The Geryol Adventure

5 Reasons I LOVE My Boys!

2010-04-03T14:52:00.002-07:00

1. Today Erick turned on the water to the shower left the bathroom for a few seconds to come back to find Josiah in the shower, door closed & fully clothed.

2. While sweeping today I had to reason with an almost 2 year old that it was mommy's turn to sweep & he could have his turn later. (which ended up being him vacuming the couch)

3. I never know what state of clean those two boys will be in if I leave them unattended. Generally they get a lot done, but they themselves need a good scrub down.

4. I know when they are in the "man room" in their chairs with the dog that is my cue to leave them alone...it's boy time! Lucky for me the washer and dryer are in there so no work for me in that department as long as they stay there. :)

5. They give the BeSt HUGS EVER!

Take A Vote: Round 1

2010-03-29T16:32:00.007-07:00

I am taking intial votes on our Nursery choices for G-squared. My mind has gone a million places so these may not even be in the final choices. But what do you think? Cast your vote in the comment section:) Thanks Lovelies!

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/product_details.asp?Product_ID=25880

Take 5

won't let me save the picture so here is a link....I probably won't do white bedding but I LOVE the wallpaper. Maybe green and that pink :)

The Collision-A Beautiful Reality

2010-03-21T20:04:00.004-07:00

Like I said in my last post there is so much to tell, share, inform people of going in our lives. There have been months...well almost 2 years worth of emotions, learning, trials, heartbreak and growth that don't seem to have words to express all that is going on inside this heart and mind. To save everyone from the long list of details that some of you already know I will sum the past 2 years up as short as possible.

1. Unexpected-in both our personal business and ministry life we have been stretched to the end of our strength. From being very confident, certain and financially stable to beat down, uncertain and having nothing extra to give to those who need it.

2. Heartache-loosing our house, loosing friends, being stabbed in the heart by people's action intentional or unintentional it still hurts EVERY single time. Two things SO dear to me is my ministry I've been called to and pursuing our business. These things put a person in such a place of criticism, critique and personal investment that even when you know you are called to be where you are it hurts each time someone say's or does something to make you feel otherwise.

I look back at the past 4 years and the decisions we've made because we knew God called us to it. He asked us to go back into ministry, when personally I thought I couldn't do it anymore. He asked us to leave stability of corporate America to pursue a dream of owning a restuarant. (a dream that once wasn't mine, but Erick's) In ALL of those pursuits God has taken us to the end of our own strength, flat down to the bottom of ALL confidence, certaintity and knowledge to a place I personally NEVER thought we would be.
In all the uncertaintity I NEVER once heard walk away...keep going...your in this in over your head just keep swimming. Though I felt beat down, unsure, hurt and frusterated at times I can honestly say I never heard walk away. NEVER!!!

Today....ALL that has been pressuring my heart for so many months came to be The Collision-A Beautiful Reality. I stood in the middle of our bar holding my son, surrounded by a group of people I have grown to love because of their passion, their perserverence and their love for the Lord. Today our church, that has been through what to many has seemed like a helpless mess, took a step into the unknown. We are doing ministry and fellowship in a Bar/Restuarant a place many frown on, but today my eyes welled up with tears as I looked around the building we have spent countless, tired hours in and was filled with such gratefulness. I am grateful for each person who has stuck it out with us in all aspects of our lives (we lead a crazy life), grateful to those in our church who have been so willing to take a plung going unconventional and doing ministry in the most unexpected place. Mostly today I was overwhelmed with the The Collision of God's plan for our life as a family with both passions we share colliding together. We still don't have much financially give, we do have our business we can give to our church family to welcome our dear friends to embark on a crazy journey.

In All the struggle I am beyond words-I can not say enough I am so amazed at this Collision-God proves to me once again HE alone can do things beyond our wildest imagination. To be apart of this Journey with the people that stand beside us is a privilege and though we have all said goodbye to so many we love I firmly believe God has each of us EXACTLY where we are supposed to be. This Collision for our family is without a doubt, Our Best Adventure Yet

G-squared is....

2010-03-11T07:29:00.004-07:00

Blogging has not been on the top of my list....don't take this as we have nothing going on worth talking about! Quite the contrary...God is moving in our lives and we are excited about where he is taking us. Hopefully in a week or so I can share a bit more about that, but for now just wanted to post some pics of our Baby Girl....

Yep we are having a girl.....I already fear she will be spoiled rotten by her daddy as he has informed Josiah and Myself that she WILL be a princess. To which I responded..."What happened to my husband? Snap out of it man!!!" However he is still holding to his guns that she will be a princess and spoiled....ah... for my dream of having 4 boys...on with the bows and girly drama...something I don't deal with well at all:) God Knows best!

:) So exciting!

2009-12-21T14:14:00.005-07:00

Well, the time has come to expand our clan from 3 to 4. Josiah is going to be a big brother this summer! We are due July 25, 2010-Josiah turns 2 July 27th-what the heck! So much for not being pregnant in the summer again, hello swimming pools, sausage toes and a VBS director the size of a small country. We found out the day before Thanksgiving and went to the Dr. we week we got back from cancun. We've heard and seen a little heartbeat!

Our Baby Dude is going to be A Big Brother Dude!

The Gift

2009-12-11T12:47:00.006-07:00

The Weekend ofter returing from cancun- we ventured out the get our tree!

Josiah had an amazing time and was quite filthy when returned from his big adventure!

Sweet family time after the week apart!

This dude is such a gift!

No Baby-Baby Vacation

2009-12-11T08:28:00.011-07:00

I packed the Baby Dude's suitcase and we boarded a plane to CA on an early saturday Morning. My parents and sister picked us up we had breakfast, then heading back to airport to drop me of. I cried of course-6nights away from my dude:( I headed back home, went out for my good friend, Kelly's birthday Then the next morning the hubsters and I hopped on a plane for Cancun, Mexico. (did I mention flying for free is awesome!!!) We spent 5 lovely nights looking at scenes such as these...both views are from my spot near the pool of our resort!Our Friends Justin and Bruce came along. Which some may say WHAT? But it was perfect!!! we had lots of vacation points to use by the end of the year and Erick had play buddies so when I was getting massages (count them....2!!!!!) or napping they would play volleyball etc!

My family all reminded me we can go vacation anytime! Truth of the matter is our "not so Baby anymore" Baby Dude is an easy traveler and adapts quite well:) But i guess someday we will leave him again to fend for himself in the spoiled world he lived in for a week!

ready set walk!

2009-11-12T18:32:00.003-07:00

AND...he's off!!!

Erick's Personal Trainer

2009-11-12T17:50:00.002-07:00

Josiah Loves helping even if we are working out!

He doesn't charge much if you need a little extra workout help!

Impromptu Hawaii Trip!! SUPER FUN!

2009-11-12T17:16:00.006-07:00

I NEEDED a vacation something fierce and we fly for free & Erick's best friend lives in HI. SO...Tuesday I proposed a trip and Saturday off we went!!!

Lot's of beach fun! Lot's of friend fun!

View From their yard

Josiah took driving lessons from Luke

Quick and Easy

2009-11-09T14:21:00.004-07:00

So...I very rarely paint my toe nails and my fingers...well just forget it!! It takes me FOREVER I sometimes will only make it as far as one hand and then I have to move on to another project. Let's face it I am a busy body who has to keep going....I found a really cool thing today at the CVS. I LOVE IT!! It is easy, fits in your purse and drys super fast. So for all you BUSY girls out there...Check it out!

http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=331

To Blog Or Not to Blog?

2009-11-07T11:29:00.008-07:00

I am not sure if anyone even checks my blog anymore, even when I blogged regularly I was unsure if anyone even cared.....So it's been a conflict, To Blog Or Not To Blog? I guess I've decided to do it when I have a free minute. And today I do! Yes there is laundry to be done, a house to clean and bags to sew for orders, but honestly sitting on the couch if just what I need right now. I am a bit sweaty still from our 4 mile bike ride and the dude sleeps.
Things here in Geryol land have been fabulous. I've taken on a few side jobs that are completely just for fun. I am now selling Scentsy (http://www.scentsy.com/geryol) and along with that have been sewing purses, bags etc..(http://www.sideprojectdesigns.etsy.com/). It's all just for fun and I am truly having a great time!

We are still doing projects here and there around the house but honestly motivation is small for that right now. The next projects on the list are MAJOR, kitchen, bathrooms, landscaping etc and I/we just don't feel up to it at the moment. We did finish our pool and grass out back the week of Josiah's birthday party so it is fabulous that project is out of the way.

Erick has been home more, only working at Boulders and US airways:) It's been nice being able to have family time! Josiah is plugging a long great-he has zero teeth at 15 months but 8 coming in. all things considered he is super happy and walking a lot more. He's crazy-SUPER crazy! Climbs EVERYTHING and at the sound of music he dances like crazy!This is what I found him doing the other day!

You Are Invited!

2009-09-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Josiah!

2009-08-21T22:16:00.002-07:00

Josiah had his 1st Birthday July 27!
We are bit late on sharing his first year pics....JULY was NUTS. (will share more later)
Josiah has such a happy spirit. He laughs and talks all day long. where would we be without his sweet spirit, yet super strong will!
Who knew someone could change your life?
We love you Baby Dude!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Day in the Life of Kate

2009-07-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

Continue to pray for Kate.....I pretty much lost it watching this video. Just made it real how differet things are for her. A journey I pray for daily for the strength for them to walk.

Pray for Kate McRae - Update Part II

2009-07-11T20:52:00.001-07:00

Continue on in prayer....

Pray for Kate McRae

2009-07-02T22:18:00.001-07:00

Please Pray for Kate

I can't Imagine-Please Pray

2009-07-01T09:34:00.003-07:00

Being a regular person this is hard, being a parent that understands the love for our children...this is harder...I can't imagine-Please pray!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/journal

VBS 08' vs 09'

2009-06-21T20:45:00.004-07:00

WHOO...what a difference a year makes...

VBS 2008

(I stole this pic from Mikele:))

VBS 2009 (crazy hair day)

A Path

2009-06-15T22:39:00.005-07:00

Today we started VBS....when i first started my current position at LQ (it will be 3 years on Friday) I had never directed VBS...it wasn't a passion of mine. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE planning BIG events, but never really did VBS.
This Year has been a hard one when it comes to my ministry....a lot of changes have gone on, my heart has been broken multiple of times over this past year. VBS last year I was 8 months pregnant, VBS last year was when I felt for the first time that Josiah NEEDED to get out NOW!!!! Our church was on the brink of HUGE changes and more to come I didn't even anticipate.....This morning I woke at 3:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep...I finally rolled out of bed at 4:15ish and from the minute my feet hit the floor I felt that all familiar lump in my throat.
I've come acustom to it, you probably know it too, the feeling like you want to cry and have to swallow to keep it down. I kept asking myself WHY...I am not a crier...I don't really cry much at all, but today I wanted to. It took me a few minutes to realize why....
It was because last year around this time my world got rocked and has continued to be rocked for the past 12 months....from being on a staff of 4 full time people to becoming the sole "full" time paid ministry person, to having a son, to letting go of our house, to watching friends walk away and not look back once in my direction. This past year I have asked God WHY so many times....yet in it all I am certain. I am EXACTLY EXACTLY I repeat EXACTLY where he wants me.
This morning it just hit me hard. I have had a very emotional year, God has challenged me and at times I have failed miserably. MInistry is something I am called to, passionate about & LOVE-so this morning when I didn't get it...the thought of this week ahead made me ache.
I just prayed all morning to spark in me a passion, bring me back to the heart of why I do what I do. Of course he did!!!
I had an amazing day today....we had 55 kids running around the church, 27 staff/volunteers, AMAZING props. Best of all Kids learning about Jesus & learning that God is with them. Today I got to stand in and with the kids singing and dancing, I got to be on the stage (impromptu) singing with one of my closest friends Carin & another amazing friend Shannon. I heard a room of 55 kids sing louder than our 130 last year and the lump in my throat was gone.
God has chosen me, my position, my husband, my son, my friends, my church, my job, my failings, my uncertainty, my questions, my flaws-for such a time as this.
I don't want that lump in my throat anymore! I don't want to be caught dwelling on the past in my job, church, finances and friendships. He has a plan and I need to let go with reckless abandon. He is God and I am not! He has a path for me and my boys! I am reminded and humbled again........

For the Love...I can't stop laughing!

2009-06-11T20:57:00.002-07:00

This will explain my laughter

....http://lifeisourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/06/who-needs-eyelashes.html

And Off He goes

2009-06-11T20:16:00.006-07:00

Before Josiah was Born.....we had 3 baby showers...two az and one in CA...I wrote approx 180 thank you cards...WOWzers we were so showered with gifts....one of the first was a bike trailer.....of course we haven't been able to use it quite yet but this week we decided to bust it out....
Today we went to Tempe Beach park, but before taking a 2 mile trek round trip we decided to ride around the neighborhood early this week a few times to be sure baby dude liked it etc....he slept today on the way home...sweet kid!

gearing up for the first ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_h2af5Rzo4

Chatty Patty

2009-06-10T14:16:00.001-07:00

My Chatty Patty

Sunday Funday!

2009-05-24T21:19:00.006-07:00

It was nappy time a Geryol tradition on Sunday afternoon
I was just waking up, when I heard a bike bell & "Geryol's"
Our friends Chris & Neil were riding by enroute to our friend Kate's to swim

so we headed on over to join in the fun!

hanging with daddy

nice shades Chris

Getting ready for the jump

nice work

surfing on Kate's feet

We were going to take the bike trailer, but lent it out and were missing a vital piece the one that connects the trailer to the bike...so I drove Si the mile to Kate's house....he didn't make it to the half mile mark before he was passed out and is still snoring as I type....he sure loves swimming & eating which he did a lot of while we were there...Sweet Kid!

Memorial "Weekend"

2009-05-24T20:40:00.011-07:00

Thursday Si and I headed out to Nebraska via US Airways Free flight status (thanks E for working for our travel benefits) to visit friends of my family since I was 5 years old.....

Their oldest daughter is graduating HS (making me feel even older)...we had a great time hanging out with them! Love you EHLERS!

We came home saturday night in time for church Sunday.Mark, Teri, Samantha, Sarah & Skylar

(and bow the dog)

gotta love camera timers

the weather was beautiful we hung out in their great yard, Si loved the trampoline

Check this out if you want to meet my chatty patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L4PydK22is

Josiah is a great traveler...he generally will sleep on the plane or chat it up with people near by....he makes friends easily....people tell me he is quieter than some adults near them. A compliment because post people get the shakes when they realize there is a kid sitting next to them in a plane....we trained hime early (like 2.5 weeks was his first flight...)

i took this in phoenix (after we landed) with my phone to prove he is a great traveler

Fun in the Sun

2009-05-24T20:23:00.005-07:00

Our pool will be done within the month (of June)...how you may ask considering how it looked in the last post....until then we've been cooling off about a mile away at the splash pad at Tempe Beach Park (http://www.tempe.gov/lake/Recreation/SplashPlayground.htm).
My parents were in town a few weeks ago and we headed there with William:)

This little girl kept hugging on the boys and grabbing William's "flowing locks"

Will insisted on sticking his face in this

DISGUSTING!!!!

2009-05-20T09:20:00.004-07:00

Tuesday Morning I was hanging out with Si-he was on the floor playing while I did some excercise stuff (crunches etc) As I stand up to do some weights......

I look out the window and hanging on the curtain is this.....

I killed it after I removed myself from the fetal position and put Si down for a nap....the thought of it in my house is oh so disturbing...someone might loose a limb or worse carry off my first born!

Meet-THE WACKER

2009-05-20T09:04:00.004-07:00

Home renovation is bliss...oh yeah! We love our "new" house and we like the potential it holds...years and years of potential....Erick and I have what I like to refer to as Home improvment ADD.....he has one idea and I have another when it comes to what project is next...one thing we can agree on is this beast of the a pool or what we refer to has the the pond. So the journey of renovating the pool has begun because let's face it...it is freaking hot out!

The Pond

In the process of getting quotes (upwards of 10 or so) we came to the conclusion that we may need to start winning the lotto or robbing banks....they wanted ridiculous amounts of cash to rip up the deck and put in the piping....no sir...we aren't going to take it....so Erick rented a Jack Hammer & is now borrowing one from my dad and is taking matters into his own hands....along with digging trenches to redo all the piping...

Thanks to Montana...the first day they did most of the deck!
(also thanks to Joel Baltrus-not pictured but he helped dig trenches)

Meet THE WACKER!

I look forward to showing the before and after pictures(Mikele I know those are your favorite)..... right now it looks oh so pretty! Josiah has been great thru the whole process the pool is right outside his window and he has taken his naps everytime regardless of the jack hammer pounding right outside....

If you want to come by and see it....just look for the house with the huge dumpster in the driveway...sweet...yeah we are ghetto fabulous!

ROUND 2 - he could win:)

2009-05-18T13:13:00.005-07:00

I don't want to try and convince you that my kid is cuter than yours(i think he is), but atleast help us beat out all those kids on Baby Idol...Josiah made it to Round 2 of Baby Idol on Mix 969....Please vote for him...you can vote once a day with a valid email address until May 25 at 11 am for the 2nd round....he could win $2000 to go into his savings:) Help him get to the final round:) THANKS:)

http://www.mix969.com/pages/baby-idol/vote-entrants.php?gid=3&id=23

In Loving Memory of our Baby Girl

2009-05-09T19:37:00.006-07:00

Have you ever had a few days that felt to go on forever? Erick left town on Wednesday and the days have dragged on....mostly because within less than 12 hours of him leaving I was left with the decision about our 15 year old dog Ayasia. She is an amazing "baby girl" who has been apart of Erick's family since he moved here back in college. I think the hardest part about having pets is when they get old and you know there time is coming to an end.
I don't know if she maybe waited till Erick left but I feel it was a blessing that she did...it was in less then 12 hours from his departure that she began to decline in health at a very rapid rate...by thursday morning she was so bad unable to walk etc that I had to make the aweful decision to put her to sleep......I am glad Erick can be left with happy memories of her rather than seeing her so sick.
Thankfully my friend Kate was gracious enough to help me carry her to the car and go to the vet with me. I wouldn't have made it in one piece without her there....I've never had to make the call on an animal...though I've lost 5 pets in my lifetime. My parents made the call on all our pets and then our dog that died 2 years ago went on his own.
I've had a rough few days....And when my hubby walks in the door I am going to hug him for approximatly 2 days.....
This is in Memory of our Baby Girl-Ayasia.....

VOTE 4 JOSIAH

2009-04-30T08:34:00.002-07:00

Swimming Lessons

2009-04-28T18:03:00.013-07:00

Josiah and William are in swimming lessons together....Erick came wednesday and took some pictures for us:) (video too) Thanks Love!

No Oven=Homemade Pizza on the BBQ

2009-04-27T15:09:00.009-07:00

First I made the dough.....

Second I added the homemade sauce

Third our toppings Plus shredded chicken (not pictured)
The Basil was fresh from my garden

MMM....it was really good...I highly recommend trying it out

Yelp....No I don't have the hiccups

2009-04-26T21:26:00.003-07:00

We are nearing the 2.5 year mark of owning Boulders...the WORST part about owning a business that is completely about people is...the PEOPLE! I hate criticism, as most do, when it comes to your life savings and ALL your energy, sweat and tears it is hard NOT to take peoples criticisms personal. In the beginning..I would cry at peoples reviews...I remember this one guy, a food critic wrote some mean review and I cried...then I got Pissed off because he ordered the lamest thing on the menu (i think it was nachos-bar food) and ripped us a new one in print.
When i see reviews that are negative I get sad, defensive then REALLY mad! Then i think to myself...Wait...we are still open and business if hopping...really doing amazing!
So on YELP.com
It's this website where you can leave reviews for places and we are a member...basicly meaning we get an email when we get a review....when my phone dings and I check that email box and it says "new review on yelp" in the subject line...my heart stops and I get short of breath....NOT that I generally care what people think, but when it comes to our lively hood and people having STRONG opinions good or bad it matters.
TONIGHT I got one of those emails....
when I went to check it out...it was a 4 out of 5 stars...then I averaged out our reviews and 78% of them were 4 out of 5 stars and only 23% were 3's. I say that is good...MOST responses under 4 were for "STUPID" reasons like the juke box...AH...hello the customer controls the Juke Box...throw a Quarter in!
I am Learning....Slowly but surely not to care.

Cruisin'

2009-04-26T07:54:00.003-07:00

Josiah Loves his new (borrowed) walking car......

What He Does When We "are not" watching.....

2009-04-26T07:45:00.004-07:00

Josiah has been standing up on things all around the house....Of course he couldn't get to his feet on camera, but here is his attempts at getting there. Did I mention he won't crawl or eat baby food. He will stand and eat finger foods...I mean he will eat chicken, fruit, green beans anything...then the baby food comes out and he gets so mad. I guess he is skipping the beginning things and advance right to the bigger things....all this and not a single tooth popping thru:) Love that kid!

ZOO

2009-04-20T10:00:00.004-07:00

Along with the Gardens we headed to lunch then back out to discover the Zoo...Si was less than pleased about the splash pad at first then seemed to like it as long as he could claw into my arm...he is a sensitive little soul....he gets all teared up with chin shaking when a fire truck or ambulance passes by with the siren on so water squirting up from the ground a foot in front of him was a bit scary. He will get it:)

Kyra

Chloe

Botanical Gardens

2009-04-20T09:46:00.006-07:00

Last week Erick's Brothers family came in town. Monday we headed to the glass & butterfly exibit at the Botanical Gardens...it was super fun!

My Girl Room Progress

2009-04-20T09:38:00.005-07:00

I have created my own little haven at our house. It is an office/guestroom/craftroom/mommy will shut the door and not hear you room.
Mostly it is where I do the bills but a girl can dream right:) it's not finished yet I have to paint and make the window treatments but here is a bit of the progress.

This Table we had laying around so I sanded it down and painted it....my accent color is this pink color and a brown...

My Guilty Pleasure reading:)

Making me a better person reading:)

The picture on the shelf my sister painted me and it was the colors I was going for:) Thanks B!

Going Private

2009-04-11T00:30:00.003-07:00

Hey....after some consideration....I've decided to take my blog private.....I don't like the idea of my sweet family being posted out on the web for all to see and so....if you are intersted in being apart of our family updates...please comment or shoot me an email with your info...so we can keep you in the loop. If you are not sure of my email you can find me at www.lifequestchurch.org....
:) I will wait till May to make this change:)

My heartaches for them...

2009-04-08T09:04:00.004-07:00

I have caught wind of this couple here in the valley....my heartaches for them but rejoices and is in awe of their strength in their journey...then I am overwhelmed with gratefulness for my son and his health. I can't imagine what they have gone thru...what she has gone thru carrying her child in her and then this.....grab tissue...I was sobbing....
http://www.cjbergmenmusic.com/wordpress/?p=189
(i am having link/photo drama won't add a direct link...if you can help me...HELP!)

Going Green!

2009-03-26T12:38:00.003-07:00

On St. Patrick's Day-My Dear friend Leslie & William joined Josiah and me for dinner:) We had a lovely time and decided for a photo op....we headed down to Boulder for some grub and a chance to watch our hubby's work....someone has got do it...so we made them:) Pat-Leslie's Hubby works at Boulders too!:)

Yeah we know they are cute...next time you see them you can squezze them:)

Fun In the yard

2009-03-25T18:50:00.013-07:00

The Weather has been GREAT here in AZ we've been spending quite a few evenings and afternoons out in our yard....it's by no means a retreat but it will get there.

Hanging out in the Hammock
(this was Erick's Anniversary gift from me)

I have also found time to plant my garden again...two years it's been since I last did this and we use to have some yummy stuff to eat from it....
This year basil, tomatoes, mint and cilantro. More to come I am sure:) Oh there was also rosmary already there growing

My Trusty Supervisor

BEFORE

AFTER

It's Official-I am a terrible person!!!

2009-03-25T18:23:00.004-07:00

After writing this I will be admitting myself to rehab....that is pending I can find a place that will take me and deal with my issue.
Okay...it goes like this...you probably know me by now and my love for falling...not when I fall per-say, but when people face plant bad or get hit in the head with something or run into the door...I realize this makes me a bad person...I just can't help it.

Today I came home from running a few errands and Erick was in the "man room" (I've yet to find the "girl room", but that is for another post). Our challenge has been this...we own 4 bikes, well 5 but one got stolen. Anyways...Erick is in the man room mounting a piece of wood to the ceiling to hang our bikes. This new house is AWESOME it does however lack a garage. I say to him, "Hey can I help you?" his response, "Yeah that would be Great" as I walk towards him, he is undoing some screws when the board slams down from the ceiling hitting him in the face...then on the shoulder. What do I do? I start laughing then I check to see if he is okay...well now he is mad...I say "I am sorry I couldn't stop it." His response, "I thought you were going to help me?". At this point I am going to puke from laughing and leave the room later explaining to him that I was on my way to help but don't have go-go-gadget arms to catch boards falling from the ceiling. All this to say I need serious help because it was funny when it happened and it's funny still and I am pretty darn sure I will laughing tomorrow.....
This is the second time in our house remodel journey E has been knocked in the head with a piece of wood...I laughed the first time too...I am 2 for 2! That's reason for rehab right?

Here is our handy new bike rack to keep our rides off the floor providing a little more space.

Josiah Sitting UP

2009-03-10T16:14:00.003-07:00

Josiah has discovered sitting up and LOVES it!

The Many Sleep Positions Of Baby Dude!

2009-03-10T16:10:00.003-07:00

Guiness Toast & Boulders 2 year Anniversary!

2009-03-10T16:00:00.004-07:00

We just celebrated 2 years of Boulders being in business in January. Early February we combined our annual Guiness Toast with our 2 year Celebration! It was a fun night...we got a sitter for the kiddos at our place a group of us road bikes down for a night on the town. Well a night in Boulders....we feel blessed to have made it two years....over half of restuarants fail within that time!

A new perspective

2009-02-25T17:25:00.003-07:00

Erick and I are in a new place in life. We have weekends and evenings together for the first time in five years. Along with that he works at Boulders and 2-3 shifts at US Airways to get us free flight benefits. I am working the church and helping some at the restuarant. We have made a goal of miniumum of 4 meals together at the the table a week...small goal but for two people who have been on the go it works. The past two years have been a whirl wind of people asking...how do you do it all? I look at it now and realize how crazy things have been. I am reading a great book right now that has helped put my life in check....at one point he was describing himself and I checked the cover to make sure my name was no where on it, because it was me:)
I am trying to read at the very least a book a month....a small goal I hope to exceed....this is worth checking out.

Si will hate me someday for this one

2009-02-09T09:52:00.009-07:00

Two weeks ago we had to go to Phoenix Childrens for Si to have a little procedure....
He had to grow a bit down yonder so they could do his circumcision and remove an extra piece of skin. SO we packed him up and headed to the hospital for a circumcision, penial fusion and they ended up doing one other thing...poor kid. I won't post pictures of the surgery sight...save the kid some dignity later on in life, plus thats just wrong!!! It was really hard for me to send him off to go to "sleep" as they called it. Erick was with me of course because I was a wreck!
Before pictures.....He had no clue what was going on but just as they came to take him he was so sad cuz he was hungry he couldn't eat after 5:30 AM and his surgery wasn't till 9:30 almost 10..

After pictures...he was still so "sleepy" and looked so little and innocent.....we sat with him in recovery for about an hour and then headed home.

He is feeling much better now:)!

Our Boy Is Growing Up

2009-02-09T09:45:00.003-07:00

Josiah will be 7 months at the end of the month...it feels like yesterday I was weighing in 40 pounds over my normal weight and walked around on my sausage toes. Now he is eating "real" food...well atleast he was for the first few weeks he would chow down and get mad when it was gone...now he won't eat it...dang kid! Here is some pics of him when he would eat...

A Season For Everything

2009-01-31T16:32:00.002-07:00

This past two years has been a trying experience for me and Erick. If you want to test what your marriage is made of open a business together and you will see. In this past two years I went from being 25 at the start to a ripe age of 45 now..atleast that is what I feel like. We've taken on multiple jobs, extended out our hand to every last economic relief we could possibly find to make it work at Boulders. In all of this people have asked me...do you think you did the wrong thing opening a business worth so much money and time. My answer is no. No I don't regret it in most moments, no i don't because it has been hard and in the end of the journey when everything is okay in the business we can only say to God be the glory. And in it all we will never be left to wonder what would have been
Erick's mentor told him the story of Gideon and the success that did not come overnight. For us this story does ring to be so true. If and when success does come for us Boulders there is no denying where it will come from. In the past two years i've held myself together...no tears have been shed except for behind closed doors with only my closest of friends. Last week not so much...I hit a wall....i couldn't keep it in...no more "face" for my staff or anyone else. I had a real moment...the moment being I can't live with my husband working 3 jobs, not sleeping, not having a minute for himself. It hurts too bad to see your soul mate do EVERYTHING they can for your famliy and be going stationary on the bike of life.
In Bible study last week we had to look at Ecclesiaties and the verses regarding the seasons of life. We had to pick 3 but share one...mine was giving up. Giving up the jobs of trying to make it happen. stop saying "God I trust you, but I am going the get this extra job just incase that doesn't work out." Longer story shorter than it really is....God is faithful! We've given up...we've put our eggs in one basket. We still own a cleaning business, we still both work, but today we had an entire day together as a family. ONE WHOLE DAY! to most families saturdays are always that way, but for us not so much. I've led quite a few lonely weekends with a faithful husband working to make ends meet, but at the end of the day we lack our time together. Now we don't lack that time and can i just tell you that since we made the concrete decision to give up...to let God do what he wants with us...unabandoned trust in him...Boulders has had an amazing week. Caterings in the the dozens. Large parties booked and unexpected financial come back from a year starting in the hole to becoming stable. We've no reason except to say God is faithful...he loves us...he cares for us....
It takes us falling on our knees before him. Two saturdays ago my Dad came into town unexpectingly....that very weekend I had to help Erick clean On The Border Ahwatukee...ironic...because we have now opened a cleaning business cleaning the places we could have made 100,000 plus, but now we go back as the cleaning crew @ 1 AM. We clean their toilets...on that one night...together we cleaned them...that was the very building our Romance began...He was my bosss and I was the server working to make it thru college....now we go back to do the job we never imagined.
One word to describe this year of 2008/beginning of 2009...Humbling.
There is a season for everything under heaven....for us it is giving up...in that we have gained....gained our family and our time...God is faithful!

Thanks Mimi!

2009-01-16T22:28:00.006-07:00

I took a pregnancy test and then I called Mimi:)
Mimi was our photographer from our wedding 4 years ago and I wanted her to take pictures of a baby when they came.
Then Our Josiah came and we finally had a photo session with her.
Check out her site www.photographybymimi.com (blog friends...have some tech drama with adding links and loading pictures...let me know if you feel up to helping me with this drama)
if you click on current exibits some of our wedding photos are still there:)

What is a photo session without a break down?

Just a Thought

2009-01-14T13:13:00.004-07:00

It's only two weeks into 2009 and already a rough two weeks. When I say rough nothing life threatening or anything like that, but just stress. Owning a business for two years that is on the brink...which is normal for restuarants at our "age". Erick works like a dog and we keep a fast pace all the time with our plates full and resonsabilities high. Most days this year so far it feels like I am pedaling full speed on a stationary bike not going anywhere....it can be frusterating and then i sit back and look at this

Then once again i am reminded that i would rather struggle every step of the way with these two by my side, even if it meant going home to a cardboard box (which we don't). We can't take any of it with us and even though in a downward economy of no profit in our business world. The joy I find in how rich I truly am in what God has given me. It's hard, tiring and all together uncertain, but in this I find peace knowing that the ONE who breathed life into my lungs and into the lungs of my two beautiful boys loves us, protects us and provides our every NEED. Suddenly I am reminded of my NEEDS, My NEEDS are not what he sees as needs and I am substained daily, fed, clothed and warm. Sweet peace to be in His Hands. Grateful for the blessing of my life no matter what! Just a thought!

Then and Now

2009-01-13T20:02:00.009-07:00

Then

Now

Then

Now

Our Bedroom Looks better than it did
we just painted.....everything was left over from our other house....curtains still need to be hemmed because they fit in my giant windows from before.
Our new room is literally smaller than our closet and master bathroom at the other house. It is cozy though...why did we need all that space for showering?
Below is a picture of our next project...it grosses me out....oh well...patience!

We feel truly blessed to be in our new place. Our other house sold:) Praise God. it should close this month beginning of Feb. We still have stuff there so we need to get a move on!
Come over anytime!

Some More Improvments

2009-01-13T19:23:00.005-07:00

Here are some of great friends helping me move forward in the making
"Palm Dr" feel like home.
We might have lived on Beautiful Lane before but this too will be "beautiful soon" (5years from now atleast)

I have a lot to do and more to post but I am SO SO busy

Josiah's First Christmas

2009-01-04T18:03:00.012-07:00

We had an interesting Christmas this year compared to other years...Erick worked in the morning at US Airways until about 1 and headed home. He was working in the yard and our 15 year old dog got loose, SO he hopped on his cruiser to look for her in the pouring down rain....no luck...drove around looking for her...no luck!
Got home warmed up we opened a few gifts (Si got to help with the tissue paper-Gift enough for him)with the hope that she would find her way home. Around 3:30 some friends showed up for dinner and hanging out time...we call it our orphan Christmas..for those of us who don't have family in AZ we like to invite people to join us:) Now mind you we are still leaving periodically to look for our Dog with no luck! We look again after everyone leaves with no luck. Around midnight the phone rings someone found her in the middle of southern! THANK GOD! We had no idea where to look anymore after 10 hours....Merry Christmas!

Waiting for Daddy to come home from work on Christmas!

Our dinner Table
Josiah's First Christmas

Titus & Si "playing"

Say It Ain't So

2008-12-24T15:54:00.003-07:00

Please tell me someone elses spouse does this with their dog.....

Home Improvement Update

2008-12-24T15:37:00.007-07:00

Our first project besides general painting etc was the hall bathroom....Here are some before pictures.

Some After....still need to finish up the shower, but it's getting there...I love the bamboo floors and my faucet...I got the faucet on Ebay for like 60 bucks under the retail at home depot and the sink from Costco for a good deal of $71 bucka-roos.
After pictures

5 Months Already?

2008-12-24T01:12:00.003-07:00

Si is almost 5 months to the date....I can't believe it and I am so blessed by our little man! He is such a great kid and a true joy...
"Grandma Kim" & Si working at church

Hard working baby

Sweet Face

Just before the melt down....

ZOO LIGHTS!

2008-12-24T01:00:00.004-07:00

The first place Erick and I went together 5 years ago was Zoo Lights....I was scared to go with him because he was still my Boss at On The Border....My sister was in town and i made her come along because i was "scared" my boss wanted to go out with me....needless to say we hit it off and 5 years later we headed back as has been tradition since. We had a great time with each other and our sweet friends. Si slept thru the whole thing minus like 1 minute when we first got there and he stared at the pretty Lights:)Shannon and I
Erick telling an entertaining story.....
The Crew...Matt, Shannon & Hannah

Prayer Time

2008-12-18T12:11:00.002-07:00

I saw this on my friend Brian's blog and thought it worth sharing!
Please check this out and be in prayer for this family! I can't imagine the heartache and it makes me grateful Erick isn't with us day in and day out because he is only at work, not in a hospital fighting for his life!
Perspective!
Please Pray!
http://prayforthelamberths.wordpress.com/

A VERY busy few weeks

2008-12-18T07:53:00.007-07:00

I came home from my search committee meeting two Monday's ago and I came to some sleepy boys...

Working at our new house on our bathroom

We Love Elsie

2008-12-13T23:42:00.002-07:00

So our cute little neighbor lady Elsie brought us her newspaper again yesterday....then she asked if we like soup. YES:) we do...next thing we know there is turkey soup with ocra (spelling) & asparagas....she even went home to bake corn bread...Sweet little Elsie! I need to get her picture and return her bowls!

They way neighborhoods should be.....

2008-12-11T18:46:00.006-07:00

We are moving this weekend to our Tempe House....Praise the LORD our Phoenix house has an offer on it!!!!!! Anyways....I am ready to move, but then again SO not....I have stuff to clean and paint still along with the fact that Si's room has no carpet...atleast he doesn't crawl yet...It will just be cold on my feet at his one early morning feeding. NE ways...Sunday night Erick and i were there working and the doorbell rang at our front gate....
It was our neighbor Elsie...she wanted to introduce herself and came bearing a phone book along with her Sunday paper for us to read! Sweet little lady...she has lived in the house next to us since 1966. Our neighbor on the other side is named Rich along with his dog Rocky. Then today I got an invitation in the mail to join our neighborhood in adopting two families from Broadmore Elementry because that is what the neighborhood does at CHRISTmas!
Though I am still mourning our "old" house in way...I just think about how great it will be to wave at my neighbors and actually have them wave back without shutting their garage door when I do.....seriously that happpened at our Phoenix house. I can't help but be grateful for such a GREAT!!! neighborhood...where people actually talk. People know which house we bought when we say Palm Dr. because houses don't sell in our neighborhood because people don't move away. I love it!!!!! So despite the echoing tiles and the still need of love of our new "four walls"...I look forward to growing old in our new dwelling place.

On that note...here is a progress pictures.....more too come:)
Come on over and check it out:)
BEFORE
AFTER

After A Long Day....

2008-12-10T23:19:00.003-07:00

After a long day I decided to indulge in a guilty pleasure....
This is what I received

"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can"
Is there any other way?

A Bit More November

2008-12-08T22:52:00.004-07:00

This One's For You Brenda...
My Aunt Sharon & Josiah....
Nap Time at the RiverWarming up at the River...Si and I headed to Parker to meet up with my family Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Chilling with Daddy on the bed!
Josiah & I took a walk to vote:) He Stole the affection of an elderly lady working the polling place!

Excersaucer Take 1

2008-12-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here you go family:)

Thanksgiving weekend Videos

2008-12-02T19:04:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T22:48:00.008-07:00

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! We had a relaxing day at home and then headed to the Roszak's for dinner:) Thanks for having us!
Our Little Turkey!Phil in a food coma!
Kim, Jake & Si
Kim & Si
Sleepy Baby
Chris & Si
>
Josiah even sat at the dinner table:)

Excuse me while I vent!

2008-11-26T20:25:00.003-07:00

I am TIRED!!!
My life has never been "normal"...I've never really gone to bed at "normal" hours nor have I had the "normal" number of jobs (in college I had three at one point.), I've not always driven in "normal" cars (grease mobile).... I could go on!
I have learned to embrace that most the time and then there are days like today. Today I wish "normal" was defined by something other than what it has been for me over the past years. Just the other day Erick said it best...he said it after we found out we got robbed at Boulders...he said, "just when I thought I made it through the day without something like this happening."
Now I am not saying everything that happens is bad...entertaining, funny, random...these are some words I would use to describe these things. Like the time when we owned Boulders for 3 weeks and the coke installer dude forgot to turn off the water before pulling the sink out of the wall in the bar...it flooded the whole bar shutting us downfor lunch. This happened only about an hour after the walk in fridge broke! The cooks all got mad because they insisted everything was broken in the building and all walked out on their jobs never to be seen again. Erick's phone call to me was this "Ro, you here now, pipes busted, bar flooded, ALL cook's gone." click....i put my pants on in the garage and made it there in like 10 minutes. we had to shut down for lunch the first week of our new menu roll out and erick had to cook...Did I mention in the midst of all this he had like 102 fever. I hear that story and I think kinda funny! (now atleast)
Some how I thought my life would stabilize into some sort of normal once Si came along and in some aspects it has.
This week though I feel tired and worn out...Si and I were at Boulders 11 AM- 9PM Monday...we did leave for about 40 minutes because Shannon Essex and Hannah came to hang with us then took us to pick up my car from the shop.
Tuesday we worked at church then headed to the Tempe house so I could start to show love to our new, need of love house. My friend Leslie () came and watched not only Si but her Will as well so I could get things done...Thanks Leslie...I owe you big time! (especially after tonight)We stopping for food at Boulders (I have no food at home) Landed home around 9 again....good thing Si sleeps anywhere for the most part.
Today was planned on being a great day...up early, coffee, to Boulders for a few hours, to church for a few hours, Grocery Store, Watch Will for Leslie so she can go out....WRONG! About 9:55 am (minutes after Si goes down for his nap)the power shuts off at Boulders...no BIG deal it happens in the rain...call APS...they are checking it out...Head outside with the cook and Bartender...power line down...estimate turn on time 1:30...bummer....Send servers/bartenders home to come back at 1:15...make 400 wings for a pick up order in the dark, but happy we can cuz the fryer is gas....a ton of phone calls to Erick-can't be reached on the tar-mack at the airport working.
Head to church to work for about 4 hours....E says can you go to Boulders...he had to go to work at OTB...We ended up opening under candle light....power on at 4:45....stay around till 6 to reboot computers, trouble shoot all the stuff that went down. Meanwhile abandoning my commitment to watch Will because now I am 3 hours behind and my son has barely napped all day. Head to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving (which wasn't as crowded as past years).
Now Iam curled up on the couch contemplating bed or a shower.
I love my "normal" life, I am just ready to settle down!
Hey at least I have my hottie hubby and this little man...I am blessed!

(Si in a food coma)
Excuse me while I vent!

My Luxury Item:)

2008-11-22T15:09:00.003-07:00

I don't know how many of you have shopped at Fresh & Easy, but if you haven't check it out and when you do check out their Carrot Cake....I bought a piece for E & to share after dinner last night...he was too full after eating popcorn so I ate half last night & the rest today after my salad. You snooze you loose hubby!

A Little More Si

2008-11-18T08:54:00.009-07:00

I can't believe our little man is just about 4 months...It has gone so fast and he is doing great! He weighs about 12lbs 9oz as of yesterday and and 22 1/2 inches long. He is still a tiny guy....he is holding his head up great and is seriously the best. He goes anywhere with me and keeps on schedule for the most part even when we are toting him all over the place. He's got a lot of people that love him and that want to take care of him. Between family, the church and Boulders...plus any other friends we have he is very well loved:) Come see us soon everyone:)!
Nakad time is his favorite!

Proof of who is mother is...I think he has my eyes in this picture!

Exersaucer play time...he loves it!

After a long day at the church picnic.

Crashed out!

Birthday Suits Rock!

Our New Crib

2008-11-11T20:37:00.009-07:00

As some of you know we are moving to Tempe. It's a great House that NEEDS a lot of love, but all in time. It is far from where it will be in the next 5 years and I get to use my imagination and my love for decorating/remodeling. I have to have patience because money doesn't grow on trees...One step at a time and all that really matters is that I will have myboys with me on this new adventure. It is on Broadway an Rural only a little over a mile from Boulders.
Front Door/Courtyard (think potential)
View from the Street
The thing I will miss from our house now is the kitchen...the new one is 1/4 of the storage and space I have now...picture that wall gone where the fridge is and an Island someday...
The stairs to the 2nd master bedroom and loft
Family Room
One side of the double sided fireplace plus there is one in the second master bedroom upstairs...we are going to rent that room out...it has outside access from a deck.

view from the stairs
View to the pool
A yard with so much potential... my mind is exploding with ideas...patience!
Side Yard/Back Yard
Imagine a garden/courtyard feel with lights in the trees etc....

This process has been a growing experience for Erick and I. It has made us trust God for our every need and the circumstances for the move have broken our heart and brought a lot of tears, but in that I have found peace. It isn't about the things we have but about family and being together. You can't take any of it with you and I have learned to let go. To trust God even in the hardest of situations. I have learned to let down my pride and accept the help that family can bring you. We didn't buy this house, Ericks brother did and we are renting it from him. Transperancy is the hardest thing to have when you are in a situation you have never imagined being in.
I look at this new house and the potential it holds. It reminds me of how God see's us as his kids. Broken, worn down and in need of love. I am reminded that how I see this beat up house for the potential it holds. God views us and the situation we are in with nothing but unconditional love. He sees my brokeness and weaknesses, but he sees the potential and rebuilding that will take place in our lives.
Restoration will come and it may not be tomorrow, but Love remains. What Peace that brings! I am excited for this next stage in life, because in a few years i will look back and see where we were and where God has brought us. Plus this neighborhood is where we wanted to end up someday anyways. Si will have great schools to go to and a great place to grow up! I am so blessed and I have too look at what I have and not what I am loosing. God is faithful!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-11T20:20:00.007-07:00

I decided that this year I wasn't going to spend a bunch of cash on an outfit for Si, but he did wear his pumpkin hat, socks and his "I love my Mummy" shirt.
We worked at Boulders in the AM so E could work at OTB and be off in the pm to hang with the family and the Baltrus':)
We headed over to Boulders for dinner, but most importantly a pumpkin porter...my favorite time of year is when the pumpkin spice lattes come out and pumpkin porter:) Bliss:)

My little Pumpkin! Love him!!!

My Good friend Christy shares the love of Pumpkin Porter

My Pumpkin who loves his mummy and my mechanic:)

Putamayo

2008-11-08T11:04:00.005-07:00

Looking for some fun different kid music?
Check out www.putumayo.com
it's super fun we have

They also carry "adult music" we have the Acoustic France and the Tango
We got them on
www.half.com

In Case You Forgot He was Cute!

2008-11-03T20:09:00.003-07:00

Women's Retreat 08'

Suprisingly Chipper

2008-11-03T19:36:00.005-07:00

There are no photos to document this day, but as it began the unravel I immediatly thought it to be blog worthy.
1. My day started at 5:30 am after about 7.5 hours of blissful sleep my little man slept from 8:20pm-till 5:30am...lovely!

2. Si went down for his nap at about 6:45 I got ready and was in the car by 7:30 taking my dog to the vet. Then headed home so Si could eat and pick up somethings for my errands.

a normal day thus far...then it began the unraveling

4. I headed to the 60 and Gilbert to kill two birds with one stone: drop something off for Boulders and go to the Rustic Hutch a store I've been wanting to visit for quite a while. My first errand no problems, but the Rustic Hutch is closed on Mondays...ugg...so not so bad...I can deal...I went to Old Navy by the way and didn't fall when I got my stroller out:) (applause please!! thank you thank you very much....)

5. I was driving on the 60 on my way to take my car to the shop and my battery light turned on...good thing I am on my way to the car shop...then it happened my thermostat went from 86 up to over 100 degrees in my car and the temp was sky rocketing.

6. I got off the freeway exit at McClintock in attempts to make it to the car place and then it happened I went to turn onto McClintock and you would think my car was a large ship I could barely turn the wheel the power steering goes out.
I pull into a parking lot and make it part of the way into a spot. I look under the hood and it is steaming and several belts dangeling about. Just swell!

I call Erick and get voicemail, i text him and he informs me he is on the back side of south mountain really far away..he was mountain biking...and that he would hurry. I then call my friend Ashley who comes to our rescue...thank goodness. Tow Truck on the way-thank goodness for tow coverage on insurance.
I have Ashley drop me at Boulders so E can come get us.

(0kay one picture it is old school about a year and a half old)

7. About and hour later E calls and he informs me I won't believe his story....he goes home to get the Grease Mobile because he wanted Si to not be in the Jeep and heck it's almost free to drive...now mind you it was out of Diesel which you need to start a grease mobile until the oil gets to temp...so he heads to the gas station to get gas, but the station he goes to has no diesel. NO biggie right? Wrong.....on his way the jeep runs out of gas...no worries I will save him...oh wait...I am stranded in tempe waiting for him. So he runs/walks to the gas station to get gas in the can for the vehicle he isn't going to get gas for but is now....no worries he made the walk even though he had just taken a 20 mile bike ride.

So E makes it to Boulders...we eat lunch strap Si's car seat in for his first Jeep ride (which I think he loved...he loves being outside), go pick up Ayasia from the Vet (she was getting her Sr. exam she's 14...and getting groomed). we make it back to Tempe just in time to meet Ashley again (she's our friend, manager/bartender at Boulders AND our realtor) to do the final walk thru of our new house in Tempe.

We close escrow tomorrow and have a lot of work in store for us. The house was built in the 50's and is super cool, but in need of lots a love....it's less than 2 miles from Boulders and near great schools. We are super excited and suprisingly chipper considering our unexpected day of turn of events. Wow I need a nap!

Waking Up Happy:)

2008-10-26T22:39:00.004-07:00

Hello Family:)
Here is our first video of Si....hopefully more to come so you can watch him grow. He's got so much personality and we can't wait to see you all again!
Hugs to CA, IL & WI!

Are you tired of him yet!

2008-10-26T19:32:00.004-07:00

Sorry if you are tired of seeing my son...he is just too cute!

We went to Erick's Soccer game Saturday night and it was a bit chill Si was dressed in his gangster hoodie!

He's a happy sleeper:)

God even makes the litte details beautiful!

Was I really this HUGE?

2008-10-21T19:41:00.005-07:00

I have been going thru pictures and it feels like it was long ago.
This Picture was taken two days before my due date...seven days before he actually came.

This picture was taken at E's soccer practice an hour before my massage that put me into labor...can you say sausage toes...ugg...so glad josiah is here in the flesh!

When did this happen?

2008-10-20T22:31:00.003-07:00

I can't believe this next week Si will be 3 months already...he is growing up so much already and this is only the beginning. He is a ton of fun, letting us sleep thru the night...he sleeps 7pm to like 6am....what the heck! He laughed on sunday too...we were at lunch with my parents when I tickled him he laughed outloud it was so freaking cute!!!:) LOVE HIM! At Daddy's Soccer Practice Thanks Brad Young for taking a picture of me with Si to prove I am his mother The Bumbo Seat Sleepy Time

Meet Oscar

2008-10-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention Oscar

see the guy in the background between Jeff's bulging biceps? That is Oscar...he comes in every day for a beer....he has been coming to Boulders for over 10 years now...well not boulders....Old Chicago, but we got to keep him:) we love him and that is his seat...so if you come in don't sit in the first seat. That is reserved!
We love you Oscar!!!

Tour De Fat

2008-10-12T19:00:00.017-07:00

Saturday we had the AWESOME opporunity for the second year to be one of three food vendors Tour De Fat (check out followyourfolly.com)
We sold a ton of Pizza to the tune of 150 slices in 8 minutes....we also had a crazy busy night at the restuarant because our excellent staff posted signs all the way back from Tempe Town Lake to Boulders. They then pass out flyers inviting people to the after party at our place. It was an awesome day!
Here is a few pictures.....more to come I was working so I didn't take many.

This is how Josiah worked the booth with me

Aubrey Fox made this for Josiah at our baby shower

My friend Jeff in his fat suit:)

Josiah with Daddy!

Jeff & Kristy flew out to volunteer

Boulders after the event

Some of Our Crazy Staff

Did I mention you are supposed to dress crazy! There were brides and our friend Chris dressed as a Gorilla and chased our banana friend around. People are still talking about "our" banana from last year...it isn't everyday a banana on a bike hands you a coupon for free food.
Boulders is like a happy family for us...truly family sometimes you love them other times...you could do with out...but in the end you just love them!:) That is true for a us a crazy almost 2 years I wouldn't trade for the world! Many more years to come too I hope! Nothing like a second family!

This Bites

2008-10-07T19:52:00.004-07:00

So far parenthood has proven easy for me....I've loved it and I am blessed with a super great baby who cries only like twice a day. No Joke he is great!!!
After work today we headed to the bank and Old Navy to purchase some pants that will fit....I am not in my normal sized pants yet, however my maternity pants fall off.
So anyways I got to get my stroller out of the trunk.....
It's nice.... yeah?

So I get the stroller out of the trunk undo the lock mechanisim and kick it open with my right foot and before I know it my foot is stuck in the handy dandy basket and I am flat on my back laying the the parking lot with the stroller on top of me.
I didn't first wonder if my back was okay or if my head was bleeding from hitting the curb, but WHO THE HECK just saw me bite it in the parking lot?

Now if you know anything about me you know I love it when people fall....this is no exception...I laughed so hard!!!!!!!!!!! Erick's first question was where was Josiah when all this happened? Don't worry he was safe in the car waiting for his mom to get him out. No babies were hurt in the incident!:)
Oh and by the way you can laugh at me I sure did! I still am! Good day and careful for those biting strollers!

Free JJ Heller CD

2008-10-07T15:38:00.004-07:00

If there are any music lovers out there you can download a free cd at the following link:

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JJ has been at the Women's Retreat our church goes to....enjoy! And pass it on...that is their desire for providing a free CD from now until November 1, 2008.<

Long Day At Work!

2008-10-01T20:41:00.003-07:00

I know all you Mom's can relate...have you ever had one of those days when your kiddo will just not go to sleep?
That was me today...Actually Josiah would start to sleep....the office was extra busy today which is great but right about the time he had been asleep for a solid 30 minutes someone walks in my office, see's him sleeping and in their loudest voice announces how cute he is! UGGG...I do agree with them he is super freaking cute and you don't get that cute without some beauty sleep....thus his day continued in this way with interuptions to go on for hours....
I did find sweet relief though once we took our evening walk and when we got home I sat him on the couch to get somethings done while he was chillin' (which he does very well)
To my delight this is what I returned to see!

Long over due!!!

2008-10-01T13:29:00.004-07:00

This a long over due welcome! My dear friend Leslie has been in the blog world from as long as I have and I have yet to introduce you all to her.
We have been friends for about 3 1/2 years now and she is the momma of Josiah's good friend William (you have all met him)
Welcome Leslie!:)
http://lifeisourjourney.blogspot.com/

2008-09-21T22:27:00.001-07:00

All Smiles!

First Shoes

I might be little but I think BIG!

We love you Si!

Staff Changes

2008-09-21T22:19:00.004-07:00

As some of you know we have had some staff changes @ LifeQuest....Josiah is now the man in the office. He chills on the conference room table while mom gets some copying done. Loving it that he can sit up there for now....it will be short lived once he starts rolling around more

Si conducting his first staff meeting
"Well ladies I think this is what the best plan would be..."
Carin, Jessica, Kim

Please ladies there is a enough of me to go around-check out his captain adorble onsie
(E's favorite)

Good Friends

2008-09-21T22:14:00.005-07:00

Josiah and I went to hang with my friend Leslie & his friend William....if you recall you met will back in August...they both are getting so big!
Si has his 2 month appointment on friday...I can't believe it!

CHEESE!

2008-09-20T07:49:00.002-07:00

I love this boy!

Beautiful Morning!

2008-09-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is what I walked into this morning after getting ready for the day!

BFB

2008-09-15T11:34:00.003-07:00

Erick has voted in Josiah for the president of the BFB....Babies For Boobies. (and we wonder why we don't have many friends) so to go along with his boobman onsie our friends the DeGarmos gave us....I found him this beenie:) Some don't find it funny but we on the other hand find it hysterical!

Trip To California

2008-09-15T10:24:00.001-07:00

We made our first road trip with Josiah and our dog Echo...Ayasia our chow stayed home she is too old and grumpy to ride in a car for that long. Plus a 70lb dog in the back of the BMW was enough for us to handle.
We got to spend time with my family it was great! Here are a few pictures...more to come when I get them from my sister and mom:) (hint hint...can you send those over?)

Good Laughs!

2008-09-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh!
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Wipeout!

2008-09-12T09:21:00.003-07:00

I know i have shared before my deep love for when people fall and fall hard....so imagine my joy to find that the folks at ABC do to...I don't know why I haven't shared this until now....but watch Wipeout! on ABC Tuesdays 8/7 central time. You will be glad you did...

Have I mentioned I thought Erick was going to puke on himself he was laughing so hard!

More Visitors

2008-09-02T14:57:00.006-07:00

Josiah is quite the social butterfly! We have not had a weekend alone since he has been born....lots of love flowing to our little bean!

All Smiles!

My best friend Jennie, my sister and brother in law came to town friday thru monday.
Josiah is doing great! gaining weight he weighed 9lb 3 oz at his one month and grew one inch.
The Dr said he is perfect:) I dont' disagree with him and I didn't need a Dr. to tell me that!:)
Here is a few more pictures of Si! I am sure your suprised!

@ IHOP with Jennie (we've been friends since Jr high)

He Can Sleep absolutely anywhere!

Getting Ready for a walk!

My 2 Hotties!

2008-08-24T19:08:00.009-07:00

Round one of our trip to Illinois for Erick's brother's wedding. We spent 10 days there and had a great trip! Josiah did amazing on the plane! I took over 200 picture so I have to sift thru to see which are "blog worthy" but here is a few of my boys! I love them!

Peaceful!

Sorry Erick, but Josiah looks way cuter making this face!

Me and my boy!

(my niece Chloe took this pic....thanks Chloe Monster)

Josiah's friend Elliot Brackman let us borrow this most handsome outfit....random people kept asking to hold him at the wedding! He stole the show in my opinion!!

I don't know how this is comfy but he loves the sling if he is in this position!

Josiah was great on the plane!

No Words!

The Things Kids Say!

2008-08-24T19:00:00.003-07:00

A highlight of our trip was hanging with our nieces and nephews! As you all know I LOVE KIDS and what I love most is the things they say! Here are a few said by Chloe & Keegan!

Chloe & Josiah

Anatomy

Chloe: So Auntie Rochelle does Josiah have one of those things down there?

Explaining Breastfeeding

I asked my sister in law if I should go into hiding when feeding Josiah or do the whole hooter hider and feed him in front of the kids... she said feed him wherever because she would have to explain why we kept going to our room to feed anyways:).

ME: Oh Josiah...you are so hungry I will feed you.

Chloe: Auntie Rochelle....Why are you putting him under your shirt if he is hungry?

Me: Karen (my sister in law) you get to explain this one

Explaining the bottles of milk in the fridge and where the milk comes from

Chloe: So do you just drink a lot of milk and then get it into the bottle?

Me: Uhh....well....uhh yeah something like that.

Chloe: So how do you get it in the bottle?

Me: (contemplating how to explain a breast pump) It gets in the bottle the same way it gets in Josiah's mouth

Chloe: (thinking a bit) Oh okay so you squeeze it in there?

Meet Keegan!

Goodbye

Keegan: (talking to his mom as they get ready to leave) Mom is he a he or a she?

Kellie: Josiah is a boy!

Keegan: Oh okay! (rubbing Si's head) Goodbye my sweet little angel!

Goodbye Again!

Keegan: Well Auntie Rochelle Goodluck with the baby! (I let him know we would be seeing him for the next 8 days)

Brain Freeze!

I was giving Josiah a bottle at the rehersal dinner. Keegan comes up and rubs Josiah's head....thinking the milk is cold mind you!

Keegan: I am going to rub his head to help him not get freeze brain!!!!!!

(it took us a minute but once we adults all caught on we figured out what he meant!

Just chillin'

2008-08-14T19:18:00.003-07:00

Oh How We Love Him!