~4bolins~ Matthew Ashley Noah Foster

Noah's word of the day (yesterday)

2012-01-17T21:20:00.000-06:00

As we were driving home from my gramma's house a surprising word used correctly in a sentence by Noah : disinterested.

Just a Bolin fun fact to start the week.

stuff

2012-01-08T01:04:00.003-06:00

Seems like there is always stuff to report on, but lots of other stuff gets in the way. Here is some stuff that doesn't really go together, but I thought would be fun to share....

The chick-fil-a on Archer Road is always doing neat events for the kids. The boys and I made a trip to meet Albert and the Chick-fil-a cows. The cheerleaders (or danceretts) were there and the boys both enjoyed the pretty ladies...I think they take after Grampa Dave!

The best part about moving is having a bunch of empty boxes! Noah and I made a box tunnel that had three open ends. He had fun being the "construction worker" who brought mommy tape and pounded on a few places with his hammer for good measure! Foster enjoyed the project too.

One day before the weather was cool, the boys played in our rain water collection buckets. We collect the rain as it pours off of our roof to water our plants with. If God is providing us that resource, we certainly are not going to let it go to waste! Playing in the rain water usually starts with Foster escaping from our back porch and going right for the buckets. We must have just had rain beacuse all of our buckets were full and he was soaked before I could catch up to him. I decided playing in the water would be a good pasttime until daddy got home. I think the boys agreed with my decision!

What is fall without leaves...

2011-12-15T20:17:00.006-06:00

We had a birthday party for Baga (my mom) and Baga Sue (my gramma) at our house the weekend after their birthdays. Matt and I made a cake that took about 8 hrs total to make. It consisted of a chocolate frosting over brownie layer over marshmellow creme frosting over chocolate chip cookie over marshmellow creme frosting over cheesecake over chocolate frosting over graham crakers and then in the reverse again. Man was it yummy, man was it rich!

After we celebrated, we raked up leaves and Baga, Baga Sue, Barby and the kids jumped in the leaves. We all had a fun time celebrating!

2011-12-15T12:40:00.000-06:00

Our Elf came to our house in November 2011. These are some of "Trix"-as named by Noah- adventures since he has been at our house.

Trix acting as a tree topper since we don't have one yet

Trix got in a carry-on bag to go to Iowa with us

Trix hid in Gramma Pam's flowers the first day we awoke in Iowa

Trix ate some of Daddy's birthday cake

Trix decided to try a cow ride out

He thought he would help with wrapping presents, but just got all tangled up.

Wanted to make sure he heard the Christmas songs loud and clear!

Visited the true meaning of Christmas

Since there was no snow, Trix decided he would make a snowangel

Back in Gainesville, Trix got in on the decorations.

Checking Noah's stocking to make sure stuff would fit in

Trix hanging out in the kitchen with the lollipop Noah gave him

The letter Trix left Noah since he was going to stay at the North Pole to help with toy production.

So if you have any ideas on where Trix will be tomorrow...send a message my way!

Ashley

December Update

2011-12-15T12:05:00.001-06:00

Well, I took Foster to the pediatrician again today and he still has an ear infection:( He had to get an antibiotic shot in his leg and will follow up for the next 2 days with shots. He also is being put back on the nebulizer for some wheezing associated with his cough that has been hanging around for several months now. In other health news, I slipped and fell and fractured my tailbone. The good news is that most daily activities are fine. The bad news is, it takes a while for tailbone fractures to heal.

In Noah news, he has been having a great week at school- all greens! We are still contemplating taking him out of school and homeschooling him. Please pray for this decision because it is a big one for all of us!

15 month check up

2011-12-01T16:11:00.001-06:00

Foster had his 15 month check-up today and a recheck for his second (or continuing) ear infection. His stats are 21pounds 11oz, 31.5 inches. Both are 15- 25 percentile...so he is little...just not quite as little as his brother. Foster also still has an ear infection. We are traveling to Iowa tomorrow so pray for a smooth trip and not too much pain for his little ears and pray that antibiotic #3 does its job!

2011-11-09T09:50:00.001-06:00

A couple pics from Halloween. The one of the boys and I was taken by Pam on Skype, hence the low quality from camera on the computer. The second one is from a neighbor's iPhone. Not too bad of quality. Our house is in the background behind me. We are in the neighbor's yard when the photo was taken. And yes, we did spray paint the boys hair blue. Don't worry, it came right out!

Thanks to Katie

2011-11-09T09:46:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Katie Whitlock, I can finally get my blog to publish again! I was so frustrated with it that I gave up. Thanks for the tips and I will try to get some new posts up soon!

another tooth!

2011-11-09T09:44:00.001-06:00

Foster has another tooth on the top right. He is also now pulling up, cruising, catching himself when he falls forward, and trying to learn how to let go while standing. Tomorrow we are heading to Gainesville for a 9 mo checkup for Foster and a 5yo check up for Noah. I have decided that Foster's nickname is "Ironman" because he is so big and his initials are "Fe" like the periodic table symbol for iron. His eyes are still blue like daddy's, so we think they will stay that way.

On the "home front," we are blessed to have family members who are able to purchase a house for us in Gainesville while we continue to wait on our house in Iowa to sell. We have an offer in on a house (we are the back-up) and have not had an update on what is going on with that property and not for lack of trying. Hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.

I am praising God for bringing my brother-in-law home to Jacksonville and allowing him to get restationed here because it was truly an act of God that that happened. Praying for my 2nd cousin and his teaching job. Also for family friends who have to make decisions about a sister's living situation. Praying for wisdom in our house search- the where, when, and what. Thanks for joining with me!

Noah's Graduation

2011-11-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

Noah graduated from PreK in June. Here is video from his graduation.

Another milestone...

2011-05-02T22:30:00.002-05:00

Foster reached another milestone today. He was getting it down really good until the camera came out. See if you can catch what he figured out today.

New news on Foster & Noah

2011-04-13T10:43:00.006-05:00

Well, Foster obviously is changing everyday. His first tooth came through the week after we came back from Iowa. His second tooth came through last week. He is still crawling backwards and has not figured out how to go forward which makes him very frustrated. He stands up at the table/window/chair/wall for 10 minutes at a time.
Noah has started reading! He is reading easy readers like Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat, Go Dog Go, The Giving Tree, etc. He also has the Tag reading system, so any books in this realm would be great gifts for him this year. For the tag he already has the Ispy book and Map. He is almost in 5T clothes...just remember that we now live in FL. Too many long sleeves/pants wont get as much use as short sleeves and shorts. He also loves games!

Long Lost Videos

2011-04-06T23:59:00.003-05:00

So some of these are really old, but I wanted to get causght up. So here goes...

Noah loves making his brother laugh and Foster laughs best for Noah!

Yummy! Foster gets his first solids. He loves to eat.

More to come...

The rest of the previews...

2011-03-11T13:45:00.004-06:00

Somehow I missed these when I was saving them to my computer...I then realized I was missing them because some of my favs are in this group!

Photos with Mrs.Linda Bainter

2011-03-11T10:34:00.007-06:00

We have a wonderful and very talented photographer friend Linda Bainter. She is a budding photographer whose work is in full bloom! She is very resonable $100 for an hour session which includes 20 shots on a CD for you to have. She is located in Gainesville, but says she will travel...When you need her info, message me.

since the last time...

2011-03-01T15:57:00.004-06:00

After reading a friends blog and how she writes everything as if telling her daughter a story about her life, I really liked the concept and think I will try it out for a while on our blog for the boys...

Foster, this was your third trip back to Iowa. Two weeks before we were to go, you were sick. On Tuesday morning I decided to take you in, but by the morning Noah, you were even more sick than Foster. We (Baga Sue and mommy) took you to the pediatrician in Gainesville. The doctor took one look at you, Noah, and said " I think he has the flu!" He ran a rapid flu test on you which thankfully came back negative. Since you were coughing so bad, he put you on an antibiotic for that and the eye infection that seemed you were getting from Foster. We were to continue the drops we had been putting in your eyes Foster. The following Saturday, Mommy had a Pampered Chef meeting in Orlando to attend. Foster, this was the first time I was leaving you for a day. Daddy had plenty of milk to give you, but you refused to take it from a bottle. Knowing that you had started to cough like Noah, I left my meeting early to come home to feed you because I did not want you to continue to get sick. By the time I made it back to Baga Sue's house, Daddy and I had decided to take you into urgent care. The Dr. there said you were wheezing again and to start you back on abuterol with the nebulizer and also that you had an infection in your right ear which she put you on amoxicillin for. Sunday night as you went to bed, it seemed like you were getting better. You went to bed around 9pm, but woke with a dry diaper at 3am. After trying to get you to nurse with not much success, I decided to take you to the emergency room in Zephyrhills. When we arrived your blood oxygen was around 85% which is evidently really concerning. They tested you for RSV which did come back positive. They gave you a nebulizer treatment and it came up to 91% then followed it with another one. Your levels stayed the same and the ER Dr made the decision to admit you to the hospital. Now since before you were born, I have always thought I would end up in the ER with you many more times than we have ever been with your brother, but I did not think it would start so soon. You were always so wild in utero that I knew we would be making trips to the ER with you. We stayed in the hospital for two days. Noah and Baga Sue were our most frequent visitors, but daddy and Baga also came by to see us. On Wednesday we checked out of the hospital. I was glad to be going home but still concerned for you because you still were not nursing very well. I had also gotten mastitis while we were in the hospital for the second time since your birth. When we were discharged you were on Amoxicillin, Prednisolone and Abuterol. Noah was still on his Ceptra and I was on Dicloxacillin. I felt like I was running a pharmacy. We had a few days to recover before heading to Iowa to see family.

So, we made a trip to Iowa to see Dan, Lynn and Amara (Pronounced "uh-mar-uh") when they made it back from Turkey, as well as numerous other family members and friends. They are going to be making our house in Iowa their home until it sells or something else comes up for them. It will be great to have them in the house making it smell like a home again and keeping up with the snow removal and when the time comes, lawn care. It was really fun seeing you Noah, with your brother and cousin, both so little compared to you. Monday evening we were able to spend time with the Wedekings. Tuesday evening, daddy too you, Noah, to the urgent care because your ears were hurting and you had a low grade fever. This is your first ear infection since you were about a year old. They put you back in an antibiotic. On Wednesday, we had a half birthday for Foster and had many people come by to visit. We hung out with the Jensen grandparents, got to see Charlotte, Jerry, and Darrell along with Gramma and Grampa Bolin, and Uncle James and Aunt Nicole came and stayed with us. Foster, you were cutting teeth and screamed the entire time G&G Bolin and Charlotte and Family were at the house. It was rather humorous. On Saturday we were able to celebrate with Alan and Emily as they were married. Noah, you loved dancing with Kelsey at the dance and you also did a dollar dance with Emily. The next morning we headed to Colfax to have a yummy lunch with Dave Jensen and family then to the airport. We had a great trip and it was wonderful to see everyone.

When we got back home, we went for Foster's 6 month check up.
Stats:
16# 10 oz (50%)
27in (75%)

I had the pediatrician recheck your ears Noah and you still had an ear infection. So he prescribed another antibiotic for you. I surely hope this helps!

Everyday I am learning more about being the mom of two little boys. I am blessed to have both of you in my life and I am excited to continue on this journey. I am thankful to our creator for trusting me with your care and hope that I can honor him in raising both of you!

where have the Bolins gone?

2011-01-11T15:19:00.006-06:00

It has been about 4 months since I last posted, I thought I would update you on what is going on in our lives. First, it has been crazy...by this I mean we have been living out of suitcases for over six months now but have been so blessed by our friends and family who have graciously taken us in in the last six months. Matt started out living with the Searbys. With the birth of their daughter approaching, he moved out in mid September. He stayed the next couple of weeks with friends from Harvest Christian Church, Pete and Lou Peterman. In the last couple of months we have all house sat for both the Searbys and the Williams. Matt and Josh are both working at the vet school, so when Matt stays in Gainesville they carpool to the University.

The boys and I spent our first five months with my sister Amy and her family. It was great to get to watch them grow together as a family and get to know Matt (yes Amy married a Matt too) my brother-in-law. Brilei and Noah spent many hours playing together and Presslei spent many hours holding Foster. We enjoyed our time with the Smiths and especially enjoyed attending their church, Celebration, with them. I later found out that this church is one of the main supporters of 6:8 ministries in Costa Rica that Matt and I served with in March 2008. It is always neat to be reminded of how all of God's kingdom works together even when it is all over the globe.

Baga Sue put Foster right to sleep

Surprise!

Look how skinny I am!

Foster next to a "Sugar Britches" doll at 4 weeks old

Foster practicing tummy time and Presslei getting in on the action

Noah helping give Foster on of his first bottles ever

Foster in the baby K'tan

Foster having time with "Sweet P" (Tink's nickname for Presslei, Tink is my "auntie" name)

Noah and Foster cuddling on the couch

In October, we (the boys and I)were fortunate enough to be able to travel back to Iowa so that Foster could meet the family and friends we left behind. We truly miss all of you! The second day we were there, I had an open house and invited everyone to come by and see us. We had over 50 people come by to see us and felt the love of the community we were surrounded by in Iowa. In the beginning of December, our family including Matt went back to Iowa and visited again, celebrated Christ's birth with Matt's family. It was God's timing for our trip. The night we were heading to our hotel near the airport for our early morning flight, we received a call from Matt's mom letting us know that she had cervical cancer. She is currently being treated with radiation 5 days a week and chemo once a week. The good news is last week she had a scan at the half way point in her treatment and the tumor has shrunk to half of its original size! We praise God that his healing is at work. Please join with us in praying for Pam.

Papa Pete's hand with Foster's hands in October

Noah and Foster were gators for Halloween

The middle of December was our time to give Amy and her family some time without us. My grandmother is about 1.5hrs from Gainesville (Matt's commute the other direction to Amy's house took about 1hr 20mins). She has offered her house to us. We have been living with her for almost a month now. The big difference between here and Orange Park is the price of groceries! They are almost double here as compared to OP. Of course we don't have a publix close by to shop at, so that could be part of the problem. We have been enjoying our time with "Baga Sue" as Noah and Brilei call her. We have been attending church with her at the Ridge Manor United Methodist Church. Last week we were able to make it down to Tampa to spend the afternoon with my Dad and Deborah. The "boys" (Matt, Noah and Dad) went out on the boat. Noah had a great time. We had some yummy smoked chicken and potato salad and tomato salad. We also got to spend some time with my mom and help with a few little projects.

That is the gist of it. I also believe that 2 blogs is too much for me. So until I figure something else out, I will continue to post on here. We will be 3 Bolins plus one :) If the Big Ten has as much revenue as they do and they can't count, it is fine for me too- some humor my Father-in-law will be proud of!

School

2010-09-19T22:48:00.002-05:00

Noah is loving his VPK. He does art everyday and is really learning a lot. His teacher tells me about Noah's interaction with others. His imagination is one of the things I hear about most often, which is really funny because I don't seem to notice much imaginative play at home. The first week of school he was playing on the jungle gym and decided that it was a boat that was on fire and he kept annoucing, "The boat is on fire. Quick come with me." His teacher said the first few times no one listen to him, but he was persistent and patient until he finally convinced a few friends to "jump ship."

Noah also continues to be a big help with his brother, Foster. He is eager to help me anytime I need the pump turned on, a diaper or wipes brought to me, or even comes quick to talk to Foster when he cries. What a blessing it is to have Noah in my life!

Big brother

2010-08-27T15:30:00.010-05:00

Noah officially became a big brother on August 23, 2010 at 11:36 pm. Little brother Foster Everett Bolin weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz and 19 inches long. With the new addition we are now going to have two blogs. This blog will feature more of Noah's highlights and the other 4bolins.blogspot.com will feature more of Foster. Here are just a few pics of the proud big brother. We hope to have more up soon as energy and time allow.

Noah's drawing of Foster with emphasis on his long fingers and belly button.

Update

2010-08-11T09:24:00.002-05:00

I am now 36weeks and 5 days. I went to the Dr on mon and they did my group b strep test and decided it would be good to be checked since I do have quite a time to travel to the hospital. I was1 cm and 50% effaced! I have been having Braxton-Hicks quite regularly. I am thinking that this little one is going to make an appearance before Sept, but I guess time will tell!

Move, Maternity Pics, Matt visits

2010-07-31T20:43:00.007-05:00

Well as most of you know, Matt, Noah, and I are transitioning to Florida. Right now, Noah and I are living with my sister and her husband Matt in Fleming Island which is just south of Jacksonville. Matt is living with very hospitable friends in Gaineville. My mom and gramma are trading off taking care of our dog, Sandy. Noah and I left Waverly on Monday around 1pm. We made it to Medina, TN around midnight to stay with my cousin Angie and her daughter Isabella. Angie is also due to have a baby in Sept around the 23rd. Sadly I did not take any pictures while I was there, but Noah had fun playing in the pool and jumping on the trampoline. Angie and I had fun catching up on everything. Wednesday morning Noah and I headed out to make our trek to Florida. We made it to Amy's about 10pm. Brilei and Noah were so excited to see each other. I am so proud of how Brilei has adopted Noah into her space and allowed him to play with her toys and has really been a great cousin to Noah. We still have no idea how long this arrangement will end up being and I cannot imagine what Noah and Brilei are going to feel like once we do have our own place again. Presslei has gotten in on some of the cousin action too! One of the favorites is Noah and Brilei taking turns pushing Presslei in her little Radio Flyer cart. She smiles from ear to ear. We are so blessed to have Matt, Amy, Brilei and Presslei in our lives!

Before we left Iowa, Matt and my mom made the overnight haul to Iowa to help me tie up some loose ends. Matt and his grampa Neil cut a huge limb out of one of the trees in the back yard and really spruced it up. Mom pulled lots of weeds and helped with cleaning. Noah had a great time spending time with "Baga" and Daddy while they were in town. Once again I did not get any pictures of their trip up, however we did manage to squeeze in maternity pictures between my surprise birthday party Melissa and Hannah threw for me on Thursday night, my new product box opening party on Saturday night, church, bridal shower, and family goodbyes on Sunday. I also had a Pampered Chef Open House and Moving Sale on Tuesday night that was AWESOME! Needless to say, my last week in Iowa was full of lots of people especially great friends and family that we already miss dearly. We also are really going to miss our Church. The relationships, discipleship and fellowship we felt from that body of believers was unparallel to anything I have ever had in the Body of Christ before. It was unique in the intergenerational relationships that were built and something that I hope to be a part of again in the near future. I know we were in Iowa specifically for my personal growth in my relationship with Christ and I would not trade my time there for anything! It is always really hard to leave the known and go to the unknown. For the past 7 years of Matt and my marriage we have moved our residence 4 times (5 if you count where we are at right now and hopefully will be 6 by the end of this year). However, I truly hope we can stay wherever we end up for several years. It will be really nice to be settled. Have some rest time. Have an idea of where we will be, who we are and what we are called to do. Until then, we will trust that God has a plan for us and that it is to prosper and not to harm.

We plan to welcome a new baby in about 4 weeks. I am living about an hour and fifteen minutes from the hospital that I will deliver in, my sister works overnight as a nurse (my ride to Gainesville) and my husband is also an hour and 15 away. So with that said, I am trusting that God will prolong my labor enough to make it to where I need to be, with who I would like to have there. I know he will protect and keep me through this process and it will all be for His glory.

Matt is making his visits on the weekends. This is our first weekend back together. It is nice to have his love and affection around. Noah has done such a great job of adjusting to this transition. Please continue to pray for him through all of this. Also pray that we fit into the daily life of the Suralis-Smith household and are a blessing to them during our stay here.

Enjoy some maternity pictures in the mean time!

Not for the faint of heart

2010-07-08T02:37:00.003-05:00

Well nothing too graphic...the video is a little dark, but it is of my bare stomach and the baby that is in there jumping (literally). Thought Matt might like to see it. There are 2 really noticable kicks in the video. Don't mind the dramatic Tom & Jerry music playing in the background.

My friend Katie wanted to see a belly picture of me...well this is as close as it comes right now. I'll have to see if Noah can get a good profile shot of me.

My friend Kiara, 3rd of July

2010-07-08T02:27:00.006-05:00

Noah has recently become really good friends with Kiara. One day they were over and Noah drew his first self portrait on the magnadoodle. Kiara drew craziness.

Noah's favorite shirt. He would wear it everyday if I would let him...

Kiara's Drawing

Noah's Protrait

On the 3rd of July, we celebrated the 4th.

We first watched the parade with Pam and Dave, ten Hoeve's and Deb, Deb, Dennis and crew. Pam also has pictures of this, so I will try to get them loaded on here one day...

We also went to a Jersey farm Grand Opening with P&D and had a wonderful lunch.
Noah rode in the tractor for a few rows of bailing hay. That evening we watched the fireworks with Kiara and had a wonderful time hanging out with friends.

Preschool, VBS, playing in the rain!

2010-07-08T02:17:00.003-05:00

Well many other things have happened since I last posted or maybe even the post before that. So, I am going to put the highlights in and if you want more details call me :)

VBS at Open Bible

Playing in the rain...

keeping dry under the umbrella...Thanks to Katie for previously posting about her and Isaac playing in the rain!

Slip-n-slide with Daddy the day before our last day of preschool. It needed to be tested ;)

Last day of Preschool. Noah, Lindee and Wesley. Unfortunatly, Madyson was unable to be there!

The other day...

2010-07-08T01:38:00.004-05:00

Well, Noah and I have been adjusting to life around here without Matt. For those of you who haven't heard an update from us recently, Matt took a job in the radiology department at the University of Florida. He has been in FL for a week and a half now. For now it still seems like Matt is working nights and we just haven't seen much of him. Noah definitely misses his daddy and often gets teary-eyed when telling Matt goodbye on the phone. God blessed my little boy with a spirit of compassion and he is easily moved to tears. He will definitely make a great husband and father someday because he is so in tune with peoples needs and emotions.

Our house is still on the market and we are waiting on God's timing. Sometimes we really wish things would hurry up, but know there is a reason and when it happens, it will be perfect. Since the house is on the market, we are definitely trying to keep the lawn up to make sure everything looks nice...Matt's grandfather came over and mowed for me the other day. What a blessing to have done! Thanks Grampa Neil!

Another part of the story, which needs some background information for those of you who have never lived in Waverly. Our garbage goes out once a week on Monday. Every time you put garbage out, you have to attach a sticker which you can buy at the grocery or convenient store for $1.25. We are big recyclers, so our trash can only gets full about once every 3-4 weeks at which time we pay the extra $1.25 (we already have a monthly trash bill) to put out the can. Not such a good idea in the summer evidently...The other morning, Noah went out in the garage to get food for Sandy. After putting her food cup away he came back in and exclaimed, "Mom, there are slugs all over the trash can!" As soon as he said it, I knew that they were not slugs, but maggots. YUCK!!! So, even though my can was not full, the garbage went out this Tuesday (because of the holiday). When Grampa Neil came over to mow, Gramma Mavis came too! Noah really wanted to help clean out the incredibly nasty trash can with Gramma. So after his nap, Gramma and Noah cleaned out the stench and the worms. I have decided that Mavis must love me because anyone who didn't, DEFINITELY WOULD NOT have done what she did. Thanks Gramma Mavis! Needless to say, I will be putting the trash out on a weekly basis now. No more maggots for this mama.

The day Neil and Mavis were over, we had a scheduled showing. Once all the chores were done, Neil treated us all to Dairy Queen. Noah had a red, white and blue star. Neil had a peanut buster parfait and Mavis and I split a banana split. The buy one, get one coupon I had was definitely a good one. After we finished our ice cream, Noah made a new friend...

Noah's blue lips, proof of his ice cream treat!

I thought the butterfly was dying at first, but after it hung around so long and could actually fly better each time it tried to fly, we decided that it must have just hatched from its cocoon. What a neat experience to have such a beautiful creature hang around for such a long time. Noah even shared his bitterfly experience with 6 other kids at Dairy Queen. He is such a good sharer: a skill that should come in handy with his new big brother roll to come.

Noah's birthday!

2010-05-13T21:53:00.004-05:00

I am finally getting around to putting pictures and video up from Noah's party. We had originally planned to have his party outside, but the weather was pretty cold so we moved it into the garage. He had a great time and has enjoyed the presents he was given. Chalk and bubbles were a favorite which was helpful to a mommy who is trying to keep our "things" to a minimum. They are consumable, I love that right now :)

The one thing he asked for at his party was that his friends sing "Happy Birthday."

Many of our family members along with Matt and I went together to get Noah a John Deere Gator. He was so excited. Pam has a video that I would like to post on here, but need to be at her computer to do it!

Noah is 4!

2010-05-09T23:42:00.006-05:00

Well, Mother's day is coming to a close and I am just thinking about the little boy who makes me a mommy!

Noah,

You brought a new adventure into my life about 4 years ago. I did not know what this adventure would look like and I was a little aprehensive about it. Now, just four years into our adventure, I wonder what else will become of our relationship as mother and son. You are so loving, caring and sensitive, something that I believe God has blessed you with and will be a blessing to others in your years to come. I am so excited to know that you will be a big brother in a little while and how much you already seem to care for your sibling. Your tenderness is something that most little guys never know and I am so blessed that you are made exactly as you are. Sometimes mommy looses her patience and doesn't speak kind words, but you are quick to forgive me when I stumble. You are so polite and respectful and I look forward to spending more time getting to know the man you will grow up to be.

Love,

Mommy

We had Noah's pictures taken for his 4th birthday. Tell me which is your favorite!
1.
Noah peeking through a loop-backed chair

2.
The first picture of this kind that truly caught the essence of Noah.

3.
Can I have a hug?

4.
Cheese :)

5.

My little boy is getting big!

It's a......

2010-04-22T09:33:00.014-05:00

smile!?!

Baby! We've decided to wait until the little Bolin enters the world to find out whether we are having a boy or girl. Here are the pics from our appointment of the very healthy baby. If you ask Noah if he is having a brother or sister, he will inform you that it is a sister. Ashley refered to the baby as him and Noah promptly corrected that the baby is a her. Enjoy the pics and for those of you that wanted to know we will repost with the sex of the baby in about 20 weeks.

Ultrasound decisions

2010-04-12T13:10:00.003-05:00

So, Matt and I are again on opposite sides of the debate when it comes to whether or not to find out what we are having...only this time he wants to and I do not- ha! So we go on Wednesday for the ultrasound and have not totally made the decision whether or not to find out. We are planning on having the Ultrasound Tech write down what it is on a card and seal it. Matt and I are going to open the envelope...we just haven't decided the timing. I think it would be fun to wait this time...however I am not petrified by the thought of having another boy. I now know how to be the mommy to a little boy. Noah says he is going to have a sister because he is a brother. But when I ask him, "what happens if mommy has another boy?" His respose is, "well then you will have two boys," which I think is so funny! I think it would be fun for Matt to be able to call and make the announcement, "It's a _____" but we can do that at anytime... so I guess in the next few hours the decision will be made...

A new tax write off is coming...

2010-04-07T23:23:00.005-05:00

With the season of taxes upon us, we went to have ours prepared ...found out that we owe the state of Iowa almost $1000! In case you haven't heard, Matt and I are preparing for a move back to Florida where we will not be paying the 7.9% state income tax any longer. Florida does not have any state income tax and even sales tax rates are similar. We are waiting to hear back on Matt's interview and are excited to be starting a new chapter in life. We have been really busy getting the house ready to be on the market. Our realtor came today and took some pictures. My friends Melissa and Sue have been so much help. They have spent many hours with me helping me get ready...or should I say me helping them. It has been really nice to have someone to tell me what to do. Seems so hard when it is your stuff to know what to pack and what to leave out for now. What a blessing it is to have people who support you in your decisions wholly and are there with you even when they don't want you to leave. Melissa cried when I told her I was leaving, but has spent many hours here helping me get the house ready for prospective buyers. Friends like that are hard to come by!

Here are a few pictures of our house similar to the ones that will be on the website later from our realtor

Living Room

dining

Kitchen

Downstairs bathroom Matt and his grampa finished! Looks amazing!!!!

And, Matt and I are going to have another tax write off, in the form a child!

Due Sept 4th, ultrasound April 14th.

Digging out

2010-02-09T10:16:00.012-06:00

I just got done digging out from yet another snow storm and thought I would post some pictures of how much snow we have on the ground. I put a yard stick in a couple of the pictures so you can have a reference point. Of course the piles at our house are nothing compared the drifts in the country from the blowing snow. We are definitely looking forward to spring.

traveling trio

2009-12-13T00:56:00.005-06:00

After we left Charlotte, we headed to Trilby. We spent the evening with my mom and gramma. Met up with Mrs. H and Shay Lynn and Ethan at Alderman's Ford Park which was our first time meeting him! What a treat to see that little guy. When Mrs. H had to go, Mom, Matt, Noah, Gramma and I walked the entire trail. Gramma made it all the way around. We were all so proud of her! The next day we spent time with Bran Dee, Coleman, and Titan at Chuck E Cheese and had a great time catching up. We headed up to Jacksonville by way of Gainesville to see Amy and Jon Leftwich's brand new little one, Megan. I don't have any pictures:(

We stayed in Jacksonville with Amy and Matt and the girls and we did take pictures! We had such a great Thanksgiving and I know my Matt was glad to have some man company. Noah and Brilei had such a good time playing together...the wii was a huge hit and they played for hours! I know Noah misses his cousins!

Presslei time!

Yummy! So blessed!

Family, nothing better!

Noah conked out before we ate...Bri wanted to be in the pic too...She is beautiful isn't she?

weird!

2009-12-02T23:16:00.009-06:00

So I guess it has been quite awhile again since you all heard from me in this form anyway...

Many events have taken place since I last posted. One of those being Halloween. What is really puzzling is how I made it through Halloween without getting a picture of Noah standing up in his costume! I have one head shot of him at a festival we went to at one of the local churches, but none of his wonderful tail. So, for that I am stealing one of Pam's pictures off Dave's profile on facebook:)

This year I had planned to make Noah's costume again, but as I was looking for ideas at target, I came across this costume and it was only $6.49!!! Couldn't pass it up!

We also changed up the dining room a bit and here are the results including the normal dining room clutter:

Leigh Anne: Seeing this picture made me think of you...can you figure out why???

We have been on a few field trips also with preschool. We went to the dentist and also to Heartland Farms. Enjoy the pictures.

We also went to the World Dairy Expo and spent the weekend with Pam and Dave. We had a lot of fun, but again I didn't take very many pictures...just have the one...

Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, I honestly do not know the time went...Preschool, Matt working, Pampered Chef shows, etc. On November 19th, we packed up after a Pampered Chef event and headed to Charlotte. Matt and I drove through the night and arrived in Charlotte at 4pm the next day. It was really seeing Katie, Jimmy, and Isaac. We picked up right where we left off. We had so much fun AND Katie and I won hand and foot!!! Enjoy the pictures...

Noah and Isaac on a blanket ride

Justa swingin

Noah giving Isaac a ride

Noah's 3yo and Preschool Pics

2009-09-28T23:14:00.013-05:00

We finally had some pictures taken of Noah...The last time was the "gator family" pics and he was two. I hope you enjoy them!

♪♫ I'll take you for a ride on my big green tractor ♫ ♪

N-O-A-H

"I'm ready for school now!"

Ones we liked but did not purchase

Checking out the scenery...

Looks like he's growing up!

Peek-a-boo!

Mommy's favorite!

Howdy!

2009-09-09T00:40:00.002-05:00

When Noah and I arrived back to Iowa, I had to go set up for the Bremer County Fair where I had a Pampered Chef booth. The next morning, Noah participated in what I have always known as "pee-wee" showmanship. I forget what they actually called it, but I like the name pee-wee better anyway ;) At first, Noah was not too sure about showing a calf. But after a little coaxing and bribery, Noah decided to participate. Gramma Mavis was really bummed because she had to have back surgery about a week before the fair and was not able to come down to the fair to see this, but she got to see some of the excitement. I took a few short videos and if you know ANYthing about showing, you should get a kick out of this.

Noah practicing

Noah walking in for the real deal

Is he showing the calf? or himself?

speech faux pas

2009-09-09T00:21:00.005-05:00

Noah started speech again today with a new teacher at the school a few blocks from our house. We rode our bikes over today and it took us 4mins to get there. One really funny quote from Noah, I have to set the scene...

Speech Therapist (ST): Holding up a book about animals who are waiting for the school bus trying to prompt some language "When we read a book we turn the..."

Noah: "moder on!" (meaning the motor on the school bus we think?!?!)

ST: Looking confused, repeats "When we read a book we turn the..."

Noah: "lights on!"

Just thought everyone would get a chuckle out of this. Matt, ST, and I all laughed hysterically, especially me. In fact I am cracking up writing this, but maybe you had to be there?!?!

Time gone by

2009-09-05T23:48:00.008-05:00

More time passed after Noah's birthday party in Iowa. In fact, I am really not sure where the entire month of June went. I, of course, already posted Noah's 4th of July picture on the last blog post. We enjoyed the Shell Rock parade this year and the rain and 60 degree weather?!?-What?!? Yes, I really do mean 60 degrees! It was the first 4th of my life that required a jacket and long pants. I was not impressed to say the least...but at least I wasn't suffering from heat exhaustion. We enjoyed the fireworks later that evening. Noah was very impressed and the show was so much better than last years. There were hardly any of the small, really loud ones like the show last year. Kudos to Shell Rock!

About a week later, Noah headed to Chicago with Pam and Dave a day before I headed to Chicago for National Pampered Chef Convention. I had a great time with my friend Melissa on the trip and also had Becky and Loretta as our roommates. My team with Pampered Chef has been growing and I am really excited because I have a goal to promote to Advanced Director by December of this year. We are also earning a family trip to Disney World and I still need every one's help to be able to make it there!

Our limo for the ride to Chicago!

Melissa and I meet up with WAHOOOO Woman!

Jean, Marla and Lisa show off their new ranks

After our Chicago escapades, Noah and I headed to Florida to meet the newest family member, Presslei Monroe Smith, Brilei's little sister. She is amazingly cute and amazingly hungry. That baby nursed every hour on the hour the entire time we were there! Please continue to pray for my sister and her husband Matt, for all of the emotional stresses of a newborn, marriage, move and new job! I think all of those qualify in the top 10 most stressful events in life and they did all in a few months!!

Presslei Monroe-one month old! Brilei wore this same outfit as a little one and I am looking for the picture of the two of us for a side by side comparison

Noah and Brilei enjoy dinner at Jimmy's parents. They had so much fun being spoiled that night!
When we left Florida, we headed to Indiana to visit Angie and Isabella! We had not seen each other for over 2 years and it was so good to catch up. Noah and Isabella enjoyed bowling at Angie's work. Noah is still talking about it!

Noah and Isabella...of course Noah picked out an orange ball.

watching the ball

Sunflowers from the farmers market in downtown Valparaiso, IN.

Long time, no blog!

2009-09-04T00:06:00.003-05:00

Well, I realize how long it has been since I have updated anyone. A plethora of things have been happening around here. I am just not sure I can remember them all, so here we go!

Noah celebrated his 3rd birthday while we were on a trip to Fl. The main reasons for us making the trip were for my sister's graduation and baby shower. We had a good time at Amy's graduation. We met Amy's in-laws. We celebrated Noah's birthday at a park and had a great time visiting with Jim, Cindy and Charley Hughlett, Mike, Helen and Julianne Lacey, Nancy Lacey.

A classic Amy look...:)

Noah getting ready to try out Jordan's new 3-D chalk

Here is his masterpiece!

Baga with the kiddos!

Amy giving Presslei (in-utero) a kiss!

We also were fortunate enough to visit Disney World. This was Noah's first trip to Disney and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Noah's favorite ride was Dumbo and the funniest part about that is that we had to wait in line longer for Dumbo than any other ride! Baga and Brilei decided to go see something else while we waited in line.

Our picture in front of Cinderella's Castle on the way in.

Before Phillar Magic

Meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse

The Bolins

Baga and the grandkids

We also celebrated my dad's birthday with him and Noah had so much fun driving the mini golfcart that Papa Ted had.

On our way home from FL, we stopped through NC to see Jimmy, Katie and Isaac. It was so good to finally see them again. It had been about 1.5yrs since we had all been together. The boys had a blast playing together and so did Isaac and Noah- hehe! We, of course, played as many games as time allowed. We left a little teary-eyed, but glad to know we would see each other again in a few weeks when the Whitlocks had a trip to Iowa planned!

Our boys

Our guys being very humble winners...

The mama's and their boys...

Noah and Isaac enjoying their wagon ride

When we got back to Iowa, Lynda Stanley and I planned a 3yr old birthday party for Sananda and Noah. It was a lot of fun having our first big gathering at our house. Lynda made the wonderful cakes- thanks Lynda!

Behind the two of them you can see a small doll cake and a football cake made from the Pampered Chef Prep Bowl set by Lynda

Mocha Skillet Cake Lynda made in the 12" Stainless Pampered Chef Skillet

Sometime after the birthday party, we took advantage of Noah's birthday present from Pam and Dave- a trip to the Minneapolis Zoo! The zoo was a great trip and Noah got up close and personal with several of the zoo animals. Probably the best story of the day happened in this location.... Dave decided that he was going to try to scare Pam so he ran ahead and quickly dived into this cave. An innocent pair of ladies was walking by and did not stop to look at whatever it was that Pam stopped to show Noah. Matt and I could tell that the inevitable was about to happen, but not wanting to blow Dave's cover we tried as best we could to let Dave know that those ladies were coming, but about that time one leaned right down and stared Dave right in the face. Both of the ladies squealed and jumped back and everyone involved had a good laugh.

Wouldn't you be scared too?

Noah visiting with a Prairie Dog

Staring down a tiger

A classic shot from the butterfly garden

A few more pictures that I had on file...

Noah with a "biiiiig dandelion...heew, u bwo it!"

The Coreopsis close-up

Noah's 4th of July shot...to see the progression click here

In honor of my "gaganny" (toddler speak for granddaddy), Noah making monkey faces

Happy Birthary

2009-07-23T19:58:00.021-05:00

I know this is my first time doing a post on the blog, but I didn't misspell birthday. I wanted to create a post for Ashley's birthday and our anniversary. Ashley turns 26 on the 24th and we celebrate our 6th anniversary on the 26th. Since her and Noah are in Florida, I thought I would try to highlight just a few memorable times. It was not an easy task as most of our digital photos are on the good computer which I don't have. So I dug through the "old" printed photos, which was quite fun. Enjoy what I found.

Scanned from the scrapbook. Not ideal, but the only childhood photos I could find.

Ashleys' 19th birthday at Andy's Trout Farm.

21st birthday.

Ashley perfects the birthday bite.

2002 Spring Formal.

The day we got engaged at Disney.

God's work of art- My wife and the sunset behind us.

Proud parents.

Going to the Florida-Georgia game in Jax. (Gators won)

Noah's first cereal.

The most recent photo I had access to.

Happy Birthary

Wishing A Happy Birthary to you

Celebrating your birthday and our anniversary too

On July 24, 1983 you entered the world as a baby

Then 18 years later we met when you were just a young lady

That next summer I asked you to be my wife

Because I knew I wanted to be with you the rest of my life

Since our wedding day

We have celebrated life in many special ways.

That is why these two days just won't do

As each day is worth celebrating with you.

I love you Ashley

The Whitlocks visit...

2009-06-24T17:57:00.003-05:00

The Whitlocks came to visit us in June and here I am only 2 months behind needing to get some stuff up on the blog. Noah is off to daycare today and I am doing some stuff at the house since I have no car to escape in...I even had to take Noah in the bike this morning to daycare. But I digress...

Their flight was delayed, so we were robbed of the first evening together. Luckily everything came in on the next flight, but that wasn't until something like 11:00PM!!! The following day we wasted no time in getting to our usual gaming. The boys once again beat us in hand and foot. I (ashley) of course won settlers and the other games were pretty much spread out...I cannot even remember what all we played. Jimmy and I stayed up late while Katie went to bed and Matt slept on the couch-ha! We had such a great time getting to visit with the three of them. Noah enjoyed pulling Isaac around in the wagon and also loved showing Isaac his big bubble wand. For Father's day, Matt's parents, Nicole and James, and G&G Bolin came over. We had a feast and even skyped with Dan and Lynn so that all the boys could wish Dave a happy Father's Day. If you would like to see some pictures, you have to visit Katie's blog because I don't have any?!?!? Not exactly sure how that happened... We miss you guys so much and are so glad you came to visit us. Anyone else up for a trip to Waverly?

Landscaping

2009-06-10T23:15:00.005-05:00

Matt has found his calling in life... No wonder Matt and my mom get along so well ;) Matt is the mastermind behind this plan in the front yard. I liked the idea of the before/after pics my friend Katie did on her blog. The only pictures we have are from when the house was listed. When we bought the house, it looked much different. Everything was covered in snow until early April! These are the in progress pics because we planted wildflower seeds behind the hostas, and rubeckia & columbines off of the other ends of the coreopsus and daylilies. Such a change from 30 year old, overgrown, half dead, evergreen hedges!
Before

Progress

Now that I put these on here, I see I need a more upclose shot...more to come later. Too dark to do anything about it now!-ha

The lost is found...

2009-06-02T02:05:00.004-05:00

Here is the picture I was talking about, the day we closed on the house...

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-05-29T23:51:00.002-05:00

We are coming to the end of our Help Whip Cancer campaign with Pampered Chef and I just wanted to inform all of the women and men who care about women about a form a breast cancer that is not very well known. Thanks to Jean Ellison for sharing this with me. It is called Inflammatory Breast Cancer and if you click on the link you can watch a quick video that is very informative. This is a very aggressive form of breast cancer and you do not check for it by checking for a lump. Please watch the video and pass it on!

Jesus Loves Me

2009-05-29T01:54:00.004-05:00

home sweet home

2009-03-06T15:17:00.004-06:00

After several requests, I think I can finally get these up...but i cannot find the picture of Matt and I from the day we closed on the house?!?! Well at least here are a few pictures:

Noah's toy room...

Living Room...obviously a few months ago...Look at all the snow out the window! So glad that is gone.

Just one of Noah chillin on the floor. For some reason he stripped his pants off. Thought he looked soooo big laying there!

Saturday

2009-02-07T18:47:00.002-06:00

Well, 40 degrees feels the warmest it ever has. We went out in lighter weight clothing today and played in the melting snow...tomorrow we are supposed to get freezing rain so this could be the last of the "nice" weather for awhile. Matt is at work, so Noah and I have been hanging out today. We played ball with Sandy, hung up Noah's clothes, played with his alphabet bus, read a few books, Noah took a nap, unloaded the dishwasher and went potty several times. We also watched "Caillou" which still is Noah's favorite.

Last week Noah started going to one of our friends house for "school" 2 days a week. Noah seemed to love it and it was nice to be able to get things done in our house. Matt and I finished painting the living room and trim and door or the bathroom. we got the kitchen cleaned up and the living room arranged. It was so nice because I had some girls over on Thurs. for a Pampered Chef get together. My team is growing and I am really happy with my girls. I need a few more shows this month to keep up with it so I am working on that. If anyone wants to help out by hosting a catalog show, let me know:)

I have to upload pictures to be able to post them, which requires knowing where the camera is so...none for now. Maybe sometime soon.

Never Say Never

2009-01-21T23:43:00.006-06:00

Well I thought Noah would never get potty trained, but finally success. While my mom was in town she sucessfully got him to go #2 on the potty several times. We already had the other stuff down. Then the day before she left, Noah peed 2x in his pants and also #2 in his pants. I was so frustrated because I knew he could hold it, but he would go in his pants on purpose. I knew this because I had a timer set to take him ever hour, but he would wake in the morning and be completely dry. My friend Melissa was a big help because she gave me the suggestion of letting him clean himself up when he made a mess in his pants...I think he had to do it about 5-6 times and it usually took him almost an hour of screaming at me, "No you do it!" to which I would respond, "I did not make the mess, I will not clean it up." So my mom says to me, "Just put him back in diapers for a little while so you do not loose your sanity." He was back in diapers for 2 days and had no accidents. Well I did not communicate to Matt that I was leaving him in diapers, so back into the "big boys" as Noah likes to call them, he went. Ever since that day he has been asking to go potty and has only had 2 accidents in over 3 months!!! That is success!

Now that I finished that, I can also add that we had a great Christmas here at our new home. With the move we did not put up a tree:( but we had a very cute Charlie Brown-type tree that Pam and Dave found for us...In some ways I really liked it better than a tree...it was really easy to take down.

Baga and Noah built a snowman baby...well, Baga built and Noah threw snowballs at Baga...it was a fun time for all.

One of these days...

2009-01-21T23:32:00.002-06:00

Well so much has happened in our lives since I last posted that it feels weird to even come back to the blog. A few of the highlights are:
1. Bought a house in Waverly to call our very own, only through the blessing of God
2. Noah is fully potty trained!!!!!!!!
3. "Baga" came to visit for Christmas
4. Dan and Lynn moved to Turkey!!!!
5. We visited FL, but still didn't see everyone
6. Spent 8hrs in the Cedar Rapids Airport when we came home because the Jetta's fuel had gelled in the -30 temps the week before
7. Ashley promoted to Director with Pampered Chef!
8. Matt is finally on his regular work schedule
9. Ashley went to Denver for the Pampered Chef Leadership Convention and visited Sandy and Tex
10. The GATORS WON the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN!!!

...not to mention celebrating Christmas at the Jensens, Bolins, Dave Bolins, Baga Sue's.

Noah and I celebrated New Year's Eve with bunch of friends at the Baker's residence and also went out to the Stanley's which Noah calls Na-na's house because the little girl, same age as Noah's nickname is Na-na).

I think that is the jist of all that has gone on thus far this year and back into last year a few weeks...if you want to know more details, CALL ME!!!!!

Some over due photos

2008-12-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

This was after a big snow fall, or maybe the snow was still falling. Just thought it looked beautiful.

Noah gives the thumbs up for going to play in the snow

Another day of getting dressed to play in the snow....

With potty training comes a new set of problems...how to hold the pants up!

Thanks!

2008-12-13T23:05:00.004-06:00

Well, the last couple of days have been really great. We had Dan and Lynn come stay with us last night and Lynn and I stayed up really late discussing all sorts of great stuff! Girl talk is always fun and never seems like you can get enough.

Also, had a great time at my Pampered Chef Christmas Party. It was a small group, but I think sometimes smaller is better!

We are all planning our trip for 2010. My director Carol with her "ears" on!

Melissa, next to me, has become a really good friend and I really enjoy getting to spend time with her and her little ones. It is so nice to have someone to talk to about life.

Best of all, my good friend Katie called me today and it was so nice to catch up a little with her on the happenings of Iowa and NC. I definitely needed that. Thanks Katie!

Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 45! That will be really nice, however the low tomorrow night is supposed to be -1! That is a huge swing! Monday there will be a high of 2 and wind chills of 15 below. I am not looking forward to that! We are working on all of the details of the house stuff and will close on or before the 19th! It is coming up so fast... and then best of all my mom is coming to visit on the 23rd!

Forgive me Lord...

2008-12-06T17:00:00.002-06:00

So as I was reading today, I came across this and I was again convicted. Bear with me as I show you what I feel like God has been showing me lately.

Romans 13:1-2
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves

Well, for starters I am asking for forgiveness for being against that which God has established as an authority in this country. I have resisted and I will have to be judged for that when I meet my maker.

However, I also believe that many Christians to this day are freaked out about the leadership-elect in this country. I implore you to look past what differences we have with our leadership and instead support and pray and uplift our leadership.

This is hard for me to talk about or do, because our current leadership I feel has made some "unloving" decisions, but I nonetheless have to do that which I feel convicted of, even though it will be hard and not always pleasant.

Lord, please grant me the wisdom, patience and most of all love, to do what you ask of me. Amen

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T19:34:00.002-06:00

I had heard a story at my MOPS group, read by Nancy, our mentor mom. I looked for a similar story on the Internet and I came across a blog which I really liked the shortened version of the story as told on this blog. I thought I would share it with you all. My prayer is that I could have a faith that would carry me through a ration of 5 kernels of corn, no matter how my corn comes, whether it be in food, clothing, relationships, or any other source in which God rations me to be dependant on him.

Five Kernels of Corn by Candice Watters on Nov 22, 2007 at 10:02 AM
It's easy in our culture to lose sight of what we're remembering -- what we're celebrating -- on Thanksgiving.
In the midst of garish glitter and premature pictures of Santa; of circular charges to "give thanks for thanksgiving," for a day off, for too much food, for friendships, for new toys and stylish clothes and beautiful homes and fancy cars and strong bodies, it's easy to forget. The Light and the Glory for Children says,
During the winter of 1621-22, the Pilgrims entered a "starving time" like the settlers in Jamestown. Plymouth now had thirty-five extra people so the supplies went quickly. They were down to a daily ration of only five kernels of corn apiece. But, as always, they had a choice. They could either give in to bitterness and despair, or they could trust Jesus. They chose Jesus.
The people who came to America before any of this country's bounty was known or even imagined, sacrificed everything -- to the point of death. And then they fasted. Repeatedly they turned to God with fasting and prayer, even as they faced starvation, to seek His guidance and provision.
He was their source and they knew it. And when God sent help -- the Indians -- they recognized the rescue for what it was: God's answer to their prayers. I'm humbled and sobered by their example.
Today isn't a day for generic thanks for unparalleled wealth. It's a day for humility and gratitude to God. He is still our source.
Colossians 1:16-18 exalts Him saying,
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Oh, that we would never forget. Lord, grant us a heart of gratitude.

Hello? Hello!

2008-11-26T11:49:00.004-06:00

Noah's new word...

What???

2008-11-11T00:05:00.005-06:00

So about a week ago it snowed enough over night to cover the ground and the car. I was not so impressed...

A few days prior to that, on a very cold morning we went to Heartland farms and their pumpkin patch. Noah had a good time, but was ready to go when it was time because it was sooo cold!

Matt worked over 100hrs in eight days last week, but hopefully that is coming to an end tomorrow morning at their shift meeting. They should be moving to 4 on, 4 off which will be so nice.

We also made a peanut butter chocolate torte a few weeks ago and I never posted the video of Noah enjoying the spoon!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

2008-11-10T15:21:00.008-06:00

Noah sings-

Fast Update

2008-11-10T15:10:00.004-06:00

Well I am not talking about a "quick" update on us, but updating you on my fast from the Internet. I did it from last Sat to this past Fri. I fell off of the wagon when Tues night came around because I was updating the election results as they came in. I did read my bible during the time that i would normally be on the Internet. I read in Romans 6 and I really appreciated this because my friend Amber was baptized into the family of Christ last Sunday. It was really neat to be reminded of what that meant for her life. It also pointed out to me that I needed to be "exercising dominion" over my body and be able to realize the grace that has been extended to me through Christ's sacrifice for us. I think I will definitely be more conscious of the time I am spending on the internet.

Fast

2008-10-31T23:51:00.002-05:00

I have come to the realization that I desparately need an internet fast. So for the next week I am committing myself to only be on the internet for checking my email. This mainly for business purposes. I will let you know what I learn from my fast.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T15:03:00.005-05:00

Well, this is one of those holidays that we as Americans have fun celebrating but it is sometimes in direct opposition to what some people believe Christians should be participating in. We have decided that we would participate, or maybe I decided because it is fun to dress up and get candy and it is all in good fun. If we cut all of these "celebrations" out of our lives, the first one to go definitely should be Christmas because of the way it is commercialized and the focus is no longer on Jesus and his birth, but on what presents will be under the tree. I heard on the radio today that Americans spent 5 billion dollars on Halloween this year. I was slightly shocked and pretty appalled at the expense we go to for one silly holiday. One way I believe as a parent this commercialism can be somewhat squelched is to give far fewer presents to my child and give used if at all possible. This takes the focus somewhat off of the presents at Christmas time. As for Halloween, use items to dress up in that you already have around, or can find at a garage sale, or buy a used costume at a garage sale!

Matt and I have only bought Noah a few Christmas presents ever...Last year I know Noah opened "big boy" underwear which he didn't even start using until a few weeks ago. He also got socks and maybe an outfit the year before... This year I got Noah some Spanish books at 70% off from Usborne books and a mickey set of Tupperware. Anything else he gets will be from relatives and I am hoping they will try to buy used. This saves stuff from ending up in the land fill, and saves money that can be spent on helping feed and clothe those less fortunate than Noah, which is probably 98% of the world and even some people in this country. If any one would rather make put money towards college for Noah that is ok with me too!

Anyway, on with the Halloween festivities that took place at the Bolin household. We carved a pumpkin -or "mar-urn" as Noah calls it, on Wednesday. This was our first time carving a pumpkin since Noah was born. He wasn't too interested in pulling out the pumpkin guts, but he did a great job sorting out the pumpkin seeds. I roasted them later that night and Noah loves snacking on them.

On Thursday, we went Trick-or-treating in Clarksville. Noah dressed up as the cutest scarecrow you ever did see. But something was wrong, and Noah looked like a cowboy instead of a scarecrow...He was missing his black nose!

Cousin Nick went as a cow and we had fun having Nick with us. Then Friday morning we dressed up again and went to the library for story time and we put some cheeks on Noah too. I think he looks cute all three ways, but I am the mom! It was a fun adventure...what can we dream up for next Halloween? total costume cost: $6 Maybe we can beat that next year!

We also took come more fall leave pictures and Matt took one of Noah taking a snooze in my arms...this was at 5pm after he refused to nap for the day...he finally succumbed!

What did you do for Halloween, and do you have any ideas for toning down the holidays?

Congratulations!!!!

2008-10-25T10:33:00.002-05:00

If anyone has time, drop Matt a call to tell him congratulations on his promotion at work. This is a big financial blessing for our family and I am so proud of him. Just thought it would be nice if some of you had time to give him a "pat on the back" too.

brrrr

2008-10-18T09:03:00.003-05:00

Well this morning when Noah and I arose from bed, we found a white morning. Of course not snow yet, but frost everywhere. The plan was to take off and get some groceries first thing, but we are in a dense fog advisory so I think we will stay put for the time being.

I wanted to update everyone on Noah's potty training. He has gone two full days in big boy underwear with no accidents. Yesterday he even went #2 on the potty by telling me he had to go. It was pretty exciting. He is still in a disposable over night of course, but we are so proud of him and how great he is doing with his potty training.

I found out from my sister yesterday that Target is now selling the diapers that I have been selling to everyone I know, Bum Genius. If you still haven't checked them out, these really are for mainstream Americans...or target would not carry them!

We have a speech appointment on Monday, but as far as I can tell Noah has progressed majorly since his appointment about a month and a half ago...He is trying to say new words all of the time and is starting to repeat things. One day on my way out the door, I forgot something (probably for the fourth time or so) so I exclaimed, "Oh shoot!" Noah quickly repeated me and it was one of the funniest things I have ever heard! It is a good thing I try to refrain from the use of 4 letter words...or my two year old probably would have shouted one the other day. He still is not saying the "p" phoneme, although we have been working on it specifically for over a month. He also doesn't sing along with nursery rhymes, or other familiar songs which is a benchmark that he needs to reach too. We are working diligently to try to get his oral motor skills working.

Well I think that is the rest of the story of our lives as of now. Tune in next time when we bring you the continuing saga of potty training and speech...Until then, give me a call!

where does the time go?

2008-10-18T00:08:00.008-05:00

Well it has been over a week since I last posted and lots has happened.

We went to eat pizza with Howie and Justin Clark. Here are the boys in their seats on the way over to Waverly.

I went garage sale-ing on Friday and Saturday last week. I did not find much in Waverly...all girl stuff! But I hit the jackpot in Clarksville on Saturday. I got a bunch of clothing, 2 sizes of snow pants, snow boots and a Bob the Builder DVD for under $35!

Last Sunday, Amber and Jenna came home from church with me and we cooked Cajun Cornbread Skillet and had a fun afternoon. After we ate they helped me get some more fall pictures of Noah. He looks so adorable playing. Later this week we hope to get to carve our pumpkin. It will be Noah's first pumpkin!

Noah saying "Here's lookin at you kid!"

On Wednesday nights I have been leading a youth group at the youth center in Clarksville. I am so blessed to have one of the college kids (hahaha that sounds funny coming from me!) helping me with the group. His name is Trevor and I am so glad that God put working with youth on his heart. It is no secret how much a good male influence is needed in Clarksville, but with Matt working rotating shifts and 6- 12's at the moment it isn't really feasible for him to be that guy right now. Trevor has been coming to eat dinner with us before we head to the YC. This past Wednesday we looked at a couple more houses in Waverly, but nothing really exciting. For dinner, Matt dug up some of our sweet potatoes...so far this one takes the prize! No trick photography here, it really was that big! Matt, Noah, Trevor, and I ate off of it and there is about 2/3 of the potato left.

for some odd reason, the blogger photo uploader continues to turn this picture to the left. Nevertheless it is a giant sweet potato!

We are still loving the Jetta. Last time I filled up (10/11/08) I got 49.5 miles to the gallon! I still have a half of a tank and I went garage sale-ing house shopping, etc and have not needed to fill up. I am waiting until I get to 1/4 tank because since the last time I filled Diesel has come down about 20 cents. I am hoping that the trend continues. Gas has gone down even more here, but Diesel has to be about double the price of gas before it is less cost effective to drive the jetta. Plus, I have loved having heated seats because it has already been pretty cold here for a few weeks. We did have warmer weather last week, but it froze the other night and finished my garden off:(

Cooking with Daddy

2008-10-06T23:21:00.006-05:00

This morning I woke with a sore throat and aching sinuses from forgetting to turn on the humidifier...yes it is that dry here already. I slept in some more while Noah and Matt got homemade dough ready for our lunch- calzone. Matt put an apron on Noah that Leigh Anne gave me about 13 yrs ago! He looked so cute in it...it says Ashley on it but I still thought the picture was mighty cute.

Also, Monday night I finally cut Noah's hair with distraction help from Matt. I think it turned out pretty good, but it is shorter than I originally wanted it... guess it gives us more time before we have to cut it again though so that is definately a plus!

Noah's new do...

Trying on Daddy's goggles from work...

My friend Jenna came over on Saturday and spent the day with us. It was great because Matt had to work from 7am-7pm so it was nice to have company. We made the Chipotle Chicken Cornbread Cups for lunch and they were awesome! Definately will be making those again.

Another one of Noah's friendly awerpeir- or translated to Caterpillar

He loves those things!!!

Because I laughed so hard...

2008-10-05T00:52:00.004-05:00

I had to share this link with everyone because I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants...Jen, I know you know what I mean!!! Have fun!
-Mole Valdez Palin

Fall Fun

2008-10-03T15:09:00.005-05:00

Yesterday Noah, Sandy and I played out in the yard for awhile. I got the camera out and took a few pictures.

I think this one is my favorite...I just think it looks like a greeting card front, and on the inside it would say some clever thing about why he is really smiling, and no not because it is your birthday...

Noah found some treasures yesterday...he gets really excited and does this high-pitched giggle when he finds something exciting. The caterpillar and cicada molting were enough for him!

Sad...I can't let the dog out anymore?!?!

"Hey mom, ever heard of something called scissors? My bangs are getting a little long here...pretty soon I will be able to blow them out of the way with my nose!"

I think he had a rock in his hands for this one...

and in this one he is clearly saying "it" which translated to "stick."

Well that is all for now...I think I have posted enough in these past few days to take care of the next few months...hahaha now you will actually have to call me to know what is going on!

Rock-a-bye-baby

2008-10-03T15:00:00.003-05:00

Well this afternoon for Noah's nap, I took the liberty to rock him to sleep. Most of you know that Noah has been sleep trained and I prefer for him to be laid down to go to sleep on his own because it makes it hard on us when he will not go to sleep when we put him down. But for many reasons, (most importantly the accidents that have been happening) I just wanted to hold him. He asked me to sing to him so we rocked in the glider and I sang the songs I used to sing to him when I nursed him- Amazing Grace, Swing Low-Sweet Chariot, and You are my Sunshine. He was asleep before I got to the last song, but I sang it anyway. I remember my mom singing those songs to my sister to rock her to sleep. My favorite was always Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Do you have a favorite song from your childhood?

Car pictures

2008-10-03T14:49:00.004-05:00

Well as Katie has requested, I took pictures of the car...but it was after five days of driving on gravel roads up here, so she is pretty dusty. Plus where I am parked offers shade, but made lots of shadows in the pictures. Not of great quality, but at least they are pictures right?

And for the Birketts who made mention of putting the frybrid on the car, I did some major checking into that. The consensus that I found out is that it would cost about 5000 to do the conversion. Because of the year of the car, the fuel pump is actually in the gas tank, so there is no way to pump the veggie oil without adding another pump and also being up north with it getting so cold it can really gum up and ruin something that I cannot remember the name of. But you know me I am always looking into a new way to be green...I am just hoping to find some biodiesel somewhere close because of the new low sulfur standards. From the research that I did, you basically are removing the lubricant for the engine by removing the sulfur, so I either will need a biodiesel or an additive to help lubricate the engine if I want it to last. If you know something else about the "frybrid" please let me know, I would love that!

Harvest

2008-10-03T14:37:00.003-05:00

Well the harvest is in full swing and with harvest comes the danger of accidents since everyone involved is overworked and overtired. There have already been two accidents around here and I would just like to share a little. Today at story hour there was a little boy who fell out of a combine and was in a total hip and legs cast. He cannot sit up but can lay flat on his back or on his stomach. Also, my dear friend Carolyn's nephew rolled a ranger on top of himself and she had to resuscitate him and he was airlifted to Iowa City last Sunday. The reason i am telling all of you this, is because I would like for you to stop and pray for the families that are involved in the harvest and pray for their safety. These are the people who feed America and they deserve your prayer as much as any other group I know of. Without them, we would have to depend on other countries for our food supply. I for one do not want to depend on other countries for my food, so i hope you will join me in praying for these men and women who sacrifice so much at this time of the year. Thanks

A new (to us) car

2008-10-01T01:06:00.001-05:00

On Monday, Matt and I drove out to SD and bought a 2003 Jetta TDI for a second vehicle. We got 47 miles to the gallon on the way home-woohoo!

Garden...Garden...

2008-10-01T01:03:00.002-05:00

Well the steers got out again...Not as much damage to the garden this time as last...but I think the end is near with the change in the weather and such. It is almost time to harvest sweet potatoes...yummy!

MAMA!

2008-10-01T00:58:00.002-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised today when I heard a distressed "MAMA" from Noah today at my friend Melissa's house. He was standing in the doorway of the bathroom and I immediately took him in to sit on the potty. His diaper was already wet, so I praised him for asking to go and told him it was ok that he didn't make it. Much to my surprise, he actually had made it to the bathroom in time to poop on the potty!!!! I was so excited...if I never have to change another poopy diaper it will not hurt my feelings. I of course realize that this means that Noah is growing up, but in all reality isn't that what we all want our children to do...for if they stayed children forever, what would be the accomplishment in that? And the other alternative to growing up I don't like much either....

Our FL visit

2008-10-01T00:57:00.013-05:00

Well I know that this post is way overdue, but I had to get some other stuff put done first. The day before we left Noah and I picked this gargantuan tomato from our garden.

Noah was the talk of the airport with the tiger wheely backpack that "Baga" gave him last Christmas.

When we got into the airport, my aunt came and picked us up which was such a blessing. The next day we went to Tampa to look at a car we were interested in buying (a Jetta TDI what we later did buy from someone else) but it was in terrible repair. I did however get some shoes that day that have alleviated all of the arch and heel pain that I was having on a daily basis. I am so glad I could make the investment because I am not in pain anymore.

The following day we headed up to Gainesville to the Searby Inn. This place has the best hospitality, I swear! They even ask what you would like to eat and who they should organize to come and see you while you are there. You couldn't ask for a more accommodating Inn! While there, we took a stroll up to the local consignment shop. We got Noah a few Gator things to sport while back in Iowa.

That afternoon we headed over to our favorite pizza joint, Satchels. Now if you have never been there, the scenery in and of itself is an experience. We had a great time sharing a meal with Joel, Jen and Evan. The boys even played well in the "little kitchen" they have for kids before the meal arrives.

Yep, you can enjoy your meal in the V-dub Van...

The coolest junk shop including trinkets from childhood...

Evan enjoyed his meal...Noah still looks hungry...somebody get that kid some more food before he eats his hand!

That evening the boys enjoyed bath time together. It is really funny because that weekend the Searbys went to visit the Whitlocks and took almost the identical photo of Evan and Isaac at the tub...

Looking at the same toy... thinking about sharing...

The next day we were honered to meet little Landon Bradford Williams born to Josh and Krystle Williams on Sept 16th...just in time for us to meet him! He seemes so teenie and I just cannot believe how little they all started out at some point. For pictures of Landon visit Krystle's blog...I didn't have my camera with me:( Jen and Joel hosted an open house for us and some of our friends got to stop by while we were in town. I actually got a picture of Kelly, Noah and I, so she makes the blog:)

Noah enjoying Baby Einstein on the Searby Inn couch.

We traveled back to Gramma's that night. The following evening we had a party to celebrate Mom, Gramma, and Aunt Barbara's birthday. Amy and Brilei came up and Mike, Helen and Julianne came over and joined in the festivities, too. The little ones had some much fun playing together. Noah even got included in on the playtime most of the time.
Happy Birthday!!!

Before Julianne arrived Noah and Brilei were looking for the other tiger...

Cheers!

I believe I will have some more of that!

Helen and Noah...in his Big Boy Undies!

I know these are a little dark, but still cute videos of them all dancing...

Humble like...

2008-09-05T00:49:00.004-05:00

When we planted our garden, Matt planted some sunflowers for me. It was exciting to see them coming up. Then as they towered over Noah, he found a haven for playing while Matt and I weeded in the garden. I wish I had a picture of that...but I guess there is still some time to get one. When the sunflowers bloom, they look so tall, proud. But then there is a change in their demeanor. Their petals wither, their flashy appearance fades. What they are left with is the substance which life is made of. Something for future generations. Life to be given through the seeds which are yet to finish forming. A little of the parent passed on to the next generation, whether the offspring like it or not. I think it is an interesting paradox. The way that children either embrace or reject their innate part of self that will never change because it is something that was passed down without the permission of the parent or the child. I wonder what I am passing on that will not sit right with my children? Or will they be able to love who they are? That is my prayer for Noah, and any other child(ren) we have. Realization of the person they are even if there are parts passed down that are less than desirable.

The sunflowers eventually lose their boastful attitude and bow before their maker. I wonder when that will happen to me, I pray that will happen for me and my family.

jalapeño, oh no!

2008-09-01T22:03:00.005-05:00

Well, no exciting pictures to display for this one, but you will probably be glad once I explain the title. Matt and Noah were picking in the garden the other day when I ran out to pick up a book for my Christ Life Solution class that I am going to be participating in. If you want to more about that check out their site. As I pulled through the driveway and shouted my goodbyes to Noah, I see him eating something... a jalapeño. The first bite, the bottom tip, he was fine with and actually liked. As I drove off, Matt continued to monitor the situation. He told Noah not to eat any more and sure enough just like any good two year old does, he did exactly what he was told not to do. Maybe that is why positive commands work better. Anyhow, he took a huge bite out of the side of the "b(p)e-no" (a soft b sound that allows some air to pass through as a combination of maybe a 'p' and a 'b'?) as Noah likes to call them, seeds and all. It was just a few seconds later when the consequences of his actions caught up to him like a wildfire sweeping through the forest. And I am not talking about punishment from Daddy...daddy figured he was getting his punishment from the capsaicin in the seeds, and was he ever right! He started to scream...I am not sure of all of the details as to what happened next because like I said I was on my way out when the events started to unfold, but Noah seemed no worse for the ware when I arrived back home.

I couldn't have been more wrong. That night around midnight, Noah started to whimper a little. I figured bad dream, no big deal, he will go back to sleep. A few minutes later, I heard a gurgling noise and then a loud scream. As Matt and I jumped out of bed, I said- he just threw up! Sure enough the smell confirmed my assertions when we reached the top of the stairs. It was off to the laundry with the tigers (stuffed animals Noah sleeps with every night and plays with every day), sheets, bumper pad, pillow and pillowcase, blanket, and onesie to boot. And back into the bathtub with Noah to try to ease the smell off of his seemingly stained with the stench, skin.

Noah proceeded to be sick for the next 2 hrs and I thought all was well after I rocked him back to sleep and laid him in his freshly laundered bed. Wrong again! About 30 minutes after laying him down he was at it again. So, we went through the routine again and this time I decided to sleep with him in my arms for at least an hour (~4am) and then another 2 hrs on the couch. When 6 am, and the rising sun awoke me, I drug Matt from bed to help me get the little guy back to his place of rest for the remainder of the morning. What an adventure from such a small, little, pepper... makes me wonder why they don't put warnings on those things?!?!

Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, oh my!

2008-08-22T21:19:00.005-05:00

Well as many of you know, our garden has been quite prolific. Noah has enjoyed our garden so much that all of the weeding was worth it just to see him get excited about a "wed" -red- tomato or a "bee" -big- green pepper. These are the hauls from the last few days.

Just as a reference, that is a yard stick. The largest cuke is about 18 inches long. They filled a 5 gallon bucket with one or two across the top and a few sticking out.

These are the tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, green and jalapeño peppers Noah and I picked the day after Matt's 5 gallon cucumber haul.

These are the 2 peppers Noah picked that day, but they didn't make it back to the house.

Noah loves fresh green peppers and doesn't even mind a little dirt!

James and Nicole are married!

2008-08-22T20:56:00.006-05:00

Last weekend Matt's little brother married his beautiful bride Nicole. Prior to the wedding, Noah and Dan had some work to do...

Dan wrote a song for Nicole and James and he sang it at their wedding reception. The first line and last line is "James Adlai and Nicole Marie, Noah and I wrote this song for thee."

The following day was the ceremony. James and Nicole waited to see each other until she walked down the isle. Noah was the ring bearer and did an amazing job at it! A little M n M goes a long way to get a 2yr old down the isle.

Can't live without sweet corn here in Iowa

2008-08-22T18:52:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess I am becoming more like the local folk around here because I now refer to corn on the cob as "sweet corn" which is what everyone up here calls it...weird I know...but forgive them they are yankees;) -lol. This video pretty much says it all.

Daniel visits Iowa

2008-08-21T00:28:00.006-05:00

When we arrived home from Gatlinburg, my friend Daniel Herman came up from FL. We had a great time hanging out and eating and hiking...and Daniel and I had a wonderful time quizzing each other on forestry stuff. We went to the Mississippi and Iowa's Pike's Peak. It was mine and Daniel's first time there. They had a bunch of humming bird feeders hung just outside of the park building and there were tons of birds at them. It was so neat because I have never seen a humming bird up so close!

The birds...

The river...

The trees...

The water fall on the hike...

Jenna washes off her feet after slipping and sliding in the mud.

Clarksville Parade- Youth center float.

Romeo and Noah look at the maps

Asher and Noah ride in the wagon before bible study starts. The look related don't they???

Other events prior to Gatlinburg...

2008-08-20T23:26:00.005-05:00

Well many random pictures...

First, the beautiful peppers picked from our garden. They are on a salad plate, not a dinner plate.

Becky takes her first birthday bite...

she later gets frosting all over...hmmm I wonder if that has anything to do with the guys sitting behind her....?

Noah being goofy with his tiger...

Noah enjoys his first ever lollipop with the neighbor grandkids

Noah getting a push from the girls

Noah shows off his "big boy underpants" and the football that is on them. We haven't changed completely to them, but the first day he ever wore them he had no accidents all day! We have used them a few other times and have been relatively successful.

WOW I am behind!!!

2008-08-20T10:17:00.008-05:00

Well I just loaded the pictures up from our camera and realized how far behind in the posting I am. On July 26th, we headed out to Gatlinburg, Tn to meet my mom for a little vacation.

The first day we were there, we rode this cable trolley thing to the top of the mountain. It was really neat except everytime we went over one of the big things that held the cable it dipped really quickly. I tended to squat down at that point and take cover! Noah seemed to enjoy himself though.

On the way up the mountain...

Noah stops to play in the fountain at the shops on top of the mountain...

On our way back down...

Great sleep after a long day!

The following day we had to go listen to a timeshare schpeel. The one good thing we got out of it was that the guy told us about a local BBQ restaurant that was the BEST BBQ beef I have ever had and some of the best BBQ sauce too. If you are ever in Gatlinburg and want good BBQ hit up the Flyin' Pig and you won't be disappointed. Just off the main drag, downtown Gatlinburg. Wish I would have thought to take a picture there...too bad, maybe next time.

The same afternoon, Baga took Noah down to the stream for a little dip. He had so much fun picking up rocks and throwing them into the stream. It was "hold wa-er" which translates to "Cold water" in Noahnese. And every rock he picked up, saw in the stream, or saw from the car while driving down the road were announced on volume 10- "Be wok" which once again translated is big rocks.

We also drove into the National Park and had a great time looking at the scenery, enjoyed a picnic lunch, and a few more beautiful mountain streams.

The last night we headed to a restaurant that had karoke and I got to sing three songs, I think. One of the songs didn't work so I cannot remember if I sang 2 or three. There were several VERY good singers there that night which always makes it harder to get up there, but it was a very friendly crowd to sing for so that was really fun.

Since I did not keep a journal, or do this close enought to the trip, I know there are good details I am leaving out, but with Matt gone for training and my mom in FL I don't have any way to retrieve those memories at this time.

For Katie

2008-08-14T00:57:00.002-05:00

Well I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I am more in favor of real human interaction- ie: two way communication- as apposed to the one way communication that a blog provides. I had really been feeling isolated up here in corn country, but have had some great conversations with some friends this week which has been really nice! Katie wanted some new pics of Noah and I realized talking to her that we never posted Noah's 2 yr pics. So here they are...

Speech

2008-07-23T00:38:00.004-05:00

Hi! Hi! Hi! (as Noah would say)
Noah saw the speech pathologist again today. She did a full eval of his language cognition and speech production. Fortunately he is only about 25% delayed in the language part which is only one standard deviation from normal and not statistically significant enough to qualify for Early Access. However, she does think that he is significantly delayed in speech and will try to get him early access for speech production. This would be monthly visits and specific exercises to work on in speech production. Their exercises are geared for kids his age through playtime and toys, and are not structured rigid lessons like you may be thinking of.

Right now we are focusing on "w" questions (I don't mean questions about the current pres, although I do have many-ha!) -who, what, when, where, why and how (even though how does not start with a w). Also, "p" sounds. These are two areas that he is behind in and needs to be challenged to learn these skills. He does understand and use "where" everyday. Cognitively, he understands many of the other "w" questions and understands words with p's, but it is the production of this information that he is struggling with. He is also using a common error pattern called assimilation which means he is replacing the correct consonant with another consonant in the word. For instance, he now says his name "Woa-wa" instead of "Noah" because he is focusing on the "w" sound that the "oa" combination makes. He also does this with "all done" and it is said, "all none."

That is all I have to update you with. Bye-bye! (one of "Woa-wa's" favorites;)

The lost has been found...

2008-07-18T17:54:00.007-05:00

Well I said that today was going to be a power posting day, but I did not know that it was going to be this big! While loading up some pictures from our other camera, I found some pictures that we took in May while we were down in Florida over Noah's birthday.

This is the creek that runs through Matt's parents "pasture." Doesn't look much like a creek or a pasture. This was the first time the creek flooded. The major floods actually came about 4-6 weeks after this.

There were lots of new, and some repeat experiences to be had in Florida.

A new trend in baby bathtubs...This is Noah's second time being bathed in a cooler. The first was at Dairy Expo last year. This is at the Searby's house. Not only stylish, but green too! Just think of all of the water we saved!

Playing in the swimming pool, or more like running around the swimming pool.

Driving the Golf Cart.

Picking- and eating- blueberries from Baga's blueberry bushes with cousin Brilei.

Two years old birthday party complete with hats and those blower thingies.

Sandy joins in on the fun...

The toy that made the ride home much more enjoyable...literally hours of fun!

And a new dessert from a Pampered Chef cookbook to finish the visit off- Warm Apple Tart Pastry, yummy!

Gardening again!?!

2008-07-18T17:43:00.005-05:00

While I was gone to Chicago, Noah and Matt did some gardening.

When I came home, there was a whole lot of broccoli to be harvested.
The broccoli is in a 7L bowl to give you an idea of how much broccoli there in the bowl Matt is holding.

We have also eaten romaine, a green pepper and a jalepeño from our garden. Our onions are almost ready and tomato plants are loaded up with little greenies everywhere. Salsa making here we come!

Caterpillars have eaten about 1/3 of my collarg greens (120 bunches)- Yikes! I know of the book called the Very Hungery Caterpillar, and they were not kidding.

Wednesday July 16th. Niabi Zoo, Moline, IL

2008-07-18T11:00:00.013-05:00

We had a great opportunity to get together with Jen and Evan while they were up in Illinios, so we took them up on it. Jen and I planned out where to meet and our first place didn't seem like it was going to work. Then we happened upon the Niabi Zoo. With admission of just $5 per adult, we both decided that it was affordable and we would meet there. Little did we know it would be the hottest day of the year so far, but that did not stop us! Our boys were such troopers, too.

Noah stops for a cool drink.

We are all so glad that we went to that zoo! They had beautiful facilities for all of the animals. Some of our favorites were...

First, the baby elephant (well obviously not a live one, but a statue). Our boys posed for a picture for us. Notice matching shoes on our boys! There were two live, older, female elephants at the zoo that were donated by Ringling Bros.

Then we saw some really strange looking monkeys! One of the real White-Handed Gibbons came and sat right next to the glass while the boys were watching them.

We then looked at the fish, turtles, ducks, geese and swans. The gold fish were huge! Deana, Jen's mom said they looked like carp. When we came back later, one of the swans decided to "kiss" Noah's foot. He was not too excited about the idea. I think he finally decided it was ok though when I told him it was a kiss.

The Black Leopard. It (because I do not know the sex of the leopard) was very intrigued by Evan and Noah. They were playing by the fence, more interested in leaves and grass than the large cat and it came right over to the fence to greet our boys. Then we decided to walk around to the other side of the fence and it followed us over there too. We went over to the Reptiles building and when we came out, the Leopard still followed our kids every step. We were just glad that there were two fences and a fence over top between our beautiful boys and this curious cat!

With our boys both being born in Gainsville, I thought it was only natural that they both loved the gators.

The Giraffes. They were definately the favorite of the day! We happened upon one of the employees who was giving his family a tour and got to feed the giraffes with his family! It is a program that they are trying to start at the zoo. We were all so enthused! Did you know that giraffes have a black tongue so that it does not get sunburned? A little piece of trivia I learned being at the Niabi Zoo.

We stopped for one more photo op with the boys. They both did a good job of posing for us. Noah is sporting his new giraffe glasses. His other sunglasses are MIA and were getting too small. I thought it was funny that he posed almost exactly like his last sunglasses photos. Check out the previous post to compare. You have to scroll to the bottom of the post.

The last event of the day was a hippo ride that Jen I decided to take, but the hippo charged our photographer, so the hippo got cut off in the pictures!

Hope you enjoyed our day at the zoo as much as we did! Anybody up for a trip to the zoo?

Playing with our neighbor's grandkids

2008-07-18T10:40:00.008-05:00

When Noah sees the red van pull in, he knows what is in store. Two little blonde girls and a little boy his size. Noah get so excited and runs over to play with them. Allison 4, Autumn 3, and Tucker 18mos are Noah's best friends. The little girls just love on him and he plays well with Tucker. The other night, Cindy gave the kids chocolate ice cream cones and I couldn't resist a picture of Tucker with his. Allison and Noah sat down on a little bench together and it was a perfect picture op. Then once Allison had her picture with Noah, Autumn wanted hers too. It is such a blessing to have those kids come over right next door and adopt Noah just like he was their own. Allison asked the first time we met, "Do you have any girl babies?" The innocents of babes, gotta love it!

Before the kids came to Cindy's house, Daddy and Noah chillin' in the front yard.

Tucker enjoys his ice cream!

Allison and Noah

Autumn and Noah

Allison and Noah sitttin on the bench

Autumn and Noah take a picture too.

Pampered Chef Convention in Chicago

2008-07-18T09:51:00.005-05:00

I was fortunate enough to get to go to the Pampered Chef convention July 10-12 The girls I went with were a lot of fun. Dawn and I shared a bed at convention and man is she a riot! It was really great to get to know them all personally. I have a goal to promote to director by Sept. 1st. I just need 2 more people on my team and right now we have a half off rebate for the start up kit. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be interested, just leave me a message and I will get back to you!

Our ride to Chicago!

My Tuxedo Cheesecake at the Cheesecake factory.

A cool building in downtown Chicago

Doris Christopher, the founder of Pampered Chef at the opening session of convention

Shelley and Deanne

Becky and Robin

Denise Tiedore's cluster

Dawn and I, isn't it cute that we match? Can you believe that my other foot is actually on the ground?

Lazar our waiter. He was such a good sport and took really good care of our table! I figured someone should take their picture with him?!? He even called Carol "your majesty" because she told him she was the queen. HA!

While I was gone, Matt and Noah spoted a rainbow. And Noah promptly learned how to say "Rainbow!" Here is the picture of the rainbow that taught Noah what a rainbow was...

The 4th of July

2008-07-18T09:16:00.006-05:00

Well I have been really behind, so I am going to do some power posting today to see if I can get caught up. On the 4th, we went to the Shell Rock Parade with the Bolin grandparents. Noah enjoyed the parade and we got more candy than we will eat in a year. Sam, Nick and Deb also came and sat next to us. We didn't take any pictures at the parade this year, but we did get the annual 4th picture of Noah. to see how much he has grown, check last year's post out. We went to the fireworks that night with our friend Jenna and Pam and Dave. During the fireworks, Noah held his ears pretty much the entire show. They had lots of the small really loud ones which was kind of disappointing. Hopefully next year Noah will enjoy the fireworks more.

Garden, shower, and etc.

2008-07-03T21:38:00.007-05:00

I took a few shots of our garden about a week ago and wanted to share them with you all.

From the left, three rows of lettuce, two rows of collards and two cucumber plants by the gate at the ends of the rows, then a row a baby asparagus, followed by collards and lettuce which are the original rows where we thinned from. Then onions, and the next row is partially sweet potatoes and partially broccoli. The following row is beefmaster tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalepenos. The last row is tomatoes also.

This past weekend we had a shower for Nicole, James' future wife. It was enjoyed by all in Pampered Chef style. Pam and Nicole made a cheese ball together...there were only a few mishaps;) I am so excited for Nicole and James and all of their new kitchen stuff.

Tuesday we went to Waverly and visited Dan Wardell, the PBS spokesperson in Iowa. It was a really cute presentation, but I think Noah was a little distracted by everything else around. He looks a little lsess than thrilled to be sitting in Dan's lap. Oh well.

One afternoon, Noah was lounging out in the grass with Sandy. It was so cute, but of course as soon as the camera came out he sat up. This is what was left of the moment.

Going to the fair...

2008-06-29T15:55:00.004-05:00

So for the past week, the Butler County Fair has been going on. Wednesday we went to watch Emily and Kelsey show their heifers and even witnessed Dave showing one. Noah had a dry diaper all day at the fair! Gramma Mavis and Grampa Neil treated us to ice cream at the dairy promoters booth. The following evening we were supposed to meet some friends at the fair, but they ended up having to deal with some stuff from the flood because their house was also flooded (different than the friends whose dog we are watching). So we went as a family and had a good time walking around looking at pigs, cows and rabbits at the fair. Noah did not think too much of the pigs even though mommy showed him it was ok to pet them. We got ice cream again and Noah just was a little ham eating it!

On Sunday it was back to the fair. Dave Jensen (Matt's 2nd cousin) and I were judges for the county fair cook-off contest and got to sample some really good grilling! We again got ice cream (only $1 for a double scoop!). This time Gramma Mary and Grampa Jensen treated us. It was fun to have ice cream three times in one week! This is a short video clip of Noah eating ice cream from a cone. It isn't quite as funny as seeing him do it in person, but you get the gist. He also refused to eat chocolate ice cream when there was strawberry and butter pecan to be had.

OO-OO-OO

2008-06-26T00:50:00.003-05:00

For those of you who know the song, "Fishing in the dark" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Matt and my rendition seems to be- "OO-OO-OO, you and me goin' gard-ning in the dark. Diggin' lil holes and thinin our plants, where the weeds always grow. Down by the cow lot in the pale moon light, we'll be squintin' really hard cause we need a little light, where the weeds seem to grow..."

Yes, that is right. This is actually the second time we have been working in our garden after the sun has gone down. Why you ask? It is a time when the pitter patter of little feet will not be seen trampling all of the plants we have worked so hard to get established. We go out after Noah's bath and bedtime and work way past dark. Last night we were out until 10pm thining and transplanting our lettuce. I think we probably have about 70 heads of Romaine and 50 bunches of Collards started; lookout farmer's market, here we come!

The other night escapades were when we planted our strawberry plugs. Needless to say, they were moldy when we took them out of the package and did not survive being planted in the ground. So no strawberries for the Bolin's this year- not home grown at least. We now have lettuce and collard green thinings transplanted to the area "where the red strawberries don't grow."

Driving

2008-06-23T14:04:00.004-05:00

Just thought I would get a video of Noah out on a joy ride. When the camera comes out his normal routine is disrupted and he is not as much of a ham as he is in person. But I still wanted to share the videos with everyone cause they are funny!

Sunsets...

2008-06-23T12:10:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe humans can look at magnificent sunsets like we have been having and believe that the universe and everything in it happened by chance. Just about every night we have been having gorgeous sunsets. I know I posted one a few days ago, but I just can't help myself from posting a few more that I have capture recently. The glory of God is truly calling out to us every new day that dawns. I just hope I can do half the job creation does to testify to the glory of God.

This is uncanny I know

2008-06-20T09:48:00.003-05:00

but I have one more thing to share... We have been doing so well with potty training lately that I am getting tempted to try training pants! Then yesterday, I decided I should tell Noah that he could go outside and he is really enthralled! He keeps wanting to go more even when there is no more to go. SO I break down and put a diaper back on him cause I do not want him to strain too much and hurt something trying to use his new found method. But when we switch to training pants I will surely have to document that and take a picture of Noah in his big boy underwear.

Since I am on a roll...

2008-06-20T09:35:00.003-05:00

Well two posts in one day...Wow I know this could be overwhelming for some of you who know me well;) but anyway, I wanted to share with you one of the best things about living where I do. I push Noah out the door early in the morning and I let him play in the yard until it is time for lunch. I check on him regularly of course because he is 2 and I love him and would never want to hurt him or loose him, but this yard is such a blessing and the location is great too. If we lived anywhere busier, I would have to be out there with him and constantly watching so that no one would steal him (or I guess the correct term would be kidnap). Then after lunch he goes down for a nap and when he gets back up I push him back out the door. Now that is alot of pushing in one day I know, but I actually don't even have to coax him. He is usually running over to the door before his feet hit the ground from his highchair:)

Daily Blogging?

2008-06-20T09:19:00.002-05:00

Well my friend Julie is so diligent in blogging and besides being home with her little guy, also has many chores on the farm to do. You can check out her blog ten Hoeve's It is amazing to me for anyone to be able to get this done everyday especially when there is always so much going on.

On Saturday, we will become foster parents for awhile for our friends Allie and Andrew's little dog Zara. These are our friends who are newly married and their entire house is being gutted right now because of the floods. Sandy and Zara have already met a few times before when the Potratz's brought Zara over to play and they love each other. It will be nice for Sandy to have a play mate for awhile and for Zara too I am sure. So our family is growing again for a while, but only with a little fur ball!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-15T09:19:00.003-05:00

Matt, I just wanted you to know that you are the best daddy any little boy could have and I cannot wait to watch Noah grow up to be like you. Love you lots

Ashley and Noah

Singing in the rain...

2008-06-12T12:27:00.014-05:00

Well, as everyone knows since it has been in the national news, Iowa is full of water right now. We live between two rivers, 5 miles from the Shell Rock, 12 miles from the Cedar. We have friends who now have to gut their house, our church also has to be gutted, and Pam and Dave have to gut their basement. We have also had water in our basement, but it doesn't have any "guts" so no problems there. This disaster is very stressful for everyone in the situation, so I would ask that everyone that isn't in the midst of the stress, pray for peace...and I guess anyone who is here can do the same.

In this picture, the building I marked with one dot is our church. Across the street (which is under water) from the church with two dots is Fareway where we do most of our grocery shopping. Across the river with three dots is the Post Office and the building with four dots is the movie theater. This picture was taken on Tuesday about 8 hrs before the river crested that evening. This is the Cedar River and we are about 12 miles from the bridge in the middle of the picture. The ripple in the water is the dam. If you can't see the dots I am talking about, double click on the picture to enlarge it.

This is especially stressful for the farmers here, who have acres of corn and beans underwater and hay fields uncut, and no hay for their cattle, which is their lively hood. So just remember that when you are complaining about rising food costs, the people who are supplying your food have flooded houses and fields and wish food were cheaper too. For a little more on rising food costs, check out this website. It may be enlightening...you may already know the info, but just for good measure check it out.

On a lighter note, Noah found out what mud puddles are a few days ago and we caught it on video. Hope it makes you smile and remember to sing in the rain.

I also have a video of Noah really going on about a bird that flew into the window. It was rather entertaining when it happened.

Just a few pictures of a beautiful sunset we had this past Sunday. The farm and house you see in the picture is where we live.

Bath time giggles with daddy

2008-06-06T12:23:00.005-05:00

Last night Matt had Noah laughing so hard and since little laughs from babes are so fun we figured we would share it with you

I am also hoping to get a picture of Noah driving. He just figured out that his car has steering and it is hilarious. Maybe later...

Another venture of Noah's is trying to conquer the picket fence.

UF B-ball here I come!

2008-06-06T11:43:00.004-05:00

Well, all of his yelling and grunting could amount to something, especially if his name follows suit with the Noah before him. What am I talking about you ask? Not Noah in the bible, but Noah the former UF B-ball player. The video reminds me a little of Joakim Noah doing his thing on the court. Noah (Bolin that is) even makes 3 baskets in just 2 mins of game play...That is pretty impressive, but then again I am his mom and I know next to nothing about basketball;)

Warning: I get pretty excited when Noah makes his first unassisted basket...you may want your volume on low!

Springtime...in June!

2008-06-03T14:40:00.014-05:00

Well the flowers are blooming here now that it is finally springtime. I am not sad to see the winter go away and have some resemblance of warm days...although it has been 48 a few mornings in the past few weeks (which would not qualify as warm if you were asking me a year ago, but after 30 below wind chills seems pretty nice, except if you consider the fact that it is JUNE!)

I just figured I would share a few of the blooms that are on display around our house.

Dandelions- seem to pop up over night. Noah was going around smelling them until the camera came out, then he had to ham it up.

Tulips- I planted the bulbs back in November just before the hard freeze for the winter that didn't unfreeze until around April. Only two came up at first, but then four more bulbs came up, but have not bloomed yet, so we shall see what happens with those...

Sandy stops to smell the...irises?

Leftover Irises- I call them this because they have been here for about 15 years or more. Matt was mowing them down last year, until I discovered what they were and promptly put an end to that. I was worried they would never bloom and all of the weeding I was doing would be for naught, but low and behold they are covered in blooms now.

We planted a garden with our friends Ben and Amy Dau. We put in Roma and Beefsteak Tomatoes, Green and Jalapeño peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Romaine Lettuce, Sweet Onions, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Asparagus, Basil, Oregano, Mint, Cilantro and Mammoth Sunflowers. We are looking forward to the harvest and if it is plentiful, we have been invited to sell at the local farmers market.

Besides our attempts to buy local produce and hopefully have some of our own, our cloth diapers and composting, and our commitment to recycling, our new green venture is to ride bikes when possible. Right now, we only have one bike that is terrible disrepair and so it makes it hard to do this. But this past Sunday, Matt determinedly rode the bike to church, 12 miles I might add. After the service, I rode it home. The bike's brakes do not work and the gears are very hard to shift and not all of them will catch, but nonetheless we are making our attempts at being more green. We looked into new bikes yesterday, but will definitely need to save up for that investment. This all comes with the news I got at a health fair I was participating in that I have Osteopenia and I need to exercise more. Besides being green, I need to be healthy so pray that we can get into an exercise routine to help curb the possibilities of osteoporosis for me!

Another fun thing that we did this week was a HUGE, and anyone who knows Matt's grandfather and the way he builds a fire knows I am not exaggerating, bonfire. After discussing a bible study group at Jay and Becky's, the weather was finally right to light the fire of a pile that would not have fit inside our apartment in Gainesville. Becky, Jay, Emily, Jenna, Andrew and Jon all came out for the event, and an event it was! Becky and Jay brought the Grahams and chocolate to pair with our jumbo mallows and we had ourselves s'mores. They were delicious! A burning tire rolled off of the pile at one point and through it all, Noah slept!

See how high the flames were compared to the silo!

Taken off the edge of the barn behind our house.

Our friend Jay standing about 100ft from the fire, I am about another 100ft from him

Becky and Emily

Jenna and me being crazy!

While we were gone, now almost a month ago, a little Robin built her nest just outside of our front door. She had one little egg in the nest the first day we were home and then a second one the next day. Unfortunately, another bird came and attacked her nest and ate her eggs, but I got a picture of it before the second egg was laid. I was really heart-broken for the little bird!

Some pictures of Sandy and Zara, our friends Allie and Andrew's new lil' pup.

Adorable pictures of Noah. He was doing these poses by himself...It was sooo Cute.

Memorial Day stuff. I cried through the whole thing.

Pledge of Allegiance

Great-Great Uncle Darrell (Neil's brother), Grampa, Noah, Daddy, Great Grandpa Neil, Uncle James

Noah's first mouth full of mud. He loved showing it off.