dancing, the door opened and he happily hopped out!
A First for everything for sure! One of the moments I probably would have captured on my camera....but it is still "at the Hospital!"
Tonight the door will be locked on Parkers crib and come January, we will have a new President that we must all be praying for!
Jenn :)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Change is supposedly about to happen with our Government , but one thing will NEVER change...God is still on his throne and he is in Control!
Another "first" in our household....Mike and I awoke to a happy boy this AM! When I went in to get him ....(beacuse I heard this tap, tap, tap that couldn't be an object anywhere near his bed) he WASN'T IN THE BED! Parker was on the floor tapping the trash can like a drum! The room was in complete disarray, it really looked like a tornado hit! I said to Mike, "GET IN HERE! (Trying NOT to LAUGH) Did you come and get him out?" He laughed-at Parker's creative escape" (Parker has a door on his crib and it wasn't latched apparently last night.) So, this morning when he was singing away and dancing, the door opened and he happily hopped out!
A First for everything for sure! One of the moments I probably would have captured on my camera....but it is still "at the Hospital!"
Tonight the door will be locked on Parkers crib and come January, we will have a new President that we must all be praying for!
Jenn :)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Win a Parlee Pocket
We have a Parlee Pocket to give away!
Check out the website to the Left to see how you can win it!
Today is Novemeber, 4th (Election Day) so make sure you get out there and vote!
I was able to take advantage of early voting last week! I stood in line for almost 2 hours, but got it over with! I hear there is like NO lines at all today!
AHHHH!-Oh well!
Let us know what you think of the new Parlee Pocket we are giving away!
Jenn :)
Check out the website to the Left to see how you can win it!
Today is Novemeber, 4th (Election Day) so make sure you get out there and vote!
I was able to take advantage of early voting last week! I stood in line for almost 2 hours, but got it over with! I hear there is like NO lines at all today!
AHHHH!-Oh well!
Let us know what you think of the new Parlee Pocket we are giving away!
Jenn :)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Winne the "Parker" and Friends
Parker-roo was "Winne the Pooh" or as Mike likes to say..."Winne the Parker!"
I wasn't able to get the DVD finalized, so I can't show the video of Parker walking. Hopefully the new one I put in, I will get some footage.
In the meantime here is 1 photo of Halloween night of Parker and (his friends) all the mommy's planned this (obviously!)
My good friend Samantha has ALL the photos of the day. So when she sends them, I will post them!I really miss my camera and I will be happy to get it back! But, thanks to great friends for taking so many photos!
In this Photo:Kayleigh's mom took this one, (Kayleigh is the Lobster, Marlee ="honeypot", Parker= Pooh, Courtney (my friends Samantha's niece)=Piglet, and our friend Shawna's little boy, Luke=Piglet)
It was so funny to see them all look at each other, when we were taking their pictures.
We went to our church for Fall Festival and then came back and had some chili!
It was fun 2nd halloween for Parker...(he was more into this year vs. last year!)
Now that Halloween is officially behind us.....it's time for the Holidays to begin!
YEAH (so much to still do)
Jenn :)
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