You always try to teach your children good manners (please and thank you, share with those around you, etc)  Our girls enjoyed every minute of the parade we attended in Iowa.  It was packed full and most of the people around them were older kids.  It was great to see the manners of those around them.  The young boys and girls around them, were always so courteous to share what they got or be sure the girls go up closer to pick up the necklaces and suckers.  I enjoy observing children when their parents are not close by to tell them what to do or how to act.  It is great to see your children and those around them use the manners they were taught.  The older kids sharing with the younger kiddos around them and the younger children saying “thanks” for sharing with them.  It always brings a smile to my face.

Cele and Lia waiting for the parade to start.

A learning experience for both the young and old.

Last week we had quit the interesting storm.  Within a matter a minutes it went from clear skies to dark skies.  The rain poured, wind was blowing, and lightening galore.  I enjoy watching storms, but this one hit a little closure to home. Lightening come down and struck 2 trees in our backyard.  The branches falling and barley missing the firepit.  Thanks to a fabulous neighbor’s help, clean-up did not take too much time and great access to more firewood.

The tree in backyard.

Here are some pictures from me running  Bix-7 mile run.  Officially finished in 1 hour 13 minutes.  Not bad for my first long distance run in a long time.  Had some great supports to Cheer me on.  Thanks Rob, Matt, Maria, Kasyn, and Christopher  I couldn’t have done it without the extra push:)

Bix-7 mile

Bix-7 mile

Rob and I ran the Adel’s 5K.  We were a little late (by 8 minutes) from when it started.  The first mile of the race was not properly marked so we had to try find our way.  I took off and Rob said he would find is way.  It was a memorable moment. Rob’s firt 5K run was more like 7 miles.  Taking the wrong route off course.  It was a good laugh, although probably not for him at the time.  If finally meet up with the rest of us and was able to enjoy the parade and festival.

Looking forward to another run hopefully next month!

Let the races begin:)

Finally Friday!  Today I only have to work half day, which is great! Then it will be off to Davenport for the BIX.  Running 7 miles is on my Agenda come Saturday morning. Took the week off just stretching as had a slight injury to the knee, but anticipation is high to run it all!

Looking forward to possibly meeing the newest addition to the my family side of the household, Christopher who was born on the 20th!  Congrats Sis what an amazing feeling:) He is beautiful!

Looking forward also to spending some time with the family and catch up with some friends!  They girls have been talking about seeing Grandpa and Grandma, Lula and Lulu all week.  The love every minute they get to spend with their grandparents.

Enjoy the weekend and see you at the finish line!

God’s Blessings–Jeanette

Been a long week of no sleep, lots of attemped studying, and not getting much accomplished.  My anxiety has set in on trying to make it all work: husband, family, work, school…  Now working on mind over body.  I know I can do this, but why is it that I get so worked up almost to the point of shutting down??  My answer now, is giving it up to the Lord.  He can take on my struggles, because I know with him I will be able to do this.  This is temporary, only 6 more months to go and 5 classes left!!  The joys of achieving my Bachelor will be great!

Myself exhausted, at least my hair got done!

Thank God, for a great and understanding husband.  All the nights I complain and go crazy trying to write my papers is always so calm and understanding.  Secretly I know he can’t wait for me to finish but is very supportive in getting me there!

Thanks to my family, without you guys I would not be who I am.  It is great being so close, they will always listen, give words of encouragement, and humor when I need it the most!

To my girls oh the days of laughter you give me! I always find it amazing how they always know when you need a pick-me-uppers.

You can do whatever you put your mind to, and my mind is made up.  Bring it on 6 more months:)

Side note: thanks to my homie, my neighbor, who is also taking this next step with me in finishing.  A great bond we are forming:)

Can’t get enough of Photo Booth.  The girls just love!!  The were giggling and laughing the entire time.  It was great Cele and Lia kept asking to make funny faces.  I have shared my joy with you below!

Happy photo taking!

God’s Blessings—Jeanette

As some people may know, I get spontaneous.  This past weekend was one of the weekends.  I contimplated on a haircut and getting a perm.  I have been trying to grow my hair out, so what do I do, call for a hair appointment.  I have offically cut my hair short.  My hairstylest is great, she always knows just how to make it just right.  You know there are those stylist that you go to every now and again or never again and then there are those you just won’t give up.  She is one that you would not just give up.  She is trendy, knowledgeable, and knows how to work her magic:)

So here is the results

Happy Haircutting days!

God’s Blessigs—Jeanette

I am in my training and looking forward to my next race.  I am off to Quad Cities to run the BIX this year.  Was hoping to run it with some family, but as you could see from the prior post, that did not work out as planned.  The Bix is a 7 mile race, which hopefully will be on a day like today!  I could so run in the nice, cool weather we had today:)

If you are up for a challenge and have some free time on your hands, feel free to join me for a great BIX race!

Happy Monday!

Goods blessings-  Jeanette

So I know I have been slacking on my duties lately of blogging! Going back to school can really put a damper on everyday life.  The damper will be all worth it in the end.  Feb 2010 is anticipated graduation date.  I am so looking forward to that day:)  I am still trying to figure out the schedule of getting up, having a family, going to work, going to class, and then coming home and trying to find time to do homework.  The call it the work/life/school balance!  Thank God, for a very supportive husband and girls.  I would not be able to do it without them.  Can’t forget the extended family as well for all their support in getting me through this.

It will be another exciting 2009 in on my side of the family’s household.  Baby# 18 is due tomorrow (M. we are keeping you in our prayers for a smooth delivery and healthy baby).  Baby #19 due date is coming around the corner (J. we are excited and can’t wait for the new addition.)  Baby #20 will be due somethime  end of Feb. (M. we are excited as well).  It is great during prayer time with my girls as we pray for each mother and their baby.  It always puts a smile on my face and warmth in my heart!  We also don’t want to forget our neighbor as well.  They are expecting their first child in Novemeber!

No matter what people say, babies are definitely a miracle from God and can’t thank Him enough for the two little ones I have now!

On another note, the hubby side, is finishing up on their townhome being built and S. closing on the home this month.  Looking forward to a great time!  Oh course the girls are excited too:)

As for us, we are hoping to get some camping in, lots of cleaning, and relaxing the rest of the summer (or as much as we can)!

TTFN–Jeanette