Hair Cuts

Ethan and Mom both got hair cuts today. Ethan got his cut to do his spike better. He was a very good boy for his haircut. As we were riding home he told me his gum fell out on the apron. I asked him if he told the lady cutting his hair and he said she did not notice. He did tell me he did not put it back in his mouth because it got hair all over it. Oops, I hope it did not get all smushed into the apron, that could be a mess.

I got my hair cut and colored. This was my first time having my whole hair colored. It had gotten pretty blond after many times of highlights. I decided it was time to get back to my natural color because keeping it up was getting to be too much for me. It is pretty dark right now, but the hairdresser assured me that it would get lighter as I washed it so that is why she started out darker. I feel like I look more like my sister Laura now instead of Kelly. Kelly you should appreciate that! Of course, it was looking all nice and then since it is July in Fl it was raining again so I got it all wet. Oh well, so much for glamor.

This is Ms. Linda. She lives behind us and works in the deaf ministry at our church. She has been an answered prayer to us. She watched the kids today for me while I got my hair done. One of the things I was looking the least forward to about our move, was moving away from Nana and Papa. Not only for their company, but for their help with the kids. I know now that I took them for granted and used them so much to run an errand or things such as getting my hair cut. Well, the Lord has been very good to us with placing us near Ms. Linda. She has been such a blessing to us and has already helped with the kids on several occasions. When we were moving in she kept them some while we painted. Ethan is such a sweet boy, today he asked if he could take her some flowers. Ms. Linda was widowed early and seems to be lonely. I obviously do not know that many people yet and have really enjoyed her company. It is so wonderful to have someone that close by to count on. Just today as I was mowing, I ran out of gas. Instead of loading the kids into the car all hot and sweaty, I took a chance with Ms. Linda. We were in luck, she had some gas and willingly loaned me some so that I could finish up the grass just in time for the rain to start.

Ethan helped me make some sausage balls for Derek as a surprise when he got home. He has been hinting lately that he would like some. Ethan likes to help in the kitchen.

Hair

Aubrey is sporting her first "big girl" pigtails. All her hair is up this time. Previously, we have only been able to get the top of her hair up. She looked adorable and sat pretty well to get her hair done. She even kept them in about 2 hours. This is good as she usually pulls them out as soon as I put them in. We then had a photo shoot, attempting to capture them on camera. I think this picture explains the frustration level of both mom and daughter. I have multiple pictures of the top of her head, the back and the side. This was the best we could do today.

Ethan aslo had fun with hair this morning. Nana bought him this little guy. His name is Spike and he is like a Chia Pet. He grows hair and you cut it and it grows back. It took about a week to get the hair growing. Ethan gave Spike his first haircut today and was trilled. Thank you Nana for a great present! I worked hard on the garage today. I am not sure it looks much better, but all the boxes were opened and things put away as best I could. We really miss our closet space from our old house! The good news is there are only 5 boxes left to unpack in the whole house. I am taking a break and relaxing while the kids are sleeping and before we go out to small group at church tonight.

More Yard Work

After a morning at church, we took a family trip to Home Depot for flowers. Derek could not have a yard without flowers for long. Ethan was a big help pushing a flat for us at the store. Derek placed all the flowers and Heather dug the holes and planted them. Derek worked on planting the palm trees that we were so lovingly given. Ethan supervised, while Aubrey slept. After a hard afternoon of work, Ethan made pizza for dinner. He really wanted to make homemade pizza. We cheated on the crust, but Ethan did all the toppings and the cheese. Here is Aubrey after a good time with an Oreo. That is in honor of Aunt Kelly. Aubrey has become a very messy eater lately.















We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and playing camping. Daddy is being a good sport playing along in the not so big tent. Mom opted to do laundry. Aubrey is out of clean jammies, so it is more out of necessity. All the home improving is almost complete and I am looking forward to getting into a routine again. I work well on a routine.

Curb Appeal

We had some curb appeal done to our house today. There is a guy in the church who does landscaping and he came over today and pulled up a patch of grass to make a natural area. He also pulled up all the old mulch and replaced it with new mulch. He also pressure washed the house and driveway. We are so blessed to have people helping us in the church.

Ethan is now into having his hair spiked. His friend Seth (our pastor's son) has his like this and Ethan thinks it is cool. It amazes me how early we start wanted to be like others. Ethan has already picked up on that he thinks Seth is cool and he wants to be cool as well. I figure hair is innocent enough. He is really cute about not messing his hair up. Ethan was busy today helping and watching the landscape crew. He was very interested in what they were doing.

Derek made it back from Guatemala, minus his cell phone. It was found and Bill Poppen is going to mail it to him. Thank goodness for Bill! Derek had a great time with the old gang and really enjoyed hanging out with them. He even had time to do a little shopping at the market. He is excited to take a new group down soon from Parkview. He jumped right in today working his decorating magic. This is a picture of our lanai (covered patio). Again God has blessed us through people at Parkview. A couple in the church is downsizing to a house without a lanai. They knew we did not have any furniture for ours so they GAVE us theirs. What a blessing to us. It is really nice furniture. Another guy in the church lays tile, so he told Derek he would help him lay some next weekend. All we need to get the supplies. What a blessing! The people of Parkview have been very kind to us and it seems to be very genuine. I will post another picture of the final product next week.

Fun at the resort

We went back to the resort today before our visitor pass expires. We had a great time swimming and going down the water slide. Aunt Joy was jealous that she was working in Charlotte and not able to join us. She visited the resort when came to help us move. We took the kids for the day while Danny and Derek put down a Pergo floor.

Aubrey enjoyed playing in the sand. The resort brought in sand to make it seem like the beach (you can also have beach access if desired) and then you can walk right into one of the pools and rinse off. It is perfect for the kids. Aubrey did not eat too much today. She did however smash every sand castle as soon as I made one. She loved that game. Ethan enjoys swimming and jumping into the pool. Papa was adventuresome and enjoyed the pool as well. He even bought a new bathing suit for the occasion. It has been many years since Papa has been swimming. The things he will do for grandchildren.

There is also a 3 story water slide. The first time we went Ethan went down with me multiple times before he was ready to go by himself. He has now mastered the slide. We were truly blessed to have a pass to this beautiful resort. One of the many ways that people have welcomed us and showered us with love at Parkview.

Pleasurable Things

This is Aubrey's favorite thing to do right now - eat grapes. She will walk up to the fridge and say "uh, uh, uh" until someone gives her a grape. Unfortunately, they have to be limited because too many upset her tummy. She is just too cute to resist. She gets several at breakfast and then only single servings throughout the day. The look of delight on her face when she gets one and says "thank you" and walks away. The simple pleasures of a child!

Ethan is very domesticated. He loves to clean, vacuum and mop the floor. Now he enjoys ironing as well. He was using a toy as a pretend iron, so Nana picked up a toy set while she is visiting. He loves it and is very particular about his ironing. He now wants all his clothes ironed for real. He even requests his pajamas are ironed. I have only done that once. What a crazy little guy! I am sure he will be out of this phase when he really can help me and cleaning is part of his chores. I am taking lots of pictures as proof for me one day that he really did enjoy it at one time.

I spent the day at a local resort today. We got a pass for 2 weeks to use it. Nana and Papa are visiting so I took the day off. It has been a long time since I have laid in a hammock and read a book. I was also able to go into the adult pool instead of the kid pool. I love my kids dearly, but it was nice to have a break today. Denise, the pastor's wife joined me as well a new friend Rebecca. We had a really nice time.

Derek should be on a plane now to Guatemala to surprise the West Cabarrus mission group. He really wanted to go for the whole trip, but it did not work out. To our knowledge only the missionary knows he is coming. I wish I could see the look on their faces when he walks in this evening. What a great surprise!

Painting

Today I have been painting doors. Those of you who know Derek and his decorating know we can not do anything "normal". I have been painting doors black today. If you have never painted a door before, you are not missing much. I do have to say that the black does look good. Ethan has been helping paint the rest of the house and joined in again today. He is a messy painter like his mother, as evident by his painting clothes.

Aubrey learned how to push today. Since she has started walking she has really taken off and doing so many more things. She loved pushing this bug toy around today.

We had our long awaited sectional couch delivered today. Two days ago Derek said to me, "I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you I do not think our couch will fit." Well, as you can imagine the couch came and was a little too big. It fit, but did not leave much room for walking around it. To our relief, we had 7 days to return or exchange it. The guys came back and picked up one part and we ordered a smaller section to take its place. Only another 4-6 weeks for that to arrive. I am happy as long as I have my chaise part of it. I have already claimed that as my spot - I love it!

Changes

Since I will be staying home with the kids and have a little more time on my hands, I thought I would try out a blog to keep all our friends and family updated. As most of you know we have been in our house for a little over a week. It actually looks like a house now and not a storage unit. Here is a picture of our new house.

Derek and I both got Florida drivers licences today. One advantage to a small town is that we were able to walk right in and not wait at all! I was also able to get a new plate for my car. We are still waited for Derek's title to come for his car. Ethan is very excited that we have oranges on my car. That was one of the first things he noticed when we arrived at the airport on one of our visits here. He wanted to know why everyone had oranges on their car. He is extremely observant. He assisted in the ceremonial tag replacing.

Aubrey is walking everywhere and into everything. Here she is with her beads. She is all girl and loves to wear her beads. She was first introduced to them in physical therapy and has loved them ever since. The best $2 I ever spent!