Goodbye My Friends

We recently said goodbye to our very close friends, the Jones family. Sam got a job closer to both of their families. I can't fault them for wanting to be closer to family but that didn't make saying goodbye any easier.

We had a farewell party for them at the church, then a couple of days later just our two families went to Chuck E. Cheese's. What an experience! While there we ran into our mutual friend Stacy. It's such a small world.









After helping them pack Chris and I remembered how much we hate moving. I have decided if we ever have to move again I'll insist the new employer pay for a moving company to do it all for us (Chris rolls his eyes every time I tell him this fact).

The Jones' move stirred up some old feelings I thought I had dealt with...Chris and I have always been the ones doing the moving, so I never realized how difficult it was to stay behind. Not only am I dealing with the Jones (and Heim) family moving, but I now realize what we put our friends in Marysville through. I am mourning the loss of my Alliance friends and my Marysville (Columbus) friends all at the same time. I am so sorry friends (my friend...).

On a lighter note...
I guess it's a good thing we are traveling friends. Get ready, Jones family...we're headed your way soon! Canada or bust, eh?

Hanging with the Franks

We recently spent an afternoon with Hunter and Emmerson. We enjoyed a healthy lunch at McDonald's then drove over to one of the city's parks to expend some energy before nap time.




The boys never want to leave after playing with Hunter. We had a great time that day!

Tree Huggers

On the same day that I decided Ohio was an OK place to live we went over to my parents' home to help plant a tree (I had to tell you it was the same day or you would have thought we all only have one outfit). Jonathan had a great time digging for worms while Drew watched a movie inside (can you believe it???). Although he did peel away from the boob tube long enough to look like he helped a bit...



See the house across the street? That's where my sister lives.

Drew loves playing in Papa's truck.


I forget the name of the tree...some kind of flowering plum. That sucker was heavy!

For those of you that don't know, this was my childhood home. I would have never guessed I would be living right behind my parents someday. We have a great yard and I love being so close. I truly think Chris likes it too!

Just call us the "Everybody Loves Raymond" family.

Great Wolf Lodge

We decided to take a quick trip to Great Wolf Lodge this past week. The boys had a fantastic time! Jonathan was incredible. He was able to ride every water slide there (and loved every minute of it). Drew enjoyed the toddler area and was finally convinced to slide down without someone there to catch him. I think Drew's favorite place was the "hot water" (the family hot tub). Thank goodness for chlorine.






My digital camera died half-way through our mini-vacation, so I didn't get some shots that I would have liked to. Needless to say I am in the market for a new camera, so it might be a while before I am able to post a new blog. So long for now, my friends!

Spring Has Arrived

Thank goodness it finally got warm. I almost had Chris convinced we needed to move to North Carolina (just kidding). We took full advantage of the nice weather this past weekend. The boys had a great time! I guess we'll stay in Ohio for another year...


If you click on the above picture, you can see the shirt Jonathan's friend Emily bought for him. It makes me laugh.

We spent Friday outside with our friends Hunter and Emmerson. Saturday we played in our yard and hung out with Papa, Nina, and Aunt Dee. Sunday we had lots of friends over for lunch then headed to Katie's softball game. The boys ended their weekend playing outside Sunday evening with Nina Tripp.

Jonathan is burnt as a result of our weekend outdoors. I guess I need to get into the habit of putting on sunscreen again!

De-Crapification Update

To all my faithful blog-stalkers: Some of you may remember me mentioning the de-crapification process I was going through. Although I still have a long way to go, I wanted to share the progress so far. I textured and painted my dining room with the help of a friend (thanks Stacy). I love it! I have included pictures of the new walls. If you can't tell from the pictures, it is a deep olive color. It wasn't that hard to do but it took me almost a whole week. It's amazing how much longer things take with kids.

I also got rid of some of the boys' toys that they no longer play with. It was hard but absolutely needed. I am such a pack rat. I hate stuff but struggle to get rid of it. Augh! I so admire those of you whose homes are immaculate. If only I could get there.




I went down to Marysville to scrapbook last month. It was nice to see my friends again and I enjoyed closing the gap (somewhat) between completed scrapbook pages and my most current pictures. To be honest, I have thought more than once that blogging is much like scrapbooking so I could just do this! Don't worry, Julie. I couldn't talk myself into it.

I haven't decided if I am able to come this month or not. It's not looking promising...unless I bring the boys. Chris has a prior commitment. I found things that need sizzixed already. Maybe that's what I should ask for for my birthday...or maybe the Cricket thing.

Well I believe I will say 'farewell' for now. Thanks for taking the time to get updated on my blog again. I'm sorry it takes me a while.

Michelle

Hoppy Easter!

Holidays are always busy at our house, and this Easter was no different (especially since we host the dinner). After the boys got dressed I showed them their baskets and allowed them one piece of candy. Once they scarfed down their candy we headed off to church, but came home early to put the finishing touches on Easter dinner (lunch).

Pictures that you take of yourself are always fun. This was taken before everyone came over but after church. Can you believe Chris left church early on Easter to come home and help me get lunch ready? What a great guy!


Aunt Dee came over with Easter gifts for the boys and they decided they needed to try them on right away. She also bought them Peter Pan, which we have been watching non-stop.


While waiting for lunch to be served, Chris and Mr. Jones decided they needed to try on the boys' helmets. I think they both look ridiculous, how about you? We got a good laugh, anyway.

Even though the weather felt more like Christmas, we served our traditional Easter meal. Each year Mom and I split up the side dishes (sorry, Andrea, next year will be different). She brought over lots of yummy food and we shared our feast with the Jones family and Papa Bobby. We had Honey Baked Ham (the best), scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cheesy broccoli rice, green beans with bacon, baked corn, and rolls. For dessert we had pumpkin pie, mixed berry pie, and iced sugar cookies (yum).

After lunch we cleaned up our mess and all headed to bed. I was exhausted! We slept for a while then got up and headed to Nina Tripp and Papa Ralph's house. There the boys received yet another Easter basket and we had scrumptious ham sandwiches and chips. It was nice to spend time at their house without the stress of a huge meal. I left more relaxed than I came.




I should always try to get family pictures like these last two. I think they are so important!

Coloring Easter Eggs

After stained hands, a messy table, and crazy looking eggs the boys were very proud of their hard work. Although they enjoyed making the eggs, they refused to eat them because some of the coloring soaked through. I was stuck eating all twelve. Luck for me egg whites are a great source of protein (I pitched the yolks).
I think Jonathan would have colored a few dozen more but I can only eat so many eggs.

Happy Birthday Ariana!

The boys were invited to their cousin's birthday party at Pump It Up in Hartville. Chris and I were even able to play on the huge inflatable games. They had a lot of fun and have decided that they too want a Pump It Up birthday party...we'll see.





I wonder what was going through Chris's mind...


Nina Tripp even got in on the action. We all had a great time.



Both boys were exhausted by the time the party was over. Drew didn't even have enough energy to give me one last smile.