where the wild things are

The Competition

2012-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

I never thought my competition would be a 12 foot multi-colored caterpillar.
This big soft snuggly beauty has stolen David's heart.
He uses her head as a pillow and her body as a blanket.
This has been a common scene more often than not since her grand arrival Christmas morn.

Happy New Year's 2012

2012-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

6 couples 20 kids

First New Year's together in a long time!

Horns were handed out at midnight and the noise was amazing!

JuJu loved hers!

For New Year's Eve we got together with several other families.

There was lots of food, lots of kids, and lots of noise.

We had a great time!

All of us our here in Minot without any extended family close by so we have talked about each taking a holiday. Jaymie hosted New Years Eve. She has the perfect party house. A great big kitchen for the adults to hang out in and a room over the garage for the kids.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

For some reason Christmas morning pictures are few and far between.

But I think we all remember this as the Christmas of the 12 foot caterpillar.

Seriously how did Santa get that thing down the chimney.

Noah was excited about his legos and wii games

Ella Joy loved her pink unicorn and heart shaped ear muffs.

JuJu put on her Snow White dress and wore it for a wee straight.

Georgia got a new baby.

David got a new pair of jeans, finally. He has been wearing old school Old Navy jeans for a decade and I got him a nice pair of Eddie Bauer jeans that fit nicely in all the right places. Why did I wait so long! I'll try to snap a picture of that cuteness another time.

And I received some oh so beautiful jewelry picked out by Ella Joy, let's just say when it comes to her taste the bigger, the sparklier, the better.

It was a very Merry Christmas!

Young Women

2011-12-22T21:02:00.000-08:00

I recently got called to be president of the Young Womens organization in our ward.
Here we at our Christmas party at my house.
We had a Miss Merry Christmas Contest, white elephant gift exchange, and drank frothy hot cocoa from my new cocoa machine. I figure it is a necessary kitchen item living in ND.

Happy Belated Birthday JuJu!

2011-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

JuJu arrived home from her adventures in SC.

She came back talking, counting, knowing her colors and with a better attitude.

Grandma Christie's private school education was well worth the expensive plane ticket.

We are so happy to have her home.

We celebrated her belated birthday with a pink cake at her request.

Everyone is so happy to have her home.

Thanks to Genean who brought her back on the 3 planes it takes to get from Columbia to Minot.

We were so glad to have you visit.

Yoga

2011-12-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

In September I started teaching yoga at the Y.
I love it!
I teach on Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10.
I love doing yoga but I think the best part is how calm and relaxed I feel afterwards.
My body feels good and mind is really at peace.
I feel that I am a better mom and wife.
On yoga days I deal better with whatever comes my way with added measure of patience.
Very nice!
So glad to be back teaching!

Washington Elementary School

2011-12-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

I love the kids school.
They love it too.
Everyone is friendly, happy, and enthusiastic about being there.
This morning I went to drop off gifts for the teacher and there was someone playing Christmas songs on the piano in the middle of the cafeteria. The kids were gathered around singing then the bell rang and they all ran to class. It really put me in the Christmas spirit!

Friends

2011-12-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

Grateful for good friends.
Who moved to Minot for the same reason we did.
To work for Trinity.
They too have lots of kids and lots of loans and are just finishing training.
With not too many places to go in our little town, it is good to have fun friends!
Here we are all dressed up for the Trinity Christmas Party.

Close and Quick

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

Everything is close here.
The school is 2 minutes by car.
The grocery store is 5 minutes by car.
The YMCA/mall/ Target is 8 minutes.
The Church is 10 minutes up the hill.
I can run my errands quick--in and out.
Love it!

Church and lots of Children

2011-12-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

We love our new ward here--the Minot 2nd Ward.
This summer our ward almost doubled in size.
There are over 100 kids in Primary.
Sacrament meeting kind of reminds me of Winston-Salem days.
You hear the speaker over the sounds of many children.
Kind of nice because you don't worry as when your own children make noise..

Bismark Temple

2011-12-10T20:29:00.001-08:00

The Bismark Temple is less than 2 hours from our house.
It is an easy drive.
Turn left out of our neighborhood and drive 100 or so miles.
Simple.
We had a great day visiting the temple.
It was beautiful with all the snow around it.
Afterwards we met up with Lindsey and Matt, friends from residency, who are looking at a job in Bismark. I hope they move there!

Santa's find of the day: Giant stuffed caterpillar at Sam's. Talk about having to be creative in hiding a 12 foot long stuffed animal from EJ after our super duper Sam's trip. I stuffed it into 2 large black trashbags and pushed it behind her seat then covered it with all my food from Sam's. Ohh how I love Christmas surprises!
Managed to get it home without anyone discovering it.

Winter Wardrobe

2011-12-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

I love winter clothes.

I love the boots!

Ohh how fun to slip in giant comfy boots.

I also love all my new fleece and puffy down coats.

While I am inside I just wear jeans and a long sleeve t. And then I put on my ultra warm boots and my -30 degree coat and I can take on the winter weather.

I have to say I really think a lot less about what I don't like about my body.

How freeing!

I just get dressed and feel cozy and warm, instead of ohh poochy tummy or hello teeny and tiny.

Silly I know but it is definitely a perk to just be happy with my body and feel cozy and warm.

Kind People

2011-12-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Okay I know I posted yesterday about nice neighbors and maybe after being in Miami where people will run you over and not look back I am overwhelmed with the kind people here but let me tell you what happened tonight that would never happen in Miami and maybe not even in the sweet old south.

My friends son had double ear infections.

Dr. called in prescriptions to CVS which closes at 10 pm.

We arrive at 10:05.

Drive thru window is shut.

Door is locked.

Lights are dim.

She runs to the door. The kind lady unlocks the automatic door.

My friend pleas her cause.

The lady lets her in.

5 minutes later she comes out with her prescription.

Just kind, considerate people.

If only the rest of the world could have a little bit of this, right.

Nice Neighbors

2011-12-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Minot is abundant with nice neighbors.

Last night our neighbor Steve called David over to school him on the varieties of snowblowers. He also told him about the different kinds of snow. Evidently our recent snow was a light 6 inch snow. There is 12 inch wet snow that is much more difficult to shovel. I guess David and Noah will both be getting buff out on our driveway.

Our other neighbor David lent me his sprinklers because he wanted to make sure our sod got watered well.

I am so grateful for a cul de sac full of nice neighbors who look out for us. I think they are all worried that the new folk from Miami could freeze and they feel it is their responsibility to help us get through our first winter.

In general there is just a feeling of people looking out for each other.

Georgia is 1!

2011-12-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the most precious girl around.

I love this little sweetie!

She is such a good baby.

Not walking quite yet but close. She finds her way around. She recently learned how to crawl up and down the stairs. She loves to go find the kids downstairs. I will tell Noah to call her name and then she goes and looks for him. After she finds them she crawls back up the stairs so proud of herself.

I love her happy noises.

She is such a joy to have in our family. I can always count on her to get any of the kids out of a funk. Whenever they see her she smiles then they smile and everyone is happy!

Happy First Birthday Georgia May! Not her real name but what we all call her.

Hardy North Dakotians

2011-12-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

When I told people I was moving to ND most gave me a look of complete disbelief.

Why would anyone in their right mind move to ND.

I must admit before visiting last January for the first time I had a hard time imagining how people lived here. I thought perhaps we would stay in doors all the time curled around the fire and never leave the house. I was happily surprised to see how active the people are here. Life continues as usual during the winter months--just with added clothing. I thought some of my family and friends in warmer climates would appreciate this memo I got from the kids school:

"Now that snow has arrived, please send your child to school with a warm coat, mittens, cap, snow boots, etc...We go outside two times a day unless the temperature is -5 F or colder or the windchill is -15 F or colder."

So just know if you here that the weather is -4 or higher in Minot, little 34 pound Ella Joy will be outside at recess.

Happy Birthday Pat!!

Snow, Beautiful Snow

2011-12-04T21:30:00.001-08:00

Cozy by the Fire

2011-12-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Nothing like getting cozy by the fire with some hot cocoa.

Why l love Minot:

2011-12-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the season I thought I would post each day something I love about our new town.

It is a wonderful quirky little town.

A town that used to be small but is growing rapidly because of oil.

It is a unique place and we love it.

We definitely feel we are where we are supposed to be at this time.

Like everywhere there is good and not so good.

But I would like to focus on the good so here we go....

Things I love about our Life in Minot:

Papa can come home for lunch.

So nice.

I love seeing David in the middle of the day.

His office is 5 minutes away, so is just about everything else.

And its wonderful. If he only has 30 minutes he can home for a quick bite and we can chat with only 2 interruptions instead of 4. And if he has an hour he can come eat and have a little siesta.

Wonderful!

JuJu is 3!

2011-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here is Juju right before leaving on her trip to Christie's house.

She has been awaiting her trip to go to SC since my mom came to visit in August.

Every time we go to the airport she wants to get out and go on a plane.

She finally got her turn.

Happy Birthday to my little wild one who makes us laugh everyday!

We love you!!

A few of her favorite things:

Changing outfits

Puzzles

The rockwall

Going to the Y

Chocolate milk

Hide and seek

Homemade granola

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

Quito

2011-11-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

Lots of sleep in the Hilton!
Last night without children.

We went out to La Mitad del Mundo--the middle of the earth, which is where the equator runs through Ecuador. It was lots of fun. They do several different experiments along the equator--walking the line, balancing the egg, and swirling water.

More later. We will be leaving in a few hours for home. Had a wonderful time, met wonderful people. I will always remember this trip and I hope to come back here with the kids some time.

So excited to kiss the kids--especially nibble on Georgia's ears, so delicious.

Portoviejo Day 5

2011-11-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Our last day in Portoviejo we went to a free maternity hospital to drop off some newborn kits donated by the Church. It was old and very run down. Interesting to see the huge difference between this free clinic run by the government and the foundation that was run by an individual that really cared about her cause.

We visited the cathedral in downtown Portoviejo and I climbed to the top.

We closed the week with a ceremony where the Church officially donated the wheelchairs, a microscope, and recognized the training that had been done by David. There were 3 televisions stations and 2 newspapers there. It was fun to see David in the center of the long table being interviewed by the press. He did a great job answering questions. Papa Dean would have been really proud!

Then we flew back to Quito for an wonderful night it the super soft white beds of the Hilton.
Absolutely love the Hilton!!

Portoviejo Day 4

2011-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

So you may be wondering why day 4 is 2 days late.
It is because at the end of day 4 David was in the hospital with food poisoning.
I suppose no visit to South America is complete without it.

The day started out great. Yolanda wanted David to get a chance to see some of the province.
So instead of going to the clinic he toured around a little bit with us.
First we went to visit a man named Pastor who became blind 9 years ago. He was only 30 years old. Prior to his blindness he didn't have much of a job. Once he became blind the foundation worked with him teaching him basic business skill, gave him a small loan to start a business, and continue to support him along with his family and friends. He had a successful business in his home along with a small futbol field along side his home which draws people there and then after their game they buy from his store. He had a very nice home, a wife who adored him, and a mother who adored him even more. It was awesome to see someone being so successful in his circumstance. The volunteers told me that the key to a blind person being successful in their program is the support of a spouse. It was so neat to see how much Pastor's wife loved and adored him.

Drove a long the coast. Saw a mule. Stopped and had a ride.

Next we visited a camaroneras--a shrimp farm. It was owned by Magdalena, one of Yolanda's friends. After we got a lesson on how a shrimp farm works and ate some fresh ceviche de camarones.

Continued along the coast and visited probably the poorest school we have seen so far--dirt floors, open classrooms with only 3 walls. There we went to visit a 10 year old girl named Evelyn who is blind. We got to see how she writes and reads braile. She didn't have a braile machine so did it all using a special metal tool. It was amazing to see how quickly she could write. I was impressed with what level of math they were doing.

Then we went to visit a private school funded by a man that is a good friend of Yolanda's. It is a montesorrie type school. It was beautiful. They had built one of their cabana out of old soda bottles. We visited the 4 year old class. They sang for us and did some recitations with hand motions and enthusiasm--super cute.

Last we visited the beach and went to eat more camorones at a little restaurant on the beach.
Then we had a long, hot ride home. I went back to the hotel to rest. David went back to the clinic to do some lasering. Then I got the call from Yolanda that David was sick and she had just dropped him at the hospital. She came to pick me up. Lots of puke, lots of diarrhea, lots of visitors (a latino thing), Yolanda even left one of her nurses to stay with us for the night. By the next morning he was better but it was a rough 12 hours. The good thing was that as fast as it came it left.

We thought it was all the camarones that he had eaten but then we came to find out that all the people we had eaten dinner with the night before were also sick. Yolanda, her son, and I were the only people out about 12 of us who did not get sick. Like I said the trip would not have been complete without a little or a lot of diarrhea.

Portoviejo Day 3

2011-11-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

We started today at the foundation watching David teach the other ophthalmologist. I am so impressed with how well he can speak medical Spanish. I really did not know he could speak Spanish so well. I guess he learned some things during his 2 years in Miami.

Today we did tourist things. We visited the city of Monticristi where there is a museum dedicated to the revolutionario Eloy Alfaro Delgado. We learned a lot of history, visited his tomb, and met with the head of the museum. I bought souvenirs for the kids--bracelets, tiny baskets, wood animals. Monticristi is where Panama hats are made so I bought one. The city of Monticristi is about to have a festival so merchants are coming from all over and setting up tents in the streets. It was like a big fair but down the streets of this very old town.

Ate the most delicious fish.

Delivered wheelchairs to the foundation.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner at Yolandas house. She has a beautiful home with mango and banana trees right in the middle of town. I met her son, his wife, their daughter, and her pet chicken, Angie who sleeps inside the house. There was a pianist, a waiter, and a cook all at her house. We sat outside for an houring talking, then moved inside for another hour talking, waiting for David to finish the laser. About nine oclock we started dinner. During the prayer there was an earthquake for about a minute, kind of scary. Ate a 3 course meal--delicious!

Another nice day. Yolanda is an amazing woman. I will write more about her work later but right now I am so tired and we are meeting at 7:30 to tour more of the province.

Buenas noches.

Portoviejo Day 2

2011-11-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

Another great day. We spent most of the day touring the province so we can see how the foundation is helping different people throughout the community. They have programs in schools as well as programs to help adults who are blind learn to live with their disability.

First we visited Fernanda in her school. She is a 17 year old girl who is blind and deaf in one ear. We saw her use her braile machine which was amazing to see how quickly she could type and then read back what she had written. During our visit to the school their was a futbol game going on in the middle of the school. All the schools are set up the same, kind of like a plaza with the classrooms surrounding the center play yard. There was a little boy with a microphone who was the commentator for all the games and he was amazing. He commented on every move, named every player, really brought the game to life. He was so quick and witty, if ESPN could hear him they would hire him on the spot. It is something I will always remember.

Next we drove up the road a ways to visit a man named Sandy who is completely blind. He has a bicycle repair shop. It was so interesing to see his home and work space and how well he is doing. He built a bike for 4 people, 2 bikes side by side added a seat on each, then connected with a wooden board that could hold a few more people. Their main form of transportation is bikes and donkeys. Bikes are way faster so that seems to be a little more popular.

We stopped in the little pueblo of Chirijos. We saw their church, plaza, and met some of the people who live in the houses that surround the plaza. One family invited us in, we rested on their hammock, ate some mango, and bought some papaya which is their business.

Next we visited a man whose name I can not remember but who had the most beautiful green eyed daughter named Antonella. He is blind in one eye and has bad vision in the other but runs a very successful limon farm. He has a yard full of limon trees. He also has a little store in the front of his house. He has done so well with his business that he was able to buy a washing machine for his wife which is a very big deal in this area. Most people do their wash by hand. Before we left he cut some cocos from a tree and opened them with a machete. Miriam, from the foundation, was very nervous as the mostly blind man chopped the tops off the cocos so we could drink coco water.

Last we visited little Jesus who was born without eyes. He was such a sweet boy and so excited to have visitors. His mothers name was Jenny and she had 3 other children about the same age as our family. She was a very happy mom and there was such a sweet feeling in their home.

After all of our visits we went to eat at La Granda which was a restaurant in someones backyard. They were a very well to do family for the area. They had hammocks hanging, Christmas decorations up, and delicious food. For lunch we had baked platanos con salprieta, which is crushed peanuts and corn meal. There is a saying here that once you have eaten salprieta you will have to return. I guess we will see. We also had a delicious bean soup and then a plate of rice, chicken, and vegetables. When we finished our meal we went to visit their animals outback. They have 2 mama pigs that are due any day. I told them to call us if the little piggies are born this week because I would love to see them. They were the biggest pigs I have ever seen.

Later, after we had a siesta in our hotel, we went to Magdalenas house where I taught Sister Yost, Magdalena, and Yolanda yoga. We laughed and had a great time.

I am really loving my time. here. It is amazing to see these people who according to our standards have so little but are truly happy. They love sitting around with their families, eating together, having visitors. They really seem to live in the present. They seem to go about their day taking care of the things that need to be done, wash some clothes, fix a meal, sell a few papayas. They always have time for others. As we have visited it is apparent that they have all that they need and live beautiful simple lives and they are happy. It is wonderful to feel of their happiness.

Portoviejo, Ecuador Day 1

2011-11-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

So I think I will try and write each day what we did then add all my pictures once I get home. I am sitting in our hotel lobby using their computer. In front of me is an armed guard. He is protecting the hotel. I do not feel in danger (sorry can not find the apostrophe on this spanish keyboard and i think it might be from 1999 because the buttons are really hard to push) anyways I was saying I do not feel in danger but evidently someone thinks its a good idea for him to have a gun and walk around the front of the hotel so that is fine with me.

Today was amazing. We started it at the foundation which provides eye care for the people of the province of Manabi. David stayed there to see patients and train 3 ophthamologists on using the laser while I visited 2 schools, 1 home, and a water reserve.

I loved visiting the schools. They are all behind locked walls--again a safety thing. The children were so cute and excited see americanos. The classrooms were very simple--desks, chalkboard, and the teacher. Some of the classes have up to 40 students per class. I asked about disciplining so many children and she said that was not a problem. The children behave and if they get out of line the teacher speaks very sternly to them and that is enough.

We visited a little girl named Samantha in her home. She is blind and can no longer attend school so the foundation helped her mother open a small store in their home so she could care for her and have a way to make some money to support her daughter. They lived in very humble home with the store on the bottom and their home above. The laundry hung along lines in the front of the house. Before we left they gave us a bag of her homemade candies.

After a nice lunch of encebollada (onion soup with fish and shrimp) we drove through the countryside to the water reserve. I loved seeing all the different homes. They were small and simple, many made of bamboo. Most of them did not have windows. There were tables and chairs outside with people eating and playing cards, clothes hanging on lines from the trees, chickens in little pens. ( I was told today the chicken that you eat here is tougher because they are muscular, they run around--have normal chicken lives unlike american chickens that are pumped full of hormones and get to fat to walk). It really was amazing to see such a different way of life.

We drove back to the foundation where David was still working. I got to see him using the laser which was fun for me because I never see him at work. It made me appreciate his work and when he tells me he has had a hard day I can understand a little better what that means.

Awesome day, looking forward to another.

Adios for now!

Update

2011-11-09T14:44:00.001-08:00

Just got back from Ryan's wedding in Jamaica.
Everyone had a great time.
Haley was a beautiful brids-her dress was amazing!
I will post pictures when I get them from Alyssa--the other Stier sister.

My mom arrived yesterday
David and I are leaving this Saturday for Ecuador.
David is doing a humanitarian trip for our Church.
He is going to teach some ophthalmologist how to use a laser that the Church is donating.
I will post pictures and more details when we return.
Right now I have lots to do to get ready.
Everyone can think of my mom next week as she stays here with all the children.
Ohhh she is the best grandma ever!

Where did October go?

2011-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Martina McBride in concert at Host Fest.

Walking tree at the Host Fest

Trolls and all things Scandinavian--every year the Host Fest comes to Minot. It is the largest Scandinavian festival in the world, Wow! Right here in Minot.

At the rodeo.

The kids loved watching the barrel races, calf roping, and bullriding...

We are really becoming North Dakotians.

After Church without shoes, of course.

Decked out with silly bands, bead neclaces, makeup, and hair clip

Flying unicorn, Stitch, Sleeping Beauty, and Black Spiderman

Running away from home with all her favorite toys wrapped up in her scratchy.

She told me she was running away so I said you might want to put on your coat and maybe your boots too. She thought that seemed like a good idea. Then I asked her if she would be back by Christmas and she said no she would be back by the holiday before Christmas, the one where you eat turkey. Okay, sounds good I said. Can I take a pictures so I will remember what you look like. Sure she said. Alright I said be careful go wherever you like but just don't leave the front yard. Okay. So she walked aimlessly around the front yard til she decided that home wasn't so bad.

Happy 35th Birthday, David!

2011-09-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my super handsome husband who brushes his teeth while gasing up the car.
Can anyone else say, gross!!!

Oh so brave

2011-09-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

I took all the kids to get their shots.

It was a circus but I thought it best to get it over with all at once.

Noah went first--cried anticipating the pain that he never felt.

The girls listened from outside the door and then both ran in saying, me next, me next.

Juju jumped on the table oh so brave and then big tears fell once she felt the pinch.

A lollipop made it all better.

EJ wasn't due for any.

Then it was sweet Georgia's turn.

We all stood around her as she got 123 shots.

Her lip quivered, she cried and then Noah made her happy by sharing his pop.

She didn't make another sound.

Amazing what a lollipop can do.

First Day of School

2011-09-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Doesn't everyone looked excited?

So that's a little better.

The kids love their new school.

It is about 5 blocks away, a one minute drive.

They both love their teachers.

Noah's teacher is a friend of mine that I met at the Y.

It is her first year teaching and she is very enthusiastic and kind.

Ella Joy seems to love her teacher. After the second week she proudly announced, "This was the best day ever, I didn't even go to time out once." Good job, EJ.

Black Eyed Peas

2011-09-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Minot is small. And one wouldn't expect a world famous band like the Black Eyed Peas to stop by for a concert unless the only female in the band (Fergie) happened to be married to a certain boy (Josh Duhamel) who happened to grow up in Minot, a city that experienced a 500 year flood leaving thousands of people without homes so in attempts to help with recovery they decided to do a benefit concert right in our backyard. David burned me a CD, the kids and I learned all the top hits (radio versions, of course) and man was I ready. Honestly did not think I would have so much fun! It was a great concert and really cool to see people giving of their time/talents to help the community here.

Utah

2011-08-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Visited Temple Square

At the Temple doors

4 thrilled children

Visited Maria at her amazing home on the side of the mountain, so good to see her!

All the kiddies together

Visiting Grandma Jacobs!!!

Ohh the mountains

Dropped by the oh so romantic spot where David proposed at 7 am on the way to an exam

What I saw and heard for 90% of the trip

Also what I saw for 90% of the trip

I have really been wanting to visit Grandma Jacobs the last couple of years but we were always so far. Now that we are in North Dakota it seems like a hop, skip and a jump to Utah (really 1000 miles, but who is counting). After they extended summer vacation for 2 weeks because of the flood, I was ready for a "break" and decided we would hop in the van and drive to see Grandma. David took off work, I packed the van with clothes, food, and entertainment and a way we went. On the way we took 2 days, stopping half way in Bozeman, Montana to stay with friends. On the way home we were ambitious or maybe just desperate to end the misery of being in the car with #3 so we drove straight for 17 hours. I will just say that we made it and everyone is alive and that is what counts, right?

Highlights from our trip:

Visiting grandma and her cute little duck pond

Touring BYU, visiting the Bean Museum--EJ cried the whole time because she felt sad for all the dead animals, buying BYU parafernalia--EJ and JuJu found the tackiest hats in the store

Visiting friends from David's mission

Visiting the places we lived when we were first married

Park City--went down the Alpine slide and coaster, the coaster is so much fun! Imagine a one cart rollercoaster on tracks, super fun!!

Lunch with Maria at a delicious little cafe across from the temple--I am still thinking of that

salmon burger and the ginger carrot soup, so delicious.

Visiting the Cope's little farm and eating amazing Indian food!

Finally seeing the last Harry Potter movie.

It was a great trip. A lot of work, but worth it.

Children Cleaning and a New Kitchen Table

2011-08-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know...(Shelly)

The quality of our pictures has been poor since April because they are all taken on my phone.

My camera was left in the realtor's car when we came up to look for homes in April.

She said she would hold onto it until we arrived.

Well, the building she worked in was evacuated and evidently the camera is in the secretary's desk which is in some storage unit. There is a huge dike around their building still so I don't expect to get it back any time soon.

Also, those big spaces between texts and photos started a few months ago. I have tried to work with the layout and format but can't seem to fix it. Sorry it is kind of obnoxious looking. I will continue to work on this problem.

Good news!

We have a Kitchen Table, which we haven't had in 2 years.

In Miami there wasn't enough room for a table, we just had barstools for the kids so David and I have been standing or sofa eating for 2 years, Imagine the Joy when this Beauty showed up. Loving the table and the stools. The living room is still empty and probably will be for awhile. Right now it makes for a great wrestling arena, tickling pad, and gymnastics mat. Ella Joy almost has her cartwheel. Por fin! I was beginning to worry since I spent most of my childhood doing carthwheels, handstands, and flips.

Summer was extended for 3 weeks due to the flood-- now school doesn't start til September 6. So the kids have been helping me around the house. They actually were fighting over who got to scrub the toilets, we had to take turns. Sure hope this enthusiasm continues. With the extra summer time we decided to take a trip to Utah to visit Grandma Jacobs. I am very excited about this trip, not so much the 1000 mile drive one way, but getting to see Grandma, BYU, family, friends, and mountains.

Hoping you are enjoying these last days of summer.

The weather here has been beautiful here.

I just hope its not cold when we get back next week.

Think the fall may only last for a couple of weeks and I don't want to miss it.

Noah is TEN

2011-08-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Noah's tenth birthday at the North Hill Bowling Lanes.

He invited his new friends Charlie, Simon, Dallin, and Luke.

Noah was in heaven-- bowling, pizza, soda, cake, and icecream.

They had a special dinosaur that helped the girls roll their balls straight as well as plastic sides to prevent gutter balls. These only came down when the little girls bowled...so JuJu had the high score on our team. It was a fun night. Georgia spent most the night in the stroller chewing on pizza crusts which miraculously disappeared despite having no teeth.

I can hardly believe it has been a whole decade since Noah was born.

I remember his Birth day so clearly.

I remember looking at his sweet face and falling in love instantly.

I remember in the next moment becoming overwhelm with emotion as I realized that the great love I had for him was only a small taste of the love Heavenly Father had for me and all of us.

I remember the feeling of wanting to be a better person, my best me.

I remember perfect fingers, toes, the Jacobs chin, and McCarthy nose.

The memories are so clear and the feeling fresh.

Now 10 years later it is even more amazing to see the young man he is becoming.

He is an amazing brother--I love seeing him with the girls. He plays with them, teases them, and protects them like only a Big brother can.

He is responsible with his chores, concientious with his schoolwork, and reliable with time. When I tell him to meet me somewhere or be home at a certain time he is always punctual. Thankfully, not following after his always late mother. He loves basketball, baseball, rockclimbing, crafts, and creating miis on his wii. OH how I love this boy! And do you know what his birthday wish was....

A Baby Brother.

Can we get to Georgia's first birthday, Please!

Arrived in the Magic City

2011-08-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Sunset from our kitchen window

Georgia being oh so cute

Georgia stands

Found old Halloween costumes

Georgia crawls

JuJu repelling down the Y rockwall

JuJu's first climb

The amazing wall

Downstairs living room/playroom

Garage cubbies--oh how I love these!

Finally.
We are here.
In our cute little town of Minot.
Honestly I don't think we could have handpicked a more completely opposite place than Miami.
We are loving our new home and I am particularly loving the space.
So just as I noticed in my 2 short visits before --the people here are SO NICE!
Really its hard to explain until you experience but everyone is really nice. It feels a little like Leave it to Beaver where everyone is smiling and trusting and just happy to be alive.

Few examples:

Upon arriving we were welcomed by several people from the eye clinic with balloons, and a huge basket of treats

Our mailwoman brought by the mail key that I was supposed to go pick up from the office but she dropped it by so I wouldn't have to go down there.

Bonnie,our builders wife, who is a wonderful sweet grandma herself, watched all 4 of our kids while we closed on the house. Then I asked about lakes to visit in the area and she sent me a list of 5 different lakes with info numbers attached.

Our neighbors brought our trashcan in because it looked like it was about to storm.

Drivers are polite and courteous. They let you over when your blinker is on and everyone takes turns nicely at all the 4 way stops.

The ladies at the YMCA childcare are wonderful--nice, sweet, hold the babies, play with the kids, always smiling.

Men everywhere hold the door open for you. (I don't think this happened once while I lived in Miami.)

Got my new driver's license in less than 10 minutes from a really nice, helpful, happy govenment employee. Yes they exist and all 10 of them work at the Minot DMV. Everyone in the office was smiling and laughing.

Walmart cashiers chat like you are the only person in line--really. Its kind of weird. There is huge line and they take their time and no one is annoyed-- just waiting patiently.

Called the elementary school to find out what I needed to bring to register the kids for school. Did I need to bring proof of address that we lived in the area for the school? "No, we trust you." Almost dropped the phone on that one.

So the list could go on but I'm getting tired.

One thing that I didn't notice when I was here in January and then again in April(perhaps because of the winter clothes) were all the tatoos. Seriously I have seen more tatoos in the last 3 weeks than I have my whole life. Did I miss something while I was in Miami? Have tatoos become really popular? Or is this just signature Minot? Everyone and their grandma has tatoos, literally.

Anyway, we are excited about our new home and a new adventure.

FYI

2011-07-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post comes so late after the news of the flooding in Minot.
Thankfully our home is safe up on a hill.
My understanding is that there are about 4000 homes underwater. Residents have been asked to boil water and conserve when it comes to washing, cleaning, watering... FEMA and other aid organization have moved in to help with recovery. The town is not functioning normally and probably won't for awhile.

Despite all of this I am still excited to get there.
I am excited about our house, a new job, another adventure.
Miami to Minot.
I don't think 2 places can be more opposite.

We have had a nice few weeks visiting family and friends.
David stayed behind in Miami to finish up.
Tomorrow is his very last day!
Congratulations sweetie YOU ARE DONE!!!

The thing I think I am most excited about is getting to choose when we go on vacation.
Not having an attending say what 2 days we get before or after Christmas.
We can actually have a whole week. Imagine...
And that we can actully use all the vacation that is in our contract and not have someone giving David a guilt trip about it or having to find someone to cover it...blah, blah, blah..
Ohh the Joy!

We are flying out on Monday at 6am.
Hopefully the children will be "at there best" for all 3 flights.
Columbia to Charlotte to Minneapolis to Minot.
I kind of feel sorry for whoever happens to be on our flight from Charlotte to Minneapolis.
JuJu and EJ catfights are pretty dirty and in such confined area some may be surprised at what can take place between a 2 and a 4 year old.
But the TV's will be charged and we will pray hard before that everything goes smooth.

Happy Belated 4th of July.
I will post as soon as our internet is up and going.

Wish me luck
Happy flying!!

Goodbye Key Biscayne

2011-06-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Key Biscayne
Thank you for making a wonderful home for us.
We will miss you.
But promise to visit.
We finished this week with a perfect day at the beach.
It was such a treat.
This is how I remember the ocean the first summer we were here.
Clear. Calm. Absolutely beautiful.
Below are a few recent pictures of fun memories with our friends and family.
Ohhhh how we will miss our island paradise.

Key Biscayne Community School

2011-05-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

The main reason we moved here was for the school.

The kids have loved it.

Noah had 2 great teachers.

Ella Joy had a fun and Free preschool experience.

It was a 10 minute walk from our house.

It has been perfect.

Pictured above are the kids at the end of the year ceremonies.

Seaquarium

2011-05-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Miami Seaquarium has been another playground for us.
It is only 3 miles from our house so we have gone often.
Noah loves petting the stingrays.
Ella Joy loves watching Lolita--the killer whale
JuJu loves the dolphins.
Becky took the kids for one last hurrah.

Adios Lolita!

Visitors

2011-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Living in vacation destination brings lots of visitors.
It has been so fun to have so many visitors these past 2 years.
My mom has been the biggest fan of Key Biscayne.
I think she will miss it as much as we do.
Becky came this weekend and we had a great time.

Beach fun

2011-05-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

These are the creatures the kids found when we went paddling.

At one point, Noah had 5 sea slugs and was yelling, "I'm a mother, I'm a mother!"

All creatures were safely returned to the sea.

Sony Erikson Tennis Tournament

2011-05-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Every Spring for 2 weeks the island is flooded with all things tennis.
This year I got to go see a match with some friends.
We had a great time watching the stud from Serbia--Novak Djokovich.
The best was when he lifted his shirt to wipe his face and the girls went crazy.

All of the Dogs

2011-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

One of the good things about living in townhomes is that you get to enjoy pets without actually having them. Both Noah and JuJu are animal people. They love all animals but have a particular fondness for dogs. They know all of the dogs in our complex. Pictured above is the bulldog Gracie who inspired JuJu's "Gracie face."

Last month Owen, Maria, and Chi Cho moved into #23. JuJu is crazy about Chi Cho. We visit them every morning. JuJu plays with the dog and Owen and I talk about Cuba back in the day. He has great stories....had lunch with Ernest Hemingway, met Nat King Cole. It is always fun to talk to him. Thankfully all his swearing is in Spanish.....

3 in 1

2011-05-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

I love that all 3 kids sleep together in the same room.
It looks like an orphanage.
There are 2 single beds on each wall and JuJu's toddler bed is in the middle.
When they are sleeping it is a beautiful sight.

Nonna

2011-05-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

If only everyone could have a Nonna.
She is the grandma that every young mom needs.
She bakes lemon cakes for everyone's birthday.
She babysits and when I come home asks me why we didn't stay out longer.
She tells me I am pretty when I haven't showered and am wearing my mom uniform.
She likes my cooking.
She loves my children.
She cried when I told her I was pregnant with Georgia.
She likes the noise of children.
Ohh how I love her and will miss her so much.

Thankfully she is planning on visiting us in North Dakota.
We love you Nonna!

Mrs. Durant

2011-05-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

The most wonderful teacher, woman, mom, and friend.
She truly is amazing to watch.
She has so much love for everyone.
I am at awe of her energy and capacity in caring for others.
We feel so blessed that Noah was able to have her as his teacher last year.
We will miss her but will definitely stay in touch.
We love you Mrs. Durant!

Good Neighbors

2011-05-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

#27 The DiMarchis--Amber and Stephano with their 2 teenage boys have been great neighbors. I have asked and apologized to Amber numerous times if our screaming, jumping, banging disturbs them and she always assures me that she never hears us--perfect next door neighbors for us.

#26 Judy Miguel and her 2 kids lived here then Noah's friend Chris--we have had lots of neighbors come and go or switch units

#25 Karen, Peter and their 3 kids--inspired me to decorate my patio with white Christmas light, also the owner of Mia, a yellow lab who the children love, now they live in #36

#23 Francesca, Steve, and Antonella--fun Italian friend who is so wonderful and down to earth, cooked out many times, Steve is a chef at the Ritz so that was always a treat, got stuck in the flood with her not too long ago
Now Owen, Maria, and Chi Cho live here--JuJu's new best friends

#22 Silvina, Salvidor, Sara, Azul, and Salvi-- wonderful Argentinian family who the kids played with, Noah and Sara played board games together, Azul loved pushing JuJu super fast on the skateboard all around the garden

#19 Christina and dogs

#17 home of Gracie the bulldog, JuJu's favorite dog in the fall and inspiration for Gracie face

Now going in the other direction

#29 quiet old man and the corner who I finally became friends with after a year of living here. I always thought he hated me because of my wild children who disturbed his tanning sessions at the pool but last September he left for a cruise and asked me to water his plants because he didn't think his other neighbors were reliable enough, well what a compliment, he had never even spoken to me and was now leaving his plants in my care, which wasn't necessarily a good idea since I forgot a few days and they drooped and I worried all night that he was going to be angry at me but luckily I gave them a little TLC and they rallied back before his return.Long story short-- now we always speak in passing.

#30 Lucia and family

#31 Angelone Family, Mauricio, Terry, Ricardo,and Virginia--they were the first people we met when we moved in. It was storming--David was unpacking the truck, the kids were running outside after being in the car for 12 hours, EJ slipped split open her chin, Terry held Julia while David stitched it up. Noah and Ricardo became bestfriends spending all day outside catching lizard, climbing trees, digging through the dumpster to find treasures. The first summer we were here Noah was outside from 8am-8pm everyday. He was so dark that my friend Jen thought he hadn't a different father. Terry and I spent many nights talking on the patio after the kids were in bed. They moved to a house nearby.
Then....

My friend from Church Amanda moved in with her husband and 2, now 3 kids. We spent our first year running together most mornings. She would drive from Coral Gables and we would run the bridge. She decided to move out here and we were so excited that early morning runs would be so easy--then we both got pregnant so most of our year together we have both been in survival mode. Recently we started running together. Ella Joy and Zoe are great friends, JuJu and Liam hate and love each other, Georgia and Adelaide like third and fourth children sit happily and watch all the chaos. It has been great to have a friend so close. We have gotten to enjoy Amanda's and Derrick's delicious cooking. We will miss them a lot.

#36 Patti Porro and Gigi-played in the afternoons together, taught Mommy Boot Camp at the park, lots of fun to hang out with

#38 Camilla, Paul, and Bodey-our oh so convenient pediatric resident and water polo husband and their beautiful and perfectly behaved golden retriever. We had Thanksgiving with them this past year. She also was my lifesaver when I was certain that I had lice when EJ had it. My head was itching all the time and I didn't think David was checking thoroughly enough..oh the things good neighbors will do.

#46 Boris and his mom--Noah's friend from basketball

#48 Chuck the repairman and by mishap the LePhare therapist

#52 Sharon, the most fit and active 70 year old woman I have ever met, and her dog Chester

I am sure I missed someone but these are the people who we interacted with often. Although I am really looking forward to our home that will have space and a backyard, I will miss the fun, convenience, and entertainment of having friends and neighbors so close.

Dinner by the Sea

2011-05-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Recently we have been taking picnic dinners to the beach.

It is so much fun.

We have a beautiful view.

The kids eat, run around and play.

David and I get to talk.

One of the best parts--easy clean up, no dirty kitchen.

Tonight David used his new constellation app to point out the stars and planets to the kids.

Golfcart

2011-05-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

After David insisted that our mode of transportation was not acceptable,

And then the policewoman added "the law" into the scenario...

I went to KB Green and rented a golf cart for our last 6 weeks here.

It has been so much fun to have.

It really is a lot cooler and easier than riding a bike.

The kids love it.
Noah likes to drive to the end of the parking lot.

Ella Joy and JuJu get to take turns parking it once we get in our parking lot.

David likes to take night time spins around the island just for fun.

I think he must go pretty fast because Ella Joy told me she has to hang on more when Daddy drives.

Close

2011-05-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

One thing we love about our location is how easy it is for David to get to and from work.

It takes him 20 minutes and he is always going against traffic.

This is huge in a city where traffic can make a 20 minute commute into an hour long drive.

Happy Birthday Becky!

JuJu can't wait to take care of you!!

Sandcastles

2011-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

The best de-stresser for me is sitting in the sand.
I love the feel of it under my feet.
I love digging into with my hands and making castles.
I love the view of the ocean, the salty air, and the cool breeze.
The combination of all of these things seem to reset me.
After my visit I am relaxed and calm.
I can return to my responsibilities refreshed.
I love how it makes me feel.

I wander where or what that place will be in North Dakota?
Where is your place?

Sports

2011-05-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have loved watching Noah play on all the different sports teams here.
Everything is close so practices and games are very convienient.
Tonight Noah had his first elimination game for baseball.
The field he plays at is in Crandon Park--right next to the beach.
The weather at 7 pm is perfect.
The sky is blue.
I will miss these perfect evenings of sitting in the grass all year round at dusk.

Yogurtland

2011-05-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Our new favorite place.
It has the best frozen yougurt.
Lots of unique and yummy flavors.
My favorite coconut.
The set up is great--you serve yourself.
Get what you like with the toppings you love.
They weigh it and then you pay for it.
The best part -- the price.
We bought big sundaes for the whole family for $12.
If I wasn't moving to ND I would seriously consider buying a franchise.
Love it, love it, love it!

Church

2011-05-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is Church--Miami style

Ours is the white minivan and we are blocked in by 5 other cars behind us.

It took 40 minutes to leave.

Parking rules just do not apply in this city.I love our Church.

No matter where we move we have instant friends and wonderful support.

The ward we currently attend is in Little Havana.

It is 90% Spanish speaking so those who don't speak Spanish wear headsets to hear English.

David teaches Sunday school.

I do music for the Primary children.

Noah pouts and looks for junkfood.

Ella Joy sings and runs around.

JuJu loves nursery.

Georgia gets cared for by someone in David's class.

Every Sunday is an adventure.

Easy Shopping

2011-05-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

One thing I have absolutely loved about living here is how easy shopping is for me
My grocery store is right down the street--a 5 minute walk or 2 minute bike ride.

Even closer is our CVS which is right next to our complex which we use when we run out of milk or icecream or medicine.
Here JuJu is busy shopping at the CVS

Swinging

2011-05-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

3 little girls swinging in a row

Monty's

2011-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Getting down at Monty's.

This is the place we always meet our friends the Dandoy's.

We celebrated my 33rd birthday here in March.

And last night we celebrated Chris' 34th birthday.

It is perfect for kids because it is outside with a view of the bay.

There is a one man band that the girls can dance to.

I honestly do not know where Ella Joy got some of her dance moves from.

Is she watching MTV in the middle of the night while I'm asleep?

Girls on Trikes

2011-05-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

I believe when I think back to our time here in Key Biscayne one of the things I will miss the most will be seeing these two little girls peddling (and in JuJu's case Fred Flinstoning) as fast as they can to the park or the community center.

This was our routine most every afternoon.

Ella Joy was always in front so she could make sure that JuJu stopped at intersections.

JuJu of course says lola (hola) or lo (hello) to every person or dog that passes us by.

Notice JuJu's water fountain sticking up from the middle of her head.

She recently started wearing hair ties.

This particular style was inspired by her Aunt Shey Shey who used to wear the same water fountain for a whole week. I can remember washing her hair and seeing dust that had collected around the tie.

Kitchen Tree

2011-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is Ella Joy's kitchen tree.

It is located in the middle of the park.

It is quite a majestic tree and unfortunately my pictures don't do it justice.

This has been one of our favorite spots because at the base of this enormous tree are all kinds of nooks and crannies that Ella Joy has made into her home.

She has assigned everyone a room.

There is a bathroom for big people and a bathroom for little people.

The rock pictured above is the kitchen where she makes me brownies and muffins.

Running

2011-05-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about living here is getting up early--before the sun, before the kids and going on my beach run.

It is an absolutely perfect run.

It takes me along the boardwalk of Crandon Beach.

At the end of the boardwalk I stop for a few minutes, stretch, and take in the most amazing view.

This morning was particularly spectacular as my friend Amy and I arrived the sun started to peek up over the horizon just above the ocean. We were in awe. It was a beautiful pinkish orange. As it came up there was a rainbow of color all the way to the sky.

I wish I had my camera so I could have taken a picture to share the beauty.

Strolling

2011-05-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all moms everywhere who keep pushing along.
You are doing a great job!

Paddle Boarding

2011-05-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

Tara and I coming in from paddle boarding.
It was a perfect morning.
The water was like glass and you could see clear to the bottom.

Noah and I both found starfish

that we of course put back in the water.

As we examined them I kept thinking about the starfish in Nemo that knows how to read.

Ohhh where your mind goes when you are surrounded by children and all of their things.

Nemo has been JuJu's latest obsession.

When it Rains it Floods

2011-05-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

So it doesn't rain much here on the island.

After 2 years of living here I have learned that the weather predictions are usually wrong. The storms seem to pass over the island and head to the mainland.

However when it does rain the island floods.

Our parking lot becomes a swimming pool.

Pictured above is the area surrounding the school.

Because I didn't think my golf cart could handle 2 feet of water- my kind friend drove me to pick EJ up. However she got nervous that the water might ruin her car so we parked it in someone's driveway, left a note, and began a 4 block trek through the water with 5 children in tote. It was quite the adventure.

In classic Miami style no one offered a ride or asked if we might need help.

Imagine my friend who is 8 months pregnant carrying Georgia, I was carrying JuJu and her daughter and EJ were walking along side us--it was a sight. All the kids in the school yard couldn't believe that the water was up to our knees. It really wasn't that hard but just the fact that no one asked at least to help out my pregnant friend?

Better yet, when we finally made it through the swamp we were walking along the sidewalk a man in his Mercedes stopped in the middle of an intersection to ....see if we were OK....ask if we needed a ride... of course not, he first stated that he had been a surgeon for 30 years and he just wanted to let us know that it really wasn't a good idea to let children walk on sidewalks barefoot, they could get all kinds of bacterial infections that are really hard to get rid of and once again let us know that he had seen some really bad stuff....

Really. Thanks for the FYI, next time just throw a pamphlet out the window and spray us with the rain water as you speed away.

Is that really what 2 moms with 5 children really want to hear about after what we had just waded through.

We were happy we had gotten everyone out safely to the other side. I mean if you want to lecture us at least throw open the door, let us hop in, and lecture us on the way.

And the whole no shoe thing.

I get so many bad looks from nannys as they pass by and once again JuJu has taken off her shoes or didn't have any on to begin with. "Sin zapatos" (without shoes) they scowl as if I am the worst mom in the world. Seriously how many of you ran around without shoes on outside when you were a kid and amazingly enough you have lived to tell about it.

Happy 5 months to Georgia.

Amazing that she is still alive.

She has never warn shoes.

Key Biscayne Community Center

2011-05-05T18:58:00.001-07:00

This has been a lifesaver.
The first year I didn't have it because it was too expensive.
The second year my mom bought it as a gift and we have definitely gotten her money's worth.
It has a gymnasium, gameroom, nursery, and indoor jungle gym.
I have spent almost every afternoon there letting the kids play.
The girls that work in the nursery are wonderful.
They love my kids and are always excited to see us.
Alexa Ray babysits for us some and the kids absolutely love her.
When I asked EJ what she loved most about Key Biscayne,
one of her responses was: Alexa Ray.
Georgia always gets lots of attention when we go.
And it is like JuJu's other home/preschool.
It is only a 10 minute walk from our house so after Noah finishes his HW he walks over on his own and we meet up with him.
Our membership has definitely kept me sane.
And the kids happy and cool.

Thank you, Mom!

Swimming

2011-05-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

I love that we can swim throughout most the year.
Our complex has a nice big pool that the kids love.
We just have to cross the courtyard and we are there.
Ella Joy and JuJu can slide their little bodies through the gate.
Noah usually jumps it.
Then I come with the key and walk through with Georgia.
We have spent many hours trying to stay cool...in the pool.
And there isn't a better way to tire out kids right before bedtime than with a nice swim.
It makes them hungry for dinner too.

Mornings

2011-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

I love the mornings here --that would be 6-9am.
The weather is perfect.
The air is cool, the sky is blue, and there is a nice breeze.
I love all the plants, flowers, and birds that are here year round.
I love taking the kids to school whether in the stroller, on the bike, or the golfcart-- once we are in motion I always think how grateful I am to get to enjoy such nice weather everyday.

However by 10 the sun is beating down.
And it is hot, very hot.

Next January when I am freezing in ND I will need to think about the oh so hot days when I was sweaty all day, the kids were whiny, hot, and thirsty, and all you can think about is cooling off in the AC.

Versailles

2011-05-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our favorite Cuban restaurant.

When we first visited Miami our friends took us to this restaurant in Little Havana. Whenever we have visitors who want good Cuban food, we go here.
Tonight a friend from residency was in town so we loaded everyone in the mini van to eat some super delicious, fried, and surely very fattening Cuban food.

Now I like this restaurant for a several reasons.
The food is so good (i love the platanos fritos and shredded chicken with onions), there is lots of it (for David the disposal), and they have the classic kids favorite (chicken tenders and french fries). The prices are inexpensive and they have an amazing bakery that you walk through on the way out where you can pick from a large variety of delicious desserts. The atmosphere is very family friendly--it is pretty loud so other patrons don't notice Juju screaming. Like always they seat us in the very back corner of the restaurant which makes me even more comfortable because we are as far as possible away from everyone else.

Tonight was a pretty typical crazy night.
JuJu, who since potty training never wears more that undies, was mad because she had clothes on. Within the first 5 minutes of sitting down she had spilled freezing cold ice water on me and herself. So off went the dress. The food took longer than usual and the kids got bored and started making salt and pepper castles. It wasn't too messy til JuJu added the sugar and it became a huge sugar mountain. Once the food came I scarfed it down as quickly as possible knowing that soon something would erupt. Noah got in trouble for not listening, Ella Joy was singing to herself and trying to build more sugar mountains, and JuJu went to the bathroom twice--both times sat on the floor (yes I was cringing) to take off what little clothing remained, her shoes and undies. Then climbed on the potty touching every square inch of the seat. I know its gross, so gross. But the girl wants to be independent. Despite the craziness we had a great time and were able to visit with our friend.

Thanks Chris for a great meal.
Glad we could help you feel right at home.

Taking it all in

2011-05-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

So it is hitting me that we are leaving in 6 weeks.
I am excited to move.
I am thrilled that David is finally done, did I really say that.
Done with training.
But our little island paradise has made a wonderful home for us the past 2 years and I am starting to feel nostalgic. So over the month of May I am going to try, yes try to post each day, something I love about our life here on Key Biscayne. Just for history's sake I may also post things that aren't so great so that when I am freezing in Minot next January I can remember that it wasn't all beaches and bike riding. Hope you enjoy reminiscing with me.

Daddy Invention

2011-04-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

When Daddy is left to care for baby creative feeding methods are discovered.
I actually think this is a product that could make millions.
What could we call it... "the best bottle breast rest."
And our slogan could be...when there are just not enough hands let the breasts do the rest.
Surely this would take off. I can already imagine our visit to the show The Big Idea.

Well despite the looks of it from this post and the previous post , we really do love our sweet Georgia and take very good care of her.

Speaking of which, Papa Smurf (that would be David) didn't like how Mama Smurf was getting the wee ones around so he insisted that she go rent a golf cart. Mama Smurf being the frugal smurfette that she is just couldn't take the plunge and drop big bucks on a more sophisticated form of transportation. However, Gargamel (the local police) stopped Mama Smurf and told her the wee ones were no longer allowed to ride chariot style. Note: Gargamel has been watching them all school year-- that would be 9 months-- and never said a word. Mama Smurf being the good law abiding smurfette that she is went immediately to the golf rental store and rented a cart for the next 6 weeks. Pictures of the new mode of transportation to be posted soon. And FYI --Mama Smurf only rode on the sidewalk at a very safe speed.

Mama Smurf's only question is what was Papa Smurf thinking when Mama Smurf was 8 months pregnant riding the bike and pulling the trailer? And Gargamel? Mama Smurf would have loved to have been forced to rent a golf cart during those months...

Other highlights from April

JuJu potty trained herself
About 3 weeks ago she got up from her seat at dinner and went to the potty. And that was it. She has been wearing undies ever since. She loves it. Its so sweet to see her and EJ sharing undies. Most of the time JuJu is wearing the baggie size 4's and EJ is wearing the tight size 2's. They don't really know whose undies belong to who.

Ella Joy learned to ride a 2 wheeler
We went to the park and practiced peddling for about 20 minutes with me holding onto to her. Then Noah kept telling me to let her go. When I did, off she went riding toward Noah til she tipped over. She was so proud of herself.

FYI--for anyone bike training, the key is to practice in a big field with flat grass, then there is not the fear of falling. We learned this with Noah. We practiced for a few days on our street. As soon as we took him to a field he was riding in a few minutes. It makes all the difference.

This is how we Roll

2011-04-01T12:24:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to document our means of transportation.

I only wish I would have gotten a picture of me riding my bike 8 months pregnant.

Oh the looks I got.

Now the looks are not so much at me but at the circus that follows behind me

Baby in the carrier inside the trailer

JuJu and EJ riding chariot style

Noah on his own bike

Ohhh how I will miss riding everywhere and the ease of just telling everyone to hop on the bike.

Happy April Fool's Day!

I am borrowing the neighbor's dog and telling David that I decided to get Noah's 10th birthday present early.

Turning 33

2011-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am so happy to be 33. Life is good. 4 healthy children. 1 happy husband. What more could I want? A shower every morning would be nice but when you live in Miami and your transportation is a bike and/or stroller -- really what is the point. Happy March!

Shelly and Rob's Wedding

2011-03-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

A successful family picture=everyone in the family is in the picture.

Smiles not necessary.

The handsome ring bearer

The cooperative flower girl

The other flower girl

All of my children are picky about shoes.

All they ever wear are their dirty crocs.

I thought about just letting them wear socks for the wedding but didn't know how that would go over with the wedding planner. Finally I found shoes that both girls would wear--black Mary Jane crocs.

After much anxiety on how they would perform--all 3 did a great job.

Noah sat quietly next to the Best Man for the hour long mass.

Ella Joy followed directions perfectly--down the aisle and then around to the back.

JuJu was coaxed down the aisle by hiding a ring pop in her flower basket.

I found the perfect dress for hiding my mama pooch.

The Stier Family

Ella Joy and Uncle Pat

KiKi and EJ

Max and JuJu

I am thinking about making this into a poster just so I can remember how cute he looked that night.

Shelly and Rob during their first dance.

JuJu spent most of the night with my cousin Thomas and his wife Tara.

She absolutely loves him.

Can you tell Clayton had a good time.

She loved the chocolate fountain.

And by the end of the night both of the sleeves on her dress were ripped.

She obviously knows how to have a good time.

Here EJ and Clayton are having fun with our favorite New York girls.

Shelly made a beautiful bride.

And the cake was amazing.

What kids do for fun at wedding receptions

It was a fun night and I am so excited for Rob to officially be a part of our family.

We love you Uncle Rob!

Red Sox

2011-03-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday we went to the annual Key Biscayne baseball parade.

Noah is now on the Red Sox team.

This is his first year in kids pitch.

It will be interesting to see how the games turn out.

He is excited to be playing with the 10 and 11 year olds.

Oh so JuJu

2011-03-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

In the basinett with her babies

Taking a nap with Gracie

Key West Sunset

2011-02-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Over the long weekend we headed down to Key West for the night.
Not exactly a family vacation spot but I wanted to see it before we move.
We went to Mallory Square where people gather every night at dusk to watch the sunset.
It was beautiful.
That was definitely the best part of Key West.
While we were walking past all the restaurant/bars along the water Noah said:
"I know this smell. Christie and Papa John would love this place."

Why not Minot?

2011-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Yes it's true.
And now oh so official (above David signing the contract).
The Jacobs family is moving to Minot, North Dakota.
If this is the first time hearing the news you can now close your mouth which most likely just fell open as you uttered, "North Dakota?" (a reaction I have gotten a lot as I shared the news) and I will expound a little. And only a little because honestly I only have 5 minutes before Georgia wakes up to nurse and then in 5 more minutes I will most likely hear the pitter patter of JuJu's feet as she comes down stairs and for the fiftieth time this week wave her arm through the air and sing which in JuJu language means: I want to watch Annie.

So.... it is a really great job working at a hospital.
There is no retina specialist in the area so there is a lot of work and opportunity to serve the people of this area.
The salary is generous so we will be able to get out of debt in a couple of years.
The people are super nice and I think David is really going to enjoy his work.

The city of Minot:
Lots of families
Friendly people
Great schools
Amazing YMCA with a 4 story rock wall, yoga classes, tons of kids classes
Several indoor water parks with huge slides
Snow, lots of snow for tubing, sledding, cross country skiing
Nice summers

So that is a quick summary of why after much thinking, talking, and praying we chose Minot as our new home and next adventure.

So if you are ever in the vicinity which would be the middle of the US about an hour and a half south of Canada feel free to drop by. Really.

Moments

2011-02-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Georgia...ohh how I love this girl. She is a perfect baby.
Good thing because JuJu is a "perfect" 2 year old.

JuJu's twins laying outside the front door.
Her true feeling since Georgia's arrival keep coming out.
My favorite was when she tried to leave them at the bus stop.

David leaving for work with his Winn Dixie bag.

Georgia wearing Ella Joy's Valentine hat.

Baby's First Tatoo---couldn't find that one in the Baby book
Not that she actually has one

Ella Joy going through clothes that a friend had given me.
She was so excited with everything she found.
I let her look through the pile that I was not going to keep.
Her favorites: sequins and beads
She kept saying, "I'm going to wear this when I'm a mother."
Her favorite was this "shirt" that she conveniently made into a sweater dress.

A morning nap...heavenly

Georgia's Blessing

2011-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Taking Care of Georgia

2011-01-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Ella Joy introducing all of her ponies to her new sister.
She sat here for an hour telling her their names, colors,
and singing pony songs.
She said, "Mom, I'm doing discoveries with Baby Georgia."

Being cared for by all of our stuffed animals

Once again the doting older sister.
I truly am grateful for Ella Joy. She is absolutely in love with Georgia.
And I can trust her to take good care of her. She constantly sings to her, talks to her, gives her the paci.
Julia is a little dangerous when she comes in close contact with Georgia (pulling limbs, poking eyes, hitting)but she is a great when I ask her to get a diaper and wipes. She runs as fast as she can to retrieve them. Hopefully the jealousy thing will pass soon.

This is what we call the "magic snowsuit."
My mom bought it and I really think it must have magical powers.
We put it on Georgia at night and she almost instantly falls asleep.
Better yet it keeps her asleep for most of the night.

One of my oh so responsible male caretakers.

And his oh so responsible father.

Georgia has survived her first month. Hooray!

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve
Worn out after a night of dancing, fondue, and shooting fireworks.
Our first family photo with all 6 of us-- a miracle that no one is screaming.

Happy New Year !

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Classic Christmas morning photo on the stairs.
This is the only picture I have from the morning.
I must have been tired or thinking about how David would be leaving in 2 hours to go to work, yes on Christmas morning, and I would be alone with all 4. Still getting used to the craziness.

What I remember:
Ella Joy was really upset that she didn't get the porcelain tea set in the picnic basket like she had asked for. Note to her future husband: Get her exactly what she asks for. Do not try to skimp and save $20 bucks. It is not worth it.
Julia could care less about her gifts. She walked around looking for candy that the others had dropped out of their stockings.
Noah was very surprised with his Wii Madden game and said it was the best day of his life.

Opening the package from Aunt KiKi
We were so excited about all the goodies.
We sat around for an hour tasting everything!

Opening gifts from Papa Dean and Grandma Wanda

Gift cards are the best!!!

Baby Georgia photos

2010-12-11T06:57:00.001-08:00

Ella Joy wants Georgia to be a Care Bear with a heart tummy.

Georgia Kate is here!

2010-12-07T04:01:00.002-08:00

All 9.1 lbs of her!

Jenny's doing well. I'm not sure why she chose to deliver her biggest baby without an epidural, but I'm very proud of her.

We feel very blessed.

Thank you to Grandma Christie for watching everyone during the delivery.

David

Happy 2nd Birthday JuJu

2010-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

JuJu turned 2 today!
We are so happy to have her home.
She is such a character.
She loves everyone--especially men.
Everyone we pass at the store or on a walk gets a big wave.
Then she blows kisses as we depart from them.
She doesn't talk much but somehow gets her point across with creative signs, sounds, and other charades.
She loves to climb and jump and is quite a little gymnast.
She is definitely the family clown.
She is so good at mimicking faces--the latest being the slight smirk with folded arms of the Mr. Clean man that she always sees under the kitchen sink.
She always keeps us laughing.
Happy, happy birthday to our favorite 2 year old.

JuJu and Christie return

2010-11-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

I can hardly wait.
It feels like Christmas to me.
I am so excited to see JuJu!
She has been in SC with my mom for 3 weeks.
It has been a great break but way too long.
Tonight at 8:27 she lands.
Tomorrow is her 2nd Birthday.
I am also so glad that my mom is here.
I bought her a one way ticket.
I am looking forward to the next several weeks.
JuJu home, my mom here, and a new baby!
Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!!!!

New Hair

2010-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

Its amazing how great a new haircut can make you feel.
Thanks so much Jen for the color and cut.
I love it!
Now I feel ready to deliver.
How about you baby?

Limemade

2010-11-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

A delicious homemade limemade.
So refreshing!

And hopefully my last week at Church prego.

I had to hide in the Primary to avoid comments from everyone in Relief Society.

"You're still here!"
" You look like you're going to Pop!"
"It must be a boy how you're sticking out right in front."
"You know what you need to do to get it out...."

I actually muttered an ugly under my breath before going to hide.

Then I had Noah and Ella Joy wait outside of Elders Quorum so we could get David to the car asap.

Happy Sunday!

A Corner for Baby

2010-11-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here is baby's corner-- when you have to share 800 square feet with the 5 other members of your family you have to take what you can get.

And here is one sweet sister who is so excited for baby to arrive

Beautiful Beaches

2010-11-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

When will this turkey be done?

David says December 1--JuJu's b-day
Noah says November 27
Mom says December 5 --Pat's b-day
Ella Joy says today--Thanksgiving
I think she will come on her due date December 7

Leave your guess.
The winner will receive the first post birth call!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Big Womens

2010-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Today I went to pick Ella Joy up from school.
She was playing on the playground.
I told her that I was going to use the bathroom and then we would leave.

"Are you going to use our bathroom?" she asked
with a little concern in her voice.
"Yes." I replied.
"The one in our classroom?"
"Yes." I replied again.
"But our bathroom isn't for big womens." she stated.

Thanks for letting me know.
I squeezed through the door just fine.

Prayer

2010-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for prayer.
Today I was getting ready to go to my 38 week appointment.
After a night of sleeplessness, tears, complaining--David and I had decided that it would be best to get induced and end the misery for all.

Before leaving I wanted to take some time to know that this was a good decision.
As I prayed I had a very clear thought, "Just wait."
Not exactly wanted I wanted to hear.
So I decided I would read my scriptures to see if this thought was for real.
I turned in the scriptures to Mosiah 24.
Alma's people are in bondage and are praying to be delivered.
I could kind of relate.
The Lord promises that he will give them strength to endure their trials.

"yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

As I read this I felt I needed to change my attitude.
Yes I am uncomfortable, irritable, tired,etc..etc..
But I am about to bring a beautiful new baby into the world--one of the most amazing experiences! Why was I complaining.
And looking at the math....
I've done 38 weeks, really what is 2 more?
More than anything else I felt that Heavenly Father was aware of me and what was best for me.

I am grateful for the scriptures.
They truly can guide and instruct us in all aspects of our lives.

After I finished reading I prayed again.
I felt calm and peaceful and without a doubt knew what I was going to do,
Just wait.

So we are just waiting...
But now with better perspective.

And to add to the smile, the doctor said I was 2cm dilated.

Science Project Complete

2010-11-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

For the last month these hamburgers have been rotting on a shelf in my living room.
Today they took a trip to the school where I hope they stay or get thrown away.
For Noah's science project we wanted to find out what hamburger would decompose faster:
Happy meal or Homemade?

After watching Super Size Me and knowing all the preservatives that go into fast food we made the hypothesis that our homemade organic would definitely decompose faster.

Surprisingly after a month both hamburgers looked the same. Neither have really begun to decompose. They don't smell, they are just hard, dark, and wrinkly. After 3 weeks both buns started to mold on the bottom in the same spot.

It was an interesting project. Noah learned a lot. David was quite intense as they labored over the graphs and abstract. I reminded him many times that it was just a 3rd grade science project but he does everything 100% and treated this project with the same determination he does his work projects that are presented at conferences. I decided it would be best to just leave the house til it was done.

The project turned out great. I was able to use some of my scrapbooking skills as we decided on color and layout. As I dropped Noah at school this morning I could tell he was excited and proud to show his teacher the project.

So a happy Monday to all.
Tomorrow I go to my 38 week appointment--hopefully some progress has been made!

Perspective from a 9 year old

2010-11-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

I often complain about how uncomfortable I am to Noah.
I think after 3 pregnancies he is kind of tired of hearing about it.

The other day he said,
"You really shouldn't complain so much. Giraffes have to be pregnant for 18 months yours is only 9."

Ella Joy Enthusiasm

2010-11-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

If only I could bottle it up...

Yesterday, we went shopping together.
I needed to get a new nursing bra.
So we headed south to the Miami Dadeland Mall.
She was such a great shopping companion.
She would give me compliments on what one looked best.
She also happily entertained herself with in front of the full length mirror where she made a new friend who looked a lot like her. They sang and talked while I hummed and hawed over what bra was easiest to relatch one handed.

Afterward we went to get a bit to eat.
The ladies at Motherhood had told us we could get some inexpensive
but delicious food in Nordstrom.
On the 2nd floor was a delicious little bistro.
Ella Joy got a grilled cheese with fries, fruit, and a drink for $5.
I got the crab bisque for $4 and it was amazing.
We were so excited about how good the food was and I of course loved the great price.
Ella Joy repeatedly told the our waiter that he was "the best foodmaker ever."
She told me she was having "such a great day."
It was so much fun to spend some one on one time with her and bask in her enthusiasm.

Yesterday while I was making pumpkin bread she told me, "I'm so glad
we have noses."

Its so much fun to share in her little Joys.

A date

2010-11-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight David and I went to a Miami Heat game.
We had a great time.
I was hoping my water would break as we climbed to our seats.
I imagined cameras panning over to me and having my moment to shine.
Women goes into labor at Heat game!
It didn't unfold the way I was hoping but the cheesy chicken nachos were worth it.

Good friends and mango smoothies

2010-11-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for good friends that you can share your woes with.
I also love the mango smoothies at the little cafe behind the park.
I snuck and got one on my walk while the kids were at the community center.
It was delicious!

Baby keeps growing. I think my belly button may pop open.
Does that happen.
I wish I could take pictures of the looks I get from people as I ride my bike.
Today I had a group of at least 10 construction workers stop and stare as I rode my bike across the street. They weren't the least bit discreet. One of them yelled, "mirate!" making sure they all looked and didn't miss the amazing show.

I would try to snap some photos of the spectators but I think that may be a little dangerous.

I am probably already pushing my luck talking on the phone and riding my bike at the same time.

Libraries

2010-11-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

Anyone else love the smell of libraries?
After school Ella Joy and I rode to the library because she is sooooo tired of all of our books.
As I walked in I thought about how I wish I could bottle up that smell and put it in one room of my house.

I am trying to walk and ride and squat this baby out. Send some contraction vibes this way!!