Three Boys, One Girl, and Us!

home

2011-11-27T23:02:00.004-05:00

We are home.

It was a very long drive home as there was an accident on the express way and I had to take back roads around and then get back to the xway.

I miss my parents.

My kids miss my parents.

I was actually thinking about moving south.

I dont know if I would be able to do that.

Or if I truly want to.

Ok, well I do...but, how would I handle being that far away from my parents?

How would I feel taking my kids away from their grandparents?

It is true that I am unemployed.

I have not been able to find a job for the past year.

There are jobs in other states.

Oh what fun it is to be an adult.

Family Traditions

2011-11-26T23:38:00.003-05:00

In our family, we have many traditions.

One tradition that my dad and I have since I was a teen was to spend the week of Thanksgiving together.

In our state, Thanksgiving happens to be the 2nd week of firearm deer season.

So, since my dad and I have both been life long hunters,

we enjoy our week or as many days as we can hunting together.

Unfortunately, since I got hurt, I have not been able to go hunting.
It has taken me a lot of physical therapy and working out to get to where I am now.

Finally I felt ok enough to try to hunt and my dad had a place where we could just go at night or at in the morning.

We got to the stand about 3:30.

My deer walked in about 5:20.

I was very nervous until I shouldered the gun, then all of my practice came back.

I took a breath in, let some out, and squeezed.

Perfect shot.

Except... we thought the deer that had walked in was a doe.

Turns out, it was a button buck.

in other words, I will have Veal in my freezer all winter!

Me and my Dad!

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T23:39:00.003-05:00

I have not yet transferred my Thanksgiving pictures.

Here are the kids at their school parties!

K at his K5 Thanksgiving Feast.

He is in the "Indian" class.

F at the K5 Thanksgiving Day feast!

He is in the "Pilgrim" Class.

Here is E.

Also a Pilgrim.

Showing off his Turkey art!

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T23:42:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving.

Thankful for:

my family

my health

my home

things that make my life easier

internet

friends

foes

Football!

Wednesday Fun!

2011-11-23T22:27:00.002-05:00

Woke up early.

Waffles!!!

Puppy got a hair cut!

Homemade sugar cookies!

Playing at the Park!

BBQ Chicken Wings!

Frosting and Decorating Cookies!

Movie Time!

Bed!

2011-11-22T21:30:00.001-05:00

C'est ma vie!

Good and fun day today!
Had to end early as kids WILL NOT go to sleep.
Trying to blog while a little one is lying on my arm is not very much fun.

Pics tomorrow!

Week Up North

2011-11-21T21:41:00.003-05:00

Well, we have once again arrived up north at my parents house.

We will be up here for a week.

My kids do not have school and I wanted to get away for a while.

Hopefully it will be a nice week.

10-0

2011-11-20T23:38:00.000-05:00

10-0!!!!

Go Pack Go!!!

Saturday

2011-11-19T21:58:00.003-05:00

Today was a very fun Saturday!

Woke up and made pancakes and bacon.

Did some laundry and some folding/putting clothes away.

Then we were off to a playdate!

We met our good friends at an indoor playplace!

It's a great time cuz P and I can talk...and all the kids can play!

Except for today.

Not sure if he is not feeling real well or what.

But, E would NOT leave me alone!

Usually he will play.

He might ask to see my phone or use the computer but once he is convinced that I am not going to give in, he leaves and goes to play.

Not today.

The other kids had a great time though!

After playing for a few hours, we went to a Chinese Buffet!

YUMMY!

I'm so proud of my kids!

Crab legs, steamed clams, shrimp, and oysters.

That's what my boys had!

Of course, they tried some chicken and some soup also, but they like the good stuff!

Love when weekends are fun!

Holiday Feasts!

2011-11-18T23:24:00.004-05:00

I am truly one tired momma.

I worked all day at the school.

I helped prepare a feast for 100 little ones in K5.

Then we had 10 mins to clean up!

I then went onto my 1st grader's class.

I helped everyone make turkeys.

They traced their feet, cut it out, added feathers, eyes, etc.

Then, we had to clean up.

I then took the kids to the park...

Came home,

Cooked Dinner,

Kids in bed at 9pm.

I have pictures, but that would require me to stand up and look for the card reader.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

Hoping that they sleep in...

Worn out and tired

2011-11-17T22:31:00.003-05:00

I am whipped.

Tomorrow I will be worse.

I am going to be spending the day with all my boys and their classes for their thanksgiving feast.

I will want to pull my hair out within 10 mins...

I will stay though.

It's nice to be wanted.

Empty Freezer

2011-11-16T22:08:00.002-05:00

Well, Dh is home.

No, he didnt tell me he was coming home.

He just kinda appeared.

No deer for him.

So far, my dad has also not gotten one.

Need some Venison!

maybe I will have to hunt over Thanksgiving to get us one.

I'm a better shot than those two guys anyways.

Sick Boy?

2011-11-15T22:22:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, K stayed home from school due to a very bad cough.

Turns out he has a double ear infection and a sinus infection.

Dr gave him some antibiotics, I gave him some cough meds, and some motrin and he seemed well enough last night to go to Sparks.

This morning, we all woke up to get ready for school.

K pitched a fit.

Said he didnt feel good. He was sick. He wanted to stay home.

Of course he is screaming this at me and running around the house while he runs away from me so I dont make him get dressed.

Sure kid.

You are sick.

I get him to go to school.
Force him out of the car.

Drop off the Little Lady and go to Kmart to look around a bit then to the gym.

Nope.

Phone ringing.

School calling.

K is sick and I need to come get him.

I tell the woman that yes he has infections, he is not contagious, he was running around last night and this morning and that I want him to stay in class.

She said that is not possible.

He is too sick to stay in school

Yes.

This is my poor, sick, little boy who just couldnt stay in class.

I could SCREAM!!!!!

I get why the school wouldnt want a sick child in school.

Trust me!

If he was really sick, I would not have sent him!

No fever, not contagious, etc.

Why???

They had better let him stay tomorrow!!!!

If not, I will be livid!!!

See that one in the middle.

He is the one that is NOT too sick for school this week!

CheeseHead!!!

2011-11-14T23:03:00.002-05:00

It has been a very long day.

My middle son has not been feeling well and I find out he has a double ear infection and a sinus infection.

But, Life is good tonight as all the kiddos are asleep.

The PACKERS are on MNF.

and they are whooping on the Viks.

Go Pack Go!

Deer Widow

2011-11-13T20:44:00.004-05:00

I cant believe I have to write this.

This has never really happened to me.

Oh, of course I have been left alone.

I have watched the caravan north.

But, this time is different.

This time, it's for a week.

This time it is my husband.

I am a Deer Widow.

For those who dont know what this is...

My husband and dad (not together) have both left for deer camp as MI firearm deer season begins Tuesday.

I am not invited.

I am left at home to take care of the kids.

I am NOT happy about this predicament at all!

I love to hunt.

Before I got hurt, I took all my vacay to hunt and to motorcycle.

Now though, I was not invited to partake in hunting this year.

So, now I deal with the kids' questions as to where daddy is.

When is he coming home?

Why didnt he stay home?

Boo. Hoo.

Guess that is just me feeling sorry for myself.

Just hope someone brings home some venison.

Then I can complain about all the cooking I need to do.

Ahead of Schedule

2011-11-12T22:45:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought a Groupon to make online Christmas Cards.

Usually, I am making them pretty close to Christmas Eve.

Last year, I actually made them a week after New Years since we spent 9 days to and from Disney and didnt want to bother with it before we left.

So.

I am very proud to say.

That, for the first time in 4 years,

I have my Christmas Cards made!!!

That's right!

They are made, ordered, and just waiting for shipping!!!

Of course, I will need to address them once I get them.

and... well I may fall down on that one...

But, they are on their way!

Cant wait to NOT rush around at the last minute!

Now...to figure out Thanksgiving...

Fav Foto Friday (11.11.11)

2011-11-11T22:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Veterans Day!

Today is also Favorite Foto Friday!
To see more FFF's click here!

My Dad served in the Air Force!

I'm thankful for all the Veterans who have sacrificed!

I went through my pics today to find some summer park pictures.

E posing on a fence!

The Little Lady enjoying playing in the dirt and swinging with the wind in her hair!

K, sliding down the astroturf hill!

F enjoying the hill!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

early to bed...

2011-11-10T21:53:00.001-05:00

We headed up north for the weekend.

I am beat.

Going to take advantage of an early night.

Early to bed, Early to Rise, Fish like Hell and Make up Lies.

Or something like that....

Accomplished

2011-11-09T22:15:00.003-05:00

When my injury occurred in 2005, I spent months in bed.

It was painful for me to walk across the house much less to go somewhere and walk.

Riding in the car was horrible as was getting in and out of the car.

Life consisted of doctors appointments and sleep.

Then the kids came along...

I had to get out of bed... I also went back to school and had to get up to do that.

I had tried to work out and such during law school.
It always seemed as if I would do great for about a month but then my body would rebel and I would end up in bed for two weeks.

Life does not work well that way!

This spring though, I decided I had enough.

I was going to be forced to spend my entire summer studying for the bar.

People always complain about how much weight they gain while studying.

I didnt want that to happen to me.

After a week of sitting and looking at video for 4 hours only to go home and sit for another 3 hours while I did questions, I had enough!

I began to look for someplace to workout.

Before my injury, I was very active.

Soccer, softball, motorcycling, hunting, plus my hugely physical job!

I wanted to be able to do something with my kids...

So, I signed up for a one week trial at Powerhouse.

Yes. Powerhouse.

I had such a stereotype of who would work out there.

I figured I would be so uncomfortable that I would not be able to workout there.

Fortunately, what I had thought about the gym and its members, was not true.

I have been going there regularly since beginning of June.

40 lbs later I'm still going there.

Cant wait to see where I am by the time I take the Feb. bar!

If only I enjoyed shopping....

Dinner

2011-11-08T22:23:00.003-05:00

Some people LOVE to cook.

Some people HATE to cook.

Some should NEVER cook at all!

Today, before I left for my free-job, I put a beautiful roast in the crockpot.

I added fresh green beans, some celery, onion, garlic, and some golden potatoes.

Poured some water, put the lid on, turned it on, and left for free-job!

When I arrived home, I could smell it outside.

Smelled soo good.

Actually, it has been four hours since we ate and it still smells good in the house.

The meat fell apart.

The veggies were soaked with beefy goodness.

I was so excited to eat dinner.

It was fantastic!

Added a little sour cream with horseradish and it was wonderful!

I happily sat down and began to eat.

"Mom. Make me mac and cheese please!"

"Why?"

"I'm hungry"

"Have some more pot roast!"

"MOOOM, I HATE pot roast!!!"

Then they all began to join in about how horrible dinner was and they were STARVING!

My mood plummeted.

The kids ate a bag of chips and some fruit for dinner.

I really love to cook.

I eat my own cooking.

Others eat my cooking.

Even when I am hugely enjoying my food, when the kids dont eat, it depresses me.

I am hugely blessed that my kids eat everything!

But, why do they pick these times to tell me my food sucks.

They seem to pick up on the fact I'm feeling a little low...then expoit that all to hell!

Ah well....

AT least we ended the night watching Frosty and Frosty Returns!

Almost time for Non-Stop Christmas Movies and Music.

And my favorite part of the holidays is the cooking...

Maggie!

2011-11-07T21:58:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if everyone knows that we added a family member over the summer.

Her name is Maggie!

She is a Shih Tzu!

She was 7 weeks old when she joined us...and a whopping 3 lbs!

Now she is four months old and about 6 lbs!

She is soo cute and loves to play!

The kids just love her!

Little pup in a HUGE bed!

Worn out by the kids...

Kids were shocked we got another dog!

Yes...

I have bought her some clothes.

I think they are cute.

She's adorable!

GWL!

2011-11-06T21:40:00.005-05:00

On Friday, I arrived at the boys' school and picked them up at 11am.

We then drove south...to a fake meeting.

We had lunch and "headed home".

Actually... I had the van packed up.

We were going to spend the weekend at Great Wolf Lodge!!!

This weekend was the North East Ohio Guatemalan Adoptive Family Group's get together at the Great Wolf Lodge!

I've known about this for a few months now...but there is NO WAY I was going to tell the kids!

Once my kids get ahold of something, they cannot let it go!

The kiddo's goofing around!!!

The Little Lady had refused to go down the water slides!

Until... I promised her a pink Wolf toy.

Then I couldnt get her off the water slides!

"Mama, slides are so much fun!!!"

Not only does K love to swim... He L-O-V-E-S the arcade!!!

E also LOVES the arcade!
Playing the always-fun Wack-A-Mole!

E did great on this!

He also LOVES the water slides!

F also loves the water slides!!

Brotherly and Sisterly Love...
When they arent beating each other up!

Update on the Little Lady!

2011-11-05T21:59:00.004-04:00

Today's update is on the Little Lady!

The Little Lady is now 4 years old!

She goes to preschool 2 days a week!

The Little Lady is learning to write her name.

She can count to 10 in English and Spanish.

She knows her colors, her shapes, animals, food, etc.

She also knows the alphabet!

The Little Lady is very social.

She loves to talk.

and talk.

She also loves to sing.

The Little Lady loves to dress up!

She loves wearing tutu's!

If she had her way, she would wear dresses all the time!

The Little Loves to have her nails done.

She also loves to have her hair done.

If someone brings makeup over to the house she attacks it with a passion...she LOVES having makeup!
She got two makeup kits for her birthday and went nuts over them!

The Little Lady is usually very happy.

She has a great attitude most of the time and loves to be loved on.

She is Grandma's little girl.

She is also quite fond of Grandpa.

The Little Lady has three brothers who protect her

and annoy her!

Sometimes she is a momma's girl.

But, she is always my Baby Doll.

November Update on F!

2011-11-04T21:10:00.004-04:00

Tonight is about F!

F is 5.5 years old!

F is in K5!

If F had to be described in one word it would be:

ATTITUDE.

F is very smart.

F is sometimes too smart.

F knows how to read people...and he is able to play up to people.

F knows his abc's, he can count, and he is learning to read.

He is very interested in reading!

F does very well in school.

He does a bit of a tattle-tale reputation though...

But, it doesnt seem to have stopped him from making friends.

F will ask a lot of questions.

F likes to know what everyone is doing at all times.

He likes to know about everything that is around him.

He is also very opinionated about his experiences.

All of this should serve him very well later in life...

now, though it makes my job a touch more difficult!

One thing about F is that he always makes the best of the situation...

After the attitude!
Love this little guy!

November Update on K

2011-11-03T23:13:00.003-04:00

Today is all about K!

K turned 6 while we were in Guatemala!

K is in K5!

K is awesome in school!

K loves to draw!

He is always drawing super heroes and robots!

K is also great at writing letters and counting!

He is now beginning to read!

K LOVES to play video games.
He loves video games so much, mom and dad have a great tool for behavior modification!

Did I mention that K loves his video games???

K also loves his super hero cartoons.

LOVES!

K is also my mechanical guy.

He is the one that wants to know how everything works.

He is also the first one to challenge someone.

K likes it his way. His way only.

K can be very stubborn but, his smile makes people melt.

K loves to build with Lego's!

He loves to swim.

He loves to draw with chalk outside.

He also loves to hide.

sometimes a little too much...

K has had a long journey to become the great guy that he is today.

Whenever life has you down, you only need a smile and a hug from K!

Cant wait to see where life takes him next!

E's Update!

2011-11-02T22:01:00.003-04:00

This is E!

E is 6.5!

E is in the first grade!

E is very smart!

E can now read, he can count to infinity by ones and he can also count by 2's, 5,'s, and 10's.

He is awesome at math and at reading.

He is doing a lot better in school this year.

He is able to sit down during class now and pay attention more.

He has a couple of girlfriends of course... and seems to be popular in his class.

E still loves all kinds of food.

He eats everything and is willing to try new things.

He loves to swim.

He is great at diving under the water and swimming underwater.

He does flips and such and isnt afraid to try something new.

He played baseball this summer and did great!

He wants to play basketball in the near future.

E, like most boys, loves spiderman.

He loves all kinds of cartoons.

SpongeBob is very popular in our house.

E has a very strong personality.

He has picked up on my sarcasm and isnt afraid to use it.

He is also very good at pushing the boundaries.

More than once, I have wondered if he will be a sailor.

He is great at expressing himself verbally and orally... now we teach him to do it at the right time and at the right place.

E is very often a very lovable little guy.

Always my baby.

1st day of NaBloPoMo!!

2011-11-01T22:05:00.002-04:00

Welcome!

If you are just joining us, or if you have been a long time reader, I thought I would catch you up!

My name: Denise. Aka.. mom, momma, or counselor.

The other players: Dh. Damn husband or darling husband. assume nothing.

E - The oldest son. 6.5 years old.

K - The middle son. 6 years old

F - The younest son. 5 years old

Little Lady (LL) - our daughter. 4 years old.

Diego - 3 year old mutt that is a pain in the ass. (pita)

Maggie - my 5 month old Shiz Tsu who will be a wonderful pup soon as she stops pooping and peeing in the house.

Grandma and Grandpa - my parents. Living the retired life.

2011 has been a big year for all of us but, especially me.

I graduated Law School in May, Studied for the Bar Exam all summer long, failed said bar exam, but am volunteering at my dream job while I wait to take the next bar exam in February.

I began volunteering at my dream job in January. I am working in a public defender office. Love, Love, Love it! That's right. I not only defend criminals but, I defend poor criminals...the worst in society. I feel that everyone, no matter what they are accused of, deserve a vigorous defense. Much of my job is to humanize my clients in front of the judge. Even though some of these people do commit multiple crimes, they are people. They have moms, dads, wives, husbands, kids, etc. They have people who love them and people who may not like them but, they are human beings and when it seems the whole world is against them, I am not. I am someone who will defend their constitutional rights and who will represent them in court.

I have applied to many public defender offices but have yet to catch a job. I have also applied to some legal aid offices and to some firms that do defensive immigration law. I have been hugely blessed in my life to obtain an education and want to give back.

Other than work and school... life has consisted of trying to parent in the small time I have left in my day. While I love my job and I love my kids, I find that sometimes they are not compatible. It is much easier now that I dont have homework at night and on weekends but, I will once again spend 3 months at the library studying for the bar exam and thus that will take me away from my kids some more.

Oh yea... that bar exam... I'm not stupid...I'm not the smartest in the room either... I studied all summer... but, it was difficult to study with all the kids out of school... I thought I had really done enough to pass...I am not the best at standard test though and being 200 multiple choice questions and 9 essay questions, it did not treat me very well. I am still hugely depressed that I failed it especially since many of my former classmates now have their licenses and are able to practice on their own. Of course, I also lost some job opportunities since I didnt pass. It has made me very depressed for the past two weeks. A very terrible funk. Of course I need to get over it but, it is difficult. I will be back for the February test...after I pay a ton of money to a private tutor...and after I study for another three months. Hopefully by then I will have some job leads...

So, that is a quick little run-down of me.

Tomorrow I will begin updates on the kiddos.

Fav Foto Friday (10.28.11)

2011-10-28T19:19:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

I am finally posting something on FavFotoFriday!

To see more FavFotoFriday, click here!

Last weekend, we went to Boo at the Zoo!

Here are the kiddos!

E (Spiderman), K (Iron Man), F (Thor), Our neighbor S (Tinkerbell), and Little Lady (BatGirl)

Even big, bad, super heroes take time to pet guinea pigs!

Thor dressed up as a bee in a beehive!

The Amazing SpiderMan on his Web!

BatGirl as a Butterfly!

Tinkerbell with Monarch Wings!

The Whole Gang with Grandma!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Fav Foto Friday (7.22.11)

2011-07-22T18:22:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

Today is a very special Birthday Edition of Favorite Foto Friday!!!

Last Saturday, Our Little Lady turned 4 years old!!!!

The Cake!

Making a Wish!

Little Lady with her best friend S!

So excited for Lip Gloss!

All of the kiddos!

Birthday Girl!

To see more FFF click HERE!

Fav Foto Friday (7.1.11)

2011-07-01T17:41:00.003-04:00

Favorite Foto Friday!!!

Happy Friday!
To see more FFF's click here!

Here are my boys of summer!!!

This is F's first year of baseball!!!

He's doing very good!

E is ready for his 2nd season!

K is one of the teams power hitters!!!

Hope everyone has a great Fourth Of July!!!!

Favorite Foto Friday! (6.17.2011)

2011-06-17T12:19:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

Today's Favorite Foto Friday is about the last days of school!
To see more FFF's click here!

This is E and his K5 Teacher!!!
He "graduated" K5 last week and move-up day to 1st grade was yesterday!

K's last day of Young 5's!
Next Year = K5!

E's last day of K5!

Next Year = 1st Grade!

Happy Boys!

This is me.
On my graduation night.

I now have my Juris Doctorate!

This summer I am studying for the Bar Exam.

Next stop...finding a J-O-B.

Happy Weekend!

K's First Concert!

2011-04-19T22:58:00.004-04:00

Tonight was K's first concert!

They sang four songs and they played an instrumental number!

I was very excited that they are teaching basic instruments already!

K is not the most outgoing child.

I am soo proud of him though!

He sang all the songs and he played the xylophone!!!!

Yes, he kept his hands in his pockets....

But,

He Sang!!!!

Playing the xylophone!!!!

Enjoying an after concert snack with the others!

Hope this is just the beginning of a great music career!

Favorite Foto Friday (4.8.11)

2011-04-08T18:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

To see more Favorite Foto Friday's click HERE!

We had ALOT of snow this winter...

but much of it was not good for making snowmen.

We had one very large storm come in during the day and we were able to make a snowman right away!

The kids were so proud of their creation!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2011-04-04T13:59:00.003-04:00

Happy 52nd Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!!

Hope you have many, many happy years together!

I am so thankful that the two of you have shown myself and my kids what it means to be loved in a family.

Love both of you!

E's 6th Birthday!!!

2011-03-28T15:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was E's SIXTH Birthday!!!!

since he is still little, he ended up with a weekend of festivities!

Saturday, he went to an indoor play place, McDonalds, AND the park!

All courtesy of Grandma!

On Sunday, E was treated to IHOP!

He told the waitress it was his birthday...

5 mins later, with all the servers around him and

All the people in our section clapping for him...

This was his reaction!

"I am never doing this again."

A sweet reward for a little embarrassment!

My friend Nicole brought over the highlight of the day!

MEGAMIND!

Everyone loves a SpongeBob Birthday Cake!

Happy Birthday E!

Cant believe how quickly you are growing up!

Favorite Foto Friday! (3.18.11)

2011-03-18T09:06:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!

We are on an adventure to Great Wolf Lodge!

This is a joint bday present for E and F since their bdays are only a month apart!

To see more Fav Foto Friday's click HERE!

The "Great Wolf" himself delivering a shamrock-gram!

Waiting for the show to begin!

Intently watching!

Storytime with suckers... nothing better!

The Hosts of the evening!

8:30pm

This is why Great Wolf is sooo Great!!!!!

Valentines Day Cuteness!

2011-02-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

We dont really celebrate today as an actual holiday but I know there are many that do celebrate.

I have been meaning to post pictures of our trip to Florida...and other eventful times in our lives.

I have simply been in a blogging funk...

I am currently attending classes for twelve hours on Mon and Wed.

I am interning at the Public Defenders Office for eight hours on Tues and Thurs.

Friday's are spent helping at the kids' school, doing random errands, or just being busy with other things.

Weekends have been crazy trying to put the house back together after a whirlwind of a week.

After reading all of that... I wish I was back on Vacay...

Here are some pics from the pool in Orlando!

Highly recommend the SpringHill Suites across from Sea World!

Favorite Foto Friday! (1.7.11)

2011-01-08T15:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Weekend!!!

I am sorry that my Fav Foto Friday is a day late...

But, here are pictures of my kids with Disney characters from our

First Trip to Disney!

We went to Florida for Christmas!

Will write more about this later!

Frankie with a character (dont know who it is)

Three of the Kiddo's with Minnie Mouse!

The Little Lady with Goofy!

Daddy, the Little Lady and Frankie with Goofy!

Goofy signing the autograph books!

Goofy with F!

Donald signing the autograph books!

All of the kids enjoying Donald Duck!

1-1-11

2011-01-01T18:34:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011!

This is going to be a year of many changes.

Hope when we ring in 2012 that the changes in our lives will be positive.

Favorite Foto Friday! (12.10.10)

2010-12-10T18:18:00.004-05:00

Happy Favorite Foto Friday!

For more favorite foto friday's click HERE!

This week, I have pictures from our Christmas picture photo session!

Just a few of the pictures that were taken a couple of weeks ago!

If you like the pics and are near my area, my photographer can be found HERE!

It's been one of those weeks!

Next week has to be better!

Fav Foto Friday (9.24.10)

2010-09-24T22:27:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

To see more Favorite Foto's click HERE!

Once again the kids had their faces painted this week at Wednesday dinner!

This time our grandkids came along and they had a great time also!

Today was also a special day as E lost his first tooth!

Our little bear before he lost his tooth.

A cute little guy with a snake!

Our Granddaughter A

Grandson C as a cute tiger!

Our soccer season begins tomorrow!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Fav Foto Friday (9-17-10)

2010-09-17T12:29:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

To see more Favorite Foto Friday's click HERE!

Today's Fav Foto Friday is all about the Little Lady!

See is getting soooo BIG!

The Little Lady had a BIG week as she began Preschool!!!!

Pretty Girl!

"Momma Take a picture of ME!"

Ready for School!!!

So excited to go to school!

Waiting at the door!

She had a great first day!

Face Painting

2010-09-11T16:22:00.003-04:00

Wednesday night Buffalo Wild Wings has family night.

They have cheap kids meals, Sponge Bob on the BigScreen, Balloon Animals, and Face Painting!

They kids have never been interested before in face painting, but this week they wanted to try.

The painter did a GREAT job!!!

Here are the results!

(K didnt want his face painted...but wanted his pic taken anyways...)

Fav Foto Friday (9-10-10)

2010-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

This has been a super busy week for us!

We had TWO boys begin Kindergarten!!!

It was also the beginning of F's 2nd year of Pre-school!

Ready for School!!!

Showing off those uniforms!!!

New Backpack!

Ready for K-5!

(so ready this was the only pick I could get of him)

Ready for another year of preschool!

She's almost ready for preschool...

Hope Everyone Has a GREAT Weekend!

Fav Foto Friday (7.30.10)

2010-07-30T23:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

It's the Last Friday of July!

Here is an updated pic of my babies!!!

(not quite babies anymore!)

To see more Favorite Foto Friday's click HERE!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Fav Foto Friday (7.23.10) Birthday Edition!

2010-07-23T21:50:00.003-04:00

After a month Hiatus...

Welcome to my Fav Foto Friday!!!

To see more FFF's click HERE!

Last Saturday our Little Lady turned 3!!!!!!!

We had a get-together at a water park and then we cooked out at a playground!

We all had a lot of fun!

Here are some pics of the festivities!!!

Lazy Friday

2010-06-26T00:53:00.000-04:00

Today was DH's and mine 6th wedding anniversary.

It's also a Friday

and

we went to a party and stayed way too late.

I'm tired.

Pictures to happen tomorrow.

Thursday....

2010-06-24T22:18:00.002-04:00

Ok...Blogger is NOT cooperating with me...
so, once again I cannot load pictures...

We went to a Kindergarten play date tonight at a local play place.
The kids had a lot of fun.

The teachers and the principles were there...
So the kids and the adults all got to meet each other.
The whole family was able to get in for free also!
Best part of the night!!

Weird Earthly Happenings...

2010-06-23T22:21:00.000-04:00

We had an earthquake today!
It wasn't centered here...but we sure felt it! Happens about once every 10 years or so... I'm gonna mark the calendar now....

We are under a tornado warning for the 3rd time in 2 weeks...
We are havin a really bad storm right now... Computers are shut down...thank goodness for my BlackBerry...

Enough geological excitement for me today... I'm gonna sleep through the rest of this storm... We lost tv bout an hour ago anyways...

Sleeping problems...

2010-06-22T23:23:00.002-04:00

Summer time has brought around sleeping problems...

I get that it is so not cool to have to go to bed when it is still light outside...but really...

my kids cant stay up till 11pm either... or can they????

We have had quite a problem getting the kids to sleep... more than usual...

it seems to rotate between kids right now too....

Tonight I had the Little Lady and F in bed with me... dh came home and then they went to bed...

Apparantly I dont have what it takes to put kids to bed...unless it is my own!

We have also had a problem with the kids waking up early...

I remember being a kid and just wanting to sleep... nothing has changed as an adult...but still... why dont they want to sleep in the morning????

so... we have kids late up at night... up early in the morning... all equals cranky kids.

They are getting a lot of exercise and such in the pool and at school and such... I mean it is tiring me out! *laughs*

Oh well... we need to find the magic bedtime again... gotta begin getting our boys in a routine for school this fall... they wont get naps or anything in K5... so they need to be able to wake up early, stay up all day, do homework at night, and then go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Hoping after our two summer birthdays, things will begin to get better and the kids will begin to sleep again...

Monday Mommy Fail

2010-06-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

There should be pictures of my boys' tee-ball games here.

Instead, I had to be in class...

So, I missed both of their games.

They were disappointed when they finally came and got me...

They wanted to tell me about their games...but they were too tired...

So, I'm gonna hear about it tomorrow.

Not a huge deal maybe...but guess to me it is...

I just feel like I am failing at this mom job...while succeeding at others...

Yes... I want my cake and I want to eat it also.

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2010-06-20T23:32:00.002-04:00

Today we celebrated Father's Day!

Kids went into the pool at 8am...

Got out briefly to take dad to brunch...

Then right back into the pool!

They did take another break for dinner...

little F fell asleep...

and then N and I took the two boys and the Little Lady back into the pool till bed time!

Daddy had fun today with his kids and grandkids...and with his new game!

We bought him Cabela's huntin for the wii...

of course even the kids like playing it!

Hope all the Daddy's out there had a great day!

Just a swimming...

2010-06-19T22:38:00.003-04:00

Blogger is Buggin me!!!!

Anyways...

Saturday was an awesome day!!!!

Beautiful weather to spend the day in the pool!!!

K all suited up and ready to go!

The Little Lady wants in also!

E in mid-flight on his way to the water!

F doing a somersault into the pool!

(E does them also)

(They can also do them backwards)

K very happy to be in the pool!

K in mid-flight!

E taking his jumps seriously!

The Three Boys loving the pool!!!

After all this swimming... momma was NOT gonna cook... so we ordered pizza...

The kids' favorite delivery guy showed up.

E ran up, gave him a hug, and told him that he loved him...

Guess I need to cook more often!

*laughs*

Fav Foto Friday (6.18.10)

2010-06-18T17:21:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

With Sunday being Father's Day...

I thought I would post one of my favorite pics of my dh.

This was 4 years ago...

In Guatemala...

On our last visit with K who was 10 months old...

It was our first time having all three boys together...

This was the beginning few days of the world cup...

Big K and little K both got the flag of Argentina painted on their faces.

Little things that matter...

2010-06-17T23:57:00.003-04:00

Wore a new suit to work today.

I liked it... dh didnt.

I got three compliments on it.

I'm glad about that....

See, all this office stuff is completely new to me...

Before the injury, I'd roll out of bed... throw something on... get to work,

put coveralls on, work and get nasty as all heck...and then throw "acceptable" clothes back on.

Acceptable was/is usually a tee-shirt and a pair of jeans...

shoes/socks are always optional.

Nowadays though... getting dressed means... well being dressed up.

I work in an office that requires suits.

Suits that one can wear to court if need be.

Complete with shoes and socks.

It has and will take some time to get used to.

It will also take some time to get used to being treated differently....

I'm no longer accepted by "blue collar folks" and I'm not accepted by "white collar folks"

Guess I need to join the "Grey Collar Folks"

and...

In other news today...

We finally have a NEW radio in our van!!!!!

I have spent a week driving around with kids and husband with. no. radio.

uggggg.

Seriously.

It was not fun.

now... I H.A.T.E. the radio station that my husband listens to...

but, bring it on over having to hear all 4 kids whine on my way to work and on the way home from work and on the way here and there and everywhere!

Now... ahhhh..... I can turn up the radio again...

We have also moved up in the world since we can plug my ipod into it!

Now I can listen to Conway Twitty whenever the mood hits!!!!!

Of course.... it will now be a battle between Conway and Spongebob....

I'm betting on the hair!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T23:25:00.002-04:00

Taking a breather...

2010-06-15T23:33:00.003-04:00

So... I am halfway on vacation....

Two oldest boys went to their grandparent's house today!!!

They are up north having fun...

And the younger kids are home having fun...

It sure makes a difference only having two kids as opposed to four!

It is almost a vacation!

Also hugely excited!!!

Got some great news tonight!!!

I got accepted into the Asylum and Immigration Clinic for this fall!!!

Happy, Happy, Happy!!!

Excited!!!

Registered for classes today!

Looks like I'm going to have a busy fall...

but...

it's my last fall semester!

The light has arrived at the end of the tunnel!!!!

(Someone please remind me of this when I am in the trenches!!!)

Take me out to the ball game....

2010-06-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

Today was the boys' first Ball Game!!!!

K plays on the Marlins

E plays on the Rockies

They played each other tonight!

Our Marlins infielder K!

Lead hitter for the Rockies... E!

Concentrate....

SWING

and

HIT!

Waitin on first base!

K at bat!

Nice swing!

Running to 1st!

Touching the plate!

The Cheering Section!!!!

Most important...

Have Fun!

and

Learn how to Win AND Lose!

Lazy Sunday

2010-06-14T00:03:00.002-04:00

Sunday

End of the weekend

Beginning of the week

Any way you look at it, it is an interesting day

Went out for breakfast

Grabbed some groceries

Took some naps

E had tee-ball practice

Played outside

Cooked Dinner

Ate some Meatloaf

Watched some Spongebob

Went to Bed!

Hoping for a great week!

A Perfect Saturday

2010-06-12T22:09:00.002-04:00

Today couldnt have been much better!

Got to sleep in a little...

Ran a few errands...

Went grocery shopping...

Spent a few hours in the pool...

Cooked ribs for dinner...

Ribs were delicious!!!

Went back into the pool...

Kids had showers...

Kids went to bed...

I'm off to bed!

Fav Foto Friday (6.11.10)

2010-06-11T22:58:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!!

Today's Favorite Foto Friday is about things we LOVE!!!!

To see more Fav Foto Friday's click Here!

We of course have a house full of love!

Everyone LOVES

(at least all the little everyones)

The Little Lady LOVES to dress up!!!!

Her and her brothers LOVE to watch:

The boys all LOVE to play with

and everyone in the house LOVES to watch

F loves SpongeBob so much he has a SpongeBob toy and clothes!

As the parents of four todders...

Mom and Dad absolutely love

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

First Tee-Ball Practice!

2010-06-10T22:15:00.004-04:00

Today began our journey into the sporting world.

I'm not sure if any of us enjoyed it...

I know when I was younger I LOVED sports!!!!

I began baseball and soccer when I was 4... I played through high school...

If my back wasnt ruined I would still be playing...

I was playing until I got hurt...

My kids...

Well...

Uh...

I'm not sure they want to play baseball...

They didnt want to keep their mits on...

They didnt want to have to run bases...

They didnt want to have to swing the bat...

Kinda all the requirements of playing baseball...

But...Monday is their first game...

We will see if day 2 brings us happier kids!

Of course, I did take pics...

E and K didnt want to have to move for the ball...

K kinda trapped the ball...

then throwing to first...

E waiting for the ball...

and throwing to first...

K at bat... and yes.. it was coach pitch...and he hit!

E at bat!

Look at that form...

The swing after this, E also hit!

He hit his dad right in the head!!!

E running...

and this is why he runs into things...

He is running to third while watching something else...

The Little Lady making dirt angels on the field...

She was more interested in playing than the boys were!

Sorry no pics of F today...

It was NOT a good picture day for him...

He is upset he doesnt get to play...

Our church league requires Kindergarten and up...

Maybe he will have a fire in him for next year though!

Monday has to be bettter!!!

Tired...in a good way

2010-06-09T21:44:00.003-04:00

Well... I cant get my post header to load... Blogger has been having problems lately...

Anyways... I am exhausted!
But happy!

Had an ok day at work...
Two memo's to write...lots of research to do...
Got reasearch and one memo done...just gotta pretty it up in the morning.

Picked the kids up from school...
Had an ice cream treat!
Picked up a friend...
Came home and swam in the pool for a couple of hours...
Grilled dinner out and had Salad, baked beans, and sausages.
HoneyDew melon for dessert!

I am sooo tired...but happy...

What is Dad doing now???

2010-06-08T22:20:00.004-04:00

So, what is Dad up to now???

Dad is older... I wont name ages...

Dad recently became the handyman at the preschool where the boys go to school.

Dad is the morning parent.

Dad likes to wake up in the morning.

Dad likes to go to bed early at night.

On Tuesday's Dad plays softball in the 35+ Ford League.

Dad gets to play softball with a couple of guys he used to work with.

Dad also plays ball with some of his family members.

Dad also likes to do woodworking.

Dad likes to read magazines.

Dad likes to watch movies.

Dad also likes hanging out with his kiddos.

What is Mom doing now???

2010-06-07T16:35:00.003-04:00

Sorry... no pics of me!

*laughs*

I am NOT very photogenic at all...

Anyways...

I'm 32 years old...

I am in my Third (and FINAL) year of Law School!!!

I am currently interning at Legal Aid Defenders Association.

I am in the Civil Law Group, Family Law Division.

I do a variety of work but some examples of the kind of work I am doing are:

Assisting in Pro-Per Divorce Clinics, Expungements, some property claims, name changes, and court observations.

Our office only services those who are 200% or less below the federal poverty level.

Most of our clients have multiple problems and we try to do the best we can.

I really enjoy doing public interest work and would like to do this when I graduate law school.

I am also newly elected to the Detroit - Michigan Executive Board of the National Lawyers Guild! (www.michigannlg.org)

I am very proud and humbled to have been elected on my first try!

I am so happy that I have found such a great group of like minded and successful attorney's to work with as we work towards social justice.

I am also still involved with the Public Interest Law Association, Law Students for Reproductive Justice, and the OUTlaws (LGBT group).

I am currently taking one class which is for my internship.

Since I only go into the office 3-4 days a week for 6 hours, I am really enjoying the extra time with my family!

I like making dinner for my kids most nights of the week.

I also enjoy spending most of the afternoons and evenings with my kids.

I LOVE not having to study every spare minute!!!!!!!

I LOVE not having to force read after they go to bed!!!!

I love being able to breath a little!

This next year will be difficult but I can kinda see the light at the end of the tunnel.

For the future... I have been thinking about a possible move out of state...

I have had the "new child craze" for the past 6 months...

(I wont say baby lust...cuz well...no more babies!!!!)

I cannot wait for our two oldest to begin Kindergarten...but I really dont look forward to being up early 5 days a week...

I am NOT a morning person...

I want the kids to begin music training... probably on the violin or piano...

I also want the boys to begin sports...

I miss my music....

I really, really, really, miss playing...

I have no time to begin playing right now.

I also miss scrapbooking...

I have not yet made time this year to scrapbook.

I also have sewing projects calling my name.

I once again have not made time.

I have had a little problem filling my time with productivity when I am enjoying NOT having to be productive this summer!!!

I love our new pool!

I'm so glad the boys love the new pool!

I hope the Little Lady begins to like the pool!

I am hoping we continue to have a great summer!

What is the Little Lady doing now???

2010-06-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

The Little Lady is almost 3!

She will be three next month...but seems like she will be 13!

The Little Lady can sing her alphabet although she does not yet sing clear enough to hear each and every letter...but she does sing the song.

She can count to five in English and Spanish.

She knows the names of her brothers, her full name, and her Grandparents.

She knows the parts of her body...although she still says she has "peanuts".

She knows her colors, basic shapes, and her food.

She likes to eat everything but she is partial to carbs.

Spaghetti, mac and cheese, and bread are her favorites.

She eats all her fruits and vegetables.

The Little Lady is working on potty training when she wants to.

As soon as she is potty trained she will go to pre-school with her brother.

She can completely dress herself and she even puts her shoes on the correct feet!

She loves to change clothes throughout the day and would change more if she could get ahold of the clothes!

She loves shoes and will take them from other kids...

She loves her "magic", which is a star shaped wand...

She (and her brothers) tells everyone she is a princess.

She loves Tinkerbell.

The Little Lady loves our dog Diego.

She loves to cuddle with her dad and I.

She is absolutely in love with her Grandma and Grandpa G.

She would probably live with them if she could.

She loves going to their house for a few days at a time.

She loves to cuddle up on Grandpa's lap and get fed or fall asleep.

She loves to cuddle with her brothers also and will sometimes sneak into their beds at night.

The Little Lady is a very happy little girl!

She loves to play with her brothers and she loves to play with the little girl next door.

She loves music, she loves Dora, and she loves Tinkerbell.

She is very loved by us!

What is F doing now???

2010-06-05T21:55:00.003-04:00

So... what is F doing right now???

F is 4 years old!

He just finished his first semester of Pre-School!

He knows his alphabet, he can count to 15, he knows his shapes, his colors, foods, and animals.

He can draw shapes and lines and is learning to write his name.

He likes to color and he is very good at coloring!

He knows the street he lives on and what city we live in.

He knows all the names of the people in our family.

F can hop on one foot, can jump with two feet, can do somersaults, can do cartwheels,

and loves to do flips off of the rings.

He also does flips into the pool and will swim underwater.

He loves waterslides and swimming pools.

F loves to climb and jump!

F also loves to swing!

F loves chicken and will choose chicken for every meal if he could.

F also loves chocolate milk...he would drink it for every meal.

Cereal is his favorite snack.

He also loves all his fruit and will eat all his veggies with salad, carrots, and celery being his favorites.

F's favorite character is SpongeBob!

He could watch SpongeBob 24/7 if he could!

He loves his SpongeBob toys, his SpongeBob cups, his SpongeBob clothes, etc.

He loves to sing the opening song and he has all the songs on the Yellow Album memorized!

F can be a very sweet boy...but F has major attitude!

I call him the drama king!

F likes attention.

F also likes to play the victim even though he may be the instigator.

When F is in a good mood though, he is a very happy little guy who loves to laugh!

When he is mad though, his little lip sticks out and he sulks...

It is funny sometimes.

F is a kind little guy who loves his big brothers very much!

He loves to do everything they do and gets upset when he cant do the same.

F also loves his little sister but he also like to pick on her since he gets picked on sometimes.

F is a daddy's boy and both his momma and daddy love him!

Not so Fun Friday

2010-06-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

I am only posting due to trying to blog for every day this month.
I have spent today with an extreme headache...I also had to pack up and prepare for a mom2mom sale that is taking place tomorrow. About 5pm today my body decided it had enough. I don't even remember my head hittin the pillow...but I was supposed to begin to set up for the sale...my dh tried 3 times to wake me in a timely manner but it was just not gonna happen... Luckly I will have help tomorrow...so I should be able to set everything up in the morning.
We are getting ready to have thunderstorms tonight. Hopefully they pass on through so that my kiddo's can spend the weekend in the pool!

What is K doing now???

2010-06-03T23:37:00.003-04:00

So... What in the world is K doing now???

K is 4 years old... only a couple months away from turning 5!

He just finished up his first full year of pre-school!

K can count to 20!

He knows all of his letters!

He is beginning to write his first name!

He knows his whole name, his street, and the state he lives in.

He knows he was born in Guatemala and that he came here when he was bigger than a baby.

K can throw a ball overhand, catch a ball in a glove, and can hit a ball that is thrown at him.

K can also kick a ball a long way.

K loves to play in the pool and will put his full face in the water and will go under water.

He can also go across the monkey bars and will hang upside down.

He loves to swing.

K loves to eat!

He eats everything!

K knows what he wants to eat and he will ask specifically for food.

If he doesnt get what he asks for though, he refuses to eat...for a while... he eventually gives in though and will eventually eat.

K still has bad days.

K still has bad nights.

Things have been improving though over the past year.

K loves to cuddle and he loves to give these HUGE hugs!

The first thing people notice about K is his HUGE smile!

He is really shy...but once he warms up to you, he is very loving.

K likes attention but not a lot of attention. He does not like to be the center of attention.

K will begin Kindergarten in the fall!

He has already been to his new school and likes the building and play park!

K will be playing tee-ball this summer and is looking forward to it.

K loves to dig in the ground and look for worms...

He is truly a lover of all creatures... he loves bugs!

K will ask a hundred questions in a day.

He is soo curious about everything!

He really does love animals, bugs, and other people.

K has a very large vocabulary.

He is very empathetic.

He asks a lot of questions about feelings and such.

He is very loving towards his momma and daddy and his brothers and sister.

He is very protective of them... but he is also very protective of his toys

which sometimes leads to conflict.

K is NOT a morning person!!!

K needs a while to wake up in the morning or after a nap.

K can be very stubborn.

Hopefully his stubbornness will serve him well as an adult...not so much as a toddler!

We sure love our Little K!!!!

What is E doing now???

2010-06-02T23:22:00.004-04:00

So... the Theme for NaBloPoMo is NOW!

I have NOT given an update on the kids in a very, very long time...

So, what better time to update then NOW????

I will begin with E since he is our oldest.

E is now 5

He just finished his 2nd year of pre-school!

He can write his first name... he knows his whole name, the street he lives on, the city, state, and that we live on a planet.

He can count to about 25-27 without mistake and he knows his full alphabet. He can name numbers and letters and also write them. He knows all his major shapes, colors, food, animals, things like that.

E can throw a ball over hand and can catch a ball in a glove.

He is gonna begin t-ball this summer!

E likes to do summersaults, flips, backflips, and cartwheels.

He can go across the monkey bars without help, he can do complete flips on the rings, and he can hang upside down without hands on a bar (with his knees holding him)

He loves to climb...he will climb trees, ladders, anything... he does not have a fear of heights.

He loves to be in the pool...he goes completely underwater... he can doggie paddle...and he is doing flips off of the ladder and into the pool.

E has awesome verbal skills.

He speaks clear enough that everyone understands him.

He has very complex thoughts.

He has now learned to use words to hurt people... he has now learned to use words when he is angry... he has learned how to use words to express sadness and happiness.

He makes me laugh... a lot.

The maintenance man at their school passed away recently...the school (baptist pre-school) sent home a letter explaining that they had told the kids that he was now in heaven with Jesus and that he was healthy again and happy.

E took it in...asked a few questions...then out of the blue told me that he wanted me to hurry up and go to heaven to be with Jesus...cuz then I wouldnt be allergic to cats anymore...and they could have their cat back.

E loves to flirt with girls.. he loves being the center of attention in a group...but he does have a very shy side to him also. Sometimes all that attention becomes too much and he wants to leave. He is very popular at school though with other students as well as with the teachers.

E will be in Kindergarten in the fall.

He will be going to a charter school... he will be taking Spanish classes after school...and he will be in cub scouts.

He has already been to his new school 3 times and seems to be very excited to be going to school with BIG kids!

It's amazing how great E is for the position of Big Brother!

He has three younger siblings...and he takes care of all of them...

He is very protective of his brothers and sister...

He is also very loving with his daddy and momma.

If I need a hug or a smile I'm sure to get both from him!

He has a large capacity to care and to love

I hope it never leaves him!

Happy June!

2010-06-01T22:48:00.004-04:00

Cant believe it is June already!!!

I had a wonderful 1st day of the month!

A friend and I went and saw Sex and the City 2!

I really enjoyed it... it had a lot of touching moments...but a lot of funny scenes also!

We also took time to take the kids to McD's for dinner.

We used to go on Wednesdays...but they moved the "Family Night" to Tuesday...and Dh

plays softball on Tuesday night, so we cant make it...

But, no softball tonight...so, we made Family Night... and we took our neighbor's children with us also.

Kids had a great time playing...and I actually got to read a bit while they played!

Yes...In addition to $1.50 Happy Meals they also have crafts the kids can do!

Little F and Little S enjoying the crayons and scissors!

A smile now that he saw the camera!

The Little Lady enjoys coloring...but did try her hand at cutting... maybe we will wait a bit longer till we introduce those scissors...

Intently drawing...

K had great imagination!

Heard the kids giggling....

At least everyone had fun!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T23:17:00.003-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

We have been very blessed to have a great weekend!

We now have a 15 foot pool in the back yard...and it has turned out to be a wonderful investment!

Not only are the kids happy and playing outside...they are going to bed and sleeping through the night!

Of course it's nice for us adults also...

We had perfect weather Friday, Saturday, and Sunday... but wouldnt ya know it...it had to come to an end...

The kids got to enjoy the pool for a couple of hours this morning/early afternoon...then a storm came up... horrible wind and lots of hail...

We ate lunch...storm passed over... kids went back in the pool!

Got a couple of more hours in...and another storm rolled in... so, we made dinner, kids watched a couple of movies...and we still had a great day!

yes...that is hail... all over our sidewalk...

Hoping everyone has a fun and safe summer!!!

Fav Foto Friday (5.21.10)

2010-05-21T19:23:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

To see more favorite foto friday's, click HERE!

We are so glad it is gettin warm out!!!!

We can now enjoy one of the BEST things about Summer!!!

ICE CREAM!!!!

Hope everyone has a fun filled weekend!!!!

Little Lady Day 08

2010-05-21T19:01:00.005-04:00

May 8th was our Little Lady's 2nd Anniversary!

It is the day that she arrived on US soil and gained her US Citizenship!

It is also the first night that she spent in our house with the whole family.

It happened to be right in the middle of exam time...but we wanted to do something special anyways....

In the morning we went to breakfast....

We then went to the movies to see "Oceans".

NOT.A.Good.Idea!

I dont know what happened...but, Oceans did not capture the attention of our kids...

We ended up leaving.... but not before we had lots of popcorn and soda!

That night we were able to get together with the Little Lady's Godmother and her son D!

We went to an indoor playplace and everyone had a great time!

We are soo blessed to have the Little Lady in our lives!!!!

She loves her McDonald's crown!

Cant wait till the Shrek movie comes out!!!

Excited for the movie to begin!

Having a great time!!!

Taming the Zebra!

Weeeee!!!!

Little F double fisting the Lemonade!

E making a smooth pose on the slide!

D showing me some attitude!

F having fun in the treehouse!

The whole group!

Just the boys having some fun!

Fav Foto Friday (5.14.10)

2010-05-14T15:31:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

To see more Favorite Foto Fridays click here!

My favorite fotos from this week were taken Sunday on Mother's Day!

I am extremely blessed to have four beautiful children and a supportive and loving husband!

My blessings and I!

This pic got a little washed out...but it was too cute...

Me joining in on making faces!

My beautiful kids!

Fav Foto Friday (4.30.10)

2010-04-30T08:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

I am gettin ready for my first exam out of 5 today....

But, I am still posting my FFF!

To see more FFF click HERE!

This week has been a very fun week!

Not only have I been preparing for exams...*snark*

I have been able to spend time with my friend Kate.

Kate left Michigan almost 3 years ago..and it's been almost 2 years since I have seen her.

She has hung out with the kids and I...and with just me...and we have had a great time.

She even went to half price pizza night with us on Monday!!!

My kids love her...and she is their Auntie Kate!

Kate with E!

Kate with F!

Kate with K!

Cant wait for exams to be over with...

But at least I have had a nice distraction!

Cubbie Awards!

2010-04-21T20:50:00.004-04:00

Yesterday E and K finished up a year of the Awana Cubbie's Program!!!

To see what the Cubbie program is, click HERE.

Basically, it is a time to teach kids simple bible stories, simple verses, and bible songs.

They begin as Cubbies and it actually goes through high school, I believe....

So, our boys completed their entire book... learning a verse every week!

E with some of his classmates getting his certificate.

K getting his certificate

This is a picture of the kids all singing...

Yes, they are doing motions to the song...

See what my boys are doing????

Absolutely NOTHING!

In fact, K has his head laid on the rail...and E just stared off

Apparently K does not participate in group activities...

E only participates when he wants...

I'm kinda disappointed in this... but not sure if this is something I should push...

F got to play in the gym during the award ceremony.

Cubbie Bear even showed up!!!!

We are very proud of our boys for finishing their program!!!

If they continue next year they will be in the Sparks program...

F will begin Cubbies in the Fall!

Sunday Dressing Up

2010-04-18T19:29:00.003-04:00

The Little Lady is quickly showing momma that she is a girly girl.

We got through numerous changes of clothes a day...

When she does change, she usually changes into a dress...even if it is to go out to play in the mud...

This Minnie Mouse dress she found for me at a mom2mom sale.

She picked it off a rack and ran it over to me... so... I had to buy it...

She has been wearing it around the house for a couple of weeks now...and I finally told her she could wear it outside today.... she was thrilled and even put it in a special spot for this morning.

I dont want to say my kids are camera hogs...

but...

This is what happened after I took her pic...

Ohhh Mom!!!!

Take MY pic too!!!

Wait MOM!!!

You didnt take MY pic!!!

Oh MOM!!!!

Can we take a funny picture???

Please????

Fav Foto Friday (4.16.10)

2010-04-16T20:44:00.003-04:00

Happy Spring!!!!

To see more Spring photo's click HERE!

One way we know for a fact it is spring around here is the ability to play outside!!!!

While Grandpa was going to doctor's appointments, Grandma took all of us to the park for a while!

Big Rocks Rawk!

Flying off the Rock!

K joins in on the Rock fun!

Climbing on the jungle gym

F diggin in the sand pit

The Little Lady enjoying the slide!

The Little Lady losing her pants... oops...

Our boys sure love to climb trees!

Have a great weekend!

Weekend Fun!

2010-04-14T17:41:00.004-04:00

Well Spring has Sprung around here....

and that means more trips to the park!!!

Last Friday was a beautiful night...and we decided to have a picnic dinner at the park!

Yes F... I DO have to take your pic on the swing!!!

(I never thought I would turn into THAT camera carrying mom!)

The Little Lady enjoying her Lemonade!

K flying through the air on the swing!!!!

E was gone from our house for a few days!!!!

He got to go all by himself up to Grandma and Grandpa's!

He was very excited and he had a great time!!!

He also got some park time while up north!

Beautiful smile!!!

Showing off his muscles on the climber!

Hugging a rock... all boy...

At Menards...trying to convince us to buy them this swing...

They do look relaxed on it!

Fav Foto Friday (4.9.10)

2010-04-09T14:36:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!

This week I am showing off my Easter pics.

To see more Favorite Foto's click HERE!

Easter Weekend was especially special for us since Easter Sunday was also the

51st Anniversary of my Parents Wedding!

We did a fun egg hunt on Saturday!

On Sunday we all went to church and I made Prime Rib and Shrimp Scampi for dinner!

It was a perfect weather weekend and the kids played outside the entire weekend.

Everyone had a great time!

Egg Hunt Time!!!!

Running back to show me their bags!!!

Little guy is afraid I was gonna take his eggs from him...

K almost needed an extra bag!!!

The Little Lady found her share of eggs!

Waiting to open eggs!!!

K sword fighting...and holding tight to that bag of candy!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

McDonald Birthday Party!

2010-03-30T21:13:00.004-04:00

Saturday was E's 5th birthday!!!!

We opened presents at home and then we had a birthday party at McDonalds!

Everyone had a great time!!!!

It's great to spend such a happy day with friends!

What will it be????

Zhu Zhu Pets!!!!

Zhu Zhu pet and a cool puzzle!

Our Ronalds McDonald Cake!

Opening presents is a group effort!

The Birthday Boy enjoying his cake!

BFF's!

Acting silly!

K looking at one of the presents!

The Little Lady enjoying some ice cream!

F showing some attitude since the cake was all gone...

he wanted thirds...

E showing off his new pj's and one of his hamster houses!

A happy ending to a happy day!

Fav Foto Friday Birthday Edition (3.26.10)

2010-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Friday!!!!!!

To see more FFF's click here!

We have a birthday boy this week!!!!

Tomorrow is E's 5th Birthday!!!!!

I cannot believe he is gonna be 5!!!!!

This is the first birthday he is really getting into... he is sooo excited to see what is in store for him on Saturday!

We are excited also!!!

Happy Birthday E!!!!!

Cant wait to see how fun this year is!

Love ya Big Guy!!!

F's First Day of Pre-School!

2010-03-23T23:26:00.002-04:00

We have another Pre-Schooler in the family!!!!!!

Today was F's first day of preschool!!!!!!

Showing off his new backpack!!!

All smiles on the way to school!

At school!!!

Walkng in with his brothers!!!

All the kiddo's after school!

Fav Foto Friday (3.19.10)

2010-03-19T23:43:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

This is a fam picture that we took while at the Great Wolf Lodge.

I'm just so glad that we were able to get away and have a lot of fun together!
Sometimes we get so bogged down in everyday life that we dont stop to look around and enjoy everything that we have.
I loved watching the kids have fun!
I loved spending time with the kids and with dh without a worry!
It was a great break and cant wait to do it again!

Great Wolf - Day 3

2010-03-19T00:20:00.004-04:00

All good things must come to an end...
Today was our last day at the Great Wolf Lodge.

We woke up, packed up, had breakfast, and then hit the pool for a few more hours before heading home!
We did a lot today... I am exhausted...but in a good way...
I think the boys loved their time there...and I'm sure dh and I did also.
It's nice to be able to just enjoy the moment for a while...and not worry about everything else.
Cant wait till we can plan another trip back!

YES!!!!
All SLEEPING!!!!

Everyone had to get a picture sittin in the bear!!!!

The Tube slides were very popular with the boys!!!
They had to ride with dad...but they didnt care!
We better have a pool for these boys for the summer!

Great Wolf - Day 2

2010-03-17T23:32:00.005-04:00

Amazing how well everyone sleeps after a full day at the water park!!!!

We had a nice big breakfast this morning..then headed back for some more fun!

Today was all about the water slides!

I watched E go down the same two slides for over an hour....
They all had fun on the different slides though.

We played so hard in the morning...everyone was ready for a nap in the afternoon...
We then went to dinner...then had another 2 hours of water fun!

We leave tomorrow...but we are allowed to use the water park as long as we want tomorrow...
So, I'm sure the kids are gonna be up at sunrise...
They want to get all their fun in before we head home in the afternoon!

Great Wolf - Day 1

2010-03-16T22:59:00.004-04:00

We cut back on birthday gifts this year...and decided to take a trip instead!
So, here we are, in between F and E's birthday's and we are on a 3 day vacay!
Since the kids love swimming and such...and since it will be a couple of months until we can actually swim near home... we decided to take the plunge...and try one of the water park hotels!
It is only 2 hours from home so the kids didnt have to ride in the van for too long... and it saved us money on gas and such.
We had a great first day!
We had breakfast this morning near home... and then hit the road...
4...yes FOUR bathroom breaks later...and we were at the hotel!
We swam from 2:30 till 7....
Then went and had a great dinner!
We then watched a good night show in the lobby of the hotel until the kids got their way and finally got to go to bed...
They began to beg to go to bed as soon as we arrived at dinner actually!
*laughs*
This hotel is really geared towards kids which is really great!
The water park is awesome!
The hotel room is very large and nice!
Everyone is having a great time so far!
Here are some pics from today!
(you wont see any of the Little Lady... she is with Grandma and Grandpa...not a fan of the H2O)

Birthday Party Fun!

2010-02-24T20:38:00.004-05:00

Monday was F's 4th birthday!
When you are 4...you have two obsessions...
SpongeBob and McDonalds...
So... Everyone had the best of both worlds Monday night!!!!
Thanks to our friends who came!!
Hope everyone had a great time!

F showing off how SpongeBob can pick his nose....

The two ladies waiting for the party to begin

K just hanging out till party time...

The Cake!

Fire on the cake!

The Little Lady still believes in "handling" her frosting...

Brother and Sister having fun!

Wouldnt be a party without Bubbles!

Even adults were joining in on the fun!

The group needs to check out all the gifts!

E is obviously happy about a gift!

Another exciting birthday!!!!

Fav Foto Friday (2.19.10) Birthday Edition!

2010-02-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!
To see more Fav Foto Friday click here!

Today's FFF is dedicated to our youngest son F!!!
F will be 4 on Monday!!!!
We had his 4 year old pictures taken last week and we had them taken at a different place then usual. Usually we use Sears....this time though we used Portrait Innovation.
I really liked them and thought the pictures came out very well!

Here are F's pictures!!!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Roller Skating!

2010-02-17T21:58:00.004-05:00

Saturday we took our kids roller skating for the first time!!!
The kids werent able to stay on their feet at first...but by the time our 2 hour session was over, all 4 of our kids and BFF D were all skating like champs!
The kids really want to go again very soon and I hope we can take them!

The Little Lady's little size 7's!!!!
Sooo cute!!!!

Big sis E and Niece A trying to help little F

D looking dapper on skates!

K showing off some skating style!

E showing off his moves!

A getting ready to "Shoot the Duck"!

The Little Lady just sittin round...

The Little Lady looking cute on skates!

Dh skating with his two daughters...

Fav Foto Friday (2.5.10)

2010-02-05T23:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

To see more Favorite Foto Friday's please click here!

This weekend I decided to bring the kids up north to my parents house.

Our kids are great travelers...and here is one reason why...
our kids like to travel in comfort!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Another Wednesday

2010-02-03T23:06:00.003-05:00

This is my first blog post for February!!!!

After blogging for 62 days straight I decided to take a couple of days away!

It was really interesting to blog for 2 months...and two very stressful months...
The end of a semester....the holidays.... the beginning of a semester....
I had a lot of lows...but some really good points also!!!
I will have to try it again really soon!

For the next two months though I will be busy trying to find a job for the summer... we have two birthdays coming up...spring break.... and of course it's all I can do to keep up with the FIVE classes that I am taking....oh...yea...and be MOM! *laughs*

We have had a fun couple of days....

E on his way to school....
He thinks he's cool...
I gotta agree!

Got Ice Cream???
The Little Lady did!

Little S enjoying a McD's cone!

K is a pro at tacking those ice cream cones!

Last day of January

2010-01-31T22:38:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics to end the month with!!!!

The Little Lady eating some cake at CeC!

"Can I just have some tokens mom???"

K has his token and has a game in sight!

K and E enjoying the roller coaster!

K playing my Merker Matic
and yes...
He was getting sound out of it!

F has the Louie Armstrong cheeks trying to play my horn!
(yes... he was making sound also!)

It's all about having fun!