The Jolliff Family

Today was the last day of Sam in the 3rd grade at his school!  I am so proud of him and the work that he has put into his school over the past nine months.  We struggled a bit with motivation but he found it again and finished the year strong.  Next year he will be moving to a new school but we will forever be thankful that we decided to put him in Talitha for the past four years.  His language foundation is amazing and his ability to read, write, and speak , most likely, surpass our ability.  He has made sweet friends, enjoyed going to school each day, and his teachers always comment on what a neat kid he is. We love this boy so much! Andrew had an amazing 1st grade year at Talitha.  He has such a heart to learn and to work hard.  It is a big jump from Kindergarten to 1st grade here and he did it with flying colours.  He went into the 1st grade able to recognise his Arabic letter and walked out on his last day able to read and write li...

Two years ago today I went in to a new doctor I had never met before, with directions from Hap that if something was wrong to give him a call.  Little did we know, two years ago today we would find out that we were expecting not one but two little blessings.   What a wild and fun two years it has been!

The last day of school is quickly upon us.  Jacob's last day is tomorrow and the boys' last day of school is next week.  The big boys are only going half days.   This is a typical afternoon though, after we arrive back home from guitar, tutoring, or music.... depending on the day! After dinner, I try to tackle the dishes.  I can't stand going to bed with dishes in the sink. Typical I do dishes with these two precious babies by my feet.  They were having fun together and holding hands. While one boy works on homework, the other two are free to play or watch something on the Kindle. Then they switch. It was Sam's turn to do homework.  He has had such a great attitude and is working so hard. And the babies play! I guess they are saying "bye".  Typical night around these parts but summer is a welcomed break!

I have been in the mood to make something over the last few week as I make a list of home improvement projects.  I decided to tackle a little sign for our kitchen for this summer.  It was my first time staining wood and I think I'm hooked, it was so simple.  I like the way the sign turned out and come on over for a glass :)

On Friday Sam and Andrew had an all day play day planned.  That just left some special time with Jacob and the twins.  Jacob has been into colouring and painting lately, so that is what he choose to do.  He also wanted to play with Play Doh, so we did that while the babies napped.  It was a fun day with our big guy! He seems so little at times and so big at other times.  We just treasure him! I also updated my chalkboard in the kitchen!  What truth to enjoy this week!!

I see you!!

These two are changing and growing and talking and getting teeth and getting into everything and showing us their personalities and are SO MUCH FUN!

Most of you know that last week I traveled to Ethiopia.  It was a great trip. I learned SO much and have much to process through. We were in meetings from 8:30/9 -6:30 Monday through Friday but we did manage to get out a bit during lunch break. We went to a silk and cotton workshop one day during lunch and saw them working with the silkworms and hand dying the cotton. All of the colours are from natural dyes. We had homework for the classes a few nights but I was able to sneak away and visit with some friends, Peter and Elizabeth one evening. On the last night, we were treated to a delicious restaurant.  Throughout the week it was fun to get to meet some new people and learn from their experiences. The week was so full and went very quickly, Ethiopia has a special place in my heart.  I'm always amazed at looking on top of the clouds when I fly. In case you wondered what I did with myself during my flights, I took 2 naps on the way...

I will be out of town for the rest of the week, so I will catch back up with blogging next week sometime.  Check back then!!

Sam wants to be a soldier when he gets older.  He doesn't know if he wants to be a pilot or on a boat.  Today he told me if he was going to be a Navy pilot he better eat more carrots so his eyes stay good!  Some soldiers have been setting up checkpoints around and he told one of them he wanted to be a soldier.  So the soldier invited him out.  Sam changed into his gear and out he went.  Fun opportunity for him and very kind of the soldier to let him! I made the boys some apple nachos before bed one evening and they loved the little treat!  Just slice up some apples, melt some peanut butter, and add a few chocolate chips.... yummy and pretty healthy!