What's in a Name?

Everyone always asks me where the name Jamin comes from....and never believes it's a Bible name.
Jamin was one of the sons of Simeon according to Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15, Numbers 26:12 and many others. There was even a group called the Jaminites. He was one of the 70 souls to migrate to Egypt with Jacob. In Psalms 11:24, Jamin marries Princess Farzana of Libya. Jamin means right hand of God.
For Levi I found lots and lots of info... probably because there were several. Here's some things I didn't know: Levi was the name of the great-great grandfather of Jesus. Levi was the son of Jacob (who Jamin migrated to Egypt with) and was the younger brother of Simeon (the father of Jamin). Levi means associated with God, attached, or joining.

Happy Anniversary...

to me!! and Spencer, of course. Another year married means another year apart. Hopefully next year will be different. You'd think after five years of marriage, we would have spent at least one anniversary together! oh well, seems silly to celebrate only one day of the year anyway. I was going to dig up some engagement and wedding pictures to post, but didn't have time today (see post below). So I'll have to leave the searching and scanning for another day. We pretty much look exactly the same anyway... still look great! I hope I can still say the same twenty years from now... Happy Anniversary Spencer!!

A Good Day

We finally had a wonderful day...and out in public! I thought everyone would want to hear about it, since all I've been doing lately is complaining! Our friend, Kelly, invited us out to their cottage and we had tons of fun.
Jamin LOVED it. I don't know if he's ever had that much fun. And it was really nice because he could go way out into the water and it was still shallow - and warm! it was like bath water. And of course, he did go very far out. But I didn't get a picture because....

Levi HATED the sand and water. So I didn't get very many pictures at all because he was attached to my hip almost the entire time. I did manage to get him to smile a few times though. He didn't like the beach, but he did like:

watching everyone else having fun...

hangin' out in the hammock...

and, of course, playing with Rufus the dog (they both love him!)

It was a really good day. We finally ALL had fun for once. And their cottage is beautiful! I need to go back even if it's just to get pictures - it's exactly what I want my house to look like. I definitely hope to go back again. We'll have to invite ourselves back once Spencer is home!
Thanks Kelly for inviting us out! And thanks for the help with the kids, Melinda!

WHAT?!?

I just got a surprise visit from CPS. (if you're wondering why, read my post in June) Anyways, the lady says she just needs to "look" at my kids. Jamin was on the couch watching a movie so she just glanced at him and asked about Levi. Levi was taking a nap, so I took her upstairs to "look" at him. And guess what she says? "I can't tell if he's breathing or not, could you touch his foot to see if he moves" WHAT?!? I didn't even know what to say, I just went downstairs and opened the door for her to leave.
I don't even know where to start, I could go on for hours. Is this lady for real? She actually thinks I would leave my dead son in his bed and let her look at him? I still have no idea what to even say. I'm in shock. Absolutely appalled. I hope and pray she's never found a dead baby in someone's house. I'm going to stop now and leave it at that.

Insane

I tried taking my kids to the pajama story time at the library tonight. What a NIGHTMARE! We were there for less than five minutes and had to get back in the car and leave. Every time I try to do something for THEM they end up ruining it. This happens quite often, actually pretty much anytime we go anywhere. It is SO frustrating. So, someone, please hunt down my husband and drag him home before I end up in a PADDED ROOM!!

Spoiled...

Lately I've had the worry that my kids are going to turn into horrible, spoiled little brats. It's just so hard taking care of them alone... sometimes it's easier to give in than to deal with another double-teamed temper tantrum. There's still time to turn things around (I hope) they're still young and they're not really "spoiled" they're just not very well behaved when we're in public. Maybe things will be easier once Spencer comes home, it's hard being the comforter and enforcer at the same time...he'll have to take over one of those roles. I just really, really don't want to end up with...

an Augustus Gloop...

or a Dudley Dursley...

any advice?

PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES

Alright, everyone has been bugging me for pictures of my kids, so I took my camera with me when we went to the park today. More will come later, but these will have to do for now.
First, I have to apologize because there are so many pictures, I didn't have time to crop them, I just shrunk them down so they wouldn't take 10 years to load.
Secondly, I have to apologize because they are wearing matching shirts. This was not on purpose to be cute or anything. Usually when we go to the park, I put them in very bright shirts so I can find them because they like to run off... but I need to do laundry so there weren't too many choices- I figured looking for the same shirt would be easiest, especially if I saw one, I would remember what the other was wearing.
I'm pretty sure you'll still be able to tell them apart... if not, sorry. The first pictures are Levi, then Jamin.





this one looks like he is taking a leak over the edge, but I promise he doesn't know how to do that yet!






Here's where Jamin starts...

Last week, I was at a friend's house and we were watching 101 Dalmations... I mean the KIDS were watching 101 Dalmations. Anyways, someone mentioned that the guy on there looks like someone we know and he also plays the piano. And it made me remember something that a few of my friends have done before - you pick characters for each person based on how they look or their personality or BOTH. So we spent the next hour coming up with characters for people, BUT before you get too excited... the list isn't complete so don't look for yourself in this post! That post will be coming soon (let me know if you have suggestions). But I thought I would put my kids characters up because I've known theirs for quite some time.....

From the day he was born, LEVI has always, most definitely, been HEIMLICH from A Bug's Life...

...but he's been growing up and walking and losing all of his chub! He's been starting to transition into a CURIOUS GEORGE which is who I always had picked out for JAMIN.

I still kinda think Jamin is a Curious George BUT someone suggested that maybe JAMIN is DASH from The Incredibles- that makes sense too...


Hopefully I'll have a more complete list soon... I really need to figure out who Spencer is!

Counting down the days 'til...

...Spencer comes home! (mid-August?)
...Levi is old enough for nursery (October)
...Jamin is potty trained (hopefully soon)
...my house is done (sometime in the next 5 years- fingers crossed)
...my kids learn the joy and importance of sleep
...I get to see my nieces and nephews again

I guess I shouldn't hope for time to go too fast...
then it will start snowing and I'll be counting down the days until it's sunny again!
Feel free to add to my list- I like having things to look forward to!!

( ) Broken?!?

I did post this on Facebook, but not everyone is on there... and it was quite funny. (Mom, make sure you tell Grandma this story - she'll be laughing for days)

The other day, Levi had a check-up at the doctor. They checked his weight, height, eyes, ears... all the normal stuff. And then they checked in his diaper (which they also normally do) to check to see if everything is growing and in the right place... or whatever it is they're doing. Anyway, as soon as the doctor left the room, Jamin looked at me with a horrified look on his face and said "penis broken?!?" (yes, he knows the proper term) It was SO funny, especially coming from a two year old! But I had to try not to laugh because he really was worried about Levi... what a good big brother. And yes, Levi is fine- nothing is broken.

Eating Meat?

Two of my friends, Suz and Margie, made a birthday cake for me. And because I'm a vegetarian, they thought it would be funny if I "ate meat"....so this is what they came up with:

I know, they're so talented and creative (and thoughtful), maybe some of that will rub off on me.

July 4th Weekend

Here's some pictures from watching the fireworks over Boldt Castle.
Jamin loved it and got really excited every time one went off.

and here's Levi watching, but falling asleep... the poor kid was so tired by the time they started!

And here they are playing in our friend's backyard during a BBQ

24 things

that you may or may not know about me...
in honor of my 24th birthday (I know, I'm so old)

1. I make my bed (almost) every day
2. my towels have to be folded a certain way and Spencer isn't allowed to do it
3. I finished High School 6 months early
4. we are debt-free, other than my house
5. I've never had my ears pierced
6. I've been to at least half of the states of the US
7. I've driven cross-country (CA-NY or NY-CA) 4 times
8. I love old, antique things - like our house!
9. I was the biggest baby out of 6
10. I know more train's names from Thomas than I would admit
11. in 2nd grade, I considered being President when I grew up
12. I love to read... when I can find the time and a good book
13. I haven't turned on my TV for over 3 months
14. I have the two cutest kids in the world!
15. I'm 24 and still can't swim
16. I love photography
17. sometimes I secretly think about how I would re-decorate other people's rooms
18. Spencer and I re-built our entire house ourselves
19. I started my own business (and now Spencer thinks he never has to work again!)
20. I have a wonderful husband who loves me
21. I can't stand bananas, but I like banana bread
22. I faint at the sight of a needle...even after two kids
23. I've never had the chickenpox, and I'm immune!
24. I secretly eat bacon every night before I go to bed (Just Kidding!)

this was just a quick list, so I'm sure I'm missing lots of things. Maybe I'll update it later... or maybe Spencer will add some embarrassing tid-bits in the comments...

Random Pictures from around the bazaar

Hey everyone. Here are a few more pics. These ones are from a bazaar outside of an area I was working. Luckly the area is very calm and the police usually do a good job keeping the peace. Allows for us to take a few moments and actully enjoy the country.

Kind of a surreal moment sitting down in a real resturaunt in full gear.

Can you guys smell that? Lambchops, kabob, raisin pilaf, and Nan and much more..mmmmmmm. Would put a stupid grin on anyones face.

"Bridge over the river 'dry'", also in the lower left corner is a good example of local female garb

Brrraaaaiiiiiinnnnnssssss. Poor Private Smith cuts his finger and learns of the local Zombie problem....No just kidding it was M&Ms. Zombies LOVE M&Ms.

Warning an Airforce Airman of the dangers of the mobs that are Afghan childeren. Most just want some candy, but if the mob you fast you'll find that some have sticky fingers and gear will dissapear out of your pouches.

Enjoying fun morning of shopping!

The Bazaar...just pure shenanigans.

You are in a maze of twisty passages, all alike.

Old Town pics

Hello everyone from Afghanistan. Yup I'm still here and doing my thing. I've got a few pics of what's going on overe here. These ones are from a trip to some ruins outside of an area I was working.

This is me giving some training to a soldier.

There are two of these towers in the area. Locals say they date to about 400 ad. They were spared by the taliban becuase of their uses as Minarets.

Me in front of one of the towers.

This is a view of the old town. It is still in very much use today.

Ok everyone. Ill post more pics later.

Reading Spot

Jamin has been finding some interesting places to read his books.
This is one of his favorites - the bottom step of the stairs.
And I finally got a picture without him catching me!

Airshow

Last Saturday was the Ft Drum Airshow.
Yes, we went.
Yes, I took my camera.
And Yes, I forgot to take pictures!
I'm getting pictures from a friend though, so hopefully those will be up soon.

Drive-In!

On Wednesday night, Jamin, Levi and I went on a date to the Black River Drive-In and saw:but had to leave about twenty minutes into the second movie:

we did pretty good considering the first movie didn't even start until after nine o'clock!

Facebook

So, I did it. I finally joined Facebook about three weeks ago. I think I'm probably the last person on the planet to do so.
So far, so good. I've found lots of my friends and it's amazing what you learn that you wouldn't know otherwise. And none of my worries have come to pass YET. I'm not addicted. I don't "camp-out". And I don't spend all day taking the million quizzes or playing the games.
I like this Facebook. I think I'll keep it. And if I haven't found you on there yet- find me! And if YOU are the last person on the planet that hasn't joined yet- do it!

CPS

So, I got a visit from CPS today and came to the conclusion that I am an absolute SAINT!
From what they said and asked, here is their definition of a WONDERFUL Mother: provides a place for the children to sleep (doesn't have to be a bed) , has enough food for TWO (only two!) meals in the house, and doesn't excessively use alcohol or drugs in the house.
Are you kidding me?!? That's all it takes to be a good mom? I guess I have nothing to worry about!

Run-In with the LAW!

Jamin had his first experience with the police today. I don't think he got to wear handcuffs or ride in the back of the police car, but he definitely got pulled over. Here's what happened...
I was driving a friend to the airport. Because of extra kiddos and luggage there was no room for Jamin and Levi. So they stayed home and my brother was SUPPOSED to be watching them. Right as we got to the airport, my brother called me and said that he couldn't find Jamin anywhere. How long he was gone is still unknown, but he came back with a sunburn (so probably longer than my brother will admit to) So I told him to keep looking for him and call me when he found him. In the meantime I was hoping and praying that he was at a neighbors house. We have several older neighbors and he calls them all Grandma and Grandpa and always wants to go visit them. But apparently none of them answered their doors so he just kept going. He made it pretty far...and he would have made it farther, but then the police stepped in and ruined all of his fun.
Now he is home and safe. And I'm just thrilled that Child Protective Services was called. The police assured me that nothing was wrong and I wasn't in any trouble- it's just required, standard procedure... but it doesn't exactly make me feel like a great parent either.

Levi is One!

and has been for awhile (April 9th) I'm just slow at posting...
Spencer was randomly home for two days the week before Levi's b-day
so we threw together a cake and called our friends over!

and one of our BFF's, Christina, made Levi his own personal cake to destroy!

but he just poked at it and sucked his thumb, as usual...

but doesn't the frosting make that smile extra cute?

A few months late...

Well, here's some pictures from Easter. They are a few months late, but hey, pictures of my cuties are worth the wait!

These first ones are from an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at a friend's.

Levi waited inside because it was SO COLD outside (and still snow on the ground, in April!) He'll get the full experience next year though!

And these were the best we could do in the two minutes before church on Easter Sunday.