Catching Up

Well, it has been a long time since I have blogged, but it has not been without reasons. First of all, I have three young kids. Get off my back. Second of all, the end of 2011 and certainly 2012 thus far have brought many, many changes. So far this year, we have sold our home, lived at my parents for 2 1/2 months in the interim, then moved into our new home. We have changed churches, leaving our former church to help plant a new church in the Gretna area. This was also the reason for our move. (More info on the church here if you're interested). We have also changed schools, which was thankfully an easy transition.  All of these changes have drastically changed life as we knew it, but all have been exciting and positive. So, it's been a busy, busy time, but also very exciting.

What hasn't changed, is Brian's job. Many people ask us, so to clarify  he is not a pastor at the new church. We are simply heavily involved in helping plant it and leading in areas as needed. Another thing that hasn't changed is that I am still doing event planning on a part time basis as I stay home with the kids. That makes for about 2 1/2 full time jobs. Levi is one person's full time job. Abby, Jonah, and Brian are another.   Finally, another thing that hasn't changed is that the kids are still amazingly cute, in case you were concerned.  As proof, here are a few pictures I have managed to take in the last year below.


Snow is so fun!

She's 4!

We went downtown for Thanksgiving just as our own little family and stayed over night for the turning on of the lights last year. It was such a fun time and treasured memory.

Cousins! We went to Ohio for Christmas and as usual, had a blast for family.

Jonah turned six and celebrated in superhero style.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

We partied hard as Levi turned two in July.

Our new backyard. Can you believe it? It's beautiful.

Brian had shoulder surgery and Abby is "doctoring" his other arm here, just to make sure he's covered.

We had a family vacation to Kansas City and Lego Land. Levi found the only type of dog he would ever have the chance of getting. :)

Doing the cake walk a Jonah's school carnival in August.

Boo!

Here are our spooks this year. We went to a Halloween event at the zoo that had a DJ and dancing (among other things), which after about a half hour we had to pull her away. Can you blame her? Cinderella had to live it up at the ball!

Then, finally, it was time to Trick or Treat

San Diego

In September, Brian and I had the chance to get away for a SIX days without the kiddos. While we did miss them, it was a wonderful chance for some distraction free marriage-building time. Thanks Papa and Mimi for taking such great care for the kiddos while we were gone. They had a blast!

Jonah's Big Day

On August 10th, our home officially moved into a new stage- school age years. Jonah, our sweet-hearted first born was anxiously up at 6 am to start this new adventure. As his mama, I was less eager for him to begin. I was sad to lose so many hours of the day with my buddy, but also excited for my super social guy to get to learn in an environment that I knew he would thrive in.

Oddly enough, one of the hardest things for me with him going was the thought of him having lunch without me. I was afraid of him not knowing how to open his own yogurt, or eat his veggies before the dessert, or not have enough time to finish his sandwich, let alone the other items (none of these have ever been a problem by the way... Apparently Jonah is capable of eating lunch without me!). In order to ease the transition for both of us, with the help of a cutter, I cut his sandwich out in the shape of the Millennium Falcon. Jonah thought it was super special and it really did make me feel better too. :) We also still send notes in his lunches, which I don't see ever stopping. Sorry, high school Jonah.

We tried not to hype things up too much and create nervousness for him, so Jonah picked out his own outfit. In retrospect, a little guidance probably wouldn't have hurt. :) Go Big Red!

Jonah's classroom. The lady standing in the back middle is his teacher, Mrs. Sweetman. She is wonderful! I'm so thankful for Jonah to have such a great teacher in his first year!

A nervous smile sitting in his seat for the first time. This was followed by me trying not to hug him for a fourth time and holding back tears. So proud of him! The boy with his head turned sitting to Jonah's left is Maddox, his best Kindergarten buddy.

After we walked home, Abby, not sure what the big deal was, was insistent on her turn for the picture. Ta da! (Note: she also dressed herself.) :)

This is Jonah just after being picked up. He loved it! He loved his first day of Kindergarten and he's loved every day since. I still miss having him around, but so far this new stage in our home has been great. Jonah is proving that he can venture a little farther out in the world and even thrive doing it.

I'll Dance with Cinderella....

A Few Months Ago....

July 14th, to be exact, my baby turned 1!

Here he is enjoying his birthday slumber.We had family come over to celebrate. He may have been a little overwhelmed by cousins.Fun and messy ice cream sandwiches. They were actually fairly easy to make.Ready to devour.

Finally, we celebrated with a splash. We love you precious boy!And in honor of turning one (exactly three months ago) Levi has now decided to officially use walking as his main mode of transportation. Video coming soon.

The BIG Conklin Fam

In early July the NE Conklin 5 headed out to Ohio to reunite with Mimi and Papa, the PA Conklin 5, AND the Taiwain Su 2 (Brian's sister Alison and her husband, Nick). It was great to have everyone together! Here's a pic of the entire Conklin (and Su) crew.

The boys wasted no time and picked right up where they left off with wrestling. :)

We certainly were never bored.

A big goodbye hug.

On our last full day there, we visited and ourdoor animal park/safari and got a super close up look at tons of animals.

Jonah wasn't quite so sure about it all.

We had so much fun and are very blessed to have such a great family. Love you guys!