Just another Wednesday

So, it was just another Wednesday in our house and Emma had an itch to do a little spa treatment. She has been reading her "Daring Girl" book and found some recipes for do-it-yourself spa activities.

We opted for the avocado face mask and all of us girls participated. First, we made the goo. It consisted of avocado, honey and salt (I think). Regardless, it was a green gooey mess that we spread on each other's faces. We left it on for about 10 minutes and then very carefully, removed it over the kitchen sink. I really didn't want green chunks caught in the bathroom sinks! It left us with soft, glowing skin that the men were jealous of. OK. Maybe they weren't jealous, but our skin sure was soft and glowing!

Here are a few pics from our fun night:

New Year, New Projects and Goals

It's 2011 and this is the first time that I have had a chance to blog since August of 2010. Shameful. But! It's a new year and I have resolved to get back to the organized and sane person that I used to be. It sounds good, doesn't it?!

This year started off pretty quiet. Allan had lots of time off at Christmas because of it falling on a weekend. That meant time to have fun AND be productive! We spent lots of time playing Wii with the kids and goofing off. Then, we got down to business and painted the boys' bedroom. It has been in the planning stages since before the basement was started. The basement took priority and then I was just sick of painting. Then, the issue was me making a firm decision on the paint color. I still wasn't sure even while buying the paint at Sherwin Williams! I decided to wing it and went with Network Grey. Allan and I took a day to dismantle the room and prep the walls for paint. Another day was spent painting. Then, Allan put up a shelves that ran the length of the room on each side. The shelves were painted and then Shana and I painted the adjoining bathroom in the lightest shade from the Network Grey color swatch. When all was dry, I filled the shelves with all of the important things that the boys have been stashing away since we moved in. I still need to make a shower curtain, but that will involve me picking out fabric (another time-consuming task for my indecisive self).

I am happy to say that I am THRILLED with the end result!!! It has motivated me to actually hang things on their walls for the first time since we moved in almost 4 years ago. Next project, Emma's room. Let's hope that won't take as long to plan and initiate! We are going to start by visiting Karen Gray to pick out fabric and color ideas. I can't wait!!!

Welcome, Shana!

On August 18th, we were fortunate enough to welcome another member to our family. Shana comes to us from Belgium and will be staying here until June of 2011.

Her flight was delayed several times, so we had plenty of time to take pictures and hang out at the Greensboro airport.

Finally, her flight came in! Emma was the first to see her. There were lots of hugs and yes, I even had a few tears. It was very exciting, but also brought back lots of memories from past exchange students.

We drove home, talking the whole way. The kids were a little shy, but I really don't think it will take long before they are treating her like a real sister. God help her then!

It's a very exciting time for us and we can't wait to share our home and our country with Shana!

Jobs

In an effort to prove that they are responsible and can take on new "jobs", the WEJ have been taking on some new responsibilities. Everyone has been known to dry the dishes for me, but the other day, I found Emma and Jack taking care of business on their own! Miss Emma was the washer, of course. Everything is more fun wearing pink rubber gloves! They're doing a good job of making their case for getting a new puppy. Keep it up guys!

Goodbye, Friends!

We are all sad to say goodbye to dear friends. Kyle and his family are moving to Wisconsin.

Kyle and Will have been friends since Kindergarten. They have been in Cub Scouts since First Grade together. We got to know Kyle and his family really well through scouts as Kyle's dad was the den leader for awhile.

Kyle and Will were able to spend a couple days together before Kyle moved. They just hung out, explored the woods, played Wii, played on the computer and laughed - a lot!

No More Braces!

Wahoo!!! I made it!!! On August 2, 2010, those nasty things were removed. Amen.

I can now go on vacation to Germany and have fun eating whatever my little heart desires. I can smile freely. I will still have to deal with the retainers, but I don't care. I can eat again!

The whole process of removing the braces was horrific. I have never endured such agony. I told the doctor that I would rather give childbirth again, than have braces removed. I was in so much agony that I had kicked my shoes off and the back of my shirt was soaking wet by the time they were done.

It's over. I can eat again!

Ohio Summer, Day 9

Nick

Jack is tuckered out!

Can you say exhausted?! What a long, but fun, trip! Most of the cousins spent the night at Nana's after the fair. They had a ball, but definitely not much sleep. And that goes for me too! Lauren started out in bed with me and couldn't stop talking. It was fun catching up, but I just couldn't hang. Over a week of being away from home and countless miles of driving had finally caught up with me.

We spent the last day packing up, picking up goodies from Paul's Market and swimming in Uncle Brian and Aunt Mary's pool.

It was a fun week in Ohio. It was what summer should be. Family, friends and fun. Until next year.......