$5 of Fun

I bought a bag of balls at a consignment shop. Thinking of all the nasty germs contaminating them, I soaked them in a tub of steaming hot bath water mixed with bleach. Then the fun began...

Family Photo Shoot

Jesse, G and I got our pics taken last Friday. Our friend Sarah did an amazing job. I was telling my sister how awesome Sarah was (especially with G). Melody said, "Of course, everything she touches turns to gold."

You can visit the link here: www.sorellimages.com/georgia1year/

Shameless Plug Contact me if you want Sarah's information for a photography session.

The Lord Provides

Do you read my blog? Let me know. I'm starting to think my posting efforts are in vain. Who cares if they are? I enjoy blogging.

The last week and a half have been a whirlwind; an up and down roller-coaster. It all began on Wednesday, Sept. 16 when I heard these words come from my boss's mouth, "Amy, we may have to do a mass lay-off. You will probably be losing your job." No big deal I thought. I'd be able to find a new one. Then I came home and started playing around with our budget. Being an excel spreadsheet geek, I edited my formulas to see how long Jesse and I could have a single-income home before completely using up our savings. We could make it a while. But who wants to use the savings account? Savings accounts are for saving! I didn't want to use it.

Trusting the Lord, Jesse and I knew whatever happened, He would provide. He has proved faithful time and time again. Once again the words, "Amy, He takes care of the sparrows. He won't forget us," came out of Jesse's mouth. I'm thankful for a husband that can encourage me during tough times.

I didn't lose my job until Tuesday, Sept. 22nd. Which was perfect timing, considering I had an interview at 5:00pm. So in a matter of about 3 hours I went from FIRED, to HIRED. Okay I know the term FIRED is harsh. And I wasn't fired. I simply lost my job - I guess you could say I'm a victim of the "economic crisis."

Unemployed or employed - I'm so grateful that the Lord is taking care of me. I don't start my new job until Oct. 5th. So for now, I'm cleaning our house from top to bottom, making the most of my circumstance.

Mobile Phone Photo Memories

Here are some of my favorite pictures I've taken with my phone. Enjoy! (these are not in a particular order)

Georgia playing with her purse. Since I got tired of her digging through my purse, I bought her her very own. Now she carries it with her around the house. Too cute!

Jesse went out of town last weekend. I never realized how smart a 14-month kid could be. Saturday morning she walked over to the frame where Jesse's picture was. She picked it up and pointed at his face. Then, she hugged the frame and smiled at me. I'll cherish this sweet memory. Do you think I have a Daddy's girl on my hand? She continued to carry the picture around the rest of the weekend.

I typically pull down the visor in my car to keep an eye on my precious girl during my drive home. We smile back and forth at each other. Sometimes I sing and she claps. I love my sweet little friend.

This past winter while chopping up ingredients for a salad I tried to toss the lettuce into the trash. Oops; I missed! The lettuce landed on Georgia's head. Oh my little cabbage patch!

Georgia at about 6 months - sitting so straight with such a serious expression on her face. What was she doing? This was her first experience of Elmo.

The beast (aka Violet).

My little diva (about 5.5 months old)

Georgia's kicks were on the couch. To me, they looked like a little ad. So I tool a picture. These shoes no longer fit. I will always love this picture. These were the first shoes that Georgia wore as a walker.

so much to blog about and SO LITTLE TIME

There are many things I'd like to blog about, and I haven't had (or made) the time to do it.

Therefore, here is a lot of information in a really short amount of time.

1. I joined WW (again). Many moms have said, "The last 5 lbs is the hardest to lose." So true.
2. I joined Jazzercise (again - was a member in 2005). Today was my first day back in the routine (ha ha). I went to the 5:45-am class before work; I'm going to try and make this part of my MTWU schedule. We'll see if it works.
3. I went on Vacation to Destin, Fl. This trip is worthy of its very own post. More to come on this soon (hold me to it!).
4. I've found some new recipes.
5. I've continued to pray for the Nagel Family. You should pray for them too. I do not know this beautiful family personally. I do recognize Molly from K-State, and I believe I have met her. Please visit their story on their blog. I hope you're compelled to act. Would you please join me in prayer for them and their Waverly? And, buy a bracelet, "For the Love of Waverly."

Pictures of Georgia's Dedication/Birthday

We hired our friend Megan who is a photographer to take pictures of Georgia's baby dedication/ birthday party. Megan has posted some of the pictures on her blog. I hope you enjoy her work as much as we do. Check them out here!

Thanks again Megan for coming to our party and capturing memories for us!

The Carousel

In my last post I said that Carousel pictures were coming. Here they are:

I love Georgia's expression here.

This is adorable Elle (Georgia's cousin and one of her best friends) and Myna (what Elle has named Grandma Mara).

Georgia was squealing while I took this picture, and looking to see what Elle was doing.

Tired after a great birthday and playday with Grandma Myna.

Auntie Leah, Georgia's mom (I'm realizing that that is my new name), birthday girl Georgia, Elle and Elle's Mom (Auntie Anna).

Georgia May's First Birthday

(an update for Lisa D)

One blueberry pancake for our 1 YR OLD.

A trip to the mall with cousin/bff Elle, Aunties and Myna (Grandma) for the carousal (more pictures on this later).

Then off to Papa Keno's for some pizza pie.

After the pizza pie, we enjoyed a cookie pie.

Then way past bedtime - Myna and Papa came over and gave Georgia May her own chair! Happy Birthday Georgia girl! We love you! And thank you, thank you, thank you Papa and Myna for such a special 1st birthday!

July 4th - Due Date 2008

Last year on July 4th we had a due date - and nothing happened. Nothing happened for another 11 days! Regardless this year's 4th of July was a lot more fun! I wasn't weighed down with a watermelon gut, and sweet Georgia May could celebrate with us!

Our day started with a family wedding. Then Jesse and I came home so Georgia May could get some rest. After her nap we walked down the street to a fireworks stand. We bought sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and other various explosives. We walked home and got the matches. Georgia was in awe of our pyrotechnic display in our yard. Next we headed to Jesse's Uncle's restaurant in Parkville, MO. There was a fair going on. Jesse and I enjoyed the down-home folk, rides and funnel cake, while Georgia snuggled with Grandma and Grandpa Sieve.

Temper Tantrums

I don't want to mention names - but a certain someone in our home has begun throwing temper tantrums. After a couple of minutes of being ignored, this stops. We're trying hard to not give her the attention see hopes to get from these fits. Hopefully she'll realize that these tantrums are pointless. (and hopefully Jesse and I can continue to keep cool and not laugh - I must admit, she looks hilarious!)

(10 minutes later) And life is good...

Peek-A-Boo Daddy!

We absolutely love making family memories. Right now one of our activities is to play mimic games with Georgia. Here is a picture of Jesse and Georgia playing peek-a-boo.

June Wedding #2 (The Reception) - Congratulations Ryan and Lia

On Saturday another Mrs. Sieve was added to the mix.  Ryan could not have picked a greater girl to be his bride.   Welcome to the family Lia.  We love you!

Here I am with the other Mrs. Sieve.

Leah and Elle (our niece and the flower girl) dancing.

Alex, me, Mindy and Mary paused from dancing to get a picture.

Meet Dave, Larry and Cory.  Dave is married to Jesse's older sister Anna, Cory is married to Jesse's younger sister Leah.  Larry is Jesse's youngest brother.  And Larry is SINGLE (for anyone on the prowl)!  

My beautiful sister-in-laws and wonderful friends Anna and Leah.

Ohhh...I love this man!

And I love his parents...without them Jesse wouldn't be here!  

And my parents.

My parents were so kind to help with Georgia so Jesse and I could stay at the reception later.

A family portrait (Georgia was also a flower girl).

One last picture before Georgia went home with my parents.

Georgia gave Ryan and Lia a kiss goodbye.

Sam Lyons caught Lia's bouquet

And Larry caught the garter.

June Wedding #2 (Rehearsal Dinner) - Congratulations Ryan and Lia

Friday night we began celebrating the wedding festivities with a rehearsal dinner at Uncle Tom's restaurant The Iron Horse - An American Bistro.

Ryan and Lia provided a toast to all their friends and family that were in attendance.

(A glance at our evening.)

Aunt Sara (my mother-in-law Mara's sister) spent hours preparing for this event by making beautiful napkin rings, custom table clothes and center pieces.  Kudos to Aunt Catherine (Mara's sister-in-law) who assisted Sara in making the center pieces.  

A few of Lia's close friends and bridesmaids.

The stunning bride and groom acknowledge Uncle Tom and Aunt Sara's hard work.  

Even Georgia had a delicious meal.  

Georgia May and I.

Georgia a bit cranky.