Who Said We Teachers Can't Have Fun?

Would you be proud to work with these people? Last week in celebration of Halloween - we had some basic dress up days instead of letting the kids wear gory costumes. The teachers had more fun with this day. We dressed as students and the kids dressed as teachers. I have pictures of us with our student look alike but that is for another post - picture some of our boys dressed as pregnant teachers!

We love to imitate how they act in class! I am "Chyann" a girl who ALWAYS has on all black and a slipknot t-shirt. I obviously didn't have the t-shirt, but printed out a picture of them and taped it on Hammey.

Still Funny

This morning Ally said: Daddy is still funny EVEN though he is 32....

Ha! Jason's response - I will be funny til the day I die. (Okay looks don't count)

Happy Birthday Drew!

It is late and I want to go cuddle with my honey, but I will post a couple pictures of our FOUR YEAR OLD!!! Yikes. He is old and Jason keeps reminding me that I am old. What a nice husband?!?!?

Drew is so sweet and melts my heart. I am a sucker for this little guy - even when he yells down twice during small group to tell me that he didn't feel good.

I will post more about the big day later!

Sixteen and a Half

Had a doctors appointment today and was really nervous. Who wouldn't be? I hate that you can't feel the baby all the time to know that everything is okay. I have been praying for faith and to trust God.

The heartbeat was strong and everything looks good. I would like to worry (even though God tells us not to), but Dr. Wenzel seems confident that everything is fine and is completely gone. I get to schedule my half way ultra sound in the next month! Not that I haven't seen it already several times - one more is always great.

God is good. Continue to pray for our little Hammey. I have started feeling it about once a day but it is SO random but in the same exact spot every time. He is just letting Mom know he is fine.

Monkey See - Monkey Do

Last night at supper, Ally was showing us some "new" tricks she had learned at school. Ellen had shown her how to make tooting noise with her arm pit. I quickly kabashed that adn said that girls don't do that ESPECIALLY at the supper table.

I go on eating just to glance up to notice Jason trying the same thing. Goodness. Drew started in but with just the noise from his mouth.

I admitted that this behavior is probably from the Smith side - aka Nathan, Chris, David, and Andy passed down from Uncle Ken.

Less than 2 Weeks!

Jason went and picked up Ally and Drew's costumes the other night. They decided that they wanted to be Batman and Batgirl. We knew the first costume wouldn't be difficult to find, but hadn't seen the other one in the store. We had found it online, but oh my the cost. I wasn't willing to spend about $40 for a one day deal.

We finally found it on Wal-Mart.com and the only store around here was the CR store. Jason headed there the next day - hoping their computers were right. Much to our kids' joy, he brought them home. They fit well. As Drew had his on, he said - Mommy don't my eyes look scary! Oh yes Drew you are scary.

Ally love to fly around with her cape.

Just a few days until load up the kids with sugar day! How exciting for a school teacher!

Sorry the pictures are not so hot. My camera batteries were dead so I used my phone.

Meeting Makenna!

We made the long trip today to visit the newest addition to the family - Makenna Faith Willis born yesterday morning at 6:20. She is the smallest baby that I have ever seen weighing in at a whomping 6 lbs. 6 oz. Mommy is doing great except when Jason pulls out the one-liners - she never knew he could be so stupid - I am mean funny.

Ally was so thrilled to hold her - she was also perfect size for Ally to hold. We might have an interesting time in a few months. Ally wasn't too thrilled to have to share the cuddle time with other visitors though.

Drew refused to touch or hold her. He told me at bedtime tonight that only girls can kiss babies. But he did say that he would kiss his baby brother or sister.

This is my favorite picture. The are so excited about Hammy coming to our house. This gives us some good practice before one comes to live with us. Ally was slightly confused why we had to leave when Makenna wanted to eat.

Coffin For Sale

Jason has almost got his latest project finished. SIXTY-EIGHT shelves need to be sanded and then we need to get it all varnished - which will be a task all in its own!

Our yard on Saturday looked like a Coffin yard sale. We have them for all sizes - big or small.

Many guys are owed some big thank yous for giving up nights and Saturday to help with this project. It all goes to show how much the church is a family. In the above picture, Andy is sanding down the last one!

Trying to Keep Quiet

I wish that our kids slept in but because of our weekday schedule, they rarely sleep past 7:15 on the weekend. Usually Ally is up first and asks to play in her room. We try and get her to be quiet, but you know our talker. Last Sunday we didn't realize they were up until I walked out and heard some giggling. I took a peek into Drew's room to find this. I ran downstairs to get the camera and tried to be quiet, but the sound of the camera turning on got their attention.

Sometimes they play so well together! Wish that is was more often...

One Busy Saturday

As I was "relaxing" on Saturday, Jason was building bookshelves for Pastor Jeff's office or small library. There are 16 shelves of varying sizes. I can't wait to see what this office actually looks like! Before the day began, the garage was finally clean after 2 years. Jason had me take some pictures because he knew that it wouldn't last long! After a finished basement and some yard work (which still needs some attention), the garage got its much needed organization and cleaning. Wish we would have had time to get it painted - guess that if for winter ummmmm later... Some great guys came over from small group to learn how to use some tools. We are so thankful that they were able to give up some time on a Saturday to help us out. One of the guys from Jason's work also came. Poor guy is from San Diego but was transfered here to help one of the construction companies with flood reconstrucution. He got married in April and moved his beautiful bride to the flooded plains to an extended stay hotel - they have a place on the beach in California. They have been coming to Parkview and have also just joined our small group. We are praying that we get a good snow storm before they leave at the beginning of December. Here are Jesse and Jason putting one of the shelves together. Here are the piles of shelves in our garage - at least my van can still get in there! We still have a pile of plywood in the drive way to build some sound thingys (technical name). The kids decided that they were going to have their own Olympics and are practicing their jumping and twisting. They wore themselves out! Ally got some good air on this one. Jason entertained me by trying his own jump out. He is the BEST! I love him more than ever!

Hammie Update

First off I want to thank so many of you that prayed for us the last few days - please don't stop we have 26 long weeks ahead!

It seemed that the doctor was not worried as much since the bleedy has stopped, but said we are not completely out of the woods yet. It could happen again but it hopefully will most likely heal up and be okay. They have no clue why this happens and have no "treatment" for it. She said that we tell you to relax and put your feet up but that doesn't always seem to work either.

So I am still taking it easy. Any excuse not to vaccuum or to just lay on the couch. I still don't feel 100% but that could be just my anxiety. On a positive note (for me - not the dr.) I have actually lost weight! But it could be due to the fact I throw up several times a week. I might actually be feeling the baby a little too or that could be gas.

Enjoy the video of our little Hammie. It's not the best - wish they could have gotten the first picture we saw - it was so clear and wiggling so much. Jason said that I could be in trouble in a few weeks when I actually start really feeling it!

Pray for Hammie

Last night we had quite a scare. I lost quite a bit of blood last night and thought I had lost our precious little it. After much relaxing and sleeping through the night, we headed in for an ultrasound this morning to find that Hammie has strong heartbeat at 168. But I have a subchorionic hematoma. After doing some research on google, I found out it is fairly common and can possibly scary.

I am probably in the scary catagory since mine is a large one. The baby is completly oblivious to this problem and isn't effected unless is causes it to not get the blood it needs through the placenta. So pray that I can rest and put up my feet and that the kids will be kind to me when they get home.

Ally prayed such a sweet prayer this morning and I know they care so much for Hammie. Pray for faith since I have so little right now. We assume the worst, but know that our God is a God of miracles and is our Healer. Praise God for great friends at school that have taken over my lesson plans so that I don't have to worry about my classroom - that is hard for any teacher to do!

Sweet Boy

As I laid Drew down for his nap today, I gave him his traditional kisses, hugs and high fives. When I tried to walk away, he grabbed my shirt and kissed my tummy (which is getting bigger than I would like) and said - Night Baby Go to sleep and be nice.

He is always thinking of the baby and telling it he loves it and to be nice to mommy. Thanks Drew - now I wish the baby would be nice to me!

Craft Time

Craft time with the Willis kids is NEVER a clean adventure. Our kids love to draw and draw and create new things. On Saturday afternoon Ally and I made pumpkins for our small group. She thought this was the coolest thing ever. Too bad that it is not even October yet. In the grocery store today, she BEGGED to buy a huge pumpkin. Come on - let's wait til we go to the pumpkin farm. But Mom (with whining)... - NO!

On Sunday we had a crazy day with Jason and I working different "shifts" for communion at church so we had some down time. Typically "most" of the craft stuff stays in the office at my feet by the computer. The paper is easily accessible out of the printer - and that is where mom is.

Sometimes it gets moved to the kitchen if I am cooking or there is a trail from their "show and tell" parade.

Today I was grading papers in the living room so guess where craft time ended up being - right beside me on the couch. Good thing I can multi-task or I would have never gotten anything done between giving suggestions and tying string for wall hangings. We now have lots of masks, wall hangings and cards for us to enjoy for this week until I "recycle" it all to start the next week all over. Good things that a ream of paper is only $3.62!

Where Does the Water Go?

With lots of rain & hurricans this summer we have had lots of conversations about where the water goes. We have a "waterfall" in front of our house. Okay there are "waterfalls" about every 15 feet which eats our baseballs if we aren't careful - another video someday!

This lovely afternoon while we were cleaning the garage, the kids decided to play/waste the water. They were sending the water to the gulf - I am sure they don't want anymore of our water right now though. Jason - being the technically correct guy in our family - has told our kids the correct route of the water. Ally can almost get it right.

It goes....
1. down the sewer into
2. an unnamed tributary to
3. the Iowa River which meets
4. the Cedar River in Columbus Junction that flows to
5. the Mississippi that travels 2000 miles to the
6. Gulf of Mexico and into
7. the Ocean.

Our poor children and their weird Dad!

Another One Bites the Dust

My sister, Rachel, has given in to the blogging world. Some of you know her - some don't care. She lives in small town Iowa where people really do still have mullets - but she doesn't.

August 4th

It all started one very innocent Monday morning as I headed to the dreaded yearly who hoo inspector appointment that I have neglected to schedule for the past 2 years. I was secretly hoping to move back to STL or that Dr. Brondz would move to IC. I couldn't get in with the REAL dr. for several months so I scheduled this one with the PA. As they started asking all the regular questions I mentioned a weird cycle last month. She said - oh I will go get a pregnancy test. In my mind (and I think it came out of my mouth) I said - don't bother have you seen our summer calendar?

She walked back in and said - yep you're pregnant. As my mouth dropped open and said I didn't believe her she showed me the faint pink line. Hummmmm - maybe I should call my husband. So instead of texting him (which I did think of since I wouldn't want to disrupt a mtg) I told him to sit down. He knew I went to the dr. and knew it was either a problem or that I was pregnant. He was happier with the latter. Since I had the weird cycle, they couldn't exactly determine how far I was so we started with ultra sounds - then to blood tests - then two more ultra sounds to determine that I am due April 4th.

Baby Hammie is doing well and growing - or at least my belly is. My belly button is out. I have been sick this time around which is quite frustrating - morning, afternoon and evening. Not much up-chuck but a lot of dry heavin'. I finally gave in and called for the naseaus medicine which is helping slightly.

So our Christmas letter will be crazy. We thought about writing what hasn't changed, but it would be really short. So 28 1/2 wks to go!

Just Watch the Video

More on Wednesday after a full day of personal learning plans with my kiddos at school...

For Makenna

I know this is really PAST due but I keep running across this photo of Makenna & Ally. Makenna works with the children's ministry of our church. Thank you Makenna (all all the others) that do such a great job serving our kids. Every Wednesday this summer was Kid's Day. They planned an outing like going to the pool, a movie or a park. My kids looked forward weekly to what the next week would be - even hanging on to the "card" they got in Sunday School asking "how many days until kid's day?"

Thank you for loving our kids and showing them Jesus!

Trip South

Labor Day weekend we headed south to enjoy some Southern hospitality. We got to visit our great friends in STL and enjoy their company. I even got to watch my first Georgia game - woo hoo!

On the way down, Ally asked - when in Uncle Randy going to come get us from the side of the road? We "assured" her that we didn't think he would have to come get us. Check out our last trip to Memphis.

After enjoying the McLaren's we headed over to the Scoggins for the big game - really it wasn't much of a game, but I thought that Georgia let the no-name team score way too many points. It was very enjoyable since we got all four kids to nap - or at least 2 of them to sleep and the other 2 to rest.

We were blessed to have Anderson's throw a BBQ for their care group that we crashed. It was fun to see old faces and see how much the kids had grown. By the end of the night I was ready for them all to crash on the couch to watch a Veggie Tales - notice how Ally couldn't keep her eyes off the TV for one picture? Ally isn't the only girl - but the others are too small for the square babysitter!

I miss STL very much and sometimes wonder - were we ever suppose to move? I did realize on this trip that I know that we are right in the middle of God's plan - he has proven that this year. I would rather be no place than in the middle of His plan here in Iowa City.

So friends - join us here in Hawkeye country and watch God move!

Pumpkins Growing

For awhile we didn't really think any pumpkins would grow in our lovely patch. We are the rednecks in our neighborhood. A few weeks ago Jason and I were arguing over how big the one and only pumpkin we had was. I said that it was bigger than a soccer ball and he said - NO WAY. I was right.

Mid-August


Labor Day weekend


Today...


Three Little Pumpkins


It has slowly taken over our front part of our porch. It is a great conversation starter with visitors, but what in the world do people think driving by? We now have THREE pumpkins to enjoy. They have stopped growing at the soccer ball size but who cares - that is three less that I have to buy this fall!

The Pool is Put Away!

This summer wasn't very warm. I think that we had one day with heat indexes over 100 degrees and several days in the 90s. The water never got really warm or enough to take the chill off. We still enjoyed many days of swimming until the algae took over! We Finally got it put away this week after much scrubbing. Next year hopefully we will have a better one from Grandma Rhonda!

Our kids are little fishies and can't wait to swim at school or at the rec. Ally can: dive in, swim across the pool (sometimes with the crawl), do a handstand or summersault, dive for submerged items and mermaid jumps???? Drew can jump in and doggy paddle. He can put his head under but doesn't like to very much.

Both are going to be better swimmers than Jason by next summer. Stay tuned for a great video of all their accomplishments and Jason's Olympic dive!

Public Apology

I need to apologize to my mom. We (me and Jason) have blamed her for having my sewing machine for the past three months. She claimed to have given it back to me at Christmas.

I was SURE that I had searched everywhere in our house and it was no where to be found. She was sure she had given it back and didn't think that it was in her many hiding places in her house.

Well tonight in my thinking spot, I decided to search the storage room one more time knowing it couldn't be in there. On the bottom shelf behind the Christmas totes was my beloved sewing machine - right where it is suppose to be.

Sorry Mom - you were right this time!

Just Felt Weird...

This morning I left and my ring felt weird. I couldn't figure it out. My hands couldn't be swollen already. I haven't gotten to school yet and today is suppose to be cool. (the lack of AC in my class has caused my hands to swell)

After 3 classes I finally asked - what hand is my ring suppose to be on? If you know me well - you would know that I struggle with my left and right. I make the "L" to figure it out - I like east and west instead.

I had my ring on the wrong hand. You would have thought after wearing it for about 11 years that I would remember which hand to put it on. Oh well I am 31 and my memory is going.

Just Like His Daddy

Tonight at supper, we asked Drew to take off his hat. His response - I don't want to get my ears dirty. hummmmm

And yes this is his gankster look....

Our way of surfing in Iowa - there is water in the wagon.

A Few More First Day Picts

I have been a terrible blogger lately and isn't all because of lack of stuff but energy! Hopefully as things settle down here I will have more time to get some things down, but for now you must enjoy some picts from school.

Drew's "locker"

Ally's big girl locker

Standing my the dark kindergarten room before everyone got there!

A New Year - With a Big FIRST

Our precious little princess started Kindergarten yesterday. She was so excited. She has been counting down the days by crossing them off the calender since the beginning of August. On Tuesday night we went to the ice cream social and dropped off both of their supplies in their rooms. Ally got to meet her new teacher, Mrs. Glanz. Drew got to give some shy hugs to his old teachers who were thrilled to see him!

We got up early to head out on Wednesday - as you can tell by the picture Drew wasn't going to be nice to his sister. Not sure I am ready for all of this! No tears were shed by anyone - probably too busy to worry about it. We got to school and hiked in since our parking lot is under construction and we have to park A LONG WALK AWAY! We got Drew into his room and headed down to dropped Ally off for breakfast. We got close and she told me that she could do it by herself. There is no doubt in my mind that she could - but this one was for Mommy. Today I did let her go down by herself when my copies were taking a little too long. I can't believe she is so big.

Her first day was so EXCITING she said. She loved learning about being a good friend, going to music, eating in the cafeteria, recess and after-school program. She is definitely not shy. When I walked by I saw her in the middle of the group with her hand up to ask a question or give an answer. I am sure that she will have many stories and things to continue telling Mrs. Glanz.

Drew by the way is not shy anymore to his teacher. He has broken back out of his shell and has already starting fluttering his eyelashes at his teachers. He told me that only one teacher had to rub his back and lay with him at rest time.

For this mommy - she is tired and worn out. I am trying to use all my new technologies and try to get things off to a positive start. This group is great and I am excited to get to know them. Man I wish I could get their names fast though!

Poor Babysitter

Since I have gone back to school and the preschool isn't open yet, we have had to find sitters to come to the house. Our lucky Friday winner was Hannah (Pastor Scott's daughter). She is in 7th grade at the school that I teach at. Our kids absolutely love her. They have wanted her to come back so bad that Ally has been planning dates for Jason and I - to go to Taco Bell. Ahhhh I'll eat with a fork if I am going on a date.

I got a call at about noon from Hannah's mom - Don't worry Brenda but I just went and picked up all the kids and took them home with me. A policeman came to the door and said that the lot next door hit a gas pipe while they were digging. At first they told them to evacuate but later thought they would be okay since the wind was in the wrong direction.

Ahhhhh - they came back later that afternoon, but Hannah got broken in good. She is awesome and they kids' are already asking when can she come back!

But I'm a...

We were on our way to a wedding a couple weeks ago when the kids wouldn't BE QUIET. I shouldn't be surprised, but I was tired and just wanted them to rest. And here is the rest of the conversation....

Jason - Ally you need to quit talking.

Ally - But Dad I can't - I'm a talker

Mom hides her giggles in her shirt and Dad is left speechless. How do you come back to that?

French

Here is the conversations from Monday making lunch....

Ally: what kind of bread are you using?

Mom: Weird bread ally

Ally: Oh so it's name is "weird."

Mom: Noooo it is actually called Artisian French Bread.

Ally: Why?

Mom: Because it is long and skinny

Ally: Oh I must be french because I am long and skinny....

Mom: Goodness....

The Dells

On the spur of the moment we headed to the Dells with Chris and Amy and girls. We had a lot of fun but wish that the weather would have been a couple degrees warmer - the water at the park was COLD!!! We typically head to Noah's Ark but we switched parks since the other park had an indoor area and a few roller coaster rides. I am not sure that I am willing to admit yet that I was a traitor to my favorite park.

Tom (our GPS) took us on a crazy route in Wisconsin but we got there a little nauseous and excited. My little girl is growing up and is tall enough for the mid-size roller coasters which she rode on with glee. Four more inches to get to the big stuff! Actually Drew is tall enough too, but my scared of flies boy was too chicken to take the plunge. He was content to ride on the kids roller coaster for hours - and would have if we'd let him. Ally was also went on some of the bigger waterslides with us. She was bummed though when we told her that she couldn't ride on some because she was too short. They did let us take both kids on a couple on our lap on a tube. Ally is in the first yellow slide on the right. Jason and Chris flew right on by her at the end.

We also went mini-golfing in the morning before we left. Drew struggled remembering how to hold his club and continually came up for help. Such a sweetie! He has been practicing in the basement since we got home - I hope he doesn't break the tv!

Give Me A Break Mister!

I can only imagine what Lauryn is thinking....

Man - this weirdo is back. I thought we left him a long time ago and he shows up here while we are on vacation. Then he tries to smooch me and Aunt Brenda lets him. I gotta talk to my mom and see who she is letting watch me.

I'm Not Stupid

If you have been around our kids recently you would know that if I said this I would be quickly shot down by Drew. "You can't say 'stupid' Mom!" ARGGHHHH Jason is much more talented than me, he is able to think on his feet and use a synonym so he doesn't get in trouble.

Below he is being Cody the surfing Penguin. Some new "hand me downs" from our neighbor Chase - who is going to be in 2nd grade. Hope he didn't wear these last summer! Because that makes Drew HUGE!

A couple nights ago we were getting ready for bed. Drew was missing his cow - Googie - that he sleeps with. He asked if I would go look for it and then continues to explain that it is black like Shadow and white. It isn't red and yellow Mom.

Jason is snickering in the other room. Good grief - was I born yesterday Drew? This lovely cow (whose real name is Ribeye) has been in the family for four years. I know what he looks like. Below is Googie sitting on Buggy his blanket that also goes with us almost everywhere.

For Andrea

Here is Ally's name on her wall that I was telling you about. Also her ballarina pictures are by Emma Thomson called Felecity Wishes. I got them on posters.com.

Jason's Dream

One of my cousin, Matthew's friends had this lovely bike. Jason thought he looked cool in it. Can't you see him driving to work on it everyday in his tie?

Like Father Like Son....

Drew also like to play on the 4-wheeler. I think he can see himself going really fast someday. Hummmm I think I will let him drive when he is 42!

What do you think Jared - you wanna buy a motorcycle too???

Doggy Duo

These two are quite the pair. Trouble if you ask me! I guess at the end of the day Aunt Lou's toys were getting boring, they weren't allowed to touch the fish, the fish in the backyard were in hiding, and they couldn't walk the dog down the street by themselves. So they decided to play puppy and took Wenoah's cage as their own house.

Whatever it kept them busy. I wonder if I had one of these if my house would stay cleaner????