let this be my Hiding Place

10-30-11

2011-10-30T16:40:00.001-07:00

We tried on our costumes. Greta is such a little piglet she barely fit into hers!

10-29-11

2011-10-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Guess what we did ? It was cold and we didn't last long the next day. Clayton loved it and couldn't stop talking long enough to even sleep hardly. Greta stayed with Meme.

10-26-11

2011-10-26T15:37:00.001-07:00

http://waterfallfreak.shutterfly.com/ Ask me for the password if you need it @ erinmrenfroe@yahoo.com . I have uploaded what pictures I took here at this share site.

7-4-11

2011-07-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Recognize the dress ??

Vacation

2011-06-26T07:25:00.001-07:00

Vacation was wonderful. We are blessed with 2 great kids. We are going to trade our truck in for a bigger SUV to pull the boat and take on long trips. The car was really cramped. Greg and I watched the new True Grit last night. It was wonderful. It did, however, contribute to my nightmares. I dreamed that I was sleeping in a bed at mom's house and I was dreaming about snakes and one bit me on the foot. When I woke up in the dream a snake was under my covers and I was bit. It was a copperhead. I had to work and went over to the ER. I was never seen but by the end of my dream my foot was turning black.

School Pictures

2011-05-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

Picture Clayton looking handsome for his school pictures. He did but he wouldn't let the photographer take his picture. Apparently I should have been spending money having his picture taken so he would be comfortable posing for the camera. Ha. When the teacher told me he wouldn't let them take his picture I just wanted to cry. Here is my version on that day....

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T18:14:00.001-07:00

This has been a busy last 2 weeks. We had a good Easter. I had to work, yuck. I was on call which shouldn't have been too bad. But it was. I guess all the Hospice patient's felt comfortable with calling me -- so they did. I've also found out people are really comfortable dying around me. I am now the Angel of death. Here are a few easter pictures. I did manage too cook a ham, homemade rolls, asparagus, and a cake during all the visits and phone calls. Oh.. and I didn't get a day off for all the work. So that's 20 hours of overtime.

3-22-11

2011-03-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

I thought about changing these nekkid pictures into black and white but then you wouldn't be able to see those beautiful blue eyes. The lighting really makes them stand out. She's super cute.

3-6-11

2011-03-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Without violating any privacy laws -- I have had an amazing weekend working. This is what I call living remotely. I had to cross this slab first, which you can't see all of in the picture. It had much more water on it yesterday.
This was the 2nd crossing. I took my camera today. There was quite a bit more water yesterday. Can't wait to go again tomorrow!

3-1-11

2011-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Snow's in the weekend forecast. Yuck. Greta went for her 4 month well baby check up. She weighs 13 pounds and 13 ounces and is 25.5 inches long. She loves to smile and play with her brother. Greta really does smile all the time but she wouldn't for the camera this afternoon. Happy baby. Clayton got some new Duplo Blocks today -- a chicken pen, chicken and chicken lady. Wonder who that could be ?? Jason had a birthay and he and Amanda came over for dinner. Clayton sure does love him.

Video

2011-02-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

The teacher said Clayton had a good day at school. She is nice, like me. Not wishywashy.

The things we do for love ...

2011-02-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

2-13-11

2011-02-13T17:05:00.001-08:00

As you can see, Clayton really loves his sister.

I made this for Greg. I hate to brag but it was DELICIOUS. So much better than anything I could buy in the store. I do need to take a cake decorating class. Next time I'm just doing a criss cross pattern.

2-10-11

2011-02-10T17:03:00.001-08:00

Been out in the snow more than I'd like. Being a home health/hospice nurse is not the most fun this time of year. Clayton enjoyed the snow. We took a few videos but I'm too lazy to post.

Hell's Bells

2011-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

What is it with this stuff that makes me want to cuss? I went out and saw a few patients today and gave another girl a ride. I think this is ridiculous. I woke up this morning and was yelling out the window at the snow. I think Greta thought I'd lost it. We have a good 8 inches.

Damn Snow

2011-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry that's how I feel.

2-2-11

2011-02-02T12:50:00.001-08:00

1-30-11

2011-01-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Meme today. Not sure how old she is but I wouldn't dare ask.

1-28-11

2011-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Mason should be here in a couple of hours. Can't wait to meet him. Clayton is adjusting well to school. Of course he's a few inches taller than everyone else.

Clayton and Greta

2011-01-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Clayton wants Greta to play with him. I hope they get along like this forever. Greta has been catching up on her tummy time. She missed a few days. She is olding her head up pretty well considering. She will be 12 weeks old on Tuesday.

1-16-11

2011-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Greta is feeling quite a bit better. She woke up in the middle of the night last night to eat. She had been extremely fussy and not eating well. I can just tell she is back to her old self. She just has a residual cough and an occassional wheeze now. She was happy to see Clayton. Her face lit up when she saw him. I can tell she looks at him differently than anyone else.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I always feel God knows our needs and there is no real need to extend extra people to pray. Kind of like begging. He's got enough on his hands. I know it is silly but I'm also extra cautious how I pray. I pray for acceptance and understanding most of the time. He has his plan and my prayers are not going to change it. I can only accept it and embrace it.

I go back to work tomorrow and I'm really anxious. Greta will stay with Greg and I'm sure his MOM will help him when he gets tired. We have her name on the list for the next opening at daycare. Clayton is going to daycare/preschool on Tues, Weds, Thursdays. We will see how it all plays out. I think he will like it. I have a feeling he's the tallest kid in his class. Most definately has the biggest feet size 12!

Clayton and Greta

2010-12-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

Clayton and Greta playing.

This is the last of 5 posts today. I'd say that's enough til the new year!

Siggie

2010-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

Siggie can count to 100 and beyond. She has a unique technique.

12-26-2010

2010-12-29T08:47:00.001-08:00

POP Clayton likes his tool bench -- especially the parts that make noise!

More Christmas

2010-12-29T08:29:00.001-08:00

We definately had a good Christmas. Clayton didn't want to come out of the bedroom when he heard Santa had been here. I guess he thought he was still here. Greg told him he'd left and he gladly came into the living room then. I have a real problem with 'Santa.'

Mixed feelings at least. A patient once explained to me that we hype Santa up so much at Christmas time and encourage our children to 'believe' in him. Later in life they find out that Santa was just a big STORY aka LIE. She made me wonder if they feel the same about Jesus. We encourage them to believe in him also in much the same way. I can only pray that Clayton will not think I was lying to him about Jesus living in his heart.

I will continue as he gets older to hold back the urge to tell him Santa is watching. And I will definatley tell him the truth as often as needed.

Christmas

2010-12-29T08:14:00.001-08:00

Clayton wasn't too rotten after opening all his presents. We've been trying to get into a routine after the Holiday. He starts school the middle of January, a week before I go back to work.

Jason finally holds Greta. He really needs the practice. Baby Mason Griffin Jones will be here in a month. We can't wait!

Katie was so excited about the princess dresses. Her joy was contagious!

And Hunter definately did not want to get off his 4 wheeler!

12-22-10

2010-12-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

I've tried for 2 days to post the best video ever. But it wouldn't load. I guess it was too long. I'll post this one instead. In the video you missed Clayton says Gigi wears scooby doo underwear, pulls down his pants to show the world his underwear and then falls on his head. I guess this one is more tasteful. I might get booted off the blog for the other or arrested.

video 2

2010-12-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

12-17-10

2010-12-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

Clayton is such a good helper.

12-15-10

2010-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Clayton loves books and loves to read. I guess he takes after his Gigi and Meme. Or maybe his Aunt Patsy. I don't read much for pleasure. I definately have a hard time reading fiction. Maybe someday I will like to read again. Clayton has been using the big potty really well. We haven't had any accidents in a week. He is such a good boy but just a little spoiled.

Happy Birthday!

2010-12-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Ingrid! Wish you were here to play with Clayton and hold Greta. I could use a day off. Love you. Your ugly card should be there today.

12-10-10

2010-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Rick comes home today. His kidney and liver transplant was Aug 12th. I bet he will be running out of the hospital. We sure can't wait for him and Gelica to get home.

12-9-10

2010-12-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

Clayton keeps nothing private.

12-9-10

2010-12-09T06:17:00.001-08:00

Clayton does not like talking to strangers. But he does like to talk. He talks non stop. Everyone has been telling about their days. I will not bore you with mine. I do better on mornings when Greg is home. He is a huge help and a wonderful father. If he hasn't worked the night before he even lets me sleep in on some days. I think he knows that I am a lot nicer when I have had more sleep. I truely miss sleeping for extremely long stretches. That is the ONLY thing I miss about not having children.

Last night I did have a dream. I have weird vivid dreams most nights. I dreamed I was staying with Aunt Fleta. I pee'd the bed in the middle of the night. There was so much pee it was all over the bed and in the floor in huge puddles. The dream went along with me trying to ask Fleta where the bathroom was for towels -- I never actually asked for any. I never got to clean up the mess. At the end of the dream I had followed Fleta into a bathroom. She did not have on clothes and was morbidly obsese. Instead of sitting down to pee she straddled the toilet. This is when I woke up. I guess I was frightened pretty badly.

12-6-10 video

2010-12-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

12-5-10

2010-12-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

I love this dress Gelica bought for Greta. Greta is losing all of her hair on top of her head. She's still beautiful though.

Christmas Lights

2010-12-05T09:26:00.001-08:00

We went to Branson and looked at lights. I made a video of Clayton talking. He talks 24-7. Video quality isn't great because it is dark so just listen. He can be a ham.

Christmas Pictures

2010-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

I can't remember which one I picked for our Christmas card. Clayton was a little rowdy. He likes to say cheese but rarely looks at the camera. We've been practicing smiling. We've had a stomach but and it's back again. I'm ready to be rid of this thing. Time to bring out the bleach and get rid of it for good. Call me Helen.

12-2-10

2010-12-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

11-28-10

2010-11-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

We went on a little trip. I'd say we are blessed with two wonderful children. KC is 4 hours from here and no one fussed on the car ride (except for Momma.)

11-25-10

2010-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

Many things to be thankful for. I'm thankful dinner is over and I can rest. Kitchen mostly clean and the boys are napping. My turkey wasn't stuffed but I am. We miss you Rick and Gelica. We hope to see you soon. Love you.

11-20-10

2010-11-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I put up our Christmas tree and decorations while Clayton and Greta were napping. Clayton's reaction was priceless.

11-20-10 Video

2010-11-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

11-19-10

2010-11-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

11-18-10

2010-11-18T13:48:00.001-08:00

11-7-10

2010-11-07T09:00:00.001-08:00

11/5/10

2010-11-05T11:34:00.001-07:00

Growing like a weed. We go back to the doctor on 11/12/10. I'm anxious to see how much Greta has gained.

11-2-10

2010-11-02T13:56:00.001-07:00

Greta is such an 'easy' baby or maybe we actually know what we are doing now (knock on wood.) She does love to eat so it won't be long and she'll be as big as Clayton. Well, maybe not that big. I can't believe she is a week old. She still is jaundice but her level is lowering so she won't have to lay under the special/awful light. And Doc said we didn't need any other f/u levels since she was eating so well. We have said a prayer of Thanks.

10-31-10

2010-10-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

10-29-10

2010-10-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

I guess you've heard from my blog hacker that Greta Ann Jones has arrived. She is cute as can be. I never thought I'd fall in love with a girl. She was born at 2313 10/26/10. She was born by Cesarean Section because she was lying in a footling breech position. We are all doing well and are glad to be home. Clayton loves her and is going to be protective of her. I've uploaded pictures to my shutterfly page if anyone needs the address or password just let me know.

Greta Ann and Greg

2010-10-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

Greta is Here

2010-10-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Greta arrived at 11:13 October 26. She is 18 inches long and weighs 7 pounds and 3 ounces. She has dark hair and big blue eyes. She entered the world screaming. World look out. Erin is glad she is here. Greg is glader. This is reporter Gigi giving this shout out. I can because Erin's lap top is set up for her blog to stay signed on!

Video 10-25-10

2010-10-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

I don't guess this extra long video will make up for the weeks we've been absent ??

And More Fall Pictures

2010-10-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Maybe the next time I post pictures -- they will be of Greta Ann.

More Fall Pictures

2010-10-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Fall Pictures

2010-10-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Will post some more later. There are a bunch of good ones. Too many to choose from.

Pumpkins

2010-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Clayton and Greg decorated pumpkins. What fun.

9-23-10

2010-09-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

9-22-10

2010-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Clayton sings. He is saying that Jesus broke his neck. We have a book that plays Jesus loves me. A picture of Jesus with a child on his shoulders looks like his neck is broken. Clayton came up with this all on his own, I tried to explain the picture but he still insists his neck is broken.

9-16-2010

2010-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

9-12-10

2010-09-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

9-11-10

2010-09-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Greta will be here in about 6 weeks. Our list of stuff we need for her is getting smaller. I framed some art today.

9-7-10

2010-09-07T16:58:00.001-07:00

Clayton loves to play. He really is a good boy most of the time. We are lucky around here.

Greta's Room

2010-09-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Only a few things left to do before Greta arrives. She needs a small table to sit a lamp on. Maybe I'll find one rummaging this weekend. I stole these flower pictures off the Internet. They turned out pretty nice. Less than 7 weeks before she is scheduled to arrive.

8-30-10

2010-08-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Clayton can feed himself pretty well. He really doesn't seem to like getting dirty. We went to the 'farm' today so Greg could shoot a gun. He really liked the ear muffs.

For Patsy

2010-08-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

We made you a video this morning. Hope you like it.

Greta

2010-08-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

We have confirmed that Greta Ann really is Greta Ann. She sure is pretty. Clayton wasn't too impressed with the seeing her for the first time.

8-17-10

2010-08-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

We've been earning lots of stickers lately. Clayton is a happy boy.

8-16-10

2010-08-16T19:05:00.001-07:00

I've been playing with my Photoshop program. I'm trying to find some pictures to frame for Greta. I've got some more pictures that I've 'snatched' from Tim Ernst. I may do them all like this and frame them for her walls. Not sure if this resolution will be enough.

8-16-10

2010-08-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Back to work. Yesterday was a special day. I made Greg a good supper and some chocolate chip cookies. Clayton helped with cleanup.

8-15-10

2010-08-15T11:12:00.001-07:00

Clayton and I enjoy playing in Greta's room. I like it because I can sit in a chair and not on the floor. I bought Greta a cabbage patch doll at a garage sale yesterday. The other doll in the picture was Greg's, Joshua.

8-14-10

2010-08-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Update on Rick. He's still in ICU on the ventilator. He's been opening his eyes and moving extremeties. He is a true champion. His collapsed lung is no more. We are anxious for his recovery. Clayton sure misses him and Gelica. Thanks Amanda for the sailor hat. Clayton dressed himself this morning (picked out his clothes.) He did fall asleep with the hat on last night.

Fair

2010-08-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

According to the sign. Clayton is tall enough to ride all the children's rides without an adult. He is 38 inches tall. Lately he has been eating nonstop. Growth spurt? Greg thinks when he gets to be a teenage we will have to get extra jobs to feed and clothe him.

Zoo

2010-08-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Springfield. We had 'bombed' our house for bugs and had to leave for the day. We went to the fair and the zoo. Clayton really loves being on the go.

8-4-10

2010-08-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Tool man Clayton. Notice his tractor is flipped over. He's been working on it.

Shelves

2010-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Clayton has some new shelves. Can you guess who made them? Greta might needs some now.

7-25-10

2010-07-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

7-10-10

2010-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

He's not for sale. We've been going through our garage sale collection for Greta Ann. He was determined to get her shoes on. Here are just a few of our 4th of July pictures.

7-3-10

2010-07-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

For Helen

2010-06-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

Helen, here's some birthday photos. Let me tell you how I feel. I'm pregnant, hot, tired, and extremely bitchy (more so than normal.) And I have Powell Genes on top of that so somehow I'm sure that makes it all worse. How did Grandma do this 8 times??? I complained to the doctor about how awful I feel. She said it just gets worse with each one. I don't guess she wants anymore business from me!

6/26/10

2010-06-26T16:42:00.001-07:00

We've got most of the stuff we need done for the big birthday party tomorrow. I made the cake. Greg's putting together Clayton's new/old train table now. I think he'll enjoy that just as much as Clayton. Can't wait to see you tomorrow at 1 p.m.! Sorry the photo's not great. Taken with my phone.

6/23/10

2010-06-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Katie Ann. We went to her birthday party last night. Clayton really liked her gun. That was the only toy he threw a fit to have. I think he did pretty well watching someone else open presents. Sunday is his birthday. I hope his party goes as well. He can be rotten sometimes.

6-14-10

2010-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

6-6-10

2010-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

News

2010-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Think pink. Well actually purple is better than pink. Ultrasound today says it's a girl. 95% sure. Greg's holding out for the 5% chance it's a boy. I'm in shock. Is it rude to dress girls in boys clothes? I told Clayton the baby is a girl and all he can say is "No". What if she turns out like me or worse like Fleta!

5-23-10

2010-05-23T16:51:00.001-07:00

I cleaned the house today. Helen, I dusted the walls and ceiling. You would be proud. I still need to clean the bathrooms. Maybe after I rest. We have been planning Clayton's birthday. I guess I've started early. I'm excited I think it will be a memorable one. The party is June 27th (Sunday) at 1 pm. Everyone is invited.

5-2-10

2010-05-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Amanda Jones!

Clayton video

2010-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Trying to get a video of Clayton 'hopping.' Got all but that I guess.

4-26-10

2010-04-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo yesterday. Clayton enjoyed the rocks and animal statues most of all. It was a little cool and not so crowded. A perfect zoo day.

4-17-10

2010-04-17T14:12:00.001-07:00

4-11-10

2010-04-11T15:16:00.001-07:00

It's been beautiful here lately. This morning we played outside quite a bit. I cleaned out the flower bed in front of the house. Clayton was my assitant. He also has been enjoying shooting the birds. We'll probably go outside again in a little bit. He has been without his pacifier for almost 2 days. So far so good. We've also bought a 'potty.' We'll tackle that another weekend.

4-7-10

2010-04-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Astrid!! We love you. Greg's been working on the fireplace mantle.

Easter

2010-04-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter. Friday we spent the afternoon with Rick and Gelica. Yesterday we headed to Pop and Gigi's. Clayton had a wonderful time. He always does.

3-22-10 Part B

2010-03-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

3-22-10

2010-03-22T19:21:00.001-07:00

We are worn out but will be ready to go again in the morning. Today we went swimming, went to the Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, MO, and went to the Bass Pro Shops. The girls said they had a blast. Hopefully we will get to go swimming again in the afternoon tomorrow and then off to the Dixie Stampede. Will post a few more pictures in a moment.

3-21-10

2010-03-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's snowing. The girls are here and we are having tons of fun. Clayton is loving the company. We're going to see the Dixie Stampede Tuesday. We are also going to go swimming at an indoor pool in Branson and go to a drive thru zoo in Springfield.... if this snow will quit!

Clayton counts...

2010-03-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Of course Clayton is a genius like his mother.

Clayton Winks

2010-03-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Short video of Clayton winking.

2-28-10

2010-02-28T15:14:00.001-08:00

We found some signs that spring is near. Clayton would rather play with dirt, rocks, and sticks than any toy in the yard.

2-27-10

2010-02-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

All is well here. I've been exhausted this last week. I go to the DR Monday.