It's Been a Year!

It's been a year since I've written, but it doesn't feel like that much has happened. I am working at Emmons Elementary School in their special ed. dept. I love my job. Michael is a stay at home dad in the mornings and college professor by night. He loves teaching film and it's fun learning about the inner workings of film as he teaches. I've come to appreciate foreign films (some of them) and their beauty. Simone is in 1st grade at Stanley Clark and doing well. We love Stanley and it's impact in Simone's life. River is almost 3 1/2 and growing and growing. He takes after Michael side with his olive skin and green/brown eyes (he looks a lot like Michael's brother). I'm enjoying the children so much at this stage. I'm not much of a baby person, so young children suit me just fine. God has blessed us so much this past year in his provisions over bills, extra tutoring jobs for me and a top 100 school for Michael to adjunct at. We have much to be thankful for!! The top pic is of simone and some of her buddies at school. The lower is of River.

Living Life

How do you describe 3-4 months of life into one tiny little blog?
Michael's community corrections program closed at the end of August leaving us wondering what's next? Michael started furtively looking for work, but nothing ever panned out. I was subbing as much as I could and I have to tell you that God gave us so many subbing days. We were never late on a bill. I have now found work full time as an "Eduacational Interpreter" at Emmons School. It comes with full benefits and it's a salaried position.....God has been so great to us.
Simone is thriving in school at Stanley Clark. I've subbed there for the past 3 years and have come to love the school and the people who work there. Simone has been taking horseback riding lessons for 6 months now and is doing well. She had her first fall of the horse the other day, but got back up and continued her lesson. She's learning a lot from these lessons.
River is growing in to a wonderful little guy. We are learning more about his likes and dislikes/his personality and it's neat to see the similarities and differences in our kids.
Michael still works 2 nights a week at Lake Michigan College, teaching Film. We are thankful for this enjoyable job for Michael and the extra income.
Michael and I have been involved with a church plant here in Mishawaka. It's a missionary church plant and it's called Epic Church. What a joy it's been to see a church start from the ground up. We officially launch in March. Right now, we are meeting Sunday evenings and last week we had 80 people in attendance.
Michael wants to pursue his PHD and we had thought to do that this next year, but Michael is enjoying being a stay at home dad and so we will put off the PHD program until River is in School all day.
We have really seen how God has been FAITHFUL to us.

Simone is 6 today

My little girl at 1 1/2, 3 and almost 6 in the top pic.

Simone is a unique girl who doesn't care for dolls/clothes or hair dodas. Simone is a child with a creative mind and an artists heart. Simone is quick to learn and has a compassionate heart. Simone has her mommy's stubborn side and her daddy's negotiating skills. (a dangerous combination at times :) ) She loves people and animals. She is a good friend to others.

Simone is the APPLE of her daddy's eye and her mother's pride. We are so thankful for Simone and who she is. May she grow in Christ and through her love for him, loves others with an abundant love.

WE LOVE YOU, SIMONE

Indy Vacation

Michael Simone and I went to Indy for a 3 day vacation. Our first day took us to the children's museum. We've now been there 4 times and each time I think Simone appreciates it more and more and is able to do more. The first evening was filled with pool time.
The second day took us to the Indianapolis Art Museum, which was free, and then a long walk down by the canal. The day was even more special because Aunt Jen was able to join us. It was great to have a true artist go around the museum with us and point out interesting facts. We then took a stroll through the museum gardens and a tour through the Eli Lilly estate. This night we were able to eat at a nice restaurant on the lake. It was fun to watch the sailboats go by. Dessert included an incredible blueberry cheesecake. This night was again filled with swimming and Simone found a friend to play with in the pool so it became rather a late night.
The 3rd day led us to the Indy Zoo...it ended up raining off an on, but that kept the the crowds away. Simone got to see her favorite elephant, Tombi and she was able to participate in the dolphin show....definitely the highlight for her of the whole trip.

So Much is Happening

So much has been going on in our lives recently. 1st of all, Simone finished up her school year. She is so smart (mama has to brag). She's reading/counting/adding/subtracting/writing....being a teacher, I am pleased with where she is academically.

Simone was accepted to Stanley Clark for this next year and they gave a great amt. of financial aid....which we were thrilled with. So much prayer went into the financial aid and it was great to show Simone the fruits of prayer.

River is turning 2 this month, so we are getting a family get together organized. He's such a joy in our lives.....he loves to smile and lights up the room.

Michael's work is unsure with the economy so I've been looking for teaching work. I had an interview today, but Michael and I weren't "at peace" about it. If they offer me the job, I'll say no. Another school has asked for my resume, but no calls about an interview yet......we'll see.

Simone has been given an opportunity to take horse riding lessons (for a very reasonable amt.) and she LOVES them. She got to learn bare back riding this past week. Simone tends to be very timid, so I loved her brave spirit as she was determine to bareback ride.

EPIC CHURCH

Michael and I have been led to help with a church launch in Mishawaka. We are so "at peace" with this. We like the pastor, and the other couples on the church launch team. It's so good to know that you are where you are supposed to be.

So, we are busy busy busy.....unsure about work, sure about church......

Please pray for us with the job situation that God will show us where we need to be.

Simone's horseback riding lesson

Simone had her first horseback riding lesson today. One of my tutoring student's family take lessons and I had been curious about it for Simone. We found out that an hour's lesson is very reasonable so we signed Simone up for 2 lessons a month. We found this cute little store that is right out of an old western picture. We bought Simone some proper boots to wear for riding.
We were quite a sight pulling up to lessons this morning. Everyone wanted to see simone's first lessons so Michael and I with River in tow along with the grandparents came along. In the future, someone will stay with River as there isn't much for him to do while Simone has her lesson. Simone started her lesson by learning some basic rules about horses, not walking behind them, not spooking them...etc....and then she got to brush her horse down and pick out the horses feet before she started riding. Then she got to learn how to put on the bridle and saddle. Then she got to lead the horse into the ring and the riding began. She practiced a lot with balance today....holding her arms to the side to learn the rhythm of the horse....she practiced riding forwards, backwards and sideways.....she did that for quite awhile and then she led her horse back to the stable, brushed her down and said goodbye. Simone was sad to leave, but excited to know that she would get another lesson soon. What a great experience for her!

Girls Breakfast

Last Saturday, my mom, Simone and I had a girls morning out. We started out the morning at Ihop and then ventured off to the mall for a long awaited and highly anticipated Build a Bear visit. Simone isn't one for browsing , once we got inside, her eye spotted the zebra. She rushed right to the bin picked up the hollow zebra and started cuddling it while rushing to get in line to have it stuffed. Simone named her new zebra, "Snowplow" as it's white like snow and black like a snowplow.

It was a great morning...the first of hopefully many "Girls Breakfasts" to come.

Pride and Joy

Here are my pride and joy. Simone and I had a mom/daughter day at the zoo the other day and had a really good time. Here River is helping Simone do the dishes....he more splashes in the water but it's good practice.

Outside Day of Play

With the weather so nice, we spent most of the afternoon outside today...the kids played (it's nice that they are both of an age where they can play together) and I did some work in our garden. It was a wonderful afternoon. Then after Michael came home and we had dinner, we went for a walk around the neighborhood. Oh, to be out of the house! :D

Windy City Outing

Michael and I took a mini vacation to Chicago for a late b-day present/anniversary of our engagement day celebration.
We started at the Art Institute and spent a good 3 hours perusing the paintings and such. Michael was disappointed that the modern wing was closed for renovation.
We then walked over to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Never understood the name of this restaurant although I love it. We had a gift certificate from Michael's mom so we enjoyed an almost free meal. How wonderful it was. We then headed to see a one man show "Chazz Palmentarri's a Bronx Tale" It was excellent and fun. If you have ever seen the movie, it's the same thing....just on stage with Chazz doing it all by himself. We then drove North for the evening. Master Jerry Devlin, a very good friend of the family, who works at La Quinta and got us a suite for $35. So we had a lovely day/evening out and saved a lot of money thanks to family and friends. Thanks to my mom for watching the kids so we could have some alone time.

Things are good

Things are good right now.

I'm so happy that the flu/colds have left our house and that we are enjoying some good health.

I've been subbing quite a bit and with my tutoring, we have been able to take care of some extra bills. My tutoring students are doing well, which is so exciting for me. I'm so proud of them.

River is starting to utter sounds that are close to words and I'm loving it.

Spring is in the air...it's coming and I'm so excited.

We've been having some extra fun evenings as of late. The kids love "The Wiggles" music and we put it on the stereo and we dance and dance. We used to have a family dance night, but we'd gotten out of the habit, and now we are back in the groove. It's great to see the kids doing their own dance impressions and Michael and I get quite the workout...for those of you who can't imagine Michael dancing to "The Wiggles" ,well, he does! :D

I had a great b-day yesterday. I love facebook, I got so many happy b-day wishes, it was wonderful. Michael took us all out to eat.

To actually celebrate my b-day (this is also the day Michael proposed to me....2/24/01) and our engagement day, we are going to Chicago in 2 weeks for a nice weekend. My mom is going to watch the kids for us, so we can have a nice romantic weekend.

So, things are really good right now. God is good in the good and the down times. It is nice to have some good times, may I always remember to be grateful.

25 random things about me

I've been seeing this around facebook and new I'd get tagged eventually, so I thought I'd put this on my blog as it's easier than sending it out to 25 people and I don't know who's already done this and who hasn't....so here's mine: (these are in no particular order)

1: I was saved at age 7....baptized not long after by Rev. Dan Gelatt
2: I've never broken a bone, I've never had a bloody nose
3: I don't wear makeup much, I hate mascara, lipstick gets eaten off...blush, maybe I'll wear it, if I can find my blush brush....but normally, I don't wear any.
4: I love chinese food and yes I can eat with chopsticks....my mom taught me how when I was little. I also love good ribs and pulled pork....Famous Dave's is the best.
5: I'm terribly afraid of heights and can get claustrophobic at times......even with the acrophobia, I love love love rollarcoasters..go figure.
6: I've never drunk a whole glass of milk...I can't stand the stuff...even as a baby my mom said I didn't drink it. No, I'm not lactose int.....I do fine with ice cream and cheese. I also don't eat salad dressing...I love salad, just no dressing. I also don't eat mayonnaise, sour cream, dips, salsa, pinto/ kidney/ lima/yellow/refried or wax beans.....Yes, I'm a picky eater. I also don't drink coffee or tea.
7: I had a cathode ablasion (sp?) when I was 22. It's a form of heart surgery that doesn't involve opening the chest. I was told I was the second youngest person in our city to have it done. I still struggle with heart problems, but not nearly as much as I did in college.
8: I'm not a patient person when it comes to slow drivers. I try to take in account for people who are elderly or young kids who are just learning....it's something I need to work on. I've only ever used my horn twice. (I don't like to use it)
9: I'm learning to juggle
10: I have been working on sign language for about 13 years. I can interpret almost anything, but I can't read it, which means if you were to sign something more complicated than, My name is...I would have problems
11: I love animals and don't want to hear any deer hunting stories or any other tortuous things people may have done to their pets/animals in the frivolity of childhood, I will cry and be haunted by it.
12: I love to read children's literature.....I read the popular, the silly and the newberry or other award winning books. If I was ever to return to college for a master's degree, I'd get it in children's literature.
13: I am a swing voter. I don't believe one side is always right and one side is always wrong. I can't, in my own good conscious, vote on just 1 issue.
14: I used to play the flute....always wished I could play the piano...and play it WELL!
15: I wish I could natually harmonize while singing. I can memorize that alto/harmony, but can't naturally pick it out. My voice has dropped some over the years and I can almost sing tenor in almost everything.
16: (I have to steal some ideas I saw for others and just fit me) Disneyworld is my favorite place to travel to. I've been there about 10 times and still get goosebumps when I travel there. I love it.
17: I love to road travel. In one year, Michael and I travelled coast to coast by car. We went to the San Juan Islands off the coast of WA for our anniversary one year and then, the same year, we went to Hilton Head VA.
18: I need/must have a straightened house. I can't stand clutter. (I'm stealing this from my friend Jen Boice) If I know someone is coming over, I'll clean/straighten until they visit, even if they are just stopping by to pick something up. My husband is a pack rat, which makes life intersting for us both. :D
19: I'm not a fan of jewelry. I LOVE my wedding ring/engagement ring, but I don't wear earings, necklaces or bracelets. I went through a short period of my life when I wore anklets, but that didn't last long.
20: I enjoy public speaking....this doesn't mean that I speak up in Sunday School.
21: I love acting and would love to someday be in a theater group.
22: I order the same item at each restaurant I go to. This doesn't mean I order chicken at each restaurant, this means that at Olive Garden I always get the Fett. Alfredo, at Famous Dave's I always get the rib tips.....I HARDLY ever order something different. I've seen too many family members disappointed and hungry because they were adventurous.
23: I've seen the following people live..either in theater productions or as speakers.
Ian Mckellen, John Malkovich, Helen Mirran, Gabriel Byrne, Patrick Stewart, Tim Robbins, Art Spegalman (author), Sherman Alexai, (Screenwriter), Patty Lepone, Michael Cevaris, John Heard, Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry and we are to see Chazz Palmanterri in a play in about 2 months.
24: My daughter's b-day is exactly 6 months after mine.......meaning...that mine is Feb. 24 and hers is Aug. 24. My son's due date was June 24th, but he came 2 weeks early.
25: My husband and I didn't have a very good first date, and I remember telling my roommate at the time that I didn't really want to go out with him again, but here we are 7 1/2 years into our marriage and going strong....to this day, I don't remember what he said or did to get me to go out with him again, but good thing, 'cause I'm so lucky to have him.

Cabin Fever

The temperatures have been so cold outside recently that it's been to cold to go outside. My kids are boucing off the walls.....almost literally. If it is even a little bit warm, we'd go out to play, shovel, walk or something. I long for the days of spring where we can play in the little wading pool, go for long walks without spending 20 minutes bundling up. I long for days where we can go to my parents and let the kids run all over their large backyard. The spring opens the zoos, and the parks. Our backyard also blooms beautifully with flowers that the former house owner planted. She did a marvelous job.

Michael's grandparents also go to GA for the winter, so spring also brings them back home too. It will be nice to see them again.

For those of you who love winter.....may you have lots of snow, but as for me and my family, I'm awaiting spring with a ravenous hunger.

New Years Trip to Indy

We had a really nice New Years. We left early, (Mom/Nanny watch River) we drove to Indy and spent the whole day (about 6 hours) at the Children's Museum. Simone always wants to go to the dinosaur exhibit first. We usually spend quite a bit of time there. Then we were off to the Planetarium to catch "The sky above Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Simone was a little unsure of this as it would be a little dark, but she loved the whole experience. Then we went to the carousel and she got a horse that went up and down (not all horses do on the carousel). She waved to daddy each time we went by. We went to the Artic showcase, where there is (pretend) ice fishing, an ice castle with slide and a station where you can make reindeer ears.

Now clad in "Comet" ears, we head to lunch for pizza and burgers. After lunch we try the lilly theater which was playing "Lion the witch and the wardrobe". Simone didn't like it too much as it really did have too much dialogue so we slipped out early....she also didn't like the white witch (who didn't seem that scary to me....but I'm not a 5 year old). The adventure continued to the science works where you can build dams and float your boat and build/dig and explore.

Those were the highlights, the children's museum has so much. We then went to the cheesecake factory for dinner and finished off the evening in the hotel swimming pool, which brought much joy to our 5 year old girl.

New years day we had a wonderful visit with Jen Jackson....and then we were able to slip up to Layfayette and visit my good friend Mary who just had a baby. A mom can sometimes forget that they were really that small once. It was wonderful to see Mary and visit awhile.

The trip ended up being less expensive as my parents gave us some gas cards for Christmas so we didn't have to pay to fill up the tank.

It was a really nice time away!

1999-2008

It was in 1999 that Michael and I started dating...now it is almost 10 years later, we are married and in the joys and tears of child rearing.
The joys of hugs, kisses and smiles. The , "I love you Mama"s are the best.
The tears of crying, discipline, loss of sleep and the wonderings of, "Am I doing this right?"
Michael and I have grown so much as people and as a couple. We look forward to 2009 and our 10th year together. What a journey we have had.
These next 10 years will put Simone at 15 (ouch) and River at 11. Oh what joy we'll have watching them grow, teaching them, enjoying them and wishing we had a few more minutes with them as little kids.
May you enjoy the time you are living in right now and all that God has given you!

God has been faithful

This past year has been full of ups and downs. Money has been particularly tight this past year. Sometimes I was afraid, yes afraid to tithe for fear that we wouldn't have enough to pay our bills...shame on me...I did tithe and did God bless. God gave me an extra tutoring student this year and has blessed me with lots of subbing jobs. Just when a new bill comes and I wonder how we are going to pay for it, I get a call to come sub. God has been so faithful.

Michael and I always (for the past 9 years) go away for New Years. This year we have been uncertain we could afford it....I told Michael it would come down to subbing days that God gives me. The last 2 weeks I haven't been called, but this morning I got called and went and subbed. 1 more subbing day and Michael, Simone and I are going to Indianapolis for an overnighter for New Years. Well go to the children's museum, and stay at a hotel with a pool (a must anymore with a 5 year old--and usually the highlight of the trip) and hopefully have a visit with Aunt Jen. So we are praying for 1 more subbing day and the trip is set.

Here is a shot of the carousel at the children's museum. Simone has been here twice in the past 2 years and absolutely loves it!

I believe

I believe that I have the most wonderful husband in the world!

I believe that children should play/imagine/explore and discover all the world has to offer.

I believe in good friends

I believe that chocolate heals most wounds

I believe in putting smiley faces on bandaids

I believe in sleeping in

I believe in travelling by car....too much is missed when you fly

I believe in cutting coupons

I believe in doing your part

I believe in holding hands

I believe that you should go looking at lights on christmas eve.

I believe that my daughter will be a great artist

I believe that my son will win others with his warm spirit and easy smile

I believe animals deserve love

I believe in reading before bed

I believe in good children's literature

I believe that we need to pray for the needy and homeless who have hungry bellies and may lay awake and shivering at night while we are warm in our beds.

I believe in letting my children trick or treat

I believe all people are important no matter if they are ugly/pretty...fat/thin....color of skin.....mentally challenged ...mean/nasty.

I believe kids should have a pet

I believe the sunrises/sunsets were made especially nice for those who are having a bad day

I believe in naps (whether I get one or not is another thing)

I believe that people have a right to their own opinion

I believe that couples should have regular date nights

I believe in happy socks (that is for esther filpus)

I believe in the magic of disneyworld

I believe that every child is precious

I believe in drama and theater

I believe that God has left us so much to enjoy

Trick or Treat

Simone had a wonderful Trick or Treat season. The week before Halloween, our local zoo had their annual ZooBoo and we went. There were so many people. We spent about 1 1/2 hours going around to the different booths trick or treating.

Then on Halloween we went trick or treating with good friends. In our local town, they have trick or treating in the afternoon on main street. It's a nice way to get people to come into different stores. There were about 40-50 stores involved and did Simone get a lot of candy. It was beautiful weather out. I was wearing a sweater and I got warm. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Simone is in the fireman's outfit and the other girls are her 3 friends. How fun!!!

Randomness

It's been awhile since I posted. October has flown by. I feel like I make breakfast and then it's time for bed and I head to the kitchen to make lunch for Michael for the next day and prepare Simone's school snack. We had our first parent teacher conference with this years teacher and I'm thrilled to report that Simone is doing Very Well. A parent always wants to hear that. River seems to be trying a new food each day. It's hard not to let him try what we are eating. He now loves, cottage cheese, popcorn, broccoli (that's a good one) and there's so many more.
I've been spending a lot of time on facebook; more than I should. I like seeing what people are up to, what people are feeling. It's helpful to know that you aren't the only one out there who is exhausted, has a dirty kitchen, has laundry piling up and just wishes for some quiet.
Wanted to give a shout out to my mom. My mom doesn't get on computers, she's not a big fan, so this shout out will go out to the void for anyone who wants to know. My mom has been a big help this past year with the kids. My mom takes them both for most of the day on Wednesdays for me....this gives her grandma time and gives me time to run errands and have a clean house for 1 day. Sometimes I get called into sub and her watching the kids allows me to keep my hand in teaching, which I love. My mom also watches them on Friday nights so Michael and I can have a date....what a treat. . Right now Michael is working two jobs and we don't see as much of him. We jam pack our weekends with family time and if Michael can, he leaves early from his day job on Thursdays and we have some family time before he goes to his 2nd job. Hopefully this will only be temporary.
Simone is going to be in the kids christmas choir at church and we've been listening to the cd everyday trying to memorize the words. I've got the songs down, hope she will soon.
I'm trying to squirrel away money so that Michael Simone and I can do an overnight in chicago for New years. Michael and I always go away for new years and last year we took simone and she had a blast. With money being tighter for everyone this year, we don't know if we'll make it, but we are going to try!!!! :D
The kids are healthy...PTL and we have so much to be thankful for.
Hope you have a great day all of you who take time to read.

Capturing the time while I can.

Here's my little guy at about 16 months. I'm looking down at him now, but I realize that in a few years I'll be looking up to him. I'm guessing he'll be about the same height as Michael 6'3". River enjoys jumping right now and does quite well at it. He also likes to dance. I'm so thankful for my little River.