The Drolet Diaries

My Favorite Family. October 2011

2012-01-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

Getting in the Routine

2012-01-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

Today I'm back to work after being off for about 3 weeks. I'm ready to go back and hoping I don't get too tired. Tuesday marked 10 weeks of pregnancy. Feeling a little better than the last few weeks and thankful for that.
Jonathan took the Christmas tree down today and we had an amazing breakfast of Grace's Strawberry Banana Pecan pancakes and Glory made omelettes her daddy's way, which is the best.
I'm super pumped about MOPS this Monday. I love all the ladies that go and I think the kids and I will all love it.
One thing I'm most excited about next week is that I have an appt at Veritas Academy in north Tucson for a look around and tour. It's a Christian classical college prep school for homeschooling families that incorporates 2 days of classes in a traditional environment and 3 days of schooling at home. I am really excited about it and hope it's a good fit.
They teach Latin and Spanish and are heavy on Bible memorization and character training. We shall see.
Now....off to the grocery for that key lime pie that i really want.
and.......go TEXANS!!!!

Top Ten Things I Learned in 2011

2012-01-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

1. Homeschooling is hard.
2. I actually really, really love cooking( unlike a couple years ago).
3. People told me that being a mom makes you unselfish but sometimes I still have a selfish day(or two). Or three.
4. Having a clean house is nice BUT
5. Having a clean house is not the most important thing.
6. Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
7. I am rich, really, really rich.
8. Cooking with kids makes the kitchen dirtier but the food so much better.
9. God is always speaking.
10. A long brisk walk makes everything right in the world.

What's New

2009-09-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well, let's just mention what's NOT new first and that is I cannot stop craving brownies. I want to make a batch right now and my jeans are already getting snug. AARRGGHHH!!! I must resist...
Today I went ahead and paid the big bucks for Justus to get aquatic survival lessons starting October 5. WHat this means is that after 6 weeks of DAILY, Monday to Friday lessons, our 14 month old will know how to swim, really swim!!! And let's say he fell in a pool, he'll know how to turn over and float on his back until he's rescued. This is invaluable training, we think, especially since we love to swim and have 2 eyes and 3 kids. Slightly outnumbered!!
We did, however, have to put this in our spending plan. Last week, we started our Crown Financial Bible Study, which teaches people how to live debt-free and invest wisely and so we're starting with getting on a good budget and following it VERY closely. Even though we've reached alot of goals in the past,we're learning that everything we have is God's and should be used to honor Him. Usually Jonathan does all our finances, but I'm gonna step in and get knowledgeable now and learn more about stocks and investments too. We also got a great book to do with the kids about money management. It teaches Bible stories about generosity and saving. I'm really excited about it. I really like the study. We memorize a verse each week and we enjoy our friends in the group.
Another new thing is that on October 9, we are going to Phoenix for my Lasik eye surgery. Thanks to my mom and dad, who are treating me to my new eyes!!! I'm slightly nervous but mostly excited!!! Jonathan had his in august so now, I'm gonna do it. I'm legally blind without my contacts so this will be a great thing, Not to mention, the girls LOVE going to hotels and sleeping in the big beds so they will have alot of fun!
Love to all! Bye now...

Brownie Dough and other Things

2009-09-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

We had the awesome privilege of Jonathan's mom living with us for about 5 weeks while she found a place to live here in AZ. She did end up finding a great fully furnished home about 6 minutes away and it's a perfect place for her. We had a great time with her here and we still see each other alot. She goes to Common Ground Church with us and she is in our Thursday night small group. The top pics explain themselves. Brownie making is a huge deal at our house. Happens almost once a week. Who can resist licking the bowl? Not our girls!!!

Waiting for Manna

2009-09-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

I love this one of Justus looking up. It's like he's waiting for more goldfish to fall from the sky. He loves to eat and goldfish is a family favorite!

Naked Baby!!!!

2009-09-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Aren't I supposed to be wearing this??

Date Night!

2009-09-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, Jonathan and I went out for dinner to celebrate our friend, Danielle's birthday. We had a a great time with some great friends and here is a pic of Jonathan and Randy Dominguez. Randy works with Jonathan and BJ's restaurant, where we ate, is one of Jonathan's accounts. Subsequently, the manager was on that night and gave both tables all free desserts! Awesome and delicious!

Laughable Quotes.

2009-09-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Grace: " How can God be in everyone if he's only one person. That's too much work."
Grace: " When I start kindergarten, I'm gonna learn how babies get here cause we need to make a girl." (insert my face laughing hysterically)
Glory: " Grace, if Mom is busy, just listen to me cause I have mom's powers sometimes."
Glory: I think there's a baby in your tummy, Mom. It looks kind of squishy." ( look of horror on my face) I've been working out, Why is it still squishy??
Grace: "Come here, Justus, I will hold you but my boobies are out of milk so we'll have lemonade, ok"?
Grace: " Why do I have to wear panties EVERY day? They go in my bottom and I don't like that. When I'm a mom, my 'cheedren' are NOT gonna wear them."
Glory: I pray to God alot and he tells me that we should have cookies and tasty treats every day after school. He also says that we don't have to do our homework right away."
Mom:" What else does he tell you, Glory?
Glory:" That we don't need to go to school. The zoo is just fine... and Panda Express."

Here's some laughs for your day. These are all from the past couple weeks.

September Days

2009-09-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Glory's favorite breakfast in peanut butter toast with honey. Here she is before school Tuesday AM enjoying it.

Don't know if I ever mentioned how much I love our new van but I LOVE our new van. It's almost been a year since we got it but I still get happy when I look at it.

Glory "posing."

Our friend Ariana and Grace at the splash pad. BFF!

The fam(Justus was already in bed).

The Bloggers Are Back!

2009-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, well, it's been 4 months since our last blog and we hope that doesn't happen again. We're glad to be back! I lost our camera and figured there's no point in blogging without pictures! New camera, new blogs, baby....

Here's a few new updates that have happen

ed recently:

Glory began 1st grade August 4 and loves it!

Grace is in pre-K at a nearby Lutheran school and loves it! She starts kinder next fall.

Justus is almost 14 months and is a wildthing! Walking everywhere, hitting everything, touching everything and eating everything. He's loud and he hates his carseat after 10 minutes. He loves to be held, to swim and to be taken care of by his two big sisters. He's crazy about pinto beans and green beans.

Jonathan is staying busy with his job and enjoying it. His one year anniversary with Ecolab is September 13 and we're so glad he's there. Saturday Grace spent the day with Jonathan running calls and getting spoiled by all the little ladies at the restaurants Jonathan had to go to. We all met up for dinner that night where I locked my keys in the van. :-) Second time!

We've been enjoying having Jonathan's mom here. She begins her new job tomorrow and she is an official Arizonan! We're happy to have her with us. More later!

Hannah Montana

2009-05-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

We went to see the new Hannah Montana movie with the two G's last night. It was really good. The girls seemed to have a lot of fun on our little date as we left Justus with "Aunt Karina and Uncle Randy." Good movie and fun times. Today the girls went with Jonathan for church setup and Justus and I are hanging back at the house. He's asleep so I've been enjoying some alone time. I dusted, did dishes, put my makeup on without having to stop in the middle of eyeliner application and practiced our worship music for the morning. I also went through some more pictures from a couple weeks and ago and wanted to post them. Yes, I am a proud mother and a happy one too! We're planning a simple day today, maybe some swimming, a treasure hunt walk(this is where you get a baggie and fill it with strange and unusual things...once we found a shedded snake skin), some decorating of Justus' room, and some shopping for new picture frames. It's a beautiful day. Glory has 2 weeks left of kinderfarten and then it's SUMMER. ZOO TIME!!!!

Easter and Mr. Frog

2009-04-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a stuffed frog that Grace is crazy about. She bathes him almost daily in the sink and carries him around like a baby. Thought I should document the love!

Baby Kaidynce!

2009-04-28T09:15:00.001-07:00

Pround Papa Doug Stout, second from left, and his wife, Kim are good friends of ours here in AZ and they just had Baby Kaidynce Alizabeth early Sunday morning. I got to be there and it was awesome. Kim and I work together at St. Joseph's and we also carpool. We are so happy and thankful for the healthy, happy delivery. Baby Kaidynce and I are bonding down below in the hospital nursery while the other new babies are sleeping away. You can see the end of the cribs all lined up! Have I mentioned I love my job? It's the sauce, especially when you're right there for your friend's most awesome day of her life! Congratulations, Kim and Doug!

The Weekend!

2009-04-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love the weekend!! Last weekend Jerry and Christine came for a visit and we had a great time! We got family pics taken and went to the mall and the zoo and just chilled out. It was nice to be all together with no responsibilities at the time.

We were a bit concerned about Christine who got pretty sick Saturday night. She's still getting over a bad bug. We miss them already but we'll be back in Houston for Pamela's wedding in late June. And at that time, my cousin, Erin, will have had her baby, whom we will get to meet. Can't wait for that!

Funny quote from Grace...lately she keeps singing Jingle Bells even though it's only April and this is how one line goes...Oh what fun it is to ride in a farfen-gusten sleigh. I crack up whenever she gets to that part!

The girl's new routine as of late is to get in our bed in the morning and snuggle until Glory has to get ready for school. We like that. She's a tall one, that Glory. We think she'll be a runner ...

Justus is crawling everywhere these days, trying to get into trouble!! He lovest o eat anything on the floor so we're teaching the girls about choking and all that fun stuff. They're so good with him.

We went swimming yesterday...first time this year. Might go again today. It was 97 yesterday. WE had a blast!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays. I love Easter. Without it, there would be no Saviour, no resurrection, no hope. So, we're all pretty pumped at our place! I was actually baptized at the age of 7 on Easter Sunday so I'll be doing a little reminiscing.
We'll try to take lots of pics and get them up asap. We're having two services at Common Ground Church tomorrow and Jonathan and I are involved in both. We are to be there at 7:30 am. Whew! We get to wake up and see the sun rise! I'm actually looking forward to it!
The girls are wearing little sundresses with beautiful butterflies all over them . Guess what a steal they were? I got 'em for 6 bucks each at Old Navy last fall!!! I'm pumped!
After church, we're going to our friend's, Doug and Kim's, for a big dinner with several couples. Pecan pie, I'm making homemade mashed potatoes, there will be ham, salad, bread, all the good stuff! I'm excited. Then I get to work tomorrow night and see all the Easter babies!
Have a great Easter, everyone...sending up thanks to a Risen Saviour.

LEGOLand!!!

2009-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Justus, didn't mean to chop off your head...

Everything in front of the girls is made of tiny Lego's. and the vehicles are actually moving, driving around the city. This part of the park was amazing. WE enjoyed it the most, I think.

Glory with Bob and Wendy from Bob the Builder. We got to see their show in 3D.

Just chillin'

Our hotel was really nice. Jonathan found it on Priceline and we were impressed. It looked more like a cottage when you walk in than a hotel and Glory enjoyed organizing all our food in the "pantry". She even poured all our cereal on Saturday morning!

San Diego Beach!

2009-04-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast all Sunday afternoon at the beach. Justus took his nap there and the girls built sand castles. The water was frigid but there were some crazies who were out in it anyway. I wasn't one of them! We ate lunch on the beach and buried Grace in the sand. Found lots of shells for Grace's collection and Glory even made herself a pillow of sand and laid down on it for a little snooze!

First Oreo

2009-03-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Edward, did you just give him a cookie....April speaking in a shrill, can't-believe-you-did-that voice .

Our friend, Will.

Ariana, Will's daughter, pushing Justus.

Grace and Ariana at our Compassion International Fundraiser held on Sunday, March 29. Glory and Grace raised app. $75 for Compassion's Global Food Campaign by inviting their friends and having snacks and drinks at the park. They were going to put on a concert but they got a little shy. At one point, Ariana started singing Jingle Bells....so whatever. We all had fun!

Found the Camera!

2009-03-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Glory's into hair these days. No matter how funky it looks to me, she thinks it's gorgeous!

I just wanna eat this little pretend dog all up with my sharp little eight teeth!Aaaarrgghh!

Grace-all into shoes and ties.

Note to Self

2009-03-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

So, I've seen this on several blogs. Here goes. What would you say to yourself if you were talking to you when you were a teenager, like 17 or so? I'll start....

Dear April,
I know things are a bit crazy right now, working at Chick-Fil-A while your friends are out. It's alright. You're learning about a good work ethic.
Keep working with kids. You're gonna have 3 of the greatest ones before you turn 29 and you'll need all the experience you can get.
Don't get discouraged when you try all the right things and they never seem to work. They will when it matters most.
In a few years, your daughter will be there when you're given extra change at the grocery. Take it back, even if you have to unload the baby in the wind. She's watching...
Love all the people you can't stand. Just don't hang around them too much. Bad company corrupts good morals.
Don't judge people who have mental issues. You're going to be taking Zoloft in a few years and yes, you're still gonna be a great mom.
It's OK to get mad. You try so hard to be perfect but let it go. You're human. A punching bag might help.
I know you've never had a boyfriend yet, but don't worry. He's coming and he's a keeper.
Remember patience. It's so hard but it really is a virtue.
Quit beating yourself up when you eat the chocolate. All those models in the magazines have fake boobs and airbrushed legs anyway. Plus, you look beautiful just the way you are.
Stand your ground, you're right more often than not. When you're wrong, though, admit it. It's a sign of character.
Do the hard things first. That way, you'll have a great feeling of accomplishment.
Shit's just another word for poop, so if you really need to express yourself, that one's probably the best option.
You can't be friends with everyone so stick to your bosom buddies and let them be like family. Don't feel bad if you can't please everyone. You never will anyway, so let it go. Your true friends will call you back and read your goofy blog. You don't have to be the initiator all the time.
Listen to your Tata, he's a wise man, hug Meme, call Tahna. Sit back and remember your Nana. Go on all the mission trips that you can so you can see just how big the world is and how many people need God's love.
Don't worry about money. You'll have everything you need and then some. Give whenever you can. It will never leave you feeling empty.
Catch your zzzzz's. You'll need your rest. You're gonna be a mom some day and you need your energy. You might be raising the next President or Billy Graham or Shirley Temple!
Love isn't a feeling;it's an action and it's not always easy.
You're doing fine, just fine. Yes, the chocolate's for you. It's dark because I knew that was your favorite.

Love,
April in 11 years

Sorry!!!

2009-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

So, I can't find our camera....anywhere! So I'm all in a tizzy because I like to blog with that thing! It'll come up somewhere!
We have been ultra-busy. With a capital U!
Justus has 8 teeth and sometimes he bites! No, no...little muffin cup!
We're leaving for LegoLand in SanDiego next Friday, April 3rd for a much needed family getaway. We'll go to the beach and just hang out. I'm so excited! WE haven't booked everything yet but I found a hotel with a full kitchen so we can cook dinner and breakfast!
Jerry and Christine arrive mid-April for a visit. We're pumped. We'll have alot of fun.
Pamela's wedding is coming so we're very excited about that. We just for the girl's flower girl dresses in and Jonathan bought his FIRST suit last Saturday. He looks so handome in it!
Glory won STUDENT of the month last month at her school and we were SOOOOO proud!
Grace is crafting it up at our house. ALways cutting and glueing and drawing and decorating!
Pretty tired alot. Went to the doc to get some blood work to make sure all is well. She just said it's 3 kids, working nights, and breastfeeding Mr. Chow-hound.So no thyroid problems or anything. I'm taking some mega vitamins and I do feel better.
Love you all. As soon as I find that camera, I'll post some pics.

2009-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

I thought this shot was priceless. Outside the zoo right before we left to go to lunch.

Nothing like holding Daddy's hand

Our friend, Austin, who came over to play Friday night. Grace says she wants to marry him and Daddy. Hmmmm.....

Justus loves his Jumparoo!

Grace insisted this pic be put on "da blog."Notice the pink sunglasses on her head that she'd been wearing all day in the house!

Zoo-Tastic Weekend!

2009-02-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

What is that look on Glory's face?
Right before we got Dippin' Dots. The girls were so excited about those!!
Glory was a bit apprehensive about feeding the giraffe his biscuit. She thought his tongue looked kind of prickly.But she did it!

Aren't you going to give me some of those Cheerios. And yes, we did! That boy is on Cheerios now. Getting big!

Looking at the otters!

Uuuuuggghhhh

2009-02-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

I think I'm getting over a terrible 24-hr. flu bug. It started yesterday at 5 am when I woke up to feed little J and then it went on from there. I held it together because we were doing worship at a different church and I didn't want to back out but when we got home, I was in bed the rest of the day. Jonathan took the girls out for a scavenger hunt and hide and seek and when they got home, Glory said," Mom, I never seen you so sick before. But it's fine with me because Daddy took us outside for a long time. If you have to be sick more, it's alright. Daddy will be here." Ver batim from Glory! What can I say? Our room is now decorated with about 12 pictures that the girls painted for me. That was pretty cool. I can say that I'm not a good sick person. I'm grumpy and such a baby. I thought I'd outgrown that!Thank God for Jonathan.

More Than Enough

2009-02-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

Some words from one of my favorite songs.....

All of you is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisy me with your love and all I have in you is more than enough.
More than all I want, more than all I need, you are more than enough for me.
More than all I know, more than all I can say, you are more than enough for me.

To all who read this today, He is always enough for us. Always enough.

Mid-February Chronicles

2009-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd mention what's been going on this month so far. Writing down your thoughts always makes one better.
Earlier this month, we took Justus to the doc and he had an ear infection, bronchitis and very mild pneumonia. He was put on antibiotics and a nebulizer breathing treatment. The doc said he may have the beginning stages of asthma but we are praying not, of course. He is doing just fine now and is back to eating carrots and squash, his two favorites at the moment.
Glory tried out a ballet class last week and said it wasn't her thing, She really wants to take a cooking class so her and I are going to spend some girl time in the kitchen, with her pink apron and chef hat, of course! She says she wants to be like Rachel Ray! Grace is still in gymnastics and loves it. Grace and I enjoy our time together during the day. Yesterday we went swimsuit shopping for me and had a good time, although the polka dot bikini Grace picked out for me barely fit over my pinky toe! Ha, ha! Obviously, we didn't get that one!
This last weekend was an awesome Valentine's weekend. We went to Chili's Valentine's night with the whole family and had a great time. Justus knocked over Jonathan's beer which then spilled all over Jonathan's jeans and Justus. We all laughed.. Then Justus tried to choke on a cracker and proceeded to pull Glory's pizza off the table, which Glory caught in her lap.
On Sunday, I got to do worship at a different church and I took Justus with me. All the old ladies "adopted" him for the morning and I didn't have to worry about a thing. Meanwhile, Jonathan was on call and had to go into town and drop the girls off at a friends house, who took them to church.
That night, we went to Macaroni Grill for dinner, totally FREE!!!! Jonathan has an Ecolab account there and the manager asked us to come to dinner on her. We were smart to accept the offer. The food was awesome and we had another great time. I love little perks like that.
I've been working out with my friend, Amanda, approx. 3x weekly and it's kickin' my tail but I feel great afterwards! I plan to keep it up.
Jonathan and I both have consultations this Thursday regarding laser eye surgery for our vision. I'm really excited about looking into that.
Jonathan's work is going well. He's still working alot but enjoying it and I'm loving my job too.
The weather here is great. Picnic weather every day. We cannot wait for the splash pad to open.
We love you all.

Valentine's Treats

2009-02-09T14:07:00.001-08:00

Today Grace and I made Valentine treats for Glory to be surprised with when she got home from school. They were great. They are Nilla Wafers with melted caramel in between on a popsicle stick. You dip those in melted chocolate and pour sprinkles on. Delicious!!!!!! I just love Valentine's Day!

Bears Galore!

2009-02-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the girls' friend, Catie, had her 5th birthday party at Build-A-Bear. It was really fun and everyone had a great time. The girls picked out a type of bear, watched it get stuffed and got to pick out clothes for it. This is Grace's bear.

Glory's was cute too. She also picked out a guitar for her bear to hold.

25 Things

2009-02-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

I also got tagged to write 25 Things about Myself. After this, I'm tagging Jennifer Julian, Jennifer Brewer, Brittany, my mom and Erin.

1. I absolutely love being pregnant.
2. I sleep with one leg under the covers and one leg out.
3. I need my morning coffee.
4. I don't mop, I get on my hands and knees and clean the floor with a cloth, PineSol and boiling water.
5. I love doing laundry.
6. Flipflops are my favorite shoe.
7. I don't like doing dishes.
8. My fave sandwich is a BLT.
9. Fave veggie is asparagus.
10. I eat Justus' baby food, just the fruits.
11. If I'm upset, I get really quiet.
12. I like my towels folded in thirds.
13. I have to force myself to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
14. I am fascinated by sharks and underwater life.
15. I have a hard time sitting still while watching TV. I like to be doing something else too, like painting my nails or organizing something.
16. I don't like crafts.
17. I don't ever want a dog.
18. I do however want a chameleon and a snake.
19. Don't care for cold weather.
20. I don't care for small talk.
21. If I'm at a hotel, I always have to know the fire escape route before I get to my room.
22. In the summer, I wear my swimsuit almost daily and then just put a tank top over it.
23. I don't like to spend money.
24. I would like to get Grace into acting and Glory in a cooking class.
25. I love to learn about stocks and investment options.

Addy!!!! ....and Other Things

2009-01-27T09:35:00.001-08:00

Jonathan put in a second shelf in the girl's closet so each girl can have their own section for clothes. We decided to hang everything so we can see it better and the girls are starting to hang their own dresses and such. They do a pretty good job!
We noticed that Grace has ALOT more clothes than Glory. That's partly because Glory wears a uniform to school and partly because Grace has all Glory's clothes that she outgrew!
Here is the infamous Addy! Oh, how she is loved! I think I play with her as much as Grace does!

Bedtime with Addy and Grace!

On other news, we went to the doctor yesterday because Justus was running a fever through the night and Glory had a bad cough. I'm glad we went but he wasn't concerned. Justus' lungs were clear, his ears looked good and Glory looked fine too. So we're just doing lots of hot tea and chicken noodle soup, aka chickie-noo-noo.

While at the doctor , a tall woman with long blonde hair walked in, and Grace loudly commented," Hey, look at that pretty momma with the wig!"

Thankfully, Pretty Momma had a great sense of humor and told Grace that, no, it was not a wig and that she looked pretty as well. We also got a compliment on how well behaved our children were from another lady. I was proud!! We went and got icecream, I was so proud!

All is well here. Pretty weather, outside alot, Justus weighs in at 20 lbs and 4 oz. Big Boy!

Watching American Idol tonight and eating chili and baked potatoes.

Love to all!

Random Memories From November 2008!

2009-01-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Glory was dressing up in Karsan's cheer outfit. She's our babysitter.

Not sure what Grace is doing here, but I thought it was funny!

Jonathan's Granny right before she left to head back to OK after Thanksgiving.

This is Randy Dominguez. He works at EcoLab with Jonathan and helped him get his job there. He and his wife, Karina, our good friends of ours and they adore Justus and hold him whenever they see him coming!

Trains galore! This is the hot spot at our place right now! Today our friend Austin is coming over to play and the kids will probably all be in the game room with the train set!

See What's Growing!

2009-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Justus is sitting up now! He's pretty proud of himself for it too!

He loves garden vegetables baby food.Gone are the days of pleasant diaper changes!!

I love this picture. He's sitting in the big chair in his room where he nurses at night before going to sleep.

The girls started a garden right after Christmas with Nonny's help. We already have lots of little shoots. We're growing peas, brussels sprouts, carrots and okra. Glory is most excited about the okra because she loves it fried. I like it boiled with tomatoes also. As soon as the weather is a bit warmer and the seedlings are bigger, we'll transfer them to the backyard for their big debut!

Girls Slumber Party!

2009-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we had the privilege of our good friend, Finley, coming over for a slumber party. We watched movies and ate cookies. Girls are so fun....and they stayed up chatting until 11:30!

Memories!

2009-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

While my parents were here, we had the privilege of going to Nogales, AZ the town that borders Mexico. We actually got to see over the border and watch people coming through with their papers. My mom actually lived there when she was a teenager and this is her old high school with her in front of it. That was neat! We also went to a little restaurant where she used to eat as a little girl. That was really cool! I love old stuff like that! No, Mom, you're not old! But that was pretty nostalgic!

Glory practing for her American Idol debut at the restaurant!

A boy and his Nonny! He's looking at Tata's enchiladas!

I loved this pic of my dad! Good smile!

More on Mt. Lemmon

2009-01-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

So, in this top picture, on the left, dangling from my neck, is my Christmas present from Jonathan. Yes, he did!! A diamond necklace. I like it alot! He did good!

We went to Mt. Lemmon on New Year's Day and it was a blast. I still think it's amazing that just 2 hours away, we can find a mountain covered with snow and then where we live, it's like 70 degrees! The best of both worlds! Jonathan bought this little plastic sled and we all took turns on it. Pamela ran into a log on it and we all laughed. My dad almost hit a tree and Jonathan almost capsized with Justus!

This snow is pretty relaxing, don't you think?

Poppy, watch out for that tree!

Nothing like falling asleep after milk on a mountain!

The whole gang with future Uncle Eric!

Let's go, girl!

Justus' Six-Month Mark!

2009-01-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Little J-Man is six months today. Wow! Six months ago, we were in the hospital with family and food holding that little burrito and I was being pampered like a princess. Today, I'm sitting at the computer with PB and J, and several loads of laundry to fold. The pampering is over but the Prince is here and it's all worth it! Justus' life verse, which he was given on the day we got him dedicated is Philippians 3:14 " I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Kind of wordy, but in April terminology, that says to me, " Run your race well, run it for God's eyes, and run your own race, not anyone else's.
So today, let us all do what we were made to do, do it with excellence and do it for God.
Happy 6 Month's, Justus! Momma loves you!

Three and We'll See? or Three and Let it Be?

2009-01-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

This was a week where I thought three beautiful, precious, adorable children is enough. Last week I thought four was do-able. Is that a word? We go back and forth. I guess that's pretty normal. But this week I was pretty set in my mind that three is good. Between Glory's homework,LAUNDRY and more LAUNDRY, Justus' night-time feedings, which are getting longer, and Grace's abounding energy, I feel on overload sometimes. But there are those moments when all is well and peace like a river attends my soul and at that moment, Jonathan and I laugh and look at each other and say, " Don't get too comfortable. This won't last long." I will say that it is good to take each moment at a time and not sweat the small stuff, like Grace wearing black panty hose with tennis shoes and a pink striped skirt with an orange and grey polka dotted sweater! Yes,we let her go out like that, on rare occasions. One must choose their battles!

We've had a great Christmas break. We went sledding on Mt. Lemmon. Loved it, loved it!

Jonathan's been working some long hours since his teammate is out on medical leave, but we've been ok.

Justus is 6 months today.

I started back on my anti-depressants last week. This isn't a bad thing at all, I just wasn't feeling my April-self and I'm glad we're doing what we can to be as normal as possible! I'm on the lowest dose and with that and some really great vitamins, I'm already feeling better.

Here's some pictures of our time with family. Eric and Pamela had a great visit. The girls really adore him. We miss them already. Very excited about the wedding day on June 28th~

Christmas...

2008-12-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

So, I just love Christmas! It is the absolute best time of the year and I love it even more when we get to see our children enjoy it and celebrate it. On Christmas morning, Glory and Grace walked us downstairs for the big morning. After we were all seated with our presents in front of us, Glory said," How 'bout we turn off all the lights and blow up the candles and sing happy Birthday to Jesus?" Well, we did that minus the "blowing up" part!! Glory knew how to start that morning right. We had a great time opening presents together. You see, for a long time, Grace has been wanting an American Girl doll, the black one named Addy. We found it on eBay and yes, I won the bid! Can anyone say I rock? Yes, I rock because I fought long and hard for that doll and about cried when I won! You woudn't believe the look on Grace's face when she opened that doll. She held her up high, then wrapped her up in her little arms and as Grace's long blonde hair blended with the thick black braids of her sweet doll, we all heard, " Oh, Addy, it's my Addy, you're my sweet girl and I'm your little mommy." It was one of those moments. Addy and Grace have been inseparable since then and now Glory's doll, Julie, has a friend! I'll get a pic of that soon!

Dad with Justus. They're both a bit tired here!

My cousin, Vero, at her house here in Tucson, where we all went for Christmas lunch! It was so fun and Justus loves his Vero! Vero is short for Veronica.The first pic is of my cousin Debbie Ruth and my mom. They were working in the kitchen together and we had a great meal. Did I mention I also love Christmas because I love to eat? We so love to eat, Jonathan and I both! I wish Christmas was every day...

Christmas, Anyone?

2008-12-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was awesome! My favorite one yet! Santa really does have the best job! My parents got the kids this Thomas the Train set that Justus will grow to love, I'm sure! They have spent hours each day enjoying it!

My mom got me this beautiful rosemary plant for the table. I love it. It smells really great and since I'm into cooking more and more, I love that you can have something pretty on your table that you can just tear off and put on your chicken. Any great recipes with rosemary?? I'd love them! Grace thought the bush needed a small trim so it would remain a perfect circle. Gotta watch that girl!

We started Justus on rice cereal Christmas Eve. He took to it pretty good but he really just wanted the spoon! From a medical standpoint, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends starting solids at 6 months of age. Justus is 5 1/2 months and we felt that he was ready. The La Leche League advises that babies be on mom's milk for a year before solids but that wouldn't be good for us. I'd be a dairy farm by then and a grouchy one at that. Also, parents should introduce solids in the am so if children have any allergic reaction, it can be noticed while awake rather than something bad after they have gone to sleep. We gave him his cereal at night, oops! I was just too excited to use my orange baby spoon!

Just Some Thanks..

2008-12-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

So, this posting is to thank those of you who faithfully read the Drolet Diaries. This week especially, I have very much missed our friends and family. When you read and post comments or even just tell us you read, it means alot to us. This is our best way to connect and communicate and we wish all of you an awesome Christmas with your families and friends, even the far away ones!

Dilemma

2008-12-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

So, I cannot for the life of me figure this out. Last week, my friend Maggie and I went to Target to walk around. We got a few things and put them in our carts. She had one cart, I had another.
WE walked out to the van and then decided we'd just keep our stuff in the cart and walk across to Michael's to look at some crafty stuff. As we got near the end of the parking lot, our carts just totally stopped, hers and mine at the exact same time, same place. Weird!! They were totally locked in place and wouldn't even back up! Nothing was stuck on them, there were no sensors on them, NOTHING!!! We had to leave them there and go get the van! What was it??Do you know?? It's driving me crazy!

The Perfect One for Us......Birthday Boy!!

2008-12-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, Jonathan turned 33 on Friday, December 19!!
Funny story....we really wanted to try out this new restaurant for his day, called Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse.So we got there about 7 because it's very far away and the girls usually retire around that time so they were very tired and Justus is getting more teeth, so we were in WAAAAAY over our heads. Glory fell asleep in Justus' carrier with her legs dangling onto my lap, Justus needed bouncing the whole time through and Grace curled up in a chair with her coat and fell asleep.Needless to say, we got our food and took it home! Happy Birthday to Jonathan!!
WE came homeand drank some wine and called it a night!
Here's 33 reasons why Jonathan is the perfect one for us!

1. He had me from Hello.
2. Great coffee.
3. Makes the girls laugh.
4.Takes Glory to school.
5. Great on the grill.
6. Makes awesome brownies!
7. Knows how to make the bathtub sparkle!
8. Gentle.
9. Firm.
10. Teaches the girls how to ride a bike.
11. Teaches them again when they forget.
12. Compassionate.
13. Calms me down.
14. Fires me up!
15. Kind
16. Honest.
17. Generous.
18. Takes care of our family.
19. Hopeless romantic.
20. Celebrates the little things.
21. Snuggles with the girls.
22. Hard worker.
23. Great hot-chocalate maker.
24. Changes the grossest diapers.
25. Runs errands for me while I change the diapers!
26. Good conversationalist.
27. Doesn't stay angry long.
28. Forever friend.
29. Handsome.
30. Concerned
31. Feeds the frogs for me.
32. Does laundry.
33. Lets the whole family pile in bed on Saturday and eat breakfast together( my favorite)!

2008-12-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

These pics are from the Desert Museum, such a fun place! I think the girls enjoyed eating Grandaddy's icecream the most! I like the hiking. It's a great place to walk off too much hot dogs and chili!

Leave a post and tell what your favorite Christmas tradition is! I'll start....mine is driving around with hot cocoa and looking at Christmas lights and singing Christmas songs. We should do that tonight!

Santa's Coming to Town!

2008-12-12T08:49:00.001-08:00

Santa stopped by the local Fry's grocery store last night! I think I heard he needed apple cider for his elves! Wink, wink!You better believe we waited in the one hour line to see him and get this picture! While we were in line, we discovered that the girls LOVE and I mean, LOVE blackberries and raspberries. I bought 6 containers to snack on while we were waiting and the girls ate every single one! I just love this time of year!

First Things First!

2008-12-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

So last week, we got a huge surprise! Dad and Christine flew Monica over for the long weekend with them. We had NO idea. We had tons of fun...shopping, eating, shopping some more, and we especially liked the Desert Museum! I really like the pic of Monica kissing Justus. The girls got some great cooking time with Gran! Glory's turning into a little Rachel Ray!

More Thanks.

2008-11-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

What a great week. I love this last pic of Jonathan and Granny walking down the hill. Granny had a stroke giving birth to her last child and her left side is totally numb but that doesn't slow her down. She'always in the kitchen cooking or cleaning and she enjoyed going to the park with the kids and I. At lunch we went around the table and told all the things we're most thankful for. There's so much....

little pudgy fingers that grab my hair, 4 feet padding into our room every morning, "Momma, we're hungry.", morning coffee, freedom to worship God without fear, our health, Jonathan's job, Christmas trees, clean laundry, clean water, tall mountains, sand between my toes, a strong marriage, giggling girls at bedtime, our van, a family that loves and cares for us, Blue Bell icecream, true friends, more true friends, shoes that fit, our home, blankets to keep our children warm at night, presents under a tree, my job, hot chocalate, 3 healthy pregnancies and 3 healthy babies, a husband that adores us, a good rainstorm, getting my hair washed at the hair shop, oatmeal, Grace's brownies, a good book, people that serve our country, razors(it would be terrible to never shave your legs!), grandparents, good debates, a good argument with Jonathan ( I usually win!), making up after a good argument, leaves falling from a tree, a cold Coke, bedtime prayers, baby bottoms, Grace doing my hair, cozy pajamas, full stockings on Christmas morning, Easter Sunday, food in the pantry, raspberries and GrapeNuts, my little sister, chasing the girls, talking long-distance to family, I Love Lucy, kids' questions about God, faith, hope and love....and the greatest of these is love.

Madera Canyon

2008-11-27T20:11:00.001-08:00

Today, after our meal, we headed south to Madera Canyon, a scenic mountainous area 30 minutes from our home. We had our good shoes on so we could do a little hiking, which turned into running down the hill with Glory winning every time! That pistachio pudding must have weighting me down! It was really fun til Glory fell and scraped up her palms a little. I felt sorry for her and volunteered to carry her all the way back up the hill. That was a workout.Not sure it's one I'll repeat.

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:02:00.001-08:00

Glory and Grace doing the doll's hair

Beautiful Granny taking a break between the Thanksgiving food preparations.

What's going on, Dad?

Grace is 4!!!

2008-11-27T19:44:00.001-08:00

It's been 4 years since our Grace Rebekah entered the Drolet world and 4 wonderful years at that! Grace's birthday fell on a Tuesday and after gymnastics, she wanted Carl's Jr. for dinner, so we went there with Finley and "Miss Cami" and Cami brought cupcakes and Tinkerbell crowns, We all had fun. The following Sunday afernoon we had her birthday party at the park and it was perfect. A friend from church, Tara, made this beautiful cake and the weather was gorgeous. Grace wore her Tinkerbell costume and had fun with her friends.

This second pic is of Granny feeding one of the guests! We got a kick out of that! It was really neat having Jonathan's mom and grandmother here for the celebration.

A Post with No Pics...Yes, for now!

2008-11-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

So, I have really missed blogging. I'm going to get back in my routine soon. This weekend Jonathan and I spent some time getting pictures and such hung up on walls. The guest room is totally ready! Our first houseguests come next Saturday, Mom and Granny!
Grace, aka Tinkerbell, turns 4 on Tuesday. What memories! That girl gave me my first stretch marks and a grey hair by my belly button. She's already made her mark and we love her to pieces.
Tomorrow we have 2 b-day parties to attend for the kid's friends. But one is for triplets. So we had fun shopping last week!! Four presents in one day!
I cannot wait for Christmas. I wanted to set up the tree today but I thought that might be a bit too excessive! Maybe tomorrow? I love Christmas trees. and glitter, and gold sparklythings on top of big presents.
Yesterday Grace and I baked some oatmeal chocolate pecan thingies and we almost ate the whole batch ourselves.. I better watch out. Grace is becoming quite thechef in the kitchen. Glory is becoming the artist. She makes pictures of turkeys and barns and little baby Jesus' and then she asks me to mail these pictures to Jonathan's boss at EcoLab! Random!!
Justus ALMOST rolled all the way over today. Anytime now.
OK, I'm going to bed now before Piglet Boy is ready to eat...AGAIN!
Oh, you absolutely HAVE to go get Blue Bell's new flavor....Snickerdoodle!It's fabulous! Go now!

Shake Your Booty??

2008-11-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

So, now whenever Justus is screaming, the girls hover over him and sing to him. They sing, " Shake your booty, shake your booty! Justus, little baby, shake, shake your booty." It actually helps. Whatever works! Had to mention it! Whenever YOU feel like screaming or having a conniption fit, just do the booty dance. Someone at the Drolet house will probably be doing it too!

Pics

2008-11-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

In early August, we went to a wonderful restaurant with Dad and Christine and I totally forgot to post those pics. It had a beautiful view of the mountains and great food. This top pic is of Kylie and the girls. Kylie moved with her dad and brothers to California and we miss her alot. We're going to get her address so we can be pen pals. My mom took this pic on one of the nature trails by our house.

Lovin' on bubba!

Grandaddy Drolet

Gran and Glory! Look at those smiles!

Gymnastics....or Golf??

2008-11-06T09:58:00.001-08:00

Grace and Glory are currently taking gymnastics classes every Tuesday at 4. Grace loves it! Glory, not so much. She has since informed me that she wants to play golf! I figure kids can try a little of everything until they find their niche, so we're looking at a golf class here in the neighborhood for kids! My Uncle Don would be proud!

Anyway, we'll see!

All in a Nutshell!!!!

2008-11-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, my word!!! So much has happened since last posting, my head is spinning!!! I'm gonna write write write and get it all out of my system. It relieves stress and heaven knows I could use that right now!!!

We moved Saturday before last into our beautiful clean new home owned by our France-moving friends. We are renting it while they're gone and it will be well lived in!!! And appreciated ! It's perfect for us and now we have a guest room with a queen size bed. Our new tempurpedic mattress should be here any day. Yes, we did need that!

I never WANT to move again in my life, but since that may not be practical, Lord, just let it be far, far down the road. It's awful and I don't use that word often! Awful awful, awful!

But at least everyone has clean underwear and socks...let's rephrase that...underwear and socks!

Jonathan is kickin tail with EcoLab. He likes his job and he's working long days to learn everything he needs to. It's pretty demanding right now and we're very thankful for this new opportunity for him!

Pamela, my sister, is now engaged to Mr. Eric Brown. I'd like to congratulate them! I'm very excited for them both. Pamela and Eric will most likely get married in Houston around mid-June!! Still waiting on a picture of the ring to post!!!!! Eric lives and works in Austin to give you some background! He enjoys basketball and board games. And he inspired Pamela to pay off her car! I love that! Which she did! Pamela is going to be a beautiful bride and I CANNOT wait to go dress shopping!

Halloween was awesome! I'm eating candy right now! That darn candy!!! The Ariel bride, Tinkerbell and Pumpkin Boy all had fun! Hmmm, what to be next year?? Oh, and we went to see High School Musical on Ice a couple weeks ago when my mom was in town! It was really fun!

Congratulations to Barack Obama, our new president-elect! Our prayers and taxes are with you! Please lower them! I thought his acceptance speech was very good!

OK, my hands are tired of typing! I'll put some pics up now! Grace will be 4 on the 18th of this month!

Still Here!

2008-11-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend, Wendy, I am reminded that there are friends who check our blog alot and I haven't posted in nearly a month. We just moved and are still! You know how that goes and Jonathan's working away with EcoLab and working some really long days. So we've been too busy. However, asap I will have some great pics. And some exciting news about my sister!!!!!! Yes, you can guess. Oh, and we're a van family now! HA! Never thought I'd say that! So, we love you and we'll get all the updates on here soon!

Field Trip Day! and other things

2008-10-07T07:17:00.001-07:00

Today Glory's going on a school field trip to a pumpkin patch. She was out of bed in a flash when we reminder her of it! She had her little princess light-up cowgirl boots on and a spider ring! What a match! A few weeks ago I planned to go along and take Grace and Justus but Glory informed me that, " I'm a big girl now and it's better that I go alone, but can I please take a Luncheable?" So I decided not to make a huge deal of it, but gosh darnit, I WILL be at the Thanksgiving feast no matter what she says! :)
Dancing in the living room!!!
A dad and his boy!!!!!

Tea Party Girl

2008-10-07T07:08:00.001-07:00

Grace and Glory and I have become quite the tea ladies. We now have a little collection of baby teacups from all around the world. This one is Wedgewood from England and it's Grace's favorite! Originally she wanted to have a tea party for her 4th birthday but now she's set on a party in the park so she can play on the monkey bars! Notice the Ecolab letters on the first picture on her left-hand side!

Missed Pics!

2008-10-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

On the next two blogs, I misses some pics so here they are and here's Grace's photography of me which she insisted be "put on da bwog."
My exciting news of the day is that my vacuum went kapoot, so I got on Craigslist and found an old Grandpa Hoover. Owner asked $20, I got him down to $15 and asked for all his vacuum bags to be thrown in as well. He accepted, so I have a vacuum that's about as ugly as a hippo's behind but it picks up, girls, it picks up!!! :)

Kylie!!!!!

2008-10-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Kylie lives with her dad and three brothers and we meet her at the park occasionally. She's so adorable. We lost touch with her for a couple months and found her again today. I got permission from her dad for her to come over for the afternoon and here she is. We had lunch and made chocolate chip cookies! Maybe her dad will let her spend the night this weekend!!!

Mr. Ecolab and Mr.Bubbles!

2008-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here's Jonathan after a day's work as Mr. Ecolab, my new name for him. He sort of looks like an astronaut with the American flag on his shoulder and hiw cute navy pants! This is his work van which is a temporary part of our front yard now! He loves his job and is taking in all the information. It's alot to learn! Last week he went to do some repairs at several restaurants and they gave him free food! Wish I'd been along!!!! He leaves out to Chicago next Sunday for some more training and my mom will come while he's away. That'll be awesome!

Next is Mr. Bubbles. Justus LOVES his bathtime and has stayed in there for up to 20 minutes, just smiling away and occasionally peeing in the fresh water, after which we have to start all over again!

Aunt Pat!!!

2008-10-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

So, Jonathan's Aunt Pat came through for the weekend and we enjoyed having her. We got to show her our new house that we'll be moving into very shortly and take her to church. The girls and Justus enjoyed her visit and we hope she can come again soon! She took this family pic of us!

Love you, Aunt Pat!

My Awesome Family!

2008-09-30T08:40:00.001-07:00

A week ago, we celebrated my cousin, Vero's 22nd birthday and here are some great pics. My cousin, John Mark, enlisted in the Navy and he leaves for his training day before Thanksgiving. So we want to get some great time with him before then. We're all very proud for him! He will be missed!

Friends Forever!

2008-09-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is Angie Mitchell holding Justus and her little girl, Elle, kissing him. Their family will be moving one hour north of Paris, France in November. They have been wonderful friends while we've been here and we will miss them alot. We'll be caring for their house while they're gone(renting it) and we're really excited about that!
Their little girls, Annabelle and Elle, will have an amazing experience learning a new language and living in a different country for a while. We will miss you, Mitchell's!

Move out of the Way....Here Comes Grace!

2008-09-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Fun in the Sun (in September)!

2008-09-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

It's still mid 90's here so we will be swimming into November, probably. The pool is open year-round and we love going! Especially with a great Francine Rivers novel and some cold grapes....

Glory is treading water but not quite a strong swimmer yet. Getting better, though! Grace just wants to hold onto someone else while they swim. We'll get the hang of it, though!

All Girls!

2008-09-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Glory has finally completed her amazing castle! It's a work of art!

On the end, Grace is telling us to be quiet so she can read about Zaccheus, the wee little man up in the tree. Then, she shouts real loud," Get out of that tree.I'm eating at your house today."

What peaceful, calm morning devo's!

Date Night!

2008-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, our date night last night was awesome although one of our friends couldn't be there at the last minute. Their little girl, Elle, fell and broke off half of her front tooth!!
SOOOO, we cancelled our reservations for PF Chang's and went instead to the casino buffet, right by our house,which is de-LISH!. $8.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was great!!!!! Then we went to the movies with our friends, Austin and Cami, and saw Eagle Eye. Great, action-packed movie! We hardly ever go to the movies so it was an awesome treat. Then Jonathan and I came home to find ALL our kids asleep and we sat down with some wine and some presidential debate!!! Exciting!
This morning, Jonathan's at drama practice. He has a big drama at church tomorrow about hypocritical people and how not to be one. Can you think of anyone like that! Hope it's not me!! Ha, ha! It's gonna be really great! When he gets home, we plan to go swimming and have some family time. I'm still getting used to the fact that Jonathan has Saturdays off!!! It's been very good for the girls.

Question to you bloggers- I want to have music on my blog background that I choose. How do I do that? Tell me, please!!! Love you all!

MORE!!!

2008-09-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Here's some more pics! What did people do before cameras? Top middle is one of my awesome aunts, Aunt Debbie. She keeps Grace and Justus sometimes while I'm sleeping and she's very special to us. Today she made Double chocalate brownies with Grace and they were the sauce! No joke!
Little Glory like to pose for pics before school. This was her Wednesday morning at the breakfast table after she had eaten her toast and apples. As I blogged earlier, she loves jeans!!!!!
Next is a beautiful quilt made for Justus by my friend, Wendy, back in Houston! Isn't it awesome! She has amazing talent!!And She put orange in it!!! YES!!! My fave color!
Lastly, a simple reminder with our busy lives to remember each other. So Jonathan took this pic while we were sitting on the couch together watching the Discovery Channel( where you see the lion eat his prey up close and personal)! I love that kind of stuff!
Tomorrow we're going on an awesome date night with two other couples to PF Chang's. We haven't been out for a while and I'm pumped!!! Just to sit and eat and drink without breastmilk all down your shoulder and baby farts all over your arm will be awesome!!! Yes, Justus, I still adore you! But you're all boy, my love, all boy!!!

Finally some pics of the fam!!

2008-09-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is the OTHER Drolet , that happens to not be so good at this "blog" thing. But, April is working in the nursery tonight at her work and we finally got our new camera and, wouldn't you know it, April says I've just got to get some pics up before she goes crazy! So here they are.

Enjoy!

One Hundred Raindrops...Glory's Song

2008-09-18T15:36:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago, when my parents were in town, we were outside playing and Glory started to feel some raindrops. It was our monsoon season, so this was normal. She put her hands out to catch them and said something to the effect of, " Look, guys, it's like one hundred raindrops."
Later, laying in bed, some words started to come to mind about her and I tried to piece them together in a song. I love rain, it's my fave weather and I love to write songs but have been out of the skill for quite some time. This particular song chronicles parts of her birth and my struggle with postpartum depression, mostly my hope and desire that she will always trust Jesus. It's still a work in progress, but here's what I have so far.

When you came, the stars were bright
And your face lit up the night
The waiting was so worth it
Now our girl was here

You had this precious little smile and must have
known you were our child

Your love to us was like one hundred raindrops

You cried but laughed much more
Your giggles bigger than all the world

The dark days tried to come but you pushed 'em back
You knew that you were meant to fight
When nothing helped my ache inside

Your love came down like one hundred raindrops-
Precious rain

Now you're growing strong inside
I see the joy that life can't hide
Being on this path with you
Has healed me up inside

My life with you is like one hundred raindrops-
Sweet rain

So wear your courage
Run your race
and when the day is done

You will feel the hand of God where once
You had felt none

He comes to us in every season
Pouring down His grace
Hold His hand and count the raindrops-
one Hundred just for you

National Cheeseburger Day!

2008-09-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I said heck with WeightWatchers today, my friends. Today was National Cheeseburger Day and that's what I had, in all it's fatty, artery-clogging, sodium-filled goodness!! For you Houstonians, you haven't lived until you've had In'N Out Burger, a really popular fast-food chain here and California. It's awesome!
Friends and I headed out to the park with our kids and had a great time. I wish I had a pic of Grace playing in the dirt with her little friend, Austin! She's our total tom-boy in a skirt!!
I started WeightWatchers Monday because I eat so much without even thinking about it and I just want to be more aware of what I'm eating. Not to mention things just aren't as they used to be, figure-wise! It's pretty hard, but if chocolate and bagels weren't so darn good, maybe I'd do better!! Ha, ha!! Those are my cravings!
I finally today got in touch with my great friend, Ambra, who I haven't spoken with in several months. It was great to hear her voice and and hear that our friends and family all were safe and protected during Ike. We prayed and God answered.
Jonathan gets home late tonight after six days away!!! YES!!! I could NOT be more excited!
Glory's school pics came back today and I realized again just how big and beautiful she's getting. I can't wait to frame it and put it on our desk! I'm just like every other mom, crazy about my girls!And boy!! OOOPS! Almost forgot!
We are getting ready to move, ya'll!!! Our good friends, Ryan and Angie, who live here, are moving to France with his job with Caterpillar. We are going to rent and care for their home while they're gone. It's bigger than this one and we are very excited about it! Should be moving in early November if all goes as planned. We'll have a game room and guest room, so no excuses about visiting, all you Houston people. Your room and board will be covered, just get here and the rest can be taken care of!!! I'm pumped. I love having house guests. Just another excuse to buy chocolate....we'll need some to place on our guest's pillows, right??And bagels for breakfast???

For Your Day!

2008-09-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

" And God's hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by His Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Romans 5:5

On Our Own!

2008-09-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Jonathan left Saturday am for Minnesota for his new job training with EcoLab! We miss him still, of course, and can't wait til he gets home late tomorrow night.
We're doing well. It's better with him here but I have no complaints.
Tomorrow, my friends, is National Cheeseburger Day, so we're off to In 'N Out Burger and then to the big Tucson park to celebrate!!! So don't forget to eat your cheeseburger tomorrow! You have a great excuse!!!
Camera should be here anytime. I'm going crazy waiting to get pics! Justus smiles like there's no tomorrow and NOW he sticks his middle finger out on his right hand while he's eating....thanks, son!! LOL!!
We're pmped about the holidays! Found out recently that Jonathan's Aunt Pat is coming for a visit on October 4 and then his mom and Granny are coming for Thanksgiving and then my parents are coming for Christmas!!!! YES!! Time to bust out the spice candles and get those pumpkins on the front porch!!! And eat pie, and get a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, and make hot apple cider and find a Thomas the Train outfit for Grace for Halloween and on and on and on...... all of this while it's still warm enough here to swim every day!!
More to come!

Happpy Birthday, Pamela!

2008-09-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish my beautiful sister, Pamela, a happy belated 22nd birthday. She turned 22 on September 11th and I miss her so much.
Pamela, we all adore you and love you! We had so much fun with you in San Diego, at the zoo and the beach, the long roadtrip home, squished into the front of the truck!!! You are the best little sister anyone could have and I'm proud of you in every way. You're an awesome aunt and our children are crazy about you!! I hope this year is your best ever!!!!!!!

Ike

2008-09-13T08:19:00.001-07:00

Well, since almost all our family is in Houston, we've been following the hurricane pretty closely.Our family's power is out but they are all safe and no severe damage to their homes. we were up most of the night watching the Weather Channel and waiting for it to pass. My sister, Pamela, was up too, studying throught the storm. She's in nursing school and she has her first exam on Tuesday! I'm so thankful that our loved ones are ok. My mom sure is gonna miss her morning coffee since her coffee pot won't work. :) And my dad's really missing the A/C!!!!
If you are in the are, blog back and tell what your Ike aftermath is like! Love to all!

On It's Way!!

2008-09-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Jonathan bought a new camera and it will be here next week, so get ready for some more pictures that are long overdue!!! I'm pretty excited!
Jonathan left the house this am at 5. Off to Minnesota for his training with EcoLab, which we're so excited about! We will miss you, Jonathan!
All is well here! We're planning to have a lazy day at home. I'd like to do some crafts with the girls and make some fudgy, fattening, brownies!!!!!
The thing I'm most excited about is that we found and bought all the kids Christmas gifts last night! I've been hunting for 3 months for a full Thomas the Train set with all the accessories, the tracks, trains, buildings, etc. Well, we found it!!!!We picked it up last night and I was dancing with excitement around the truck while Jonathan loaded it up!Grace loves Thomas and Glory enjoys it too so Christmas morning is gonna be awesome!!!!!!!!! I can't wait til Justus is old enough to play with it.

SOOOOOOORY!

2008-09-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

So sorry no updates for so long. The stinkin' camera is still broke and we have had some great memories to post, but I can write for now and you wonderful readers can take mind pictures, as my mom would say.

Glory is doing great in kindergarten. She has two special friends she speaks of the most, a little boy named Spencer and a little girl named Cameron. She absolutely DOES NOT want to wear anything but jeans to school. Good thing that Gran and Grandad got her two new pair!! She wears them well! She does her own hair with cute little headbands that tie at the nape of her neck and she has a hard time waking up in the morning. Sometimes we make her "little girl coffee." Hey, whatever works!!!

Glory and Grace are still in love with their frogs. The only catch is those live crickets....I just can't do it! I can't feed those things to the frogs!!! The antennas are long and wiggly and then the frog jumps and eats it and half the legs are hanging out and...oohhh...it just gives me the heebie jeebies! Glory will have to do it when Jonathan leaves next week. She's got the courage there!

Speaking of Jonathan, for those who don't know, Jonathan begins a new job with Ecolab, a nationwide company that provides cleaning and sanitation products to large businesses. He will be a route manager and travel around to his different clients, offering services and building new clientele. Probably a six-month training period. I guess there's alot to learn, so they're flying him out to St. Paul, MN for 8 days next Saturday, the 13th! We will miss him, but I'm SOOO excited about this. He's been waiting for an interview with Ecolab since we were about to move here in Nov.It just took a while!

Grace is having fun with Justus. She likes filling up the bathtub and wahing all her dolls' hair. She loves to run and do somersaults on the livingroom floor! We are looking for a local gymnastics place around here because she'd like that alot!

Justus is amazing and makes our family even happier! He just started really smiling around 2 weeks ago and he eats ALOT!!!!!! He wakes up around 3 and 6 which is great for the little guy. Jonathan does the night feeds since I went back to work on August 25. Just two nights a week still and it feels good to be back at my job. I really like it. And Jonathan and Justus get some good times together too!

All is well at church...we may have to look for some land soon. We're getting big and there's new faces all the time. Lots of young families!
One great new development is a new opportunity for me. The friends we came out here with are Austin and Cami Ryan. Their purpose in coming to Tucson was to start a ministry called WorshipCatalyst, intended to find new churches in the area and help find and train musicians and worship leaders to meet the needs of these local churches.
My involvement with this ministry currently is searching and contacting possible fits for this through Craigslist and a website called BandMix.
But now, I am getting the chance to lead worship when needed at one of these new churches called "The Foundry." My first day will be tomorrow at 5 pm. The church meets in the evening.I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited! Jonathan and the kids will go with me. "The Foundry" is a new church that is in Vail, AZ, about 20 min. away and started in July. Please pray that they grow and reach the community they're in the middle of. There are so many people moving to the areas we are near to and they need a place to connect and know God. We are excited to see how our work here will make a difference.

All for now....keep posting comments, keep calling. I do love to hear from each of you and will try to call back whenever I get a chance!
Love to all!

Amphibean House

2008-08-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, the new rave here at our house recently has been frogs, frogs, frogs! I love them but the girls especially. Our first pet frog, Hopper, was found outside by our house last week but he was laid to rest Saturday after we discovered he wasn't moving. This knowledge drove Glory to tears and I mean, TEARS!!! We've never seen her so heartbroken and sad. It even made me cry! So, Jonathan, the softie that he is, drove his two princesses to PetSmart today to remedy the situation and buy a new frog. Eighty dollars later, we were set with a frog tank complete with two frogs(one for each girl), rocks and lily pads and some little rock hide-out thing. Frogs eat live crickets, five every other day. No wonder Hopper died. We were feeding him carrots and lettuce! Poor guy...So, now we not only have pet frogs, but we'll get a cricket house to hold all the crickets the frogs need to eat. We're still working on the names. Glory wants to name them Eric and Pamela for Pamela and her boyfriend! We'll see!

San Diego!!!

2008-08-20T18:32:00.001-07:00

My sister, Pamela, has been here with us since Wednesday and we left for a vacation to San Diego on Sunday. We had a blast. Stayed at the DoubleTree, walked along the beach and went to the San Diego Zoo, which was absolutely incredible!!!! We definitely want to go back for a longer stay. Maybe with some friends??? Maybe YOU??

Finally......Some Video!

2008-08-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here we go....Justus fussing and the biggest sister fixing it all with her "little mommy" ways!Enjoy and thanks to my Arizona friend Amanda Long, who taught me how to do this.

Love to all!

The Important Stuff

2008-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, this morning I got out the door with only one leg shaved and the other leg...well, not. At least the left leg was taken care of. I was going to need a machete if I waited any longer. Then at WalMart I realized I had milk on my shoulder and was missing my right earring. Oh, well, I came to the conclusion that as long as my kids are clean and fed, that's all that matters. It sure would be nice to shave both legs, though!!!!!

On another note, Glory is doing well in school and enjoys it. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Hoffman and we like her alot. Glory likes lunchtime alot, according to her. She also enjoys her homework!!! :) This is good!

We love picking her up from school. I like to be the first car in the car line, but that doesn't always happen. Almost, though!!
Pamela comes in on Wednesday night and we get about 9 days with her. We are very excited. We're going to San Diego for a mini vacation on Monday and Tuesday! That should be fun to do with her.

Grace, Justus and I are having fun during the day while Glory's away. We go grocery shopping together, the library and spend alot of time in the kitchen eating, which Grace really enjoys. Today for lunch, she chose carrots, grapes, yogurt and cereal!

The best news from the girls is regarding their new little critters, two crickets and one frog. They each have their own home with dirt and critter food. The girls check up on them every chance they get and seem to be very proud of them. They have no fear of picking them up, even though the frogs always pee on Glory!
Late last night, Grace didn't have a cricket like Glory and she seemed a bit sad abouot this, so Jonathan went out with a flashlight and chased one down. She woke up to it this morning and was so excited. I'm just thankful it wasn't me that had to do the cricket-finding in the dark! Way to go, Jonathan!
That's all for now, folks! Love to all!

Fuzzy Brain!

2008-08-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm quite the fuzz brain these days. And our camera broke today so I need to get that looked at so I can post pics. We have some great ones!!
Sorry for the delay. I have to get some pics up of Justus' awesome room with his letters on the wall and Glory's very first day of school which was very special and memorable and how big little guy is getting and what a great big sister Grace is to him! My friend Amanda is going to teach me personally how to post video on the blog so be looking for that!
Love to all!

2-Week Appt.

2008-07-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today I had my 2 week check-up and it went well. The girls had wrapped up presents for Dr. Farias and we had fun showing off little guy to her.The whole way home, he cried and now that we have three car seats in the back of my truck, I can't just simply climb back there and make it ok, so the girls and us just sang and sang to him while this is Jonathan holding his ears at the stoplight. He sang too, mind you!

Speaking of doctors, Justus' first appt. last Friday went well. He has regained his full birth weight and then some and his jaundice has greatly improved. His pediatrician is sort of quacky but we like him. He told me strongly to drink a margarita nightly so when he nurses, it'll help him and I both sleep good! That's great advice! I tried it but no significant difference yet!

Catching Up

2008-07-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad headed out yesterday, but not before we had tons of fun together. My dad made two lasagnas for us to freeze. My mom did all kinds of stuff...homemade breakfast biscuits and strawberry pies, mopping, folding, pooltime with the girls and my dad loved that especially. We also got Justus dedicated yesterday so they could be there but that's on video.It was beautiful and at baby dedications our pastor picks out an individual verse for each baby he dedicates. The verse he chose for Justus Chandler is one of my favorites. It's Philippians 3:14," I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."During the reading, Justus thrust out his little hand up in the air with his fist out front. We all laughed!

Now we're getting back in our routine and I'm eager to do it on my own now. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...yes, we can!

Baby Bobbi...

2008-07-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

On the 11th of this month, we said goodbye to little 19-month old Bobbi Rae McDermott.Bobbi was born on Dec. 28, 2006 with a very rare brain disorder and lung and heart issues. At birth, her mother, Danielle, was told not to feed her because she would die very soon. She wasn't bathed either. Her parents, Danny and Danielle, waited for her to pass. But she didn't. She was such a fighter. She lived week after week for 19 months until she went to be with Jesus on July 1, 2008. She was only 9 lbs when she died but her little 9 lbs did more for the world than we've ever seen. Her father was an atheist until her miraculous birth and survival after which he comitted his life to Christ and is now on the front row every Sunday with his family.
At Bobbi's funeral, everyone was asked to dress casual and wear pink. We all did and it was beautiful. When I see Jonathan's pink polo hanging in the closet, I can't help but think of Bobbi. Jonathan never wears pink but it suited him so well that day with his pink rose that he carried in her memory.Bobbi's service was the day after we were released from the hospital with baby Justus. We were so glad we could make it. My mom stayed home with Justus so we could go. At Bobbi's burial, one pink balloon was let go for each day of her life.
I wish I had a picture of baby Bobbi so everyone could see her beauty. She had blond curly hair, very short and long fingers. She was usually on oxygen and she was fed every 2 hours around the clock by her loving parents. She was never healthy on this earth but she was a fighter and now she's as healthy as anyone could wish for. She usually was wearing pink and she liked music.
Bobbi, you are strong and healthy now and you can walk and dance and play with the angels. We will see you again soon, love. Bye for now.

A Little More!

2008-07-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Just some more of the obvious! Glory and Grace are such proud big sisters to their Justus, who I have affectionately dubbed " Milk Dud," because of how he dribbles milk out the side of his left lip whenever he eats! He's so darn cute, we can't stand it!
we'll try to get pics of his bath tonight, but no promises. It's a pretty big job with the girls prancing around and dribbling water and baby wash all over him! My top priority is that no one drowns or slips in the bathtime excitement!
My Zoloft has been working, I guess. I've had no problems with any sort of depression or even baby blues. We're very thankful for that! Especially Jonathan!
Thanks to our church friends and neighbors who have been bringing meals nightly. It has been wonderful and we love it!!!!!

Some of The Story!

2008-07-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

So many of you have asked further details of Justus' birth story so I'm going to recount some of the story as I remember it.
We labored all day Saturday with nothing really progressing. We stayed at home for most of the day and then went for Panda Express and walking, walking, walking. Nothing! So we went and retrieved the girls from my nurse friend Kim's house(she's my friend who I work with, carpool with and her family is amazing), and we went to the store and bought deli meat and let the girls pick out special dinner treats. Went home and finally turned in at 11. Mind you, by this time, I had reshowered and shaved and washed my face since I was sure this stinker wasn't coming tonight but might come in the morning.
Then just one short sleepy hour later, I woke up with strong contractions like I had been having all day but they were now just 2 1/2 minutes apart. In between contractions, I reapplied my makeup because I wanted to have perfect pictures for the delivery! HA! What a joke! Then we waited one hour to make sure the contractions were staying consistent and we called our neighbor friends to come over and stay with the girls. They came quickly and we were off after quietly kissing the girls and thinking we'd never again just have two. Our family was about to grow!!!
We arrived at my hospital where I work at 0130 and I had called ahead to reserve the labor nurse I wanted. Thankfully, I got her. More on Julie later!!!!!
She whisked me off to my room, asked if we were planning on an epidural, Jonathan said yes emphatically, I said I'd see how it goes!!!
Labor, meanwhile, was getting stronger and more painful, but I felt like I could manage as long as I was moving and changing positions often. I walked, I sat on the birthing ball and Jonathan and Julie gave me back massages.At 6am, we were 6 cm's dilated and my doc was called. She said she'd be there at 0645 to break my water so I could progress. At 7, I cried for Julie to please call her because if I didn't have someone show me the end of this pain, I absolutely COULD NOT do this any longer. She called and the doctor had hit her alarm and was now running late. I was mad! I love my doctor, but I wanted her there right when she'd said she would be. Meanwhile, I was no longer managing well with the pain so I was given some morphine that didn't do JACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I mean JACK!
However, Julie had delivered her sone naturally and she kept telling me," April, you're doing it, you're doing this" over and over again while she gave me back massages since the baby's head was against my spine. She never stopped encouraging me through each contraction.
At 0715, Doctor Farias came in and said I was still just at 6 cm's. I cried. But she broke my water and then we began to progress some more, reaching 10 cm's at 0855. During this whole time, I begged and begged for the epidural during the contractions but after they were over, I'd say no, I didn't want it. It was all ready on the table but I maintained that I didn't want it between contractions. Julie and Jen, my two nurses, were the ones who kept me on course. They knew I really wanted to try a natural birth and they empowered me to do it. We pushed for 10 minutes and Justus was born at 0908. The pain was immediately over and I felt like Superwoman!!!!
Would I do it again this way? Probably not, but I am glad I experienced something women have done for years. I can relate now!!!! And it proves that one can do ANYTHING for a season! It does finally end!!! And now, we have this handsome baby to prove it!!! It's all worth it, my friends! Love you! And by the way, my makeup was all cried off and my eyes were droopy! So much for the makeup redo!

More of the Prince!

2008-07-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

We are home and glad to have our new baby with us! Justus Chandler is the most precious baby boy ever and we are adjusting well. The girls adore him and kiss him all over and we are learning all about what it's like to have 3 children. We love it although it's a little musical at our house. More to come!!

The Eagle Has Landed!!!

2008-07-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 13th, 2008, at

9:08am, Justus Chandler Drolet was born. Mom and baby are both doing fine. As you can see by the pic of the baby on the scale he weighed in at 8lbs.8oz, and he measured 20.5 inches long. He is a big one! In case you were wondering, this is Daddy Drolet(Jonathan) writing this post today because Mommy and Baby are resting at the hospital while I stay back home with our lovely princesses, Glory and Grace. Thank you all for all your support, words of encouragement, and prayers. Your friendships have meant alot and we look forward to what God has in store for our future with this new addition to the Drolet home. Be blessed and goodnight.

Labor or Labor Not???

2008-07-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this child and I had our first argument today. Little Drolet runs his own timetable, apparently.Yes, for our many friends and family who are wondering and thinking about us, I went into labor this morning at 1am while I was on my shift at work. Went down and got checked out and we are at 3 cm. I contracted every 4 minutes for 8 hours and came home to shower and kiss the girls, thinking we would head back up to the hospital soon thereafter. Well, soon thereafter never came. The contractions are painful but now they're very far apart so we're hanging out....waiting with anticipation!
All the nurses even said they would see me back today and had my room ready!
This is our first natural labor as the girls were both induced so I want things to just happen on their own,hence no induction plans right now. I just didn't think it would take this long!!
I'm gonna go eat some turkey and take a bath and more blogging when there's something to blog about!

The Happiest Ever!

2008-07-05T23:38:00.001-07:00

Well, tonight I was just thinking about how happy I feel right now. The excitement and anticipation of having a new baby and a boy, at that, are definitely alot of it, but I've been hit with this feeling before in the past few months and I'm trying to figure out what it is.
It's surely not the great money we make, being that we're bringing in less than we ever have and I will shortly be on unpaid maternity leave!
It's not our fancy cars. They're both paid off and have a plethora of dings, dirt and fabric stains to reveal their character!
It's not our mansion of a home. We're renting, most of the walls are white and half of our pictures and wall hangings are in storage! Although, I must say, I do like our little house alot!

It's this deep abiding confidence that wherever we, the Drolet family, go, wherever we are, whatever we do, we are in God's hands. We are being watched, prayed for, protected, adored, loved on, instructed by a Sovereign God.

The one thing I have learned most since our move to the desert of Arizona is that I am not to necessarily know what tomorrow will bring. Planning for the future is helpful but trusting that my plans will come to fruition is not. God cannot use a vessel full of their own agendas. I'm starting all over in this area of my faith.

So, this happiness, this confidence is sort of new for me and it will be long-lasting, because I'm learning now what makes one truly happy. Everything we have is from God, everything we are is because He put it there and everything we will do or have done is by His grace and for His glory.
This is true happiness.

Proverbs 19:21
There are many plans in a man's heart,
But the Lord's counsel-only that will stand.

Tucson Zoo on July 4!

2008-07-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

We went to the zoo this morning and had a blast. We purchased a year membership and are enjoying it well.

The giraffes got up real close to us and the lion roared really loud right while we were looking at him. Glory and Grace called him Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. And so he was...for the day!

We all got our faces painted and had fun with that too.

Doctor's appt. yesterday went well. We're at 2 cm's dilated with 2 weeks before the dudate. I'm so excited, words cannot explain. All is ready, except thechanging table. I have to get a pad and litttle cover for it, but crib is up with a blue sheet and the swing is ready and we are now just cleaning and organizing and getting so excited about his debut!!!!!!!

Little of This, Little of That

2008-07-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

This has been the greatest July 4 ever and it's still not over!!!!! Grace has adopted the new babies' first lovie and enjoys holding it and carrying it around the house.
Last night, we had a magnificent monsoon, complete with thunder, lightning, heavy, heavy rain and a rainbow right before it all. We have never had such rain while we've been here and it was so fun to eat mint chocolate chip icecream and watch it pour!
Aunt Pat, Jonathan's dad's sister, is in town from Colorado and we have had a great time with her. She did the girls hair last night and this morning taught them how to spread icing on the cinnamon rolls.

Baby Shower # 2!!!

2008-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was another great baby shower! As you can see, we have some great friends here in AZ!!! In the middle is Cami on the floor. She and my other friend, Angie, in black, sitting to my left in the last pic, were the hostesses.My cousins, Veronica and Erika are in the first picture.Little Drolet got pretty much everything he needs! We should be good. Just diapers, that's all I'm lacking.So he can get here anytime now. We'll be ready, little guy!!!

Here and There and Everywhere

2008-07-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I had to mention. One, my sister, Pamela, has a great boyfriend named Eric and I couldn't believe I've never blogged about him. He and Pamela are pretty serious. He's 23, lives in Austin, has a great job as a computer something or other...uh-oh, I should know this, and he takes good care of Pamela. This is him with Glory, who's showing off at the moment. Pamela has been accepted into nursing school and begins this fall. I'm really excited for her. We'll be the "nurse sisters."!!

Here's our 27 1/2 week prego pic. I'm really stickin' out but I feel great!

Third and way important is the picture of Glory with her first American Girl doll. She asked for this for her birthday from us and she got it. American Girl dolls are collector's dolls. They're pricey but beatiful and you can add on to them through the years because they have tons of accessories and clothes you can purchase for b-days, Christmas, etc. This particular doll is Julie from the 1970's collection. She's really cute and Glory can't go anywhere without here.

Take a look at what these dolls are all about on www.americangirl.com

Glory and Karsan!

2008-06-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

Glory and Karsan on her 5th birthday at the park!! I got it all on video but haven't learned how to post video.It'll happen soon! We had a great time, though!

Baby Shower!!!!

2008-06-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

My nursing friends at St. Joseph's Hospital threw me an awesome baby shower on Friday night at work at 10 pm. We had tons of fun and good eats and they all surprised me with my new Joovy sit and stand double stroller, in orange, my current fave color!!!! I was so surprised and shocked, I just stood there and laughed. I'll have to post a pic of the stroller with the kiddos in it, baby and all!

My good friend Kim and her daughter Karsan are in the top left pic. Kim and I work and carpool together and her daughter sometimes babysits and the girls adore her. She's the best 13-year old I've ever met and I hope we can have her come alot when the baby arrives.

Today I have another baby shower with neighborhood and church friends and family. I am so excited about it!!!!

Love to all!

Recent Happenings Here!

2008-06-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have officially reached the nesting phase of pregnancy. I can't stop cleaning, organizing and de-cluttering. Today I made the crib ready for baby, ironed his curtains and dust ruffles and imagined him sleeping on his little blue cotton sheets with his letters above his bed.
The doctor says he is not looking big and there is no need to induce in the near future. She thinks he'll be smaller than the girls. We'll see. We are 1 cm dilated but no signs of impending birth. I'm feeling uncomfortable but not too terribly. Still working and feeling like that's ok for now. My nurses on the unit take excellent care of me and don't let me work too much. I really appreciate them. Jonathan still doesn't want me to do much either. I hope I don't get used to this pampering thing because it's gonna be over real soon!
Little Glory turned 5 this past Wednesday and had a wonderful birthday party. I got it on video but not pics so I'll learn how to put video on asap with Jonathan's help.
She also had her 5 year old check-up today and got 4 shots to get ready for kindergarten. She did so awesome, no crying or even a whimper. She's a trooper.
I noticed an amazing generosity about her yesterday. I found her wrapping up her birthday presents from her party so I asked her what she was doing. She said she wanted to give some of her gifts to her friends who aren't having a birthday yet. Where do you draw the line on generosity? We'll see what takes place with that. She's a wonderful gift wrapper, I'll say that much!
All is well here. We're swimming most every day and the girls are learning how to load the dishwasher and hang up pants on hangers.
We plan to stay here in our current rent home if the landlord agrees to change the carpet. It would be so nice not to have to pack up and move right now so I'm praying this all works out.
I got a bit anxious this week about having a third child. Wondering how the whole sleepless night things will work sent me over the top, I think. Be anxious for nothing, I kept telling myself. God is not silent. He listens and he replies. He knows my name and we will be taken care of.
Those of you with 3 already will give me much needed advice and I'll pass it on to my dear friends when they have more children too!!!
I had a dream last night that we went out to eat and this old man came up to us and said he had a brand new Toyota Sequoia that he felt like he was wanting to give to a family but he didn't know who. Would we like it?? He**, yeah, we would!!!!
. We went out with him to the parking lot and it was red with tan leather interior, the exact car I've wanted for 5 years!!!! Wouldn't that be crazy? OK, well I'm allowed to dream, aren't I?
To all a good night and if you're going to dream, DREAM BIG!!!

Summertime!

2008-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

We love summertime! This week has been really fun. Today we are 35 weeks. The pregnancy is going very fast now and we are way too excited for words!
Glory and Grace have been going to a local Vacation Bible School this week and really enjoying it.
We've been going to the splash pad and pool alot too and loving the warm sun and cool water. Sunscreen has been our friend along with a cold can of Sprite!!!!
Next Wednesday Glory Sierra will be 5 years old and we are having her High School Musical birthday party at the neighborhood park that night, complete with High School Musical music, cake and icecream, a pinata and really cool party favors!
Glory really wants a chameleon for her present but I hope a drop of cash into the college fund will suffice! Ha, ha!!!!!!! I told her when she cleans up after herself without me having to ask, maybe she'll be ready for a pet!
Today is my mom's 29th birthday!!!! I'm so proud of her for maintaining that age for so long!
She's so beautiful. Mom, have a wonderful birthday!
Jonathan's busy at Chick-Fil-A today, hopefully he'll bring some goodies home!