Merry Christmas!

4 Years!

Yesterday was our 4 year Anniversary. I seriously couldn't be happier. This past year has been especially a blessing with Jake being born. Every day is more fun. Scott surprised me with a dozen long stemmed roses. Aren't they beautiful? I wish they would stay this pretty forever.

I Believe

I'm not sure about Santa Clause but I definitely believe in elves! This elf came to my house to give Jake an early Christmas present. She also went to Scott's 2nd grade class and read 'Twas the Night before Christmas. Did you know that 2nd graders still believe? Yes, we actually had one student spell out his last name so that the elf could relay to Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

Tim Tebow Heisman Winner 2007

I was watching this trophy being awarded this past weekend. A few things hit my heart. Tim lists his priorities in life one through four.

1. His relationship with Jesus Christ
2. His relationship with his family and friends
3. Academics
4. Football

O.K...he just won the Heisman. As noted, can you imagine really what his first 3 priorities are like? We are bombarded with so much garbage through Television, MTV, Celebrities, etc. It's encouraging to see this athlete speak so boldly and proudly of his relationship with Christ. He's my hero of the week!

This verse has been on my mind

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance fom the Lord as a reward. It is the the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24

Is JCPenney hiring?

I think I could get hired at Sears or JCPenney in the photo studio. I seriously am having photo woes. I'm can't decide if I want to take a family shot indoor or outdoor for Christmas cards. And then the dilemma...what to wear, should we coordinate, and so on! I have yet to pay for any professional shots of Jake since he's been born. I can't swallow the costs of a really good photographer. I think I'll stick with the trusty digital.

Black Friday Celebrity

You can only really pick one store to try and get the "really" good deals. But honestly, even then you would have to be there at the wee hours to be at the front of the line. So, we picked Target. Most of you know that I actually really like the big crowds and the chaos on the biggest shopping day of the year. It's all about your mindset. So, can you pick us out? My Mom and I made the front page of the Holland Sentinel! We were not even close the front of the line. In fact, we were back by Home Depot's sheds. BUT...we did get one "really" good deal (my mom did), and I cannot reveal it here. She got lucky. A guy in line decided he didn't want one of his gifts...SWEET!!

By the way, that's me in the black and red coat standing by electronics. The back of my new haircut looks really cute. Thanks Melissa.

Under Construction

It's been too long since I've blogged. Just so I don't lose my committment, I thought it was time. I am currently trying to set up my Netgear wireless router in my basement so that I can use my laptop (actually Tim's laptop) upstairs. I am also working on a new blog/website for the Folletts. I can't wait for it to launch! I think that my inability to get my router functioning is a sign that I really didn't need to purchase it. Hmmmm.

Jake's 1st Halloween

Thanks to all the people that love Halloween and love Jake! Aunt Kate bought him his first costume and carved him his first pumpkin. Morgane knitted him the cutest pumpkin hat I've ever seen. Grandma bought him his first trick-or-treat plastic pumpkin. Aunt Kim gave him his first "boo."

Runaway Bunny

Thanks Matt for a great message in church today! I'm especially excited about the book that was read. I'm going to buy it this week for Jake's (more for mine) book collection. I felt like it was story time in school all over again. This book has God all over it. Where can we flee from His presence? Psalm 139 is one of my favorites.

Am I the only one who hasn't read this book? Watch out all my little munchkin friends...Christmas is coming. This is your warning, let me know if you already own it. You probably do, I'm always behind the times.

Fellow Blogger Question??

Is anyone else who uses Blogger having troubles? I can't upload any new images to my template in page elements. A couple of weeks ago I tried to change my picture of Jake on the side underneath my profile. Now, I can't his old one back of upload a new one. I just keep getting the bright yellow triangle with the dizzy exclamation mark spinning around and around and around. I can add images to my posts but not the other. I've tried the help section and it seems I'm not the only one with the issue.

See...this is why I should never have started blogging. I've spent HOURS trying to fix and research it. I even tried a new template, hence the new look. Of course, I don't like it either.

Help me! Blogger 9-1-1.

I can't remember the code!

So, yesterday was the day. It was only a matter of time before I did something to potentially put my son in danger. I locked him in the car! Yup, with my keys.

"O.K...don't panic, we've got a keyless entry option on our 'new' 2002 Ford Explorer. Don't panic. Don't panic. What is the code? I do this all the time. It's 1-3-?-7-5. No, that's not it. Shoot, I can't have the alarm go off. What is it? It's 1-0-?-7-5. No, I know it ends in 75. O.K...don't panic," as I angle my head to wave at my darling little boy.

"I'll just call Scott at school." Ring ring ring...ring ring ring. Where is he? He has to be in his class...he's a teacher. Call back. Ring ring ring. O.K. I'll call the office. "HiGailhowareyou....I REALLY need to get a hold of Scott." He finally gets to the phone. It was recess time of course. "Hihoneywhat'sthecodetothecar?" He says matter of factly, "3-1-8-7-5. Why?" I say, "oh...I just locked your first born son in our car...gotta go!"

So, there it is "31875." I'm telling the world on my public blog. I might be calling you someday to look up my code.

I love you keyless entry. That was the longest 4 minutes of my life!

Warm Clothes and Campfires

Like a lot of people, I love fall weather. I also love campfires. So this past weekend we went camping! We were joined by the Heneveld and Overkamp families at Double JJ ranch. They had lots of activities going on. I especially enjoyed the Haunted Barn...I hate being the last person in the group though. I just know some creepy swamp ape is going to sneak up behind me with a chainsaw.

Aside from the haunts, we spent most of our time around the campfire, playing bean bag toss, drinking hot drinks, and of course eating. Jake did great. He isn't a huge fan of being outside in the cold yet, but he did awesome. Next year, we're going to be chasing him around, trying to get him inside. I hope it becomes an annual tradition!

I also taught the girls how to make campfire long johns.

Heartbreaker

Jake is already a little heart breaker. Actually...my youngest cousin Abby is really the heartbreaker. She went to homecoming this past weekend and she broke some boy's hearts and decided just to go with a group of her close friends. How fun! I'm so proud of my "little" cousin. It won't be long and she'll be off to college...C-R-A-Z-Y!

Hope they fit honey!

I should've been doing a million other things. I know better than to open my email that says...shoes, 50-80% off SALE! I thought...I'll just quick see what they have in a particular brand I've had my eye on. It all happened so quickly. My credit card was out and my new brown shoes were on their way. I got so pumped I hauled Kate into my office to show her my new brown shoes that had already been shipped! They were just what I had been looking for. I pointed to the screen and then I saw in big bold letters...FOR MEN! I shouldn't have been shopping online at work.

No Television!

Last Wednesday night was our first night of turning it off for a whole day! The time waster...the T.V. No Oprah, Pardon the Interruption, Football, or Reality T.V. Instead we packed up Jake, Jackson, the grill, and jogging stroller (to the roof) and off we went to Hemlock Crossings Park. I can't wait for this week!

Oh wait...I cannot tell a lie. We cheated. After Jake went to bed we watched one episode of Grey's Anatomy on our new 3rd season DVD set. But this doesn't count because we both agreed on it and it wasn't on cable, and it was together. I'm such a justifier. I hate you T.V.!!

10 Weeks Old today!

Happy Birthday!

31 years old today, Sept. 17! Happy Birthday husband. I love you! I'm going to surprise you tonight with a birthday party at your favorite restaurant. Oh wait...it's not a surprise anymore. I hope you wear the shirt you found in the back of the car that i forgot to wrap and didn't hide. I vowed that this year I would wait till the day of your birthday to give you a present...so much for this year. Maybe Christmas!

Going through the big "D"

...and i don't mean Dallas (or Divorce). Daycare! Today was my first day officially back at work. I was fine until Mary asked if I was going to cry...the waterfall began. I know he is very well taken care of and in a great place. I'm pretty sure it was just a one time thing. Kate brought me a card and gift that welcomed me back! Thanks Aunt Cake, you're a great friend and co-worker.

Phollett Photo Shoot

These are for Shannon (the photo queen). We know that we aren't very efficient in sending out pictures of Jake. We hope you enjoy these.

Not the last

This is probably not the last time Jake has to wear something he doesn't want to. Why is it so funny to make kids wear stupid things? I think every new person that comes up to the cabin has to try on the scary bear hat. Somehow it makes it's way out of the front porch where it hangs on the bunk bed...it must be screaming "put me on!" Just wait 'til Halloween Jake!

Blog Title

I really enjoy watching the Tigers, even though they're losing it lately. Recently they've started a series called "In my own words." I think their very first guest is Justin Verlander. I'm stealing their title for my blog. So, already it's not really my "own words." There it is, I'm giving credit to the Network for my blog title. I don't think I can get in trouble, right? I haven't seen the show yet but I look forward to hearing more about their personal life.

Here it is!

I finally am doing it. I'm starting my own blog. I waste lots of time reading other people's, so I thought maybe other people will also waste time reading mine! Just kidding. I really enjoy reading them...sometimes I just spend too much time on the computer. So...here I go getting caught up in the blogging world.