Welcome Home!!!

Today was the day. The last day of being a "single" mom! We got up this morning and went to service/ Sunday school. I made the mistake of telling the boys we were picking up daddy at the airport and Noah had a meltdown going into Sunday School. He wanted to go right then to get daddy. He later calmed down. 

We road a cool school bus to go get there... Noah and Jay got their own seats!

Aunt Morgan and Mason to get Uncle Garrett...

Ms. Cassie and Colten to get "Uncle" Ron as Seth called him...

Ms Alyssa and Brooklyn to get Joseph...

and Seth to get his daddy!!!

We made it to the airport with a few minutes to spare. Their plane took off almost an hours later then expected so we did not know when it would arrive. We patiently waited with 6 little ones and 4 adults! Morgan made signs for all the kids to hold. It was precious!

The Welcome Home Crew. We were told by everyone come down the steps that it was the best one they had seen. We began asking people coming off the steps what flight were you to see where they were in the line-up. We knew they were not far behind. 

Even Mason got a sign!

And then over the top of the stairs we saw Jeremy and the boys got excited! They screamed "it's daddy!!!" and dropped their signs and rain towards him. 

Seth was proud to show Jeremy his sign he held. 

Welcome home Jeremy! Glad you are back safely to the states. 

Now go take a shower cause you smell gross!!!!

Day 11

Jeremy - 

Wow we had a busy but fun Saturday! I'm so glad I took yesterday off to get the house cleaned and just hang out and relax. The boys slept awesome last night. I had to wake them up at 7:45 to get ready for soccer. I was amazed! We ate a quick breakfast and then headed out the door to soccer.

Today was picture today...

Everyone from the team showed up too...

They practiced and Noah once again was shy at the beginning. I'm not sure what's up with that but I'm hoping he will break out of it when you get back home and can get out there with him to practice. He did say at one point he missed you. 

He played hard and scored some goals. His teammates have to work on not taking the ball from their own teammates. One player kept on grabbing the ball from Noah and would not let him score. Thank goodness his mother tried to handle the issue. 

We rant to the grocery store after soccer and picked up a few things then back home for lunch and nap time. We headed out for a birthday party and have no fear I was very well protected in the car with Batman. He insisted upon wearing this. It was cute! He also refused to take a nap and that is when he put the mask on. He then asked for his blanket to be his cape and started to pretend like he was Batman jumping off our bed and flying the cape in the air. He would grab things from the bathroom and say he was checking on Joker and other people. 

We went to Wyatt Kiser's 1st Birthday party. They moved it to the church gym because it was raining here. It was nice and the kids got out some energy. 

Morgan started to not feel well there so I kept Jay with me and we all went to Chick-fil-A afterwards for dinner. We took it home to eat.

We watched the movie "Cars" while eating dinner and then later everyone went to bed. (Jay at his own house). Everyone is sound asleep and anxiously waiting your arrival home. Noah and Seth can't wait to see you! That's all they have talked about!!! See ya in a few short hours!!!

Love-

Megan, Noah and Seth. 

Day10

Jeremy -
Oh happy Friday! I took the day off and needed it. Badly. It was so nice to sleep in... til 7:30!!! Everyone in the house did. We watched a movie til about 9 last night and then when to bed. The boys thought that was cool on what they thought was a school night to watch a movie. We got up, had cinnamon rolls, and then went out to a "jungle". The boys thought it was pretty cool and Seth wanted to run through the sprinkler where we were at. I have a little something up my sleeve to show you from the "jungle." We came home and the boys and I got to work in the yard making it look beautiful! I planted flowers all over the house and even got some ferns. The boys had fun playing in the dirt. We were in the backyard most of the day. They wanted to play baseball all morning! I had fun teaching Noah how to play. He's catching on to it. We came inside and had lunch and then I tucked the boys into bed. Seth slept and Noah sang songs to himself. About 2 hrs into hearing him sing I let him get up. I admired my handy-work outside. It looks good. The grass needs a little trim but it can wait til next weekend. When the boys work up we went back outside per their request. They just want to be outside all day today. It finally took a toll on Seth and around dinner time he became fussy and wanted to be held. His nose is running a little and I think it might be allergies. If he gets up tomorrow and still feels the same I might take him into the doctor. Poor Seth! We ate spaghetti for dinner and went back outside after dinner to ride bikes around the neighborhood. We rode all night til it got dark. Seth perked up when we went back outside after I gave him some medicine. He's a tough kid! I bathed everyone cause they were dirty and now everyone is fast asleep!!!! Except me! Good Night!

Love-
Noah, Seth and, Megan

They had a blast playing ball today!!!

Seth liked to wear the helmet backwards. It was cute!!!

Day 9

Jeremy - 

So Noah slept the night with me and oddly that was the best night sleep I have had in a week. I think the Benadryl helped! Noah got up around 5:45 and told me he slept good. Seth even got up around 6:15 or so. I got everyone dressed and they wanted sausage biscuits for breakfast. We heated them and they had them gone in about 5 min. 

I dropped everyone off at school and headed into work. This computer charting thing is not any fun. I charged a kid twice for something but had no idea and then the other I never charged him for a Level of Service. There is so many steps now to do stuff that even when you write it down and someone tells you you still manage to get it wrong. I'm learning it though!

I picked the boys up and we headed home. By demand, we had M and M pancakes with sprinkles and bacon! It was a hit!!! They loved it!

Now take a good look at how this house looks...

It might look a little different on the outside when you get back home.

The boys and I have been working hard in the yard. 

Hope you like it!!! We got some flowers and pine needles and I plan on putting it out tomorrow. I have the day off and it is long overdue. I'm going to enjoy the day with the kids!!!

love ya - 

Noah, Seth, and Megan

Day 8

Jeremy - 

It's been a whole week since you've been gone. The boys and I are doing well. It was same ole routine this morning... I get up around 5:15, shower, and have a little personal time before getting the boys up at 6:30. Noah was passed out again and so was Seth. They slept hard last night and you could tell. I'm having to almost beg them to get out of bed with either chocolate milk or a sausage biscuit or both. 

Seth wanted to pick out his clothes and he was so excited when I let him wear Noah's shorts but what he does not know is that they really are his now! And I dressed Noah like "Smalls" from the Sandlot. He thought that was awesome! I told him he could wear his red shoes if he had good behavior. 

We parted ways at school. The boys went into daycare without a fuss and I headed into work. Noah got a green star and was proud of himself. Seth was good too! He's a tough kid!

I picked the kids up around 5ish and we headed to church. We ate dinner with the Jenkins and then headed to our class. We had a room full of boys tonight. At first they were off the wall, being silly, and just being boys. We did our crafts and then took them outside to burn some of this energy. 

Gavin and Jay kept trying to push Noah up this pole which was funny. 

I thought you might want to see what I'm so tired tonight... lots of boys in the class. Poor Addie was the only girls again. Noah, Gavin, Seth, Jay, Aiden, Addie, and Chandler. Lots of boys!

Noah stopped for a second for a picture but would not smile. 

And Seth ran from me with mulch in his hands. He was once again a dirty kid when we left. Baths for everyone. 

We headed home and got everyone cleaned and changed. Noah had a major melt down at bedtime with not listening to me and them not following my directions. It later boiled down to the fact he was just missing you. I asked if it would be best if he slept in your spot in bed and he said yes. He's tucked into our bed resting much better. Seth is passed out in his little bed. Both boys have a runny nose. I think it might be the pollen. I have them a little Benadryl hoping to make them feel better. I took one myself cause I'm not feeling too great either with all this pollen stuff floating around! We're hoping for some rain tomorrow and it will wash all this pollen out. 

Lights out. Missing you!!!

Love you-

Noah, Seth and Megan

Day 7

Jeremy - 

Today was my Hump Day!!! I have Friday off!!!! Yippie! The boys slept really good last night. They were passed out in their beds when I went to go get them this morning. Noah was pushed all the way to the bottom of his bed. And this is how I found Seth. I ran to grab the camera. 

Silly Seth! Everyone finally got out of bed with the great news that I would make them sausage biscuits and chocolate milk. They were excited to eat their breakfast...

... We headed out the door cause my new "work" time to get there is between 7:45 and 8. I've made it work before then everyday! Go me! The kids were dropped off and I headed into work. We had an uneventful day at work. They did order lunch for everyone... Panera Bread. It was good!!! I picked Noah and Seth up and right as I was getting Noah you called. I ran like a mad woman to get him off the playground. I know those teachers thought I was crazy! Noah was a shy talking to you because he later said he was afraid you would get upset with him because he got a yellow star. We talked about his yellow star and how he is going to keep his hands in his lap during story time and not hit others. Back to you calling, we walked gracefully through the building to not lose signal to get to Seth's room. Seth was saying "it's my daddy! I love you daddy!" over and over. You might have not been able to hear it all the way. Noah was shy. We headed out and I got behind the slowest car on the way home. It would not go. Seth was funny, he said "hey car, move out of my mommy's way" and he repeated it over and over again. I couldn't control my laughter. We went and ate dinner with the family. Kids ate free at the pizza place beside Harris Teeter in Steven's Mill with paying adult. 4 adults = 4 free kids meals. I would say a good deal. We went grocery shopping quickly and all I got was a gallon of milk but would you know Noah got in more trouble in the store. He pulled the pool noodle out while I was running my credit card and started swinging it. Oh dear I about you know what on him! He was then made to stand right beside of my with his hands touching my leg the entire time. 

We bathed and played a bit at home. Noah insisted on playing Ninja Turtles so I created some kind of game for it. We basically ran around pretending to fight the bad guys. Seth wanted to play catch and the ball went flying! We ventured upstairs later then normal and read books. Everyone is now tucked into bed and another good nights rest is ahead of us! We'll miss talking to you!!!

(I did a horrible job of not taking pictures today.)

Love You--

Noah, Seth and Megan

Day 6

Jeremy - 

Oh Monday. How we have a love/ hate relationship. I had to remember to set the alarm to get up and somehow I was wake before it went off... a whole 30 min! I just laid in bed hoping to go back to sleep. Yeah no. Got up, got showered, dressed, wore my "Mozambique" shirt with my blue lab jacket that you dislike so much, and managed to have a few "moments" to myself before getting the kids up. Got them up and dressed as well. Noah was sleeping hard I could tell. I had to keep going into his room to get him up. Seth was curled up against the door. Seth ran and jumped onto Noah's bed getting him up. No arguments this morning. 

We made our way downstairs for breakfast. One wanted oatmeal, the other wanted a pop-tart. 

Having no clue what time we are supposed to be @ work today, I left a few minutes early and got there at 7:45. The boys were dropped off at school and I headed into work. Noah got a green star and Seth behaved very well they said. We have not progressed anywhere with Seth on potty-training. He doesn't want anything to do with the toilet. I picked the boys up and we headed home. I cooked hot dogs and the kids had some fruit to go with it. I let them have 3 Cheetos and you would have thought I gave them candy! 

Jay and Mason stopped by and the kids played for a while upstairs. They had fun just being boys. Noah and Jay played with the superheros and Ninja Turtles while Seth and Mason played with the tunnel. 

I got everyone changed into their PJ's and we did Noah's homework. You would be proud. He did so well. He was to write out the letters P, Q, and R. He did really well. I took them up to Seth's room to say the prayers and Noah said such a sweet prayer: "...Jesus thank you for keeping my daddy safe in Africa." And Seth followed in behind it with the same thing! Everyone is tired and in bed.

Good night and talk to ya soon!!

Love you-

Noah, Seth and Megan. 

Day 5

Jeremy- 

Today is Sunday and we got ready and headed to church. I gave in again and let Noah sleep in the bed with me last night. He did somehow managed to hit me in the face with his hand. Yeah that hurt. I recall pushing him back over several times to his side of the bed. I slept good and needed the rest. The boys got up great! We got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. They begged for a sausage biscuit and chocolate milk.  I tricked them and gave them white milk with them thinking it was chocolate... learned it from you!

We headed out the door to church and were there 15 min early! Go me! Everyone went to their classes and I went to worship and Sunday School. SS Class was pretty big this morning. Lots of new faces. I picked Noah and Seth up and we walked out with Jay. They wanted to hang out in the "Big Attic" and then I asked to get there picture. 

We came home, ate fish sticks and "slinky" fries "aka curly fries". I let Noah stay up from nap and Seth went down. Mom and dad were were very generous and watched the boys so I could go to a baby shower. Right before leaving, Noah got a bloody nose. He was in the office trying to get his Leap Pad thing and he jumped off the chair and hit his nose somehow. (he's talked about his bloody nose all day asking for a tissue to wipe it or mommy I can't sleep in my bed cause what if my nose bleeds.) I got home from the shower and we just "chilled." We rode bikes around the neighborhood and played outside with friends. We came home right before dinner and Noah begged for a PBJ sandwich. I made him one and Seth and I had stir-fry with the spring rolls we like. Seth liked the stir-fry but what does he not like to eat. They played while I cleaned up and Seth was all into Noah's Ninja Turtle book pulling out the stickers. 

I asked Noah to smile so I could send you a picture and he said you would like his mean face better. Oh boy!

We played for a bit after dinner. The boys were nice to let me sit. My head was hitting a little and I said something about it to them. Seth walked up to me and said "I make your head feel better mommy." and knocked his fist into my forehead. It was sweet. He was trying to make me feel better! They have had their moments with good and bad behavior but for the most part they are doing a good job listening to me. We bathed and got things ready for school tomorrow. I have a short week. If you remember I took Friday off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beyond excited! The boys are all tucked into bed. Noah asked tonight if I could show him where Mozambique was. I've got to get a good map to show him better. He has prayed every night for you. He starts out with "mommy listen to this prayer, it's going to be a really good one." 

Hope you have a good day and a great night rest! Love and miss you!!!

Love you-

Noah, Seth and Megan. 

Day 4

Jeremy - 

Today was Saturday and I was so hoping to sleep in... yeah right! I was the one that said I would have Jay over for the night. They were asleep by 9:30 or so but then the power decided it wanted to click on and off throughout the night and Noah got scared. He started to scream around 10:30 or so and it woke Jay. I managed to calm him down but then had to sleep in Noah's room with Jay and Noah. Thankfully they slept on the floor and I got the bed. They did wake up around 6am and I got a very nice good morning from Noah. "Hey mommy, I love you!" then he ran back to his sleeping bag! Melts your heart and so my day started at 6am... 

I managed to keep the 2 boys quiet for another hour while Seth slept. We then went downstairs and had breakfast! Pop-tarts! No one wanted cinnamon rolls this morning. Jay didn't like my pop-tart, no surprise. 

I managed to get 2 loads of laundry done before headed out the door for soccer. Go me! We dropped Jay off and off to the soccer fields we went. It rained pretty hard yesterday so I was hoping it would not be too wet but it was really cold instead. It took Noah almost 30 min to warm up. He was having a mini-attitude and did not really want to play. He kept telling me he was cold but I knew he wasn't. He finally warmed up and by the time they started the games he did well. Once again, we didn't have a Coach (so I said something to the person in charge letting them know I was upset about it). Us parents bonded together and managed to make it work. Noah was the only person from his team out there so they combined several teams together to form one. Several teams were missing players. He will tell you he scored 5 goals! I honestly think it was more then that. He did very well and had a blast!

Running for the goal!

Score!

Come on players, let's play!

After the soccer game, we went to Jay's baseball game. That was how I managed to get him out of his mini-attitude. I told him that if he did not straighten up we were going home and would not go see Jay again. Worked like a charm! We stayed for a few minutes then Seth spotted the playground at the ball-fields and begged to go play on it. 

We came home and played in the backyard for a few and then ate lunch. I "hired" a yard man to cut the grass. You might recognize him. He also helped to repair the washing machine. When I washed clothes on Thursday night, water was all over the floor and I had no idea why. Problem solved. And FYI, the yard looks fab-u-lous!!!

The boys finished their naps and then we headed to Nana's house for the evening. We ate dinner and Noah and Seth wanted to go see the "swimming pool." Nana made some awesome chicken wings and Seth devoured them. No chicken left on the bones! Her eyes were pretty big watching him engulf the chicken wings. She showed me how she made them so I can make them for us. 

We headed back home shortly after eating and about 10 min after leaving her house, I heard Seth ask Noah,  "can we hold hands?" Melts my heart. 

Love my boys and missing you! We have tons of stories to tell you when you get back. Everyone is in bed and I got everything together for church. Sleep tight and have a good day! 

Love you!

Noah, Seth and Megan

Day 3

Jeremy - 

Today is day 3 of you being in Africa. We are getting into the swing of things of doing it "mom's" way. Noah ended up sleeping the night with me. I managed to wake up at 5:14, a minute before my alarm clock went off and I turned it off so it would not wake him. All of a sudden, he started to freak out about 10 min before I was going to wake him. He was once again scared because I was not in bed with him. He saw I was dressed for work and said "mommy why don't you put your pajama's on and get back in bed." I wish! I calmed him down, explained to him today was show-n-share and he was excited to take his special toy... a rescue bot. 

We got Seth up and right as we were heading downstairs, you called. I made a V-line downstairs to get to the phone. You facetimed us and the kids loved it!

We packed our things shortly after and got ready to head out the door. The kids were not all the way done eating so I let them finish in the car. 

It took me 1.5 hrs to get to work today. They had Central Ave. closed this morning and I went about in 2 miles 30 min. Yeah I was a little annoyed with it and by the time I got to the kids daycare I was not in the mood for Noah to play around like he normally does. He managed to cry because he said I was hurting his feelings because I told him to walk faster. Oh to be a kid!

We had another wonderful (insert sarcasm) @ work. This computer charting stuff is going to take some getting used to. I charged a kid 3 times for something! Oh well! Live and learn. 

We headed to Grammy and Gramps house after picked the kids up and getting off work for dinner! Yummy a home-cooked meal. I managed to enjoy it! 

Dad took the kids up-stairs to watch a movie... a VHS of Ninja Turtles from when I was a kid. They loved it! Morgan decided to let Jay spend the night and Noah was thrilled. 

We stopped and got him some clothes. I surprised them by having them sit at the bottom of the steps, scream popcorn and then we put a movie on! Such a good mom and aunt!

Watching Ninja Turtles and eating popcorn. 

"I made a happy bowl" said Seth.

Now to get everyone to stay asleep tonight! We don't know if we will have soccer tomorrow. They canceled all the events today due to thunderstorms. Have a good day tomorrow!!

Love you!!!

Noah, Seth, & Megan