12 on the 12th

YEP...that's right...We will be married for 12 years on Sunday the 12th! Time sure does fly! It's been a fun roller coaster ride so far...we'll see where the next 12 years takes us!! And may I add...the roller coaster's next major stop, in a few years, is back to Illinois!! If not, a new passenger (and no Jon...not a blond hottie with big boobs...you'd never get so lucky!!) will need to hop on board!! :-))))))))))))

Now, on a serious note...Happy Anniversary Pookie, Babe, Daddy, Big Papa, and Jon!! I love you very much!! It's been a wonderful 12 or "dating" 15 years!!!

Eating Like a Big Girl

We strapped her booster to the small bar stool so she could see what it's like to eat off the table and not her tray!! She liked it...but we say...clean-up was a bi*ch!! Probably shouldn't have tried it for the first time having tacos, corn, and milk in a big cup & not a sippy!! What was I thinking?? Oh, well, tomorrow is a new clean day and we'll give it another try!

Checking The Mail!

Fayth really has been into checking the mail. For weeks now, Gramie has been sending "silly" fun cards with stickers & little activities for us to do in the heat! They are always a nice surprise! Fayth loves finding our box, turning the key, looking inside, and seeing if SHE has any new mail! Well today she did...along with some bills and a few cards for us. I took the camera down today...couldn't resist!

The SMILE t-shirt...it's a long story. Let's just say...was another favorite of mine as a munchkin...I'm starting to "question" the way my mom dressed me??!! (I know mom...you had no money...it wasn't like it is today!!) I'm going to get in trouble for that...but who cares, right...I'm 7,000 miles away...he he he!!! Love ya, mom!!!

Anyway, funny thing...Fayth loves the stinkin t-shirts too!!! And yes, I am saving them to pass along someday!!

Just a coincidence or not...I started signing my emails & all my school newsletters, a few years back, with SMILES...maybe that's why??

Drive-In Movie

The other night while we were watching "Madagascar 2" Fayth was toolin' around on her bike and then came to a "dead stop" smack dab, front row, in front of our "big screen!" We thought nothing of it until it dawned on me...I looked at Jon and said..."Does she think she's at a drive-in?" We chuckled...he quietly crept away and grabbed the camera!!

BOYFRIEND

Fayth's got a boyfriend...YES...Ry Ry...and she is in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had him over for a playdate today. We made some rice crispy's for the playdate and let the kids go "crazy wild" in our family room!!! They made a mess and had a ball. Then, this afternoon we all headed to another friends, Aysun's, for afternoon coffee. She is pregnant and we are so excited for her!!!! After tornado 1 (Fayth) and tornado 2 (Ryan) left her apartment, she may be having second thoughts. EVERYTHING IN HER APARTMENT is beautiful, creme in color, and spotless!!! Boy does she have another thing coming if she thinks it's going to stay that way!!

Anyway, as we were saying our goodbye's to KA and Ry Ry in the lobby of the tower, it was like a "sappy" part of a movie. Something KA and I will never forget. I said, "Fayth say bye to Ry Ry and give hugs!" She ran over and grabbed him tight. Then we started to walk away and she yells, "Wait Ry Ry" and goes running across the lobby to the door Ry Ry is exiting through (mind you with a total audience of people everywhere) and gives him another great big squeeze. Then, once again we head towards the door and she starts running back yelling his name and blows him like three kisses. There was a young "20 some" couple watching this whole thing just about dying!! It happened TWO more times and then finally I said, "Fayth, I'm going now!!" So, boyfriend.............................ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!! She is in LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the most adorable thing I've seen in ages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top 20 "LINGO"

This is for fun!! It's going to represent Aussies vs. Americans and what we call things!! My buddy, KellyAnne, is from Australia and it's so funny sometimes the way we "talk" to eachother and try to figure out what each other means!! So, here's our top 20 list: 1. We say Sprinkles, they say 100's & 1000's 2. We say gumdrops, they say jubs 3. We say candy, they say lollies 4. We say vacation, they say holiday 5. We say stroller, they say pram 6. We say cotton candy, they say fairy floss (my favorite!) 7. We say cookies, they say biscuits 8. We say soda or pop, they say soft drink 9. We say peppers, they say capsicum 10. We say flip-flops, they say thongs 11. We say couch, they say lounge 12. We say markers, they say texters 13. We say granola bar, they say muesli 14. We say chips, they say crisps 15. We say french fries, they say chips 16. We say frosting, they say icing 17. We say crib, they say cot 18. We say take turns, they say have a go! 19. We say very good, they say very nice! 20. We say breakfast, lunch and dinner, they say breakfast, lunch and tea! That's just some of the words we use that are different!! Isn't is so interesting??!! We had fun making the list!!

GOOD Behavior

Yes, Fayth has earned stickers and has had "good behavior" the past two weeks. This week was extra special because she wanted these chunky crayons as her reward and we went to TWO stores to find them. No Luck!! Instead...Daddy brought home a cash register!! OH, my...it's a huge hit!! Once again from our favorite new toy store, Early Learning Center!! I WILL REALLY MISS THIS STORE when we move home someday!! They have a HUGE summer sale going on now. Fayth and I would like ONE of everything in the store!!

She was so excited that when we Skyped with the Schlee's last night she rushed over & grabbed her new toy to show Mia. She said, "Y"ook...I got all my stickers and got a cash register!" Mia then said, "I don't have that! I want one!" Just wish I had more space in our luggage...I'd bring her one. Then, Smartass Dave said, "SO NOW YOU BUY PRESENTS FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR!" "SHOULDN'T SHE JUST BE GOOD!" And my answer to that is..."She is GOOD...however; this has made a HUGE improvement in her listening!" "Ya do what ya gotta do!" We also throw her BUTT in timeout for naughty behavior!! So, in my mind...It's a WIN WIN!!

Daddy was grocery shopping last night as I was preparing dinner!! Way to go, Fayth!!

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July!! Enjoy the fireworks, bbqs, boating, parades, and being with good friends & family!! Hugs, The Evenson's

Butterfly Face!!

Just silly...how she came home from her last day at preschool!!

Last Day of Preschool

Today was Fayth's last day of preschool until we return in the "fall!" Or, should I say September since it's still over 100 at that time and there are no trees changing colors & leaves falling to the ground!!

She has really enjoyed herself at school. The teachers all adore her and said she is finally coming out of her shell. Yeah...can you believe that!! WE SURE CRACKED OUT OF OUR SHELL AT HOME AROUND 18 MONTHS OLD!!!!!!!!!! I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she is one of the only students that comes only two times a week and stays only a 1/2 a day!! Most ALL of the kids go Sunday-Thursday, full day!! And you say, yeah because both parents are working, and my answer to you in NO...It is the "way" of the world here!! Moms here are shopping, having lunch with friends, golfing, going to the beauty salon and having a weekly "blow-out", getting their nails done, and the list goes on and on!! I must say after awhile you think..."When is enough...enough??" However; I'm also not saying a few hours to myself isn't heavenly!! I look forward to "getting stuff done!" when she is at school!! You moms out there know...just about the time you have started a project it's time to go scoop them up!! You ask yourself, where did the morning go??

Well, any-whoo...I took a few photos of my galpal!! I'd like to say thank you to her wonderful teachers and preschool for the time & effort they put into each and everyday!! Of course, we sent along some gifts and homemade cards to show our appreciation!! Happy Summer Break!!