Berly's Blog

Friday, April 29, 2005

A refreshing week

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Gemma and Angus lounging on the couch.

I have to say that week ended on a positive note. My sister Jenny was visiting from Nebraska. She is 4 months pregnant and expecting a little girl in September. Her visit started out rocky due to the fact that she is smoking while pregnant. I have never been shy about telling anyone in my family how I feel about things they do wrong. This was not exception. I tried to educate my sister and my parents about what she could possibly be doing to her baby as I really don't think they know how serious this is, but I think my education was extremely misunderstood. I was accused of 'hurting my sister's feelings'. I know that I usually say what is on my mind no matter whose feelings I hurt, but that was not my intention in this case. I simply want her to realize what she is doing to her baby and to quit smoking. Unfortunately I think I may have made it worse. I felt that she would respect me educating her because I myself smoked for 10 years. Yep, ex-smokers are the worst! Especially those who quit cold turkey! Well, I still hope that she quits smoking by the time the baby comes. I think there is still hope!

After our initial controversy, Jenny really rolled up her sleeves and helped me get things done around the house. She even mopped my floors! I was able to have assistance with the kids during grocery shopping, I went to the gym by myself, I went to the post office by myself, I went to knit at Lux Coffeebar, I visited my friend Liz and her new baby, etc. Things I used to take for granted.

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Aunt Jenny and Angus

Tomorrow Jonny returns home! We are so excited to see him! I hope the night and day goes fast! He is so excited to see the kids!

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Aunt Jenny's Here!

I had to take a break from blogging because frankly the 100 things about me list took alot of energy.

We had a nice week-end and were very excited to have Aunt Jenny visiting from Nebraska.

Friday night we had a couple of Jonny's rugby team friends come over and make dinner. I actually ended up making the dinner and helping them try and make their costumes for an upcoming rugby tournament.

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Gemma got all beautiful for them with her Cinderella costume.


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Johnny Hanson also was a big help with Angus. He carried him the entire night and even got him to sleep. He will make a great dad someday! So any of you single girls looking for a man who likes rugby and kids between the ages 20 - 25, please let me know and I can hook you up.

We were also very fortunate to speak to Jonny throughout the week-end. He left China on Friday for Hong Kong. He had a great time doing more shopping and haggling over prices. He has already arrived in Malaysia and we hope to give you all an update of his adventures in Asia.

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Jonny in front of the original Shanghai Tang in Shanghai.

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Jonny's in front of Hu's Garden in Hong Kong.

Aunt Jenny arrived on Saturday from Nebraska. We were very happy to see her and her bump. (She is 4 months pregnant!) It is so nice to have help around here. I have just been asking her to do things and she does them without complaint. I guess that is the difference between a sister and a husband. (No offense honey!)

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Aunt Jenny with Angus.

Sunday we went to the Dominic's birthday party who is a friend of Gemma's from her playgroup. We had a great time the food was delicious and the company was great! Jenny came along to see how crazy it will be once she becomes a mother.

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Gemma and the pinata.

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Gemma being her cute self! Daddy, I bet you can't wait to see this face!

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Angus and Jenny taking a break from the festivities.

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Gemma and the birthday boy's brother Aiden enjoying their cake!

Thursday, April 21, 2005

The last 10 things about me!

Today we had a pretty good day. Jonny has been gone almost 2 weeks, so we are over the half way hump and my sister will be here on Saturday! Yeah Aunt Jenny! I am already making some plans for some Mommy time! This morning we went to Angus' playgroup and this evening we had Brooke and Jack over for dinner. Brooke too is without husband, poor thing.

My last 10...

91. I have learned more from my husband that I ever did from school.
92. I love the Barenaked Ladies and think their concerts are the most fun to attend!
93. My favorite running distance is a half marathon. I ran my last one in Oregon and ran a personal best of 1 hour, 48 minutes, 17 seconds.
94. My favorite precious stone is the pearl.
95. I love when my husband speaks dirty to me in French.
96. I have a crush on Pamela Anderson.
97. I have a tattoo on my left foot.
98. I think that everyone should visit Australia before they die.
99. I love to watch the Fine Living channel with Jonny.
100. I tell my Jonny, Gemma, and Angus how much I love them everyday and realize how lucky I am to have them in my life.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Double post day!

I decided to post twice today. I was so excited to get Jonny's pictures on my blog that I decided that he deserved his own post. I also had to think about my list some more.

Last night I had a horrible time getting to sleep. It isn't like I'm not tired. My muscles were sore and I felt like I was having heart palipitations. I then started to get worried about the kids and what would happen if I got sick. I think that I am just missing Jonny so much that I am not sleeping well. I am hoping tonight that I will get a little more sleep.

Today we went over to Kirsten and Jake's house for a playdate and lunch. We had a nice visit and they live in such a great area with great walking paths and a nice park. Kirsten is a fabulous cook and we had a lovely lunch.

I took the kids home for their naps and relaxed for a while. We got up and I dropped Gemma off at her friend Carson's house for another playdate and Angus and I were off to meet Brooke, Jack, and Brooke's parents for dinner at Chuy's. I have to say I have not ate at Chuy's since we moved here 9 years ago and it was quite tasty.

After dinner we went to Mama Java's for knitting. It was great to see everyone, but unfortunately I didn't get any knitting done. It was just some great adult time.

81. I used to play the oboe.
82. Vodka is my liquor of choice. I like it with cranberry juice, but I really like a vodka Collins with a splash of grenadine.
83. I do not like beer and I have never liked it.
84. I was a cheerleader for 3 years in high school.
85. I love red meat, especially a ribeye from Nebraska cooked rare.
86. I have a thing for British actors such as Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant. I especially love the movie "Love Actually" because all three of these men are in the movie.
87. I used to hate riding in the car for long distances, but since I took up knitting it is now fun!
88. I used to be a sports fanatic and I knew more about football than most men. Since I had kids, I have put my sports hobby on the back burner.
89. I went to the Soccer World Cup in France in 1998.
90. I went to the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003.



An Irishman in China...

I am so excited! Jonny set a few snap shots of him in China. I had to share them with you! The first two pictures are in Chengdu, China and the third picture is in Shanghai, China. He has been working hard and for entertainment he has gone shopping in the markets and haggling away. He said he bought a linen table cloth with silk backing and Chinese designs for $1.50! He also spent most of his time at the knock-off market. I will soon be sporting a new Burberry jacket!

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A statue of Mao Tso Tung

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Jonny and Mao

JD and Anti JApan protest

Jonny in the middle of the anti-Japanese protest. (Hmmm...what is wrong with this picture?)

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Tired, tired, tired

I have to say that I think I hit the wall today. Angus hasn't slept all night in his room since Jonny has left and last night was no different. In fact he woke up at midnight and wouldn't go back to bed in his room, so he slept with me. He usually wakes up for the day around 8 am, but today it was 6:30! After I fed Gemma, fed Angus and got him down for a nap I was exhausted! I actually had to lay down for a nap! I am so looking forward to my sister's visit I can't even tell you! Jenny, please come well rested and ready take care of my kids! Pam, please be ready for a margarita at Kona Grill!

Tomorrow we are heading up to my friend Kirsten's house for a playdate with her son Jake. Gemma really likes Jake and it will be nice to have some more adult time. Tomorrow night I am hoping to go to knitting a little early while Gemma plays at her friend Carson's house. Let's hear it for Mommy time! (Of course Angus will be in tow!)

My list continues...

71. I love to knit!
72. I started a knitting group in Phoenix about year and a half ago.
73. I am a yarn snob.
74. I have a tough time relaxing. I only have one speed and it is full throttle.
75. I bite my nails.
76. I love my kids more than life itself.
77. I wish I had a better relationship with my siblings.
78. I wish I could see my Dad every day. He is the best Dad a girl could ever wish for!
79. I have always wanted to have big boobs, but I will never have them surgically enhanced.
80. I constantly worry about money.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Neighbors

We had a pretty lazy Monday. I had planned on grocery shopping this morning, but I just didn't get around to it. Gemma had Spanish class at noon and by the time I got the kids and myself ready and Angus fed it was time to get to Spanish class. The kids took pretty good naps this afternoon, I even had to wake Angus up.

Our neighbor Shannon and her kids James and Brenna came over and we planned on going for a walk, but I needed to feed Angus, so we just ended up going over to house for dinner and skipping our walk. We had such a great time! Shannon is really great and I really enjoy her company. Her kids are so sweet and Gemma really likes to play with them.

Tomorrow we are going to dinner at my friend Marion's house. Marion is from Belfast, Northern Ireland and I am sure she will remind me of Jonny, so that will be nice.

Regarding to my interview questions my dear friend Pam, a.k.a. Auntie Pam, has asked a question regarding my popular question. She asked "Do you think that it is more important to have many friends or a few good friends?" Pam for you hear is my answer typed...

I think it is great to have a mix of both. I feel that I have the best of both worlds. I have a few very close friends (Pam you are in this group of course!) that I confide in and I have a lot of friends that I get together with on a regular basis. I like this because I have a variety of friends and you know that variety is the spice of life!

And the list goes on...
61. I rarely wear make-up.
62. I love to run and play sports like volleyball.
63. I cannot dance.
64. I am very competitive.
65. I hate cleaning and I am not good at it.
66. I love to cook and think I am pretty good at it.
67. I went to my first concert with my Dad and Mom which was Air Supply in 1982.
68. I went to several concerts when I was in my early teens with my Dad including Hall & Oats with OXO, Rick Springfield with Corey Hart, Def Leppard with Uriah Heap, and Bryan Adams with The Hooters.
69. I try to eat mostly natural and organic foods.
70. American Football is one of my favorite spectator sports, especially college.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Another birthday party

Today we attended a family BBQ for Gemma's friend Gage. We had a really nice afternoon. Unfortunately I left the camera at the Galloway's house, so I have no pictures to post.

We left the party around 3:30 pm and I am happy to report Angus, Gemma and I all laid down for an almost 2 hour nap. I feel quite a bit refreshed and ready for the week.

More of my list...
51. I met my biological mother 10 years ago in Denver.
52. I no longer speak to my biological mother.
53. I have grown fond of my biological Grandfather and Uncle and his family and see them all regular.
54. I do not believe in a God.
55. I am a registered Democrat.
56. I like to conserve water.
57. I am a firm believer of separation of church and state.
58. My favorite television program is 24.
59. I love to read.
60. I started a book club with a few friends and it is still going strong after almost 3 years.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Happy Birthday Aunt Nancy!

Today was a pretty tough day. I really miss my husband. I wish he was here.

We went over to the the Gemma's friends Nicholas and Holly for a playdate while Ann, Kelly, Emma and I had coffee. We had a nice time and it was relaxing. We went home to get the kids down for a nap and Angus didn't seem to be tired. Gemma woke up and Angus was still not a sleep, so I fed him and got him down. I got myself and Gemma ready to go to Aunt Nancy's birthday party. Unfortunately Gemma decided to wake Angus up from his nap and he cried the whole way to Aunt Nancy's house.

We had a nice time at Aunt Nancy's party and there were lots of kids for Gemma to play with. The food was very tasty as she had Mexican food catered in. Aunt Nancy and Robert seem very happy in their new engaged life together.

My list goes on...

41. We moved from Minneapolis to Arizona when it was 60 degrees below zero.
42. I have lived in Arizona for 9 years and 3 months.
43. I hate the summer heat more than anything in this world.
44. We lived in Portland, Oregon from January - August of 2003.
45. I would love to spend the rest of my days in Portland, Oregon!
46. I have 3 English Springer Spaniels named Clark, Murphy, and Rodger. They were all rescued from being put to sleep.
47. I volunteered for an animal rescue organization for 5 years.
48. I have never had a steady job since moving to Arizona.
49. I love being a stay-at-home Mom.
50. I drive a Honda Odyssey.

Friday, April 15, 2005

Interview questions and T.G.I.F.

Here are the answers to my interview questions from Brooke!

1. As the leader of the knitting group, what has been your biggest challenge? Is the group what you imagined it would be?

The biggest challenge of leading the knitting group is trying to keep it fun. There have been instances where I feel that someone comes into the group that wants to make the group more serious or wanted to promote their own thing which in turn made me uncomfortable along with the other members. I always remind myself that this is a fun thing, not a job!

The group is actually better than I imagined. When I was organizing the group I didn't think there would be so many knitters. I also didn't think there would be such a demand for meetings. It has really been a treat to be part of the group and meeting so many great knitters. I have met so many neat people and new friends!

2. What do you miss most about Jonny when he’s gone for a month? (Besides the obvious answer, please.) Is there anything that has surprised you so far about being on your own?

What I miss most about Jonny is our pillow talk. It seems like this is the only time we have to catch up with each other.

There is nothing I miss about Jonny that has surprised me. I miss the obvious, waking up next to him, calling him at work, having him pick up things at the grocery store on his way home from work, running out and leaving the kidos with him, going to knitting solo, etc.

3. How has being adopted positively impacted you as a person? What is your view about all these kids being adopted from orphanages in other countries?

I have mixed emotions about children being adopted from orphanages. I think it is great for children to get into a family environment. I am however concerned that people are taking these children out of their natural environment into a totally different culture. I think it is extremely important to make sure that the adopted child has a good mix of the culture they were born into and their new American culture. I also hope that the families that are adopted these children are being set up for success with the International adoption agencies. I know when my parents adopted me they were basically flying blind raising an adopted child, I hope that these agencies provide education for the adoptive parents.

4. What does being popular mean to you? Is it having a lot of friends? Is it making sure everyone likes you? Does this desire color the way you see others?

Being popular to me means that people think that I am approachable, friendly and well liked. It does mean that I have a lot of friends because I feel that I am friendly and approachable. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone likes me because I do not like everyone, but it does mean that most people I met do like me. I don't think it affects the way I see others.

5. If you could change one thing you have done so far in being a mother, what would it be? What do you think is your greatest success as a mother?

There are many little things that I would change about being a mother, but the one I would really like to change is that I wish I could be constantly patient with Gemma in her toddler years. I find that when my patience dwindles away that I tend to yell at her more. I am very ashed to admit it, but it is the truth and by admitting it maybe it will help me become more patient.

I think one of my greatest successes as a mother would have to be the way that I have chose to socialize my daughter. From day 1 we have always had Gemma and Angus around people and I feel that it has shaped their personalities. Anyone that has met Gemma can vouch for that. She is a little social butterfly and really good with people and children of all ages.

We had a pretty fun day today. Gemma had school this morning and after school her friend Livie and her Mom Mindy took Gemma to Desert Breeze to play on the splash pad and go for a train ride. She had a great time and Angus and I had some great baby/mommy time.

This evening we headed into Phoenix for dinner with Brooke, Joe, and Jack at Tucchetti. I have to say that Brooke's family is extremely generous. I just had said to Brooke that I was sorting through my kids clothing to give my sister clothes for her baby. She shows up tonight with 4 bags of Jack's clothes plus 5 outfits from her Mom Sandee! They rock! Thank you Streech/Adams family! My sister will be very appreciative!

After dinner we headed to the Camelback vs. Phoenix rugby match and met up with Eva, Pam and Melanie. Camelback won the game and claimed 3rd place in the league again this year. Way to go guys! On the way home from rugby, Jonny called us and he just arrived in Shanghai. There are anti-Japanese demonstrations going on in Shanghai right now and their shuttle from the airport got caught in the middle of it and they had to get out and walk to their hotel. More news and hopefully pictures of Jonny in China tomorrow!

And the list goes on...
31. My husband Jonny is from Limavady, Northern Ireland.
32. Jonny is the only man that I have ever loved, and still love.
33. We will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary on May 6th, 2005.
34. I have been to Northern Ireland 9 times.
35. I love to travel.
36. I have been to Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Indonesia (Bali), Australia, Mexico, and Canada.
37. My favorite place that I have traveled is Brisbane, Australia.
38. I love Coke, but limit myself to week-end drinking.
39. I love food! I am not a picky eater and love to try new things and places to eat.
40. Indian food is my favorite food, followed by Japanese (sushi) and Thai food.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

A day at home

Today me and the kids just stayed at home. It was so nice since we rarely do that. Angus had his playgroup, but he is still congested and coughing a bit so I didn't want to subject everyone to that.

And my list continues...

21. I lived in Minneapolis for 4 1/2 years.
22. I was big into the Minneapolis music scene and probably attend an average of 1 show a week.
23. I hung out with a guy from college named Brian and we became the best of friends and still are although he moved to Kansas City.
24. When I first moved to Minneapolis, I lived with my Grandma's aunt, who was 100 years old at the time.
25. I lived in 7 different apartment while living in Minneapolis.
26. Big Head Todd and the Monsters is my favorite band! I have seen them 13 times.
27. I met Jonny in Minneapolis. He was over from Northern Ireland training for his job at Seagate Technology.
28. I found out who my biological family was while living in Minneapolis.
29. I worked as an Therapuetic Recreations Assistant and Lead Activity Assistant while living in Minneapolis.
30. I also worked a 2nd job at a V.F.W. as a hostess and waitress. I need the job to pay for my phone bill and trips to N. Ireland to see my sweetheart!

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

The girl who misses her daddy

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Gemma on the carousel at the train park.

Gemma and Angus both had rough nights last night. Gemma really had a rough one. She was up at least 5 times during the night and finally on our 5th trip back to her room she started crying and said "I miss my daddy." She misses her daddy, can you imagine how I felt after 5 trips back to her room? I felt horrible for her, but I had to explain that I missed him too and that he would be back in a couple weeks. I wonder if she realizes that is kind of a ways away? Hopefully not.

I have been having a tough time getting motivated lately. I had to call Melissa from my MOMS Club to ask her if she was going to the McCormick-Stillman Train Park in Scottsdale today. She was on the fence too, but we decided to go together. Melissa's daughter Skylar is 1 day younger than Gemma. They have a pretty good time together and Melissa is a hoot, so we all had a good time.

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Gemma on her horse!

In other news and worthy gossip. My friend Brian called and he is buying a house with his girlfriend! I think he is getting closer to popping the question! I am so proud of him making this kind of a commitment! I think Nancy will be beating him to the alter, so we are glad for that. (Nancy said she would slit her wrists if Brian got married before she did!) I also spoke to my sister who told us that we are to be expecting a new niece in September! Yeah! Other gossip, Auntie Pam has resigned from her job and has taken a new position at another company in Scottsdale! Congratulations to her on her decision making skills and new job!

We also spoke to Jonny, who is doing much better after having a bit of a sinus infection and a case of Montezuma's revenge (not sure what they call it in China.) Sorry honey for broadcasting it! Jonny is checking out living as an ex-pat in China Thursday night. He is going to check out the apartment of another expat and figuring out how the driver and maid service works. It is sounding better and better each day! Can you imagine having a maid 3 times a week and a driver?

I am really enjoying making my list. I thought I would throw in a shocker or two, so I hope I don't offend anyone.

11. All of my siblings and Jonny's sister are expecting new babies this year. My sister Becky has a boy named Isaac, who is 2 months older than Gemma. Jonny's sister has two girls, Rebekah, 11 and Erin, 9. Gemma will have a total of 4 new cousins by the end of the year!
12. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
13. I loved college!
14. I was a Chi Omega.
15. I gained 30 lbs my freshman year of college due to too much cheap beer and Domino's pizza.
16. I love the elderly.
17. I once played a stripper in a college play. I wore a bikini, but during one of the performances my bikini top fell off.
18. A lot of my friend's from college have moved to Phoenix and I get together with them regularly.
19. I once won $50 in a wet t-shirt contest. (Sorry Dad!)
20. During college I waited tables and worked at a laundry mat for spending money.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

My list!

I read another list of things about me on Squareslant's blog, who is someone whose blog I found via Brooke's blog. I noticed that we had a few things in common and that maybe by writing my own list I will find someone else who has common interests.

1. I grew up outside of Fremont, Nebraska.
2. I was adopted when I was a baby.
3. I am half Japanese, the other half is questionable.
4. I didn't realize or find out I was adopted until I was 11 years old.
5. I was told on the playgroup by a classmate of mine that I was adopted.
6. I have 3 siblings, Mark, Rebecca, and Jennifer who are my parent's biological children.
7. When I was in elementary and high school people made fun of me because of my shape of my eyes.
8. I was traumatized by racism.
9. I had a wonderful Grandma named Verna, who was like a mother to me and Gemma is named after.
10. I have had a need to feel popular since I was a little girl.

Whew, I have started my list.

Tonight I went to Target to pick up the kids pictures and they were very cute! Gemma had a fit because I made her sit in the cart. She is really missing her Daddy because that is something she rarely does. I just hope that this behavior doesn't continue for the entire time Jonny is gone. I dropped Gemma off at Nicholas and Holly's house for a playdate while I met my knitting buddies at Wildflower for dinner and went to knitting at Changing Hands for a while. Angus was on his best behavior and we had a nice relaxing time.

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Me looking my tiredest and Angus in tow at knitting.

Tomorrow we are hoping to head to the McCormick-Stillman Train Park for MOMS Club pending Angus and Gemma are feeling up to it.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Week 1, day 4

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Angus and Gemma ready for bed!

We are going on our fourth day without Daddy and I have to say that although we miss him terribly, it has not been as bad as I would have thought. I am a firm believer in thinking the worst that way when the life event happens it is not nearly as bad as anticipated. Jonny is definitely the clean one in our family, but for some reason the house has not been as messy, there isn't as much laundry to do, and I am able to get things done like feeding the dogs, dishes and general picking up (even the dog poo!). Jonny would be impressed by my multi-tasking skills.

I have decided to change the tune of my blog and not feel so sorry for myself anymore. I am hoping Jonny is having a great time and getting much needed rest while he is away which gives me a chance to improve my mothering skills. How's that for positive?

I was thinking tonight there were a few things I wanted to add to my entry tonight. My friend Maura, Pam, and Nancy started a book club a few years ago. Maura moved away and Nancy left our book club, but Pam and I are still hanging in there. Unfortunately I missed the last book club due to illness, but I heard I missed tons of fun! I also really wanted to review the book as I actually read it and really loved it! We read the book "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory. It was historical fiction about Mary Boleyn, Anne Boleyn's sister. At first I thought it would be very boring, but I have to say it was a great ready and much to my surprise it was dirty! I really don't like romance novels, but give me a great historical fiction book with lots of sex and you've got a winner with me! Anyway, I am hosting the next book and I selected the book from the recommendation of Pam from knitting, "The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I order the book off half.com and it should be coming soon. I am currently reading "The Curious incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" by Mark Haddon which is a pretty good book and a quick read. My review after I finish the last 50 pages tonight...

I also have been able to see a few movies. We tried out Blockbuster.com and I am a little disappointed because it take an extra day to get your movies unlike Netflix.com . Plus it seems like it is fairly hard to get new releases. The good thing about Blockbuster is they give you free rentals at their store per month. Anyway I just finished seeing the movie "Ray" during naptime today and it was a fabulous movie! I was so impressed! I had heard that it wasn't that great, but I have to disagree. It was a great overview of Ray Charles Robinson's life. I never realized he was such a womanizer and druggie! Dad, if you are reading you would really, really like this movie!

This morning we took Angus to his 4 month appointment. He weighed in at 17lbs and 25 inches. He is a healthy little boy! He also had 3 injections, which he wasn't happy about. After that we headed to downtown Chandler for Gemma's Spanish Class. My neighbor Ann called and wanted to trade babysitting and I quickly agreed. I am all about trading babysitting!

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Ann with the kids.

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Gemma, Nicholas, Ann, Angus, Holly, and Pete.

Her kids Nicholas and Holly came over to play for a few hours while they went home appliance shopping and had dinner. Gemma had a great time with her playmates!


Tomorrow night Gemma is going over to the Nicholas and Holly's house for a playdate while Mommy goes to knitting. Brooke, Jack, Angus and I are going to Wildflower for dinner before knitting if anyone would like to join us. We are planning on being there around 5:30 pm.

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Blowin' in the wind...

We had our first night with Jonny not home and I have to say it was not very good. I stayed up until 12:30 a.m. and watched the movie "The Manchurian Candidate", which was definitely not worth staying up that late for. Angus got up at 1 a.m. to eat and then Gemma came in and hopped in bed with me. She tossed and turned for about an hour so I decided to send her back to her room. I woke up around 7:30 a.m. with Angus on one side of me and Gemma's head next to mine. So much for getting the bed to myself!

This morning we were to go to my MOMS Club picnic, but I thought that we should stay home as Gemma still has a horrible snotty nose. We had a pretty nice relaxed morning at home before we headed to Mesa for rugby.

Auntie Pam went with us to to rugby and we met Machaela, Pam, Melanie with Myriah in tow, Krystal, Brooke and Jack.

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Jack and Angus hanging out in their strollers.

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Melanie walking Myraih and Gemma!

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Me, Pam and Machaela, the girls of Camelback!

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Pam, Gemma, and Melanie doing a little stitchin' in the wind.

Unfortunately Camelback didn't play very well and I couldn't even get any of the guys to tell me the final score. One player said that Red Mountain scored at least 100 points on them! Very sad! It was also a very windy day as you will notice from my photos. I think today might be the last cool day of the spring.

After rugby Pam, myself and the kids decided to get a bite to eat. I looked through my handy dandy Entertainment book and asked Pam what she was in the mood for. We ended up trying this restaurant that opened a couple years ago called "Soul in the Hole", which is food with a Southern flare. I can't wait to take Jonny there when he returns home as they have catfish. Pam and I ordered the fried Chicken, which was the best I have ever had + macaroni and cheese and cole slaw. I definitely can see myself eating there again.

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Gemma refusing to open her eyes for the camera.

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Auntie Pam and Gemma at Soul in the Hole.

After the kids went to bed I watch the movie "Finding Neverland". It was a nice movie, but how could anyone ever go wrong with Johnny Depp. I got my thrid phone call of the day from Jonny, which was a pleasant suprise. He is so amazed that he was the only white guy he saw for 4 hours walking the streets of Chengdu. He said groups of children would stop, stare and giggle at his bald head. He seems to be enjoying his experience.

Friday, April 08, 2005

Lights, Camera, Action..."Wiggles!"

Jonny left this morning for Asia. It has been a bittersweet day. I really miss him. He is my rock and he is such a great dad. I know Gemma desperately misses him. She was asking him to buy her a princess night gown when he was in Asia, but I think she thought he was going to be home sometime tonight to give it to her. I put her to bed and she told me she wanted Daddy to kiss her goodnight when he gets here. It is so hard for kids to understand that when a person goes away the length of time it will be until they see each other again. I know when my dad left after his last visit she cried all the way home saying she missed papa Steve. She also cried when nanny Caroline, papa Sidney, and Rebekah left to go back to the UK. I just hope to keep her busy and make the time go fast for all of us.

Tonight I took the kids to see The Wiggles at Dodge Theater. We originally met Jeff, Murray, and Captain Feathersword while we were in Brisbane, Australia a couple years ago during Jonny's sabbatical. I took Gemma to see them last year when she was 2, but she enjoyed it much more this time. She danced and sang the entire show. They are really great entertainers and they put on a fabulous show! Thanks Wiggles for making today a little more bareable.

As for Daddy, we miss you terrible and look forward to your call in the morning when you arrive in Chengdu. 1 day down, 23 more to go!

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Pre-China Woes

I went to knitting tonight on my last outing before Jonny leaves for China. Had a nice time and was able to meet Becky Williams' new baby Dillon. I really wanted to hold him, but since there is still sickness in our house I figured I better not. I was telling everyone that I knew the kind of day I was having when I went to the at 3 pm and realized I had my thong on backwards all day! I got a good laugh from everyone and they agreed I definitely should blog about it. So if you are reading my blog, I am sure I gave you a good laugh as I sure made the girls at knitting roar tonight.

Came home and Gemma has a 101 temp. Poor things, she sounds horrible. I am going to take her to the doctor in the morning. We will probably have a pretty restless night as Gemma is sleeping with me and Angus will be up for a feeding sometime during the night.

Only one more day with Jonny at home! Yikes!

Monday, April 04, 2005

We be illin'

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Angus and Gemma, don't they look like their mommy and daddy?

After over a weeks hiatus from blogging I thought I better get back to it. I was actually just mad at flickr (actually myself for not reading the small print) for not allowing me to post pictures the rest of March, which I thought made my blog bland.

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Angus and Gemma recovering

The past week Angus, myself, and Jonny were ill with a stomach bug and now we all have a cold or sinus thing going on. Gemma also ended up in the emergency room with a head injury and concussion. She fell from her wagon onto the back of her head. It was very scary, but she is doing great now. She managed to escape the stomach bug, but most likely has some type of allergy thing going. I would do about anything for us all to be healthy again! I guess it could be worse, we could be sick next week.


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Master Angus lounging in his chair.

Jonny is leaving on Friday for a business trip for just over 3 weeks. He will be visiting Chengdu and Shanghai, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines. I am so happy for his opportunity to visit all of these places because Jonny absolutely loves to travel and loves other cultures. I am however feeling very sorry for myself. I keep thinking how hard it is going to be taking care of two kids, one that doesn't really sleep through the night, by myself for 3 weeks. Luckily, my sister will be out for about 5 days to help and Brooke and Jack have offered to take a trip out of town with us to make the time go faster.


Well, now for some back blogging. I thought I would post a few pictures for our family who don't get to see us very often.

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Jonny with his "Ulster Fry" Easter morning.

Easter morning Jonny made us a delicious Ulster Fry for breakfast including bacon, sausages, eggs, tomato, mushrooms and toast with HP sauce to dip our fried food in.

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Gemma, Mommy, and Angus at the neighbors' house for Easter.

We spent Easter at our neighbors house with about 6 other families. It was a ton of fun!

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Making Easter cookies at Sandee's house.

A few days before Easter we spent the day at Sandee's house a.k.a. Brooke's mom where we decorated Easter cookies and eggs and played with playdough. I think Brooke, Kirsten and I had more fun with the funky colored playdough than the kids!

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Playing playdough!

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Angus and his good buddy Jack

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Angus, all in from playing with Jack

Week-end before last we had the great pleasure of having Jonny's cousin Greg visit us from Melbourne, Australia. We had such a great time and I definitely wanted to share pictures so you could all see the Dallas resemblance.

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Breakfast on the back patio

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Gemma enjoying her day at the ball game.

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Gemma, Jonny, and Greg at the Padres vs. Cubs game.

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Angus sleeping the game away.

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Gemma, Jonny, Greg and I at the Padres game.

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Greg with the kids before departing for down under!