Security

On September 12th our life took an unexpected detour when our house was broken in to while I was at the gym. The day before the incident the Hubs and I were discussing our plans for the future. Initially we never intended on staying in the rental home for very long...but one year quickly became two and we were feeling pretty comfortable there. We had just discussed that we would both like to stay one more year and then begin looking for our next home to purchase. In fact, on the morning of September 12th, I discussed this plan with the ladies that watch Lo in the gym nursery. 

My class got out early that morning and I distinctly remember feeling like I should take my time driving back home, which I did. Shortly after that I arrived home to find that our house had been broken in to. This isn't the first time I have been robbed, my childhood home was broken in to on a few different occasions and I was robbed while working as a bank teller back in 2001. I knew all of the emotions I would go through in the following days but what I didn't anticipate was how the mother in me would react. I was panic stricken, I didn't want to stay in that house another second! 

I tried to remain calm for Lo because I know that littles can sense those kinds of things, but she pretty much immediately broke out with hives herself. That was so, so sad. We tried to stay at the house the first night to prove to ourselves that we could do it and feel safe again. The only drawback was that none of us slept a wink, not even the baby. So, that morning I packed as much clothing/valuables as I could fit in my vehicle and I headed to my parents house.

Hubby went out of town on a previously planned work trip and all the while we both tried to figure out if/when we would go back home. To make an already long story longer, the home was attempted to be broken in to 2 more times before there was another successful break in leaving our total at 4 times as of today. After the second time we both decided we weren't going back, how could I with a little one to keep safe? So, for the time being all of our stuff is in storage and we are shacking up with my parents while we look for our next home to purchase. Funny how things can change in an instant, huh?

These were the last 2 pictures that I had of us at our rental home. One of Lo acting a fool running around inside and one out in the yard before a bike ride. What sickens me is that someone watched us and knew our routines. They knew I would be at the gym that morning and the window of time they had. To think of us riding the streets in that neighborhood on our family bike rides while some creep watched us makes me ill. Oh well, accept the things you can't change...right?

Ohio 2013

We traveled to Ohio for Ronnie's funeral. He died in May and was cremated so we waited until all if the family could get together to do the funeral/burial. Independence Day weekend seemed to work best for the family so that's when we made our trip up. My parents came with us for moral support and to help with the baby during the funeral which was a huge help.

We traveled on the 4th of July and pulled in to Hubby's cousins home around 5:00. We were able to mingle with family and enjoy a barbecue for the holiday. It was a nice surprise to be able to make it for the celebration because we made really good time on the way up.

The 5th was the day of the funeral. There were so many people there that we didn't even know but we tried to mingle with most people as they came in the church so we could introduce ourselves. The funeral was held at the church that Ronnie's family has attended for years. 2 different Pastor's took care of the service, there was beautiful music and Hubby  closed the funeral with his thoughts about his Dad. He did a beautiful job and I know that his Dad would have been so proud of him.

I don't know where he got the strength to speak at his own Dad's funeral but he did an incredible job.  We went to the cemetery where family and friends paid their respects and Hubby dedicated (said a prayer) over the grave. Once everyone went back to their cars to leave, my Hubby took Lo over to the grave so that he could have a minute with her- telling her about her Grandpa that she was only able to meet once. It seems weird to write about this on a blog that other people read, but it's a collection of my thoughts and it's a sweet moment that I don't want to forget. 

We went back to the church and had lunch before going back to Kev and Theresa's so that Lo could take a nap before the next scheduled gathering. Later that afternoon we went to hubby's Aunt Fran and Uncle Neal's home where they hosted the family and some close friends for a dinner. It was nice to be able to kick back and enjoy time with he family. Kev and Theresa made a slideshow that I heard was really good of all of the pics of Ronnie over the years. I hate I missed it, but I was keeping Lo entertained so she didn't ruin it for everyone else.

Saturday we deemed a fun day. Kev a d Theresa generously offered to show us some sights- We went to a chocolatier, an outlet mall, a cheese place that gave the Amish a run for their money, a outdoor store and a steakhouse. Later that evening we met back up at Neal and Fran's for dinner with the family.

Sunday morning we said our goodbyes to everyone, loaded up Ronnie's belongings in our car and made the trek back home. The trip home took a lot longer than the ride up...we were definitely glad to be home! 

Some of the few pictures I have from the trip-

Hubby and Lo

The cheese store of all cheese stores...amazing!

Traveling with a toddler was a full time job for 2 people. It was difficult keeping her entertained and difficult to get her to take naps along the way but better than I expected. Did I mention she cut molars on this trip? Yikes!

E's Christmas Concert

We had the privilege of attending E's band concert at his middle school one evening.  This is his first time playing in the band and his first year playing the trumpet.  It was really fun being able to see what he's been practicing for since the start of the school year.  It's pretty amazing what these kids learn in such a short amount of time.

Lo's First Fire Truck Santa

It was late one weeknight in December when I heard firetruck sirens...I knew that could only mean one thing- Santa was on his way!  I was so excited but had literally no time to prepare as the truck was only 2 doors down when I heard the noise.  We ran out in our pajamas to get a glimpse of Old Saint Nick.  Punky was generally unimpressed but it's a tradition that is important to me.

Family Pictures

Just two of the front runners for our Christmas card-

Halloween 2012

We started out the Halloween celebration by taking our Little Pumpkin to get her flu shot.  The nurse that gave her the vaccine was dressed as Buzz Light Year, I have a feeling that she won't be a fan of Toy Story!

Before we left to meet up with the fam we had a brief little photo shoot of the cutest little pumpkin ever.  Well, see for yourself-

 After the shoot I asked the Hubs to take a quick pic of me and my girl in case it didn't happen later in the evening.  Well, it didn't happen later and she wasn't that interested in these...oh well!

We headed over to Roc and Babs house where the whole family (except Mimi who was working) got together to go Trick or Treating.  Some of the kids took turns pushing around the pumpkin chariot.  Her stroller went with her costume!

 Then she got "saved" from her plush ride by Bab who took her up to some doors to do some real trick-or-treating.

 I forgot her basket at Trunk-or-Treat and for tonight.  Luckily I had a smaller Target shopping bag in my car.  She wasn't keen on carrying her own bag!

Then we came across this awesome house.  The pictures just don't do it justice.  There were lights and animated stuff all over.  The wind knocked some of the stuff over...it was chilly!

In the end, Gigi ended up in the stroller being pushed by a frozen Hubby.  Jas, Nell, Lou and J Man are in the background.  Boy did we have fun!

Trunk or Treat 2012

Pappy and Mimi's ward (church) had their Trunk-or-Treat out at a farm.  Pappy pretty much planned the night so the whole family went out to have some fun.  They had a chili and cornbread cook-off, costume contest, bonfire, hot cocoa bar, hot dogs...and of course, trunk-or-treat.  We got a few shots before leaving Mimi and Pappy's-

Bab and Lo

It took about 20 attempts to get this shot- all 7 grand kids in costume.

And a couple more once we got out to Phipps Farm- 

Kelc, I mean Goldilocks and the 3 bears, came with us and her friend Jasmine too!

Me and Lo

She loves her Uncle Jas, however she would not come off the smiles.

So Uncle Jas decided to fall in line with her expression.

We came home late that night because we had the Cub Scout Bicycle Rodeo to attend the next morning.  Here is a shot from lunch at the Rodeo!



Weekend In Review

Friday night we had the opportunity to hang out with some of our friends.  I just cannot say enough about having good friends.  It doesn't matter what we do, where we are or what we wear...we just like being together.

Saturday morning began with trip to Phipps Farm to scout out the set up for the fall festival that my Dad is in charge of.  All of the grand girls,Hubby,Bab, Pappy and myself all went out and had such a good time on the farm.  We picked and ate pears and figs,saw the quail and chickens, the girls took home a quail egg and Pappy took home some regular eggs.  We also got to see Phipps farmhouse that he built himself, it was so cool.  While we were inside he serenaded us on his guitar, he is such a sweet man.

After the farm we had worked up an appetite- for Italian food so we went to the Italian Festival downtown. We had a blast there, everyone was there from our family except for Babs boys who were camping.  We had some really good gelato, Italian ice, Italian soda and Hubs raved about his sausage and pepper sandwich. Yum!  We got to see a gondola, the girls got balloon hats made just for them,played on the bounce house/slide, stomped grapes and did a little shopping at the different booths that were there.

For some reason my photos uploaded backwards-

Hubby and Lo at the festival

Lo loved playing with and popping her hat.

Munchie stomping grapes.  And, Gigi in the background in Lo's stroller...her shoes were rubbing a blister.

Silly!  Munch got attacked by ants on the farm so Hubby gave her a lift. She immediately went from crying to laughing hysterically.

All of the grand girls showing off their quail eggs that they named and carried around like babies.

Bab trying to interest Lo in looking at the chickens...I think she was more interested in her Daddy.

My boy scout, always prepared!  The grand girls wanted to eat the pears that they picked but wanted them peeled so it was Hubby and his pocket knife to the rescue.

Lo enjoyed gnawing on a pear too!

Italian Festival 2012
All of the girls in their balloon hats.

On Sunday we went to church where I was overloaded with cub scout information, someone say a prayer for me!  After church we went to see Nana with Mimi and Pappy where we skyped with Aunt B all the way in Montana.

A Bushel And A Peck

While on our vacation we had the opportunity to go to an apple orchard to pick apples.

This was the variety that Lo got to try.  There were SO many types of apples.

 The orchard was beautiful.

 Little Miss trying her first apple, she enjoyed licking it!

 Stepp Farms

 Checking out the scenery.

 The fam picking apples.

 Hanging out.

 We went on a hayride to see the farm, Lo was unimpressed with waiting for other people to load up so she watched some Curious George to pass the time.

 A cow!

 Pappy and his mini me.  E is showing off the marshmallow gun that he and

J Man bought at the Apple Festival.

 Munch and Lou being buddies on the ride.

 Our little fam

 Pappy and Mimi

 Nell and Jas

 Roc and Bab

 I thought this apple was so sweet I took it home!

When I look at this picture all I can think of is how my milky white skin is sizzling in the sun.  I made sure that Lo was protected from the sun at all times and failed to protect my own.  I'm far too pale to go out sans sunscreen!

Apple picking was probably the highlight of our trip.  We are already planning another trip to pick apples.  Mimi came home and made Lo some chunky applesauce with the fresh apples that we picked.