Looking for our Wish Lists? Here they are.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Back from Michigan

After a long and horrible flight from Detroit to Norfolk on Friday, we are safely back home. It was so good to get home to see Richard again and try to get back into a routine. Lil was a little devil Saturday but a little better on Sunday so hopefully it will go up from here. Its great to have Kylie over again, she's changed so much just in two weeks, as Lillian has too.

Michigan was good. The wedding went off without a hitch and was beautiful. We spent some time with R's family and even went up to see his sister Kim and her new house. We went to a "homemade" zoo which was quite an experience. With my parents we went swimming, visited with friends and family and did some shopping, Ikea even. Kristen and I made great plans for our time together at Christmas time.

Lillian got tons of new clothes, of course. She even has two outfits for Fourth of July (knowing how she goes through clothes).

Saturday brought tons of grocery shopping. Our receipt was almost two feet long!! Then we came home, put everything away, divided up and put away the meats and cheeses, and made several meals for the freezer.

Sunday after church, Lillian and I took a nap then we unpacked, folded four loads of laundry, and cleaned the house. Exciting stuff.

This week is supposed to be a really short working week for R, that will be nice if it works out.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

We're (Lillian and Stacey) in Michigan until Friday the 29th. And we're crazy busy: Brian's wedding, seeing my family, hanging out with Richard's family, seeing old friends (well friends from before, but they're not OLD). Anywho, we're going to be busy and I'm not gonna update until I get back home probably. And then probably not over that weekend, because we'll be bonding with Daddy again. Maybe Monday.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Saturday and Father's Day

Saturday

Richard had to go into work for a little while in the morning, but got home around 11. Which was perfect, because I left then to get my hair done. We played some games together and cleaned a bit before leaving for the Tides game. We got tickets from Lindsey because she got four free tickets at work. We had a good time, even though the Tides royally suck. We got nachos and pretzels. We had to watch the game closely though because we were in the foul section. A couple balls came our way, which had us diving over the babies to cover them. The only one that came close to us though was one that a little boy caught in his popcorn bucket. It was supposed to be a fireworks night but because of a little wind and the fact that there are two wildfires nearby, the fire marshall said no go. The smoke was really bad all day all over town because of the fires, it smelled like campfire, even in the car and house. When we got home and were putting Lil to bed, while she was on the changing table she was in such a good mood, and I was tickling her tummy and laughing and she laughed! I screamed for Richard and he came in and we even got it on video once. The video is great and we posted it here - pardon our stupid antics trying to get her to laugh again.

Sunday - Richard's First Father's Day

We went to church and then went to Joe's Crab Shack for lunch. R has been wanting to go there for a while, but I've put it off since I don't like seafood. But we had a good time. Then we returned some pants to Old Navy and stopped back home to pick up the stroller we forgot. Then we went north, over the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (with fairly little backup even) and went into Hampton to the Virgina Air and Space Center. They have a Jellybelly exhibit R saw on TV and wanted to go to. The Jellybelly exhibit was large but kind of lacking. But the Air and Space Center itself was really great. 10-15 full size planes and tons of interactive displays and videos. Well worth our time. And money, since it was only $9 to get in and we had a buy one get one free coupon. We got Dairy Queen Blizzards on the way home and they were YUMMY. Now I'm trying to pack for Tuesday because tomorrow we're going to the zoo.

Laughing Lillian

Friday, June 13, 2008

ABCs 123s

Air and Space Museum - Where we're going for R's Father's Day present. ITS A SECRET - DON'T TELL!! Yes,its an odd gift, but he will love it, I guarantee it.
Bumbo- I COULD NOT live without it.
Craptacular - Upon closer inspection, that is the kind of job they did on our shower. But oh well, it'll last a year prolly and that's all we'll need it for.
Drool - Lilly is a super soaker.
Efficient - We were this and more this week.
Fireworks - They were awesome last Saturday.
Gaming - R is trying to teach me how to nerd it up. Not that I wanna learn mind you, but that doesn't seem to matter.
Homemade Sweet Tea - Our first time making it.
Insufficient - As in our funds.
Jello Pudding - Mmmm, cheesecake flavor.
Kylie - She's so much fun.
Lillian - She is perfecting her devil cry to show all the family next week.
Marriage - I'm coming to MI next week for Brian's wedding.
Nipples - Get your mind out of the gutter!! Lillian just graduated to size 3!
Organizing - We cleaned every closet we own!
Pool - My new favorite thing, especially the kiddie one.
Quick - Lillian is quick to scream.
Richard - He gets off work early tonight!!!!!!
Sloppy Joes - It's what's for dinner.
Tides - The baseball game we're going to tomorrow night.
Underestimate - We underestimated the time it would take to organize the closets.
Vista - As in Windows Vista. I HATE IT.
Worried - That Lillian will banshee scream all the way to Michigan.
X-ray - Gpa Harris had to get one after he dived off of a ladder.
Yolk - I give R the yolk's of all my hard boiled eggs. (We had them today).
Zoo- I'm hoping to go on Monday with the moms and babies from Sunday School.

1 We got Moe's last night and had a buy one get one free coupon!
2 Tea bags in the jug.
3 Hours it took to clean the downstairs storage room.
4 New tubs I bought at Wal-Mart.
5 Hours Lillian was with Brandon and Lindsey!!! (THANK YOU)
6 Bowls of cheesecake pudding, I just made.
7 How many gas stations I tried before I found one that wasn't out of gas.
8 How many diapers we use a day.
9 Hairs on Lilly's head...kidding. Kind of.
10 How many burp cloths we go through a day.

WHEE HE HEEEEEEEEEEE

We finally took everything out of almost every closet we own and started from scratch and cleaned, tossed, gave, and reorganized. You can see what a big accomplishment it was if you look at the before pics here.

Survey





Alright, Mom said she couldn't do it without pictures of the old backgrounds. Here ya go. But it means that once again, votes are at zero and everyone must vote again. Leave your name as a comment on this post after you vote so I know who has already voted.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Bathroom Update

Two contractors FINALLY came today and tore out the rest of the tile. They cut out the moldy bottom part of the drywall and replaced it. Then they put new tile up. And its white, not pink. We don't have a towel bar/shelf or soap dish now though. But it looks much better now. And the last photo shows the bathroom after we re-inhabited it.



Surveys, surveys, surveys

Three things that I'm loving lately:
Contractors tearing out my shower
The pool
brownie batter

Three things that are just down right crazy:
The heat
Kylie's blowout yesterday
The cost of gas! Its insane! Maybe they should make "forever gas" that we could prepay today!

Three things that I'm working on right now:
This list
An "I wanna" list
Framing a new print I got

Three things I love to hear:
The sound of pink, moldy tiles leaving my house FOREVER
Lilly making one sole squeak as she tries to laugh
Silence during naptime




COUNTDOWN
TWELVE things that I purchased this week:
Capris for me
Bermudas for me
Sippy Cup for Lillian
Water bottle for Richard
Twizzlers for Richard
Brown skirt for me
Supplies for banana bread
ARMY WIVES SEASON 1 DVD
Richard's Father's Day present
A book on Windows Vista for Richard
Mary Tyler Moore Season 1 for Gma Shipp who's having surgery tomorrow
A steering wheel cover so I don't burn my paws any more

ELEVEN things that I'm loving these days:
NEW TILEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (I'm just a little excited, can ya tell)
Talking to Grandma Shipp on the phone yesterday
The pool!!
Helping a friend out by bringing dessert to bible study
That I'm going home next week!!
TiVo
Army Wives season 2
Begining of Design Star again
Facebook
Lillian
That Kylie is a good baby

TEN things that annoy me:
Moldy tile
Blowout diapers
That we don't have our replacement double stroller yet
That its 105 here and its only the begining of June
The elephants that live upstairs
Blankets that shed fuzz balls in the washer
Making bottles
That I can only take one suitcase home
That I haven't talked to Heather in FOREVER

NINE words that would describe me:

  1. Concerned ~ Gma Shipp has hip replacement surgery tomorrow
  2. Annoyed ~ I WANT MY NEW STROLLER so we can go for walks.
  3. Pleased ~ The girls are such good babies
  4. Grateful ~ i've finally made good friends here.
  5. Overwhelmed ~ I really need to get crackin again on Lilly's week by week memory book
  6. Sad ~ R isn't coming home to MI with us
  7. Full ~ the strawberry cheesecake muffin was amazing
  8. Excited ~ two days in a row at the pool!
  9. Entertained ~ Army Wives is back on

EIGHT great old movies to rewatch about this summer:
Big
You've Got Mail
Follow that Bird
Cinderella- Rogers & Hammerstein
Gerbert or McGee & Me
Aladdin
The Rocketeer
Twister

SEVEN things that I've accomplished:
Folding 4 loads of laundry
Starting my "I wanna" journal
Losing 45+ pounds
Finding a great swimsuit
Watching two babies and even doing errands
Playing R's game with him
Walking 150+ miles
Getting Lil to sleep while they're taking down tile

SIX quick tips to simplify life:
1. When you're putting leftovers in the fridge, write what it is with a dry erase marker, then it comes right off when the dish gets washed.
2. Keep a sharpee and scissors in the kitchen.
3. Twice a year (or once a month if you're OCD like me) go through the entire house making three piles: trash, craigslist/ebay/consignment, goodwill. You will be amazed at how much you gather.
4. Put foil in the pan before you use it so you don't have to wash the pan.
5. Peel potatoes, shred cheese, etc on waxed paper then just pick up the paper and throw it away so you don't have to wash the countertop.
6. When clothes come out of the dryer, dump them on your bed, so you have to fold and put them away before you go to bed.

FIVE absolutely wonderful quotes worth remembering:
Life's not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon or tasted as good as brownies.
Childhood is that wonderful time of life when all you need to do to lose weight is take a bath.
How long a minute is, depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on.
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.

FOUR things I said yesterday more than once:
It's hot.
When will my shower be fixed?!?
I got Army Wives Season 1 on DVD.
She's awake.

THREE things that made me laugh this week:
Lilly talking
The little girl at the pool, "she's pukin"
Lilly laying on my stomach and puking all over my shirt, cheast, neck, face, hair and carpet...yet not a single drop on her

TWO Books on my want list right now:
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky
Change of Heart by Jodi Piccoult

ONE thing R's completely embarrassed about:
Falling through the step at a Friends' and breaking it

Monday

Yesterday, when Kylie left, Lil and I headed straight for the pool. (Since it was a mere 105 here yesterday.) We spent two hours down there and had such a good time. When we first got down there we were the only ones there and it was WONDERFUL. We just sat on the edge and talked to the Lifeguard. She is Sweedish or something and I imagine her name is Helga, although I'm sure its not. But that's what I like to call her in my head. Its funny when the pool is full and she blows her whistle and yells at some kid, she has to yell it three or four times for anyone to figure out what she's saying.

We played in the kiddie pool, then I read a book for awhile while Miss Lil took a nap, then we got back in again. This time, in the kiddie pool, we met a 3 or 4 year old girl and she was so cute. She loved to hold Lillian's hand and dance with her. She was talking to Lilly and Lilly was cracking up. She was so funny, she kept saying "she's pukin". I tried to tell her that's all she does all day, but she continued to keep sayin "she's pukin". It was too funny.

I just got an email from Lindsey at work that she has four tickets to the Saturday night Tides (baseball) game and asked if we wanted to go. Of course! So the six of us (Brandon, Lindsey, us, and the girls) will be going there Saturday night. The forecast is calling for 95% and 30% chance of thunderstorms though, so hopefully that changes before then.

Sunday I have a day planned for Richard's first Father's Day. Its all surprises to him, so he can't wait to find out what we're doing. He knows part of it involves lunch out at a restaurant, but doesn't know which one.

This morning, after I was woken by Brandon's knock on the door to drop Kylie off and I went back to bed (she was sleeping and so was Lil), THEN we got another knock at our door. Guess who?!?? Two contractors, not maintenance men, but real contractors, here to fix our shower, not just fix it, but rip it all out, tiles, mold, drywall, and even plumbing and re-do it all. I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!! They are in the middle of it now but said they would be here most of the day. I was hoping to go to the pool again today so I'm hoping they're gone by 3, but if not, its worth it to skip a day at the pool for a NEW SHOWER!!!! I made them muffins and gave them pop cuz I was so thrilled to see them.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Lillian telling you about her weekend

Saturday and Sunday

Saturday morning we went shopping and got some clothes for me for Michigan. I actually have clothes that fit now! Unfortunately, its still not the closet full of clothes I already own, but we're getting closer...SLOWLY. We had lunch at Applebee's and finally used the gift card mom and dad gave us for Christmas. Then we went home and just hung out, played a game and watched some TV. Saturday night, Lena and Landon came over and we went to oldetown Portsmouth and watched the fireworks at Harbor Fest. It was still about 100 degrees and very, very muggy, but the show was AWESOME. It was more than a half hour and had a great variety of fireworks. Lilly loved looking at them and the sounds didn't bother her at all. She loves seeing Aunt Lena and Uncle Landon too. And we loved the break, we didn't hold her all night long! Landon tried to help R figure out how to fix the broken double stroller but no luck.

Sunday we went to church and took snack: banana bread and cinnamon bread. They were huge hits. We came home and hit the pool right away for almost two hours. The pool was almost warm this time and I actually got in. Lillian loved it, actually being able to get in now that its warmer. We spent some time in the big pool, then Lilly took a nap and I laid out while R swam. Then we all got in the kiddie pool. I sat on the bottom and just let Lilly stand in front of me. She had so much fun. We attracted a crowd of small children and Lillian was putting on a show for them, smiling and talking. We had to run to Target quick but then came back for a quiet evening at home, playing games. Army Wives season 2 started but I tivo'd it and will watch it later today...I can't wait.

Today brings:
watching Army Wives
calling Gma Shipp
Folding laundry
Making something for dinner
Writing in Lillian's memory book
Updating the checkbook
Putting away all the stuff from this weekend
Calling girls to set up lunch tomorrow.

Friday, June 6, 2008

To Do's and Goals

Things to accomplish this weekend:
Pool
Exercise one day
Take snacks to Sunday School
Pick up new Pac-N-Play
Harbor Fest fireworks with Landon & Lena
Shopping for clothes for Stacey for MI
Start MI packing list
Play a game together
Vacuum Pacifica
Fix wheels on stroller
Call Grandma
Call Kristen
Buy teething tablets for Lil



Goals for this summer:
Lose weight
Consistent workouts
Family photos & Lillian's 6 month photos taken in July
Stace and Lillian be in Brian and Steph's Wedding
A whole family visit to Iowa in August!
Go to the Virginia Zoo
Encourage Kylie and Lilly's friendship daily
Read at least one book a day to the girls
Have houseguests
Tithe regularly
Have a child-less date once a month
Pool at least once a week
Have Lillian get on the weight chart
R get off work for bible study on Wednesdays
Not take money out of the house fund
Make a house video for insurance purposes
Update wills, life insurance, medical info
Pray everyday about orders for next July

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Leave comments please

In the interest of changing up the blog a little and making it more useful...is there anything anyone would like to see added to the blog? Leave your comments below and let us know what you would like to see here.

We have also deleted the chatterbox feature that was in the right hand column, any time you want to comment, you can leave it under any post, where it says "comments" and it is automatically emailed to us.

Over the next week or so we will be changing the background a lot. When we are done, I will post a poll of which one you like best, so remember. And when the poll goes up, please post.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Shower damage

This was our problem.



















This was their solution.


Hmmmmmmm....

The girls




On Monday, we started watching Kylie during the days while her parents are at work. It gets crazy at times with two babies, 4 months and 3 months, but for the most part its really fun. And with R's schedule, as much as I hate it, he is home for most of the time that Kylie is here, so if things do get crazy, he's great about stepping in and taking either of them. Then between 2-3 Lindsey picks her up and Lillian and I start the long process of passing the time til R gets home at midnight.

Tonight though, he's supposed to be able to get off at 5 so that he can go to bible study with us. I'm still not believing it until I see it, but if it happens I will be super excited.

We're doing a "cleanse" that is also supposed to help you lose some weight. The main goal though is to clean you all out, decrease your appetite and decrease any cravings. We started Monday and we're supposed to go for ten days. Although R quit last night and had a meal of three double cheeseburgers and a large fry. QUITTER!!!!! I'm still doing it though. You're only allowed to have one glass of tea a day and as much water and the lemonade mix you want. The lemonade mix is water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It's delicious - let me tell you.