Jablonski 5

Allison Faith

2012-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

To our sweet Allie on your 8th Birthday. We are so Lucky to have you in our family. Your blend of sweet, silly, smart,and loving is just what we need! We love you so. As much as we want you to stay little, and for chocolate muffins to always make you smile, we are also excited to see you grow and find your own adventures.

You are such a blessing and we are so proud to be your family.
xoxo

New Year ....Strong Love

2012-01-06T09:58:00.001-08:00

I would like to say we have ambitious new years resolutions....but we don't. Loving and respecting each other continues to be our family theme. I think it's a good one. Throw in a good helping of laughter and we will call it a great year.

Today I read this quote and thought it would be awesome to keep in mind as we journey into 2012!

"The greatest beauty tip: For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his / her hands through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Audrey Hepburn ♥

Yoga Babies

2011-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today the kids and I went to our first kids yoga session. There will be 4 sessions total over break. It was so fun. I really enjoyed seeing the kids maneuver their super flexible (!) bodies into the yoga poses. Many of the poses have an animal name and the instructer had us making the animal sounds to go with it. I think we all loved it. I know we all had fun. What a new and different way to spend our free time :)

Over the weekend I TRIED to take some pictures of the kids to use for our Christmas card. They were all dressed up for the piano recital (Which was awesome. Kevin and I are so proud!). But silly Mommy, kids just want to have fun.

Christmas "Break"

2011-12-19T09:46:00.001-08:00

The kids have 17 days off this year. That is a long time. I have some activities planned and of course we have family Christmas celebrations which we all are looking forward to. We had a talk this morning after 3 fight breakups. Here is how it went:

We will NOT be yelling and fighting this whole break. That is unacceptable. We will treat each other with respect and kindness. Even when we are angry. We will do this or I will take away privileges. It would be a big bummer to loose some favorite things while you are on break. Do you understand.

Yes Mommy.

Cross your fingers for me!!

10 on Tuesday

2011-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

I still want to be grateful and celebrate Thanksgiving first
I need help with a card idea for this year ....sweet not cheesy
The kids have made their lists, and aren't they lucky, they are all wants and no needs
I'm starting to think ahead to Christmas fun, trying not to feel overwhelmed and just feel the joy of the season.
Kevin and Hannah had a super time this weekend playing Laser Tag with her soccer team.
I was able to spend time with my sweet niece Jane on Sunday.
Hannah is going to donate her hair to kids who need wigs. I am proud of her.
Kevin and I are proud of the girls also for their GREAT report cards :)
Thomas had picture retakes and I hear that he smiled. YAY!!!
My yoga coupon is about to run out, but I think I want to continue that me time.

The way you wear your H.A.T

2011-11-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for my family. We sometimes scream and yell and get mad at each other. We tickle and hug and love each other too. My kids are silly, smart and crazy. My husband loves us all. We are a good blend of wonderfulness. I treasure every moment. Even the ones that make me want to go back to bed.

I AmThankful

2011-11-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
...
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church or synagogue meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-09T09:01:00.001-08:00

I have noticed a few other bloggers do this and I think it's fun. So here goes:
10 Things you have been wondering (or maybe not)about us this Tuesday

We had Uncle Greg over for pot roast on Monday so the house was clean :)
The kids were off of school for voting day
We went to the 5 Below store for them to spend their Halloween contest winnings. Hannah picked a webkin. Allison (who won $10) picked Shrinky Dinks, a word search book, and a stuffed animal key-chain. Thomas picked a small transformer and a key car.
Kevin and I had a short date night on Saturday (Thanks Dad J!) and we saw 50/50. I highly recommend it.
Thomas and the girls too, have been really enjoying playing with the Geo-Trax trains this week. They are all over the living room but I don't mind (mostly). I love to see the imaginations at play!
Thomas has been writing his name by himself. It is really cute.
Allison is really coming along with her reading. We went to the library yesterday and picked some new books to interest her.
Hannah made a little purse out of some fabric scraps and staples. It's pretty cute. I think she should take a sewing class this summer.
I feel pretty sore from Monday's yoga. But I feel really good about sticking with it and working on bettering myself. I also really enjoy the classes.
I am NOT ready for Christmas music or anything that goes with it. I really feel like Thanksgiving should be a bigger holiday than Halloween. I wish I new how to make it more important.

I think I will think about that at Yoga this week. How can we make Thanksgiving more important to us. I would like us to focus on being thankful this month. Christmas and all the family fun it brings will be here soon enough. :)

Naughty and Nice

2011-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

While playing super mario with Thomas tonight his guy falls in a hole and this silliness ensues
T: Dammit
Me: Buddy you can't say that, it's a bad word
T: (totally innocent)Well can I say shit?
Me: (biting my cheek so as not to laugh)No bud, that is a bad word too
T: well what CAN I say?

After some conversation we decide on Drat. In the story "Big Pumpkin" the characters say Drat when they can't get the pumpkin off the vine. This is acceptable to him.

I love my son.

Late Night Cacophony

2011-10-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

At around 2am, I am sound asleep in the very dark basement. Seemingly all of a sudden I hear:

"MOMMY I NEED YOU!" from Allison somewhere up the stairs.

I sit straight up and yell "Coming!" Then I start to crawl across the bed and over Kevin's legs. I am worried. What could be wrong? Stomach ache? Sore throat? I trip (is it still called tripping when you are crawling?) over Kevin and flip and fall off the bed hitting my leg on the metal frame and landing somewhat on the dog. I yelp. Lucy licks me as if to say "Are you ok?" and also "What the hell?" I then hop up and limp a few steps, partly from the fall and partly from the yoga I did earlier. I run up the stairs and find Allie in the kitchen waiting for me. I look her over and kneel down beside her. What kind of catastrophe awaits? I look up into her beautiful sleepy eyes and ask "What's wrong?" To which she replies: "I had-ed to go potty and wanted you to tuck me back in". She then pivots on her heel swishing those lovely curls around and walks to her room. I stand and straighten my back like an old women. I look at the heavens and let out a long breath (trying to apply some yoga?). Then I follow her to tuck her in and let her know she is loved and safe.

I am a Mom. This is my job.

Logic in the Love

2011-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Next week I will be starting a short class called "Love and Logic". Here is what I am hoping to get out of it. 1. A way to help the kids make good choices without us 2. A way to stop the constant arguing 3. I would like to try and stop the bad attitude funk that the kids sometimes get into 4. Consequences for the kids misbehavior that are consistent and appropriate for the behavior.

Maybe I am expecting a lot. I think my kids are smart, silly and lovely. But there are times when they dig their heels in and wont listen to me. I need to regain some control and help steer them to good choices.

I have read some of the book this series is based on. One example in letting them make choices is not to battle. Tell them it's cold outside and it would be a good choice to get a coat and hat on. But then don't chase them around or nag about the coat. When they don't put it on and are cold they will learn to listen to you next time. But how would this play out with a shower? Do you let your kids go stinky??? Even when they have sensitive skin??

I am hoping this will help me make better choices with them. Less Yelling. More hugging. I hope it helps me be a better parent.

Growing Up

2011-09-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a great time in the sand and sun with family. The kids played in the water all day Saturday and even though it was not sunny they were in all day Sunday too. It was so much fun to sit and share some music with Kevin and watch them have a blast. It was also fun to join them in the water and be silly. On Sunday I was getting up to help T come down from the loft when he said "I'm ok, I don't need you Mommy" and I felt my heart break a little.

The girls started school on Tuesday. They came home so excited after their first day. I love that. It's always a good feeling when it goes well. I have watched some of my friends deal with sad kids in the morning and I always feel for them. While telling me about her first day, Hannah told me about all the kids in her class. She mentioned one boy who was new last year and who she has a "crush on". I said "you do huh?" and she said "yep". WOW.

My kids are growing up too fast. I really miss the times when they were little and wanted to cuddle and read together. Yet, watching them now (even though it's a little sad) is pretty exciting too. They are learning so much. They are making new discoveries. I am so proud.

Thank you Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

At this time of year people start to take stock. To think about all the things in their lives that make them lucky. I love this. But all year I like to think about what makes me thankful. The everyday things that bring a smile to my face and make me say a quick prayer of thanksgiving. Here are a few of those things:

1. Kevin: He is the most amazing husband, father and friend. I couldn't have been luckier than I was in meeting and marrying this wonderfully funny man. He makes me smile and makes me crazy everyday.

2. Hannah: She is super smart, artistic and crazy. She has the most beautiful lashes and cute freckles. She challenges me and makes me fell more pasion. Life would surely never be the same without her chocolate crazies.

3. Allison: Allie is smart, silly and thoughtful. She has the most lovely curls and I adore her nose spot. She makes me laugh and surprises me all the time with what she is thinking. She tries things. She is also a monkey, wiggly, silly funny girl.

4. Thomas: my T...my baby. Thomas is always cracking us up with his questions and mannerisms. He is a total boy and a wonderful change from the girls. I love his wink and his hand talking. I love that he is so into music (rock and roll!). I love his ideas and his absolutes.

5. Our home. Our home is messy and warm. Our home is wonderful and silly. Our home is busy and loud. There are toys everywhere. Our home is a work in progress. Our home isn't just a house.

6. My family and friends: For making me laugh and supporting and loving us no matter what crazy venture we encounter.

For these I am truly thankful. I feel so lucky everyday to be living this crazy wonderful life.

Matrix Anniversary

2010-09-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

At the end of the first Matrix movie there is someone typing on a computer. The date they type is September 18, 1999. This is also the day I married my best friend and we pledged to share our lives together. What a wonderful time it has been. I can't wait to see what comes next!! I am truly excited about our future together.

School Days

2010-09-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hannah Grace 4th Grade Allison Faith 1st Grade Thomas Kevin 3year
preschool

Classrooms Assigned....

2010-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today is the day the postcards are coming. It's the time of year when the kids find out who will teach them this year. Also, if their friends are in the same class or if they have to meet on the playground at lunch. My little first grader was excited to find out that a few of her friends are in her class. But Hannah's friend Sophia is not in the same class. She seems trepidatious. I quell some fears by telling her how young and nice I hear her new teacher is. As I think about it more I share her concern. Last year stunk. She started out just fine, but it turned out her teacher was a dud and she was bullied in class. I want this year to be so much better for her. I am full of p's and t's with this situation. If you have some spare time send some of your own her way please do!

In the mean time I am thinking about how to get the girls off to a great start. Hmm.... Ideas to share???

coocoo

2010-08-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

So I am crazy. I suggested to Kevin that we should try and make it on one car. Our lease was up and we were in a mad stress filled rush to find something else. Forget it! I said. Let's try going to just one car. Save some money and reevaluate in a few months. That way no rush and more money in the bank.

It made sense. But in truth I must have been out of my mind. I have 3 kids and they have activities and school coming up. Also I have 1 extra that I have been watching for the summer. But! I am committed....no not to the loony bin....I am committed to this plan. Today Hannah has piano at 4. The weatherman says rain. We are planning to ride our bikes. Maybe mother nature will wait a few before pouring down her wet goodness. Maybe we will get wet.

The other day I ventured out to meet with Allison's teacher and trade in books. We have been working on her reading this summer to get her ready for 1st grade. I took all 4 kids on a bike ride through construction up to the school and then over to the park for a picnic with friends. We did great. I was feeling pretty good. On the way home, Allison's bike chain fell off and her bike was broken. I did NOT panic (ok maybe a little internal freak out). I packed her and her bike into the bike trailer with T and rode home. Embarrassingly when we got to our street I had to get off my bike and walk it to our house. My legs were like Jello. I felt victorious once there though.

Maybe just maybe this is the answer to my prayer to loose some flubber around my middle....but I still think I may have "flown over the coo coo's nest and I am never ever coming back".

NY needs a check

2010-08-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free".

A quote from An American President that I feel stands true today with all the drama in NY

Summer Time In The Air

2010-06-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

I could smell the sun when I woke up today. I don't know how to explain the smell, but there is nothing else like it. It makes me wish for long summer days in the sun playing with friends. It makes me remember a silly game Sarah and I made up called Queeny Meany (mostly I was the queen and I would squirt her with the hose). I think of smores, bbq's, camping and swimming. I can't wait for the kids to be done with school and all the summer fun we will have. Wait did I just say that? I must be summer crazy :)

Poem By Hannah

2010-04-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Rain Forest
Tap Tap of the ants on the ground
Caw Caw noisy birds in sound
Ohh Ohh Ahh Ahh monkeys swing
A little bell goes Ding Ding Ding

Drip Drip, rain off the leaves

Butterflies come for a little tease
Growl Growl goes the cat, going up to catch a bat
SSSS SSSS goes the snake, slithering and not taking a break
Snap Snap go the parana snapping, but I don't think they will eat Lama
Stick Stick goes the lizard, going to find his brother Gizard
Hop Hop goes a frog, He can't see well because of the fog
Moon shining bright
Say to the animals good good night!

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to get out in the fresh air! We even made our first trip to Eastern Market for the year. Meeting friends at the park, going for walks, seeing the flowers start to pop...We are all really enjoying the spring.

This week is spring break. We really needed this break in our routine. Today I took the kids to Royal Oak Library...or as they call it the "BIG Library". I really loved seeing the looks on their faces when they saw the huge kids section. Hannah has already read through 3 of her books! So fun.

It is hard to believe but our Baby will be 3 in just a week. Where did the time go?

The most exciting thing this spring is a new family member to love. Sweet baby Jane Elise Ovies has joined the family. We are feeling blessed to hold and love her, and so happy for Laurie and John.

Possibilities make me happy! Spring is full of possibilities.

Hitting the Ice

2010-01-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Hannah was invited to go with some friends ice skating. She had only been once before so I wanted to go with her. I had so much fun. It has been a few years, but I think I did ok. Hannah started out pretty nervous and a little rough. But the more she tried the better she got. I am proud that she kept trying.

Next Sunday the 24th, Allison has decided she would like to ice skating as a family. She choose this instead of having a "friend" birthday party. If anyone would like to join us on this fun excursion I know she would love to have you. We will be at John Lindell from 3-4:20. The cost is $4 and $2 to rent skates. Lets Skate!

This picture is from a few years ago when we went as a family. I can't wait to do it again!

2010-01-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 6 years have gone by so fast. Happy Birthday to our sweet Allie Faith! Please join us on January 31st to celebrate our girl with some cake and fun. xoxo

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=URQRWKOFRJXYACCUCXTH

Top Ten 2009 Moments

2010-01-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

10. Thomas is potty trained! No more diapers!
9. Hannah finished 4 Harry Potter books this year. I love that she is a reader. It's so great to get lost in a fantastic story.
8. Allison is now in school full time. Kindergarten is the perfect place for her. She is starting to read small words, making friends, and having all kinds of fun new experiences.
7. Kevin has cultivated his green thumb and we are all breathing easier.
6. Hannah's piano has come along nicely. It is great to listen to her practice. She really enjoys it and is learning something that will last a lifetime.
5. Allison has broken out of her shell. She has made friends. Talked to teachers and other adults. When we go somewhere she is asking "can I go say hi to so and so" it is wonderful to see her develop her own personality.
4. Thomas loves Mrs. Prost. He and I attend parent tot preschool. He loves every minute of it, especially his teacher.
3. Kevin and I were able to get away for a week to Mexico. It was paradise. We had new adventures. We ate wonderful food. We enjoyed every second. Including coming home to hug our kiddos.
2. We have been married ten wonderful years. I look forward to many more.
1. We don't have everything we want...but we do have everything we need....Each other!

Our Little Book Worm

2009-12-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hannah is almost finished with the fourth Harry Potter Book. It took her a while to get into this one. I was encouraging her to keep reading it, thinking it may have important clues for the next book or that it might get better. Apparently it got a lot more interesting. She can't put the book down! She is reading while brushing her teeth, eating, feeding the dog. It makes me giggle. It also is exasperating. If she would get her jobs done she would have much more time to read! I love my Hannah Grace.

John

2009-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

This was a weekend of heavy hearts. My step Dad John died. We cried. Then we laughed. What wonderful memories. The one that stands out for me is at my old house on Clawson. I was standing on the stairs about to get ready for work (mcD's) when John asked me about marrying Mom. He was funny and I was embarrassed..but it is a great memory for me. Another wonderful memory was dancing with him to the song Unforgettable sung by Natalie and Nat King Cole at my wedding.

John is unforgettable.

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Last night was Halloween and the 3rd time the kids were able to dress up this year. They had a blast. Thomas was so excited to go to all the houses for candy, once he figured it out there was no stopping him. We made our way over to the Community Center too. They had a magician, cider, donuts and the kids were all in the costume contest. This year Hannah took third place in her age group so she will receive a prize at the meeting on Tuesday. She was so excited. We told her it was her turn because last year Thomas and Allison placed and she didn't. Her grin was from ear to ear. She was pretty darn cute as Hermione from Harry Potter. I was surprised the other kids didn't place, in comparison to some store bought...and not very imaginative costumes. But, there is always next year! After the girls and Kevin had a bit of a fright in the haunted house we made our way to visit Uncle Ed's Mom and Dad. They spoil the kids every year with many treats and lots of love. We were a little late this year but they waited for us and they even made Kevin and I some yummy treats (egg rolls, mmmm). After that we made our way down the street to Grandma and Grandpa J's. We were pretty late and they were reading in bed, but the kids were so excited by the great treats from them. They were also glad to climb all over grandpa! I think Hannah needed to get some chocolate energy out! She makes me tired just watching her. Allie on the other hand had so much fun she almost fell asleep in Daddy's lap! What a fun family night. We sure are lucky.

God Moment

2009-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I had a God Moment today. I think I will start calling them that. I know that someone great must be looking out for me.

Last week after some discussion with Kevin we decided to pull up the boot straps and cut out the not needed spending. Things are tough. We are really trying to weed out the wants to afford the needs. One of the things I thought to cut was Thomas' parent-tot class. It made me sad, but we have been attending a free library thing at the Clawson library and I thought maybe I could find something similar in RO. I called the principal and left a msg. I told her I knew I was obligated through the rest of this semester but that money was really tight and I didn't think we could continue next semester. I also said I knew there was a waiting list for the class so I wanted to give her advance notice.

Today she called me into the office. I have never been called to the principals office. YIKES! hehe. I was a little nervous. It's one thing to tell her on a msg about my troubles it's another to discuss them in person. It could not have gone better. She said Thomas is such a role model that they want to keep him. She said pay what I can and if I can't, I can't. She also said I have been such a great parent helper over the years that she really was happy to help out. I could have cried right then. I in fact did once I got home. I thanked her tremendously and told her what a great relief it was.

My smart boy, and these great friends! I am so grateful and lucky.

Worry Wort

2009-10-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have many worries that sometimes keep me awake at night. But I am trying to stay focused on the great, wonderful, cozy, happy things in my life. In the spirit of keeping up-beat here are a few more things to be grateful for:

1. Sunny warm days in October

2. Story Time at the library with T

3. Looking forward to Halloween with the kids (Hermione, A Good Witch, Spider)

4. Nap time ;)

5. A good book

6. T staying dry all night (when I forgot a diaper)!

Today

2009-10-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for good friends and good times. I am grateful that I get to watch 2 wonderful ladies blossom into motherhood. I am also grateful that today is Friday and that means 2 Family days ahead. I love family days.

Summer's Over

2009-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is over. I have lost my train of thought to talk about our wonderful trip. The weather has been so cold and gloomy. I feel like my mood is the same. We tell Hannah all the time that your attitude makes your day. I just can't seem to pick mine up. So I am starting a gratitude list to try and change... something.

I am grateful for:

1. my loving husband who makes my day full of laughter
2. my kids whose giggles sound like sunbeams (if they made a sound)
3. my home....when those around are loosing theirs I am grateful to have mine small and full of love.

Just the begining of my list.

Monday? What a wonderful Monday

2009-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

After sleeping in on a Monday, what a treat, Kevin and I decided to try and walk the other way on the beach. This time I wore better shoes. The way was not as rocky but had more shale like flat rock. We met many people who wanted to show us their menus as this was in the village. We also met a local who had moved from Europe some years before. He talked our ears off. But he had some great information and some interesting pictures of the area before it was developed. As we kept walking down the beach we saw some really huge houses and many rocks with crabs on them. Afterward we hit the pool again. Later we took a nap. When we woke up Kevin made a great dinner and we watched a movie. This might sounds like a boring day but it was really nice and relaxing. Just what we needed.

Day 2 Punta Mita Heaven

2009-09-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

On our first full day of vacation Kevin and I couldn't decide what to do first. Kevin suggested going for walk on the beach. So we put on our suits and headed down. Kevin thought it would be fun if we could walk to the point and see the open ocean. That sounded cool to me too. Turns out the way was not such an easy hike. Instead of sand it was very rocky. I wore flip flops which turned out to be a very bad choice. It was a beautiful view. We even saw the endangered blue Boobie bird. Apparently they are a very lazy bird and sit in their spot and wait for food to come to them. We walked right past it, and it didn't budge. That must be why they are endangered. We had some really awesome beach combing on our way. But when we were about an hour and a half in, Kevin took mercy on my feet. He was also worried about the tide shutting us off our path. So we made our way back to the condo. We were sweaty and tired but our pool seemed like the perfect oasis. Kevin made a pitcher of margaritas and we took it down to the pool. It was the perfect finish to the long hot walk. Later that night we went out to one of the restaurants in the village. We sat in the balcony right on the beach and had some seafood. The view could not be beat.

Parent Tot

2009-09-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

Today was Thomas' first day at Parent Tot class. He was so excited to go to school like the girls. I did this same class with the Hannah and Allie but there is a new teacher now, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Mrs. Prost is great. We played, sang songs, went outside, did a project, puzzles, snacktime and read a story. Thomas was great. He loved being able to pick a song for the whole class to sing. He loved all the great new trucks he was able to play with. He seemed to love Mrs. Prost. It makes me so happy to see him excited with his first "school" experience.

Bienvenidos!!

2009-09-09T19:45:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I flew out from Detroit really early. Thanks to Dad J for driving us to the airport. When we got to Mexico we walked off the plane and right outside. It was like walking into a wall of humid heat. After stripping off my sweatshirt (for the week) we went to find our luggage and talk to customs. Then we walked out of the airport,it was so fun to have a driver there with a sign saying KEVIN JABLONSKI. Pretty Cool. Rafeal our driver for most of the week is a super sweet man who does not speak much English but immediatly offers us water from his cooler and then he pulls out a bagged cool eucolyptus towel. It is heaven. After a but of a drive we arrive at a large wooden gate. A few security men come out and the first thing they do after asking Rafeal our name is wish us Bienvenidos (very welcome)! We are so excited. We wind through a green wonderland of plants and trees to the Hacienda de Mita. When entereing our condo there is a welcome sign on the floor made from vines and flowers and a bottle with tequila and 2 shot glasses. The view is amazing. The pool, mountains, ocean, and palm trees. Our condo has 4 bedrooms a large kitchen many bathrooms and an awsome deck. It's bigger than our house and just for us. We feel very spoiled. A few minutes after we explore a maid brings us fresh made tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa. It does start to rain. But instead of feeling bummed we take a nap. After a day of traveling, a siesta is a nice retreat. When we wake a few hours later the sun is shining and we decide to go down to the beach and just take a look around. We meet a nice lady from Switzerland who lives in Punta Mita and she shows us around a bit. Everyone is so friendly! I can't believe our luck.

School Days

2009-09-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

School Time Again! The summer has really flown by and now the girls are off to school. I have so much to share about our super awesome vacation. But first here are a couple shots of the girls on their first day of school. Hannah Grace is now in 3rd grade with Mrs. Smith. Allison Faith is starting Kindergarten with Mrs. McDonald. Both teachers seem really nice and the girls are excited.

Mexico here we come!

2009-08-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

<-----Pretend that is us until I can take one

This is the weekend that Kevin and I leave for our long awaited trip. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. It feels totally unreal and I think won't feel like it's happening until we are on the plane. The kids will be spending quality time with Loving Family. I am excited for them, they will have a super time. I hope they have fun and don't feel homesick. I know Kevin and I will miss them, but we are looking forward to being just a couple for a little while. I will post pictures from our trip when I can and I will see you all soon!

xoxoRach

The Haps

2009-08-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

This week our Hannah turned 8. We also received her excellent report card in the mail. It's hard to believe we will soon have a 3rd grader. She went to a dance camp this month and really loved it. It was singing, dancing and they put on a play. Right up her alley. We have talked about her trying out for the next stagecrafters play. She seems interested. She is keeping up with her piano and I just love to hear her play. We went to Red Oaks water park for her birthday. All the kids had a blast. The favorite spot is the lazy river. Next time we all voted on taking more friends and family with us.

Thomas has recently started going to a playgroup at the preschool. He just loves it. He calls it school. He and I go together and they play and do a project. Then the teacher talks with the moms about whatever topic is on the plate for the day. They sing songs and play instruments and then as they say goodbye they get to choose a book to keep. He talks about school all week long and asks when it's school day. He is getting so big.

Allison fished up her summer school program. It was sad to say goodbye to Ms. Hodge who has been a great influence on Allie. She has really blossomed this year. She even was the star in the little play they put on. She played the peddler in "Caps For Sale". Super cute. I am attempting to upload that to the site so you all can see it. It's giving me trouble, so be patient with me.

Kevin is working hard as usual. He loves his work and the job is going well. We are thankful.

I am counting down the weeks, 4 more until Mexico. I am super excited! What a great month of July!

2009-08-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hannah Grace is now 8!

My Glasses By: Hannah Grace Jablonski

2009-07-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

Once there was a girl, her name was Hannah. Hannah was seven. As the summer ended she got ready for second grade. She had a great year. At almost the end of the year Hannah went to the eye doctor. He said Hannah needed glasses. "GLASSES!" thought Hannah. She could not believe it. "What if I look silly? What if I look stupid?" thought Hannah. "I don't think I will like glasses Daddy" Hannah said. "Sure you will, I wear glasses, so does grandpa, and grandma" said Daddy. "Everyone will need glasses sometime" Daddy said. "No they won't" mumbled Hannah. "Cheer Up" said Daddy. "Ummmm...." said Hannah. "Umm what?" said Daddy. "Do you think Mommy and the kids at school will think I look stupid?" "No way" said Daddy. Then Daddy said " Hannah you can go home or come to my work for a while". "Your work" sighed Hannah. "Ok, lets go" said Daddy. So Hannah stayed at her Dad's work and wrote her Mom a note. Then she went home. In 2 weeks she got her glasses. The kids in her class plus Mommy and Daddy really liked them. And Hannah lived happily ever after. The End

Zoo Concert

2009-07-02T07:54:00.001-07:00

Last night we joined Aunt Jill, Taylor, and Mom J for a concert at the zoo. Our first of the season. The band playing was Gemini. When we first arrived it was damp outside but not raining. As I started to unload the kids and make our way into the zoo it started to sprinkle. We danced and sang along to the fun kid music. Kevin had great memories of the band playing at his elementary school 25 years ago or so. During the break we made our way to a musty tent to enjoy some sandwiches, grapes and chips. It started to rain pretty steadily. As the band started to play again the rain came down. We decided to see a couple of animals before the zoo closed. The tiger was looking at us from inside his cave, as if to say "silly people why are you standing in the rain?". On our way back to the front after being turned around (oh! the zoo is closing?) the rain really started to come down. All in all a fun and wet adventure. Next time I hope to see more animals.

-Rach

Movie Review By: Hannah

2009-06-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Movie Review: "UP"

In "UP" here are the characters: Kevin, Mr. Frederickson, Russell, and Doug. When Mr. and Mrs. Frederickson were little, Mrs. Frederickson had a book called Adventures. They never went on an adventure to the special waterfall in South America. Then Mrs. Frederickson died, so Mr. Frederickson had lots of balloons, and he flyed the house. Mr. Frederickson had an adventure. They found out that Kevin was a girl.

What I thought: It was a great and funny. I got to pick out my own candy at the candy shop before we went. The most funny part is when they found out Kevin is girl! HAHAHA

FROM: Hannah Grace Jablonski

Summer Project

2009-06-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to think of fun things to do during the summer. Creative and free or cheap. One of the things I thought of was sharing our adventures with YOU. I want to even get the kids in on it. Hannah is so creative and loves to tell a story. Allison loves to use the computer. Thomas just loves fun! So here is my summer experiment. Blogging to you our family and friends. Telling you along the way about our adventures the good,bad,silly,sad, hopeful, crazy and full of us. I hope you enjoy reading about the JABLONSKI 5.

Love, Rachael