Hello blog world! I don't have anything earth shattering to share, just some "snapshots" of the past few days. I have been so busy there are not pictures. We have unpacked 75% of our stuff, though much of it is laying around while I decide where everything should go. Our playroom should be labeled a "Disaster Zone." This is great for the kids, however, because they can see all their toys rather than plowing through the tubs.
Abbie is learning how to write letters. Last week was T, B, and F. She does great at Ts, decent at B's, and so won't even focus on the F's. She thinks school work is quite annoying. I was always and still am an overachiever, so this concept is foreign to me. Speaking of overachiever, I am going to be home schooling Brooks starting as soon as the curriculum arrives in the mail. Just like his mommy, he is a perfectionist, overachiever, and pitches a fit when things are not just as he expects and requests. It is hilarious. I am quite fascinated watching their two personalities play out, seeing clearly the strengths and weaknesses. Abbie is so steady and is not too concerned with what others think about her.
Today we went to Red Rooster. It is a hole-in-the-wall burger and ice cream joint that has rides and putt putt in the back. We had a great lunch with Daddy today. Supposedly movie stars eat here, but we spotted none. The ice cream cones were as tall as my foot. Seriously, they were about a foot long, dipped in chocolate and covered with sprinkles.
I have 2 potential places to work. One is a Y and is personal training and subbing aerobics. The other is aerobics and maybe other opportunities. It is some fancy state-of-the-art, all purpose place that has movie stars as members. That is somewhat intimidating to me. Movie stars = divas, right? The coordinator seems really nice, though. I will visit both this week and meet with the coordinators. We bought a treadmill and have weights, so I am ok taking my time in finding a spot. Well, that is about it. Off to take my Melatonin and snooze. FYI-if you have trouble falling asleep, it is a natural supplement that knocks you out without the "hangover" the next morning.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Kim's weekend
Last weekend I was in Germantown (my hometown) for my sister's showers. She planned all her showers in one weekend to make it easier for out of towners. The first one was Friday night. It was a shrimp broil hosted by Andrew's friends. The whole thing was cool. They had tents set up outside and had the whole ambiance going on. My dad stood up to say something and these were his words,"Marriage is about give and take. Your mother has been giving it for 40 years, and I have been taking it." He so did not mean it in a sensual way,, but everyone under forty took it that way. He had no idea until we explained what we thought it meant. SO FUNNY!!!
This is a pic of Kim and Nora, one of our dearest friends.
The next morning was a brunch hosted by some of my mom' friends. Looking at the pic, you will realize my mom has lots of friends. I was shocked at the number hosting it. It was very classy and elegant.
This is a pic of my cousins and me. The coffee punch they served was TO DIE FOR, so I hung out close to that.
Here I am with my Nora!
Saturday night was the lingerie shower and bachelorette party. We started out at a sushi restaurant. We got to sit on pillows around a huge table. We were on a platform behind sliding doors. I felt very cool, I must admit. Some people were eating raw, stinky fish, but I stuck with the cooked stuff!
My pics will be kept to a minimum here for this one, not that there was anything questionable!
This was taken of my cousin Sara and I. We were drinking the nonalcoholic Mojitoes(or however you spell it).
(By the way, I do not know why this text is underlined. I can't fix it. It is driving my OCD crazy
And here are the hostesses for this one! We got some cute scarves for our hostess gift and decided to wear them for the pic.
Now the countdown has begun for Kimmie's wedding! It will be three weeks from today. YAY!!!
This is a pic of Kim and Nora, one of our dearest friends.
The next morning was a brunch hosted by some of my mom' friends. Looking at the pic, you will realize my mom has lots of friends. I was shocked at the number hosting it. It was very classy and elegant.
This is a pic of my cousins and me. The coffee punch they served was TO DIE FOR, so I hung out close to that.
Here I am with my Nora!
Saturday night was the lingerie shower and bachelorette party. We started out at a sushi restaurant. We got to sit on pillows around a huge table. We were on a platform behind sliding doors. I felt very cool, I must admit. Some people were eating raw, stinky fish, but I stuck with the cooked stuff!
My pics will be kept to a minimum here for this one, not that there was anything questionable!
This was taken of my cousin Sara and I. We were drinking the nonalcoholic Mojitoes(or however you spell it).
(By the way, I do not know why this text is underlined. I can't fix it. It is driving my OCD crazy
And here are the hostesses for this one! We got some cute scarves for our hostess gift and decided to wear them for the pic.
Now the countdown has begun for Kimmie's wedding! It will be three weeks from today. YAY!!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Down the tubes.
OH MY LIBERAL GOSH! On the news last night I listened as a group of kindergartners singing odes and other sappy songs about Barrack Obama. This same school has barred the pledge of allegiance because it includes GOD in it. However, one song they sang about Obama was set to the tune JESUS LOVES ME. Are you absolutely kidding me?! Our country seems to be going down the liberal tubes. I ask myself why the Christians are so silent. Why do we let them say we are judgemental and closed-minded and shut up because of these accusation?! We avoid "liberal" occupations because of the fact that they are too liberal, but now look at our country. I wish I had done law school some days, because I could sit myself in a government seat and try to make a difference there. We have got to be on our knees pleading for God's conviction and mercy on our great country that is becoming more and more unrecognizable. If we leave God out of our school and community, we are the ones who are doomed.
Oh and thankfully Abbie is learning the pledge of allegiance at her school, right here in the heart of NY. I am so glad we are not in NJ or CT. They are so much more liberal.
Oh and thankfully Abbie is learning the pledge of allegiance at her school, right here in the heart of NY. I am so glad we are not in NJ or CT. They are so much more liberal.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Hello NY!
We are here in the great state of New York. Ok, maybe there is a little sarcasm, but I really am trying to be focused on the positive. As I type this, I am sitting on my bed, surrounded by boxes on all sides. Tomorrow will entail unpacking some, organizing some, and resting some. Abbie started school on Wednesday.
She looked so cute and was excited! I, on the other hand, tossed and turned all night and cried all day. She says she enjoys school. I got a note from Friday that asked me about her nose picking habit. I about died! They want to retest her because her last F.I.E. was done for preschool. I am anxious, but I have been told by many how wonderful the programming is here. I started a book called "The Power of a Praying Wife," and I am trying to just hand her to God without my recommendations. This is so hard!
I wanted to include some pics from our trek from Memphis. Brooks ran out of paper and used his body to color. He also got a hold of the lollipop bag and figured if one tasted great, three at a time was better!
Abbie catching flies!
Once we hit the hotel, Abbie played "kitchen" with the ice bucket and coffee pot, while the boys caught their own flies!
She looked so cute and was excited! I, on the other hand, tossed and turned all night and cried all day. She says she enjoys school. I got a note from Friday that asked me about her nose picking habit. I about died! They want to retest her because her last F.I.E. was done for preschool. I am anxious, but I have been told by many how wonderful the programming is here. I started a book called "The Power of a Praying Wife," and I am trying to just hand her to God without my recommendations. This is so hard!
I wanted to include some pics from our trek from Memphis. Brooks ran out of paper and used his body to color. He also got a hold of the lollipop bag and figured if one tasted great, three at a time was better!
Abbie catching flies!
Once we hit the hotel, Abbie played "kitchen" with the ice bucket and coffee pot, while the boys caught their own flies!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Party Night
My Aunt Dottie called me a few days ago and asked if she could throw us a going away bash. I never pass up a chance to see me sweet and fun family, so I agreed. Because Rick does not get here until Tuesday night and we will have only 24 hours to pack things up, we set it for tonight minus him. Though we missed him, we had a terrific time. Here are a few snapshots.
This first one is my Daddy and me. Isn't he so handsome?!
This is my Aunt Dottie with my kids. Abbie adores Dottie.
A party would not be complete for the Julian kids without some dancing to Mamma Mia soundtrack!
And my little dog lover with my uncle and their sweet dog. The dog was scared of Brooks. Brooks thought it was funny that if he growled like a monster and chased the dog, it would run from him with its tail tucked. So sad!
This last video is of the dancing couples. I have the coolest aunts!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Day-to-Day
Just the other day my grandmother was encouraging me to journal. I told her I did on a blog. I realized, though, that I do not include day-t-day things, just the bigger things. I thought I would fulfill my promise and get back to the day-to-day I had promised.
Abbie: Her body is becoming more coordinated and agile. I am so proud of her in the changes I see. Just tonight we went to the park with my dad. I watched her climb a rounded runged ladder and slide down two very tall slides. For most of you, this is no big deal, but for Abs, it is a HUGE deal. She is becoming more aware proprioreceptively and more confident in her movements because of this. Her sense of humor is great, and she hears absolutely everything. She may be carrying on a conversation with Brooks, playing with a doll, and watching tv, but she still hears and remembers something someone across the room is saying. She also has become ticklish as of late, which is hilarious! She and I have begun to butt heads a lot more, and that makes me sad. On a happy note, she lets me paint her nails. GIRL TIME!!
Brooks: His obsession is lollipops. He would eat them 24-7 is allowed. He asks me for them around the clock, hoping I will eventually say YES. When I do, he pats the floor and says, "Put it right here, Mommy. Put it right here." He likes to pick it up and open it himself. I have busted him dragging a toy tub into the kitchen so he could reach the lollipops. He walked in the room with three unfolded lollipops gathered together, licking them excitedly. He also is talking a mile a minute. He is the most ticklish human being, loves to laugh and be active. Brooks has become very into his Daddy, which is sweet to watch, but I must say I miss being the center of his universe. Still, I know it is so healthy and that Rick loves it! Brooks has also begun talking a lot about the potty and warns before he poops, or at least right when he starts. As soon as get to New York and get settled, potty training will begin. Hey, I know the perfect bribe, I mean, reward(:"perfect" for him. What they need is what he was created to give and be. It is exciting to watch. I truly believe revival is coming to New York, and I am thrilled to think we might be a part of it. The fields are so ripe for harvest. The laborers are few, but God did say the faith if a mustard seed can move mountains.
Rick: He is in New York right now. He drove the car up and arrived this evening. I truly believe New York is the closest pastorate to being
I think I am learning to be more content. I have begun to realize that I spent about 30 years with a spiritual report card on myself. I did the DOs and refrained from all the DON'T DO's. I would not say everything I have been through has made me any godlier, but it has led me to burn my mental spiritual report cards. Contentment is a hard thing to learn, but I am getting there. My amazing husband is so patient with me and is, for the most part, a better person. I do not mean he has any more value, just that being a patient, kind, selfless person is more natural. It takes more work for me, but it is finally taking root. Praise the Lord!
Abbie: Her body is becoming more coordinated and agile. I am so proud of her in the changes I see. Just tonight we went to the park with my dad. I watched her climb a rounded runged ladder and slide down two very tall slides. For most of you, this is no big deal, but for Abs, it is a HUGE deal. She is becoming more aware proprioreceptively and more confident in her movements because of this. Her sense of humor is great, and she hears absolutely everything. She may be carrying on a conversation with Brooks, playing with a doll, and watching tv, but she still hears and remembers something someone across the room is saying. She also has become ticklish as of late, which is hilarious! She and I have begun to butt heads a lot more, and that makes me sad. On a happy note, she lets me paint her nails. GIRL TIME!!
Brooks: His obsession is lollipops. He would eat them 24-7 is allowed. He asks me for them around the clock, hoping I will eventually say YES. When I do, he pats the floor and says, "Put it right here, Mommy. Put it right here." He likes to pick it up and open it himself. I have busted him dragging a toy tub into the kitchen so he could reach the lollipops. He walked in the room with three unfolded lollipops gathered together, licking them excitedly. He also is talking a mile a minute. He is the most ticklish human being, loves to laugh and be active. Brooks has become very into his Daddy, which is sweet to watch, but I must say I miss being the center of his universe. Still, I know it is so healthy and that Rick loves it! Brooks has also begun talking a lot about the potty and warns before he poops, or at least right when he starts. As soon as get to New York and get settled, potty training will begin. Hey, I know the perfect bribe, I mean, reward(:"perfect" for him. What they need is what he was created to give and be. It is exciting to watch. I truly believe revival is coming to New York, and I am thrilled to think we might be a part of it. The fields are so ripe for harvest. The laborers are few, but God did say the faith if a mustard seed can move mountains.
Rick: He is in New York right now. He drove the car up and arrived this evening. I truly believe New York is the closest pastorate to being
I think I am learning to be more content. I have begun to realize that I spent about 30 years with a spiritual report card on myself. I did the DOs and refrained from all the DON'T DO's. I would not say everything I have been through has made me any godlier, but it has led me to burn my mental spiritual report cards. Contentment is a hard thing to learn, but I am getting there. My amazing husband is so patient with me and is, for the most part, a better person. I do not mean he has any more value, just that being a patient, kind, selfless person is more natural. It takes more work for me, but it is finally taking root. Praise the Lord!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
OH MY WOW!!!
It is official, we are full-on trusting God and moving up to New York. Rick leaves tomorrow with the mini van stocked full. He drives for 19 hours. Preaches Sunday, flies home Monday. We leave Wednesday in the Tahoe wit a trailer on the back, get to New York Thursday night or Friday morning, sign the lease, take Abbie's paperwork to her new school. We actually movie in on the 13th, our furniture arrives the 13th,14th,15th, or 16th. Abbie starts school the 16th. I get on a plane and fly home for my sister's three showers on that Thursday, come home Sunday night, Rick leaves that Friday, and I preach for him on Sunday. I AM OUT OF BREATH!!! I cannot believe how fast it all has to move! I get to catch my breath before flying back two and a half weeks later for my sister's wedding.. Two weeks after that one of my closest friends in the world comes to see me for 5 days. Two weeks after that, another close friend and her fam are flying up to spend Thanksgiving with us. Four weeks after that, Christmas! OH MY WOW!!! I so need more than 24 hours in a day. LOTS of coffee and prayer for me! It all starts in 5 days!
I have mixed emotions, of course. I was all negative and worried for awhile, but my sweet grandmother spoke the most amazing words to me that turned it all around. I realize that life is our choice. What I mean is, life happens. We can choose to worry, stress, procrastinate the inevitable, focus on the bad...OR we can look for the good. What we decide not only impacts our lives but the lives of those we love most. I choose joy, excitement, happiness, and adventure. God's hand has been apparent in all of this. We got a house for well below what we should have paid. Insurance is not going to be $3000/month. It will be $1200. The people at our church are so loving and accepting. The church is multiplying at an amazing rate. I am blessed, and I CHOOSE to smile!
I have mixed emotions, of course. I was all negative and worried for awhile, but my sweet grandmother spoke the most amazing words to me that turned it all around. I realize that life is our choice. What I mean is, life happens. We can choose to worry, stress, procrastinate the inevitable, focus on the bad...OR we can look for the good. What we decide not only impacts our lives but the lives of those we love most. I choose joy, excitement, happiness, and adventure. God's hand has been apparent in all of this. We got a house for well below what we should have paid. Insurance is not going to be $3000/month. It will be $1200. The people at our church are so loving and accepting. The church is multiplying at an amazing rate. I am blessed, and I CHOOSE to smile!
Get To Know Your Friends
A friend put this on her blog and suggested we do this on ours too. It is a get to know you. I would love for those reading this to d it as well, so I can learn more about yall. Let me know if you do, so I can get on and read yours. I added on question. Thanks, Rose, for the idea!
1. Do you cook every night?
Almost. It may be from a bag, but that is still cooking to me (:
2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?
GAIN, Original scent. It smells so so so good!
3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?
Loads at a time. I wish I were disciplined for every day
4. How often do you eat out per week?
On average we eat out zero to one evening a week, and lunches are up in the air.
5. Where do you usually eat out?
Swanky's,Chilis, fun and clean little hole-in-the-walls, Outback, Mexican anything
6. What is your favorite retail store?
I have several, Target, Steinmart are the tops!
7. What's your favorite thing to drink?
Diet Dr Pepper, Diet Pepsi with a splash of Pepsi on top, grape flavored water.
8. Do you take vitamins? What kind?
nope
9. What percentage of the household chores to you do?
I do most of the household chores, I would say 80% on average.
10. Do your children do chores? {Or will they, did they, etc}
They will do chores, but nothing set yet. They have to clean up toys or wipe up spills. Brooks loves to help, especially with the vacuuming. Abbie lets me know it is highly inconvenient.
11. Do you go to church?
We do, Rick is a pastor in New York.
12. Do you have a housework schedule?
No but I am starting one in New York
13. Do you keep a working budget?
No. I am horrible at it. I have a rough idea in my head and pretty much stick to it.
14. What do you do at night as a family?
Dinner, swim in the summer, sometimes walks, get ready for bed, cuddle in bed and either read or watch tv.
15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?
Pray, wake up
16. What do your mornings look like?
Wake up with kids, feed them, head to the gym, then it is lunch time.
17. What time do you get up in the mornings?
7-8
I want to get up earlier but cannot seem to get to bed before midnight.
18. What time do you go to bed at night?
Usually between 12-1
19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? {bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc}
Bills, go in bills drawer. Magazines get read and thrown out. Ads are thrown out almost immediately.
20. How do you keep your household organized? {calendars, charts, etc}
II must confess, I am so unorganized. Like I mentioned, I am turning over a new leaf in NY. I keep baskets in every room to hold things. My mom taught me that.
21. How often do you have date night, what do you do, and who watches the kids?
We used to have them once per week. With Rick traveling it is twice per month. We usually go to dinner and a movie or coffee at a bookstore. We get a babysitter or take them to PlayCare.
That was fun! If you do this, please let me know so I can read! I can't wait to read about my friends!
1. Do you cook every night?
Almost. It may be from a bag, but that is still cooking to me (:
2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?
GAIN, Original scent. It smells so so so good!
3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?
Loads at a time. I wish I were disciplined for every day
4. How often do you eat out per week?
On average we eat out zero to one evening a week, and lunches are up in the air.
5. Where do you usually eat out?
Swanky's,Chilis, fun and clean little hole-in-the-walls, Outback, Mexican anything
6. What is your favorite retail store?
I have several, Target, Steinmart are the tops!
7. What's your favorite thing to drink?
Diet Dr Pepper, Diet Pepsi with a splash of Pepsi on top, grape flavored water.
8. Do you take vitamins? What kind?
nope
9. What percentage of the household chores to you do?
I do most of the household chores, I would say 80% on average.
10. Do your children do chores? {Or will they, did they, etc}
They will do chores, but nothing set yet. They have to clean up toys or wipe up spills. Brooks loves to help, especially with the vacuuming. Abbie lets me know it is highly inconvenient.
11. Do you go to church?
We do, Rick is a pastor in New York.
12. Do you have a housework schedule?
No but I am starting one in New York
13. Do you keep a working budget?
No. I am horrible at it. I have a rough idea in my head and pretty much stick to it.
14. What do you do at night as a family?
Dinner, swim in the summer, sometimes walks, get ready for bed, cuddle in bed and either read or watch tv.
15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?
Pray, wake up
16. What do your mornings look like?
Wake up with kids, feed them, head to the gym, then it is lunch time.
17. What time do you get up in the mornings?
7-8
I want to get up earlier but cannot seem to get to bed before midnight.
18. What time do you go to bed at night?
Usually between 12-1
19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? {bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc}
Bills, go in bills drawer. Magazines get read and thrown out. Ads are thrown out almost immediately.
20. How do you keep your household organized? {calendars, charts, etc}
II must confess, I am so unorganized. Like I mentioned, I am turning over a new leaf in NY. I keep baskets in every room to hold things. My mom taught me that.
21. How often do you have date night, what do you do, and who watches the kids?
We used to have them once per week. With Rick traveling it is twice per month. We usually go to dinner and a movie or coffee at a bookstore. We get a babysitter or take them to PlayCare.
That was fun! If you do this, please let me know so I can read! I can't wait to read about my friends!
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