I’m back! July 26, 2007
I finished the book! I loved it. I am not going to discuss here so that I don’t spoil it for anyone. But, it was very enjoyable.
We’ve had a busy week this week. Here are some pictures and highlights…
Today, we went to see Hi-5 at Meadowbook in Rochester. It was my first time watching anything there and it was a nice venue. Ellie loved the show. Thomas loved the first half and then was really undecided about watching the show or exploring Meadowbrook. He missed his nap and was so exhausted by the end. So, we had to carry him all of the way to the car when it was over. Ugh. 
Just a pic of Thomas enjoying the sprinkler.
Monday, we went to the zoo. The weather was so beautiful. Ellie was pretty tired, but Thomas had a lot of energy. Here he is in the first picture pushing Ellie in the stroller. 
And, if you turn your head, you can see Thomas walking with Daddy. 
I have more pictures to add soon. But, I’m short on time now.
I may be offline… July 21, 2007
until I’ve finished reading Harry Potter. I’m so afraid that I’m going to hear how it ends before I finish it. Actually, I’m a little sad that the book is coming out because I’ve enjoyed these books so much. I’m afraid that Harry is going to die at the end. So, for me, it is a bitter sweet release. I hope my book comes early in the morning so I don’t have to hide for long. I preordered through Amazon and the book is already in Livonia. So, we’ll see. I read somewhere that UPS asked for extra drivers tomorrow just to deliver HP books. So, we’ll see how long it takes to read the book. I can’t stay away from my email for long!
So, I hope you share my joy in reading these wonderful books. I know many people do not share my joy and these are not for everyone. I had typed a long rant about the controversy that surrounds these books but I deleted it because I’m trying to keep this blog about our family and our good news…to keep people updated about our lives. So, if you fear these books, I respect that, but I don’t want to debate it here, mostly because it isn’t the purpose of the blog.
Ok, onto those mentioned updates…
We’re doing ok here. Andy had a couple of days of solitude while Ellie, Thomas, and I visited Grandma and Grandpa Brooks for a sleepover. Thurs. afternoon, we went to Grandma Mathis’ house. My dad, my aunt, my uncle, some of my cousins and my brother have worked hard to get it ready to sell. And, it looks really good. I can’t imagine all of the work. It was weird to see Grandma’s house empty. She definitely is not there. Today, I went to see my Grandma Hilliard. She has had some health issues recently, but I thought she was doing well. We walked to the mailbox and around the house. I think she was tired after I left! I hadn’t seen her in a long time…much too long actually. Later, I was able to see my cousin’s kids, Bob and Victoria. We played games (Bob won the rummy game!) and visited. I really don’t get to see them enough! And, I think Ellie and Thomas had a great time. They were both exhausted when we got home.
Thomas now has two favorite expressions:
Hi cutie!
Hi sweetie!
Ellie still loves to perform.
Andy has been able to read four or five books since June.
I’m still exercising (love love love the water aerobics and swimming!) and the scale is still moving……very……. slowly………
Oh, and according to Ellie these days, “Daddy is the best.” Hrmph.
He did it! They both did. Gorgeous! July 17, 2007
Before
After
Before
After
Well, Thomas was miserable and Ellie loves it. Thomas cried, thrashed a little and the stylist even jabbed herself with the scissors while she did it. But, we’re not living with Grizzly Adams anymore! It’s a little uneven in the back. But, that is because of him, not the stylist. She worked hard. She must be used to uncooperative toddlers because it didn’t seem to phase her.
Of course, Ellie loved it. And, she sat perfectly still. She didn’t get her first hair cut until she was three years old, though. She understood what was happening and she was very excited. Poor Thomas just didn’t understand and fought it. So, no sheers for Thomas. But, it looks pretty good. He looks like a little boy, not a baby!
Subscribe me! July 15, 2007
I found a cool thing that will enable people to subscribe to the blog. A couple of people have asked me if it was possible and I found a way. Actually, I was reading another blog and I found it there. Anyway, no need to reinvent the wheel. It’s a free service.
We’re doing well here. I can’t believe it is the middle of July already.
Andy tried to take Thomas to get a hair cut a few times this week. The first two times, the barber shop was busy. The third time, Thomas had a big fit and would not allow the barber to cut his hair. He thrashed and had a bunch of temper tantrums. Oh, that boy. So, we’ll try again next week and a kid oriented hair cut place. Those places cost a little bit more money, but maybe a video or all of the colors will distract him? I’m not sure. We may have Grizzly Adams living with us soon.
Oh, I forgot the very exciting news. I am going to be teaching Spanish to elementary and preschool children. It will be just a couple times a week when Andy will be watching the kids or when I can bring the kids with me. I’m excited but nervous. I feel like I’m just getting the hang of being a mom and now I’m adding more to my schedule. But, we’ve been praying about money and this opportunity came up. So, we’ll see how it works out. I’ll be working for a woman who started this franchise and I’m very excited. Hopefully, it can grow as I’m able to work more also.
So, the fall will be busy. Ellie will have preschool, ballet, swimming. Thomas will not have any structured activities since being a two year old is enough work for him. If it works out, I’ll be able to teach a Spanish class or two with them. I guess the schedule gets busier as the kids get older!
Happy Birthday Andy! July 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Andy! On 7-7-07, Andy turned 37 years old. Cool, huh? We were camping in South Haven and had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa Jackson joined us. We went to Clementines, a wonderful local restaurant that is one of Andy’s favorites.
We had a great time at Lake Michigan. I have more pictures, but I can’t seem to locate them on my hard drive right now. So, I’ll work on that.
This week, we’ve been recovering and unpacking. I can’t believe how much laundry there is to do.
Some updates:
Ellie is dancing everywhere. She loved the 4th of July parade so much that she puts on parades for us daily. The first thing she does is hands out the flags so we can all wave our flags during the parade.
Thomas is saying more words and grew to enjoy Lake Michigan. He didn’t like to walk on the sand or in the water because it slows him down. But, he did like it when the waves came in. That made him laugh. His new favorite expression is “Hi cutie!”
