The Rowell Crew

Top 10 on ERIC JAMES...

2010-02-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

When I read other blogs, I find there to be top 10 lists for different things. And since tomorrow is Valentines Day I thought I would list my top 10 on ERIC...

10. Wears a tie to work everyday.
9. Loves Chicago-style deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs.
8. Makes up a story for the kids every night when he puts them to bed.
7. Does all the ironing.
6. Mowed his first yard at age 31.
5. Attends the DC Fair every year with the Utts.
4. Is the foundation of everything that transpires with the Rowell Family.
3. Coaches Jude and Anna's Soccer or Baseball teams every Fall.
2. Can talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk....about what? I'm still trying to figure it out!
1. HE IS MY BEST FRIEND!

Proud Mama!

2010-02-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Eric and I have always been very open with Anna and Jude, teaching them to have an over-all understanding of people. How everyone my be "different" yet we are all alike in God's eyes. So, when the earthquake hit Haiti and it was all over the television, and Eric and I visited about it quiet often around the house Anna took it upon herself to ask if she could help. This is the part where I am so proud of her: She decided (with my help) that she wanted to do a fund raiser at her school. I told her she would have to present her idea to her principal and see what he says. She did this and he was on board. Over the weekend Anna and I made posters of the children in Haiti and the cost it takes to feed them rice, beans, and porridge. We also made a 1/2 sheet flier and sent home with all the kids. For five days each class participated, the kids at Denkmann school rock! Anna's goal was $200for the week. SHE RAISED: $934.34 I couldn't believe it!!! Anna wanted the winning class to receive a prize. So, we decided on an ice cream sundea party! Anna's 1st grade teacher's class won and her 2nd grade class got 2nd place! After her principal presented her with the check, she wrote Sammy Mah, President of World Relief a letter asking him to make sure the money she raised helped those children in Haiti!

Again, I am so very proud of her and her school. The youth pastor at our church, stated a few Sunday's ago that the first 9 years of a child's life are the most formative. I pray that both Anna and Jude are learning and becoming caring individuals that love all people so that when they become adults they will have this be part of their character. Yup, I'm extremely proud of them both!

Spring Cleaning in January?

2010-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure when it occured to Eric and I but it did...
The fact that we really haven't de-cluttered our house since we moved in almost 5 years ago. WHERE DOES "STUFF" COME FROM? WOW, stuff just keeps appearing, more and more. So last weekend we cleaned and removed many things from the kids rooms, then today we hit the playroom. I cannot believe we still have potty training books, baby toys, and stuffed animals coming out our ears! I guess the really great news is I have a perfect place to donate all these items to: WORLD RELIEF. I am excited to say that these toys, books, games, and stuffed animals that will no longer be living with us will be put to good use by a little refugee boy or girl when they arrive in the US.

Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-18T17:47:00.001-08:00

What a nice day....
Eric and I attended the MLK Celebration Saturday night at Augustana without the kiddies. It was wonderful, music, dance, and an overall beautiful tribute to a man that lived such a remarkable life. We had a little "grown up" time after the event with our friends Jerry & Kathy Jones (Jerry is the Director at the Martin Luther King Center here) It's so enlightening to have adult conversation, discussing Martin Luther King, Haiti, and the State of the Illinois Budget. Jerry and I both have State Grants that are being affected due to the terrible mess the state budget is in.
And today since it's the Federal Holiday, I spent the day home with the kids. We started out at the library and ended the evening Bowling. Yup... 4 year old and 7 year old bowling. It was so fun, laughing and playing just the three of us today. Eric got home just in time to take Anna to piano, while I made Turkey Meatloaf, Parmesan Potatoes and Veggies. The kids have been on a JELLO kick lately so of course we had a little Strawberry - Banana Jello w/ Bananas for Dessert.

I would be remise if I didn't request one thing: Tomorrow marks the one week Anniversary of the Haiti Eartquake. PLEASE Join our World Relief Family: "ONE 4 HAITI" go to www.worldrelief.com and PRAY tomorrow. I know I will be.

World Relief in Haiti

2010-01-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have been in Baltimore all week at our World Relief Headquaters for a training. As we quickly became awhere of the situation in Haiti, I realized that World Relief had an office there with 30 staff. It has been rather interesting to follow the situation and how WR is responding. Last night at 5:30 pm our VP of Programs and Disaster Relief was leaving the office for Haiti. I got a few minutes to chat with Stephen to let him know that I would be praying for him and for him to have a safe journey. We got word that he and a few others were ablt to get into Haiti on a private airplane. Stephen wrote on Twitter that the WR office has collapsed and that 28 out of the 30 staff have been accounted for. He wrote they needed food and water. My heart has been heavy these past few days so I ask you to pray specifically for the two World Relief staff that have not been found, Stephen and the entire Disaster Relief team, and all those assisting with the efforts. It is so difficult to understand why things like this happen?

The Season.

2010-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

The Rowell's had a wonderful Season of Celebrating, Eating, Traveling, and Laughing. Isn't that what one is supposed to do during the Holiday's. Here are a few photo's of what we have been upto the last few weeks. Enjoy...

Continued Christmas Celebration!

2009-12-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

The fun is only beginning. Cutting down our Christmas Tree, A Rowell Family Christmas, Visiting the Best Santa in the World (Daddy) and having no idea it was him, and entering the School Spelling Bee with the bestest friends ever. Things have been so very busy around our house. Eric made a comment today that this seems like the longest Christmas Season ever. We've both enjoyed Celebrating at our Jobs, the traditional Augustana Smorgesbord, Making 10 dozen cookies for a Girlfriend Cookie exchange, Christmas Eve service at church and looking forward to the next week off of work to spend with the kids, Eric, and the Smith/Wood Gang. Christmas this year is really about rest, relaxing and really reflecting on the true meaning. I pray that everyone that reads this holds Christ Jesus in your heart very close during this time of year as he is the true reason we celebrate! Happy Christmas to Everyone!

Happy Chirstmas.

2009-12-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Last weekend our Holiday's began in Bloomfield at my dad's with the McConnell's. The kids really enjoy going to Papa and Nana's to spend a long weekend with them and more importantly spend time with their three cousins. We had a great time and once again this year came home completely spoiled. The snowblower Eric received has already been put to good use!

Winter BBQ

2009-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks Eric has been working in the yard to prepare it for the winter that lies ahead. He gathered alot of brush and since we live in the "city" you have to take it to the dump to be disposed of. However, we decided to have a hotdog roast in our firepit on the coldest day of the year (to date!) Fun times! Here are a couple pictures of Eric and the kids all bundled up in snow pants etc. roasting hotdogs. It was such a fun evening, even when Jude dumped his plate on the ground. We laughed and ate, I'm sure the kids will remember this for a very long time. Enjoy!

Piano Recital

2009-11-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

Anna began playing piano this summer with a wonderful lady, Laura Crumbelhome. Laura home schools her girls and keeps them very active in the arts. We are so happy she is teaching Anna. We were advised to wait until Anna was reading before she started piano. Anna has lessons every Tuesday evening for 30 minutes and practices 2-3 evenings a week here at home on our piano. (Eric bought our piano 6 years ago for $1,500 at a piano sale at Augie, thinking he was going to learning to play. Let's just say that didn't last!) AND... thanks to Anna the piano is getting used.

Anna had her first piano recital last night at West Music in Moline. She played two songs; Old McDonald and Hot Cross Buns. She looks a little pale in the photos, thats because she has been out of school since Tuesday with a low grade fever and an ear infection. I left it up to her if she wanted to attend the recital and she decided she wanted to play her two songs. We were so very proud of her, I asked her if she was nervous and she said she was but she walked right up to the piano sat down an played her pieces like a pro. I pray that she will continue playing and we will someday look back on her first recital and smile. Enjoy the pictures.

Fun Costumes

2009-11-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks MoM, we loved the costumes!
Last year Eric and I let the kids pick their Halloween costumes out of a magazine, we ordered them, recieved them and the $80 plus bill...
This year, when we were discussing the costume thing, and Jude announced he wanted to be a leaf and Anna wanted to be a ghost. It was then I realize we didn't have $80.00 to foolishly spend on costumes and I have a wonderful mother that always jumps at the opportunity to make home-ade Halloween Costumes. THEY ARE GREAT, just what the kids wanted and it only cost me: $4.50 for the hair color, we found left over face paint from another event. I believe it cost mom the cash this year but I know she loves sewing for the kids. THANKS MOM!!!!

>
Yup, Jude is a leaf, I have no idea where he got this idea but I must say it is very original.

And my dear little angle was a scary ghost???

Life.

2009-10-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend I celebrated the life of my dear 38 year old friend Diana Bollman Brown and tomorrow I celebrate the life of my amazing 53 year old friend Coach Reece Morgan. Both of these dear souls were called to be with Jesus at such young ages and both unexpectedly.

When Diana passed, I just couldn't understand how it could be her time. She was so young with a husband, two little girls, and many years of life ahead of her. When my mom called me to tell me the news I sobbed and really didn't believe what I was hearing. Diana Facebooked me the morning of the day she passed, we were looking so forward to our 20 year class reunion. The Rowell Family enjoyed Di and the girls this summer at the county fair! As Di and I watched the kids ride the rides we visited about our youth at the county fair. We had made this a tradition over the last few years. Our roots are the one thing we would always have in common! She is missed, but I know she is working harder in heaven at protecting all of the little children that she cared for each and everyday during her short stay on earth. Bless you Di!

And now Reece has gone to be with our lord and savior. What an unbelievable man. I had the honor of supervising "Coach" for the past 3 years at the Davenport Family Y. I could write about all the children he influenced and the great husband and father, grandfather he was. But I want to share what an influence he was to my two children. When Eric and I shared with Jude and Anna that Reece had gone to be with Jesus, they immediately started crying. We had been praying for him for over a week and they both new he was ill. He absolutely loved Jude and the fact that Jude called him, "COACH." Reece was a ref. for college basketball and was often seen wearing a whistle around his neck. Both the kids took note of this, Reece appeared one day with whistles for both kids to wear around their necks. I wasn't to appreciative, a 4 year old with a whisle??? Anyway... the newness of the whistles wore off and they fell by the way side in the playroom. Oddly, Monday night Jude slept with his whistle and Coach passed on Tuesday morning at peace with his wife and pastor by his side. I believe Jude had a special place in Coach Reece's heart!

My heart has been so heavy these past few weeks. I am sad, I am happy, I laugh, I cry. It is all part of being here on earth. Living life as we know it. I wonder what it will be like when I meet my creator, I pray that I am living the life he wants me to lead. I feel blessed beyond belief that I have a personal relationship with Christ,and that Di and Coach are waiting for the day that I will be with them again. Bless you both my dear friends, and thank you for the time we shared. Eric, Anna, Jude and I are so fortunate to have the memories we do of both of you.

5 Languages and ME.

2009-10-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

My new position at World Relief doesn't allow me as much time as I would like with clients. I find myself, anytime the doorbell rings at the office, racing around to see who I get to interact with next. I have a wonderful team of individuals who spend many many hours with the clients allowing me to oversee the entire operation of refugee resettlement. However, I have on purpose scheduled myself to do the 30 day orientation with all new arrivals. So, today was that day. I had around 15 clients attend my orientation today. Representing four different countries with five different languages. Arabic, Amaharic, Eritrian, Karen, and Chin. I really enjoy this environment, one would be truely amazed at how appreciative the refugees are. There life stories are absolutely unbelievable, I have sat with so many listening to their tales of why they fled their homeland. I cannot even start to imagine leaving my home for fear of persacution. We have such a humbling God, I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about refugees and how to help please email or call World Relief.

Family

2009-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was so lovely with my family in Davis County. I am quickly reminded of my youth when I go home! What fun we had; playing with cousins, painting pumpkins, jumping the hay bales, playing frisbee golf, fishing, 4-wheeling, roasting marshmellows, eating some of the best down home food around and just plain simply enjoying life. God is Good! I really loved the entire trip!

2nd Grader!

2009-08-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

WOW! I can't believe Anna is an official 2nd Grader. Today was her second full day of school, and when she went to bed last night she said, "Mom, I've got flutters in my stomach!" So cute, I am so proud of her!

Cultural Awareness...

2009-07-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

I started off my day at 6:30 am! Yup, that is unheard of if you know me! Anyway... I have been wanting to go to the Davenport Farmers Market all summer, but haven't made it until today. At 7 am I picked up a friend that hasn't been to a Fresh Market since moving to the US. We enjoyed our morning, discussing the different fresh fruits and vegetables grown here in the US compared to those grown in her country! We both learned from each other!

This afternoon we went to a "Naming Celebration" for a Bhutanese baby girl that was born one week ago. She is beautiful and the first American Citizen in her family. What a blessing. Eric, the kids and I enjoyed some delicious food prepared by the women of the community. The men had performed a traditional ceremony earlier in the day to give the baby her name. What a wonderful opportunity to share and learn about another culture. Both Anna and Jude thought nothing of being in the home of people whom speak a different language, dress differently, and eat differnet food than we do.

It was such a rewarding day I am so thankful that the Lord is using me as his hands and feet.

Judism

2009-07-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight while driving home from Anna's ball game, I said to the kids "I hope it rains tonight so I don't have to water the flowers." Jude says, "Mom if you don't water the flowers they will get a sunburn!"

Davis County Fair

2009-07-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Eric, the kids and I returned this afternoon from my hometown fair. We had a great time as always. This has become a family tradition of ours for the past few years, and we look forward to it every summer! Some of the events we enjoyed: ~ watching cousins show their cattle ~ having grandma's fried chicken and home grown fresh tomotoes ~ visitng the petting zoo (where both Anna and Jude sat on a Llama) ~ Taco Salads and Mr. Rib sandwiches with Grandama Lucy ~ Turtle Races (Jude won his heat / Anna got 2nd in hers) ~ Muttville Dog Show ~ Midway Rides (Eric had just as much fun as the kids!) ~ 4-H Building (with all the county youths projects) ~ Strawberry Shortcake ~ Horses, Pigs, Chickens, and Rabbits ~ Cousins ~ HS Friends ~ Fun & Laughs. So... many memories are made at the County Fair. I remember this week like it was yesterday during my childhood when my Uncles would help me with my livestock and my mom was really "SUZY HOMEMAKER" assisting me with my baking and wood working projects. Time is so precious, I really had a great childhood and pray my children are making memories that they will have forever!

Where does time go?

2009-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Obviously it has been sometime since my last post! I was debating if I should continue this blog or end it. For the time, I will continue it. I sometimes think I get "bored" with things and need change. Maybe that is why I haven't posted for so long. I think the easiest way to get back posting is to put up a few pictures and go from there. So... Enjoy...

The Niabi Zoo with the Knoll Family...

Eric coaching Jude's T-Ball...

Anna and her pal Liam at the Animal Shelter for her 7th Birthday Party...

Anna and I at the Childrens Museum in Bettendorf...

Hair Cut!

2009-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

After about 2 min. of thouht I concluded Anna needed a cute "Little Girl" hair cut. So here it is and yes it is very short. The curls are very very kinky, but I must say she looks so darn cute! AND.... most importantly she and her dad both love it!
If your curious where I took her to get such a cute new do? Right in our family room is where I (AMY) cut it!

Blessings

2009-05-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Upon accepting my new position with World Relief I noticed that my now supervisor signed her email's Blessings - Tanya. I love it! Each and every person needs blessings in their lives as we walk in our journey of life be it simple or complex. It is with Blessings from others and God we are able to continue onward. I encourage anyone reading this to think of others and prey they have many blessings in their lives.
God Bless(ings)!

Happy Mothers Day.

2009-05-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Anna and I attended an "All Daughters Banquet" this evening with our dear friends Beth & Olivia, and Kathy & Riley at St. Paul Lutheran Church. It brought back so many memories of the "Mother - Daughter Banquet" we used to attend when I was a little girl in Bloomfield at the Christian Church! We had a very nice evening, while the boys hit the AAA River Bandits Baseball game. The weekend looks to be pretty laid back,Anna and I are heading to Circa 21 Dinner Theater tomorrow to take in a play: Junie B. Jones - and the Monkey business. Sunday will be church and maybe planting some flowers around the yard. HAPPY DAY to all you mothers and daughters on Sunday enjoy and God Bless.

YMCA

2009-04-19T12:20:00.001-07:00

I suppose it's time to put some thoughts on paper (blog)about the past 22 years of YMCA LIFE! I'm going to try to keep this short but we will see. I began my career at the Ft. Madison Family YMCA in 1987 at a Lifeguard / Swim Instructor. It is amazing that over the years I have never left the Y. I have worked in just about every porgram area and found my truest joy in talking one on one with individuals who seek conversation. You might say I'm just like my dad, he doesn't know a stranger and can sit and people watch for hours. I love people, plain and simple all shapes, sizes, poor, weak, wealthy, whiney, fit, un-fit, christians, non-christians, smart, arrogent, no-it all, and with the YMCA I have been able to interact with the most amazing individuals each and every day of my being. YMCA Camp Duncan is one of the most remarkable places on earth, the responsibility that is put on a 19-21 year old to care for 8-10 young children for weeks at a time is unbelievable. Y Camp is where I became and adult and realized life is truely good. I have always tried to surround myself with those that are for the most part positive if you know me I'm not too big of a whiner, and I believe I always try to see the good in people and things. After Eric and I's trip with the YMCA to India in 2000 I never thought I would again experience such an amazing eye-opening life changing time. But as I look to the future I realize the time has come again. The YMCA has done so much for me the organization is just that but the PEOPLE are who make it. Many of those individuals will always hold a very special place in my heart:
-Bill Otto, John Luna, Kim Kiser, Rona Roffey, Jill Madden, Scott Gallaass, Rachel Weeda, Alex Decorravont, Boon Chin Tan, Berti Devadas, Aju Jacob, Matthew, Laura McClurg, and Tony Calabrese.
God is so good to have put each of these individuals in my life, they are all such good people, I have learned from them all.
And now it is time to close the YMCA Chapter... and open the next. I look forward to blogging about my new position with World Relief. I am very nervous about this change but know it is so right, my heart is leaping out of my body ready to serve the most vulnerable.

World Reliefs Mission:
Empowering the local Church to serve the most vulnerable

I encourage anyone reading this to visit the World Relief Web site, because my family and friends we are about to embark on a new service! People that need us more than ever. I can hardly wait!

GO WHITE SOX!

2009-04-13T19:24:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend. We headed to Chicago Friday evening and spent the night with Eric's grandpa and grandma on the Southside, then headed to Oak Park Saturday morning for breakfast a Eric's fathers house. When we were in Oak Park we stopped at my old YMCA. It was so great to see those still working there and all the changes that they have made since I left in 2000. I loved living and working in the Oak Park area, when ever we visit I always say how I wish we still lived there. But we feel it wouldn't be as great as a place as the QC to raise our children. We were "young" when we lived there with no babies, and boy did we live it up! Anyway, Eric and I often talk of retiring to the Oak Park area someday...

Saturday afternoon we headed to US Cellular field to watch the SOX beat up on the Twins! Yup, 8-0 SOX WIN! We had a great day as you can see enjoy the photos...

4 Years Old on the 4th Day of the 4th Month.

2009-04-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Jude's fourth birthday. We enjoyed the day at the YMCA with a few of Jude's friends eating pizza, playing, and having cake. He is starting to get a cold but he still had a great day. Last night the four of us headed to the movies where we watched Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D he seemed to really enjoy it! I am just amazed how quickly time flies. All mom's say this about their kids, but it is the truth. He was just a baby yesterday and now he is 4 WOW! I can't believe he only has one more year before he starts kindergarten (I'm NOT ready for that!) He is my heart, pure joy, laughter, and kindness. My little boy Jude I love so very much!

Jude's 1st birthday...

This year... Birthday Theme was SpiderMan, hence the costume!

Dippin Strawberries.

2009-03-09T19:15:00.001-07:00

Yum Yum, need I say more?

Annaisms

2009-03-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Two Comments made by Anna lately:

-On our way to the Y two Saturdays ago, we were "running low" on fuel. (Well, actually I hadn't put gas in the van and the red light had been on since Wed.) Anyway...we were on the bridge leaving Illinois heading into Iowa when the van stalled! OK, I panic all the while Eric looks at me with his little smirk and just shakes his head! He tries to re-start the van and it doesn't budge. I get on the phone to call a friend to bring us some gas, when Anna says; "Mom just ask GOD, he will get us there!" I looked and Eric, smiled, he tried the van again, it started and sure enough we made it to the Y! WOW, all from the mouth of a 6 year old.

-Last Wednesday I picked Anna up from school and she shared with me that there was a dog on the playground when she was out for recess. She said to me that when all the other kids were running away from the dog, she "STOOD TALL, and PRETENDED TO BE A TREE." I asked her why she acted like she was a tree, and she said, "Mom, you shouldn't run from dogs, becasue they will run after you, but if you pretend to be a tree they won't bother you." Good point, I shared with her. Such a smart little gal I have! Love her!

Fishing and Outdoor Show

2009-02-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my dad and his wife came to the Quad Cities for a visit. It is always great to have them visit because they don't visit to often. When they do I always try to find something to do. So the weekend went something like this...
Saturday we spent 1/2 the day at the Quad Cities Fishing and Outdoor show (my dad is an avid fisherman so he loved the idea) The kids thought it was pretty cool, but Eric on the other hand could have cared less. But none the less enjoyed the cinnamon roasted cashews Linda(my step mom) bought for everyone. Eric and Jude both thought it was pretty cool when Jude's tadpole one the race! After looking at a mazillion fishing lours (sp?) and snapping a few pictures we headed home for a rest. As the evening approached we had planned ahead and got a babysitter for the kids so the four adults could go out for dinner and some type of entertainment. We went to Martini's on the Rock for a nice dinner and free entertainment (by the woman sitting behind us who had to much to drink and was laughing entirely TOO LOUD!) Another activity my dad enjoys doing when he visits is hitting the Boats (the gambeling boats). About a month ago a new land casino opened up so we decided to check it out! Eric and I had $12.00 cash. So, I hit the penny slots with $2 and 15 minutes later walked away broke. Eric decided to take the $10 and played two hands of $5 Roulette. Needless to say he walked away $10 less then he started. I'm not sure how much my dad LOST. But nobody walked out a winner. We had a great weekend, the kids got to spend sometime showing off to their papa and nana linda and by Sunday afternoon we all needed naps.

Valentines Day!

2009-02-15T19:49:00.001-08:00

We have had a great weekend. Started out yesterday, the four of us went to the Pepsi Co. center at Augie for a big soccer game, then last night Eric got a babysitter and the two of us headed to LaClaire to Steventon's for a wonderful dinner. After church this morning Anna went roller skating with one of her friends and then this evening Eric took Anna to the Daddy / Daughter Dance at the River Center in Iowa. They were so cute and Anna was so so excited to spend time all dressed up with her dad! Anna's off school tomorrow so my mom and Murphy (her dog) came up tonight to spend the day with her tomorrow! Enjoy the pictures.

Five Things I'm Thankful For...

2009-02-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

I usually don't do this type of post, but why not start...

Top Five Things I'm Thankful For...

5.) The Changing of the Seasons.
4.) Good Food, Great Friends, and a Family that Accepts me for who I am.
3.) That I know the Lord and I continue to grow in my faith.
2.) Two happy, healthy, loving, crazy kids!
1.) That my husband is the person I look up to the most and will grow old with!

Sometimes, its good to reflect.

Brown but not as Brown as Daddy!

2009-02-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

The setting is the Breakfast table before church Sunday morning...

Anna announces that she is African American like daddy and that she is brown like daddy but not "AS" brown as daddy.

No problem, I'm thinking yes this is something we've talked about so she is clear about racial diffrences. THEN...

Anna says "Mama your Caucoooosion." Yes, she said Caucooosion, not Caucasian. I thought Eric and I were going to fall off our seat's we were laughing so hard. She was so serious and I was so proud of her for "getting it." But her seriousness was so innocent with the way she prounounced caucasian was precious! Yes, we couldn't help ourselves by laughing but she is so happy she laughed too!

LOVE HER!

HOPE

2009-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

This morning at church our pastor gave a fantastic sermon on HOPE. I'm not one to recite word for word what he said but in a few short words I learned. That,
"We make our decisions and our decisions make us."
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perserverance, character, and character, hope. and hope does not dissapoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

During these challenging times for so many we must see past the now and remind ourselves that eternity is coming. What John(our pastor) said today makes me believe that this all will pass and new days lie ahead. We must continue to march onward, believing that we will persavere(SP?).

I prey for those families that are faced with difficult times weather it be: a lay off, an addiction, marital problems, or not knowing the lord. And that with HOPE all things are possible.

Before President Obama was elected, during his early days in Iowa HOPE was at the forefront of his entire campaign.

Steve Martin

2009-01-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

This morning while getting ready for work / school, Jude was watching Disney channel and says...

Jude: "Mama I want to go see Steve Martin"
I said: "Who?", Not thinking I heard my 3 year old correctly and wondering at the same time how the heck he know's who Steve Martin is?
Jude: "Mama, Steve Martin, you know the guy in the Pink Panther."
Amy: "We will see, not sure if it's a kid movie!"

Eric and I were rolling with laughter. "STEVE MARTIN" WOW, I guess kids are really like sponges, they repeat "alot" of what they see and hear. Let it be known my 3 year old is a "STEVE MARTIN" fan and will not be going to see the Pink Panther!

Lighting Bugs

2009-01-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Last Friday on the way to the Y;

Jude says: "Mom you know what happens if you eat a lightning bug?"
I reply: "No Jude what?"
Jude says: "Mom your mouth will turn green!"

I bust out laughing because as serious as he was he might have been right, but ugg I sure hope he's not been eating lightning bugs?? I guess I don't have to much to worry about this time of year, I"ll let you know what Jude's up to come June / July!

Guest Blogger...

2009-01-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

I have attached a "few" pictures taken from our trip to D.C. As many of you know, I'm not the best writer and one of the reason I started this blog was to get better at putting my thoughts on paper. However, if you know my husband I'm a little biased but I believe he is a fantastic writer and that is why I asked him if I could use what he wrote for a piece that will be used at Augustana in a magazine published for the alumni. I hope you enjoy.

To know the sound one has to recall Rafiki, the shamanistic baboon who councils Simba to return to Pride Rock and reset the circle of life. When Simba sprints towards home Rafiki bellows a high-pitched “Woooooo!” Three times he does this, each louder and more triumphantly satisfying than the previous. That, my friend, is the sound which emanated from my lungs; fists raised high, head thrown back, eyes and cheeks moistened, as I stood among the great throng on the National Mall when Barack Hussein Obama was sworn into the office of President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
Prior to that moment I had always known I was an American. But without every seeing a different sort of face gracing our currency or the office walls of official buildings, and being the hue of so many of America’s civil victims, that feeling was never completely finished. To understand perhaps I should compare to pregnancy. Ask any woman who has completed a term and she will tell you certainly there is a difference between knowing you are pregnant at twelve weeks and feeling you are pregnant a week from said due date. They are two entirely different notions. And I believe my sentiment to be echoed by millions of dark-skinned Mississippians, Kansans, Texans, Iowans, and so on for more than four hundred years of North American inhabitance. And none of that American past shall be erased by the election of a dark-skinned Hawaiian, for it is impossible to do and still the sting of our past remains within the elderly who lived it or those brought up by the generations that lived it prior, or those unable as yet to feel inclusion within recent progress because of the lingering effects of continued -isms. But now I feel it.
Following the pronouncement, as I had been since arriving so very early to claim an unfettered view of the Capital and well-stationed jumbotrons – we were at least a mile in back, just feet from the Monument - I waved and waved my little flag on the Mall like all others who held theirs. It was then I realized the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, each viewed for the first time within the majestic rotunda of the National Archives, stood to be more than just simple facts about a country I and my nearest ancestors wore born within. After hearing those words, “So help me, God,” and seeing that grand city, and waving that little flag with the approximate 1.8 million fellow Americans of every belief and blemish, I know, I feel, I believe with every fiber of my being that I, like others who place hands over their hearts before random sporting events, am an American through and through, have always been, and, again, with every fiber of my being, forever will be. We are all brothers and sisters simply because we have the same home.

Eric J. Rowell

Washington

2009-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well we arrived yesterday morning after 3 hours of sleeping in the car Saturday night enroute to Chicago. Our flight was at 7 am so we made the best of it and slept on and off the planes the entire day. We saw Danny Glover at the airport in Detroit during our lay over. Once we arrived in D.C. we checked into our hotel and headed off to check the "MALL" area out where the Music Concert was going on. As we get off the "public transportation" we come out of the underground tunnel to John Cougar Mellencamp singing and a view of the Washington Monument SPECTACULAR! We then decide to walk around checking things out listening to the great music; Usher, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, along with many others BUT THEN... our favorite BONO takes the stage! I'm loving every minute of this!!!!! Singing, Crying, you name it! Wait... mind you we were watching this on a JUMBO TRON- nope no way to get close enough with that many peopel, but just being here is enough! After the concert we headed to the Vietnam Memorial and the White House. PEOPLE everywhere, all the streets are blocked off, only foot traffice through D.c. The security is fanatastic and AMERICANS are so PROUD! We headed to China town last night for dinner along with a gazillion other folks. Enjoyed our dinner with an "Obama Delagate fro North Carolina." Today we visited the National Archives to see The Bill of Rights and The Consitiution. While we were there we also got pictures with Dusty Baker (former Manager for the Cubs.) Since we are Sox fans we didn't give him to hard of a time. Nice Guy, Eric chatted it up with him. Anyway back to the Archives, It's amazing that these are the documents our great country was founded on and for my entire life I have only read about them, but know to have seen them is an honor. For lunch we meet up with and Augie Alum and his wife. He works for the Federal Reserve and lives here in DC. What an interesting job he has and the challenges they are facing with our economy. So, we've landed back at the hotel for a few hours before dressing up and heading out to some fancy French restaurant Eric reserved. Tomorrow's the BIG day, we are planning to watch the parada and then head over to the Lincoln Memorial where HISTORY IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE!

TOO CUTE... Last night when we called home to talk to the kids, Jude says to me, "I saw you on TV momma." Yup, I told him the one in the red coat right, and he agreed. TOO CUTE.

I'll get some pictures posted when we get home. Loving this time and looking forward to tomorrow!

Things to do when it's -23 outside!

2009-01-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Because it has been way below zero for the pat 24 hours we have had to be creative "indoors." I have attached a couple highlights from this evening, Eric made YUMMY YUM "CHICAGO STYLE" pizza and Jude and Anna cut out pictures of their future from the local newspaper. As I over heard, the two of them interacting, I hear Anna say, "my husband better get me this," and "my kids will love this," she asks Jude, "Do you want to be a football player when you grow up," Jude says, "Yah, sure Anna." All the while he continues cutting/tearing anything that looks like he likes it. Amazing the activities you can create when your stuck inside during a long cold winter.

I have also included a few pictures from last weekend of indoor crafts (Jude painting his elephant he got for Christmas) when it was also freezing outside! Enjoy!

Neglecting the Blog World

2009-01-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

Now that I've joined facebook I find myself not wanting to blog??? Ummm, must be because I'm reconnecting to old friends all the time. Anywho...

The daily happenings around the Rowell Crew lately have been like that of most midwesterners and that is we are trying to stay warm during this serious deep freeze. This morning when I got up I looked at the temperature at it said 2 degrees, then as we were walking out of the house I looked again and it said -2. WOWIE! Can you say COLD! Because I new it was going to be cold today I made the kids wear extra layers. Anna, tights under her pants, Jude white t-shirt under regular shirt and sweater. I didn't hear any complaints of being to warm when we headed off to school and work this morning!

This past weekend my mom and her husband visited and we enjoyed their company. I made home-ade French Onion and Chicken Noodle Soup, love the soup this time of year, and so do the kids! Anna is back in Swim Lessons on Saturday mornings at the Y and Jude gets to play in the kids gym. This is going to be our new Saturday morning routine.

Eric and I are patiently awaiting out BIG trip to D.C. this weekend. This is the first time the two of us have been away from the kids so I'm alittle nervous. We've got all kinds of activities planned so I'm sure the time will fly by. We are really looking forward to a wonderful 4 days.

Proud and not so Proud moments as a Mom!

2009-01-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

No pictures tonight instead simple moments...

NOT SO PROUD MOMENT-
The first, yesterday when Eric picked up Jude from Preschool, there was a note he recieved and this is what is said:

Description of accident/incident: "Another child hit Jude in the arm so Jude punched them in the nose.

Action taken: Talked to both children about being nice. Talked to Jude about telling if someone hurts him so that the child that started it is in trouble instead of him.

What can I say after two weeks of wrestling with dad and having absolutely no structure I'm just happy there was no blood. Seriously, can you believe my kid punched someone in the nose! After a long "disussion" (2 min. with a 3 year old) Jude was in tears and aplogizing, knowing next time to go tell the teacher!

PROUD MOMENT-
John 3:16
My niece has been in the Awana program since she was 3, she is now 10. And has been telling Anna about the program for the longest. My sister has also really encouraged me to get my kids involved. For those of you that don't know, I'm still learning myself but it is a wonderful faith based program that encourages youth to come to "club" once a week to grow in their walk with Christ through scripture, fun & games, song, and friendships. I'm only telling you this because our church has a program on Tuesday nights and Anna and I went last night. I'm going to volunteer with the kindergarteners while Anna is with the 1st graders. I am so PROUD of her she has already memorized John 3:16 God so loved the world...

This may seem like I'm only proud of Anna and not of Jude but I must add that today when I picked up Jude for preschool, the first thing out of his mouth was "Mama, I was a good boy today." I looked him straight in the eyes and told him at that very moment how proud of him I was!

It's great being a parent. Hehehe!

Pictures

2009-01-02T07:25:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from the Holiday's...
The three girls with Anna and Jude are Camrie-10 yrs. Kohyn-2 yrs. and Kooper 9 months. These are my sister's girls and we were blessed to spend a few extra days with them when they visited our house earlier this week. Eric's Grandma is the older woman she is a stitch! As you can see Jude's Big wheel and Anna's scooter were amongst the many gifts they recieved this year. I didn't mention in my last email that we attended Christmas Eve Service at our church with Eric's mom, his Aunt Pricilla, and his Uncle Terry it was wonderful to have hisfamily together and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Jude continued to ask when were we giong to go to Baby Jesus's birthday party? Jude also announced yesterday that he wanted Santa to come again. I explained to him that Santa wouldn't be back until next year. Jude's reply was "No, Mama he can come back now!" ENJOY...

HAPPY 2009!

2009-01-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and things are great! We have had a wonderful two week break. Both Eric and I have been home with the kid's the entire time. We have been to Chicago to a Wedding and Christmas with his father's family and Iowa to my step mom's 50th surprise birthday party and to my sister in Missouri for Christmas with her and my mom. It has actually been a great couple weeks. Unfortunatley, I've only got 3 full days left of vacation until everything goes back to "normal." I have attached some fun pictures of "The Rowell Crew" during our break. ENJOY and Happy New Year!

Answer this One.

2008-12-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Eric was in Chicago last night for work therefore the kids usually sleep with me. However, not last night, I needed to sleep and convinced them to sleep in their beds. Well Jude anyway, and Anna started in her bed then came in with me around 9 pm. So, when she got in my bed she says to me...
"Mom how can a mom and dad not be married and have a baby?" I said to her that we would talk about it later since it was bedtime? Any ideas?

Then today on the way home from work in our once again crazy Winter Wonderland... Jude looked out his window and said "Mom the North Pole." He was viewing the Insurance building with a Christmas Tree, Lights, and Santa with his Raindeer on their roof. It was so cute! I just smiled and said "Honey, that isn't the North Pole but maybe that's what it looks like.

I love my kids. We had a great evening considering Eric is stranded in Chicago again! And Yes, I'm about to go get Anna and snuggle her in bed with me again!

Freezing Cold!

2008-12-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

UGGG, Oh, the weather outside is fright full etc. etc.
And...
The temperatures yesterday afternoon were much nicer. I went to Target around 2 pm with no cold (50 degrees) When I left Target the Monsoon had begun and there were flash flood warnings. After returning home while enjoying dinner it had started to ice. AND then the snow came. It is no longer 50 but a mere 2 degrees when I woke up this morning!
Eric was scheduled to leave for Chicago at 7 am but didn't get on the road until almost 11 am when the Weather SErvice said it was safe to travel. Thank goodness he made it to Chicago safely.
The kids and I got home from work / school around 5:45 pm and we're not going anywhere until tomorrow!
Anyone reading this in the MIDWEST STAY WARM!!!!

Fun Times.

2008-12-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

We survived our first Christmas and we attended my 16 year old cousins HS basketball game Friday night. We (Wii) had a great time. And yes the Wii game was the BIG gift our family recieved. It is fun and the kids seem to like it. Eric got "SPORTS" and I got the Wii Fit so I'm going to start doing Yoga again in my own basement!!!! Both Anna and Jude had a wonderful time with their cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Papa and NAna, and the best of all their Great Grandma Lucy! MY dad out did himself like always. Here are a few pictures!

The Holiday Season has Begun!

2008-12-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

That's right the 2008 Holidays have officially been kicked off for our family.

We attend the Kwanzaa Celebration at Augustana tonight, it was a beautiful event that opens ones eyes to the "true" meaning of the holiday season.

Tomorrow is Anna Christmas Concert at her school. My dad and grandma are coming up to witness this event. Anna announced earlier that she needed to go to bed early tonight so she would be ready for her concert tomorrow.

After work / school tomorrow we head to Bloomfield to spend the weekend with my dad and his family. This is always a BIG event for the kids, my dad continues to "SPOIL" them each year with to many gifts. The adults this year drew names so I'm thankful for that.

I will post picures Sunday when we return, have a great weekend!

New Blog Design & Christmas Trees

2008-12-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

Obviously I'm still new at this blog thing.

What a wonderful training experience I have had the last 8 months in Houston. I returned home safely Friday night to a warm Welcome by Eric, Anna and Jude. During this entire training I gained loads of new friends along the journey. AND thanks to Corby's (Friend from EDI) wife Kendra I have become inspired to change and "be creative" with my blog. IF you haven't noticed the new look. I'm struggling alittle bit with it but I have confidence with time and energy I will make it beautiful!

Because the Holiday's are approaching our home has turned into a winder wonderland. Eric just loves this time of year. This past Saturday we headed out on our Annual Journey of finding THE Christmas Tree. After 3 hours, a "few" disagreements and a traditional lunch at the "Maid Rite" sandwich shop we arrived home, put the tree up and got it decorated by 9:00 pm. What a day! I'll post "final product" pictures later.

Houston Here I Come!

2008-12-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

I'm off tomorrow to Houston until Friday. You may or may not know but I was selected last winter to be in a National YMCA training program entitled EDI (Executive Development Institute) there are only 30 of us in this group and we have met twice prior to tomorrow in Houston. We kicked off this 9 month program last April, meet again in August and will "graduate" this Friday. I must say I have learned so much about myself and my style of leadership. I have taken two on line courses, read 4 books, done 7 or 8 different evaluations on myself and evaluted another YMCA. I have also met 29 other wonderful YMCA professionals. I am looking forward to completing this and spending some time in the Texas heat! It's always so hard before I leave to leave my family, but when I get to my desination I'm fine. The last two trips to Houston flew by when I got their because we are in training session all day. So wish me luck and I'll post when I get back on Saturday.

Turkey Time

2008-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Turkey Trot is officially over and I am sOOOOOOOO relived! Anytime you put together a special event there is alot of work required and you prey it all goes as planned! It was a success with over 1,700 runners and a new chip timing system eveything went great! The true test will be Monday when I review the income vs. expenses I thinking a solid $30,000 net for the YMCA!!!! I got to the Y Thursday morning around 5:30 am and Eric and I left around 11:45 am. All the runners were gone and the Y was closed the rest of the day! Oh, I haven't mentioned that my wonderful husband ran his first 5 mile road race in alittle over 53 min. I was so proud of him, and I was able to see him come across the finish line. I must say he was so cute in his "basketball shorts" and Augie head band! I was really proud of him this is something he has wanted to do since I became the chair of the race three years ago!

After we got home, I started cooking,it was just Eric, his mom, and the kids and I for a HUGE MEAL. We ate around 5:30 pm. I tried really hard this year to cook healthier. So, I made stuffing with "100% whole wheat lite bread," fresh green beans, roasted veggies, anda crustless pumpkin pie." We did have some traditional things as well Eric's mom's mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, etc. etc. After dinner Eric took his mom home and I hit the couch at 8:30 pm. I didn't move until Eric hollared at me from the bedroom at 3:45 am wanting to know if I was going shopping?

So, I hit the floor running for the second day in a row. I went shopping by myself this year and I must say I was OK with that. My first stop was Kohl's for two items. No problem, I got right in the store found what I wanted AND waited in the check out line for 52 min. exactly! UGGG! After leaving Kohl's and realizing Target opened at 6 am, I went to stand outside in the very very long line for 15 min. until the store opened! Once I got into Target I full out sprinted to the "BIG WHEEL" I wasnted to get Jude that was marked down $10, and the Camp Rock DVD for Anna that was also marked down. Thank goodness I didn't have to wait in any check out lines! Next stop was KMART, I guess nobody was there, I didn't have to wait anywhere and found the AA Baby Alive for Anna. I then came home for some left over Turkey and headed back out to Staples. Over-all it was a great morning. Eric (Clark Griswold) has officially put up our outside Christmas lights, he did a great JOB! Cruise by some evening to see for yourself. He is like alittle kid in a candy store about Christmas. Next weekend were off to get the tree, I'll keep you posted!

Turkey Trot

2008-11-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm sorry about the downer post Monday and I appreciate the call from my dear friend Annie in German and the bible verse from my sister. Everythings fine and I'm so greatful to those friends and family that I have as support!

Now for what's going on for the next few days, if you don't know the Y has a BIG race the "TURKEY TROT" on Thanksgiving morning we average between 1,500 and 1,700 runners. This afternoon at 3:15 pm we were at 1,100 runners this is GREAT considering we should have about 500 in the next two days?!!?!? Also the weather is always a big factor and it's supposed to be in the mid 40s. I'm acutally really excited for the race this year, I have a great committee of volunteer's!!!

As for the Rowell Turkey Dinner it's not happening until Thursday night around 7 pm. Eric insisted we have a bird and I didn't care either way. So, he went grocery shopping today with my list and came home with both a Turkey and a Ham. The local Hy-Vee Grocery store had a special that if you bought a ham you got a freee Turkey. So, he did great! Eric and the kids are watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving as we speak! I want to wish everyone a very special Thanksgiving enjoy the fellowship!

Stress???

2008-11-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

OK, all weekend I have been "stressed" thinking about an issue at work. It is driving me crazy, I didn't fall asleep last night until 2 am? I shared the issue with Eric this morning and he didn't think anything of it, or at least he didn't act interested. So, to try and get my mind off of things I recommeded Eric and I go Christmas shopping again this afternoon. We did and while sitting at Garfields over a tall cold glass of Water, I asked Eric why I care so much? And he replied that I wouldn't be me if I didn't, I responded by saying that wouldn't it just be easier if I "didn't care so much" He resonded sure but that wouldn't be you again? So, aswith everyone's life I believe that God only gives us as much as we can handle. And therefore he feels I can handle this. Like other challenges I have been faced with, I get stressed out during the process. Why is life so hard sometimes, I MUST continue to put things into perspective and know this to will pass allowing God to mold be into better person.

Jude's first Fade

2008-11-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

YAHOO, Eric is back from Philly and I am one happy mama.

After the kids and I picked him up at the airport this evening, I dropped the three of them off at home and had to go back into work for a few more hours tonight. Upon my return home, Eric decided that Jude needed a haircut. SO, here it is, Jude's official first fade. It looks really sharp, it's kinda hard to see in the picture because of the lightening. He looks handsome, Eric said he looks like Kid from Kid-n-Play if anyone remembers them from the 90s? Anywho he needed a haircut really bad!

As for Anna she announced that her teacher, Mrs. Bekel was "Loud BUT NOT Proud" today at school. Apparently the 1st graders were alittle chatty today and all the kids in her class (but 4) had to turn their cards. She kept explaining to me that "EVERYONE" had to turn their cards but 4 kids. All I could say was that I really don't care about everyone elses behavior and that if Anna Rowell wanted to go to Jenna's birthday party Saturday afternoon she needed to zip her lips and listen to the teacher!

It's so great being a parent, I just prey that they someday will appreciate why Eric and I do the things we do and why. I know it took me years before I really appreciated my parents.

Quiet Weekend

2008-11-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

Another weekend has come and gone? The Rowell's had a pretty uneventful weekend. Friday night started off with Eric and I getting a babysitter so we could go Christmas shopping. We had a nice night out and realized that it is much easier shopping this early vs. waiting to the couple days before? DUH!!!
Saturday we headed back out to Eldridge to "Pump it Up" for another birthday party. It was actually really great, since the temperatures have dropped lately the kids haven't been able to play outside so they got to burn up some energy indoors. As for yesterday, after church we dropped Eric off at the airport, he's in Philidalpia (SP?) until Thursday. So, if anyones up for a stiff drink on Thursday, I will need it! (Just kidding) Last night we had our Staff Kick-off for our yearly fund raising event. It was kinda fun, the staff that were in attendance didn't complain to awfully much and seemed to enjoy themselves!

As for the two little ones... Jude announced last night that he Loved God? Just out of the blue, gotta love it? And Anna is really aiming to please. Since Eric is out of town I told her that I was going to need her help this week. And so far she's on top of it; sitting the dinner table and loading the dishwasher. She's such a great kid!

Sleep Over at Nana's minus Jude

2008-11-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Anna was off school today for Veterans Day and Nana (Eric's mom) had today off. So... Anna spent the night with her last night. However this entry is not about Anna and the great time she had Nana's house but it's about the little brother that was left at home in saddness.

As Anna was packing her things last night, Jude Man went and got 4 shirts and his coat and announced he was ready to go. I had to inform him that he would not be going on this trip. He immediately started sobbing, not little cries but howling and big ole' tears falling from those big brown puppy dog eyes. As Eric and Anna left out the front door the howling continued! I sat and rocked him, and tried comforting him he wasn't having it. ALL he kept saying was I want to go to Nana's with Anna. I explained to him that he would get his turn in a few weeks. (3 year olds' have no concept of time.) So, I got the Halloween candy bowl off the fridge and let him have 3 pieces (shame on me, I'm a bad Mom, but you've all done it) We then went into the bed room and I let him lie with me until Eric got home. Well, when Eric walked in Jude wanted to know where Anna was and the drama began again. Finally, sleep came and at 6:30 am I awoke to find Jude standing at my bedside asking me where Anna was? Guess what, that's right at 6:31 am Jude starts crying again, wanting his sister and wanting to go to Nana's house. So, I offered a McDonald's BIG breakfast, and it worked! We got to the Y, had our day then when I picked him up at 5 pm the first thing out of his mouth was do I get to go to Nana's now. Man, you gotta love his Kid's persistance! So, indeed Jude got to go to Nana's for dinner, but as we were walking into her house Jude said, "I got it Mama, I'll see you tomorrow." Uggg, once again I had to break the news to Jude that we were only having dinner then heading home.

Love the little man, and prey that the excitment of going to Nana's will wear off? But I really doubt it!

Special Times

2008-11-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know that my mother-in-law had been living with us for the past 8 motnhs. AND... last weekend we moved her to her own place a couple miles away. Sunday night was her second night in her new apartment and I noticed Anna needing some extra love, she seemed a little sad. So, at bed time I had her come into the dark living room and get up on my lap with her blanket so we could talk. We were visiting about how Nana had moved out when I asked her if she was sad that Nana had left our house and she said that she was, I then asked her why and she said, "becasue now I don't have anyone to play with." Oh, that made me so sad, I said, "well I can play with you," and Anna replied, "No, Mama your always to busy doing things around the house." Ummmph, Wow, that didn't feel to good. So, we went on into further disussion and I shared with Anna that I would "PLAY" with her 10 min. every night. She is so innocently sweet! She seemed happy with our outcome, and I explained that she gets to go to Nana's and spend the night know since she lives so close. Anna thought that sounded great! But here is the real kicker...
Monday morning as we were driving to school, Anna looked up at me and said, "Mama I really loved you holding me and talkin to me last night." My heart just melted! As my children get alittle bit older I find myself struggling with how I balance my life. As a working wife and mother it is so challenging. I realize that Anna is 6 years old already and Jude 3 it is simply amazing how quickly time passes and that I must cautiously enjoy every minute / day / month and year I have with them. I love being a mom to this two wonderful kids. Threw the tears and laughter it is the best job in the world!

VOTE!

2008-11-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day, and up until this blog I have not written about the election. However, after church yesterday I feel it is my responsibility to write only a few thoughts. During the closing prayer, our pastor said it so eloquently that it is our responsibility to vote, and that we must prey for whom ever is elected and remember that the individual elected is a human like you and I. He reminded us that their is only one King of Kings / Lord of Lords and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus already knows whom the next President of the United States of America will be and we to will know in less than 24 hours. So until then, PLEASE PLEASE GO VOTE tomorrow if you haven't aready.

If you still don't know who you are going to vote for I challenge you to not listen to the commercials and the negativism but to look specically at the issues. Last weeks TIME magazine did a great job on laying out the issues and how each candidate stands.

If this hasn't crossed your mind, here is some food for thought and regardless of the outcome History is going to be made:
1. If Obama is elected - He will be THE first ever African-American elected.
2. If McCain / Palin is elected - He will be THE oldest man every eleceted, and She will be the firt ever woman elected.

As a woman married to a Black man in America and the mother of Bi-racial children I can tell you the entire campaign has been an emotional experience for our family. I am so very proud to be an American, I just prey that THE BEST candidate is elected tomorrow.

GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T08:40:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful night. Our friends the Samulsons and the Jones came over for a fun filled night of Trick or Treating. Everyone headed out into the neighborhood around 5:30 pm while I stayed at home to hand out candy. After 65 I ran out and shut the light off. Which was one hour short of the allotted time. Everyone arrived back at our house to have pizza and pop, and to watch The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown on the BIG screen. The kids had a great night and the CANDY's on the top of the fridge!!!!!!

Jude's Expression says it all "SCOOBY DOOBY DOO!"

Anna as the "Good Witch, GLENDA!" She's such a sweet heart!

The Eve of Halloween!

2008-10-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Before Eric and I even had kids we continued the tradition I had growing up of carving pumpkins. So at the Rowell house tonight we CARVED pumpkins, Enjoy these pictures!

The Candy has Begun.

2008-10-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Obviously the title of this entry is appropriate considering the Trick or Treats have begun. We attended our second event tonight, here is a low down of the Rowell Family Festivities:

1. Costume Party last Saturday afternoon in MOMO with my sister.
2. Trick or Treating at Augustana College at the Girls Dorm: Tonight.
3. Friday - both kids have school parties.
4. Neighborhood Trick or Treat night.

I have PREPPED both Anna and Jude this year with a lecture I gave a couple weeks ago while dicussing junk food (foods that aren't' healthy.) Basically I told them that we can eat alittle junk food as long as we keep it in moderation. So, every chance Jude gets he asks me, "Mom if I eat this is it in moderation." Truthfully, I think the kid is clueless on what moderation means but at least he has a new vocabulary word.

I have also signed up to take treats to both kids schools on Friday, this is what I'm taking.
1. Jude - Apples we picked from the orchard with Fat Free Caramel Dip
2. Anna - "Chocolate Ghosts" - I found this recipe on Kraft.com it's with Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding, Fat Free Kool Whip, and 2 mini chocolate chips. A Healthy Choice I believe!

As for the trick or treaters I'm going to have to stand my ground with Eric as I'm positive he is going to want me to purchase candy. But I'm thinking the "little tubs of play dough!"

And as for all the candy the kids recieve it will go into a bowl on top of the fridge. They each can have one piece a day until all the "favorites" are gone and then after three months the left overs will go in the garbage.

I challenge you this year if you are a parent, be creative, give something other than empty calories. The 100 calorie packs are great, pencils, and or the play dough is sure to be a hit!

Happy Halloween, Picture to follow if I can just find my darn camera!

Wonderful Weekend.

2008-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed I haven't posted any pictures lately, well thats because I've misplaced my camera?? Imagine that, I'm sure it will come up over the next few days but until then sorry folks not photos!

Just a quick update on the weekend, the kids and I headed off Friday afternoon to MOMO (Missouri) to my sister's. Our oldest niece Camrie got Baptized yesterday. We had a great weekend! Saturday my sister her three girls, Anna, Jude, our Mom and I went to a "country church for God's Harvest Lunch and Fund Raiser, then Satuday night Anna, Libby, Camrie went to the 9:20PM showing of High School Musical. The girls loved it, I thought it was pretty good and Libby slept off and on the entire movie! I guess a working mom of three little girls has to get her rest when ever she can! And then Sunday my niece was Baptized, it was so wonderful to see her at 10years old accept Jesus Christ into her life for ever! As my sister reminded me a couple times this weekend that it doesn't really matter how old you are but how you come to accept Jesus. Libby said that Camrie knows more about the Bible and her walk to Jesus that she does and she wouldn't be surprised if Camrie grows up to be a pastor. I'm so proud of her!

On a side note we spent alot of time with the Bealmer's (Remintyn) this weekend. She's great! I really enjoyed visiting with her mom Tyenna, she's one amazing MAMA!
And one of the MOST Christ-like people I have ever met!

You may be wondering where Eric was, he went east to Chicago for a 20- year Class Reunion planning get together. Did I say 20-years, yes that's right next spring Eric and I both have been out of HS 20 years. Uggg, I feel like that was forever ago!

Pay it Forward

2008-10-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Anyone seen the movie Pay it Forward? Ever since I saw that movie a number of years ago, I'm always thinking about doing small little acts of kindness to others and I have found one that I continually do everyother weekend when I hit ALDI for groceries. I am an Aldi shopper and darn proud of it, it's a great grocery store, where prices are low and services is great! However, If you shop there you know that you better have your quater with you for the cart. I must say this ticked me off for the longest time, but think about it someone was really thinking, no carts in the parking lot to back into, the company doesn't have to pay an employee to go get the carts and return them to the building etc. etc. So, you might be asking what this has to do with paying it forward. WELL, when I get to ALDI's I get my cart with .25 do my shopping, check out, bag my things, load them in the van, AND... I give my cart to another shopper coming in the store and as they stat to hand me their quater I say oh just keep your money but PLEASE pass this cart onto the next shopper!

SO, I challenge you if you read my blog to PAY IT FORWARD, or do alittle act of kindness for someone. You will feel good about what you did and I guarantee you'll make somebodies day!

Friends

2008-10-19T14:42:00.001-07:00

Over this past week we have spent some quality time with Anna's best friend, Viktoria. Anna and Viktoria became friends when they were 3 years old and in the same class at the Y day care. They spend two years together their before heading off to seperate Elementary Schools. However, they have stayed in contact with each other because both girls have little brothers that are currently 3 and in the same class at the Y. OVer the past two years Anna and Viktoria have attended each other's b-day parties, gone to the movies together and earlier this summer started having sleep overs. Well, this little story of friendship is coming to an end, as Viktoria Manidottier and her family are leaving to move back home to Iceland tomorrow. Viktoria's, father has just finished his studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic therefore their entire family will be leaving the QC and the USA. I believe Anna to be alittle sad that her friend is leaving but both Eric and I have continued to tell Anna that as she and Viktoria get older if they stay in touch as "penpals" we will go visit her one day. We have enjoyed learning about Iceland and getting to know their family we wish Magni, Hilder, Viktoria, Lukas, and baby Youger all the best in their lives back home in Iceland! I'll post some pictures of the girls later this evening.

Judisms

2008-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to record some of the funny things that come out of Jude's mouth, so here are a few of the most recent. And keep in mind it's not just what he says it's how he says the word that are quiet cute...

1. PLLLLLLUMMMMM - Plum
2. Puffer Fish - His new nickname for my niece, after she had a severe allergic reaction to weeds.
3. No Momma your "MY HONEY". We have a little game where I call him my honey and he calls me his honey.
4. "I can only eat Junk Food in MODERATION." At last nights dinner Jude asked about good food vs. junk food, and I explained to him that he can have a little junk food as long as it's in moderation. He then asked what moderation means and I said "a little bit"

This one didn't come out of his mouth but went into his mouth, while eating katchup with his French Fries he didn't think Eric and I were watching him and he takes his straw and puts it in the katchup and sucks it through the straw. Eric and I both are laughing histarically without him knowing. Then Jude looks up at me and says "MMMM Momma I love Katchup!"

He has turned into a a little comedian at times, and it is so fun to watch him learn and grow. I love being Jude's mom he is such a sweet innocent little boy and if he could stay this age for the rest of his life I would love it.

Apple Picking

2008-10-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

This morning before church, I was talking to my sister on the phone and she said that she had picked apples off the tree in her back yard earlier in the morning. She was in the process of making apple butter and apple sauce. We continued to visit,sharing the best ideas on how to make apple sauce. We shortly ended the conversation by me saying that if I only lived closer I would be "working" apples in my kitchen too. So, guess what I decided to do with the kids after church... that's right we headed off to Stones Apple Orchard and...
FOR ONLY $37.00 we now have 17 lbs. of apples sitting in my kitchen not yet "worked." I'm going to make applesauce and Eric an Apple Pie sometime in the next few days. It was a great day, the kids enjoyed eating a few different kinds of apples, seeing the goats and rabbits, and snacking on some good ole' fashioned kettle corn. It was well worth the trip and we got to enjoy some really great warm fall weather. Libby (my sister) always talks about how this is her absolute favorite time of year and I must say I could see why after today! You might be wondering where in the heck Eric was. This was Augie's Homecoming Weekend and he worked all weekend, he missed out but is very excited for the home-ade apple pie!

Barbies

2008-10-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

Can anyone please explain to me WHY is it that 6 year old girls are always having the Ken kissing Barbie? I have always noticed that when Anna play with her Barbies they are always kissing? Since Anna is our only daughter I haven't thought much about it, until today, Anna's friend Viktoria is over for a sleep over and I notice her playing with the Barbie's and GUESS WHAT??? You got it she too has Barbie and Ken "making out" what is going on here?
I wish I could say that Eric and I kiss / make-out in front of our kids daily, but that seriously isn't the case! So, where are our little girls learning this? T.V. maybe, movies maybe? If anyone one know more about kissing barbies and 6 year old little girls I would love to know.

Report on the Cancun Trip

2008-10-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have safely reurned from my four day / three night FREE all-inclusive trip to Cancun and I must say it was a very relaxing trip for me. My only "goal" for this trip was to catch a few rays of sun, RELAX, read a good book, RELAX, see a few sights, and did I mention RELAX! I did all of the above, and must say Cancun is extremely Commercialized. If you haven't been there sure I would recommend the all inclusive resort with unlimited food and drink, on the beach with 5 swimming pools over looking the Sea if your looking for a little fun in the sun! I must say I'm not sure if I feel the need to ever return to Cancun, there are other islands in the Carribean I would like to experience and I would love to share them with my husband! The trip was very nice and I needed a break from my everyday life to get me refocused. Like I mentioned in my last blog if it weren't for my good friend Kellie I wouldn't have been on the trip. Kellie only had one request of me and that was I go snorkling with her so on Thursday we headed off to a "private beach" along with 6 others we snorkled for 1 1/2 hours the fish were great but some of the coral had been distroyed. We had a nice Mexican lunch at the snorkling companies resort along with a couple "glasses" of Mexican Beer. Friday we took a boat ride for about 30 min. to another island called Isla Muehreles for some bargin shopping. Then back to the hotel for alittle R & R. Like I mentioned the food was GREAT, and the Mango Daquiri's were even better. I was ready to come home and see my family. Eric did a great job holding the fort down while I was gone. Here are a few pictures Enjoy!

Dress- Up

2008-09-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Just a couple pictures of Jude with his favorite new mask and Anna in her "home-ade" decorated old t-shirt of Eric's. I think she was going for the Asian look.

It's budget time at the Y, so if you are reading this and you come or work at the Y you know today my door was shut from 8:30 am - 5:45 pm. I only left my office for 3 bathroom breaks and a quick lunch stop in the Y kitchen! I can proudly say I'm 3/4 of the way done, I'm planning another day tomorrow like today! AND THEN I'M GOING ON A VACATION! I haven't blogged about this on purpose, I'm not one to get my hopes up to high, so I won't be let down if things don't work out. Well folks, the FREE TRIP TO CANCUN is gonna work out, I leave Wednesday at 5:00 am with 30 others from the local Chamber of Commerce (Davenport One) for four days and three nights all inclusive FUN! I need to be honest for a min. this trip is all thanks to my good friend and collegue Kellie Esters! Kellie actually won the trip for two to Cancun and decided to take me along. I am so GREATFUL, and a little nervous. I've got a good book a few hundred dollars and 3 swimsuits! So, I'm going to be MIA from blogland for a few days until then say a little prayer for my safe return!

Popcorn & a Movie

2008-09-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Finally, the Mediacom guy came yesterday to "fix" our internet. AND... not two min. after he left the darn thing wasn't working again! I wasn't a happy camper, I had to bust out my "tude" on the service agent on the phone. AND thank goodness a different tech came today and we are back in service!!!!!

One Friday a month has become movie & popcorn night at the Rowell household! Eric rents the projector from Augie, we get a "good" movie, pop some corn, grab the sleeping bags and have our very own movie theater in our living room. Friday nights showing was Speed Racer. I lost interested after about 15 min. and retired to the bedroom to watch the DEBATE, and Jude shortly followed once the "scary fish" made their debut. Anna and Eric seemed to enjoy the movie?

Saturday we had soccer and Eric seems to think Anna is on the best team ever for 1st graders. It has become Eric and I's motivation for getting her there, because if it was up to Anna she could care less and continually asks to sit out when the coach asks who wants to sit this one out? I can't say the same for Jude man's three year old team. The "rules" say 5 on 5 but we're lucky if we have 3 on the field at any given time. Between hugs, water breaks, and just plain no interest the 3 year old division is rather painful!

Last night Jude attended a little girl in his preschool classes 4th birthday at Skate City. Yes, I said Skate City, has anyone ever been roller skating with 6 4 year olds? The only advice I will give is, parents don't spend the money on your own skates, it's much easier to be on solid ground when your picking your child up off the ground! Anyway... Jude had an absolute ball, and has announced that he wants to have his B-day party at skate city. Since his b-day isn't until April, I'm hoping he will forgt between now and then.

Today, was such a great day around the house after church. Eric spend over 4 hours in the back yard with our acorns! I cleaned house, and made "Chicago" style hotdogs, home-ade potatoe salad, and baked a yellow cake w/ choc. frosting. Our good friends the Jone's moved this weekend about 3 blocks from our house. Eric helped them yesterday and tonight we took the cake over to help them celebrate their new house. It is so lovely and so much bigger then their old place.

Here is one last picture of my little princess Anna, her Nana Pat bought her this eye cover a few weeks back and she wears it every night, I couldn't resist this picture!

No Internet.

2008-09-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

So, our internet is down at home...and the service tech. is coming sometime today before 5pm? I've got to make this quick,
1. GARY (my dad) is doing fatastic!
2. Eric's in Chicago - he left yesterday and comes home tomorrow.
3. We had a busy weekend: Soccer, Kiwanis Peanut Sales, Denkmann Elemnetary Hoedown,
YMCA America On the Move and Open House, Denkman Elementary Trivia Night etc. etc.
I've got a good Jude story, but I'll save it for another day regarding FRUIT!

Good Ole' Gary!

2008-09-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if all dad's are the same, but mine is extremely sarcastic and stubborn!
So, Monday night at 10 pm I get a call from my Aunt (my dad's sister) she informs me that my dad (Gary) was getting ready to be trasnported to Des Moines by ambulance. Aunt Tonya explains to me that around 6 pm when my dad's wife Linda arrived home from work Dad asked her why he was standing at the kitchen sink peeling potatoes? Linda then asks dad what he had done all day, and he was clueless! Seriously folks, he couldn't remember anything that he had done basically all day. AND GET THIS...
-he drove to town and back visiting his mom and my aunt at their houses.
-he spent 4 hours taking out a fence on the side of his property.
-and he cruised around on his four wheeler.
So, Linda took him to the ER, there they ran a CT and everything seemed clear. However they took him through a number of other tests. One being they asked him who the President of the USA was and he had no clue? So, at 10 pm they decided to move him onto Des Moines. You have to understand that the Bloomfield hospital doesn't have alot of high tech. equipment. At this point I was trying to get in touch with Libby (my sister) who doesn't have a home phone, and had her cell turned on vibrate in her purse. See where this is going?
Anyway... 20 min. later her mother in law was standing at her beside telling her to call me that something was going on with our dad!
So, after finally getting hold of her, I inform her of what's going on and she is unbelievable calm about the whole situation. We then decide that we both would head to Des Moines Tuesday.
We both headed out around 7 am arrived in Des Moines and basically sat around all day. We did get to spend some quality time with our dad while waiting around. Before the doctor came in around 12:30 pm there were a gazillion things going through our head about what happend to dad. Stroke, Anyrsium ??? you name it. Both Libby and I when visiting with dad didn't see any signs or symptoms of anything unusual? In fact I thought he was completely fine since he was razzing me about the upcoming election. The two of us are clearly voting for two different people and therefore my dad needs to continually be a smart ass about why my candidate is not the right one. Anyway... 12:30 rolls around the doctor appears, asks dad a ton of questions and announces that he believes this to be TRANSITIONAL GLOBAL AMNESIA that is if the MRI comes back clear. So he explained this to us, that this is something that he sees maybe twice a year. The reoccurance is a mre 10% and their are no after effects. Causes could be stress, overexhurstion, and maybe deyhdration. (Pulling out fence and not drinking enough water, ya think dad!) It can last between 5 and 12 hours where the individual completely looses their memory. AMAZING, I have never heard of such a thing? We basically told dad that its a case of CRS (Can't Remember Shit) and he had to laugh! So around 5 pm yesterday afternoon he was released from the hospital and we were all on our way home.

You might be wondering why I'm blogging about this, but I wanted to inform you that if you or a family member have any memroy issues to take note and go to Mayo clinics web site. They have great information.

All is well. I talked to my dad today and he was 110% back to his normal self!

Rain, Rain, Go Away Come back another Day!

2008-09-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Let's just say the title of this blog says it all!
It started raining Friday afternoon and finally stopped this afternoon.
We tried to make this weekend as eventful as possible considering the monsoon season has hit? Wait, the monsoons only happen in India, not the Quad Cities.

Yesterday, soccer got cancelled, so I took the kids to the Bettendorf Family Y swimming. Eric had to give parent tours at Augie for Family Weekend. Eric and Jude went to the Augie football game. (It stopped raining long enough for the game to get played) Vikings WIN 30 - 0 !!!

Today, we went to church, and cleaned up the house. My mom and her husband Maury came to spend the night. They brought their family, Murphy and Matti. Jude and Anna love the dogs. So after making chicken fajita's on the grill, Eric, the kids and I took the dogs on a walk around the neighborhood. This morning before my mom got here I made a home-ade peach cobbler. So after the walk we all enjoyed fresh peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream! YUMMY! The recipe was delicious!

Explaining 9/11 to a 6 year old

2008-09-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Throughout MY day today I thought about 9/11 but it wasn't until this evening that I really re-visited that day. Anna and I were sitting on the couch and she asked me if I new about that "Bad thing that happened a long time ago, on this day?" She said, "You know Mom." I said yes I know but what do you know Anna. I needed to hear her story before I gave her to many details. She went on to say, that Mrs. Bekel (her first grade teacher) shared with her class that today is a very sad day for some people, and that a long time ago some bad people hurt alot of other people and they died. I confirmed what she shared with me and went on to explain a little more in detail. I told Anna, that 7 years ago today, some very bad men that don't believe in our God got on an airplane and took that airplane into two very tall towers and the towers fell to the ground hurting alot of people, and a lot of people died. Anna became very concerned, I went on to tell her that these were very bad people that didn't believe in our God, and that if they did they wouldn't have done this. She wanted to know where she was when this happened, I told her that I was pregnant with her. She understood but wanted to know how old I was, I told her it was seven years ago, so she did the math and asked if I was 31 and I told her I was. She then asked me that if those men would have believed in Jesus how would he not allow them to do something so bad. I told her that with the love of Jesus in your heart you do good things, that he is good and those men didn't know Jesus in their hearts. I also told her that we need to prey for people that don't know Jesus. She was content with our conversation, and after she went to sleep tonight I reflected on our conversation. I realized that as a parent I want to protect my children from so much, but I also want to be honest with them. Hiding things and keeping them in a bubble does not allow them to grow and learn. Anna is such a smart little girl, she continues to amaze me and I just love every little thing about her! In closing I want to ask that if you are reading this to take a minute to remember those indiviudals that lost their lives seven years ago.

Lotion!

2008-09-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I assume many of you that read this blog are parents? And therefore you want to teach your children responsibility. So, even at the young age of 3 we have been teaching Jude to dress himself, put his own shoes on, and brush his teeth. Well, a few nights ago we recommended to Jude that he apply his own lotion after getting out of the tub. Let's just say Jude mastered doing it on his own, the only problem is neither Eric nor I were watching him and he "bathed himself in the lotion!" I couldn't help but take a picture of him, he was so cute and innocent. He got a towel when I explaind to him that he didn't need quiet that much and wiped some of the lotion off. He is so sweet, ya just gotta love him to pieces!

Bears 29-13

2008-09-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

It's Football Season, and I have a very excited husband!
After speaking with my sister she has one very excited husband also, it's almost deer season! WOW, I would have never guessed we would have married such opposite types of men! Here's Eric on his way to Bennigan's to meet a friend for the first official Bears game tonight!

THE SKY IS FALLING...

2008-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

YUP, Jude announced this morning that the sky is falling. In other words the acorns are falling per Chicken Little! Anyway... if you haven't seen the movie, you should.

This morning Eric and I worked in the backyard, moving hasta's, raking a ma-zillion acorns, and laying new mulch. We completely ignorded Anna & Jude, well not completely we put them in front of the TV for a "few" hours. Until, Anna came outside around 11 am and said mama I'm hungry, can I make breakfast. I said sure, so Anna went into the kitchen and poured Eric a bowl of Rice Krispies w/ milk and brought it outside to him. Then she went back in the kitchen, got the toaster out and put the bread in the "plugged in" toaster (I don't usually allow my children to plug things into electrical outlets, but some how the 6 yr. old is smart enough to figure it out.) All the while Eric and I are still working outside, Eric announces something smells burnt, I drop everything and go running into the house, and sure enough our sweet little chef Anna had burnt the toast! So, we tossed the two burnt pieces and I helped her with a couple fresh slices of bread. She was trying so hard to make Eric and I breakfast since she saw how hard we were working outside. SO CUTE and thoughtful!

Then Jude came outside to announce that he and Eric needed to go to the gas station (since they do every Sunday)to pick up a newspaper! When he was waiting for Eric sure enough an acorn fell and hit him on the forehead! He started to cry, and I told him he was like chicken little and needed to be brave but that the sky was not falling. He just laughed through the tears!

On a side note...
-I've been taking an on-line class so I've been kinda out of blog-land, SORRY.
-Augie won their home opener football game last night!
-Anna woke up yesterday and announced she really didn't want to play soccer anymore (huh this is only the second game of the season) let's just say she went and played 2 quarters!
-Jude had his first soccer game yesterday and everytime he would kick the ball he ran over to me to make sure I saw him and collected a high five!
-Friday night Eric and I hit the "cheap movies - NOVA 6" to see Hancock with Will Smith, I recommend it as a rental!
-Today while grocery shopping at Wal-MArt (GAG!) I bought Christmas presents, it was actually a good thing, a bunch of toys were marked down!
-The BEARS are winning!

Here's to a GREAT WEEK!

Remingtyn Update

2008-09-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a picture of Remingtyn. Amazing how far she's come in just four weeks. My niece and sister were so excited this past weekend since Remi got to come home for a few days. Libby and Camrie assisted in making a float for the Labor Day parade! WHAT A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION! Even though Remi went back to Kansas City for 8-10 more weeks of therapy she is expected a full recovery. GOD IS SO VERY GOOD. Thanks to any and everyone who have preyed for her. All things are possible through him! For more pictures check out my sisters blog under my favorites; The Wood Gang.

When daddy's gone?

2008-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

OK, so what's the deal with my kids when daddy's gone? Last night Eric headed back to Chicago for an Augie Alumni Event at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs. (Even though he's a die hard Sox fan?) As Eric would say in this situation, he had to take one for the team (team being Augie and go to a Cubs game) Anyway... Last night JUDE had a knock down drag out; screaming, kicking, crying FIT! He basically wanted to watch a movie and not take a bath? Where do kids get off thinking they can control us the parents? Well, it didn't work last night and I wasn't having it. SO... naked butt Jude sat on his bed, in the dark, with his door shut! WOW, I was firm for a whole 2 min. OK, yup it breaks my heart when he gets that mad, but I stood my ground for 2 minutes. Then I went into his room and asked him to come to me and I just sat and held him until he quit crying. Gosh, I love this kid. Even when I'm furiously mad at him I have to smile and remind myself what a super fantastic kid he is. I love him to death! He then on his own, told me "Sorry MAMA!" GREAT, I thought since daddy's gone, both kids are sleeping with me.

It's kinda a joke when Eric's gone. Eric will call and always ask if the kids are in bed with me when he's out of town. If I say yes he kindly reminds me that I won't get much sleep since their feet will be in my back most of the night. And as right as Eric is I love having the kids in bed with me when he's gone.

Ya just gotta love your kids. They are the most amazing little people in the entire world. Here's to Jude reminding me tonight, to "WAKE ME UP IN THE MORNING MOM" even though he wakes up every morning before I do.

Family Fun Weekend.

2008-09-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back from Chicago, and what a great weekend! Traveling by: Mini-Van, Train, and City Bus we saw the sites and played hard while on our overnight trip. The first stop was the Children't Museum at Navy Pier. Anna and Jude loved it! We spend over 2 hours at the museum. Here is a picture of Anna's xylaphone (SP?) that she "created" on her own and a sculpture she made, a picture of Jude being a dog,and digging up bones. Do you see a pattern here Boy vs. Girl? Anyway enjoy the pictures.

Weekend Plans

2008-08-28T17:58:00.001-07:00

As the weekend quickly approaches I'm very excited for the long weekend! Our friends The Jones, and The Samulson's are heading out to Chicago for the weekend. We're all caravaning out Saturday morning then hitting the Field Museum before checking into the hotel. Eric found on HotWire the Hilton at O'Hare for $65.00/night (great deal) After checking into the hotel we're heading to Navy Pier for dinner, Children's Musuem, Entertainment, and alittle shopping! Sunday it will be a late breakfast and time for a dip in the pool, then off to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Even though Eric's entire family lives in Chicago we try to go out once a summer and stay in a hotel to do some of the "touristy" things. The kids really love it and think its a BIG deal to stay in a hotel. AND... I am so excited to be going with our friends. Both couples have kids the same age as we so they should have a great time!

I'm sure I'll have pictures to post when we return. We're heading home Sunday since Eric has made it a tradition to Volunteer for the Rock Island Labor Day parade and I think the kids and I will walk with Anna's school in the parade this year. Should be a great weekend, I hope anyone reading this enjoys family and friends and an extra day off!

Prayer Request

2008-08-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

A friend of Eric's Parnell Robinson passed away last night. They've played noon basketball at Augie together since we moved here 6 years ago. Parnell was only 44 years old and was a police officer for the Rock Island Police department. We just saw Parnell and his wife Jodi a few weeks ago at the Farmers Market. Parnell mentioned to Eric that he was going to have surgery in the upcoming weeks. Apparently he was scheduled to have a pace maker put in but died of a heart attack last night. Eric is extremely sad about the loss of his friend. Please prey for Jodi and the entire Robinson family.

Kitchen

2008-08-25T16:06:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of the kitchen, like I said last night it is not "completely" done. There are a few things I need to do to make it look completed. It is alittle bright for me but I love it!

Farm Life

2008-08-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was a youngster every summer, "working corn." I'm not sure if I did much back then other than steal a few bites of the sweet delicious peaches and cream corn that my mom, aunts, and grandma spent hours "working." Well... my friends I "worked the corn" today. Since I don't have a garden I spend many weekends going to the farmers market therefore I decided this weekend to buy three dozen ears of corn. It was great, once I got Eric to go get me two bags of ice for the ice bath. I used the electric knife to cut the kernals off the cob since I couldn't find the "tool" that we used when I was a kid. (I later found this utinsel on the internet for $10) Anyway... It will be great this winter to eat "fresh frozen" corn out of my freezer! Mom and Grandma should be proud! YUMMY!

The kitchen is 99% done, and yes Eric was surprised! I'll post a few pictures later.
As for the rest of the weekend, Anna had her little friend Viktoria from Iceland spend the night last night. They went to preschool together at the y two years ago, and are best friends! Viktoria and her family will be going back to Iceland in October since her dad will be graduating from Palmer. It was so nice to see Anna play so independantly with her friend. Between coloring, playing Polly Pockets and dress up they kept very busy. And little brother didn't get in their way to much. They all camped out in the front living room in sleeping bags and had a big pancake beakfast this morning before church.
Ahh, just seems like yesterday I was spending the night at a friends house.

Illusion & Sooners

2008-08-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Anna had her first fall soccer game today and I have concluded that she's not the most aggresive player on team ILLUSION. She did great and really enjoyed playing goalie! Eric "helped" out since the head coach was gone today. I was really impressed that she new what was going on. We've come along way since 3 year old t-ball picking clovers in the outfield!
Jude had his first ever "Team Sport" practice today with daddy as the coach of Team SOONERS! He was all about it, running up and down the field, kicking, dribbling, and scoring!
Interestingly, I know nothing about soccer, and have never attended any HS / College or Professional soccer games in my 37 years of life. It will be interesting to see if either of our children continue this sport as they grow up? I have always wanted to "expose" our kids to different activites until they are old enough to decide what they really like. It was a really great morning spending time as a family at the soccer field! OH, YES JUDE'S SHORTS ARE ALITTLE BIG!

Two Funnies!

2008-08-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

JUDE FUNNY - Eric and I are parents that don't curse around our children, in fact Eric doesn't curse ever and I have a small potty mouth at times. Anyway... last night when Jude was preparing for bed, as he was walking down the hall I hear him say, "Oh, Crap!" Hummm, I thought to myself, then I asked him, "What did you just say?" and he wouldn't repeat it (good thing) I went on to tell him that wasn't a good choice of words to be using. He just looked up and me and said, "Sorry Mama". He is so cute and since he apoligized so sincerely I dropped it. As I mentioned earlier Eric doesn't curse but has been known to say Ah, Crap on occasion! Go figure where Jude picked it up?!?! I guess it's better than Oh, S_ _ T!

ANNA FUNNY - I sometimes let Anna wear lip gloss to school. So this morning when she was getting ready for school, she brought into the bathroom her "Hanna Montana make-up compact" and asked me to open it. Not thinking anything other than she is going to put on a little lip gloss I went on about my business. Not 3 min. later Anna appears in front of me with BRIGHT BLUE "WET" looking CAKED on EYE SHOWDOW COVERING BOTH of HER EYE LIDS! UGGG, WOW was I wrong about the lip gloss thing. So, I had to explain to Anna that she was not going to school looking like a 1980's
Pre-Madonna. All she could continue to ask me was, "But Why MOM?" With out laughing histarically, I smiled at her and said Anna you are so beautiful without make-up you don't want to hid your face with that ugly blue stuff. She smiled and we wiped it off together. I'm so greatful it was so easy this time, and I prey that when she's in Jr. High the battles will be similiar?

Last night I blogged about the bath thing and tonight its make up and curse words, God only knows what's next.

Kids Bathing Together

2008-08-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Cute kids in the tub, but I think it's time we seperate the bath times. I'm all about what is easy, and bathing the kids at the same time is easier than bathing them seperately. However, Anna announced tonight that she doesn't want to take a bath with her brother anymore. I've got to give it to her, I wouldn't either. Anna's all about relaxing in the bath while Jude on the other hand is about having the boats speed through the water while he empties 1/2 the water onto the floor beside the tub. SO... I have promised Anna that tonight was the last "family" bath she would have to take with her little brother. WOW, where does time go? Before I know it she will be taking a shower by herself!

Productive Weekend!

2008-08-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well the weekend was eventful...

Working in the yard, Peyton's birthday party at "Pump it up," and a wallpaper removal party in my kitchen! So, here are a few pictures of the events. I must say I got an unofficial work out in yesterday when removing the "cutsie strawberry wallpaper" from my kitchen walls. (UGGG, so ugly!) Eric left yesterday for New York and won't be home until Friday so my mother in law and I began the process of redoing my kitchen. Here is a before picture. Oh, how can I forget I also baked this weekend and for those of you that read this blog regualary know I'm not a baker by any means. BUT I SUCCESSFULLY baked two loaves of zucchini - chocolate chip bread, and 2 dozen chocolaty chocolate chip zucchini muffins and I didn't burn anything! SO YUMMY, now I just need to stop eating 4 slices of the bread a day?

Art Work, Spelling Tests, and Team Work

2008-08-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here is Anna, Jude, and the neighbor girl Jenna. Jenna spent the night two weeks ago and Anna created this picture of the three kids. Both Anna and Jude have become good friends with her and realized this week that Jenna will be moving in a week to Bloomington with her mom. Anna cried and showed true saddness that her friend is moving. I shared with Anna that Jenna's Dad and grandparents are still going to live in our town and that she will be back to visit them so she can still come see us!

We survived Anna's 1st ever spelling test! I am proud to say she was 6 for 6, 100%!

"Team Work..." Our yard still looks like the "Beverly Hill Billy's!" We're still working on the clean-up from the storm a few weeks ago! Tonight Jude announced, "Mom I got an idea, We can do team work, you and Anna go to the front of the tree stump, and daddy and I can take the back we can then move the stump." I asked him, "Where are we going to take it?" He said, "We can pick it up and throw it to Papa's house." OK... here is what makes it so cute, the stump weighs approximately 800 plus lbs. and my dad lives about 150 miles away. Let's just say the stump hasn't moved, but bless Jude's little soul for wanting to help out!

7 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME

2008-08-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by Land of Loving to tell 7 things about myself. So here goes...

1.) Growing up in a small town in Iowa I was active in 4-H. I showed a holstien cow named Elvira (after the song by the Oak Ridge boys), a steer named J.R. (after the show Dallas) and three sheep named Barbara, Irlene and Louise (after the show the Mandrell sisters) at the county fair. I won a trophy for Jr. Showmanship with my steer.

2.) The first time I got on an airplane was when I was 20 years old, I flew to Michigan (via Chicago) all by myself for an entire summer to work as a counselor at a YMCA summer camp.

3.) I have a tattoo of a yellow daisy on my hip, I got it when I was 22 in Chicago with two great guy friends Will and Craig!

4.) Eric and I lived in India for 8 months volunteering with the YMCA. It was one of the greatest experieces I have ever had! GOA and Alleppey are two of the most beautiful places in the entire world. And yes, they are in India.

5.) I love to cook however I sometimes burn baked goods!

6.) After attending college for 3 1/2 years I was asked to leave because my grades were less than desired, I moved to YMCA Camp Duncan in January and began working full-time. I later went back to college at 28 and finished my B.A.

7.) I'm a huge Bono fan and believe he is truely making a difference in the world. I have seen him twice, and at the second concert I was 8 months pregnant with Anna!

And, technically, I am supposed to tag 7 other people. So, here goes. If you don't want to do it, feel free to ignore my tag and if you do want to and I didn't tag you then leave me a note in the comments after you post so I can come over and learn 7 things about you!

Leslie @ Farm Raised
Tesi @ Hot Flawed Mama
Marigold @ Sit. Stay. Good Blog.
Ms. F @ The Fullwoods
Libby @ The Wood Gang
Jen @ Land of Loving

I love my kids!

2008-08-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day at work...

So, I've decided to post a couple funny photo's of the kids tonight!

The first an old picture of Jude cheesing it up!
#2 and #3 Anna doing something she truely enjoy's doing, "playing dress up" with friends! If I could only still play dress up I would pretend to be working in a flower or chocolate shop! Doesn't everyone love flowers & chocolate?

More Pictures...

2008-08-10T19:11:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the pictures I didn't get posted on the last post.

Grandma Susan Birthday Weekend

2008-08-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

I returned from Houston Friday night around 11:30 pm safely! My flight was good however, I collected a summer cold while in Houston. Ugg, the temperatures were around 100 degrees outside but indoors they kept the cold air at 65. So freezing inside and sweating outside got me this cold. Oh, well I guess I'll make it, I'm kinda a baby when it comes to gettin sick. Eric got to go see the Smashing Pumpkins Friday night before he picked me up at the airport, he said it was a great concert. And only my lovable husband would go to this concert alone?!?!

Saturday morning we got around and headed to my mom's to celebrate her 48th birthday. My sister, her husband and their three girls also came. It was good to spend time together. Mom out did herself with the great meals she prepared, we even had home-ade peach ice-cream.

Then today we went out on their boat for a nice easy ride on the Mississippi. Enjoy the pictures.

Some of you may be wondering about Remingtyn. She continues to show great progress! They left the hospital today for Kansas City to the Rehabilitation Center. Not sure how long she will be there but she is talking, eating, and walking on on her own. Please continue to prey for her her entire family are so humbled by this entire experience. God is Good!

1st Grade

2008-08-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here she is Anna all ready for her first "official" full day of first grade! She was so excited when I picked her up at 3 pm. FYI my flight got cancelled to Houston so I leave in the morning, I was so excited to pick her up. I got a little sad this morning when I dropped her off because I thought I wasn't going to be home to hear all about her first day, but it all worked out. Tonight she said, "Mom I can't wait to go to school tomorrow!" I'm so proud of her!

Here are a couple other pictures from the weekend, we made play dough.

Please keep preying for Remingtyn, I'm patiently waiting for my sister to call this evening she went to see her tonight. I have attached a picture of my niece Camrie and her Remingtyn. Cam's on the left and Remi's on the right.

Updates

2008-08-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Remintyn, she is doing great!
Off and on today she opened her eyes, and she even hugged her grandmother when she was leaving the hospital this afternoon. Tomorrow she starts therapy! For more info. and more specifics click over under my friends on my sister blog; THE WOOD GANG, she even has a picture of my niece on the left and Remintyn on the right. Please continue to prey for full recovery!

Today was Anna's first "unofficial" day of first grade. We had 1 hour of school this morning (what a pain in my rear!) Then we had "unpack you backpack" tonight. And tomorrow is the "official" first "full day" of school! YAHOO! Why is it that I couldn't wait for her to be out for a summer break and then about two weeks ago, I couldn't wait for her to go back to school? Anyway... Eric and I are super excited about this years teacher!

NEW VAN!!! Yup that right the Rowell's are again travelling in style. That is if you call a 1998 Toyota Sienna "STYLE?" Well, it is and we are extremely happy it's 100% paid for! The insurance money covered about 80% of it!

I'm heading out tomorrow after I drop Anna off at school for Houston. I'll be gone through Friday, between the wonderful heat and possible storms their predicting off the ocean, I'll be looking for a COOL POOL between sessions. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to going but I actually not to exctited this time.

AND... if you are an Iowa reader I'd like to invite all of you to attend the one and only; IOWA STATE FAIR. My dad's on the state fair board and gets so geeked up about this event every year it's all he talks about. He called me this morning around 7:30am to "remind" me that the fair "officially" started today. I must say it is a great fair to attend and there is fun for everyone.

Waiting

2008-08-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

This past day has been a true test. I have continued to prey for Remintyn regularly and wait patiently for my sister to call to give me updates on any news she hears.
So here is a quick update... At 7:50 pm
Surgery went well. (yesterday)
They did a CT scan this morning and there wasn't any swelling on her brain. The doctors were very positive. However until Tuesday evening around 5 pm she is in the most critical time.
The doctor's took her off the meds. that sedated her and her pain medication this morning. Currently... Everyone is waiting for her to wake up. Then the plan is to re-sedate her which wil assist with stabalizing her head.
Tina(her mom) spoke with Libby around 4 pm and she had not waken up yet, the doctor's didn't seem to concerned but Tina was growing very impatient. PLEASE prey that she wakes up so that Tina can see that her little girl is going to be fine. God is truely working in his way, sometimes things don't come as quickly as we like however God makes us wait until it is time. I just prey that this is one of those times.
Thanks to everyone who continues to prey for Reminty. Don't stop know!

Prayer Request

2008-08-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

I can't help but think of my niece as I write this post. Camrie (my niece) her best friend Remington is currently in surgery in Columbia, MO to put "a couple" plates in her skull and to remove a small tumor. This morning I recievd a phone call from my sister and she shared with me that Remington had been kicked in the head by a horse. We still don't have any word on how the surgery went. My sister Libby said she would be in 2-3 hours and we're going on 3 hours.

Please pray for her! I have been an emotional wreck all day, but I have unbelievable faith that God is taking care of this as we speak! He is an amazing God and will do what is ment to be. Prayer is an unbelievable way of maintaining a realistic view on horrible accidents that happen. God is in complete control! Prayer chains are beinging read via email as we speak, if you know of anyone that would prey for Remington and her family please ask them to.

5 THINGS...

2008-08-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post I realize might have been a little odd, but I just felt I needed to put down in writing what I experience in my work life. I don't usually write about it to much, but felt the need yesterday. So today I've decided to go a little lighter... I read this on Merigold's blog and thought as I've really started getting into this whole blog thing what a nice way to get to know someone even better. So here goes and feel free to use.

What are five things on your to do list?
1.) Read "Coaching for Performance" before leaving for Houston Tuesday.
2.) Buy two shirts to match a skirt and pair of shorts before Sat. 8/2 @ 5:00 pm
3.) Iron everyone's clothe for Family pictures tomorrow night at 5:30 pm
4.) Sharpen 49 pencils for Anna before she starts school Tuesday.
5.)

What are five snacks you enjoy?
1.) Apples
2.) Fresh Pineapple
3.) Popcorn
4.) Giardehlli Carmel Chocolate Squares
5.) SNAP Peas (Dried Chips in the Whole Food section)

What are five things you would do if you were a billionaire?
1.) Pay off our house
2.) Buy a new SUV
3.) Give aleast 1/2 away to misc. charities ie: YMCA, Augustana College,
our church,
4.) Take a leave from work and Travel, Travel, Travel!
5.) Invest / Save

What are five of your bad habits?
1.) Short term memory
2.) Not Exercising
3.) Procrastination
4.) SLEEPING toooooo much
5.) Eating when I'm not hungry

What are five places you have lived?
1.) Bloomfield, Iowa (16 years)
2.) Forest Park, Illinois (4 years)
3.) India (8 months)
4.) Fox Lake, IL (5 years)
5.) Quad Cities, IL (6 years)

What are five jobs you have had?
1.) Lifeguard
2.) Camp Counselor
3.) Volunteer teaching music and swimming
4.) Exec. Director Childcare & Family Services
5.) Exec. Director of YMCA

My Work.

2008-07-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

I often have wondered what my true purpose is on this planet.
As each day passes in my life I realize, helping others in some way is probley the answer. Not in anyway specific but having impact on others lives. Even if it is only for a mill-a-second. Three situations "occured" today, that when I awoke out of sleep and started my day, I would have had absolutely no plan for...

1. I met with a 43 year old man at 10 am this morning, he had been ran over by an ambulance 15 years ago. He is on complete disability and lives in assisted living. He "rode" his eight day old three-wheeled cherry red bike (with a basket) that cost the angency helping him out $3,500! (He left his biking helmet on the entire interview.)I learned about his life and how it had drastically changed since the accident, he has not held a job for many many years, and was worried about losing his benefits if he "works" to make money. We discussed some options and I plan to hire him as a Volunteer 2 days a week for 2 hours a day. That is if his refences and background check all check out.

2. 10:30 am a Y-member brings in a young man and a young women. They appear to be alittle dirty. The y-member shares with me that she had picked them up on her way down to the Y this morning. I quickly realize -they are a "couple" - around 21-23 years old- and they are homeless. I offer to them a free shower, and they quickly accept. I show them to the locker rooms and get them settled. While visiting with the gal I concure that she is syzophranic(SP??) But gladly listen to her tell me her opinion on the following topices: - OBAMA needs to be the next President - Anna of Green Gabels was the best book every written (she gives me the first page out of her book she is carrying in her bag) - and tells me she is going to college either in Hawaii or Wasington D.C. I let her be to take her shower...
I head to the Y-kitchen to grab them each a couple ham sandwiches and some fruit, then had back to check on both of them. She tells me 100 times how much she loves her "fiance" and that I should come to their wedding. We make our way to my office. I give them the food, and she sees my radio and asks for me to turn it on. I do joyfully as the two of them sit down at the table in my office to have an early lunch. She then announces that they need to get going so they can make it to the shelter for a free lunch. As they pack up she again gets teary eyed and falls into my arms for a good bye hug. I hug her back, as if a mother hugging her child. I tell them to take good care of each other, and that they can stop back down to see me in the future.

3. Tonight after dinner, the kids and I head over to the neighbors across the street giving Eric some free time to watch his beloved White Sox. Once we get in their house M says to me I suppose you heard what went on last night. Apparently she had to call the police and had her husband arrested. WOW, so for the next hour we sat and I tried to listen and give her the most support I could. Initially I so told her she needed to do everything she could to make their marriage work, but after further discussion, I wasn't saying the same thing. I have always believed that one must help themselves before others can help them. Her husband is a good guy, but needs serious detox, counseling, and anger managemnt. I very greatful nothing happend to her or their daughter last night.

I don't have a social work degree or a physcology (Sp?) degree but I do know I have an extreme passion for people. All People. Even if the 4 individuals in the stories above only took one little tiny bit of knowledge from me today, I know I did what God planned for me to do and that was to simply impact their lives.

Here's to tomorrow!

JUDE SILLY!

2008-07-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

As we have been a one car family for the past week and a half I have realized WOW we have saved some serious money on gas. With the price in Illinois hitting $3.04 last week I guess the tree falling couldn't have happened at a better time. Anyway... The one car family thing is working for now, fortunately Eric has not had to travel for work. So, this morning when our family of four loaded up in the Civic to drop daddy off at work, as we pull off the road, Eric gets out of the car, Jude rolls his window down and says; "Daddy don't get lost today?" Ummm, I guess the kid listens to us since we continually remind him when we're in public to stay close to us or he will get lost. Funny!

Anna recieved golf clubs from Eric for her 6th birthday. Here she is in the front yard last night "practicing."

Iowa Sweet Corn

2008-07-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been to Iowa in July and August you know that we have some of the best SWEET CORN in the world (in my opinion). Here are a few pictures of Jude chowing down on an ear of corn we picked up at the Farmers Market this past Saturday. Anna has had a more challenging summer with eating corn, since she is missing her two top and two bottom teeth! Somehow see refuses to miss out so I cut it off the cob for her. I'm not sure if you can even see past Jude's BIG BROWN eyes to even recognize he is truely enjoying his corn.

Dinner & BIX

2008-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

We had guests for dinner last evening. YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln every summer has a number of International Staff. Anna has been going to Day Camp at Camp Abe Lincoln and fallen in love with two of the international counselor's. Miss Ifeal is from France and Miss Deer is from Venezuela. Eric and I made salmon on the grill, and fresh green beans and salad from the farmers market for them. They were very appreciative since they have been eating camp food all summer. Strawberry Shortcake for dessert which was Anna choice. Anna and the girls did a little "camp show" for Eric, Jude, and I singing all the camp songs she has learned this summer. We love hosting international people in our home. It really allows one to open their eyes to the world and what it has to offer.

Here are a few pictures from the BIX, it's a 7 mile run that the Quad Cities hosts every year. It's a big deal for the city, thousands of people come to run every year. This is our second year watching, the kids seemed to get into the "race." This was the man in first place when we were watching.

Storm Hits!

2008-07-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

IF INTERESTED, HERE IS HOW IT WENT DOWN...

Monday, July 21, 2008

5:45 am I awake to rain & lightening outside the house, look outside our bedroom window and quickly realize I can't see anything. The wind and rain are blowing alittle hard.

5:47 am I realize I need to go to the bathroom, get up make my way to the bathroom. While sitting on the "potty" I hear alot of noise from outside. Specifically thunder and ????. I "don't finish" taking care of business in the bathroom, yell at the top of my lungs at Eric. "ERIC WE NEED TO GET THE KIDS AND GET TO THE BASEMENT KNOW." I jump up, run to Anna's room grab her out of her bed (her foot gets stuck in the sheet, I throw the sheet away) and run to the basement. Eric was right behindme with Jude.

5:50 am I call the Davenport Y ask Evelyn(my front desk gal) how the Y is and if the power goes out to get everyone to the front of the building. I also tell her to turn on the Emergency radio so she can tell me what is going on.

5:52 am The lights flicker once, come back on and then everything goes black. I said Eric we've lost power, when Jude looks up at me with his Big Brown eyes, and says "Mama, I've got powers" (He loves Super Hero's)
Eric then realizes water is pouring into the basement through the windows, and goes to grab towels to stop the water???

5:54 am I call the Y back and ask Evelyn what kind of storm this is and how long it is going to last, she sits the phone down with the emergency radio blaring into the reciever. I hang up.

5:55 am I make my way to the bathroom to finish my business, when I hear Eric yell from upstairs, "AMY, COME UP HERE NOW!" I said, coming. "NO COME NOW!"
I notice Eric standing at the front door as I approach him he says, "Look." All I could do was, "GASP, and say We're all right, the kids, you and I, we're all right!" "That is all that matters, we're all right!"

And here you see it. A 60 plus year old Oak Tree went down. Not only went down but landed on our Mini-Van AND the neighbor's house. 95 mph winds, a "Flat Tornado?"

5:56 am I encourage Eric to go to the neighbor's to make sure they are alright, the lightening is still happening, but the winds have died down by now. Neighbors on both sides of us were fine.
We go back downstairs to check on the kids, they were good just sitting on the coach together under their blankets. Amazing...

6:00 am I call my dad to let him know what has happened, he tells me he will come up later to start helping with the clean-up. I can't really remember the next few min. but by 6:30 about 8-10 neighbors were walking around the neighborhood making sure no one was injured, realizing our tree had caused the most damage. Everyone gets their cameras and starts taking pictures and visiting in the middle of the street.

6:30 am Eric calls our Insurance Company to report the mess, he gets sent to somewhere in Champaign Illinois because our local agency wasn't open yet. They took down all our inormation.

Where the next hour and a half went I have no idea?

8:00 am I take Jude to the Y-Day Care, help out alittle at the Y. On my way to the Y see a small amount of the damage the storm causes. Down trees and power lines everyone! At the Y I informed families that our Day Camp out in Blue Grass had been hit also. No power and trees everywhere, therefore the entire week was going to be cancelled.

9:30 am Return home to what seems to have been a sureal event. Eric and I make a plan of action. Insurance first. With the power outage, the local insurance company didn't have phone service so we decide to go to the business to report our issue. Then off to Hardees with a gazillion other folks for some food. Hardees and Wendy's and one BP were the only shops open?

1:30 pm Dad, Linda, Uncle Max, Aunt Tonya, Dean Bacon, and numberous neighbors arrive to start cleaning up as much as possible. I must say we put a "BIG DENT" in the tree. THANKS SO MUCH TO Dad and Uncle Max!

5:00 pm It's Busch Beer Time.

5:20 pm My mom gets here to help with the moral support.

ENOUGH...
Power was finally restored tonight around 7:45 pm
A Tree Service removed the trunk from the top of the van.
And the Insurance Adjustor will be here tomorrow.
There is light....

WE ARE SO VERY BLESSED THAT WE DIDN'T GET INJURED OR KILLED. IF THE TREE WOULD HAVE FALLEN 15 FT. TO THE RIGHT IT WOULD HAVE LANDED ON THE HOUSE. AGAIN, WE ARE UNBELIVABLEY BLESSED...

I have another story to write about but I'll save it for another post, I'm ready for bed tonight. I will rest with alittle relief as we are making progress in returning things to "normal" God only knows what tomorrow will bring. Say a little prayer that God is good and thank him for all you have each and everyday.
Goodnight!