Haylee (our nanny) feeling Jack dinner
Papa and his princess warming up by the roaring fire
Aunt Jennie and chole the puppy- Jack LOVES animals!
The boys (minus football playing-too busy to stop and take a picture Jettie)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A PERFECT DAY!!!
Haylee (our nanny) feeling Jack dinner Papa and his princess warming up by the roaring fire Aunt Jennie and chole the puppy- Jack LOVES animals! The boys (minus football playing-too busy to stop and take a picture Jettie)
Jackers is ONE!
So we have had a great week at Casa de Solinger. Jack turned one on Wed. We had the famiy over (again) for pizza and cake to celebrate. The little guy loved the attention and the ribbons from his packages. A great time!
Then on Thursday, we celebrated my Moms birthday! I took my mom and gee-gee out to Urban Grill for a girls lunch, then Mom came over for a mini party that night while we answered the door for trick-or-treaters!
The big kids headed to Altoona with Joey for trick or treat there (a family tradition). They met up with their cousin Jackie and had a ball going around Joe and Beckys neighborhood. Apparently they wouldnt go to any houses with Obama signs.....Jenny and Joey had the kids convinenced that those people would take their hard earned candy and distribute it to all the kids that decided not to dress up or put the effort into the holiday!! LOL!! They came home sound asleep and the next morning were still buzzing about the "really scary house" at breakfast.
Friday was another busy day and Jack had his 1 year shots. Oh it was horrible. I have decided to abandon modern medicine.....it just seems like torture to me. Our nanny Haylee was with me for the appt. and we both decided that not only the treatment of Jack, but the judgemental attitude (since I would not give Jack a flu shot) was too much to take, and I will be in search of a practice that is more in line with my philosophy. I am not an idiot, I know all about the flu shot- and I certainly dont need a lecture when I decide not to give it to MY child. UGH..... Firday night I got some bad news that Gee-Gee was hospitalized with Pneumonia. I had just enjoyed her company on Wed, and Thurs. She was fine so I was really suprised that it came on this quickly. She is stable and the staff at Mercy is taking good care of her =)
Today we headed out to Solingers Farm for a Bonfire. It was a blast. The weather here is gorgeous and the kids had an amazing time with all of their cousins. There was a hayrack ride, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, and scary walk in the woods (complete with Joey and Jeff jumping out the cornfields and making the kids crap their pants). Grandma and Grandpa live out in the country on a beautiful piece of land, and the stars were so bright out there. I just love Iowa. Im sure Im considered simple by modern standards, but there isnt anything better in my opinion then being out in nature surrounded by your family. I am extremely blessed to have married into such a warm group of people. The love that they have for each other, and the closeness between everyone is rare to find. It is so evident that they are a family, and the love is unconditional. Its a really laid back, relaxing atmosphere where there is always an Aunt of Uncle around to rock the baby- or a cousin to wrestle with. I loved living in Florida, and have often thought about moving from here someday, but when I am surrounded with my family it reminds me that although I love to travel, that Iowa is where I belong. As Joeys would say- "Im a simpleton".
Then on Thursday, we celebrated my Moms birthday! I took my mom and gee-gee out to Urban Grill for a girls lunch, then Mom came over for a mini party that night while we answered the door for trick-or-treaters!
The big kids headed to Altoona with Joey for trick or treat there (a family tradition). They met up with their cousin Jackie and had a ball going around Joe and Beckys neighborhood. Apparently they wouldnt go to any houses with Obama signs.....Jenny and Joey had the kids convinenced that those people would take their hard earned candy and distribute it to all the kids that decided not to dress up or put the effort into the holiday!! LOL!! They came home sound asleep and the next morning were still buzzing about the "really scary house" at breakfast.
Friday was another busy day and Jack had his 1 year shots. Oh it was horrible. I have decided to abandon modern medicine.....it just seems like torture to me. Our nanny Haylee was with me for the appt. and we both decided that not only the treatment of Jack, but the judgemental attitude (since I would not give Jack a flu shot) was too much to take, and I will be in search of a practice that is more in line with my philosophy. I am not an idiot, I know all about the flu shot- and I certainly dont need a lecture when I decide not to give it to MY child. UGH..... Firday night I got some bad news that Gee-Gee was hospitalized with Pneumonia. I had just enjoyed her company on Wed, and Thurs. She was fine so I was really suprised that it came on this quickly. She is stable and the staff at Mercy is taking good care of her =)
Today we headed out to Solingers Farm for a Bonfire. It was a blast. The weather here is gorgeous and the kids had an amazing time with all of their cousins. There was a hayrack ride, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, and scary walk in the woods (complete with Joey and Jeff jumping out the cornfields and making the kids crap their pants). Grandma and Grandpa live out in the country on a beautiful piece of land, and the stars were so bright out there. I just love Iowa. Im sure Im considered simple by modern standards, but there isnt anything better in my opinion then being out in nature surrounded by your family. I am extremely blessed to have married into such a warm group of people. The love that they have for each other, and the closeness between everyone is rare to find. It is so evident that they are a family, and the love is unconditional. Its a really laid back, relaxing atmosphere where there is always an Aunt of Uncle around to rock the baby- or a cousin to wrestle with. I loved living in Florida, and have often thought about moving from here someday, but when I am surrounded with my family it reminds me that although I love to travel, that Iowa is where I belong. As Joeys would say- "Im a simpleton".
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
SO these are some more pictures of my babies at trunk or treat. The last two pictures are not of a UFO (although I admit it looks possible). I put them on here for my sister, who lives in Florida, and will miss this amazingly peaceful, beautiful scene this fall. This is the sight we saw coming home tonight. First let me say that we dont live in a cornfield, but in Iowa you can live in the middle of a city and just a few blocks from you could be a field. We live on the outskirts of town but this was the first time this fall i had seen it- my favorite thing....I wait all year. if you dont know what Im talking about...then you have for sure, never lived in Iowa. Its a combine, late at night harvesting the corn that will soon be used to fuel our country, our tummies, our livestocks tummie, and our cars. It is nothing short of absolute beauty to me. Enjoy.....
Trunk or Treat
Every year MCH (the kiddo school) hosts their trunk or treat celebration. A bunch of parents gather in the parking lot and open their tailgates, decorate them like crazy and hand out candy. Last year Mom took the kids since I was in the hospital giving birth =). This year we all went- and it was FREEZING but quick....so not so bad. It was fun for me to see them trick or treat, since I am usually at home answering the door. Jenica was the funniest this year- she really took on the persona of a true princess, even telling jack that he is an angel (typical non-princess Jenica behavior would be to bite him). We stopped at my parents house on the way home. The kids always trick or treat in Joey paents neighborhood (a long standing tradition =)) and so it was the perfect opportunity for my parents to sugar them up!
Oh and as a fun kickback from about 20 suckers before bed.....its now 5:07 am, and Ive been up with the babies since 2:30.......fun times!! Jenica had a nightmare (sugar induced Im sure, and once we got her upstairs to calm her down, Jack decided he didnt want to miss the party. Oh well.....I got to catch up on a little email, watch a few infomercials and enjoy the middle of the night instead of boringly sleeping through it. Gotta love it!
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Party!
So we welcomed in Jacks birthday party with 60+ MPH sustained winds. It was crazy. I lost 2 balloon arrangements in the HyVee parking lot....Just flew away. Jack and I drove around for 20 minutes trying to recover them- but they were sadly gone- and we needed to get home to get things ready for the party =( We arrived home to see our huge blow up pumpkin in the front yard shredded. Ugh- I did manage to dave the McCain-Palin sign that we proudly display- so that was good. We got all ready and waited for the food to arrive...yummy!
We had an awesome party. The hight winds and a flu going around kept quite a few people home- but we are so greatful for the family and friends that braved the weather to come out. Jack loved his cake- but ate it nicely- no huge mess. He did love all of his toys and seemed genuinely pleased with all the attention! I love that little guy and it was a very warm feeling to be surrounded by close friends and family. We did miss both of our sisters who were not able to make it. It never quite seems complete with out them here. Anyway- great friends.....great food....great celebration!!!
We had an awesome party. The hight winds and a flu going around kept quite a few people home- but we are so greatful for the family and friends that braved the weather to come out. Jack loved his cake- but ate it nicely- no huge mess. He did love all of his toys and seemed genuinely pleased with all the attention! I love that little guy and it was a very warm feeling to be surrounded by close friends and family. We did miss both of our sisters who were not able to make it. It never quite seems complete with out them here. Anyway- great friends.....great food....great celebration!!!
A sneak peek.......
Among all the craziness of Jacks 1st birthday celebration this weekend we got to see a few of our pictures from our holiday card session....and as always I LOVE THEM. Jamie does no wrong in my eyes- the pictures are so amazing as always. And the thing about them is- they may not be olan mills posed...and if they were I would hate them- they are about capturing our family- our vibe- our experiences and interactions. And Jamie does that flawlessly- everytime- without fail. That is true art to me- to put emotion into something that is otherwise flat, as a photograph could be if not looked at as art. But our photos are truly art (and you should see the 5 ft canvas hanging in our dining room to prove it). So I am post a few of them to show the spirit of the day.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pumpkin Patch!
Last year I missed the oppurtunity to take Jet to the Pumpkin Patch with his class because I was due with Jack at any second! I was so excited to go this year nothing would stop me! We left from school and I drove Jet and his friend Jerry in the Hummer. They watched movies and were as loud as humanly possible.....ahhhh....little boys =(
Anyway- we finally arrived and loaded up onto the huge hay wagons pulled by big tractors to head down to the pumpkin patch. Jet was really fun to watch while he picked his pumpkin. He would find one and then another boy would want that one, and instead of pitching a fit...he would just move on to the next pumpkin. We found two side by side that we beautiful and we chose those two one for Jet and one to take home to Jenica. We actually got to cut them off of the vine, wipe them off and take them with us! After we all loaded back up we headed to see all the farm animals that they have. The goats were really funny to watch, and they had a goat on the second floor of the barn. If you put food into this crank pully system you could get it all the way up to the goat. Jet loves the baby animals, and is always sure to feed the animals that are being left out.
We then went over to the playground that had antique equipment and a huge crn box (like a sandbox with corn). After that the kids had a snack and we headed back to school for lunch. It was really a great morning. Also, I know that all parents think their kids are special, but mine really is =) Jet is sooo nice to other kids. He always goes the extra mile to help them and never ever gets into the click of rowdy boys that is so annoying. He really is a gem. I adore him and although I never pictured myself as a Mom, if I would have, I would have picked Jet. He is as close to perfect as people come, and I am overwhelmed daily by his nurturing kind side, whether its taking care of the little kids, or just telling me he loves me--that kid is a warm fuzzy!!
Anyway- we finally arrived and loaded up onto the huge hay wagons pulled by big tractors to head down to the pumpkin patch. Jet was really fun to watch while he picked his pumpkin. He would find one and then another boy would want that one, and instead of pitching a fit...he would just move on to the next pumpkin. We found two side by side that we beautiful and we chose those two one for Jet and one to take home to Jenica. We actually got to cut them off of the vine, wipe them off and take them with us! After we all loaded back up we headed to see all the farm animals that they have. The goats were really funny to watch, and they had a goat on the second floor of the barn. If you put food into this crank pully system you could get it all the way up to the goat. Jet loves the baby animals, and is always sure to feed the animals that are being left out.
We then went over to the playground that had antique equipment and a huge crn box (like a sandbox with corn). After that the kids had a snack and we headed back to school for lunch. It was really a great morning. Also, I know that all parents think their kids are special, but mine really is =) Jet is sooo nice to other kids. He always goes the extra mile to help them and never ever gets into the click of rowdy boys that is so annoying. He really is a gem. I adore him and although I never pictured myself as a Mom, if I would have, I would have picked Jet. He is as close to perfect as people come, and I am overwhelmed daily by his nurturing kind side, whether its taking care of the little kids, or just telling me he loves me--that kid is a warm fuzzy!!
Our weekend
We are really busy getting ready for fall around here lately! The kids are into school full speed, and we have the house decked out with pumpkins and Mums. Halloween will be extra special this year since now Jack is with us and we will be celebrating his birthday! I havent really begun to get anything ready for his party, but there is still time (well actually there was still "time" last week...now we are kinda down to the zero hour).
When you think of fall...what comes to mind? Harvesting....pumpkins...football? You know what come to my mind... WE NEED TO GET PICTURES TAKEN FOR OUR XMAS CARDS- afterall christmas is just 2 months for Saturday. I know- Ive got a few screw loose...who cares about Christmas when its not even Halloween....me thats who!
My friend Jamie (and best photographer in the whole world, jstoiaphotodesign.com ) came down from Minneapolis this weekend to take our Holiday pictures. She is sooo amazingly good, and we actually had a great time wondering around the streets of Booneville (pop 10) being greeting by stray dogs, and laughing that the post office really does have an outhouse. I am not joking......this is real life here in rural americana. Typically pictures are really stressful for me...trying to get everyone ready etc. but this time they really were a joy to take, and I cant wait to see them!
Also, in big news from this weekend- the Hawks beat the Badgers, and it looks like their possibility of being goal eligible is pretty strong! Yea!!!! I love bowl games! Keep your fingers crossed for me as it makes Christmas so easy to buy for Joey when the Hawks go- I just give his the trip and can stay away from the malls.
We leave next weekend to go to Chicago for some couple time and to celebrate our hard work with some serious shopping. We are staying at the Hotel Intercontenital (for those of you who know Chicago) and it opens right onto the heart of Michigan ave (for those of you that dont know Chicago). I didnt want to waste any time trying to park downtown...and I certainly intend on being heavily weighted down with bags and unable to walk long distances. Anyway I am thrilled because the 4 things I love are going to come together in one trip- Joey, shopping, Chicago and melting pot. My life is so blessed!!
When you think of fall...what comes to mind? Harvesting....pumpkins...football? You know what come to my mind... WE NEED TO GET PICTURES TAKEN FOR OUR XMAS CARDS- afterall christmas is just 2 months for Saturday. I know- Ive got a few screw loose...who cares about Christmas when its not even Halloween....me thats who!
My friend Jamie (and best photographer in the whole world, jstoiaphotodesign.com ) came down from Minneapolis this weekend to take our Holiday pictures. She is sooo amazingly good, and we actually had a great time wondering around the streets of Booneville (pop 10) being greeting by stray dogs, and laughing that the post office really does have an outhouse. I am not joking......this is real life here in rural americana. Typically pictures are really stressful for me...trying to get everyone ready etc. but this time they really were a joy to take, and I cant wait to see them!
Also, in big news from this weekend- the Hawks beat the Badgers, and it looks like their possibility of being goal eligible is pretty strong! Yea!!!! I love bowl games! Keep your fingers crossed for me as it makes Christmas so easy to buy for Joey when the Hawks go- I just give his the trip and can stay away from the malls.
We leave next weekend to go to Chicago for some couple time and to celebrate our hard work with some serious shopping. We are staying at the Hotel Intercontenital (for those of you who know Chicago) and it opens right onto the heart of Michigan ave (for those of you that dont know Chicago). I didnt want to waste any time trying to park downtown...and I certainly intend on being heavily weighted down with bags and unable to walk long distances. Anyway I am thrilled because the 4 things I love are going to come together in one trip- Joey, shopping, Chicago and melting pot. My life is so blessed!!
Updates!
So here are some pics of Jenica!! She is showing off her painted fingernails. She has turned into such a girl lately and I love it!! Also, evidence of jacks first real injury- a scrap under his eye. he fell down a few stairs and hit our rock bannister.....he really hardly cried, but it looks tough- so I thought Id share!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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