Saturday, October 12, 2013

Busy Day

This morning we all went to the parade in Maize, where I graduated high school. This was Abigail's first parade (she slept through most of it.)


Then we headed over to the fall festival with my parents and brother's family. Olivia and Izzy had such a good time together! It's been so fun watching their friendship develop over the years. I can't wait for Abigail to share those experiences with cousin Ivy (due in December.) It was also fun running into people from high school!


After that we headed to Olivia's friend, Madison's birthday party. Those two go crazy when they are together. Madison's mom has been my best friend since 8th grade. We were crazy too, but not as crazy as these two!





And I am completely exhausted. Whew. Is it bedtime yet?

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, October 11, 2013

Just Pictures
























Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Vote For Me!

Hi there!! Yes you. . . reading my mommy's blog! Hi!


Could you go to the link below and vote for me as the cutest baby of the month? Please?? The winner gets $250! I have NO idea what that means. But, my mommy says that would be nice with my birthday coming up!

And don't forget that you can vote for me every day!!

http://www.thecutekid.com/photo-contests/20131009/baby-cute-pic-1381297639

And, my big sissy is in a first day of school photo contest. She is in kinder. . .um, kinder. . .I don't remember but she really likes it. Remember that cute picture of her getting on the bus? It should win too, right? That contest ends on October 15th though. So vote vote vote.

http://www.thecutekid.com/ckgalleries/back-to-school-2013?page=4

Thank you thank you thank you!!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

A Day In The Life

We drew a lot this morning. Olivia wrote her alphabet without any help from me ( those darn Js.)




And I loved her little Froggy. Amazing to think that she hardly picked up a pencil until she was 5. I used to almost force her to draw.




There is a new iPhone app called keepy. You can store pictures of your children's artwork and mementos. And then share them with fans (grandparents, family, etc.) It's really neat!

And Abigail drew her first picture with a crayon instead of eating it. Hooray!




PS: Giveaway coming next week! The promo code will only be good for one week.

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday, October 7, 2013

Halloween Preview

Yeah, she is gonna be so cute I can't stand it. :-)





Olivia is going to be a black cat and Abigail is going to be a ladybug. Too cute!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Coming soon!

I have an awesome promo coming up for my blog readers! It is something that is a $40 value that you will receive for free!! Yes, because I love you and can't believe you've hung with me for 6 years! So, keep an eye out! And leave a message on this post about when you started reading my blog and/or how you found out about it!

More info to come soon!




Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Abigail

Oh Abigail. . .she keeps me on my toes. Of course, she probably does what most kids do, but is totally different from Olivia.

I woke up this morning to find I was raising a little beaver. Olivia never once chewed on her crib! No wonder she was so patient with me this morning!




I thought it was cute how Abigail was so excited for her bath so I snapped a picture. In mid snap, she decided to crawl into the tub. I threw down my phone and grabbed her before she went head first into the tub. Her upper body strength amazes me!


The other day, she found some soap and I saw that she had it. But I didn't rush right over because I figured she couldn't pump it. Geez, I think Olivia was three before she could! Oh, but Abigail can as she squirted soap in her mouth!! So, we now have cabinet locks (never needed them with Olivia.) Then there was the time she was playing with the water in the toilet!! Ew! I'm considering toilet locks now, but afraid Olivia won't be able to open it. So we keep the bathroom door shut now.

She tries to crawl up the gate on the stairs and I'm half afraid that she will be able to do it!



And, as I was writing this, she opened her dresser drawer and shut her fingers in it. Thank you, Abigail for showing me why all those safety items exist! Our house is going to turn into a padded room!!

P.S. Promise I'm not a bad mom! ;-). Just amazed at how my children can be so different!












Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, October 5, 2013

. . .And There You Will Find Peace

I wrote this poem in December 1998.  I came upon it tonight and didn’t even know that I still had it. I was in college at the time and desperately searching for the meaning of life and my place in this world.  So, here it is. . .this is what was on my mind 15 years ago.

Awakening to this world

and its bright, hopeful and endless opportunities.

The innocent look upon your face

as you live in the absence of prejudice and fear.

Like a flower that needs to be watered

and sheltered from all harm.

A cry is all that can be expressed

for feelings of hunger, urgency or sorrow.

A mother holds you in her arms

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

Discovering this world

as a new place that needs to be explored.

The inquisitive look upon your face

as you wait for the answers to be found.

Like a house that needs to be built

with a foundation strong and sturdy.

The need to know burns even brighter

in hopes to grow in knowledge

as words of encouragement surround you

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

Without a place in this world

as you are no longer a child and not yet an adult.

The bewildered look upon your face

with feelings that leave you so confused.

Like a roller coaster in constant motion,

your emotions are so extreme.

Numerous calls made to your peers

and the weekend plans confirmed.

Time spent with treasured friends

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

Uncertain of your role in this world

and what it is you shall become.

The hesitant look upon your face

as you realize the possibilities are endless.

Like a fork in the path so familiarly traveled

with no sign to point your way.

A decision must be made

in hopes that it is the correct one.

With reassurance that you are accurate

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

The joining of two in this world,

two hearts, two minds, two souls.

The confident look upon your face

as you embrace the moment you’ve always waited for.

Like a candle burning brightly

of a flame forever lit.

A vow is pledged to one another

for a lifetime full of love.

Together in each other’s arms

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

An addition to this world

and a miracle for two in love.

The anticipated look upon your face

as you hold your child in your arms.

Like a blessing that was sent

from heaven down to earth for you.

A name is carefully chosen

and a promise sweetly given.

Looking into your child’s eyes

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

Subsequent miracles in this world

as your family continues to grow.

The proud look upon your face

as you welcome each new member.

Like an unending circle of love

that grows stronger each passing day.

A tradition embraced in your home

and many memories created.

Time spent with your family

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

The hardships of this world

that man alone cannot conquer.

The weary look upon your face

as you struggle to see each day.

Like a beautiful hourglass whose time

is quickly running out.

A prayer is faithfully given

with many more that follow.

Surrounded with love and support

. . .and there you will find peace.

 

Soon you leave this world

and continue on an endless journey.

The restful look upon your face

As all fear and heartache are extinguished.

Like a dream that you had dreamed

only a thousand times more wonderful.

A lifetime that was devoted

to some day return you home

to God who gave you ways to find peace

. . .and there true peace is found.

 

by: Jodi Sailing  12/98

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Sisterly Love

I think they might actually like each other. ;-)











Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

My Girls







Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Lunchtime Fun

I've decided that I have the world's best and worst eaters. I've never seen a child eat quite as good as Abigail. She is basically eating any and everything now. We took her on her first trip to Olive Garden this weekend.


She ate salad (Olivia still won't touch salad.) She ate breadsticks, chicken parmigiana and spaghetti.


She is the perfect baby to take to restaurants because she doesn't have time to act up. She wants to eat!! And she smiles at everyone with her "I'm so cute face!"


And finally. . .after she ate more than I did, she was a little full.


And she slid her plate off the table and it broke into a thousand pieces. That was fun.

Meanwhile, at every meal, Olivia asks thought provoking questions (instead of eating.)

Olivia: Why is the moon sometimes different shapes? Sometimes it is a crescent, sometimes it is a circle.

Ryan goes on about the shadow of the earth and the reasons behind it.

And I add that when it is a circle, it is called a full moon.

Olivia: And THAT'S when we turn into a werewolf.

We laughed so hard! That girl cracks me up.


Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Six Years Later

Who knew that 6 years later I would be so abundantly blessed. Logan would be such a great brother to these two beautiful girls.

When we walked over to Logan's grave, Olivia told me that she had something to tell him. She proceeded to say:

I'll love you forever.
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living
My brother you'll be.

I could never have come up with anything so amazing and so perfect if I tried.

I love you Olivia, Logan and Abigail. . .all three of my amazing gifts from God!




Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, September 27, 2013

Logan William 8-27-07 o 09-28-07



September 28th is the hardest day of the year for me.  I mourn, but I know Logan is celebrating 6 years in heaven.  Every year I usually make him a new video, but this year I just didn't get it done.  So, here is the video that I made him last year.  Love you sweet boy!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Curse Of September

If you have read my blog for awhile now, you know that September is never good to me.

September 3, 1993: My friends and I were robbed at gunpoint in my best friend's driveway.

September 30, 1993: I lost a lifelong friend in a car accident

September 28, 2007: I lost my son, Logan.

The worst things in my life have happened in September. There have been other bad (minor) things that have happened in the month of September ( I was broken up with quite a few times.)

Every year on September 1st, I hold my breath and pray that I make it through the month unscathed. Honestly, for the first time in 20 years, I didn't even think of it until last week. I made it almost all month without giving it a second thought. Then, I learned about Tobey and remembered it was September.

Tonight, my grandma was rushed by ambulance to the hospital because of what they believed was a pulmonary embolism. At this time, I don't think it was. She has had a high heart rate and an atrial fibrillation. She is currently in critical care and on medication to bring her heart rate down. Please keep her and my family in your prayers. 'Tis the month of September.

Here are some pictures to remember the good things about this month. And happy anniversary tomorrow to my parents!! ( Good things do happen in September as well.)


















Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tobey Update

So, here are the facts about our furry four legged friend, Tobey.



He has some kind of rare disorder that doesn't allow his permanent teeth to erupt. Instead they become impacted in his jaw.

He currently has a life threatening bone infection that we are dealing with in addition to recovering from major surgery.



I have to take him into the vet daily for a laser treatment. We are then being referred to a dental specialist for additional surgery. And that will cost a pretty penny. A very pretty penny. But, what do you do?

On the outside looking in, you would think,"I'd never go in debt over a cat!" But, he is only three years old! He is as good as gold around my girls. He actually enjoys being around Abigail who sometimes pulls his tail and is still learning about "gentle." He used to have tea parties with Olivia and they would take turns sliding down the slide. He can sometimes be annoying but only because he thinks he has to be with you every second of every day. He acts more like a dog than a cat.

It's not as if this will be a long term problem. He will basically end up without many teeth, but I've heard cats do fine with that. He lapped up the puréed food I made him tonight. It's not even a quality of life issue. He is still the happiest, sweetest cat ever, which blows my mind! It just boils down to cost and how much an animal's life is worth. And that is tough because every person has a different threshold. Mine is probably a bit more than most as I've always been a bit more sensitive to stuff like this. But it just plain sucks. For now, we are going to hopefully get rid of the infection and meet with the specialist to get more information. And I'll get busy putting together a slideshow of Tobey to a Sarah McLachlan song and begin asking for donations. Haha! Not really. . .well. . .hmm. :-)


Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday, September 23, 2013

Tobey Update

When your vet begins by saying, "I've never seen this in a cat before and rarely in dogs" you know you are in trouble. :-( Tobey had three baby teeth plus the permanent impacted teeth plus part of his JAW bone removed!! He is having a hard time coming out of anesthesia, so they are keeping him overnight. He will most likely end up eventually losing all but his canine teeth. :-( Leave it to Tobey to end up in a veterinarian medical book. Poor guy. He should be able to come home tomorrow afternoon.


Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday, September 23, 2013

Olivia has been wearing her toothless grin proudly today. :-) Look at those gorgeous, straight baby teeth.






Also, an update on our cat, Tobey: He has one messed up mouth. It seems his back baby teeth never fell out which caused his permanent teeth to become impacted. Thus, causing all kinds of problems. So, he is in surgery having teeth pulled and repairing his exposed jaw bone. Poor guy. Who knows how much pain he has been in and you'd never know it as he is the sweetest thing ever! Olivia was concerned about him and asked if the tooth fairy could visit him tonight. So, I helped her write this letter.



How priceless is this? So, really, if the tooth fairy could show up that would be great as we have no new cat toys around here. It may have to be canned food instead as that will be all he eats for awhile.

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Out With The Old. . .

In with the new!

Olivia lost her first baby tooth. She cried a bit. Not because it hurt, but because she was sad to lose her first baby tooth. (Honestly I felt like crying too wondering how these gigantic teeth are going to fit in her itty bitty mouth. Her perfectly straight beautiful baby teeth have NO space between them.) But. . .nonetheless. . .it was an exciting night in our house tonight!!


And now we wait for the tooth fairy to visit our house for the first time!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Tobey Cole

Sometimes even cats need prayers. (And, yes, my cats have middle names.) Tobey went into the vet today and they found a large lesion/open sore in his mouth. It is so bad that it is exposing a large portion of his jaw bone. We don't know anymore at this point. He goes in Monday for further testing.



This is the same cat that had diskospondylitis and almost had to have his tail amputated. He also retained 5 of his baby teeth, which caused him to have too many teeth and one punctured the roof of his mouth. He had to have his teeth pulled and surgery to repair it. And now this. All rare. All things our vet rarely sees. And he is not even 4 years old!

All I know is. . .I would have two extremely heartbroken girls if something happened to him. He has many annoying habits, but he is the best cat you could ever have for young children. Olivia and Abigail adore him (as do Ryan and I, of course.) Praying it is something easily treatable and that he is not in too much pain.

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fall Festival

It was gorgeous outside so we headed to a nearby town's fall festival. It was a bit nostalgic for me because I grew up going to school there and went to the fall festival every year. Olivia loved it as much as I used to.

She was so excited to ride the rooster on the carousel!







Abigail was an absolute angel the entire time. She always is!



Olivia loved the tilt a whirl and was thrilled to also go on her favorite ride ever. . .the Octopus (although it was actually the spider today.)


And here we are at the top of Olivia's first Ferris wheel ride.


What a great, great time! Add to that a sleepover last night at grandpa and grandma Glunt's house and Olivia is having "the best weekend ever!"

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone