Life is Good at the Jenkins

Yup, we're still around...

2011-01-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

So I haven't posted any updates in a while... a long while! Here is where we all are here in 2011...

Joey is doing the same work he has been. He returned from his first big deployment as a diver in September 2010, and we were so very glad to have him back! He got right back into family life and has been enjoying his time at home since then.
Shalynn graduated last May, worked hard to pass three different exams and earned her RRT. She is now working at a local hospital, and aside from the early mornings - enjoys her new work.
Annabella started kindergarten September 2010, and has been doing well. She loves her class and is reading, spelling and doing addition and subtraction like a champ.

The new year will bring many new and exciting things for us, as we are expecting a new addition to the family. Yup, Annabella is going to be a big sister around July 9, 2011!

Whoo, hoo - here's to a good 2011 for us ALL!!!

Vacuum review AND Giveaway...

2010-01-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

Ocassionally I come across some really neat things... and giveaways that I have to share. Here is another:
Just for Me...and You's Frosty Festivities is giving away a FREE Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Vacuum

I don't have one, but Just for Me...and You does - and did a review... so now I want one.

According to the review and information available from Hoover, it has many of the features we all love in our current vacuum and more:

bagless, but this one looks so much easier to empty then what I deal with now
27-foot power cord... that you don't have to wind
all the tools and attachments, plus a special attachment you can use for furniture or stairs
carpet height adjustment has 5 settings including one for bare floors, so I can use it upstairs on the carpet and downstairs on the wood floors... love it
The filters can be cleaned with water, and the system check light will tell you when your vacuum needs attention.

So if you are like me and now in love with a vacuum, check out the giveaway information and see if you can win one for yourself... or just buy it.

Bring it on 2010

2010-01-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

We made it! Back from our trip and through the holidays, that is. This year we drove over the river and through the woods to my in-laws for the holidays. We were in Houma, Louisiana for Christmas and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi for New Year's. We had a great time, but are glad to be back home in our own cozy beds.
On a sad note, my Great-Grandmother passed away January 4th - a sad start to the new year. We will miss her greatly and are fortunate for all the years we have had her with us. Rest in peace Grandma Jacobson, we love you.
As for the rest of 2010, our little family has a lot of changes and new things headed our way. I will be in California for my best friends wedding toward the begining of the year. Joey will be deployed for the first time oversea as a diver... and for the first time since we have been together. I will graduate as a Respiratory Therapist, and after some exams will have some fancy letters behind my name -RRT. Hopefully no later then August I will start working again. Annabella will turn 5 and start kindergarten this year as well. We are excited for the many new adventures all of us will face in 2010!!

Happy New Year to all.

He's home!

2009-09-18T10:50:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness he's home... Joey (my husband) that is. It's been a hectic month and a preview of what deployment time will be like. In the last month he's been home four times, never for more then 24 hours. He wasn't able to communicate with me at all, so we couldn't plan anything for the short visits home. When he came home this last time Annabella (our 4-year-old daughter) asked, "are you going to be home a lot of hours this time?". Fortunately, he was able to say yes... for now. We're definitly going to need to work something out for keeping in touch when he leaves for deployment - any suggestions?
Until he leaves we treat each minute we have together a little more special then we used to...

Flirty Aprons

2009-09-18T10:23:00.001-04:00

I came across these cute and sassy aprons by Flirty Aprons. They have a good selection for men, children and of course women. I want one for me -- but am having a hard time choosing!! I think I've narrowed it down...

... and then there are the mens aprons, I like this one.

Check them all out at Flirty Aprons and if you want the chance to win one check out the giveaway at Just for Me and You where you can enter to win your own apron from Flirty Aprons and more!

The Sweetest Petunia Giveaway -- So Sweet!!

2009-09-01T20:55:00.000-04:00

Somehow among this large bloging world, I came across The Sweetest Petunia who has the best giveaway for the most adorable zipped pouch by GUSSY. You have to check it out at The Sweetest Petunia along with all the other sassy items GUSSY has in her store!!

If you are interested in winning this bag, visit The Sweetest Petunia for more details. Hurry, giveaway ends September 7th!!

Hit the ground Running!

2009-08-24T16:18:00.002-04:00

Today was my first day back to school in the 5th out of 6 semesters of the Respiratory Therapy program... and we're off!! While Thursday was officially the first day of school - it was a clinical day so we had to do orientation, get the schedule, OSHA and HIPPA... all that fun. Then I have Friday's off this semester. So I was safe to enjoy my last weekend with Joey before his little trip... I thought.
We had a great weekend, all chores and housework aside - and even squeezed in some bowling and babyshower (where I met some great girls who invited me to be in their mommy club - how fun?). Then Sunday night at 9pm I get a text message from a classmate saying - what are the chapters for tomorrow? Excuse me... Monday is the first day of class - what are you talking about!? So I made a panic-ish phone call to find out that we actually had chapters to read and assignments due the first day of class. Are you kidding me, wow. So after having one day of class I already have a group project, paper due next Monday, four chapters to read and complete chapter reviews on... and I still need to wash the dog and mow the lawn! Oh, yeah and we're out of milk.

New pictures posted

2009-08-22T10:50:00.000-04:00

I finally got all our pictures uploaded and posted! Now all I need to do is be sure to keep it updated... we'll see how that work out.
The link to view our pictures is on the left - Enjoy!

Our new furry family member

2009-08-22T10:45:00.003-04:00

For the past few months we have been entertaining the thought of getting a dog. We all wanted one, but were not sure if it was the right thing being that we have such a small yard. Well when the reality of Joey deploying some time in the near future hit us, I decided that I would feel better having a big barking replacement to help protect us while he is away. So, Joey gave in and we headed to the shelter. We knew we wanted a big dog, young enough to train, old enough to be over chewing everything... around a year old would be good. We soon came home with our new pup Sharkbait. She was adorable and so quiet, very afraid and a pretty girl. Sadly on her third day with us we had to call Animal Control to pick her up when she went growling, snarling crazy at both Joey and Annabella. We were sad and put off the idea of a dog for a while... or a month anyway. Joey came across someone who was looking for a new home for their 1 yr old chocolate lab, and the rest is history. Junebug is our new furry family member. She is a typical chocolate lab who will do anything for a little ear scratch or tummy rub, she fetches anything even from under water and loves to swim. She is a sweet girl who gets along well with other dogs and Annabella (who proudly calls herself a good big sister to her dog). We are glad to have her!

Remodeling the Blog

2009-08-21T08:53:00.004-04:00

Our friend Jennifer King decided to start a blog, which is adorable (link to the left - she would love new followers). So I thought I should probably get our Jenkins blog updated... 'bout time -huh? Thus the make-over!
Check back soon for new pictures (also on the link to the left) and new updates on the family/friends and happs in Virginia. To receive an email when the blog is updated click under Jenkins Followers and follow the directions.

Happy to see Spring

2009-04-20T19:49:00.003-04:00

In the last couple months we've been busy, but having a good time!
Joey went to a school for 5 weeks in Mississippi after completing time at his first command as a diver. He was given a good send-off by the higher-ups and started today his first day at his new command. He has high hopes of achieving a lot and advancing as he has always done - I know he can do it. He studied hard and made board for Chief's exam as well... I am so proud. We know it is unlikely they will advance him (due to new restrictions on divers -they must be 1st class divers and been at 2 dive commands) but he has proven himself and we are remain hopeful.
Annabella is really growing up. She still goes to school every day, and loves her school, friends and teachers. She is learning so much still and knows all her letters, counts in Spanish and English, writes most letters including writing her name on all her art at school on her own (and she has a long name), she is trying to learn to tie her shoes... but those bunny ears can be tricky! Still loves outdoors - riding her bike and scooter, roller skating, baseball. I have learned to put her independence to work for me - she starts the dishwasher, takes out recyclables, sets/clears the table, puts away clothing, folds... for now anyway :)
I am in school... still, until May of 2010. As of this summer I will be in my last year - I'm sure it will fly! In the mean time, I remain studying... as much as possible.

To California and Back

2009-01-14T13:29:00.005-05:00

We left for California on December 17th and returned January 5th (sort of). We had a great trip. We stayed at my sister's house most of the time, and visited other people here and there when we could. Annabella had a great time playing with her cousins Tony and Sydney. We also went to Disneyland, downtown San Diego, a hockey game, a few parties, sledding (the mountains) and Joey went night snowboarding... sort of, he also separated his shoulder.
We got to meet Amanda (John's new wife), Sophia (Tiffany's baby) Barbie (my dad's girlfriend) and Euan (Matt's baby) for the first time. It's amazing what you miss in a year and a half.
We can't wait to see everyone again - for more good times, and good company!

Hi Santa

2008-12-12T16:34:00.000-05:00

Santa came to Annabella's school today to help the children with their Christmas around the World celebration. Much to my surprise Annabella went right to Santa (with a cute little giggle and a big grin). She told him how she wants a piano for Christmas then agreed to take a picture with him. Later, Santa said his goodbye's and headed back to the North Pole to get working on that piano.

No more Monkeys jumpin' on the Bed!

2008-12-11T22:08:00.001-05:00

Our little monkey didn't fall off the bed... but she broke it! Funny girl. When Daddy got home - she reported the damage and of course he fixed it up right away... just in time for bed!

Fall Update

2008-11-05T20:38:00.003-05:00

We are sad summer is gone... we'll miss the warm weather! It's already hit the 32 degree mark here (just for one night), the shorts are packed away for a few months, and we are re-introducing our feet to socks -much to Annabella's dislike.
I am back at school, Annabella preschool and Joey work for the remainder of the fall. Joey had lasik eye surgery so he doesn't wear glasses anymore (and the Navy paid)! Gas was $1.97 today - things are looking good. Other then that it is business as usual in the Jenkins household.
New pictures are located at the link to the right.

Take care, and stay warm (California you can stay cool)!

The Knack

2008-10-23T15:10:00.002-04:00

I started taking Annabella to Michael's on Saturday's to do arts and crafts for kids... they call it "The Knack". It's $5.00 and they make all kinds of fun things. This is the frame she made last Saturday. She did it all herself from the sample the teacher had, she's got the paint on her face to prove it! Good stuff.

I don't like Cookie Monster anymore...

2008-10-12T19:23:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we took Annabella to see a short version of Sesame Street Live on base (for free). She had a great time watching the characters dance and sing. Cookie Monster has always been her favorite, and she was so excited when he came out on stage. At one point some of the characters came out into the audience to meet the kids and take pictures... and Cookie Monster came down our row! Then it happened... Cookie Monster got too close. He made it to the row in front of us before heading back up to the stage, but it was already too close. As soon as the show ended and we were walking back to the car Annabella said "I don't like Cookie Monster anymore". She realized when he's not on stage, he's big and could potentially touch her - which she's definitely not okay with. Poor Cookie Monster.

The pumpkin patch

2008-10-08T06:59:00.002-04:00

We took a trip to the pumpkin patch on Sunday. Our next door neighbor and good friend Jennifer (in the picture) came with us, and our friends The Cooley's (Shawn, Zettie and Kirya) met us there. We had a good time searching for just the right pumpkin, and the girls (Kirya and Annabella- above) enjoyed marching through the field. We found a few good ones to cut and bring home, then had a hay ride around the field. Annabella even got to help drive the horses - it was a good trip!

I'm an intern

2008-09-03T15:38:00.001-04:00

What I'm saying is: "Hi, I'm Shalynn Jenkins. I'm a student from the Respiratory Therapy department. I'm here to do a breathing treatment with you...".
What I'm thinking is: "Don't forget to wash your hands, and check their id bracelet... it's 10 times/hour with a 5 second breath hold... make sure you chart... oh, and don't forget to have them cough - but wait is this a post-op patient? I should have them use a pillow to splint the incision... where do they keep the extra pillows here... oh-no, now I lost count is that 5 or 6... yikes!".

Summer update

2008-08-14T12:01:00.002-04:00

This summer has been fun so far. Annabella turned 3 and had two parties. One at school with her classmates and one with a few friends at home. We barbecued, played games and had a pinata. We've been spending time at the pool and beach - which is always fun. We've also been to the zoo, water park and mini-golfing. After Labor Day most of the outdoor activities close down in Virginia, so we hope to get to the water park and pool a few more times before then.

It has been nice to relax a little the past couple weeks with my summer school ending July 29th, but as of August 21st it's going to be back to the chaos and books again. I am excited that I'll be starting clinical work at the hospital this semester, so I get to put some of my newly acquired knowledge to work... a little scary too. For Annabella this means the school day will start at 6am (right now it's around 8:30) - little princess likes her sleep, so this will be a big change for her. For Joey this means Tuesday and Thursday he gets to do the daycare drop, it will be a big change for him too. Hopefully we can all fall into our new routines quickly.

We miss all our family and friends... it's hard not seeing everyone this summer. Hope to get some trips planned soon. Until then enjoy the pictures we have (check link to the right) and continue to send us yours!

Oops, I missed July 1st...

2008-07-10T12:33:00.003-04:00

Happy July... and hope the 4th was good!
Here are the pictures from June. Not many again this month, I haven't had time for anything lately. Things should get better in a few weeks - summer school ends July 29th! I'm excited for a much-needed break.
Annabella will turn 3 this month and we are having a party for her... wish the friends and family from California, Mississippi and Louisiana could be here. We miss you all. Hopefully we'll be able to see you all soon!

Until then enjoy the pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyJune2008

One of those days...

2008-07-10T12:24:00.001-04:00

For the past couple weeks, Annabella has really be testing the rules and working against anything we say (even if it's what she wants). In this case - she decided she didn't want to eat dinner. So she played with it until she make it go flying off the table - punishment: clean it all up! Unfortunately I think she enjoyed cleaning... now what?

It's June

2008-06-03T15:20:00.002-04:00

Hello family and friends. Hope May was good and you all enjoyed a long Memorial Day weekend. We had some fun, but stayed busy of course. The excitement for the month was the birth of Tiffany's baby, Sophia... we are so glad for her arrival. Shalynn is back to school, and staying very busy with studying - so this one will be short and sweet.

Our pictures for May are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyMay2008

Enjoy!

Hurray for puddles

2008-05-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

On the way home from school yesterday Annabella said she wanted to put on her stomping boots so she could go jump in puddles... so we let her. Boy did she jump. She had a great time, got very wet. Must be a theme for the week, the day before she came in wet from watering the plants - I think she got more water then the plants did.

Golf day

2008-05-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

Today we took Annabella to play mini-golf. We all had fun. Annabella is a little better then she was last year, but she is still too stubborn to let us show her how to hold the club. Of course Joey won... I tried to say my hair kept blowing in my face... but he just told me that's what he would say too if he were loosing. One day I'll win!

A poke in they eye

2008-05-16T00:33:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, Mother's Day, Annabella poked herself in the eye - a real good one. She complained on and off about it throughout the afternoon and got to the point where she would scream after she rubbed it and was walking around with one eye shut to avoid the light. Which is when we decided we better brave the storm (literally, a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch was in effect) and take her in.
Before even using the stain the doctor could see the cut across her cornea. So they set her up with some drops to make it feel better, some stickers, a beany baby and some antibiotic cream. This is her eating some brave-girl jelly beans when we got home.

All about April

2008-05-02T11:24:00.004-04:00

There isn't much to say around here about April. It's over, and wasn't too eventful for the most part... Last Monday the 28th was a little crazy here. Joey had sinus surgery, Shalynn had a final, Annabella went to daycare and by 3:30 pm we were under a tornado watch - which is okay that happens all the time here. But by 4pm there were actual tornado's sighted within 20 minutes of our house! We were fine of course and didn't end up with much of a "storm" at our house, but there were 6 confirmed tornado's in the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk and surrounding), one on Joey's base and one out where we used to live in Carrollton area, and of course the one in Suffolk that made the front page of Yahoo. The report has 200 injured, and 145 structures lost - but amazingly enough 0 lives lost and only 4 injuries serious enough to be admitted! I think that is amazing.
Hopefully May will have no such excitement. Joey is off work for the two weeks following his surgery so Shalynn will return to school (for the Summer semester) and Joey to work on May 19th. Annabella isn't taking time off -- she asks to go to school to see her friends Mia and Savanna every morning when she wakes up. She's getting to be such a big girl. We are also hoping (although probably not as badly as Tiffany) for the arrival of Sophia (Sophie) around the 29th of this month. We can't wait to see her!

There isn't much for April pictures but here they are: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyApril2008

Enjoy.

Fancy

2008-04-04T09:41:00.000-04:00

Joey and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday. He had to work late and we had Annabella so we stayed at home, but plan to have a night out soon. Joey gave me this beautiful necklace! It's hard to tell from the picture but those are all diamonds... set in white gold to match my wedding ring and diamond earrings. He picked it out himself and kept it a secret for days (which I know is very hard for him) - I love it!! Of course not as much as I love him.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Spring is here (I think)

2008-04-02T10:04:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a good Easter!

Annabella had a good time playing with her friends, hiding from the Easter Bunny (she's afraid), doing Easter egg hunts, and playing baseball. The week before Easter, Annabella's Geno and Boo-boo (Grandpa and Grandma) came to visit for a week from Mississippi. We all had a great time.

April is month of the military child, so Annabella will have a great time at school. They have special activities planned for every day of the month including parades, breakfasts, picnics, ice cream socials, family fun day, decorate a cookie day, pajama day, teddy bear day and more. The parents are invited to a bunch of things too, so Joey and I get to spend some time with Annabella at school this month. We are excited for her.

Have a good spring and enjoy the warming weather - I know we will!!

Click here for March pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyMarch2008

The best shopping buddy

2008-03-30T12:59:00.002-04:00

I had to get a new dress for a wedding we are attending next weekend. Poor Joey had to work all weekend, so Annabella and I headed for the mall to see what we could find. For the first time, we had a great time shopping together. She got a balloon (for donating $1 to the Leukemia society), we rode the carousal (and she got a horse stamp on her hand after), she spend 15 minutes picking out the perfect necklace for herself (Claire's has a little girl section of jewelry), had a hot-dog pretzel for lunch and rode in a car stroller when her little legs got tired of walking. If you ask her, she had a good time.
My favorite part was when I was trying on dresses. She zipped up my zippers when I couldn't reach them in the back and "tied" bows if I needed it. I let her know it was her job to pick out the perfect dress for mommy. When I tried on one in particular, she zipped me up then "tied" the bow. When I stood up she told me I looked "sooo beautiful" and that I needed to do a spin. After I did my spin she told me again I looked "so beautiful, like a princess". Of course that's the dress I bought... I told her she's the best shopping buddy ever!

Roller Skater

2008-03-23T19:43:00.002-04:00

Annabella went to a birthday party for her friend Bella (Isabella) who turned 5 on Saturday. Bella had her party at a local roller skating rink, although Bella couldn't skate too well - she was able to get around the rink herself using the sides. Annabella wanted big skates like everyone else, so we rented her some. We thought maybe she could just roll around on the carpet holding our hands... but she would have none of this!
After getting used to the skates on her own for a few minutes she wanted to head out to the rink. Then she saw her friend Bella using the wall - and told Mom "I wanna do it all by my own self". So we let her try... and she did it! We were amazed with just that, but by 1 or 2 more laps around she surprised everyone when she let go and skated on her own around the rink... in the middle, no holding on to walls or people. She even did the cha-cha dance hoping, and stomping her skates all on her own. She can do circles with out falling, and get up from falling on her own.
I am still amazed. Don't see too many 2-year-old's rollerskating at the roller rink, didn't think it could be done. She always amazes me -- just wish we had the camera!

Our little bunny

2008-03-10T19:34:00.000-04:00

Annabella got bunny ears... and decided they are more fun to wear this way. She walked around like this for the afternoon. Silly rabbit!

It's the simple things...

2008-03-03T12:38:00.001-05:00

Who thought Annabella would enjoy a $1 pinwheel (or spinner as she says) from Big Lots this much? Sunday she had a good time with it dancing about in the wind. She likes to hold it up in the car with the windows down too... good times!

Wow- time flies!

2008-02-29T09:39:00.003-05:00

So today is February 29th, the last day in the month. It crept up on us! We've been so busy... doing nothing in particular.
Joey completed and passed the qualification he's been working so hard on. We are very proud of him... he got it on the first try, which is more then most of his co-workers can say. He did well.
Shalynn completed midterms, and is doing well over all in her schooling this semester. Half the semester is over - so it's all downhill from here. Looking forward to spring break in a few weeks (although getting teeth yanked out isn't at the top of the list of spring break destinations) -oh well.
Annabella has been working on yet another "testing the rules" phase. She now explains to us that she doesn't listen or need time out because she's "a big girl". It's no secret that she got every ounce of stubbornness from both her dad and mom. She continues to love and do well at school. She knows her colors, some letters, a ton of songs, dresses herself (down to jacket, hat, gloves and shoes). Every day on the way home she tells us all about her day. Outside of school she spends a lot of time playing with her friend Kirya. Those two are too cute together.

We are hoping March will bring us some warmer weather so we can't get outside a little more and have some fun. Hoppy Easter and St. Patty's to you all!

Click here for February's pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/2008JenkinsFamilyFebruary

Congratulations to the new couple!

2008-02-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

Mr. Chris Snyder and Ms. Tiffany Ondatje were married January 23, 2008 in the presence of family and friends.

We wish them the best for their future together and are sorry we could not be there on their big day.

We love you two!!

It's February

2008-02-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

Hi all.
Shalynn started school the second week of January, so things have been a little busy for us. The highlight of the month for us was watching the snow and trying to keep warm. Annabella has adapted quickly to the cold weather and is happy to bundle up and head out for a bike ride on the coldest days.

We only have a few pictures to share this month... they can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyJan2008

Happy February... don't forget your Valentine!

Snow day

2008-01-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

The snow started around 4pm yesterday (Saturday, Jan 19) and didn't quit until around 7:30am this morning (Sunday, Jan 20)! Although it had been snowing for hours, it didn't get cold enough to stay on the ground until early this morning. We got all dressed up and went outside to check it out around 8am. Annabella enjoyed walking in the snow - but it was very cold so we didn't stay out too long.
Meanwhile, Joey had to get scraping his windshield and really pull to get his frozen truck doors open. We ran some errands and when we returned around noon, we were surprised to see the snow still there. It's 30 degrees with a wind chill to 19, and that's the high for today - we actually have ice sickles hanging off our house. But despite all that -- Annabella was still outside riding her bike through the snow!! That's dedication.

These boots were made for Walkin'...

2008-01-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

Annabella thought she'd try to break and leg or two walking around in Mommy boots the other day. She didn't get too far before she fell and the boots were returned to their rightful owner.

Where are the fishies?

2008-01-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

Our canal was frozen over this morning. Annabella and I bundled up to check it out. She kept asking where the fishies and turtles are, and since I'm not exactly sure where they go - I told her they were in their houses.

I also showed her how you could blow and see your breath - she thought that was funny. She tried it again in the car on the way to school... but of course it didn't work so well in the car.

We should get up to the low 40's today... a bit warmer then it has been.

Oh, that's cold

2008-01-03T08:54:00.001-05:00

Now that it's almost 9:00 in the morning, and the sun as come up, it's starting to warm up outside. This is our current temperature, and with that wind - the "feels like" temperature is right on the mark.

It's definitely starting to get cold with a high of 31 and snow flurries yesterday, and a high of 32 (feels like 21) for today. Yikes, it's cold!!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2008!
In 2007, we spent our first full year in our new house. We watched Annabella grow from a toddler into a very active and fun preschooler. We went on a long trip to visit family and friends and some were able to visit with us too. It was a good year full of fun and exciting new things for us all.
Annabella had a great Christmas. She got lots of new toys and games and hasn't stopped playing with all of them. New Years wasn't quite as exciting. The highlight of her evening was waking up scared when a fire truck came by with it's sirens screaming. But all was well after that. We are excited to say that 2008 for Annabella will be full of games, learning, playing and free of diapers!!
Joey and Shalynn had a good Christmas and New Years as well. The ball drop wasn't too exciting, but we both managed to stay awake long enough to watch it!
Hope everyone had a fun and safe Christmas and New Years. We wish the best for the upcoming 2008!

For December pictures click here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyDec2007

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

This Christmas was a lot of fun for Annabella. She was so excited to see that Santa brought her the skates she has been talking about for the past few weeks. She also got a ton of toys and games to keep her busy. She took a little bit of time playing with each thing through out the day, it was nice to see her having a good time with out the tv... later we had some friends and neighbors over for Christmas dinner with ham, jambalaya and a little bit of everything. Her friend Kirya came over in the evening to help her try out all her toys, they had a good time playing Candy Land too!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!

Messy Girl

2007-12-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

Annabella is usually a bit messy when she gets home from preschool. The other day we were in for a special surprise. She had the usual dirt and messy hair... along with a little art work. She decided to draw on her pants (one mark on each knee), front and back of her shirt, on the front and back of each hand and her face (which her teacher washed off). This is why she doesn't wear good clothes to school!

December is here

2007-12-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

November was a lot of fun. We had an unusually high number of warm days (into the 70's) and took advantage of every one of them. It did finally start to get cold toward the very end of the month, but we still spent a lot of time outside.
Annabella's school kept us busy last month. We had Open house, Teacher/parent conference, Family fun day and Picture day. We always make sure Annabella has at least one parent at each event... so Joey had fun at Family fun day (and learned why he doesn't work with preschoolers). Annabella also got her first real haircut, at a place called Pigtails and Crewcuts - just for kids. They did a great job. She got to sit in an airplane chair, watch Elmo, and got a lolly, hair clip and bracelet when she was finished. They sure know how to cater to kids.
Our friends, the James family, visited for Thanksgiving. It was a great time. The kids got wild, but sure did have fun. And the turkey -- it was good!

Oh- and the Respiratory Therapy program... I am in! Unofficially, of course, because one of the requirements is a class in which I am currently enrolled. I was told my grades are great and that I should expect to recieve an official letter welcoming me along with further instruction by February.

December is already much colder then November. High today is 42 degrees, tomorrow's high 40 - 32 with the wind chill and only 28 degrees at 7am when I drop off Annabella! Yikes it's cold. No doubt Annabella will have us spending quality time with Jack Frost nipping at our nose, ears and other various body parts while she rides around on her Dora bike all bundled up. At least we are warmer then our friends in PA... who have snow today (ha, ha it missed us).

Have a good December and soon-to-be Christmas!

click here for November's pictures (and a video): http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyNov2007

Had a Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving we had our friends (from San Diego, then Atlanta, now Philadelphia) the James family visiting. Marc, Vanessa, Aidan and Ella arrived Wednesday afternoon and stayed with us for a few days. We all pitched in for the big Thanksgiving Day feast, but Marc took charge of the turkey -- thank goodness!

The kids were all great. Annabella loved having friends to play with, and was sad to be the only little person in the house on Saturday after they left. They all bunked together in Annabella's room, played outside together, ate at the same little table, and went crazy together. It was a little loud sometimes - but it's to be expected with two 2-year olds and a 4 year old. It was such a good time.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving with lots of turkey and lots more dessert!

Goodbye pumpkin, hello turkey

2007-11-02T20:55:00.000-04:00

For an October on the east coast, we have had some great weather. Until the last week or so we didn't use a coat during the day, which means we had a lot of outside time last month. We went to the zoo, pumpkin patch and played outside with Annabella at least once a day.

Joey has been working, hard. After work most days and sometimes on the weekends he's been working cleaning boats. When he's not doing either of those he's in the garage studying for the qualification he still hasn't been able to take. We expect he'll be able to do it before the end of November, and are confident he will do well.

Shalynn has been doing the school thing. It is going well - midterms went very well. And she has an interview scheduled for late November with someone from the Respiratory Program. Other then school Annabella takes up a lot of time lately... of course that's all time well spent.

Annabella has been being two. That's enough to keep anyone busy. She still loves school, music, pretend play, anything outside and, of course, anything that is her idea at the time. Oh, those terrible, horrible two's sometimes!

We are looking forward to some cool weather, turkey and visiting with friends this November.

This Thanksgiving we will give thanks for all our family and friends near and far. We will also give thanks not for what we have, but how we can use it to help others. This month we want to focus on helping others and encourage you to do the same!

October pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyOctober2007

The cutest parade you ever did see

2007-10-31T11:25:00.000-04:00

This morning Annabella's school had a character parade. All the kids dressed up to show off their favorite characters. There were Ninja Turtles, lots of Princesses, pirates, Witches, a few Backyardigans, and Annabella's best friend, Mia (holding hands here) was a bumble bee. They blocked off the streets and had a fire engine lead the way; even Sparky the fire dog was there. Of course Annabella is afraid of Sparky, so she was more concerned with getting as far away from him as possible then actually walking with her friends. This afternoon her school is hosting a Fall Festival for the kids to party with all their friends and family too. They will enjoy all kinds of sugar-filled goodies, and then get to visit the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin to bring home when the celebration is over. Big day for a little girl!

A big girl bed

2007-10-28T21:02:00.000-04:00

Annabella got her big girl bed today. We bought the bed a few months ago, bought the bedding a couple weeks ago and the mattress today. Joey put it all together, and Annabella loves it. She told her daddy that he could lay on it with her for a little while, but that it's "Bella's big girl bed". And eventually ordered him to "get down Daddy, Bella's bed". Of course she had to test out it's durability by jumping on it, both ends - just to be sure. She seems to be happy, we'll see how tonight goes...

San Diego on Fire

2007-10-25T09:11:00.000-04:00

We first heard of the fires in San Diego on Monday, October 22, 2007. We are sad to see a beautiful place that we hold near to our hearts burning and destroyed. There is not a single family member or friend in the area who has not been effected by this fire. Our thoughts are with all those who have been evacuated, lost homes, other property or belongings.

While there was a lot of damage, and a lot of loss, we are thankful to be able to say that all our friends and family are alive. So far everyone we have heard from still has a home and their belongings. We are thankful to all the firefighters, police and other rescue workers who despite all the loss, were able to save some as well.

Our thoughts are with you all!

Pick a pumpkin

2007-10-21T20:56:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the pumpkin patch. Yes, a real live pumpkin patch. We enjoyed a hayride around the farm and then got to search the fields for the perfect pumpkin to cut off the vine. Annabella's favorite are the green pumpkins. We ended up getting her one with a little green around the top. She loved the hay ride and jumped for joy each time she got a glimpse of it from across the field. We are still enjoying 80 plus degree weather so it was a perfect day for pumpkin picking.

We also learned the farm does strawberry picking in the summer... they might not be big and juicy like California strawberries, but I think we'll have to give it a try!

Ride that turtle

2007-10-14T14:05:00.000-04:00

As a part of Fleet Week all military was granted free admission to the Virginia Zoo. It's not as exciting as the San Diego Zoo, but they did have a lot to do for the kids on this special day. They had jumpers, face painting, clowns and more! Annabella isn't into over sized animals (she screamed and had to be removed from the room when Sparky the fire dog visited her school last week), but after being assured the turtle is not going to move - she jumped on for a picture. It was a good morning... we saw all the animals and sights, tried to get Annabella to eat cotton candy and still made it home in time for lunch and a nap.

Goodbye September

2007-10-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

September was busy; isn't every month? It has started to cool off a bit in Virginia, so we've been able to get outside more and have some fun.
September's recap:
Joey went to Dubai (in the Middle East) for two weeks. He and a small group from work flew out on a commercial flight and stayed in the Residence Inn Dubai. He didn't end up having to work the whole time, but didn't have as much fun as he'd hoped either. He did go snowboarding for the first time... who would have thought it would be in the middle of the desert?
Shalynn's been busy with school, the house and Annabella. She officially applied for the Respiratory Therapy program at school. I know you're thinking - what about the RN thing? Well, that's changed to respiratory. It was a combination of things, but the big turning point was when we found out they are not accepting out of state residents for the RN program. The good news is that respiratory is less competitive to get into because it's not well known, and it will be completed a semester earlier then RN.
Annabella has been busy learning. Still loves school, her teachers, her friends and the playground. She's expanded her vocabulary a little to include more sentences. One of her favorites lately is "No, I don't like it... mommy", said with an attitude. She knows the words to a lot of songs: the ABC's, Twinkle-twinkle, Under my Umbrella (you've heard it on the radio... under my umbrella-ella-ella, eh-eh-eh...). She has been working on controlling her urge to hang out in the refrigerator and is getting her little miss-bossy under control a bit more too. Now if only we can control her waking up in the middle of the night and coming into our room asking "what doin' mommy?". Occasionally in her sleepiness she runs into walls or doors too - thank goodness for the gate at the top of the stairs.
October should be easy. Other then Halloween we will be doing the day-to-day routine. Annabella doesn't have a costume yet, but she tried on witches hats at WalMart and had fun with them... so well see.

Oh- almost forgot! Here are September's pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilySeptember2007

Hole in One

2007-09-16T15:09:00.000-04:00

We made our first family trip to the mini golf course yesterday. We all had a great time. Annabella quickly picked up the concept and managed to keep her ball on the green for all 18 holes (which is more then I can say for her dad and mom). We also learned that she is tall enough (36") for the kiddie rides that run in the summer and the kiddie go-karts. Next summer she'll own the place!!

Welcome home Ben!!

2007-08-30T20:26:00.000-04:00

Our good friend Ben Carter is on his way home from Iraq right now, and will be arriving in Virginia tomorrow evening!! Ben has been away for about 6 months and will be welcomed home by his family, fiance (Jessica) and friends who are all very excited. Being home is enough, but Ben will also be receiving an award, for his duties in Iraq, next Friday.
Welcome home Ben!!

The end of Summer?

2007-08-30T19:40:00.000-04:00

It's the end of August, which in Virginia means the end of summer... weird. As of Labor Day all summer-like activities come to a screeching halt: no more water day for Annabella's school, all the pools and beaches close, the water parks close even the paintball, go-cart and mini-golf courses close down for the winter. Yet we'll still see 100+ temperatures for another month or more... such a strange place we've moved to.
August was busy. Joey's been very busy at work, and he's spent a lot of time working on his truck lately (which is beginning to show it's age). Shalynn started school on the 23rd. Only taking two classes (Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology), but it will still be a challenge. Annabella moved to Room C, the 2-3 year old room. She was a little shy at first, but loves it as much as the old one now. It will be a good move for her... this room has more rules, structure and greater expectations for the kids. Annabella serves her own meals including pouring her own drink, plays on the computer, has show and tell days for books and toys, these kids even line up when the teacher rings a bell!! The best part is that her friend Mia from her old room moved up too. Annabella and Mia play together all day and even run around holding hands on the playground. It is the cutest thing.
September should be calm with work, school and school being the highlights of the month. Exciting!

Here are August pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyAugust2007

Jane of the jungle

2007-08-22T21:51:00.000-04:00

Annabella got a new potty seat and step stool for our downstairs bathroom. She now strips down naked (as you must be to use the toilet) and goes potty as soon as she walks in the door from school in her "pitty pink potty". As a reward for using the potty she gets to wear panties. Unfortunately, she doesn't like the idea of putting her clothing back on over the panties, so for the rest of the day she runs around in her underwear!
We completed two days clean and dry now... it's so exciting.

She can turn

2007-08-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

Annabella has been working on riding her bike since she got it last Easter. As her legs grew she was able to reach the petals and is very good at that now, but we are especially excited because now she can steer! She got so good over the weekend that her bike is now banned to outside and we'll need to get a helmet and some padding since she likes to ride fast around the turns and eat it.

Water day!

2007-08-15T09:11:00.000-04:00

Every Wednesday at school Annabella has water day. This is very exciting for her since she gets to put on sunscreen, wear her "suit-suit", wear water shoes AND bring her backpack to school (and she hasn't even gotten to the water part yet). She was especially excited this morning!!

Our first Blog

2007-08-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

Hi y'all.

I've decided to give the Blog thing a try (thanks to my friend Vanessa's inspiration). If she can get hers updated with two little bundles of energy running around, I figure I can do it with one -in daycare. Thanks Vanessa for the idea!

As most of you know -we returned from our month long trip to California, Mississippi and Louisiana on July 24th. http://picasaweb.google.com/shalynnjenkins/JenkinsFamilyJuly2007 Since then we have been adjusting to real life back at home and settling into work, home and daycare routines.

Joey only had one day off before he headed back to work, and took about a week off before beginning studying for his next qualifications. Shalynn got to work on cleaning, laundry, dinner (housewife/mom duties) as soon as we walked through the door. Annabella took almost a week before returning to daycare ("school") and was happy to go back with all her friends.

This month Joey will be doing work and work qualifications. Shalynn will be doing housework, mom work and school beginning August 23rd. Annabella will be working on potty training and moving to the 2-year-old room at daycare (as soon as they have an opening).