Brook Grieco Blog

Visitors all the way from Africa

2009-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

My friend from Robin came to see us one more time before they head back to Africa in August - they are missionaries there and are starting a new baby home. Robin is following her calling and it so neat for Todd & I to see! And now when she visits we get to enjoy her soon to be adopted girls too . . .
Rayah Joy, Sarah Bella & Ava Lucia with their babies

Asher and his girls - we all enjoyed them so much - it's going to be sad not seeing them for several years!!!! But God has lots of babies for them to love on in Uganda . . .

Robin took about 2 hours to complete to braids and Ava has LOVED them! As she told Todd, "I like being an African girl."

Grand Time!

2009-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here's Asher's BIG catch(es)!!! One catfish and a perch all in about 15 minutes time and Uncle Ryan didn't catch a thing . . . as the grandparents told him to say, "I skunked Ryan!" Now that's the way to teach them - NOT! Thankfully he had LOTS of help from Papa & Uncle Ryan because as you can see he's not crazy about touching the fish, yet.

Our Ava girl got "into" the lake this past weekend. She surprised us all by loving swimming by the boat and even tubed with Ryan's girlfriend, Brooklyn. She was very brave and we were all proud of her!

Independence Fun

2009-07-14T06:41:00.001-07:00

Fireworks - they are amazing and how do they make them do all those things? We had a great time enjoying family and friends on our countries birthday. We even got into the holiday spirit by painting patriotic toes (Ava's making me do some crazy things! I did Ava's hands but not mine!)

Father's Day

2009-06-30T05:33:00.001-07:00

What a great daddy Ava & Asher have - he loves them and adores them almost as much as they do him! Their favorite part about him is his silliness . . .

Swim Class

2009-06-27T05:44:00.001-07:00

We Griecos are serious about learning to swim and I have been so bummed that Ava's swim teacher, Coach Keller isn't teaching any more. But this year I found another great teacher for Ava - Miss Denise. She pushes the kids to do more than they think they can and Ava built a lot of confidence. She had them swim the width of the pool all by themselves and they did it! Not Asher, he was in Miss Hailey's class which he enjoyed - I think mainly because Hailey was cute teenager! He would say in a dreamy kind of voice "I wike Hawee very much!" They are both pictured with their teachers.

Day Trip!

2009-06-27T05:34:00.001-07:00

What a fun trip to Bartlesville we had . . . we headed up after lunch and first went to Woolaroc Museum and then had dinner and were at the renowned "Kiddiepark" when it opened at 7pm. What a neat spot for some old fashion fun! There were lots of rides for just their size and they had a ball - Asher kept wanting to ride the train and Ava liked the little roller coaster because it made her tummy tickle. A definite must for next summer too! (The kids are all from Ava's school.)

It's getting warmer . . .

2009-06-27T05:31:00.001-07:00

This was the first day (June 1) it was warm enough to get out the little pool in the backyard. It is a bit small for these 2 but they had fun running and jumping into it. The neighborhood pool opened on the weekend, but we are waiting for it to warm up a bit - it is always FREEZING for the first couple of weeks.

Mower & Model

2009-06-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Asher has enjoyed the grass mowing season, he is a hard worker and doesn't want to quit until the job is done. Daddy does the weed eating which is much to loud for him to bear, so he follows me while I mow. He is right behind me every step of the way.

Here is Ava with her dear friend Eden - they always have a ball together with lots and lots of giggling! What a joy to hear and see!

School's Out

2009-06-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Miss Alessandro, she was a blessing and amazing. I was truly floored that she knew so much about Ava! It's great to have someone else nurturing your precious little one and trying to promote her to bigger and better things.

Ava & Mackenzie sure got closer this year and I couldn't ask for a better friend for Ava. They enjoyed eating tuna together at lunch and getting their fingernails dirty making mud pies at playtime. She is a sweetie and we are glad she (and her family) are part of our lives.

Mother's Day

2009-06-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

I am proud to be a mother and am thankful I have 2 amazing kids that call me mommy. I never knew that a name so common and that so many people have, would make you feel on top of the world. But I have to admit I do get tired of it too - mommy can you . . ., mommy will you . . ., mommy I need . . ., mommy please may I . . ., mommy Asher . . ., but I am so blessed to have 2 needy kids that God has entrusted me with. It was a nice simple day celebrating me and it felt nice!

Asher has a Friend

2009-06-27T05:07:00.001-07:00

Asher & I have been enjoying Daniel Portman. His brother is in Ava's class at school and he is a few months younger than Asher. Once a week, his mom and I switch watching the boys for each other while the big kids are at Regent. Asher prays for him at night and cherishes him, because unfortunately he has very few "boy" friends. Most of Ava's friends have sisters or no siblings at all, but trust me he doesn't mind the girls!

Spring is here . . .

2009-06-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

A trip to Woodward Park always signifies spring is here - unfortunately the tulips were just about gone, but the azaleas were still beautiful. Todd got a free day off right after April 15 and we had a grand day enjoying God's creation and especially each other!

Asher isn't quite sure what to think about this statue - funny boy!

Ava 6!!!

2009-06-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 6 and I just can't believe it - time flies! She had school on her actual day so the day before we had her friend party, the Artistic Ava party - we painted terra cotta pots, decorated t-shirts with fabric markers. Really all the girls wanted to do was go upstairs and play - I need to remember that next time! She enjoyed it all except for the part where everyone sings her "Happy Birthday" - she doesn't like the extra attention. Silly girl, isn't that what birthdays are for???
She got her first American girl doll (and probably only) Chrissa - she has enjoyed her very much! Dinner was here with the usual family gang - Uncle Ryan, Nana & Papa, Yiayia & Papou and of course she requested her favorite, spaghetti and meatballs! (Friends picture - Mackenzie, Camryn, & Eden)

Spring Snow

2009-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, we got about 6 inches yesterday - usually that's what happens in March around here, if it snows it is usually significant. Too bad it rained all day Friday, because I'm sure we would have had a foot of snow or more! The kids woke up to beautiful, huge snowflakes Saturday morning . . . not your typical Spring day! After breakfast we drudged outside in our make shift snow outfits. (I just hate to spend the money on boots and suits when they may never get to wear them.) They had a ball, or should I say snowball - the snow was perfect for them! As you can tell Asher enjoyed it immensely! Okay, I hope that is the end of it and Spring is really on it's way.

Artsy Ava & Asher

2009-03-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

We love our Philbrook days on Saturday mornings - what a treat and special time as a family! Ava has always loved it and Asher is beginning to enjoy it more and more. Maybe we'll have 2 artists in the family . . .

Old & New Friends

2009-03-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Wow - we have really enjoyed Rayah and Sarah (and Miss Robin too) - the kids have had a ball! Robin is my dear friend from college and who was my maid of honor in our wedding. She is an incredible woman who has been in Uganda, Africa for 5 years now (she is back in the States for a holiday) and has always had a gift with kids. Now she has 2 of her own . . . so we're just praying for a husband/daddy for them! It has been so awesome to see what she spoke over 10 years ago come to fruition - God is faithful! Someday, we'd enjoy going to visit them, perhaps when the kids are 12 & 15 and they need their thinking realigned! It sounds like a wonderful, amazing, adventurous place for sure! We have been amazed at the stories, such as chasing mice out of your house daily or seeing a python snake as you are headed down the road or getting fresh tilapia from a guy selling them out of the basket on his bike - you order and he fillets your order right before your eyes . . . that's what I call fresh!

Bosom Buddies

2009-02-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

Asher and Ava are doing really well together, most of the time. It is great to see them get along and interact together . . . and what each of them likes rubs off on each other, good and bad! Like yesterday, they got dressed up while I was making dinner. Here is a shot of "Rose & Tulip" and it was hilarious - Ava had Asher talking in this high pitched voice. I told her this will be a rare occurrence and that she needs to have some GIRLfriends over to dress up next time! (Enjoy the blackmail picture I will have in case I need to use it on Asher at a later date.)

Love is in the Air . . .

2009-02-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

We had a nice Valentine's night with our 2 cuties and did our annual strawberry chocolate fondue . . this year we added bananas and marshmallows - yummy! Those kids dove right in - it's the simplest things that make them happy and it is so wonderful to be able to make someone else feel loved and special! I sure do have an amazing family, God has really been wonderful to me!

Birthday Boy

2009-02-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

For Asher's b-day dinner - I asked him to tell me what he would like to eat - he said chicken, broccoli, and french fries but no potatoes! He is a hoot - I am constantly telling him my oven baked potatoes are like french fries but he knows there is a difference, "the fry" part. So he got exactly what he ordered, we even borrowed Nana's fry daddy to for the potatoes. He had great, full day and still talks about what he wants for his b-day. Sorry sweetie, you'll have to wait about 35o days! Nana & Papa took him to Build a Bear where he picked out a black and white panda bear and named him Ben R. Grieco. (He is into Ben Roethlisberger for sure!)

Asher's Almost Three

2009-02-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day - #3! It makes me sad, my baby is getting to be such a big boy. I told him tonight I wanted a big hug from my 2 year old boy because as he's sleeping tonight he will turn a year older. That stinker kept me up late 3 years ago, but at least it was quicker the second time around! I've been reminiscing with the family tonight about what was going on this time 3 years ago . . . I think now I was in the tub trying to relax (Dr. Aikman's orders) but it didn't help, trust me! Maybe I should try that tonight and actually get to enjoy it . . .

Steeler Fan

2009-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Today is the SUPER BOWL and it's fun to have a team to root for; so we aren't just watching the commercials. Asher is a big fan and got a couple of early b-day gifts from Grandma & Pop. It's funny to think he was born the day before the Super Bowl when the Steelers played and won. I guess that's why he came to us a week early, so he could be here to witness it . . .

I asked Todd if he wanted to have a Super Bowl party and he said, "No, I want to watch the game." ?????Surprising!!!!! Guess it's a good thing we didn't plan anything because on the way to church Ava threw up in the car . . . so after some cleaning up in the church parking lot we headed home where she has now thrown up 2 more times - once in her bed all over her plethora of stuffed animals (I now need to call Build-A-Bear to find out how to salvage her favorite bear) and then on the couch. Hope things improve and our team wins!

Winter Break

2009-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

It's not often we get snow or ice that lasts here in Oklahoma. But this week we've had it for 4 days and counting. Ava's had 2 snow days, so no school this week. We've been a little cooped up but we did bundle up and go "sledding" down the neighbors driveway in a cardboard box. Winter is here, but now I'm ready for it to GO-bye bye!!

Good Friends

2009-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's nice - Ava and Asher are becoming good friends. Ava is a good leader and Asher is usually a good follower. Especially when Ava prefices anything with the word "football". Like, "Hey, Asher let's go play "football" babies or let's do a "football" dance. Hopefully these life lessons now will prepare them for their future roles as spouses and parents.

Here they are decked out in their favorite gear. (Asher says Ava looks "sooo cute" in her cheerweader uniform.)

My girl

2009-01-29T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ava is getting bigger - just yesterday she wanted to call her friend and then when I was on the phone when she was ready to make her call, requested that she get her own phone. Maybe when you are 16, sister! Most of the time (she does relapse) she is always trying to act older . . . be it a teenager, mommy or babysitter. Why do we always do that? Push our way to the next season and forget to enjoy the stage we are in?

Off to a good start

2009-01-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

I'm off to a healthier me in 2009 . . . I've worked out every day scheduled (even though my partner already ditched the routine - you know I still love you Monica! She is on the search for her "thing") and kept to my Body for Life eating schedule. And seriously in just 10 days I feel so much better. I know it's supposed to be about having a healthier heart and all, but really I just don't want to be panting once I've gone up the stairs and I'm ready to diss my "muffin top" midsection! I've got a long ways to go, but I am on the right track at least . . .

"Joy" & Milo

2009-01-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Nana took Ava to Build-A-Bear last Friday and Ava brought back Bella a sister, Joy. She is so proud of her and couldn't wait to take her to school for "show & tell". So yesterday we packed her up in a bag to conceal her identity, so Joy could hide from Ava's classmates until it was time. Well, she never got to share "Joy" with anyone and Ava's "joy" diminished quickly. Miss Alessandro later told me they don't do "show & tell". I was surprised Regent did, but it is something Ava just changed to her liking. They have nature studies, where they can bring something that has lived or is living, but Joy didn't make the cut. Even though "Joy" is alive and well to Ava, to most she is just a toy. A joyful memory ended up a sad one . . .

Asher missed the outing since he was napping (I think they planned it that way), but did get a gift from Nana too. Ava helped pick out a small penguin they found at the candy store. He has really been cute taking care of him and every morning while he has breakfast he asks for goldfish to feed Milo. The name came from a cute penguin book we read from the library.

We're Surviving!

2009-01-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

I think we're back into the old routine and Daddy is about to start a not so fun routine, tax season! Thankfully his hours don't change much for the kids - he is home for dinner a little later but we wait on him so we can eat as a family. But once the kids are down . . . he gets out the laptop and gets back to crunching numbers.

Speaking of numbers, Ava has been learning lots of "Math Facts" at school and I think the Christmas break officially took all of her knowledge away (and I promise we worked on it, some). Anyway, I've realized that my role as Ava's other teacher is very critical to her success. She needs "school" the other 3 days she doesn't go to school. So in an attempt to stay on top of things, we've made a schedule to follow. Since I love making lists and marking things off it is fulfilling for me and I do enjoy the special time with her. Now hopefully Ava will see how the extra "school days" will pay off! Am I ready to be her teacher? Not sure, but I have to believe God has placed us here on earth to learn (and LOVE ) together. It is tough because we are so different - sometimes I don't know how to relate to her and I know my tone is harsh, so I'm praying for God's wisdom and guidance. *Here's a picture of Asher while we have school, he is a really good boy - content to just be playing (sometimes silently) near us. I know in no time, he'll be ready to jump in and learn more than just the letter sounds!

Back to Reality

2009-01-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

Ava & Asher aren't going to know what to do without Daddy around so much after the past 2 weeks, he's had 8 days off. It has been so nice for all of us - to have an extra pair of hands to help and play . . . we love this man God has placed in our lives so much! He is wonderful to all of us beyond words!

How many dads would help make a homemade mask and pretend to be Fabio (Asher was his assistant Luca). Ava didn't like Fabio for long, she wanted daddy back! And this morning we had church at home and here is daddy dancing with the kids during praise & worship!

Resolving to be Better

2009-01-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

As for 2009, I hope it will have many of God's blessings and be filled with fun family memories, cherished times spent with friends, and a year getting to know the Lord more.

Grow my relationship with Jesus
Cherish Todd, as he is a true blessing
Play & enjoy Ava & Asher daily
Not to eat like a horse . . . portion control!
Enjoy family for who they are - be positive & thankful
Workout 6 times a week (I'll do my weigh in tomorrow and keep you posted)
Think before I speak
Have some "me" time occasionally
Become more patient
Floss daily (I need to take Todd's example)

Cherishing Coleman

2009-01-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

PFC Coleman Hinkefent, 19, (big brother to Ava's classmate Erica) died right before Christmas while serving a tour in Iraq. His liver failed due to complications of leukemia. It was a shock to all since he passed all his physicals with flying colors before he was deployed . . . he left behind a large church family that loved him along with his parents, older brother & his wife, Erica, & youngest sister, Haley. I have been hit hard by all of it, maybe it's because my brother was killed when I was 7, which Erica will be soon. Coleman was to be married in March - I can't image her grief. I know since he was a strong Christian his family take great sollise knowing he is healed and whole in heaven. The Memorial service was incredible and he was someone I wish I would have met. Please God be with family & friends as they grieve and wait for the day they are reunited with him. May his death glorify YOU and bring people to YOU - I know it has made me more thankful for each day the Lord gives us.

Christmas Celebrations

2008-12-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

The day before Christmas Eve we went to see the Rockettes and then had dinner at Thai Siam - it was our gift from Papou & Yiayia - it was a great experience! Those girls can kick and the kids did love the show - they bought us a video and Asher wanted to keep watching but wanted to skip the skits in between the Rockette performances - he is all boy! Ava has been kicking around here pretending to be a rockette, it's so cute how she holds her arms! Then Christmas Eve was spent with Papou & Yiayia, we went to the church service right outside of our neighborhood and it was nice - Todd stayed home to make dinner for us and we had to leave before the candles were lit, but no one seemed to mind - I guess we were all hungry! Todd made homemade bread, tomato soup, lamb chops, and salad. Yiayia made the Jesus cake this year - it was great . . . almond joy!

Christmas Day was fun - daddy made french toast (he even made the brioche) and it was divine! We also had sausage and coffee - it was a treat! Then we opened most of the gifts and enjoyed the kids while they explored their new things . . . Ava got a microphone and tent (house) and Asher got a tool set and dump truck. Around lunch time we headed to Nana & Papa's to celebrate with them. Todd made pork tenderloin to add to the lunch menu and we ate soon after we arrived. It was good, all the fixin's were there and everyone was glad to see the kids! (As we all know, Christmas is much more fun with the kids around!) We got bikes from N & P for Christmas and Todd got a trailer for his bike. It was a warm day so we got to try them out! Christmas is over now and Ava and I especially have been a little bit sad, but we do have fun memories to cherish. Also, we get to look forward to another 4 day weekend with daddy and lots of fun in 2009!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Can you feel the love?

Well our Christmas traditions this year have been really fun - Ava remembers them from last year and this year Asher has been excited about them. It started with heading to Owasso to pick out our Christmas tree, decorating the house and tree, making egg nog, gingerbread houses, hosting a kid party - this year we did a "candy cane" theme, decorating sugar cookies, and of course watching "White Christmas". We are enjoying all the great CDs we can pull out this time of year and the decorations. And we've made a couple of trips to Rhema and one night we all went in our jammies and drove around looking at lights. We were really looking forward to a new tradition - a live nativity unfortunately, it was outside and that day the temp dropped below freezing so they cancelled it. We've had to nix a few other things like tonight, we were going to go to Boston Avenue to Handel's Messiah, but we just stayed home . . . this season is filled with so many fun things but we can't do them all! Thankfully the kids know the real meaning of Christmas even with all the world trying to get us to forget!

Mr Football

2008-12-10T18:19:00.001-08:00

Seriously he is addicted to football - he thinks and breathes it! And he wants to talk about it all the time. Yesterday when I was making his breakfast, he was smiling - I asked why? He said, "I'm thinking about football." Then later he said,"Mom, I need to go poop." Then paused and said, "Do football players go poop?" My, he is a funny boy!

Lima Bean

2008-12-10T15:52:00.001-08:00

It doesn't look like much but it is Ava's pride and joy - the day she brought it home from school all the boys made fun of hers because it was the littlest plant. They all planted the seeds at the same time, but as we know some plants (and us) take longer to develop and bloom. (And we've recently heard that some of the other kids in her class lima bean plants have since died.) We don't want to wish ill on anyone, but Ava is excited to bring it back to show-n- tell in the Spring and explain to her class that with love and care many things can grow. . . maybe she'll even have some lima beans by then. (We have to make sure to thank Daddy for buying it a new pot and soil.)

Thankful

2008-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

Thankgiving weekend was fun - it started off with homemade cinnamon rolls and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Then we headed to Aunt Lina & Uncle Richard's house. We enjoyed the turkey and fellowship, but I think Asher had the best time of all - he got to "help" Richard & Papou with some electrical work . . . the drill was his favorite! Ava also had everyone around the table drawing with her crayons and paper - it was cute! That night we headed to Utica Square for their traditional "Lights On" celebration. We are truly thankful!

Rhema lights

Mr Tool Man

A & A diving into the cinnamon rolls - YUMMY! (I think we started a new tradition.)

GRANDPARENTS

2008-12-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

Our lives have all been enriched by having 2 of 3 sets of grandparents close by. We cherish our special times with them and think we are all better off by having one another. I know it is so precious that my parents can see first hand the kids and how wonderful they are! We know Grandma & Pop will never live close to us (they love the East coast and have 8 grandchildren within 5 minutes of their house), but we are hoping for a visit soon - we miss them alot!

35 & Counting . . .

2008-11-20T10:51:00.001-08:00

So I had another birthday - it's definitely not as fun the older you get, but my family and friends made it special. It is nice to have a day you feel like a "Queen". (But do queens really go grocery shopping at Walmart on their birthday?) I got tons of calls, e-mails, and lots who sang the b-day song. One of my favorite parts was the homemade cake from Todd, Chocolate Kahlua - YUMMY! And the presents were great too, but I have to say I didn't get to open up one by myself - thanks Ava & Asher . . .

I thank God for my wonderful friends and family - He sure does take care of me everyday, not just on my b-day!

Our sweeties

2008-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

What a handful! Ava and Asher keep us moving all the time! But what a joy they are . . . what did we do before we had you two?

Ava is gearing up for Grandparents Day at school tomorrow and getting more grown up each day - it is neat and sad at the same time. She is reading better and better everday too. And Asher is busy being a "football player". (I have a very hard time getting the jersey off. Thankfully he now has an OU jersey too.)

Asher boy

2008-11-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my is he a boy or what??? YES!!!!! It's been fun to see the difference between our girl and him. He loves anything with wheels, mechanisms, etc and is now into football after dressing up on Oct 31. He says to anyone who listens "I am a football player" and wants to wear his football helmet for reading, running, or whatever; as well as his "football" socks, "football" pants, etc. It is quite hilarious! He is also wanting daddy more than me - sad for me, but I know it has to happen. He says sometimes throughout out the day, "I want my dada." (Me too, Asher!) And he's not big on giving kisses out lately : ( When I give him a smack or two he'll say, "Don't take all my kisses mom." I marvel at the way her interacts with Ava - it's either LOVE or hate. When he adores her it is so precious, he will hug, kiss and coo with her. Then in a flash it turns to hit, chase and sometimes bite you Ava! AHHHH!!! Why can't it be love all the time? He is such a big boy now - big bed, no diapers, and the vocabulary to back it up. I'm in love with another boy now, Asher!

Ava girl

2008-11-05T14:11:00.001-08:00

Ava is such a precious girl, she has such a sweet spirit and wants all things to go well. She is enjoying her second year at Regent with Miss Alessandro. We have had some difficulty with a bully on the playground, so I am trying to figure out how to deal with this - God help me! Also, my friend just gave me a book to read called The Highly Sensitive Child. At the beginning is a quiz to figure out if you have a HSC or not - Todd & I both took the quiz and yes she is. There is so much good to it, but she does take things personally when she doesn't need to. She is getting over the "I want to be pregnant" phase, but still loves to pretend to be a mom and she wants me to be her friend, Fiona and Todd is her husband, Richie. (Asher is in and out of the game. And she makes all the rules and decides what and when you should say this or that.) Her pretend mom name is Julia and she has 3 kids: Bella, Madison & Daniel. She also loves to pretend to be a teacher - it's fun to see her "teach" because you know she is imitating her teacher. Lately she has been writing letter for Asher and teaching him - he likes it and it is priceless! She is a very encouraging teacher! I love you Ava girl, you are my sunshine!

Election Blahs

2008-11-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

So today has been rough, a new president elect which I didn't vote for. As I was reading to Ava & Asher earlier I wonder what will this mean for them? our family? It would have been great to be excited about a black candidate, but his liberal left ways I could not support. Now is the time to pray more than ever . . . I just hope all the e-mails I received about Obama were propaganda and are the farthest thing from the truth.