Ten Months and Boys back to School.

Hello everyone, My sister informed me it was time for me to update my blog.... I think she misses us! Well hopefully they all know how much we miss them. We returned safely from our Family Road trip - all in one piece, believe it or not. After we got home it was crazy busy with all of us trying to get things unpacked and then get things done so Jodie, Jan, James and Jenna could get packed to make their long trip back to Holland. They flew back on the 14th of August! Oh yeah, Rob and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary on the 13th. I received a beautiful necklace with the parents and three kids in a circle. I love it! I love you honey! Here is to many, many, many more happy years together.

Now we are trying to get things back to a "normal" routine! I should probably tell you that Josh is now a Junior in Highschool and is going to Mountain View (not by his choice) He seems to be really liking his classes and has been a great help around the house. Bradley is now in the 8th grade at Taylor Junior High. He likes most of his classes but he does have a couple teachers he really does not care for. He is also doing well. Emmalee is pulling herself up on things and "furniture" walking... she will tell you what a Duck says "quack, quack" and last night she said Moo when we asked her what a cow said. Emmalee loves Nashoba and Nashoba is really warming up to Emmalee. Nashoba will allow Emmalee to climb on her (when Nashoba is in the mood). I tried to get some pictures of it and Nashoba hates cameras so she decided to run away while Emmalee was still holding on to her collar. Emmalee has not mastered riding on her Little Mermaid bike with out the assistance of her brothers but her balance is really good and she will sit on it. She loves to dance to the music and push it around (about 5 or 6 steps and then she sits). I am including a picture of everyone who was at the church for Emmalee's baptism in July and also a picture of Josh, Brad and Emmalee on the morning of Emmalee's baptism. I will try and update this more often. Our love to everyone! Love, Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee.

Greenlee, van Arkel and Sclease family Roadtrip!!!!!

On Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Papa Jim, Nana Phyllis, Jan, Jodie, James, Jenna, Rob, Joshua, Bradley, Emmalee and I climbed into a 15 seater van and headed North... actually Northeast. First we drove to Papa Jim and Nana's cabin near Blue Ridge Resoviour to check things out, it was figured out that they have owned the cabin for 30 years this year. Not much has changed it still is small but cozy!

From there we traveled to Winslow, Arizona for the night. We had dinner at Bojo's restaurant and found the man "Standing on the Corner" from the Eagles hit song "Take it Easy" We decided to take a closer look in the morning when we could get out of the van and look around.

After our brief stop at the corner we headed to Meteor Crater where we visited the site of the Crater and the museum attached. Following the Crater we headed to the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest in Northern Arizona. We had a great time driving through the National Park and looking at the wonderful scenery. We got out of the car and looked at Petrified Wood as big as 8 feet in circumfrance.

The rain followed us and we traveled further North to Chinle, Arizona. We stayed the night in Chinle and got up bright and early to go on a jeep tour of Canyon De Chelly. It had rained the day before and the wash was flowing but it did not stop the jeeps.

We had a great time looking at all of the Anazai Ruins and learning some of the history of the Canyon from our Navajo tour guide Harris. Nana, Jodie, Jan, James, Jenna, Josh and Brad were in one Jeep with Kenneth as their guide and Papa Jim, Rob, Emmalee and I were in another jeep with Harris as our guide. Harris took his time since we had Emmalee in the back of the jeep but Kenneth went 4 wheeling through mud as the kids hooped and hollered in the back of the jeep. We rested for the rest of the day - the kids went swimming while most of us took short naps. Today is Friday, August 3 and we got up fairly early and headed to the Four Corners.

It was cool to be able to stand in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Utah all at the same time. We walked around the Navajo shops and then headed to Blanding, Utah to see the Edge of Cedars ruins. We spent a little time there walking around and seeing the pottery and learning about the history of the area. Now we are at our hotel in Monticello, Utah. We have called it a night and will be heading out for more adventure tomorrow. I will update with more pictures later. Love from all of us!!!!

The Baptism of Emmalee Rose

On Sunday, July 29th we Baptized Emmalee Rose Sclease at St Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona. Her God Mothers Jodie van Arkel & Sarah Homan and her God Father Dennis Sents

along with Papa Jim, Nana Phyllis, and her Grandmother Rosemary all joined us around the baptismal font. Emmalee loved being the center of attention. Emmalee even allowed Pastor Dave Thomas to carry her to the front of the congregation and introduce her as the newest member of Gods family. Emmalee really liked Pastor Dave's wooden cross and she showed it off to everyone! Following the service we all went to Papa Jim and Nana's house for food and swimming.... we counted about 57 people in and out of the house that day!! Emmalee was absolutly beautiful and the day was wonderful. Thank you to everyone who came and shared in our day!!!!! Love Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

Happy Birthday Nana Phyllis

Today is my Mom's birthday, she is also known as Aunt Phyllis, Nana Phyllis, Emma, Honey and Phyl. I have met a lot of incredible people in my life but none hold a candle to my Mom... (sorry Jodie - our Mom). Mom has always been there for us, no matter what time of day or night. She has always come through with costumes, presents, suprises and anything else we have needed at the last minute. Our Mom is incredible, she would do just about anything for anybody. Mom was known to many of our friends as "Mom Greenlee". If ever anyone needed something and they did not know who to turn to they would always think of Mom Greenlee. Not only is she an incredible Mom, she is a terrific Nana. She is very good at spoiling and loving her grandchildren and the many she has adopted through the years. We just wanted to say Happy Birthday Mom, we love you and I hope I can be half the Mother you are!

Love always, Jill, Rob, Josh, Brad and Emmalee (aka Emma 2)

Happy 63rd Anniversary Mamaw and Papaw

Today is my Mamaw and Papaw's 63rd Wedding Anniversary. Thank you for showing everyone that with a little work and a lot of love you can make it through. I know that it has not always been easy but you sure make it look like it is. Happy Anniversary to both of you! We love you very, very, very much!!!! As my sister said, we are very lucky because we have seen some really strong marriages. Both of our Grandparents were married over 60 years, our Parents celebrated 42 years in February, My sister and her husband have been together for 16 and in August I will celebrate my 2nd anniversary with my wonderful husband. Here's to many, many more! We love you all!! Hope your day was wonderful Mamaw and Papaw.

Love, Jill, Rob, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

Happy belated Birthday -Honey/Rob/Daddy

I am a day late and a dollar short which is the story of my life. I did not forget my husbands birthday - I just never had time to get on the computer and write anything!!!! so here goes. I want to wish my husband a wonderful, fabulous, spectacular birthday and many, many, many, many more. We had a pork tendorloin, mashed potatos, gravy and corn on the cob on Sunday to celebrate Rob's birthday and then last night we had the leftovers. Then Bradley, Rob and I went to Bass Pro Shop so Rob could spend some of his birthday money!!! He was like a kid in the candy store.

Anyways, I hope you had a wonderful birthday!! We love you very much!
Love, Josh, Brad, Emmalee and me!

Happy Anniversary Jan and Jodie!

Jodie, in your blog you asked if we remembered what we were doing 16 years ago and the answer is "yes". I was in Holland watching my sister say "I DO". I was happy for you then and I am even happier for you know. I am suprised you actually found someone to put up with you all these years!!! Just kidding! (that was for sharing the turtle story!!) I love you both very much and want to wish you a very Happy Anniversary and many, many, many more. Thanks for making it look so easy!!
Love always, Jill, Rob, Josh, Brad and Emmalee (Papa Jim and Nana too!)

Father's Day 2007

I want to wish a Happy Father's Day to my Dad!!!! I can not begin to thank you for all of your love, leadership, friendship and tolerance through out the years!!!! You are an amazing man and I am proud to call you Dad. I know it has not always been easy but Thank you for always being there for both Jodie and I and now our families.

To my Papaw, thank you for showing us the way, for always giving us your hand to hold and for sharing your wisdom. You too are an amazing man and we can't thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for us.

To my Papa - you are always in my heart! We love you now and forever. Thank you for all you taught us!

To my Father In Law - Al - We hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. Thank you for your love and friendship. We are looking forward to your visit in July!

To my husband - Rob - Thank you for being such a wonderful Father to our children. Joshua, Bradley and Emmalee are very lucky to have you! I love you very much!!!!

Love, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

Welcome Maria Margaret Hansell

On Friday, June 15th at about 9:30 AM our family grew larger. My youngest cousin Jenny and her Husband Andy welcomed their newest baby girl into the world. Everyone is healthy and happy. I do not have any more details. Congratulations to Jenny, Andy and big sis Julia. It has been a very exciting time for our family with all of the new additions. I can not begin to explain how lucky all these little ones are, they have joined quite an amazing family. Maria, I know you will be just as spoiled as the rest of them. Congrats to my Aunt Joanie and Uncle Roy for their newest granddaughter. Love and kisses from all of us!!!!

A Whole Bunch of Firsts!!!!!

Emmalee is spreading her wings and really trying hard to fly..... I am not sure how happy I am about how quickly she is growing up!!! I know she is just over eight months old and we still have a lot of growing up to do and a lot of firsts to witness but still. (I know I sound like every Mother out there!) Emmalee is able to get up on her hands and knees and crawl but if she really wants to get somewhere fast she goes back to the old "army crawl" and puts it in high gear. She has mastered going up and down steps and goes where ever she sets her mind. She is showing that she has a little bit of a temper.... If she wants to go somewhere and you stop her from going there she lets you know she is not very happy with it. She is now using her tongue to make more sounds... she rubs her tongue across her top gums and sings to everyone she sees. She is also making DaDaDaDaDa, NaNaNaNa and GaGaGaGa. Soon she will be talking in full sentences......

She showed off for Papa Jim and Nana the other day and decided she was going to go from her tummy to sitting up... she did it twice for them and when she would get to the seated position she would look at them and clap. She would not do it for Rob and I until the next night and then I was able to take pictures of it.

She is also clapping her hands to patty cake... she has a dog that plays music and when it says "SO BIG" she looks around like, well isn't any one going to ask me how big I am? The dog also sings Patty Cake along with several other songs.

Emmalee is at a new sitters house who lives just down the street, Emmalee seems to really enjoy the family she is with. Her sitters name is Amy and she and her husband have 3 children 2 boys and 1 girl. Emmalee loves playing with all of them. Amy's husband admitted that Emmalee is all of their favorite. I went to their house on Wednesday night and taught CPR to the 2 oldest children, Amy and her Husband Keith.

Well, I think that actually catches you up on everything going on here....Oh, Emmalee turned 8 months on the 6th of June and that was the Grand Opening of the "Bass Pro Shop" that is less then 5 miles from our house. Rob decided that it was a big deal in her life and we needed to attend the Grand Opening so Emmalee and Rob went and stood in line and I met them there after my Aquatics class. We had fun but it sure was packed. Emmalee even got a onsie to mark the occasion.

Bye for now, we love you all very much!

Love, Jill and family.

Where has the time gone???

I am going to attempt to update you on what has happened since my last entries. After Day on the Lake I spent a week in the water learning another form of Aquatic Body Work called "Healing Dance". Now Healing Dance has been around a while and this is the second 50 hour course I have taken. It was a very busy week and I was very tired every night but it was a good class. I have a lot more tricks I can use when working with someone in the water. Friday of that week I met Nana Phyllis, Pat and Emmalee in Sedona for a funfilled weekend. Pat won a weekend stay in a resort just North of Sedona and invited us to join her. It was a very beautiful resort 1 1/2 miles North of Slide Rock on highway 89A. We had a great time. Emmalee tried eating a lemon and really enjoyed it until she got to the sour part.... Emmalee was also given a Rasberry Popcicle by the owner of the Cafe' and she loved every bite of it. I think she actually experienced her first brain freeze. We spent most of Saturday in Old Town Sedona shopping, shopping and doing more shopping. Emmalee was a real tropper.... but she zonked after a couple of hours. Her little leg kept coming out of the stoller and everytime we would move it forward she would stretch and put it back on the side. We came home Sunday and it was back to work on Monday!

Welcome to the Family Natasha!!!

We would also like to welcome to the family Natasha. Our cousins John and Terry and their daughter McKenzie have been working towards adopting Natasha from Russia. We were notified yesterday that Terry will be bring Natasha home this Thursday for good!!!! It has been a very emotional year and we are so happy Natasha is finally coming home. My sister said it best (again) - Natasha you are a very lucky little girl and we all welcome you with open arms and hearts. We are also lucky to have you as part of our family. John, Terry and McKenzie we are also very happy for you! Please know we love you all and wish you all the best. We can not wait to meet Natasha and personally welcome her to our family.

Love always, Uncle Jim, Aunt Phyllis, Jill, Rob, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

Day on the Lake!

It has been a very busy weekend. Thursday night Rob, Brad and I in one car and Sarah in her car headed to Bartlett Lake Marina in Cave Creek, Arizona. We slept in the Aqua Lodge on Bartlett Lake and on Friday morning we got up bright and early to help St. Joes hospital host the 11th annual Day on the Lake. This is a really awesome event where people with a disability are able to come to the lake and water ski, jet ski, fish, kyake or just go for a boat ride. This is my 10th year volunteering. I was co-dock Master which meant I greeted the participants on the dock and assisted them in going to the spot they needed to participate in which ever event they were scheduled for. Sarah assisted with registration, and the assisted me on the dock!!! I couldn't have done it without her. Rob and Brad drove a pontoon boat for adapted fishing. Dennis showed up about 11:30 on Friday and assisted Rob and Brad on the pontoon. From what I have been told, they caught a lot of fish. I beleive only one person they took out on the lake did not catch a fish. Brad fished from the pier for several hours Friday night and Rob and Dennis took Dennis' bass boat out for about 3 hours and caught about 15 fish. Sarah and I relaxed in the Aqua Lodge and watched movies. We got up Saturday morning to do it all again. It was a wonderful weekend filled with many happy people and a lot of smiles. Emmalee had some precious time with Papa Jim and Nana and also her big brother Josh.

I am now attending a 50 hour Aquatic class called Healing Dance. It is being held in Scottsdale. I am tired but loving being in the water again!!!

Emmalee is crawling anywhere and everywhere, pillows are no obstacle. She has even climbed up and down the stairs at Papa Jim and Nana's House. On Sunday, Emmalee really wanted a bottle and saw one on the lower shelf of our end tables. This again was not an obstacle, before I could do anything, Emmalee was on the shelf knocking all of the magazines out of her way. She is also pulling her self up on things. I put her down for her afternoon nap on Sunday and about an hour later Josh called Rob and I in to her bedroom to find her standing up in the corner looking over the edge at her binki on the floor. Needless to say her bed has now been lowered.

My camera is having technical difficulties (No, Jodie it is not the operator) so when I can find Bradley's camera I will send the pictures of Emmalee eating Oreo Cookies and tasting Papa Jim's bar-b-que ribs.

Love to you all,
Jill and family

Happy Birthday to my Best Friend Sarah

I wanted to take a minute and wish my best friend Sarah a Happy birthday! I hope your day is as wonderful as you are. You are an awesome person. I have never known someone who freely gives so much of themselves. I truly admire you! Thank you for all you do for me and my family. Happy Birthday and many, many, many, more. Love, Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad, Emmalee, Nana Phyllis and Papa Jim. (Jan, Jodie, James and Jenna too!)

Congratulations Sarah!

I also wanted to say Congratulations to my niece Sarah Rose. Sarah graduated Thursday from High School. I hope you had a wonderful day and a great celebration! We love you! Love Uncle Rob, Aunt Jill, Joshua, Bradley and Emmalee Rose.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Speed

I just wanted to say Congrautlations to my cousin Kelly and her new husband Justin. They were married today in Saucier, Mississippi. I hope you had a wonderful day and may your lives be filled with love, happiness and joy. Love always Uncle Jim, Aunt Phyllis, Jill, Rob, Josh, Brad, Emmalee, Jodie, Jan, James and Jenna

We miss you already!

This is a day late but I had a very sick little girl yesterday. Aunt Jodie and Jenna went back to Holland yesterday morning. We had 3 wonderful weeks with them and can't wait until the whole family returns in July. I don't have any pictures to share but on Wednesday - Aunt Sarah, Hunter, Aunt Jodie, Jenna and I went to the Phoenix Zoo and then came to Papa Jim and Nana's house to go swimming. We had a wonderful day and enjoyed an overcast Arizona Day! It was a lot of fun. Emmalee even rode the carousel for the first time. I will add pictures when I can. You can see some on "A Day in the life of Hunter" Thursday we spent the day running errands and had lunch with Papa Jim. We unfortunately had to say "see you soon" on Thursday night because Aunt Jodie and Jenna's flight left bright and early Friday morning. Emmalee and I probably could have said goodbye since we were up, but I don't think Emmalee was in the mood for much. Emmalee woke up Friday morning very sick, we had a follow up with the doctor for her ear infection and pink eye. The doctor said her ears were clear and she probably had a virus or was reacting to being on the antibiotics. Luckily we had Nana Phyllis because after we got home from the doctor Emmalee continued with vomiting and diarrhea. Poor little thing went through about 10 onsies and I won't tell you how many times I had to change my clothes. Emmalee still has a low grade fever today but is doing much better. We sure miss Aunt Jodie and Jenna - Jan and James thank you for letting them come. We can not wait until you are all here in July. Thank you Nana for helping me with my sick little one. We love you all!!! Love Jill and family!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. To my Mamaw and Grandma for leading the way! You are both amazing women! To my Mom - Thank you for showing me how it is done! you are an awesome Mom and Jodie and I are truly blessed. To my Mother-in-law, Rosemary - you are an incredible woman and I am grateful for all you have done for me and for the way you raised your son. To my SISTER! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of raising your kids until I had kids of my own. You are also awesome and I can't thank you enough. To Sarah - you rock!!! you are a wonderful Mom, thanks for showing me the ropes. To all my friends and family Thanks for always being there for me and for helping me celebrate my 1st official Mother's Day! I love you all! Love always, Jill

Jenna's birthday party - My birthday!!

Thank you all for a wonderful birthday! I loved sharing my day with my niece Jenna! It was a wonderful day with alot of good friends, good food and tons of fun. For the full story check out my sisters blog - (click An American in Holland). More to come soon! Here are two of my favorite pictures, with more to come!!! Love always Jill

Friday.... A fun day!!!

Jodie, Jenna, Emmalee and I got up early (too early - Jenna says) and went to the Arizona Science Center to see Body World III. This was my second time. I thought it was a great exhibit but it became a bit overwhelming when 10 minutes after we went inside about 100 High school students joined us. It became difficult to move around and see things but we all enjoyed it. Jenna enjoyed participating in some of the other hands on exhibits. Even Emmalee got to participate in one. There was an exhibit showing how babies can see depth before they become mobile. You are supposed to place the baby on the box and encourage it to crawl to you. The left side of the box is about 3 feet in the air and the right side drops the 3 feet (but has plexi glass so the baby doesn't actually fall) The baby is not suppose to crawl for the fear of falling... Emmalee crawled across it but only after she hit the plexi glass to make sure it was solid.. Emmalee hit the glass before she moved forward every time!!!

After the Science Center we went to my friend Jeanne's house to see her twin boys Mason and Devin. Emmalee was very happy and wanted to play with both of the boys. Emmalee was very gentle with them and actually gave Mason a Kiss!!!!

Mason and Devin are 3 months old (almost exactly 4 months younger than Emmalee). We had a very nice visit with Jeanne, her mom, Mason, Devin, Rocky and Daisy (their dogs). Here is a picture of Jeanne holding Devin, I am holding Emmalee and Jenna is holding Mason. Thanks for letting us come and see you guys Jeanne. = )

We are looking forward to our Fiesta tomorrow. Jenna is having a pool party and Papa Jim and Nana's. I will write more soon. We love you all! Love, Jill and family