Bethanne Jankowski is fundraising for Cancer Research UK

Bethanne Jankowski is fundraising for Cancer Research UK

Its taken nearly 20yrs, but I am doing it.  I am Racing for Life.  Thanks to amazing friends, I am finally participating in a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.  I cant say why its taken so long.  Mostly from laziness and lack of motivation, which is such a pitiful reason considering the severity of the cause.  No matter, 2012 is when I make a difference.  I am hoping and praying that you will join me.
Most all of us know someone personally that have struggled w/ cancer.  Some of you have even dealt w/ it yourselves.  Cancer does not discriminate.  It does not care how old you are, what gender you are, what race you are.  It doesnt care if you have a family to care for.  It doesnt care what continent you are living on.  Cancer doesnt care.
We can care, though.  We can make a difference.  Even the smallest donation WILL impact the fight against cancer.  I truly believe that.  I have to.  Please chose to fight w/ me.  Please donate to our team.

Dare I even...?

An attempt to revive this neglected site? Dare I? An effort to update and inform those two of you who read? Dare I? Am I that bored? Yep, I am.

It has been yet another year since posting. Life in our little corner of the UK hasnt changed much, and for that we are very thankful. We continue to enjoy every moment we spend in England, so much so that we have asked (and been granted) to stay another 3 years. Our family will reside across the pond until February 2016.

The three crazy kiddos are doing quite well. Jacob has just turned 10. Yes, I said it...DOUBLE DIGITS!! Stop the madness! He is in 4th grade, and has become such a young man in recent months. Chloe is 7, and in the 2nd grade. She is a bright, beautiful little girl. Jonah is 5 now. Our baby is no longer a baby. He attends Reception, which is the UK version of Kindergarten. He is doing brilliantly. None of the children have adopted a British accent as of yet. I am thinking that there isnt much hope left at this point. Friends' children have picked it up in months, while my kids have had years with no success. Such disappointment! Its a charming and adorable quirk that I love.

Paul and I are looking forward to spending this summer together. He was away on yet another 'vacation' for the whole of last summer. The kids and I did a bit of travelling with friends last season, but being able to share experiences as a complete family will be fantastic. We have plans to visit Germany and a couple areas of the UK that we havent seen yet.

We have been blessed with amazing friends while living here. Some we have known for years, while others we have been fortunate enough to meet since being in England. The experience is all the richer because of their friendships. We share laughs, adventures, trials and loneliness. I will have to point out that the laughs and adventures far outweigh the trials. But having support from such beautiful people help make the trials easier to bear as well.

I wont even begin to insult you with promises of consistency and more frequent posting. We all know how that turns out....badly. I will say this, though. If you read....I will write :)

Two, one..yes, there's no three. I know.

Two years, two years that we've called England our home. I know its a cliche' but...where has the time gone? We have fallen in love with everything about this place. From the quaint little villages to the cheeky accents and phrases that the kids have picked up. Looking forward to (at least) two more years!

One year, one year (almost) since I've written anything here. Dare I say shocking? Has the year been that dull that there hasn't been a need to write? No, not even close. Have I been wrapped up in life and completely neglected this outlet to the world? Absolutely!

In the best interests of time (and my lack of want) I will do the rest of this post in bullet form...ready go!

2010 Highlights

• January - Paul was off on a 'paid vacation' for the next four months. Kids and I settled into a routine quickly
• February thru April - School, sickness and adventures in England took most of our time.
• May - Paul came home and we were a family again!
• June thru August - Lots of holidays and adventures throughout England as a family. An amazing time!
• September - All three kiddos were in school for the first time. Jacob in a multi 3rd/4th grade. Chloe in 1st grade and Jonah in British Pre-K.
• October thru December - Normal life in full swing. School and work took over our lives once again.

2011 Highlights (so far)

• January and February - So far, so good. Nothing crazy or abnormal to report. Well, abnormal is relative, isn't it?
• March - Plan is to continue the 'so far, so good' trend.
• April - A much anticipated and eagerly awaited visit to the states!!! We are so very excited and cannot wait to see everyone. Come on April!

There you have it, in so many words. A year in review. I'm sure it has enlightened your day, and if not...well ok then. I won't lie and say I promise to be better at posting again. We all know how well that one has turned out in the past.

Cheers!

Thankful

Today is the birthday of a dear friend - Happy Birthday Ness! - and I cannot be there to celebrate with her. Just one of the 'perks' of the great life we live. I've gotten used to missing out on birthdays and family events over the years but it doesnt mean I like it. Who would, really? Thankfully, the wonders of technology have made things much easier than what others before me have had it. I am able to talk to friends and family through phone lines and internet. And, of course, for those special occasions (you know those once a year 'wow, I should send a card' moments), there is the good old fashioned postal service! With Paul being gone for the past four monthts, we've relied on these modern conveniences alot to be able to keep in touch with him. And I am thankful. I am thankful for those friends and family that I dont get to talk to as often as I'd like. I am thankful for the friends here that have become part of our lives. I am thankful.

As this deployment draws to an end - read: I have no idea when, but hoping soon! - I have realized how blessed we are. Not that I didnt know how amazing God is, or how wonderful my friends and family are. But, wow, looking back on the past few months I am so amazed at how He has shown himself to us again and again. Thru the loneliness, thru the craziness, thru the sickness - I have never been alone! I have been surrounded by people that care. I have been surrounded by His grace. And I guess I just wanted to say 'thank you' publicly.

Well, ok, as public as the three people that might be reading this.

You know who you are. And I am thankful for you too!

October is....

October is a big month for me, full of information and events to celebrate. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - something that, to no one's surprise, is a cause I hold close to my heart. October is my birthday, day 1 in 365, of my journey of life. October is Jonah's birthday as well. My youngest, my last, growing and reaching milestones. October is a big month for me.

Breast Cancer Awareness - what is it? What isnt it! All women, and I would add men, can get breast cancer. Regardless of family history, this disease can strike anyone at any time. People who are diagnosed early have a higher chance of surival. This means you have to take the initiative to know your body, to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms that accompany cancer, and to keep in regular contact with your doctors. You can reduce the chances of this type, and other cancers, by committing to a healthy lifestyle. So, take part in regular physical activities, watch your diet/weight, and avoid excessive alcohol or tobacco use. Again, what is Breast Cancer Awareness? It is the knowledge of yourself, respecting your body, educating your mind, and loving your life. What isnt it?

My birthday...oh joy! I remember a few years ago, as I was about to turn 30, dreading the day. I cannot recollect why this number held such a doom for me, but oh it did! Friends and family heard me whine and complain from the day after I became 29 that in 'one year' my life would be over! I know it seems silly, but I am sure that we all can admit that one of our birthdays was a bit more traumatic than the others. Please say it wasnt just me!? Looking back, now that 4 years have gone by, 30 was not much different than any other year. It was all in my mind...what a great saying! I look forward to another year to grow and to learn. I look forward to another opportunity to watch my family love and laugh. I look forward to another chance to see God's plans for my life challenge and amaze me.

Jonah, Jonah, Jonah. What to say about that little man? He is a constant source of comic relief in our family. He challenges Paul and I in ways that Jacob and Chloe never have. He still loves to cuddle. He still sucks his thumb - and I still think its adorable! (Yes, I realize that it will become a horrible struggle sooner than later) He cannot go a day without having the color orange on him, around him, or in him. A bit OCD, but its fun to watch! He is our youngest, our last. What a way to end the show!

Not surprisingly, it has been an obscene amount of time since I last wrote. It is noteworthy, though (so mark something!) that I made short memos for when I did get time (or just the motivation) to write here. So rather than start over, I thought I would share with you the tidbits of information that I’ve saved for just this occasion.

Fish and chips – greasy, large portions, did I mention greasy?!, no ketchup, good Still greasy and still love them!
Two Mile Bottom – have a Two Mile here PA friends We haven’t visited this area yet, but it looks like a great place for a picnic.
We got our car on Friday – missed it a lot! Yes, our car is a bit large for some of the roads here, but we still love it!
Washer/Dryer – not user friendly! NO CHANGE THERE!
House – so far, so good..kids love it, gotta get used to the smaller spaces, but should do nicely We have come to love our house and our neighborhood here in Thetford. Have made some amazing friends in the area as well.
Casey and I went shopping in Bury – lots of options, Nutshell is smallest pub in England – will go back and take a pic! We’ve ventured all over the area for shopping and sight-seeing. Love it all!
Notable word differences – garden/yard, cheers/thank you, no worries/no problem, lorry/truck, roundabout/ their version of red lights – crazy!, lounge/living room, en suite/ bathroom, yard sale/car boot, figured out/sorted, quid/pounds, have a go/give something a try, and the list goes on and on and on…
Jacob is doing well in school, and Chloe will try to get in this week Jacob is in 2nd grade now and Chloe started Kindergarten. Both are enjoying this new year.
Jacob is riding the bus today. Not ordinary school buses at all – coach luxury liners are what they’re called. Tour buses as we would know them. He’s excited. All still applies here, but now it is Chloe’s turn to be overly excited about the bus ride.
Utilities are a bit confusing, but working on it I think there will always be things that are ‘odd’ or different about living abroad, but we have come to love the lifestyle here and are looking forward to our years in the UK.
On the way to school, which is about a 20min ride by car, there is a stretch of road that makes me smile every day. At the crest of a small hill, the trees on either side form a canopy over the road. The kids call it ‘the tunnel of trees’. On both sides of the road, farmland stretches as far as you can see. It is an absolutely picture perfect place. I don’t know why it affects us the way it does, but hopefully I can take a picture for you that will help to capture just a small bit of our favorite place. This place still represents a small piece of God’s amazing creation for us. I hope some of you will be able to experience it for yourselves.

Now that the school year has begun, we’ve settled back into a somewhat normal routine. Jacob has started 2nd grade and is enjoying his class so far. Chloe finished her first week of Kindergarten and if the smiles on her face everyday are any indication, she loves it! Jonah is trying his best to convince us that he needs to enroll in ‘wittle kool’ just like his big brother and sister. As soon as this excruciating phase in his life – potty training – is completed, we will be going post haste to enroll him in Preschool.
Paul will be taking a few vacations away from the UK this year. Some he is looking forward to, others not so much. We hope to purchase another laptop soon so that communicating will be easier. Thanks to Skype and Facebook, we should be able to keep in touch fairly frequently. I am just thankful that his ‘trips’ will fall during the school year so that the kids and I have something to keep us busy. If anyone is planning a visit, that would be the time! HINT HINT! Of course, I understand if you really need to see Paul too, so I guess summer is open as well.
We have been blessed to meet some amazing people. Our house has become the weekend hangout, it seems, and we love it. We even gave into the pressure and purchased a Wii – complete with Guitar Hero.
Did you just feel the earth shudder?? I cannot believe we own a video game! I am thinking that it is going to be my saving grace during the long, dark, daddy-missing winter. But did I mention that I cannot believe we OWN video games now?? Sorry, off on a bit of a tangent there. Where was I?
Friends…right! The neighborhood where we live is filled with great people, some that we have gotten to know quite well. And, as the ‘it’s a small world’ saying goes, we have become great friends with a family that grew up literally minutes from Paul’s family! In fact, Stacey’s mother and Paul’s mom have met, Paul and Stacey went to the same high school (albeit a few years apart), and Stacey is pretty certain that she once worked with our sister-in-law! And here we all are, in our little corner of England.
I'm sure I have many stories to tell, some you might even want to hear, so pray that I have the motivation to do this again before 6 more months have passed. Hearing from friends and family helps so LEAVE COMMENTS please!
Love and blessings to all.....B

Markets, money and more...

After being here only one week, we have come to love our new home. What a blessing to have that peace! Of course, there are still questions and concerns, but nothing overwhelming. We think we might have (can you read the certainty in that?) made a decision about a house to call our own. The only issue is distance from the base. The house is spacious with all the things we need, just a bit far for Paul to drive. Over the weekend, we've driven the route a few times and it does seem to get a bit shorter each time. The scenery is amazing too, passing thru small villages and rural farms. So, I think its a keeper! I'm excited to really live here and not completely rely on the base for our needs. The experience will be so different because of that, and we are really looking forward to it. Going to the markets to get fresh fruits and veggies, to the butcher for meats, and the kids might even go to the local village primary school as well.

Speaking of foods, we went into a grocery today and were amazed at what we saw. The amounts of fresh foods, healthier choices, etc was unreal. This is our problem, people! For instance, the average frozen vegetables are sold only (for the most part) in sizes that are comparable to what we would call the 'value' or 'family' package. Whereas the meats and starches are sold in much smaller portions than we're used to. Can you see where I'm going? Paul and I have resolved to use this experience to make healthy changes in our family's habits. And how convenient that the lovely English simplify it for me! Oh, and just a note - hot cross buns are delicious!

We went to the market in Bury St. Edmunds yesterday. It was exactly like you would imagine it to be. Rows of vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to fruits and vegetable to raw fish and meats. Clothes, hats, souveniers, and tools - and not to be outdone, McDonalds, Burger King, and Pizza Hut made their presence known as well. The kids, with their keen eyes, spotted a toystore right away. What a treat for them! Of course, not being able to take anything home made the trip a bit less fun. They traded their frowns for smiles when the golden arches came into view though! Thank goodness for french fries and milkshakes!

Driving is going well. We are hoping to purchase a car early this week. Our SUV is still floating on the ocean, making its way here. Money has been a bit of a challenge, only in that its hard to recognize which coin is which amout of pence or pounds. There are so many more coins than I am used to. But everyone is so friendly and patient, even giving 'the newcomers' tips and local advice.

This week the challenge is to settle on a home, purchase a car, and enroll the kids into a school. A bit daunting, but I know God will pave the way. We'll let you know!

We've arrived...

in England! We landed on British soil on Saturday, 21 February at about 9am local time. That's 4am for all you east coasters! Our flight here was amazingly smooth and uncomplicated. Much better than what we were prepared for! The kids loved the airplane and settled in easily. We were blessed to have a friendly face waiting for us at the terminal. Paul's former boss picked us up and brought us to our new home - RAF Lakenheath. As you can imagine, we were tired but excited to start our new adventure! Jacob wanted to know where all the trains were - he's heard that over here trains are a very common way to travel. Chloe was looking for horses and castles, and Jonah was..well he just was.

After naps, we went to Christi's house for a bbq. It was nice to be with old friends in this brand new world we were surrounded by. When we got back to the hotel, Casey was here! We missed her!! I think we must have overextended our bodies though, because we didnt wake up on Sunday until NOON! How nice that was! I dont ever remember sleeing in that late, unless it was years ago in college:) Needless to say, that ended up being quite a lazy day for us. Visiting with Casey, relaxing and resting were all that we managed. Let's see..what next? Monday...nothing much to report. Paul had a bit of work in the morning, and then we ..Oh!! We had our first taste of driving on 'the wrong side of the road' on Monday. We rented a car, as ours wont be here for a least a couple more weeks. Casey took us on a trip to the toystore at RAF Mildenhall, the base close by. Seeing the kids' smiling faces at the rows of toys was well worth the nervous first time behind the wheel. And it was me who drove!!

Almost caught up! Tuesday, yesterday, Paul had all day appointments to get settled so the kids and I spent a lazy morning. Casey came over and watched them while we had a briefing about letting housing off the base. The playground and Baskin Robbins were next, and then it was a normal evening in the Jski house. Which brings us to today...exploring and house hunting! I cant wait to see what options are waiting for us. If you want a taste of what we see, check out this site - Rightmove.co.uk - choose the 'to rent' option at the top of the page. Enter 'Lakenheath' in the search box, then select w/i 15miles - houses - 4 bedrooms at least - max 1250 pounds - and go! What you see is what we will be looking at today on our first trip away from the base. Wish us luck!

Ok, I think that has pretty much gotten us to the present. I will post pictures tonight of our day so come back soon!

I will!

Ok, so one thing I can claim as truth - I am ALWAYS consistent about being inconsistent!! So much for a Thanksgiving recap, and now Christmas has passed as well. We are a week into 2009 and no 'New Year' reminiscence as of yet either! Whenever it is that I do get my unmotivated self to update - you better make sure to let me know that it was worth it:)

I've been tagged by Christi as well - I will get to it!! I will! Right now, though, its time for dinner. Yummy Carolina hot dogs (they're red) and french fries. We are one family that prides ourselves on eating healthy..NOT! Maybe that could be part of my 2009 list...hmmm?

Home

We just got home from a whirlwind Thanksgiving vacation. Spanning 6 states in 10 days we saw family, friends, and alot of traffic! There are great photos and a long blog just waiting to be posted, but for now - we're home - we had a wonderful time - we miss everyone already!

Questions

Do you rent (or 'let' as the British call it) a home in the village or do you live on the base? Do you take your vehicle with you or pray that you find something suitable for a family of 5 within a tight budget? Do you sell many of your belongings to downsize or do you cram as much as you can in your suitcases? Do you try to accomplish the 'should haves' and 'could haves' that have added up over 6 years in just 4 short months? These are just a few of the questions that have made it onto the ever-growing list that Paul and I started when we got our new assignment to RAF Lakenheath. What are the answers? Anyone?

Thankfully we have a few friends that are already living in the UK and have been helpful with information and ideas. We are so blessed to have you all! Our sanity has been saved (well what was left of it anyway) because of you! Your sanity, however, might need rescuing by the time our family makes it across the ocean. The good news is that some of these questions are being answered!

We are seriously considering letting a home near the base. We have been looking online at housing options and it seems like such a wasted opportunity to not take full advantage of the community that we will be living in and around. The houses are smaller than we are used to, yes. There will be some adjustments regarding appliances and electricity, yes. But how can we miss the adventure that is right in front of us? We will be taking our Explorer on our journey. It seems the practical solution. Just last weekend some friends of ours - the Johnstons - had a yard sale at church. They are relocating their family to become missionaries in Poland. We were able to jump on the bandwagon, so to speak, and sold some unwanted clutter. While there is much more to be done, we let go of many items that we didnt even remember owning!

The hardest part of this whole transition will be addressing the last questions. How do you wrap up six years in what has become your home in just four short months? How do you move away from relationships that have literally changed your family's life? Those questions have yet to be answered. I'm not sure that they will be.

An adventure....

is about to begin! After 6 years in North Carolina, our family has gotten a new assignment. We are moving - far, far away over the big blue Atlantic Ocean! Lakenheath, England will be our new home in early 2009. We are excited yet already a bit overwhelmed at the process it takes to make this transition. Just pray that the next couple months will go smoothly and that all of the details will fall into place.

I am going to make you a promise. We will keep this site more up to date and let you know what's going on as we prepare to 'jump the pond'. But we need your help! Stay in touch with us as well, read and comment so we know that you are here!

We have had an exciting last few weeks of summer and first two weeks of school. I will post some pics and a blog as soon as I have a bit more time.

Vaca Disclaimer

Ok so its a bit backwards, but here it is - our vacation pics and posts. Start at the bottom and work your way up to make the most sense. Or, you know what? Just read and enjoy! We did!

Jankowski Family Vacation - Pt 2

Buffalo, NY is the setting for the second round of pictures and our second week of vacation. The entire Jankowski family - both immediate and extended - live in the area so we were able to visit with most of the family in just this one action packed week.

We arrived in Buffalo, or the 'city with the trains' as Jacob calls it, to one of many backyard bbqs. If the Jankowskis are famous for anything, its the food! Tim, aka Bubba, can make even the simplest of dishes delicious. Needless to say, we didn't do any 'diet while on vacation' exercising! What nonsense:) Instead, we enjoyed every minute laughing, visiting, or just relaxing.

Paul celebrated his 31st birthday while we were there. We were able to surprise him with a stylish hat - thanks Erin! - and his very own 'Jenny' boat. The man loves Forrest Gump and uses every opportunity available to sneak 'one liners' into any conversation. Especially with Tim and Erin - she laughs more than enough for all of us! The boat has been an ongoing family joke for way too long.

Amy, my sis-in-law, and I decided to make a permanent memory of this trip by getting matching tattoos. I have been going rounds about wanting to get one for literally years now. But have never been certain about the what and the where. For whatever the reason, I felt that the time was right in NY. And although it hurt ALOT (not at all according to Amy!), I love it! Erin, you better have yours by now!

We spent a day at the Werner family campsite. The kids went swimming and sand castle building. We fished and laughed as Paul tried to catch the little swimmers with just a net and a string. Man-style fishing is what he called it. We all just called it silly. To his credit, two fish were captured with his clever skills. Hopping all around the campground were tiny little frogs. Most of you know that I love the things, so we had fun catching and cuddling the frogs. There was a petting zoo as well. All of the kids enjoyed the llamas, goats and the kitties that roamed the area.

The 4th of July was celebrated with lots of pictures, friends and family, food, and homemade fireworks. The normal crew was all in attendance. Paul's cousins came with their kids as well so the party was in full swing. We played some games with the kids, we drank some wine with the adults, and by dusk we were ready to see some sparks. Sparklers, snakes, bottle rockets, you name it we had it! Jacob, Chloe and Jonah were a bit hesitant at first, but seeing their cousins enjoy the show made things better. It was a spectacular evening!

Jacob was able to visit the famous Niagra Hobby Shop, home to trains galore! I think it was the highlight of his vacation. Chloe and Jonah were more than impressed as well. Paul took us on a tour of his childhood stomping grounds. Although the area isn't what it used to be, you could still sense that this city held alot of history and has stories to tell. The kids enjoyed being able to see where Daddy went to school and grew up. We took a drive by look at the waterfront, complete with battleships and boats. I think Jonah enjoyed that the most. Chloe was pampered by Kaylee and Alyssa, her cousins. We did our nails, they styled her hair, and played horses with her. What more could a little girl ask for?

Our vacation was a trip to be remembered. We had lots of fun, loved seeing everyone, and miss you all tons already!

Vacation PT 2

Jankowski Family Vacation - PT 1

Here it is...as promised - vacation details and pictures! There were so many pictures to share that we decided to break the vacation into two separate parts. First (because it happened first) is visiting with my side of the family.

KOA, Mercer PA - thats where our vacation began. We spent a week with Papa and Nanny Phillips camping in the woods. Ok, so it wasn't exactly wilderness - there was the amazingly well equipped camper, a pool, a camp store, nice bathrooms, and only minutes to shopping. Roughing it for us was the two minute walk on gravel to those facilities. It was a bit cooler than we're used to, so nights were spent cuddled in blankets next to the campfire. When it was warm enough, we played on the playground or splashed in the pool. The kids loved being with Papa and Nanny. There were songs to be sung, mountain pies to be made, and tummies to be tickled. My cousin, Melanie, Jeremy (her husband) and family came to visit for two days. They had a campsite next to my dad's. Jacob, Chloe and Jonah loved playing with their kids. Ben and Sydney are adorable, Mel! We had a great time visiting, sharing stories - and wine! - around the campfire. My nephew and niece spent a couple days with us as well. Owen and Olivia were such great 'big' cousins! We also took a day to drive into Franklin, where I grew up and Paul and I lived before coming to NC. It was nice to be able to see 'home'. We drove past our old house - Jacob's first house. We showed the kids all of the places that Paul and I loved to visit. I was lucky enough to visit with some old friends. Erica just had a baby girl, Lucy, only days before. But she was so sweet to come to see us! It was the first time I met Berlin (her 2yr old daughter) and she last saw my kids when Chloe was only 1. Needless to say, it was great to be able to catch up and give kisses to each others babies. We stopped to say 'Hello' to our friends Nancy and Julie as well. Its amazing to see how friendships, even though they aren't always kept current as well as could be, can still be such a blessing no matter the time between visits. Our last stop in Franklin was a visit to my Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike's house. I can't tell you how much fun the kids had visiting their basement! It was full of treasures - old and new. Toys everywhere - horses for Chloe, trains for Jacob, and well whatever Jonah could get his hands on he was happy with! It's amazing the collection that you guys have!!!

We spent a week in NY next, but that's for the next set of pics and post. Then we were off again. This time it was 'over the river and through the woods' to my grandma's house in PA. It was only for a few hours, but we had a great time visiting with Grandma and my Aunt Renee. Nostalgia set in as the kids found toys in the closets that I played with as a little girl. What a great selling point for Fisher Price! Those toys are over 30yrs old and are still going strong! We had a wonderful visit. Love you Grandma!

Our last stop found us in Maryland with my brother and his family. Matt, Mione, Austin and Gavin made sure we had too much fun in the few days we were able to stay with them! We were treated to a cruise down the Patuxent River in their boat. Watching Austin, Gavin and Jacob 'tube' behind the boat was a blast! They did such a great job - I don't think I could have stayed on that thing. Mione and Matt both tried wakeboarding. What brave souls you both were! After watching the crashes and hearing about the sore muscles, I think I will stick to being a spectator thanks:) Chloe and Jonah did brave the water by holding on much too tightly to Paul, who's saving grace was that lifevest strapped around his chest. That poor man sure got a workout! Each day, there was alot of running, yelling, jumping, and screaming - all in fun of course! And the best part? After the kids went to bed the adults showed their maturity by....playing Rockband!! Can I just say that we were the raddest band ever!! Matt and Paul rocked the guitars, Mione sang her heart out, and I was the jammin-est drummer to ever handle the sticks..LOL! We had an insane amount of fun. Who knew?

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone for the fun, the laughs, and the love we shared on our vacation!

Vacation PT 1

Vacation Fun

We're home! After three weeks of travelling, visiting, and too much fun we are finally back in NC. I don't have the time or energy to post all of the details or pics right now, but I promise they will be coming soon!
We spent a week with my family in PA, a week in NY hanging out with Paul's family - that included celebrating his 31st birthday and fireworks, a too short afternoon with my grandmother, and three fun packed days in MD with my brother. It was there that I became an expert Rockband drummer! Details later, I promise!

This and That

Just two weeks ago, Jacob graduated Kindergarten. What a production that was! Complete with cap, gown, pomp and circumstance, the kids walked across the stage to receive their 'diplomas'. It was a really cute idea and we had a great day celebrating with Jacob and his classmates.

Then it was off to the beach for the weekend. We had such a great time. The kids love to visit the Aquarium, no matter how many times we have been there before so that was top on our agenda. We went to the beach as well, although the kids preferred the pool at the hotel - party poopers! Paul and I enjoyed a concert in the hotel courtyard from our balcony after the kids were asleep. It was so nice! He even went to the Tiki Bar and we sipped margaritas while we listened to the music - YUM!

Two more days until the Jankowski's family vacation. Sounds like a title for a comedy, doesn't it? Only time will tell if there are more laughs than tears as we brave the open road - with three little devils...I mean angels...in the back seat. Our plans are to visit as many family and friends as we can in the three weeks that Paul has been given time off work. We just pray that it works out that way:) I will try to keep this updated as we travel and let you know when we might be ringing your doorbells Look out PA and NY! The Jankowskis are coming!

Hi Ho the Dairy-O..A Camping We Will Go!

Oh yes, we had THAT much fun!
Paul and I had not been camping since fall of 2001. Needless to say, that experience and this one were different, although there were a few similarites. Let's compare.

SIMILARITIES:
~Both were church related excursions - so good friends were our company for each one.
~Fall 2001 started off with rain and Spring 2008 had rain the second morning.
~At both we ate, slept, and enjoyed great company.

DIFFERENCES:
~Fall 2001 we had no children - Spring 2008 we had THREE (a whole host of differences there!)
~Our first trip neither one knew how to start or maintain a fire - this time we were pyromaniacs!
~Paul and I had never been camping prior to Fall 2001 so everything was creepy, crawly, or covered in mud! This time, we really just enjoyed the experience and let the other stuff go! What a way to live:)
~Fall 2001, we were both at the mercy of nature and our friends for most everything. Spring 2008, being 'older and wiser' does have its advantages!

How about a few 'camp-isms' from my family to you?

Kazoo - the boat that you ride in on the lake..aka a canoe!
A Yak - the funny looking boat that only one person can ride in on the lake..a kayak (wow, alot of A and K there!)
Turdy - yes, a turtle...but this was the name that Chloe decided 'he' should adopt
Crappyfish - name that became of all fish caught when trying to explain what type of fish they were
Foyer/Mansion - ok, this one was from the adults but it refers to the huge tent with a screened porch area that we were blessed to be able to borrow from our wonderful friends - thanks Phillip family!

Ok, enough with the lists! If you hadn't guessed by now, we had an absolutely fab-u-lous time last weekend on our camping excursion. The weather was perfect, except for a short rainburst on Saturday morning. Even that was timed well, as we had all been up quite early (I'm talking 530-6am!) that day. So naptime it was for most all of us. How refreshing to have nothing to do but take a midmorning nap - I want more of that! The whole weekend was relaxing and stress free.

Having two adults and three kids in one tent wasn't something that Paul and I were excited about, but it was so much fun! Jacob and Chloe thought that sleeping in a tent was an adventure in the making. Even Jonah collapsed into giggles each night when he was laid down on an airmattress next to his brother and sister. Thanks to the generosity of friends, we had a tent fit for a royal family and loved it!

There were boating trips - a few that reminded us all of an accident waiting to happen, fishing dates that caught more seaweed than fish, playground and pool time, and food that was better than what I cook at home on a daily basis. We were spoiled rotten and it was a blast!