It's babysitting day and I have both the boys down for a nap. Not asleep yet, but my fingers are crossed...hard.

I've been checking out craigslist and the register and I have noticed there are a ton of garage sales tomorrow. I love Thursday garage sales! Since I haven't done much of that this year I plan on doing some tomorrow. I could safely say I've spent under $20 so far. This is pretty impressive. I spent way too much last year. Yikes. I'm going to try and find some good quality used items for the family Alisa has brought to our attention on her blog. Want to join me??

I've been obsessively looking at pictures of Parkersburg on the Internet. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it must be for my friends and family who have grown up there or who have spent their whole lives there, or especially for those who lost a house or a loved one. I just can not imagine it. RJ's family (Junker side) were planning on having a get-together on Sunday before this all happened and still plan on having it so I think we're going to go up for the weekend. It will be good to see everyone again. Please keep praying for everyone involved.

The nap thing is not working yet......why don't little boys like to take naps??

our memorial day

Grandma and Grandpa Junker's house. They will find out this week, but are hoping that it will be condemned so they can just rebuild or possibly move. It already had some foundation problems and the tree that fell on it made it worse. It was one of the first houses to get damage and pretty much everything to the south of it was destroyed. (I think...not good with directions up there) There are a lot of Junkers around Parkersburg so they have will have places to stay in the mean time. It was great to see so many of them helping them and others. It's a great family.




This is across the street from their house.









This is just a picture from the car. There was so much that looked like this. You couldn't recognize anything in this part of town.




We went up to P-burg this morning and got back around 8:00. It's pretty unreal. RJ and his brother went to town to help and I stayed out at my friend Alisa's parents, which are RJ's aunt and uncle. Slick how that works out, huh? The authorities didn't want just anyone coming in unless you had good reason to be there so there were check points and long waits to enter in the morning, but RJ didn't have any troubles by the time they got there. They helped at his Grandma and Grandpa Junker's house and some of the Junker family had other family who lost houses so they went around helping at those also. I went in later in the afternoon to see the house and we drove around a bit. It is still unbelievable. I kept saying it was like a movie set because it just didn't seem real. I have never seen anything like it. It's amazing that there weren't more deaths with all the destruction. The houses were literally flattened. We heard a lot of stories of how people survived and it's all so amazing. God allowed the tornado and and at the same time allowed so many to survive. Again, we are so thankful that his grandparents weren't home when it hit and at the same time pray for everyone else who had more severe destruction and for the losses there were. I can't imagine the feeling of losing everything. I know our earthly possessions shouldn't matter, but so many lost even the necessities and have to start from scratch. I'm sure it's just overwhelming for everyone who lost so much. Keep praying for everyone involved.


Now tomorrow is already Tuesday so this will be a quick week. I think we're going to head up again this weekend to see his family. It will be interesting to see progress that is made in the next few weeks/months/years. They will continue to need our prayers.

Parkersburg

Unbelievable. RJ's grandparents live in Parkersburg and their house is still standing but has damage. Praise the Lord they weren't home because they don't have a basement and it could have been pretty bad. We're pretty sure we're going to go up for the day to see everyone. Both sides of RJ's family are from the area so there would be a lot of people to see and thought maybe Henry's smile would be a comfort to a lot of them. And we just can't sit still if we don't go. We got to see his uncle Tim on tv who is a US Marshall so it was nice to see a familiar face and know they were okay.

Keep praying for everyone. I just can't imagine what they are going through. Thanks for your prayers.

I'm alone again! My parents were in town for just a few hours and just left and RJ is finishing up cleaning. Henry's taking a late nap and I'm relaxing in the quietness. Henry has been bouncing off the walls all day today. Actually he's been like this all week. Where do little boys get all of their energy???

We're off to a church picnic tonight and I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure it will be most of us younger folks there, but it will be a good time to visit. Our church has certainly become our family.

How about this humidity? Oh, I don't like summer, but how annoying is it that I'm complaining about sunshine and warmth. Okay, I won't complain about it, I'll just grin and bear it and long for 70 degree days with low humidity. Are there such things in an Iowan summer?

Ruby is doing well after her chemo treatment on Friday. Thank you, Lord! What a blessing this little girl has been.

Peace out.

finally....

Finally decided to write again. Haven't really been in the mood for it. If I miss a day I so easily never want to do it again, but then some time passes and it sounds fun again. I love to talk about controversial or serious topics (as long as they stay calm--I hate when feelings start to get hurt!!), but to get it into words on the screen is too hard for me. I spend too much time getting my thoughts together to make sense when I'd rather talk about it the next time I see you. So because of this inability to write well (don't say you haven't noticed) I write about boring, everyday stuff and it even bores me sometimes. I try to dabble onto the serious side every now and then but it usually ends up in gibberish. I pray Henry gets RJ's brains and my creativity cuz I be lackin' in the smarts area.

We just had a little party with our Sunday School class and RJ left to clean until the wee hours so the house is quiet and now it's time to blog. I feel strange calling it Sunday School when I'm 28 years old. The correct phrase is "Adult Bible Fellowship" aka, ABF. There, that sounds better.

I started babysitting a little boy this week who will be 2 in August. I have him the full day on Wednesday and Fridays. It's an adjustment, but I think it will go well. I realized that Henry is kind of a bully on his own turf with other little kids. And here I thought I had a "sensitive" boy. Nope. I'm only going to do it for about 6 weeks and then it's back to my old babysitting gig which I kind of miss. 3 short hours, 3 mornings a week goes way quicker than 2 full days. I'm telling myself that it's good practice. It's a TINY glimpse of life with more than one child. I'm sure all of you with more than 1 kid are thinking "yeah right!", but I did say TINY. Or should I say, tiny.

Other news: I would love to have another baby. When some people think about getting pregnant they worry about being sick, the tiredness, the emotions, etc, (which are all horrible, not fun things!), but I worry every time I go to the bathroom that I'll see blood. Considering one goes to the bathroom about 5-6 times a day, this gets quite exhausting. So, I'm praying hard that I don't allow my thoughts to even go there. It's a struggle, though. Praying for your child or a child-to-be has been one of the most humbling things I've done. To know that I don't deserve anything, yet serve a loving and graceful God who gives us children is beyond my comprehension. Then to have a child who is healthy seems unreal. Why me, God? I know I don't deserve a healthy child anymore or less than anyone else. So to pray that we would be able to get pregnant and keep our next baby is even more humbling. It's hard to even get the words out, but I do and I know He hears them. I don't know how He'll answer my prayers, but I do know I want whatever the answer may be to glorify Him. Whether through heartbreak and tears, or the happiness of a heartbeat on the ultrasound screen.

Even more news: The big 5 year anniversary is coming up on the 31st. Yiipppeee!! Have I mentioned how in love I am with my RJ? I just can't even handle it sometimes.

Alright, I'm off to enjoy a thrilling night alone. Have a great holiday weekend, everyone!

It's true. Exercising helps your mood and it did mine. Even a short little walk can do the trick. That's one of the hardest parts of being a stay-at-home mommy for me. The loneliness. I feel so alone with my thoughts for a good part of the day. I talk to Henry a lot and I call RJ about 5 times a day, but for the other 7 hours it's just a constant conversation going on in my head. Some days they are great, uplifting conversations with lots of spontaneous prayers and everything good. Some days it's just a big pity party for myself and is so frustrating! Now I've got 2 1/2 hours to go until my partner comes home. I'm feeling good and Henry's talking himself to sleep.

What a sweet sound.

I'm in quite the funk today. RJ went back to work and I'm just plain 'ol down. Thankfully, Henry is in a great mood. It's weird to have a whole week so out of the norm with RJ home and family around. I feel like I don't know what's going on with the rest of the world anymore. So it's back to reality.
There, I'm done complaining about my downer mood, but if anyone wants to get out and play, give me a call. Please!!:)


RJ's oldest brother and his family are moving to a house that is 1.2 miles from us. I am so excited! It's a great house in an awesome location. Jamie and I agree that soon, Olivia will be able to babysit Henry which, after some thought, she said she would do for $3 an hour. Quite the bargain! Liv also said she'd let me hire her to clean my floors. She's already quite the homemaker. So cute. The sad part is that Henry isn't so friendly to her. She's constantly trying to play with him and pick him up, but once he sees her coming he's off in the other direction. It breaks her poor, little heart.

Henry is obsessed with men lately. Only grandpa, daddy, and his uncles will do. He will come to me, usually, if no one else is around. Even if it's a guy he doesn't know very well, Henry will lunge for him. It was cute at first, but has started to hurt my feelings. I was asking RJ if it was my fault that he doesn't like girls. Have I given women a bad image somehow? No, it's not my fault, he insisted, but I have to wonder....

I am so thankful for this weather lately. It's gorgeous. I think a walk in on the agenda this afternoon...

Our great week is pretty much over. Our family is gone, the boys are taking naps, and then RJ has to go clean. So now I'm kind of sad. I feel a break down approaching. Whenever I have too much fun, the day after is always so depressing for me. I'm a downer. I need to get outside.

Or take a nap!

the good things so far today....

A walk at 7:00 in the morning with RJ and Henry.

A trip to Great Harvest Bread Company.

Dropping a treat off at a friend's house on the way home.

Getting ready for Ross, Piper, and Sophia to come!

Roasting a whole chicken for lunch because it's much cheaper that way.

Resting in comfort that God's plans are far greater than my own.

The beautiful sunshine.

That I am still head over heals for my husband. I wish he never had to go back to work.

Something I forgot to mention. I ended up being in the nursery during this sermon, so RJ downloaded it and we listened to it on the way to MN. Trent spoke on what he's learned with everything that's happened with Ruby. It's incredible to see and hear how God has worked through it. What a great encouragement. So, if you've got about 30-40 extra minutes, I HIGHLY suggest listening to it! It's under Camp Presentation from May 7th, the one on the bottom (Trent Hol).

Sermon

the guilt won

Well ladies, thanks for your advice, but I'm taking it back. I'll be the same person without the purse. It was completely impulsive and completely irresponsible. I have other cute purses. I really just gave in in a very weak moment and I must be punished.

It was an ugly purse anyways.

this is what I'm telling myself so I feel better

But honestly, I feel so much better after deciding this.

Did you all get your stimulus money yet? Did you stimulate the economy with it or are you saving it? We were quite surprised to get money back for me. I had gotten 1 check from Sticks in 2007 for the vacation days I hadn't used, and I claimed for my business, but it was a loss and it wasn't much, so we weren't expecting it. Sweet.

GUILT

I bought this at the MOA on Monday. My sister-in-law bought the same one. It was $30. $30! That's not bad for a purse, but I have a usual $5 limit on anything I buy so I'm having huge buyer's remorse. I just looked it up and there is an ALDO at Jordan Creek so now I can take it back if I wish. $30. What do I do? It is so cute and it's just the perfect size, but $30?!?!? But now if I take it back, I'm going to think I need a different purse so I"ll spend all summer looking for a cute purse that meets my cheap spending limit, which will never happen because if there is a purse for $5 it's going to be ugly so I'll end up being unsatisfied and wish I would have just kept this purse in the first place.

What would YOU do?

Minnesota, Family, and IKEA

We're back from our little vacation. We were in the cute little town of Chatfield, MN from Friday afternoon until this morning. We spent a lot of time laughing with the kids, each other, and playing games. A great combination. I received a beautiful letter from my husband on Mother's Day and a little painting he and Henry did together. It was a good day.
Monday we went to Minneapolis with Ross and Piper and left the kids with the grandparents. It was a blast! We went to IKEA, the Mall (can't resist H&M), met some more family at a restaurant, and Trader Joe's. So, it was mostly about shopping and eating, but it was great conversation in the car and a great time finding bargains. I love that Minneapolis.

It was so fun to watch all the grand kids together since it had been so long. They're a funny little group. (pictures to follow)

Henry has finally learned the word please. Yes! And his use of the word, "mine" got progressively worse over the weekend. Not so yes. Everyone thought it was funny, but we're over the "thinking it's funny" stage. What do we do? Or do we just start buckling up for the next year because it's only going to get worse. Other than that, he had a great weekend which helped us enjoy our day on Monday and not worry about how Henry was doing.

Tonight we're just bumming around. We're pretty tired because there were late nights, bad sleeping, and early mornings. I'm very eager to sleep in our own bed tonight and hoping Henry sleeps in even a tiny bit tomorrow.

RJ has the rest of the week off. I'm so looking forward to it.....

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

You know how some mornings your kid wakes up and you wonder if they had a dose of crack cocaine over night because they are so crazy immediately? Yeah. Henry's nuts already and it's only 8! He must know something exciting is about to happen.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!

Couldn't even smile let alone look at the camera. I was so sad with my old hair.....











Yeah! New hair. Yes, those are bangs. First time since '99. Hey, that rhymes!








Ooohhh, drastic.... Not really, it's pretty much the same haircut I got 6 months ago, but added bangs and it's a way better cut. She even thinned out my problem areas....a heavy right-side and my crazy waves in the back. I found a keeper salon!

We leave tomorrow for the lovely state of Minnesota and won't get back until Tuesday. RJ then has the rest of the week off! Woo-Hoo! I can't wait to spend time with his family and see the kids together. We haven't all been together since last 4th of July. We're wwaaaaayyy overdue.

I've been sleeping poorly lately. I think I might try the "cry-it-out" on myself tonight. I'm tired. For no other reason than it's just my own darn fault. And I've got a bazillion things to get done before we leave which means I am paralyzed from doing any of it. Whenever I get overwhelmed I just shut off. Isn't that annoying? Yes, it is.

I'm getting my hair cut tonight at a little joint on Ingersoll. It could be drastic. I'm up for anything new. It's a part of my Mother's Day present. Yeah! The last time I got a cut was in November at Fantastic Sam's for $7. It's time, ladies. Pictures will be posted.

A'ight, I'm going to start some cookies for the weekend. Chocolate Chip and Apricot Oatmeal. Hopefully Henry keeps sleeping.....

I painted my toenails this morning and Henry watched me. The second I was done and got the cap back on, he grabbed it, jetted off towards our bed, climbed up, and tried to paint his toes (don't worry, the cap was still on). Earlier in the day, he had on a bracelet, necklace, and headband, while talking on my pink cell phone. This is normal, right?!? :) Actually, I kind of like that maybe he's not ALL boy. He loves car, trucks, balls, and throwing things too. He's got that little boy energy, but maybe he'll have a sensitive side too? Or maybe he'll have a great fashion sense.

my life the last few days.....phew

Here's a photo documentary of my last few days. Whenever I try to post a lot of pictures they get all out of order, so this is kind of a backwards-documentary.






Last night, about 12 ladies from church came over to my house and we made jewelry with a picture of Ruby to have a reminder to pray for her as she goes through chemo. I had a cousin-in-law come over who has a jewelry business and she brought along all her beads. It was a great time! Lydia and Ruby stopped for a bit too and it was great to see them. I love my Willow girls!







Saturday for supper we went to Frank's Pizza. IT WAS AMAZING. You must go! It's over by Drake. We just got a plain pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomoatoes. That's all you need on a good pizza. It was so good I forgot to take a before picture. I tell ya what, if it weren't for needing some good Target runs, I could eat, shop, play, eat, eat, eat, within a 1 mile radius of our house for the rest of my life and be happy.




The after shot.








My favorite garage sale find from Saturday morning. Total cost= $3. It was too funny. Alisa and I hit the Waukee sales KIDLESS. Talk about a great time!








A mural I painted Thursday night and Friday afternoon. It wasn't my most talent-demanding job. I'm sure you can all trace circles and paint them in, but it was fun. The parents-to-be loved it and I will hopefully get some more jobs through them. I was nervous when I didn't hear back from them the second I was done-I'm so weird like that. I literally lost some sleep worrying about it!

Today was FREE at Jumpin Jacks. I was fearing a crazy-madhouse, but there were suprisingly not too many people there. It was fun to hang out with some killer ladies and watch the kids. It's been very busy here, but we've been having a blast. Phew! This weekend, we're off to Minnesota. Yippee!!!

May Day!

I'm not doing anything special for May Day, but think it's a cute little "holiday". Back when we were young and careless, RJ and I went around and gave our niece and nephews May Day baskets. We went to the Dollar Store and stocked up on a bunch of little stuff. My nephew, Sam, was about 2 1/2 at the time and one of the things we had gotten him was a fake Ken Barbie doll. When he opened it he was so excited and yelled " Hey, it's my new daddy!". It was so cute. I'm sure that story is not as cute to you since you weren't there and he's not your stinkin cute nephew, but it's just one of those stories I'll tell him when he's older.

I've been looking forward to May for a long time because this special month is host to our anniversary. May 31st will be the big 5 years! Boy howdy, has it been a good time. Just when I think I can't love that man any more, there he goes getting better and better and more and more lovable. I still get those butterflies when I see him in a distance. I still want to attack him with hugs and kisses every day. I still feel like I "married up", but am incredibly thankful that God created us so perfectly for each other. Alright, I'll save some of the gushy stuff for the big day.

I've got a busy day today. I'm Audi 5000.