Organizing Galore

So I am all about things having places and making everything fit just right. Well if you came to my house as of lately things would be out of place alot, mainly cause with moving and expanding our house from 2 bedrooms to 4 I just have not found a way to storage everything in the new house, but I found this new idea on storing scrapbooking paper and stuff on ebay on searched for a way that I could make it myself...Here is a picture of what I made



This is made out of those creative cube things. I made my with 3 different boxes of creative cubes. Using wire ties for the shelves. Mine stores all sorta things including stickers as well as my cutters.

Happenings In Shari's Kitchen

So after many people asking for recipes and one of them begin beautifully posted on a friends blog I decided to start a blog just for that. Posting recipes and tips and such. So check out The Happenings in Shari's Kitchen. This will also be a place I post Pampered Chef specials and stuff so check it out often. In the comments you can ask for specific recipes or if you have questions or whatever...ENJOY!!

How in the world...

Do people manage two kids and get anything done? I can't even imagine having 4 or 5. I start my day at 4:30 with Noah's first feeding, then I'm off and running. And don't even talking about adding things like Dr appt, grocery shopping, and walmart runs. Between pumping, feeding Noah, Isaac, and sometimes myself, dressing everyone, potty training, and making sure Isaac doesn't get into everything he is not suppose to and trying to keep a house somewhat clean, I can see how easy it would be to let Little Einsteins babysit him all day. Well this blog started with the propose in telling you about my day yesterday, and why I feel like this today.

Yesterday started as normal up at 4:30 to feed, then pump, then running, breakfast, shower and getting ready for they day. And we had to be out the door by 8:30am. My military ID was going to expire at the end of the month, so John made me an appt. to get it taken care of. Well with gas prices being what they are, and us living so far for EVERYTHING!!! I tried to get everything done in one trip (always have tried to do that, just never had such a bad day). So we were able to leave by 8:45 not to bad. First stop Walmart: Things of course were fine at first. With Isaac in the cart, Noah in the front pack we were off. We got almost all the things we needed, until we got to the nursing bra section of my list. Isaac decided as I was looking at clothes and such to get his own juice. I suddenly heard the juice bottle hit the ground and break, and then my feet and leg as well as all the clothes were soaking wet. As I tried to figure out where the hole was so I could stop the leaking I realized the bottle was crack and had hole every where. I tried to get the Walmart attendant's attention to get help cleaning up the mess, but she walked away. Then came back told me hold on, as she got on the PHONE!! Now picture this: Isaac in the cart screaming for juice which is all over the floor and ME, Noah in the front pack (making it hard to bend over) juice bottle in hand still leaking, and the walmart attendant on the phone saying yes, I'm fine, in pink, 3, 4 , and 5, I will leave it in the fitting rooms on hold. And me trying not to scream at her and cry at the same time. Finally after every last drop of the 36 ounces of juice had leaked onto the floor, she kindly got off the phone and came and helped me. Now that I stood there for 10 mins waiting for help. After getting everything that I needed I went to check out, went to pay, had that, but no ID (it was in the car I knew right where it was!!) The check-out lady just wanted my ID, I showed her every credit card in my wallet they all had the same name on it. I promise I am SHARI K WARD. I promise!! (Just I side note I am glad she asked for ID, since no one there EVER seems too, but the one time I didn't have it GRRR!!) Well finally she let me go cause one of my credit cards was signed. Well if I had had my ID the next part of my day would never of happened. So out to the car, next stop a 10:20 appt in Pearl Harbor for my ID. It is 10am at this point. So I put Isaac in the car to "hang out" as I out Noah and the stuff in the car, as I look at my ID right where I left it. Ok everything is in the car and we are off to Pearl. We get there with a little speeding right at 10:20. I go to grab my ID from the center area, and wait, where is it? It was right here. I search under the seats, under the papers, in the dog box. I look everywhere. By this time the tears really being to flow, I know it was here. I saw it like 20 mins ago. As I search and cry Isaac screams "i drive" over and over again. I call John to see what I should do. (the PSD people really are strict on rules, being late, and no-shows) As he answers the phone I find my ID in the backseat under everything. John tells me to go anyway and see what they say. So I hang up and put my phone in my pocket. Get out Noah, then Isaac this time both in the wonderful stroller we bought. I get the diaper bag, the papers I needed to update info on Noah and to get my ID. I lock the car, double check my ID. OH NO!!!!!! Where did it go now, I just had it. I search my pockets, diaper bad, under the car, in the car. What the heck I JUST had it. And I am already 15 mins late. I start crying again!! Finally after 5 more mins of looking I find it at the bottom of the diaper bag. WHAT? and HOW? WHEN? where all running through my head. So I go to where I THOUGHT the ID place was, and nope its across the street. So I go there, wait in line and then get my ID, everything went fine in that department. BY now its 11am I am starving, so is Isaac and Noah. SO I call John to see if he wants to meet for lunch. So we have lunch. Isaac is so excited to see John which was nice. We feed everyone and then go drop off John back at work. Then off to the commissary for our weekly shopping. Isaac in the cart again, this time one of those rocket once that should keep him entertained right?!?! And Noah in the front pack again. I go to get the list out, and where is that. It was here, this is getting frustrating. I got back to the car to look for it. I had thrown it AWAY when I was looking for my ID. I feel like hitting myself in the head right about now. We get threw most of the commissary then Isaac gets bored wants his airplanes that had brought for him. Well then about 5 mins later he drops it and I just assumed that it fell in the bottom part and that we would get it later, but after Isaac whining "aipane" for 5 mins I decide to look for it in the basket, nope, not there. The previous isle, nope not there either. So i try to distract him with coins. He loves coins of any kind, but he wants to get them out of my purse by himself. Well I hate this cause then I have a trail of quarters, dime,and pennies all along the way. Well he doesn't like this so he then cries and whines for "coins" the rest of the commissary. OK lets go home, I go to check out, and I can't fit the cart throw the checkout line. The checkout lady INSISTS that it can fit. I try again and again. Now this is just actually comic relief at this point, cause it doesn't fit at all. So I have to take Isaac down and around. As we go out to the car Isaac still screaming, I get alittle ashamed of Isaac as a 5 or 6 yr old asks his dad why is that baby crying. By now I want to leave Isaac in the parking lot for the next unlucky shopper to find. By now its 2pm, 1 hr past Isaac's nap time, of course. I get him a drink, a diaper change, and take off his shoes, and let him sleep as we drive home. Well once we get home it's Noah's turn to be a bit demanding. As the ice cream melts Noah wants to be feed. So I rush around get stuff in the fridge and freezer and then feed him. By now I am completely exhausted and Noah and I fall sleep on the couch until John gets home. WOW!! what a day I know. And believe you me, one errand a day from now on. NO amount of gas it worth that day again. All in All there were a few cute moments like when Isaac turned around in the stroller to make Noah smile over and over again. And when Noah started to cry at the commissary, Isaac patted his back trying to comfort him. So there were some good things.

So with the time we have together...

We have done alot of nothingness really. Well we have done something together with John's time off... gone shopping LOTS, gone to the Honolulu Zoo, as well as the Discovery Museum. (All of which I have pictures of just not on John's computer which I am currently typing from, so when I get to my computer I will make a post of just pictures) And we have become accustom to running LATE and never leaving the house before 10am. All of which I had forgotten from when Isaac was this small. There are so many things that I don't miss about when the kids are young... mainly endless hours of pumping all my breast milk...I know it would be easier to get breast feed, but I am a baby (AND don't say it doesn't hurt :)) The little ones' lack of movement-ok that one has its pluses and minus. But I do love this stage for other reasons... They are so cute, can't talk back, all the learning they do and all the growth that happens OVER night, the cuddling, just to name a few.

We have had tons of laughter though. One of the things I miss the most when John is gone is his humor. Many people don't get it him or he is afraid they won't so he doesn't share all his quirky little comments but he has tons of them. He, unlike anyone else, can make me laugh even when I fell like crying or when I am even mad at him. He has a real talent with making my laugh. One day I hope that our children get what he is saying and think its funny too cause if not they are in for a real awakening. And if our children even get a fraction of his humor, then LOOK out girls!!! They both are so adorable, I think I might have to beat the girls of with sticks!! And Isaac has already learned to charm his way out (or atleast try) of anything. And he knows that, that cute little smile of his is his ticket. Along with saying "Thank you" with a big smile even when he is sitting in time out!! He does have that thank you down, even thanks the checkout people.

Noah is sleeping well. He sleeps (even though the nurse said I should WAKE HIM UP!!) from 11p to about 5:30a and has been since 2 wks. So we get lots of sleep, something that both children have done for us. Actually every other night I get to sleep all the way through the night, since John gets up with the kids the every other night.

Isaac is adjusting well to the changes that have been made in his life in the last 6 wks. His major adjustment was more about John then a new baby. But that is going better and I think that Isaac has finally accepted John as the boss. And don't tell John this, but he is right, I baby him to much, he knows that I give in more. So I have learned lots these past few wks in being stronger and not giving in so much to Isaac.

Well I am off to bed....

Now Presenting

NOAH MICHAEL WARD

Well it all started 9 months ago...just kidding. Well not really but I will spare you all the details. But after a pretty easy pregnancy, ok well not the last 2 wks, but hey that is way better then the whole time (THANK YOU ISAAC!!!). Well Wednesday night about 11:30pm I started having contractions, pretty regular, but not to painful. I decided just in case things take off tonight, I better take a shower and get some rest. So with that done I went to bed at midnight. Well about 1 hr later I woke up in some pain manageable, but enough to wake me up. Sitting there awhile to see how far apart they were before I started to wake up the calvary. They were 5 mins apart, so I woke up John and he started to get ready to go as I called our wonderful friend to take Isaac for us. (YOUR the best, just so you know) So within 30 mins we were out the door and our way to drop off Isaac, minus the camera. Dropped off Isaac and off we go!! We arrived at Tripler get checked attached to monitors and what not and wait. As my contractions started to slow down. Well they asked where I live, being such a wait in traffic, if I was to go home, they decided to strip my membranes, and send me walking. So John and I did the opposite we went to a sit down place to eat breakfast. (Are you kidding me I know once they admit me I will not be eating until I had that baby). Then we walked around. Well the walking helped, every 3-4 mins intense contractions. So we went back to L&D as instructed at 5am. They hooked me back up and then left. By now I am extremely exhausted and want to close my eyes, so I try to sleep between contractions. Did wake up to John telling me that he is going to go to the waiting room, if I need anything. Which works cause the next thing I know its 7am, John comes in to tell me that the getting some stuff downstairs at the store. Next the DR comes in apologies for FORGETTING me in report, checks me and then admits me. I see 3 more people and within 25 mins I am in a new room, that we will deliver Noah in. Then another DR comes in tells me he will be taking care of me, that he wants to start me on pitocin, since my contractions have slowed down. I let him and ALL the nurses know that my husband is wondering around Tripler and will be looking for me. Little did we know that we will not find John for 2 hrs. In that 2 hrs they start the pit, do an Ultrasound, (which John wanted to see) and try to break my water, I kept begging them to wait. Finally around 9:30 John shows up, he had been in the waiting room this entire time. They break my water, and things really start to get rolling. Well sorta, after upping my pitocin a few more times. Around 11am I ask for an epidural, and request that it works on both sides this time. LOL Well around 12:30pm I start to feel alot of pain on my left front side. I tell the nurse who tells the epidural lady, and they try to fix it. Around 1pm my mom calls and tells me that my grandma is out of her back surgery and is doing well. As I am on the phone will her I feel TONS of pressure. OH!! and John had run to get the camera downstairs AGAIN, also to official admit me and stuff, and I am feeling alot of pressure. John returns shortly, then I start to push. 22 mins after my mom called and about 15 mins after John came back we had Noah Michael, he rushed home, flying half way around the world to almost miss it, and was in the same building!!! After 3 major pushes Noah slipped right out. The DR almost missed it too. He weighted 8 lbs 2 oz and was 18 3/4 inches long. And has BLACK hair. It was curly too, but has straighten out. Here are some pictures of Isaac meeting Noah. Since by then we had our camera and I could take some picture to post. (We have pictures of right after, but they are on the disposable camera, when I get them I will post them) Isaac is a great big brother, and is doing so well considering what has gone on in the last few wks.

Welcome Home DADDY!!

Well after a long wait we were able to pick up Daddy from "work"! That was what I told Isaac time and time again. It was great to see John again, and Isaac was so cute. Here are is a picture

Well John was like a kid waiting for the next morning. See he had bought Isaac a power wheels truck and John was SO excited to give it to him...Isaac loved it

The Happys and Sads LIfe

Today and tonight I am torn between emotions as I count down the hours until my husband returns to me, and as I deal with a tragic loss in my family.

I am a big believer in starting with the sad new so you can end with the happy news so you can leave with a sweeter taste in your mouth. And with that I tell you about my sadness...

My family recently had a huge 4 generation family reunion in Utah. I was not able to make it due to my current pregnant situation, but my family did attend and had a great time. Well on the way home from their extended stay in UT, my Aunt, my Grandma, and my cousin, who were in my Grandma's Durango, had a terrible accident. The Durango rolled over and my Aunt was ejected from the car. With the car on its top my Grandma and cousin were stuck inside of it. As i received the phone call to let me know of what had happened. I thought I just let them all be ok. Well within about 2 hours I received a phone call from my Dad and not my Mom (it's her family) asking if I was sitting down. I replied yes and he proceeded to tell me that my Aunt had died, that my Grandma had broken ribs and had back pain as well as other injuries, and that they were running tests to make sure she was ok. Now they were traveling with my Uncle and his family who were in their motor home a few miles ahead of them when they rolled, he turned his motor-home right around and was there to support and love my Grandma and cousin. With in hours family members from SLC where at the hospital in Beaver, UT to add more support and my Grandpa, who was in CA is currently on his was to Beaver. As sat getting my pedicure thinking of what a tragic day this was, and how someone so relatively young had died. A woman with 5 kids, and 10 grand kids, life had ended so suddenly, I couldn't help but think about the plan of salvation, and what that means to me and my family. The gratitude that I have that we are sealed forever as a family. The gospel is such a blessing in my life and brings such peace and happiness to me. It is still sad, but I understand what happens, and I know it is not the end, and that I will see her again. And so will her kids and grand kids.

But I am torn with emotions today as I count down literally HOURS until John is in Hawaii again. As I type this I realize in about 7 hours John will land in GA and be in the USA!!! for the first time in 7 months. He will call me from HIS cell phone and be able to talk to me for hours, if he wants. And within 19 hours 50 mins, he will be in the same state as ME!!! I will be able to hug and hold him for hours. I might not let go. Today as I drove to the store, Isaac and I talked about all the things that him and Daddy get to do. I asked him what he wanted to do with Daddy, and he said 1. "Fly Pan" (Isaac's new favorite movie Peter Pan) 2. "Park Slide" (one of the last things we did as a family was take Isaac to the park) and lastly he wanted to 3. "Stand" (he stands on John's back as John sits on the floor and bends over making his back as flat as he can). It was so cute how Isaac in his few mumbled words expressed his wants and desires of his time with his Daddy. This deployment has been the roughest when Isaac wanted his Daddy and couldn't have him. It made me cry when I didn't really ever think that it would hurt so bad to see my son want something so important, and me not be able to give it to him. BUT tomorrow, ok really TODAY!!!, I can take him to the airport and let him have what he has missed the last 7.5 months. Those will be preicous moments as he sees his Daddy again. I will try to remember to bring the camera and capture if I can. NO promises, but I will try.

HOME, but for how long...

So sorry to keep many of your worrying, I was released Sunday from Tripler, but with no interent at home, there was no was to BLOG it. So today, I got the interenet and decided to sit (really all I can do right now) and let you all know what is going on. Well my tests that the did as I was at Tripler all came back within normal range so I was released with the condition to take it easy, if I didn't want to have this baby before John came home. So I came home, but with a 2yr old, and a house in boxes that is easier said then done. I am trying my hardest to be good and try to stay off my feet and take it easy, but it has been hard. I have great friends who ran to Costco for me and call me every day to make sure that I am doing ok, and to see if I need anything. As for my pregnancy, it has been listed as COMPLICATED!! (What is it with HI and make my pregnancies hard??) So I make a trip to Tripler 3 times a wks, with 2 Non-Stress Tests, and a regular DR appt. And at my last DR appt I was told that if my BPs are high at the next appt, Non-stress Test or Regular Appt to be prepared to be induced. Well with my next appt on Monday, but John will be home by then...

And as for John and his return home, well it was moved up a week. So he is coming home on SUNDAY!!! Yes like in a few days, like 2 days 4 hrs and 51 mins. We will pick him up at the HNL international Airport at 7.52 pm HST. OH I can't wait!!!

Other than not doing anything, trying not to raise my BPs and trying not to cause any more contractions not much going on here. I will post more when I know more. And now that I have the interenet again (HOW did people ever live without it??) I can keep you more up to date. Until then take care...

From a Hosptial Bed at Tripler Army Medical Center

So my pregnancy was going very well, with no complications, until Friday. But first let me go back a bit...

As most of you know and read Isaac and I were returning to Hawaii on July 12, to prepare for John's return on or around Aug 7. Everything went according to plan in that department...we arrived safe, and sound exhausted, but here nonetheless. We stayed at a friends place until we got our own place FINALLY on Tuesday, July 15. (Now the drama's of moving in are for a post all in themselves, but since I am trying to catch up quickly, lets just say where we thought, and told everyone we were moving into, flooded in the brief days before we moved in. SO we had to look at other places in the same housing complex. Now that house, when we signed the lease had no working A/C or hot water heater, but are very needed!!! Those were fixed by the next day and Isaac and I moved into an empty house. The POD with all our stuff arrived on Thursday, and John's wonderful company moved us in on Friday July 18th. They even set up my bedroom furniture, so I had a bed to sleep in. YEAH!!!) ANYWAY....so everything was going fine, I was unpacking boxes slowly, looking for things that were put in strange boxes.(Like the legs to the couch in a BATHROOM box!!) Everything seemed to be going well. I was having a few contractions, but nothing to write home about, I would just stop what I was doing and take a break. Well Friday, July 25th (12days until John returns), I went in for a routine OB appt. My Blood Pressure (BP) was high. The Dr, and rightfully, was very concerned, since that is why we had Isaac at 36wks 1day, my BP spiked. But I was terrified and started to cry. Well I was sent upstairs to L&D for observation and tests, and was told not to expect to go home. I cont to cry and cry. Not helping the BPs at all. My highest BP was 169/100 that was when they told me that they were going to induce me in a few hrs. Just having gotten here, and not have a regular DR, I have to explain to every Dr and nurse why I am the only woman in the world that wants to go to full term. Once I explain to the Dr why I was balling my eyes out she said I understand, but this is needed. Well she went out to talk to her boss man, he decided to run a few more test before inducing me. Well those few more test gave me time to talk to John, which calmed me down considerably, the wonders of a hubby voice. John informed me that he would work on leaving Africa early, which help calm me down. My BPs immediately fell considerably. Well to a lower not such a serve level like the 130's/80. And within a few hrs were back down below 120/70. And have looked good ever since. With the new BPs lower, they decided that I would stay for 24 hrs as they collected protein information (too much protein is bad). And they gave me 3 scenarios 1. Low BP's & Low protein=get to go home and wait YEAH!!! 2. Protein=Stay and be induced immediately 3. Low proteins, HIGH BPs=stay here until they either are lower, or I deliver. So I am currently waiting for the protein results to see if #1 happens. It has been a stressful 30hrs. But some great things are coming out of it, JOHN gets to come home early. He can't leave right away, he has things he needs to finish in Africa, and wrap a few things up and pack and what not. But he gets to come home in about 4 or 5 days. We will know in the next couple of days what day he arrives in Hawaii. YEAH!!!! So that is exciting, if I know that is all it took to get him home early, I would have done this months ago. Just Kidding, but still it is great news. Isaac has not been forgotten about, actually I have worried more about him then anything else the last 30 hrs, but he is doing fine. He is staying with the friends who took us in as we were waiting for our house to be ready to move into. He cried when he left the hospital and I didn't go with him, and then cried again when he had to go to bed again without mommy. Those both made me cry, once again, not good for the the BPs, but understandable.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

I love this country and all the freedoms that it gives us. And I truly love the people that help keep it free, so I can say and do what I want. I have always loved this country and all that it offers, and always felt extremely grateful for the blessing of being born here, in the USA!!!! In college, in a Law class I took we have to do mock-cases with openings and closing and what not and my professor just said I loved to way the American Flag in the juror's face, he asked me if I would like him to bring in the National Anthem. Well AnYwAy...Being a military wife has just reconfirmed that to me. And since my hubby is off serving our country, although he is not in Iraq this time, he is still keeping this country safe in his own FUN way. (Did I mention that I was jealous of him, he gets to have all the fun, without the children ;) ). Well I thought that I would post some pictures that he recently sent me from his FUN is Africa... (none of these of from his recent trip to Ethiopia)

The people John works with. The guys in civilian clothes are Djiboutians that they hire to translate and drive.

I thought that they said he was going to be safe, no gun or anything. Then why does he have a vest on?

Some pictures of the people...

The way the people in Djibouti live...

Some have better conditions...

Did you ever think that you would see this...

Yes that is a goat in a TREE!!!

Or MANY GOATS in a TREE!!!

He also see lots of these....

As you have seen Djibouti is very dry and brown, and well kinda ugly...it has not rained there in 2 YRS!! But it is lucky enough to have part of it, a very small part of it, to be by the ocean, many Africian countries can not asay that. Well John did get to go play in that ocean...

He has got to have lots of fun, like riding on a helicopter, like this one...

And I think this is that place that is the 2nd lowest place above ground that is below sea level. I THINK!!!

Well his time is just about up, which I am happy about. But I am still grateful for him and our other friends that are serving our country. As well as all the people that I don't know...

THANK YOU armed services

POTTY!!

So in the last 3 days Isaac has decided that he wants to go potty in the potty chair, and has actually gone. He has been wanted to sit on the potty since earlier this spring, but never went, until the other day. And tonight, just now, right before I posted this, he came out of his room, saying "I potty, I potty" At first I just told him to go back bed (the rule is that he can't get out of bed once he is down for the night) But he insisted, so I said fine, and lets go potty. And first I thought this is just a ploy to get out off bed, but then the potty chair started singing. (I bought the one that sings knowing that he loves music). I looked and sure enough he was going. SO we ran around the house and told everyone, Isaac saying "I potty, I potty!!!" He was so excited and I am so happy. I never really pushed it, and just encouraged, took him every time I went, which is alot being as prego as I am. But now he just wants to get out of bed so he can go again. GRR!! But it was totally worth the accomplishment, of him telling me that he has to go and then actually going. He is growing up so fast.

And as for a John update, the poor guy is in Ethiopia, living it up. Stay in the really nice hotel, that cost $200 (American dollars) a night, and is the same as staying a $700-$800 suite in Vegas. Eating at Ethiopian culture places, he said it was like the Polynesian Culture Center, just with Ethiopian culture instead. Taking pastry tours, indulging in the most scrumptious pastries he has ever eaten. Shopping, and just having a great 'ol time. Now I am jealous!!! When he was in Djibouti, it was like 120* plus humidity, hasn't rained in 2 yrs, just plain hot and dirty. But now in Ethiopia, its pretty, mountainous, rains everyday, nice 85* temps, with a cool breeze. I am so jealous!!! He did say that it sucked without me, and that he wants to take me there one day. That would be awesome. But he is still way more traveled then me, he has been to 4 or the 7 continents. That is a goal of mine to visit all the continents. So maybe one day.

As for a moving back to Hawaii update, well with two weeks left before we leave, I have lots to do. Most of the planning part is done, now for the actual work, packing and such. So I just have to have the energy to do that, not easy with a 2 yr old. And I just want to take a nap every time he does, so that shoots the good 3 hrs I have everyday to gets lots done. But I will do it eventually, cause it has to get done.

OK now for some pictures from my trip to the inlaws

ok so my father-in-law has birds, and Isaac has been in love with birds since we visited them last year...this was last year and his reaction to the birds

see what I mean, was amazed by them. So this year since he was older, he was able to pet and try to hold them...

Holding them didn't work so well, since the claws were "owie" but he did try over and over...

He also loved the animals that Adam had at his house. Out of the ferret, horses, and bunny that he paid attention to, I only got a picture of him with the bunny. (Also in the picture Emily)

So my inlaws are great with little kids, and SPOIL them rotten, but Isaac wanted book after book read to him, so they indulged him

They also threw Isaac a birthday party, it was nice to see everyone. Isaac was so fun about his new presents...he wanted to wear the new set of PJ's that Adam gave hime right away...so does what anyone would do, he takes off his shirt and puts on the PJ shirt....

Next we took some pictures so Isaac could remember them in his flip book I am making him.
So Adam's Family (List in order) back: Richard, Jamie, and Adam, middle row: Andrew, Joslyn, Emily, and Victoria front: Ysabel

So Next Jacob's Family (in order of appearance)back: Austin, Angie (holding Ethan), Jacob middle: Karissa front: Aleighia, Tyler and Brendon

Now Jonathon, Katie's husband vanished before I got a picture of him with his family, but I have pictures of their kids, cute little redheads that they are.

Ally and Thomas

Now Levi showed up for a few minutes then left, but this is his daughter Taylor

John's Mom and Dad His Grandma Sally

I have tons more pictures to upload, but I am sure that you are done looking at pictures of complete strangers, so I will stop. But I had a wonderful time, and I hope to be able to visit again soon.

So before we left so last minute...

to go to my inlaws we had a birthday party for Isaac. He turned two. Oh My Goodness, can you believe its been two years since he was born. Well I can't and I see him everyday. Well anyway, I decided not to have a big birthday party for him, just a family thing. And since I wasn't going to do a BIG thing for a party, I decided to make a special fun cake...so here it is

I love him more and more everyday. He is growing up so fast, and is almost like a real little boy these days. I can't believe the things he says and does these days. He is so smart, and hilarious!!! He says and does the funnies things, like tonight he was trying to slide under the dinning room chair, why I have no clue, but my sister SarahAnn helped him by turning his head so it would fit. SO when he went to do it by himself he pushed his own head over to one side like she did, and then acted like his head wouldn't stay down unless he held over to the side. He would push it over, then his head would pop back up everytime he let go. We laughed for such a long time.

With The Time We Have left....

I decided that it was very important that Isaac see his Grammie and Papa (John's Parents) before we left. They were originally going to come visit us at the end of July as my family went to a family reunion, but since we will leave before that weekend comes I decided very last minute to take a 10 hr drive with Isaac and Scrappy to visit the in-laws. So we have now almost spent a week here and have loved every minute of it. I love John's family and have always felt very very included and welcomed, so it makes it easy to come visit by myself. Sometimes its fun to visit without him, I get to hear all the stories over and over again about his childhood, and see old movies, and fun things like that, that he would NEVER let happen if he was here. :P

Isaac has tons of cousins here and it has been nice to see and visit all of them, I think there are 18 of them and I think that Isaac is number 16. But either way it has been nice. I am staying at John's parents house, and Katie and Levi live on the same mountain so Isaac gets to play with those cousins everyday, and he has loved every minute of it.

Yesterday we went over to Adam's house and the WHOLE family came, all the kids (well we sorta, minus John-whos in Africa, but WE were there, and Aaron who lives in New York). Even Grandma Sally was there. It was a blast. It was a combined party for Emily and Isaac's Birthday and for Father's Day. We got Dad good, well not me, the boys did, they dump an entire 5 gallon bucket of water on him, he was a great sport about it, but it was still very funny. Isaac was a hoot opening the presents that he was given. He received an outfit from Grandma Sally and immediately said "Cote" (aka cute). Do you think I say that allot? :D Next he received a pair a PJ's from Adam and his family, and then took his shirt off, say "Off", and put on the shirt that went with the PJ's. Next he got hot wheel size airplanes and helicopters from Jacob's family, and asked to play with them right away. Then asked again on the way home, the second we got to Grammie and Papa's house. And first thing when he woke up. Finally i opened them and let him play with them. Then all day he wanted more. He is so cute!!! Earlier in the day he was given another set PJ set by Katie and her family. And Grammie and Papa gave his a gift certificate to Walmart, so I don't have to ship as much stuff.

All the pictures are on the camera still, but I will post some when I return to WA, I leave on Wednesday. And upon my return I will post tons of pictures. After that we have 3.5 wks before we return to Hawaii, so we will have lots of packing to do. Deciding what is staying, going, and being shipped. So I will have TONS to do, but I am getting so excited about all that. Mainly cause we I return I will only have about 25 days until John returns. I am SO excited for that!!! But there are tons of other things. I am excited to sleep on my nice comfy mattress, set up house, and see all our friends that are still there, some have left :(, but many are still there. I am very sad to leave my family, and friends here, and TARGET :(