tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9784714309307509982024-03-13T08:58:26.311-07:00jennypenjennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-82057110672510609542012-06-03T22:47:00.001-07:002012-06-03T22:47:51.614-07:00jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-1935744472208889622011-10-20T18:59:00.001-07:002011-10-20T20:10:49.493-07:00Because catching up is WAY more fun than doing my work right now!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwPADmesf50/TqDe1kHgbJI/AAAAAAAAAqE/2sttnZv-miQ/s1600/DSC08655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwPADmesf50/TqDe1kHgbJI/AAAAAAAAAqE/2sttnZv-miQ/s400/DSC08655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665773343041678482" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Olivia's 1st day of Kindergarten!</span><br /><br />Mom said we need to write this one down, so here goes... Love you, Mom!<br /><br />On Olivia's first day of school, she was quite the celebrity around here. Grandma stopped by before work to send her off on her very big day. Daddy went to work a few hours late to take her to school. I dabbed at my tears so I wouldn't greet my 1st graders with black smears of my face. Lily ate 'bobbles.' OK, so nothing too unusual there; 'guess she didn't catch what the fuss was about. ;-) And some excited family members called to see how it went. But the first day of Kindergarten is pretty exhausting for a barely five-year-old! Especially if it's followed up with spending extra time at school while Momma works, making the trip to the development center to pick up the baby, and commuting home. So when Grandma called after school to hear about it, the tired girl sleepily asked, "Grandma, can you just ask me the questions, and I can answer you in my head?" No surprise, Grandma was fine with that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwzQTQIr5T8/TqDe2colRZI/AAAAAAAAAqg/bGQhS_Gbkkg/s1600/DSC08646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwzQTQIr5T8/TqDe2colRZI/AAAAAAAAAqg/bGQhS_Gbkkg/s400/DSC08646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665773358212793746" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Mommy tries to keep it together! Olivia is wearing my old dress from my first day of school. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArtuSRG-bE8/TqDe111vj7I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/njgi16soqFE/s1600/DSC08658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArtuSRG-bE8/TqDe111vj7I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/njgi16soqFE/s400/DSC08658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665773347799011250" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Such a proud Daddy. I think they kinda like each other. </span><br /><br />My girl is loving school! She was always so resistant with me about learning to read, and rather than push her (in this area) I only pursued when her interest was piqued, and I settled for reading lots of stories to her. The teacher in me loves reading to her anyway. However, since she's been in 'real' school, she works her little spongy tail off, soaking up so much! She's almost always reading and writing in her spare time. I. Love. It. And her teacher pulled me aside today to tell me that she made her high reading group. Maybe I'm bragging, but I've suffered through the heartache of enough 'red' days, that I'm ok with that! If only Olivia will stop pushing around her 'BBF,' as they call each other, who doubles her mass. Aye, aye, aye. <br /><br />Also, she informed me this afternoon about a boy at her table who asked her, "Will you marry me?" and is just 'so in love with me.' Hmmm. I'll be watching you, Little Guy, always watching. Just so you know. ;-) <br /><br />There's nothing better than sneaking peeks of my school-aged girl while at work in her room, eating in the cafeteria, or when transitioning to different places around the school, and those snuggles and kisses throughout the day just might be what get me through this school year (along with accompanying her to the field trip and hearing Olivia stories from my friends and colleagues)!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8lVtleobWQ/TqDe1IM3cJI/AAAAAAAAAp4/2p5Z-WNzWS0/s1600/DSC08969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8lVtleobWQ/TqDe1IM3cJI/AAAAAAAAAp4/2p5Z-WNzWS0/s400/DSC08969.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665773335547965586" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Left: The Bully; Right: The Victim; Still BBFs, though! (And the 'red' days are becoming fewer!)</span><br /><br />And a quick Lily Report - (since it's 9:30 and I should think about getting started on a couple hours' worth of work and a quick house cleaning) This girl has my heart. After jumping out of her crib on Saturday morning, her bed magically transitioned to a toddler bed before naptime. The transition was seamless. I think she goes to sleep better now than in her crib! Phew. Because not a whole lot about that Little Lovins has been seamless. She plays with my heart when I pick her up from her school, and she withholds her hugs and kisses from me, all while grinning mischievously. Then she leaps out of my grasp to run up to other grown ups on the campus to hug them. Luckily the game is over when we get home, and she politely requests some snuggle time with me. She, too, is SO tired by the end of their long day. There is way more fussing going on than we'd prefer, but a little outdoor playtime, a visit to our horse neighbors('doggie - heEeEe'), a dance party, or a few rounds of Ring-Around-the-Rosie pretty much cure it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eedH0ZMHfo0/TqDiedUe1zI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Awh1_BGk9iI/s1600/DSC08602.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eedH0ZMHfo0/TqDiedUe1zI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Awh1_BGk9iI/s400/DSC08602.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665777344126572338" /></a><br /><br />Life is unbelievably tiring most of the time right now, and I feel like I'm constantly working on keeping a positive attitude and battling stress, exhaustion, and a lack of enough hours in the day to accomplish what needs to be done, but I couldn't be more thankful. I have 22 amazing first graders who challenge & stretch me (and I mean ReeeEALLY challenge me!), make me laugh & and fill my heart with joy. Teaching them is really an honor. I have a husband who is patient, understanding, and encouraging when I deserve less than that. He's also fun to be around, CRACKS me up, and is ridiculously sweet with our daughters. And I have Those Girls. Throw in a whole slew of amazing family and friends, and who could ask for anything more!jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-3610701203935058512011-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:002011-05-02T23:05:36.945-07:00Happy 1st Birthday, Lily!Dear Little Lily,<br /><br />It is amazing to be your mommy. You pulled one over on all of us, by making us all think you were the "easy" child who rests well and often and is content to sit back and be a spectator. Boy, were we wrong! Your activity level is second to none (your teacher of many babies attests to this!), and your zeal for life is both contagious and exhausting! It's so beautiful to watch you grow and learn. While reminiscing about your first year, I came up with a list of some of the things about you that I truly adore:<br /><br />*You give the best cuddles and hugs to your family by leaning your sweet little face into our shoulders.<br />*You inherited Daddy's red hair and the personality to go with it. I'm impressed by just how powerful your tantrums are. That said, we'll be working on that one, Honey.<br />*Your love for animals is so sweet! Whenever you see Gracie or "our" horses, you light up, giggle, and start patting your chest as if saying "more" or "I WANT IT!"<br />*You think your big sister hung the moon. She brings about a particular smile in you that I don't see otherwise.<br />*You're a biter. You can't get enough things in your grasp to bite...toys, teethers, bottles, carpet threads, fingers, friends, etc. OUCH! But it's still somehow endearing.<br />*Like your sister, you didn't waste any time learning to walk. Your first steps were at 9 months.<br />*You wobble like a Weeble, only you DO fall down.<br />*Your poor little forehead is a collection of bruises and boo boos, but it doesn't slow you down.<br />*While your pincer grasp is just fine, there's no place for it in your high chair. Why waste time when shoveling fills the tummy so much faster.<br />*You made it through a string of too many ailments for several months and still kept a happy attitude. It DID allow for extra time off for Mommy and extra snuggle/bonding time.<br />*There is only one way to drink a bottle...one hand on the bottle and the other tousling your hair (or mine).<br />*You have hair now!!! And it's even a bit red and curly. So pretty; it was worth the wait. :-)<br />*As a little bitty thing, your ears were so prominent! For your sake, I'm glad you've grown into them, but they were oh, so cute, and I did love calling you "Ears."<br />*When asked if you want a bottle, you laugh and run to the kitchen. Good luck, Dearie, during this weaning process. I hate to burst your bubble, but I also want your teeth to stay healthy and beautiful.<br />*"The Itsy Bitsy Spider" soothes you when nothing else in the car will. In fact, other songs just make you more irritated, but you'll do the motions to this one.<br />*Music makes you bend your knees and shake your hips; you can't help but dance.<br />*Your birth was very exciting; you didn't want to miss a second of this life and were one of a small population to emerge face first. You didn't even have the bruising and swelling you should have...only a serious case of frog legs for a few weeks. ;-) <br />*Your laugh used to resemble a bee bee gun. That was a fun stage.<br />*A-yee-ya (Olivia), ba-ba (bottle), ma-ma, and da-da were your first words. You have your priorities straight, Sister!<br /><br />I love you so, and I'm looking forward to another year of special memories to be made.<br /><br />Love,<br />Mommy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKrrohQmBWo/Tb-axMj7-kI/AAAAAAAAAoM/p-ivuAnRiwg/s1600/DSC06935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKrrohQmBWo/Tb-axMj7-kI/AAAAAAAAAoM/p-ivuAnRiwg/s400/DSC06935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602366631448410690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2-ok3VQ9hE/Tb-awy5qaeI/AAAAAAAAAoE/A2EIWZtXuho/s1600/DSC05746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2-ok3VQ9hE/Tb-awy5qaeI/AAAAAAAAAoE/A2EIWZtXuho/s400/DSC05746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602366624560212450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvIta0lYKU8/Tb-awlQZ3OI/AAAAAAAAAn8/ByFLfiqJiwM/s1600/DSC05681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvIta0lYKU8/Tb-awlQZ3OI/AAAAAAAAAn8/ByFLfiqJiwM/s400/DSC05681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602366620897500386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2no3oLHnis/Tb-awUSk-tI/AAAAAAAAAn0/FDIEvLLqxvc/s1600/DSC05651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2no3oLHnis/Tb-awUSk-tI/AAAAAAAAAn0/FDIEvLLqxvc/s400/DSC05651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602366616343214802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lbBUmBzO78/Tb-ZM5zV8FI/AAAAAAAAAns/h7wv8KfOn1k/s1600/DSCN2372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lbBUmBzO78/Tb-ZM5zV8FI/AAAAAAAAAns/h7wv8KfOn1k/s400/DSCN2372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602364908425834578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84Jm0gu-CXg/Tb-ZMjwVq4I/AAAAAAAAAnk/ZDt4o8q70n4/s1600/DSC07812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84Jm0gu-CXg/Tb-ZMjwVq4I/AAAAAAAAAnk/ZDt4o8q70n4/s400/DSC07812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602364902507654018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSREgNuMZvA/Tb-ZMeS_DnI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-YQ4q-mnbSQ/s1600/DSC07909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSREgNuMZvA/Tb-ZMeS_DnI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-YQ4q-mnbSQ/s400/DSC07909.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602364901042359922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnbhwIBCw1M/Tb-ZMERA5QI/AAAAAAAAAnU/AxuL0QxdHyA/s1600/DSC07893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnbhwIBCw1M/Tb-ZMERA5QI/AAAAAAAAAnU/AxuL0QxdHyA/s400/DSC07893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602364894054769922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ba9i2LsXsc/Tb-ZL_6C5II/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ftu6E2fH6SE/s1600/DSC07788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ba9i2LsXsc/Tb-ZL_6C5II/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ftu6E2fH6SE/s400/DSC07788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602364892884690050" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-67934008397631915352011-01-29T18:41:00.001-08:002011-01-29T19:16:01.413-08:00Happy DaysAh, I'm sitting at the computer with a sick (boo!) baby, but she's sleeping comfortably on my chest. With a few minutes of quiet on my hands, I have a chance to post about life these days. Olivia is saying things that are just too cute to forget as time goes by! Let's see what I can remember as I'm sitting here...<br /><br />Driving home from school the other day, she tells me in a sing-song voice, "Mommy, I have a new frieh-end." When I ask who it is she tells me, being careful to enunciate each syllable, "Martin Lufer King, Junior." She knows "people were not very nice to him," and "he's not on the Earf." (Wouldn't that make it tough to maintain a friendship?) When I asked why people weren't nice to him she told me, "I don't want to talk about it." Turns out she didn't know that part. K- so rereading that makes me realize that typing it leaves out so much of the cute, but I still want to remember it. :-)<br /><br />That's all that comes to mind right now; I can't "bemember" any others.<br /><br />Olivia attended Family Math Night with me at my school last week. Oh, boy, I'm looking forward to next year! She'll start Kindergarten in about half a year, and I'll pass my sweet girl in the hallways. :-) <br /><br />"Lily Claire Sumshine," as Big Sister lovingly calls her, can't seem to shake this long line of infections lately. Over the past two and a half months she's been struck with Chicken Pox, at least two cold viruses, a stomach bug, an ear infection lasting almost two weeks on antibiotics, an allergic reaction & hives because of one of her antibiotics, and two staph infections - one took her toenail, and the other had to be lanced and packed a couple times. Throw in teething, and life has been tough around here at times. <br /><br />In spite of all that, she's still a very happy baby and VERY active! Her activity level is amusing! Out of the eight babies in her class, her Mrs. Maria tells us she's the most active and will be the first to walk even though she's at least a month younger than the rest. (If you become the squeaky wheel, you get a REALLY amazing teacher at a childcare center, even if your baby is in a different age range. ;-) ) <br /><br />Lily Girl is saying "Mom-Mom," "Da-Da," "Ay-ah" for Olivia, "Bob-bob" for bottle, and she barks when she sees Gracie. She LOVES Gracie, but not as much as her sister. She tries to wake up and party around 3:00 or 4:00, clapping, smiling, and dancing. She loves blowing raspberries, dancing to music with Sister, and hunting down any and all electric cords around the house. It's hard to believe she's almost nine months old. They've been a beautiful whirlwind for us!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTXApzjMlI/AAAAAAAAAnA/oTbV3kx6QBM/s1600/DSC06931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTXApzjMlI/AAAAAAAAAnA/oTbV3kx6QBM/s320/DSC06931.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567811445558817362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWW7T6HzI/AAAAAAAAAmw/SyLQPTVVjEI/s1600/DSC07495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWW7T6HzI/AAAAAAAAAmw/SyLQPTVVjEI/s400/DSC07495.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567810728703434546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWlyVYfI/AAAAAAAAAmo/bYTPlJpezR0/s1600/DSC07658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWlyVYfI/AAAAAAAAAmo/bYTPlJpezR0/s400/DSC07658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567810722925470194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWeiEsmI/AAAAAAAAAmg/tAFvAJHxgY4/s1600/DSC07474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWeiEsmI/AAAAAAAAAmg/tAFvAJHxgY4/s400/DSC07474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567810720978219618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWKP4-GI/AAAAAAAAAmY/9Jgy7M7r8pc/s1600/DSC06966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWWKP4-GI/AAAAAAAAAmY/9Jgy7M7r8pc/s400/DSC06966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567810715533244514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWV49zGTI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Pv-Pgzo75NI/s1600/DSC06976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TUTWV49zGTI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Pv-Pgzo75NI/s400/DSC06976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567810710893959474" /></a><br /><br />Lily at 6 months with Daddy; Olivia backstage with Aunt Jaime at her play; Play time at Christmas in Nashville; With Aunt Jaime after "Southern Belles;" Lily in Mommy's baby clothes; and Sweet Sistersjennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-26983694932643773592010-06-03T12:09:00.000-07:002010-06-03T12:26:00.876-07:00Livyisms and Happy One Month!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAgBsUQa_WI/AAAAAAAAAl8/6KQktZgm2Cc/s1600/DSC05951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAgBsUQa_WI/AAAAAAAAAl8/6KQktZgm2Cc/s400/DSC05951.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478630807559667042" /></a><br />Wow, Lily! I can't believe you are already one month old and how much you've grown! You bring us so much joy, delight, and love, just like your big sister.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Now, a Few Livyisms:</span><br /><br />Olivia always checks on Lily when she's making noises. We let her know she's ok, she just "talks" to us by crying or making other baby noises. Since Lily grunts and stretches a lot, we tell Olivia, "She's ok, she's just grunting." The other day Livy responded to the little Noisemaker by saying, "She's ok, Mommy; she's just GRUMPING." So now, of course, we always refer to those sweet sounds as grumping.<br /><br />Unlike her baby sister, Olivia is the Queen of all Sleep-Fighting. After bedtime, she snuck out of her room, so Daddy said, "Livy, if you get out of bed again, we will have to close your door." Little Turkey responded, "No, Daddy. How 'bout if I get out of bed TWO times you close my door."<br /><br />Big Sister LOVES to care for her baby. Sometimes too much. I asked her to not touch Lilian's swing while she was finishing her nap, and (shockingly) Olivia was trying to defy us. I got very stern with her so she stood on one foot next to the swing and sneakily put out her other leg. When she saw me shoot "The Look," she said, "I'm just doing my passe, Mommy," and made a pretty ballerina pose. <br /><br />We have a STINK-ER on our hands. I couldn't be happier. ;-)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAgA67lvkvI/AAAAAAAAAl0/pQuRG6dwVjo/s1600/DSC06109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAgA67lvkvI/AAAAAAAAAl0/pQuRG6dwVjo/s400/DSC06109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478629959124620018" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-14461010181698115812010-05-29T12:44:00.001-07:002010-05-29T12:46:47.253-07:00From Husband to WifeAaron sent this email to me for Mother's Day... What a keepsake! I will refer back to this whenever I'm tempted to grumble about dirty socks strewn about or something ridiculous like that! :-)<br /><br />My Love,<br /><br />Congratulations on being a new mother. We make such wonderful babies and Lily is evidence of that! She is perfect. Both of our children have a fantastically wonderful, caring, loving, and nurturing mother. I'm in awe of the sight of you as a mother!<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day. I can't believe that we now have two children that resemble you so much! I'm just thrilled that they have a mother worthy of celebrating on Mother's Day! I love you so much.<br /><br />Aaronjennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-18288025553079653642010-05-29T04:46:00.000-07:002010-05-29T05:27:06.369-07:00Introducing our lovely Lilian Claire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFQ2XQmAI/AAAAAAAAAlc/E8fIe9aIZDM/s1600/DSCN2375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFQ2XQmAI/AAAAAAAAAlc/E8fIe9aIZDM/s400/DSCN2375.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476664408888350722" /></a><br /><br />Lily officially made us a family of four on Sunday, May 2 at 12:28am. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 5 1/2 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. <br />Our Lily has filled our home with cuddles, coos, grunts, and even more love. She was virtually silent the first three weeks, only letting us know if she really needed a meal or a diaper change. However, she is already growing up and has found she has quite the opinion at times! She loves to spend most of her day sleeping (this came as a shock to us after parenting Baby Olivia!) and during her little awake time, she loves to make kissy faces, watch her big sister, snuggle up next to our necks, and make rumbly sounds - lots of them.<br /><br />I cannot believe she will be four weeks old just after midnight tonight. She has changed so much already. Her dark blue eyes seem to take in every detail around her, and she is already so strong! A couple times she has tried to smile at us, but her biggest smiles still occur in her sleep. She is a busy young lady with a big sister to keep up with, so she's already visited the museum, attended a movie (This could have NEVER happened with Baby O!), gone to church, and watched a dance recital. Oh, we think she will be a red-head! Her sweet fuzzy hair looks red in the sunlight and she has the pink cheeks to go with it, just like her daddy!<br /><br />Olivia is the SWEETEST big sister, and the girls are precious together! Livy lets us know what Lily needs if she's fussy, and she's always wanting to hold, hug, and kiss her. She has fought us on the "Only hold the baby if a grown up is helping you" rule. When a grandma watched the girls for us to have a date, we returned home and were informed Olivia got Lilian out of her baby seat and brought her to bed with her. Yikes! I guess every big sister has done this (speaking from experience :-)). We're so in love with and proud of our amazing girls! What precious gifts from God.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEHoc16z7I/AAAAAAAAAls/ejZoSRrGIXU/s1600/DSC05780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEHoc16z7I/AAAAAAAAAls/ejZoSRrGIXU/s400/DSC05780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476667013377740722" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFQbsL2OI/AAAAAAAAAlU/MJ45AtoqWqg/s1600/DSC05581.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFQbsL2OI/AAAAAAAAAlU/MJ45AtoqWqg/s400/DSC05581.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476664401728362722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFP5LNxVI/AAAAAAAAAlM/96lqFh0NI4I/s1600/DSC05568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFP5LNxVI/AAAAAAAAAlM/96lqFh0NI4I/s400/DSC05568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476664392463271250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFPsD5auI/AAAAAAAAAlE/70ALZ9IHaBI/s1600/DSC06119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/TAEFPsD5auI/AAAAAAAAAlE/70ALZ9IHaBI/s400/DSC06119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476664388942916322" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-1736736507306661062010-01-03T21:17:00.000-08:002010-01-03T23:05:25.415-08:00A New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/S0GSM-0EaiI/AAAAAAAAAk8/EK0DisHuLXs/s1600-h/DSC04554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/S0GSM-0EaiI/AAAAAAAAAk8/EK0DisHuLXs/s400/DSC04554.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422776178048264738" /></a><br />My Tired Look...I think this is my signature look! :-)<br /><br />1 Corinthians 7:17<br />...as God has called each, in this manner let him walk.<br /><br />So here's my mantra or focus for this year. I think I'll need to revisit this often, especially after returning to work with an infant in August. I did a pretty bad job of having a wonderful (or even decent) attitude last time around. Then again, I was a TERRIBLE pregnant lady when I was carrying sweet Little Livy. You live, you learn, you grow. <br /><br />I can list the things in my life I never thought would be the way they are, as I'm sure everyone can, but my time is much better spent by counting my blessings and doing the jobs I've been given in life.<br /><br />On another note, I find it very interesting that the most important events happen in my life in even years:<br /><br />1986 - Little sister born<br />1996 - Met my future husband<br />2000 - Graduate high school<br />2002 - Marry that high school sweetheart<br />2004 - Graduate college; Begin teaching career<br />2006 - Have Olivia and become Mommy<br />2010 - Lily to be born!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/S0GSMozlWNI/AAAAAAAAAk0/aGma3_e9t9w/s1600-h/DSC04426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/S0GSMozlWNI/AAAAAAAAAk0/aGma3_e9t9w/s400/DSC04426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422776172140648658" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-32505074973079585522009-12-28T09:19:00.001-08:002009-12-28T09:25:33.454-08:00Santa's HereOur Christmas was magical this year! Here's my favorite part, a video of Livy sharing her excitement about Christmas Day with me when she heard a clatter outside. She was so overcome with emotion, she almost cried. When I watched this clip of her, I teared up. I'm incredibly blessed to have such a sweet family and that her Daddy, er- I mean Santa, would make this such a special memory for her.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=a1775c3f2fca7c96640a0e" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=a1775c3f2fca7c96640a0e&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt4" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slideshow at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-91722646357317500562009-11-18T16:48:00.001-08:002009-11-18T17:04:13.768-08:00I'm BACK!!!Phew! My first semester, I mean trimester, symptoms totally seeped into my second! I've been tired and GRUMPY. I kept hearing this mean and naggy wife, momma, and teacher that I don't like at all but just couldn't seem to do anything about it. I was in a fog and felt worthless. <br /><br />BUT, the past few days, I feel like the old me again. I'm not a zombie. I'm nice to my family. And at school today, I just wanted to pinch my students' cheeks and tell them I love them. (Before, I just wanted to pinch them.) While I'm not energetic, I feel like I can finally muster up enough strength to clean this dumpy home of ours.<br /><br />This pregnancy and baby are SUCH a blessing, no matter how I feel at times. Thanks to God for carrying my family and I through the tougher times, and much praise for the happy and easier times, too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SwSZBd04C2I/AAAAAAAAAks/wLtrd6MD9Zo/s1600/DSC04174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SwSZBd04C2I/AAAAAAAAAks/wLtrd6MD9Zo/s400/DSC04174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405613703216761698" /></a><br />(First glimpse of baby and that beautiful BEATING heart.)jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-79622949033965847302009-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:35:02.507-08:00A peek into my world<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdXMsGRwcI/AAAAAAAAAkk/_rIxd35JQtE/s1600-h/Allison.doc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdXMsGRwcI/AAAAAAAAAkk/_rIxd35JQtE/s400/Allison.doc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401882153561735618" /></a><br />One of my student's pictures...her mom's caption said, "Tigger would prefer that we don't return."<br /><br />This sweet student of mine described herself as "Bossy, loud, and dramatic." She may or may not have left the classroom to follow me to the bathroom one day, I can't rightly say. However, she is the most lovable girl I've ever met. She pretty much decides she loves and adores you upon first meeting and is affectionate, friendly, social, and tender-hearted. I won't lie, though, this darling makes me sigh and laugh quite frequently. 'Wouldn't have my classroom any other way but all in all, it's the most exhausting group I've ever taught.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-23126712599069265862009-11-07T19:01:00.000-08:002009-11-08T15:35:57.754-08:00Mild Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUFJ-oh1I/AAAAAAAAAkc/JewkBVyvBSU/s1600-h/DSC04186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUFJ-oh1I/AAAAAAAAAkc/JewkBVyvBSU/s400/DSC04186.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401878725608900434" /></a><br /><br />Nothing wild going on here... Just trying to keep up with a fast-paced life, enjoy all the blessings that come with it, and stay awake and non-grumpy though pregnancy hormones kinda defeat that endeavor at times. A few updates on our little (but growing bigger) family:<br /><br />~Our little Bun in the oven is 16 weeks along! This pregnancy has been WAY easier than Livy's in many ways. I've not been as sick to my stomach, as sad or weepy, or even as busy. (With the first one, I taught and worked about 20 hrs/wk at an hourly child care center.) However, I have had a tough time not worrying about the health/wellness of this babe, and it's very different being pregnant when you already have a child. Forget about the catnaps after work or relaxing in the evenings. You don't feel well and are overcome by fatigue...suck it up and make dinner, Momma! Thankfully, I have a sweet husband and daddy for my little girl that has made up for my deficiencies. <br /><br /><br />~Halloween brings about so many fun events for a preschooler. Our little Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (Guess who pick out that one!) trick-or-treated at the high school, paraded at her school, attended a library event, went to a Boo Bash in the park, and hung out with little buddies at a huge church festival. Luckily, we didn't even end up with that much candy afterward. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEytzjAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/HCWOucoObt0/s1600-h/DSC04340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEytzjAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/HCWOucoObt0/s400/DSC04340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401878719364303874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEgm7bQI/AAAAAAAAAkM/Gw1Ed6AVyaw/s1600-h/DSC04333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEgm7bQI/AAAAAAAAAkM/Gw1Ed6AVyaw/s400/DSC04333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401878714503621890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEUkQsHI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fhEK-jnZp9Q/s1600-h/DSC04290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SvdUEUkQsHI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fhEK-jnZp9Q/s400/DSC04290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401878711271207026" /></a><br /><br />~We made it to the circus with Aunt Becky and cousins Alan, Jessie, and Jackson last month. Aaron and Becky each took Livy on an elephant ride. She was very tired during the show but was super excited to ride the elephants. The cutest part was watching Olivia love on Jackson and seeing how enthralled Jackson was by the entire show. His bright blues were glued to the performances. Livy fell asleep before we could get out of the parking lot. :-)<br /><br />~I NEED two things right now in my life: jalapeno peppers (LOTS!) and pickles. Why is that? Surely pickled peppers and cucumbers don't have anything vital to a pregnant woman's body, so why do I crave them?<br /><br />~Livyisms - "Ban-Bans" are now "Band-Aids." Boo. "Birds" are now "Birgs." Adorable. "Thirsty" is somehow "Grosee." I love it. <br /><br />A couple weeks ago we were in the car telling each other sweet things. Like "I love you SO much!"..."I love YOU so much, too!" <br /><br />"You're cute!"..."No, YOU'RE cute!" ...Etc.<br /><br />I told her, "You're my BEST friend!"..."No, Mommy, Synee is my best fwiend." <br /><br />Aaron called a bit later and I told him his daughter just broke my heart and explained how. We laughed at how cute it was. A few days later she said, "Momma, you're my BEST friend!" When I told her how much that meant to me she said, "You're heart is not broken anymore?" How sweet it is to be loved and cared for by a three-year old!<br /><br />~For the past two nights, Livy has stayed dry through the night!!! That's like getting a small raise. The negative side to this is that she wakes up and cries every time she has to "go" during the night, but we can work on breaking her of that after she is in the habit of getting up to go potty. I'm equally proud of her for growing up so nicely and sad because she is growing up so quickly.<br /><br />~I have quite a doozy of a class this year. Our classroom is filled with cute and sweet third graders, but compared to other third grade classes, this one is filled with more tears, accidents, arguments (with me and each other), medical issues, and Dennis the Menaces than any other. Thankfully, I've pretty much fallen head over heels for all these kiddos, even though they make me tired. Very tired. I just keep telling myself it's better to have this class this year when I can sleep at night than next year when I'll be sleep-deprived. Watch for an upcoming post where I share a sneak peek of my students.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-13574073988595059212009-08-25T21:32:00.000-07:002009-08-25T22:51:44.641-07:00Little Ballerina<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8KwPaucI/AAAAAAAAAj0/SRpQCPaol5s/s1600-h/DSC04056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8KwPaucI/AAAAAAAAAj0/SRpQCPaol5s/s400/DSC04056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374127148294126018" /></a><br />Little Livy Lulu has been ecstatic about her dance class, and we finally made it to the first day of "dancin' school." Her excitement waned for a bit as she became overwhelmed at the beginning of class, but it didn't take her long to feel more comfortable, start shaking her hips, and sneak peeks at Mommy and Daddy (who were eagerly watching every move from the window in the door). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8KF-jzSI/AAAAAAAAAjs/yQ1rOwCyjVY/s1600-h/DSC04060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8KF-jzSI/AAAAAAAAAjs/yQ1rOwCyjVY/s400/DSC04060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374127136949128482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8JexHzlI/AAAAAAAAAjk/6JN5tMvjyNg/s1600-h/DSC04061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8JexHzlI/AAAAAAAAAjk/6JN5tMvjyNg/s400/DSC04061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374127126423785042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8IvOGJMI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Ycv7I-jBMZ8/s1600-h/DSC04062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8IvOGJMI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Ycv7I-jBMZ8/s400/DSC04062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374127113660409026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8H7_L7nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/_SiUAknGOdo/s1600-h/DSC04064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SpS8H7_L7nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/_SiUAknGOdo/s400/DSC04064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374127099907665522" /></a><br /><object id="BLOG_video-FAILED" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" width="320" height="266"></object><br />Olivia even earned a "too-tat" (purple bear ballerina stamp) on her hand for listening to her teacher at the end of class. Oh, it was all just too cute!jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-959625402658210632009-08-18T19:43:00.000-07:002009-08-18T19:56:14.475-07:00Oh, yeah.So, that funny thing I was trying to remember was actually more embarrassing than funny. We were in the grocery store last night and a pregnant lady was about fifteen or twenty feet away from us. Olivia saw her and yelled in an astonished voice, "MOMMA! Her tummy is BIIIIIIGGGGGGG!"<br /><br />I was shocked but not as shocked as the lady with the baby in her belly. I said something like, "Yes, she has a baby in her tummy, just like 'so-and-so.'" We quickly changed our shopping route to move towards the far corner of the grocery store and I quietly told Livy, "Honey, when we see someone who has a big tummy, we don't talk about it being big."<br /><br />To which she replied, "BUT MOMMA, it was BIG and BIIGG and BIIIGGG and BIIIIGGG!!!!" We were not yet very far from this poor lady; I'd be shocked if she didn't hear this. I was SOOO embarrassed, but I have to say, it is one of the funniest things she's ever said. Oh, Olivia. My little stinker.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-221561286201870292009-08-17T19:23:00.000-07:002009-08-17T19:30:38.479-07:00FunniesNew phrase this week (I have NO idea where it came from): Oopsie doodie!<br /><br />I KNOW there was something else, but I can't remember now. It'll come to me later. She did ask me this afternoon, "Can I hold you UP?" She's realized, "Momma, can I hold you?" is not completely correct and is working on it.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-40980577058198218092009-08-17T16:50:00.000-07:002009-08-17T19:16:20.961-07:00Back to SchoolWell, today was Miss Olivia's first day back to school this year. Though we LOVED her preschool from last year, we hopped on board when the principal from my district's development center called to see if we wanted a spot that opened up. Evidently, the kids on the waiting list were just a little too old for the twos and threes class. We weighed all the pros and cons and called her back in about two minutes to say YES! So now, my girl will be about five minutes away from me and is going to school were she was as an infant. <br /><br />She will also be with this little guy and gal:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx07r30tI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2TtI8oNIV1c/s1600-h/DSC03562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx07r30tI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2TtI8oNIV1c/s400/DSC03562.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371089922293224146" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx1PZEUtI/AAAAAAAAAi4/0HXknV5eSig/s1600-h/DSC03564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx1PZEUtI/AAAAAAAAAi4/0HXknV5eSig/s400/DSC03564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371089927583060690" /></a><br /><br />This summer, she went to the zoo, swam, played, hung out at the library, and fed animals with them, so she is thrilled to already have friends at her new school. When I asked her tonight, "So do you like your NEW school or your OLD school better?" She said she likes the new one. Phew! Makes going to work a lot easier.<br /><br />Here is Olivia with the same little friend when they were in the infant room...you know, so many years ago:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx1qqYjPI/AAAAAAAAAjA/OZmiEJdiscI/s1600-h/IMG_0098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx1qqYjPI/AAAAAAAAAjA/OZmiEJdiscI/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371089934903446770" /></a> Hmmmmm, I'm thinking that is one cool paci...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx2C3qZKI/AAAAAAAAAjI/UGpR1zZdxLs/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sonx2C3qZKI/AAAAAAAAAjI/UGpR1zZdxLs/s400/IMG_0100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371089941401592994" /></a> Thanks, Buddy!jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-66387339435711578972009-08-06T09:39:00.000-07:002009-08-07T09:00:14.869-07:00My Happy Biwfday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaJYS5ilI/AAAAAAAAAgo/aACJfwJEuyY/s1600-h/DSC03973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaJYS5ilI/AAAAAAAAAgo/aACJfwJEuyY/s400/DSC03973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366982498129119826" /></a> Aaron wanted to take pictures on Olivia's last night of being TWO.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaJPNDY9I/AAAAAAAAAgg/7FwhbcNuW50/s1600-h/DSC03970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaJPNDY9I/AAAAAAAAAgg/7FwhbcNuW50/s400/DSC03970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366982495688680402" /></a> Livy took this one. I don't think she's HALF bad. Get it? HALF? Yeah... never mind.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaI3XGknI/AAAAAAAAAgY/qeqJOBePMpI/s1600-h/DSC03960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaI3XGknI/AAAAAAAAAgY/qeqJOBePMpI/s400/DSC03960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366982489288381042" /></a> Boy, I sure love these two.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaIXaPKnI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/h5F5zXjiLMM/s1600-h/DSC03958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaIXaPKnI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/h5F5zXjiLMM/s400/DSC03958.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366982480711592562" /></a> Is it just me, or is she looking nostalgic?<br /><br />BIRTHDAY MORNING: Livy saw her decorations, complete with helium balloons, showed us how old she is now, and opened her gifts from us - a cute party dress and an umbrella. (I know, pretty modest presents. We figured she would do ok at the party, and she was REALLY happy with her Tinker 'Blell' umbrella.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntazOcLDuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/O7d8s-WtrNY/s1600-h/DSC03983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntazOcLDuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/O7d8s-WtrNY/s400/DSC03983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983217038167778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaywvL86I/AAAAAAAAAhA/NJvZw5yw4Xw/s1600-h/DSC03981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaywvL86I/AAAAAAAAAhA/NJvZw5yw4Xw/s400/DSC03981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983209064854434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntayVP7-7I/AAAAAAAAAg4/sSiuUYrVbsI/s1600-h/DSC03980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntayVP7-7I/AAAAAAAAAg4/sSiuUYrVbsI/s400/DSC03980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983201686027186" /></a><br /><br />THE PARTY:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcTVBPYUI/AAAAAAAAAio/QwluiwrLQoY/s1600-h/DSC04041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcTVBPYUI/AAAAAAAAAio/QwluiwrLQoY/s400/DSC04041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984868071694658" /></a> I think Great-Granddad got more oohs and aahs than the kids!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcTJXPPKI/AAAAAAAAAig/TCghjX68IP4/s1600-h/DSC04031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcTJXPPKI/AAAAAAAAAig/TCghjX68IP4/s400/DSC04031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984864942734498" /></a> This is when Aaron tried to kidnap our little cousin. I think he would be happy to have a Jackson one day. Jackson was actually one of our two favorite baby boy names before we had one in our family. That's probably for the best - Aaron would have wanted to pair it with Andrew.<br /><br />The next three pictures are obviously out of order, but I'm thinking this could make for a great 3rd grade sequencing lesson. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcSlte-fI/AAAAAAAAAiY/fjUb8lclgW0/s1600-h/DSC04030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcSlte-fI/AAAAAAAAAiY/fjUb8lclgW0/s400/DSC04030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984855372364274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcSei4nZI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/nRNOT0DoswQ/s1600-h/DSC04025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcSei4nZI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/nRNOT0DoswQ/s400/DSC04025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984853448859026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcR8ak0DI/AAAAAAAAAiI/xreUzhtkfgg/s1600-h/DSC04022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntcR8ak0DI/AAAAAAAAAiI/xreUzhtkfgg/s400/DSC04022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984844287201330" /></a><br />Aunt Becky made the chocolate princess cake, and Livy is STILL talking about it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntbr305EXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/4ZWL6qFG5F4/s1600-h/DSC04017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntbr305EXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/4ZWL6qFG5F4/s400/DSC04017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984190220374386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbrWujOzI/AAAAAAAAAh4/5tZLWbuBINo/s1600-h/DSC04016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbrWujOzI/AAAAAAAAAh4/5tZLWbuBINo/s400/DSC04016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984181335407410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntbq5604rI/AAAAAAAAAhw/5vAq_SGYFsA/s1600-h/DSC04013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntbq5604rI/AAAAAAAAAhw/5vAq_SGYFsA/s400/DSC04013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984173602267826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbqdEBXyI/AAAAAAAAAho/vdBKuHi10G0/s1600-h/DSC04010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbqdEBXyI/AAAAAAAAAho/vdBKuHi10G0/s400/DSC04010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984165856206626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbqPLeBtI/AAAAAAAAAhg/uYCPO_o7g90/s1600-h/DSC03995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntbqPLeBtI/AAAAAAAAAhg/uYCPO_o7g90/s400/DSC03995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984162129348306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntaz9mVKZI/AAAAAAAAAhY/9MGqei8B5Us/s1600-h/DSC03994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/Sntaz9mVKZI/AAAAAAAAAhY/9MGqei8B5Us/s400/DSC03994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983229697239442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaziTV_MI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/hmQlSb7reco/s1600-h/DSC03988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SntaziTV_MI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/hmQlSb7reco/s400/DSC03988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983222369844418" /></a><br /><br />Our little girl is SO blessed to have such a wonderful group of family and friends to care about her. I'm so amazed at this gift of parenthood and with our precious baby, or little lady. It's unbelievable how time flies right by. Weren't we bringing her home from the hospital and losing all our sleep just yesterday? <br /><br />Now she's old enough to ask why things are as they are (and why again when you give her an explanation, and why once more when you provide the next answer, and the next, and the next...) She's starting tap and ballet in a couple weeks, LOVES to play with friends young and old, tells her daddy how 'hansome' he is and her mommy that she's 'beeootiful.' She uses furniture to climb up on counter tops to reach the M&M stash and claims she has 'nuffing' in her mouth when questioned about it, but her chocolate breath and guilty expression give her away. Her songs about life fill our home and cars with joy (at a very noisy level!), and she pulls us up out of our seats to 'dance wiff me' whenever she hears music, especially the Princess kind!<br /><br />What joy and responsibility she brings us, and I couldn't imagine a sweeter role in life than being her Mommy.<br /><br />Love you, big Three Year Old!jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-29839197581203650272009-07-01T13:41:00.000-07:002009-07-21T23:38:55.807-07:00My Girl(I was pretty tempted to call this post 'That's what she said,' but I decided against it.)<br /><br />Here's the lingo at our house. An almost-three-year-old says some pretty cute things.<br /><br />Chick-a-fla and NickDonald's are her favorite places to play. Well, those and 'The R,' also known as the mall - The Rave is at our mall, so she recognizes the giant R on the building, thus the name.<br /><br />Buhfly = Butterfly<br /><br />Sursizing = Exercising<br /><br />Tootats = Tatoos (She is fascinated by these. The more ink on the guy or gal, the more she wants to noisily point it out!)<br /><br />Corn Horsey = Unicorn<br /><br />Big milk - If she's had lots of milk already and wants more, I tell her, "OK, but just a little bit." Now she specifies how much she wants every time. "Momma, can I have BIG milk?"<br /><br />Often, she will clear her throat very daintily while holding a little closed fist up to her lips. She follows it with a polite little, "Scuse me."<br /><br />When someone asks if she's about to be three, she adamantly replies, "I'm gonna be two FIRST!"<br /><br />The other night, I was hoping to tire her out and took her to play at Chick-fil-a (or Chick-a-fla, depending on who you ask). She wanted juice with her meal but it was too late for so much sugar, so I told her she could drink water and have the juice for tomorrow. She was fine with this until it was time to leave. She spent the whole ride home being overcome with woe over the stinkin' juice box. I actually almost caved (but I held strong!) when she pitifully said, "Mommy - sometimes, I just want juice forEVer."<br /><br />I hope three is just as cute at two! We'll soon find out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SmazSRuzjQI/AAAAAAAAAgI/hmIdmITMFMg/s1600-h/DSC03641.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SmazSRuzjQI/AAAAAAAAAgI/hmIdmITMFMg/s320/DSC03641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361169533009890562" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-61155189958729159212009-06-23T20:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T21:40:48.909-07:00Random UpdatePeople say when it rains, it pours, and it sure feels that way sometimes. But when the storm clears, and life starts to get back to normal, everything sure feels blissful. That's where it feels like we're getting! <br /><br />Olivia got sick in the middle of April and stayed sick for about two months. She had two positive Strep tests. Ran a fever off and on (got pretty high at times). Went through three rounds of antibiotics. Had four doctor visits. Took WAY more Childrin's Motrin than I feel comfortable giving her, though never more than the box said to. Woke up during the night crying, sometimes hourly, always nightly with fever, sore throat, and (I think) body aches. Thank God for her feeling better for over a week now! She is running around like a mad hooligan, eating like a piggie, and sleeping like a baby. I couldn't be happier!<br /><br />Our water heater went kaput on us, ruined flooring in two rooms of our house, and brought a mold problem. Lovely thing to happen as one income disappears for the summer and Aaron's new job is just beginning. But now, thanks to my parents and their trusty plumber/handyman/friend, we have hot water available for our every need! Having a water heater that's not 70's brown is just an added bonus! :o)<br /><br />Losing a job when your company goes bankrupt is a tough obstacle, especially in this economy. Three months w/o a paycheck is rough when the household income was modest to begin with! Aaron is about a month and a half into his new job and absolutely loves it!!! Income is better, more professional environment, competent and caring management, friendly coworkers, and more enjoyable work. I'm proud of my husband for working so hard to find a great job, being a great stay at home dad during that time, and doing so well in school. Only EIGHT more weeks until you're finished with your Bachelor's, Babe. Though there's no doubt in my mind you'll continue your education, now it will be on your own timetable - no more weekly deadlines looming over you!<br /><br />After working full-time as a sub last year, I was offered a job teaching third grade (my favorite!) with the wonderful team I spent the last two months of the school year teaching with. I couldn't be happier. I'd be lying if I said it's not hard to be officially going back to work full-time with a precious little girl at home, but I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to stay home with her for more than a year, for Aaron's time to be at home with her, for our summers we'll spend together, and for her excellent preschool. Working as a full time teacher totally beats working as a full time sub, especially on pay day! <br /><br />Another great thing is that I was able to join a fitness camp offered (for free) at my church. I've done it for two weeks and love it! I have more energy than I've had in the past three years and eight months. For a while, I've wanted to work towards a healthier me, and this is the perfect opportunity. Still all ??? pounds of me are here, but they sure feel great. I love it! Did I say that already?<br /><br />Aaron is on a similar road to physical fitness. He's about to be playing softball two-three nights per week and is exercising additionally to prepare.<br /><br />We have so much to be thankful for, now more than ever - a loving family, a precious little girl who's about to turn three, a happy home, our health, our needs being provided for, and a God who loves us and gives us all these things and more.<br /><br />Since I can't finish a post without a cute Olivia story, here we go: <br /><br />(Boy, I hope I didn't already type this. I think I'm already getting old. Is it possible to sweat off brain cells?)<br /><br />One morning last week, Livy Lu did her dramatic sob while Daddy was getting ready for work. When he asked what was wrong, she said, "I don't wanna go to wowk, Daddy. Beeecause I wanna Daddy stay hewe." Five minutes later, she exclaimed, "You'we SO hansome, Daddy!" I had to get the mop out because Aaron turned into a big pile of goo.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-37948002935205857532009-06-02T21:11:00.000-07:002009-06-02T21:46:15.429-07:00Curiosity and Conversations**Warning. Go on and skip this post. I'm babbling. Using this little blog thing as my journal entry and trying to record a couple cute Livy tidbits. Please don't read on.**<br /><br />*OK, but don't blame me if you're bored. You can't say I didn't warn ya.*<br /><br />Little Livy Lulu spends NINE hours at her wonderful preschool center each day. I know she's in great hands, but I feel such a void knowing there is a big aspect of her life I'm not a part of. <br /><br />I want to know how she interacts with her teachers and friends. How they interact with her. What kind of mood she's in. If she pigs out on the fried foods offered that her mean mommy deprives her of. Does she play nicely with her friends? Does she know the other kids' names and is she building relationships with them? What cute, sweet, and funny moments am I missing out on? Kinda drives me crazy not knowing the details of such a big part of her day. (Actually, it REALLY drives me crazy. I'm just committed to staying upbeat about it all.)<br /><br />One day, I will HAVE to cut that umbilical cord. But I'm not ready for that yet.<br /><br />So, I try to get her to fill me in on everything I can.<br /><br />"Livy, what did you do today?" I ask.<br /><br />"Play," or "School," she answers. (That is, IF she answers.)<br /><br />"Did you play with 'Mica?' 'Hannah?' 'Emily?'" Mommy implores.<br /><br />A very brief, soft, monotone, "Mm."<br /><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />But today, I went through my list of questions, and she was in a bit more of a talkative mood. When I asked, "Did you play with 'Gunner?'" she gave me more than a single-syllable response!<br /><br />"Yeah! He not hit me anynore!!!" She sounded so genuinely excited.<br /><br />OK, so Gunner hits, I'm guessing. Well, that's fine. It'll help her learn what it feels like when someone hits you. We may refer back to this experience in the future. <br /><br />I was so happy to get some detail about her day. Though from now on, I'll have a new question on my list..."Did Gunner hit anyone today, Honey?"<br /><br />Ah, I was able to get some more info about her day. She was happy to tell me about her pirate hat and treasure chest she made. They were adorned with gold coins and precious jewels. She was totally pumped about that. <br /><br />Then when we went to play at the mall tonight, a little girl came in, and Olivia ran up to her and called her by name. This was a little girl in ANOTHER class at the same preschool. And Livy recognized her AND knew her name AND was excited to run up to her and play with her. So, it looks like she is building friendships with her peers. Phew! Very reassuring.<br /><br />So that sums up my thoughts on our daily conversations at pick-up time. Now on to the topic of curiosity... (It's a good thing no boys ever read this!)<br /><br />Olivia the milkaholic has been VERY interested in the process of babies getting milk from their mommies. Probably because we've spent time with precious little friends and cousins, and she's noticed how they take in their milk. When she found out about this new source for milk, she. wanted. on. board. We've had several conversations about how that source is NOT available for her anymore. <br /><br />Doesn't stop her from trying.<br /><br />She has stopped me as I've gotten out of the shower a couple times in the past few weeks, and she does not make eye contact as she stares at me. Once she flat out tried to milk me. Whoa, kid. Don't think so.<br /><br />The other time, she just watched, her wheels obviously turning. "Momma...You have mmmm-ILK?"<br /><br />"No, Baby. You're not a baby anymore. Now we get your milk from the store. Remember, we get it from cows?"<br /><br />"Oh." Disappointment fades into a flicker of hope... "You got www-ATER?"<br /><br />Seriously. What am I, a soda fountain?jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-47700035104012834302009-06-01T20:39:00.000-07:002009-06-01T21:04:41.500-07:00All Better NowLivy is just getting over her second run-in with Strep in the last two months, and while my poor baby was miserable, puny, and needy as a newborn, I'll always treasure these past few days. <br /><br />My girl is quite independent and, while I wish she didn't feel awful and run a 104 fever, I love how much she wanted to cuddle with her mommy. She even wanted me to smother her, sleep next to her, and told me on Friday when I came home from work, "I'm so glad you're here wis me, Mommy." I will always treasure that sweet little statement of appreciation that was accompanied by a melt-together-kind-of-hug.<br /><br />Also, here are a few pics from a Mother's Day get-together:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjcpvTj7I/AAAAAAAAAf8/vO6I8drKOaY/s1600-h/DSC03262.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjcpvTj7I/AAAAAAAAAf8/vO6I8drKOaY/s320/DSC03262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342574770604183474" /></a><br />Olivia just HAS to kiss her little cousin, Jackson!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjce2UMII/AAAAAAAAAf0/4JD571GsrwM/s1600-h/DSC03254.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjce2UMII/AAAAAAAAAf0/4JD571GsrwM/s320/DSC03254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342574767680794754" /></a><br />With that face, can you blame her?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjcVdFA8I/AAAAAAAAAfs/RLpOSa84Q5E/s1600-h/DSC03272.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SiSjcVdFA8I/AAAAAAAAAfs/RLpOSa84Q5E/s320/DSC03272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342574765159023554" /></a><br />A quick cuddle with (Great) Granbetty<br /><br />Oh, and during bedtime prayers the other night, she wanted to tell God thank you for "all the ABCs." That girl. Makes me laugh and smile all the time.jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-85466214369097368932009-05-12T19:41:00.001-07:002009-05-12T19:41:54.848-07:00I'd like to thank...Thank you, Jaime. You made my night. HA!-larious.<br /><br />http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=2nP1qbgvEwmGZaSwmO61aDE0NTIyNzYy&referred_by=16899562-sMVhQ.xjennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-78587791748766848852009-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:002010-05-29T12:49:23.216-07:00Daddy-Daughter DaysWith Aaron's return to work today (PHEW!!!), last week marked the end of his stay-at-home-dad time. He couldn't close the doors to this era without a big party, so he took his Olivia to Chuck E. Cheese one day and to the zoo for another. Side note - FW Zoo has half-price Wednesdays, and children two and under are free!<br /><br />I wanted to update about it earlier, but after looking through the 150+ pictures, I could only narrow my favorites down to about 137. Olivia had so much fun and was showing off all her teeth in most of the pics as she flashed some huge, cheesy grins. Here are a couple favorites:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoZL80FSI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5LJ0f9YUm8k/s1600-h/DSC03114.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoZL80FSI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5LJ0f9YUm8k/s320/DSC03114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334769278022587682" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoY7GINaI/AAAAAAAAAfc/pwUGkhVpl5Q/s1600-h/DSC03121.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoY7GINaI/AAAAAAAAAfc/pwUGkhVpl5Q/s320/DSC03121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334769273498252706" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoYqms27I/AAAAAAAAAfU/dRWVy_n5EWA/s1600-h/DSC03199.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SgjoYqms27I/AAAAAAAAAfU/dRWVy_n5EWA/s320/DSC03199.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334769269071469490" /></a><br />She's quite a beauty and he's pretty cute, too, if I do say so myself!<br /><br />A note from Aaron to remember...<br /><br />Hey Babe,<br /> <br />I just wanted to thank you for all that you did to make sure that Olivia and I had a great last day together. Mother's day is this weekend and you're more concerned about us; what a great Mom you are! Waking up to a nice clean house, and our clothes laid out for us, wow, I feel like I'm at a 5 star hotel! You also got us all packed up so we could leave without worrying about it! You truly are the world's greatest Mom and Wife!<br /> <br />Thanks for the great day!<br /> <br />Olivia and Aaron<br /> <br />P.S. Olivia says thanks for the note and that she wishes you could come with us, in her sweet little voice. She just adores you. We both love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-64774619103585228222009-04-28T21:02:00.000-07:002009-04-29T04:28:00.575-07:00Happy Birthday, Love!I hope your birthday was amazing for you. We love you so much, and Olivia wanted to tell you somepin.<br /><br />Love,<br />Olivia and Jenny<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxuNATM2ci3aMIjpBINXIe7NAFqEnVwlXE-NJO_WCQIgjmkXHMkcDV2VQ6-DFELD46RQFa5bjWLIoIynMqnug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyaGQWlmIw7tcSKBRDnPmtA9_k7Rm1bsIy6hCI3ogM1QdC71Q9_vfqsWmKs151SnbXHUoX3kXgnZpHyPd1Usw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978471430930750998.post-43307282145714082632009-04-19T18:36:00.001-07:002009-04-19T19:01:07.280-07:00Blubonnet PicsBecause it's so much more fun than tackling this mountain of grading sitting next to me!!!<br /><br />Here are some pictures of Olivia and her best little buddy Samantha surrounded by bluebonnets. Sam the SnuggleBug wanted to stay cozy with her mommy while Livy ran around like a ragamuffin, so I was able to capture quite a few photos of Olivia. For some reason, they show up faded unless you click on them.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVhP1n6OI/AAAAAAAAAe8/OOwjhJskpbE/s1600-h/DSC02882.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVhP1n6OI/AAAAAAAAAe8/OOwjhJskpbE/s320/DSC02882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326585751459588322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVg47ITHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/uvJlGL-zls0/s1600-h/DSC02880.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVg47ITHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/uvJlGL-zls0/s320/DSC02880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326585745308666994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVg9sBIrI/AAAAAAAAAes/302jAut0Om4/s1600-h/DSC02879.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVg9sBIrI/AAAAAAAAAes/302jAut0Om4/s320/DSC02879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326585746587460274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVgrObEpI/AAAAAAAAAek/QwlGRlh_nFw/s1600-h/DSC02878.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVgrObEpI/AAAAAAAAAek/QwlGRlh_nFw/s320/DSC02878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326585741631492754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVgjCPVCI/AAAAAAAAAec/A2RmoIDxuCU/s1600-h/DSC02876.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevVgjCPVCI/AAAAAAAAAec/A2RmoIDxuCU/s320/DSC02876.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326585739432907810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUmcOrWdI/AAAAAAAAAeU/5Fg3SO6X5Yo/s1600-h/DSC02875.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUmcOrWdI/AAAAAAAAAeU/5Fg3SO6X5Yo/s320/DSC02875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326584741173615058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUmP_r7yI/AAAAAAAAAd8/TzHaFYgnfwI/s1600-h/DSC02884.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUmP_r7yI/AAAAAAAAAd8/TzHaFYgnfwI/s320/DSC02884.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326584737889513250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUlzHDejI/AAAAAAAAAd0/bf0Hwx-NHgo/s1600-h/DSC02887.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8c1Bs9-sVa4/SevUlzHDejI/AAAAAAAAAd0/bf0Hwx-NHgo/s320/DSC02887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326584730135788082" /></a>jennypenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00020682334694964820noreply@blogger.com3