Halloween 2009

Halloween came and went so quickly. With Ella in school and me volunteering as much as possible it felt a little more rushed than usual. She got to do a Halloween parade and have a party at school. She really enjoyed seeing all of her friends and their cool costumes. The other cool thing was we got to get together with a couple of her other friends and all trick-o-treat together. There were 6 kids with us and all of the parents. (Let's not forget one dog.) What a great time. The kids were running and yelling going from house to house. It was quite cold this year but that really didn't deter them much. We just brought big blankets for the girls to wrap up in between houses. Maddie didn't get to run as much as the big kids but she still got tons of candy. She didn't want to say trick-or-treat to anyone but she did say thank you every time. She wasn't really thrilled with the whole costume thing either. Every time I got it out for her she cried. So, not a lot of good pics with her. Just mad faces. :) After all the fun we went back to one of the kid's houses and dumped all the candy out. Everyone had some candy and then played for a bit. Looking forward to next year now.

Another Party!

Last weekend we had Ella and Briana's joined birthday party. We rented them a bounce house. It was the most fun I think they have ever had. Maddie wouldn't leave her socks on, Ella couldn't stop bouncing and B was throwing herself everywhere! My father in law even got in. The last couple of years we took them out to do things. The first one was Club Libby Lu which is now gone thanks to the economy. The next two years they did Build A Bear. It was really nice to be home and have everyone here. Of course Michigan and Michigan state had football games that day so half of the family was inside watching sports. Those of us that were outside played some bean bag games and a game that our friends brought that is called the washer game. Both are the same concept but a lot of fun. Toward the end of the day we started a big bon fire.

The kids were completely worn out and slept like rocks. It was an amazing time.

Happy 5 Birthday Big Girl!

Our sweet little Ella turned FIVE. I can't believe it. Five seems like such a big girl. She was spoiled to pieces over the last few days. On Thursday, we went to Mt. Morris for a dentist appointment. She was able to open a couple of gifts from my parents and Grandparents and having a nice big cake. She chose a cake with an elephant on it. On Friday, her actual birthday I went to school with her. She got to take in cupcakes to share with her class. It was also Homecoming so she was very excited to see a "parade" in the hallway of the football team and cheerleaders. After that she got to go on a mini shopping spree and pick out another gift from us. That night we took the girls to see the real homecoming parade but it was so rainy that we sat in the car and watched from there. After we got home we made the dinner she requested which was mini-pizza's. Since it was still raining so much we decided to skip the football game and rented Monsters VS. Aliens. She opened more presents from us and we ate more cake. On Saturday we will be having a party for both Ella and Briana. Big miss is about to turn 12. Amazing isn't it?

Homeschool

I have been searching the Internet non-stop for homeschool curriculum. I think it has become an obsession. There is so much out there and it's mostly fun to sift through and decide what we might like. Ella is adamant that she doesn't want to be homeschooled but in truth, she doesn't even know what it is. When I tell her about some friends we know that are hs'd she's shocked. She thinks that she won't be able to see her school friends anymore if she stays home. I joined that hs group and in a couple of weeks they are having a hs day at Peacock Tree Farm. I can't wait to go. I think it will be great opportunity for her to see some of the things we can do and for her to meet more kids. I know I will welcome meeting new people and getting some support in this journey. We are still waiting to see what this year brings at school before we decide for next year. It's good to keep our options open and gather as much information as we can right?

On a side note, this is my 100th post. Not too exciting for anyone but me but I had to say it. :)

Apple picking

We had a great time with some good friends on Friday at the apple orchard. The kids had a blast running up and down the rows of trees and picking apples. It didn't take long before our bags were full. The kids wanted to continue to pick but we already had more than we needed. Today the girls and I decided to make some applesauce. I peeled the apples and cut them off the core and Ella chopped ALL of them up by herself. She was so proud and did such a fantastic job. Maddison added the water and sugar. I normally don't even like applesauce but this was GOOD. Something about making it yourself and about it being warm. We had it with dinner and the entire batch is gone. We are going to make more again tomorrow. I still have plenty of apples left to make a apple crisp or something of the sort. I love this time of year.

Week number 3

And so begins week number three (ALREADY?!) of Ella's Kindergarten career. She is a champ. Loving it, loving her friends and yes, loving coming home at noon. We spend part of the afternoon playing and having lunch then we do a bit of school work at home. We are working on some math today but a lot of what we are doing are the Dolch sight words. We started last week and she has 10 of them down like nothing. I am going very slow and adding 5 words a week. I want it to be fun and not a chore. We are taking trips to the library again next week and at the end of this week are are planning on doing some "scientific study" in the backyard.

I joined a local homeschooling group and they have been very gracious, inviting us to events already. It is going to be a great glimpse into what is out there for us. We are trusting God to lead us in the direction he wants us to go as to next year for her schooling.

Last but not least, today is the 2 year anniversary since Maddie's surgery. I am amazed by all of my children everyday but today is one that I really celebrate her. I can never thank God enough for all he has done for her and in turn me. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds and I know with His guidance it will grow even more.

Two days down

Ella has been in Kindergarten for two days and is doing well. She is SO tired after school so how on earth could she be expected to do a full day? She took a nice nap today with Grammy and was still a bear shortly after. I know it is all new right now and hopefully soon we will fall into a good pattern.

Maddison seems to be enjoying her time alone with Mommy. She comes home and goes straight to the toys. She asks me once in a while, "Where Ella go?" But does seem to mind when I tell her she is at school.

The weather is unseasonably warm. We had to turn the AC back on today because of the humidity. Funny that after school starts and we take down the pool that it gets hot again. That's Michigan for ya.

A kindergartner??

Can you believe there is a Kindergartner in my house? After a shaky introduction to the new idea of an all day kindergarten things have smoothed out and Ella will be starting school tomorrow. There was so much back and forth, rumors, lies and other things going on I was sure I was just going to homeschool her this year. Bret and I prayed about it a lot and decided to go ahead and send her. If she has trouble or we aren't happy with the way things are going I will pull her out then.

In a way I still took matters into my own hands. Less than a week before school was to start and still no definite word from the district on if there was going to be a 1/2 day program. So, I called and enrolled her in the school with the option to take her out at the 1/2 day point ourselves. I think this will be a good compromise. I am looking forward to speaking with her teacher and working out all of the details. She should be able to stay longer on the days the have "specials" including gym class, art, music and computers. Any curriculum she might miss the teacher will give to me so I can teach her at home.

I am excited to watch my little girl blossom and grow this year just like she did last year.

Party

Maddie had a fantastic party. The park was great, lots of places for the kids to run and play on the equipment. When we first walked up I was a bit surprised to see other people in the pavilion since we had it reserved. I found out they didn't have it reserved which gave us priority. My Dad and I grabbed up just about every picnic table there and laid everything out.

The sky was very grey and unbelievably cool for August 22. I bet it was barely 60 that day. Everyone had on coats, long sleeves and a few even had jackets.

Maddison was spoiled beyond belief with awesome gifts. She got lots of Wubbzy and Kai Lan things. Some nice outfits and of course some dolls. Little miss CRIED when we sang happy birthday to her. I think she was afraid of the candle but it was too cute.

A fantastic year, a fantastic party.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Today is Miss Maddie's SECOND birthday! My how time has flown. We have her party tomorrow so we were busy prepping for that today. First thing this morning when she woke up I told her happy birthday. She told me, "Happy Birthday Mommy." Melt my heart. :) I hopped up and gave her a couple of presents. She was so excited. Clapping her hands and saying PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. This was the first time she KNEW how to tear into those presents. Shredding paper and having a blast. I can not wait to see her at her party tomorrow with even more gifts from friends and family. When we were on our way to pick up big sister Maddie was singing in the back of the car, I'M TWO I'M TWO, TWO TWO TWO TWO TWO!

We have been so blessed by God concerning her health. Everyone remembers her scary and surprising start but what a glorious day to celebrate now. Thank you God for trusting us with Maddie and giving us such a sweet, funny loving little girl.

Catching up? HA!

I thought I was going to sit down and be more disciplined about my blogging. Obviously it hasn't happened. Summer is whizzing by and I can't even remember what happened yesterday. The girls are having a great time. We bought a small 9' pool a few days ago and they have been nothing short of fish. Even Maddie will get down low and swish her arms like she's swimming. Ella is practicing floating on her back and putting her face in the water. B....she goes EVERYWHERE. Jumping flipping, dunking. It's so fun to watch them. Even Grommet has been in a couple of times.

School for Ella is still up in the air at this point. The district keeps going back and forth on the 1/2 day vs. whole day Kindergarten. I don't really care what they decide, she will only be there for 1/2 a day. They can figure the rest out.

Maddie is about to turn two and plans are in full effect for her big birthday. It's going to be the biggest Wubbzy bash yet. I am so excited to see her in her outfit and surrounded by her family and friends on the big day.

Briana was invited to play in a softball tournament so she has had many practices for that. She will be great. Can't wait to watch her play.

Bret is back to work after a six week lay off. Four days a week 10 hours a day. It's been an adjustment. I suppose after a couple more weeks it will be no big deal. We are just thanking God he is back to work.

Camping

We went camping, well what I call camping. We went up to where Bret's parent's have their permanent camp site in Harrison. It is so nice. Super clean and in a convenient location to a few local stores. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, but warm enough for the kids to go swimming. We rented some recumbent bikes for the kids to ride. Those were so funny. Ella wasn't quite big enough to reach the pedals so we had to help her. Talk about a work out! We rented a movie for the kids before bedtime and everyone slept great. It is so nice being in a camper vs. a tent. In fact, if all there was were tents there is no way I would have even gone. I won't kid you. :) I am actually looking forward to going back up which is a surprise to even me.

Blogging Blah's

I have been beyond horrible about updating my blog. I have thought about it many times but just don't seem to get around to it. So here it is. Bret is still laid off work. We are about 1/2 way through. Things could be worse. It's so nice to have him home. The girls LOVE having Daddy here. I love having the option of sleeping in or other things that aren't always possible to do when here alone with the two girls.

Maddie is doing fantastic. Big #2 birthday around the corner. I can't believe it. I am in the process of designing her invitations and getting lists together. Ella is as crazy as ever. We are still working on reading and writing skills. Can't wait to get Briana home and have some good family time before school starts.

A hot date

Bret and I started dating again. It was so nice of my parents to come watch the girls for a few hours so we could get out and be a couple again. Last week we went to a wine tasting and ran some errands. Today we got to golf. We only golfed once last year and who knows when before that. I think we golfed once while I was pregnant for Maddie. We had a great time even though my ability surely falls short.

Funny thing is about us getting out "alone". We can't stop talking about the kids. We are talking about what they might be doing or about what they would be saying right now if they were with us.

The even funnier thing, we get out alone and all we can think about is taking a nap.

Seriously, we are very grateful to my parents for being able and willing to watch them and love that they are in great hands with them. It really makes our time relaxing. Now they are the ones that need a break so they can rest up for next time the piggies are on the loose.

Tooz Daisy

We went and did it. We had been thinking about adding to our family off on and for a few weeks. We knew we couldn't get another cat because Maisy would be mean to it. We weren't sure we wanted another dog and let's not even pretend that if Miss Grommet got her nose out of joint what that would mean. So we were limited on our options. We considered fish and other non-cuddle type pets but really, what fun are they? Of course I would love a turtle but that's silly really. Again, not cuddly and they carry so many germs I wouldn't have been comfortable with the kids handling it. So, it brought us back to our childhoods. Bret raised literally hundreds of bunnies as a child. I had two at different times. They are cute, cuddly and relatively low up keep compared to other pets. So, we considered it. We looked at a couple pet stores and weren't too impressed. Not thinking we would really go out and get one yet but I saw some listed on Craig's List. We went and checked them out. They were the nicest, most calm baby bunnies we had seen. Ella picked one up and it snuggled right in. So, Bret paid the man and asked if we could pick her up the next day. Early this morning we went out and gathered supplies. Bret worked hard all afternoon and built her the nicest hutch you've seen. We picked her up this afternoon and she fits very well into our family. The girls love her, and she love them. Tolerates even Maddie going after her. She was real nervous around Grommet but didn't do too bad. We will little by little introduce them again. So everyone, please meet Tooz Daisy. (Tooz is Chinese for bunny)

Store!

I did it. I actually opened a store on etsy. Many thanks to my Dad who passed it on to so many of his friends I had my first two sales right off the bat this morning. I started small, listed only 22 items. I am going to work on more bows tonight and then I need to get back to knitting. I still want to list some knitted and crocheted items as well as finish a project for my Mom. This is a big new adventure for me and I am excited yet nervous. Thanks so much to each and everyone of my dear friends that encouraged me to do this. I would never had found the confidence on my own. If you feel like checking out the store you can find it at http://www.pretties4thepiggies.etsy.com

Potty training here we come

Maddie has been working on potty training off and on. I am not really going to push it at this point but she is enjoying it. She tells us "potty" and runs to the bathroom. She woke up dry one morning and waited to go on the potty. She's doing very well. Ella even gets excited for her and runs to get stickers to celebrate. Maddie is very proud of herself after she goes. She does a big dance and says STICK STICK STICK.

Maddie is talking like such a big girl these days too. Counting along with her sister and singing ABC's. Repeating colors when we show her and asking all kinds of funny questions. What dat mama? Who dat?

My little stinker is close to turning two and I am so proud of her. Growing and surprising us with something every day.

Here we go

Today is the first day that Ella and I are going to buckle down. (As much as a 4 year old can.) I am going to work with her on her reading and math skills. We have some work books and other things to use. I am looking into some computer software too. Anyone that has any advice or knows of good resources please let me know. I want to spend a few minutes to an hour a day with her just to improve her skills and just for her to have some Mommy/Ella time. She is doing so well on her own and I don't want her to back track over the summer. Plus with all of the Kindergarten chaos I want her to be a step ahead if I can help it. Looking forward to updating you with Ella's progress.

And so it begins with GM

GM filed for bankruptcy today. I am thanking God that so far my husband's plant has not been tagged to close. However, he has had many lay offs already this year and it is certain there will be more. Many concessions have been made by the workers. I assume some have been made by management as well but we sure feel the brunt of things. The media doesn't always portray things accurately or fairly. I think that is the part that bothers me more than anything else. As scary as these times are, I feel fine. I know God is going to take care of us. Will we keep our cars? Or our house? Or other worldly possessions? I am not sure but I know the Lord will keep our family together and that is the most important thing of all. I totally believe that He healed something as complicated as Maddie's heart so He can certainly take care of this.

A few more

Here are a couple more styles of bows. One is a korker and the tiny one is a baby korker. The stripe is another butterfly bow and the purple is a boutique bow.

Bows!

I made these bows for my friend Kayla's daughter. With any luck I will be able to make more for her soon. She has a surprise waiting to be born in a few weeks. If it's a girl she's going to go nuts. :)

I have been having so much fun and keep thinking about opening that store but I'm just not there yet. Anyway...here's your sneak peek. There are some butterfly bows, boutique bows, a headband and some pony-o's.

Memorial Day

As my husband and I worked our buns off in the yard yesterday and as I prepared some food for the "party" tomorrow I was kind of complaining to myself. I'm tired, my back is hurting the usual. Then it dawned on me. I am complaining about trivial things when the true complaints should be of those who served our country and those who lost their lives. The complaints belong to the family members, loved ones and friends of those people. In reality they probably did it all with out much of a complaint at all. They have sacrificed so much for us to live the way we do. In these days of economic woes we still need to realize what a blessed country we are. We are rich in tradition, rich in freedom. My family would like to thank all of the veterans, and their families. We would like to thank all of those who are still serving and ultimately thank those who have given the biggest sacrifice of all. Our gratitude and prayers to each of you.

Back to the usual

Today is the first day after three weeks that Bret is back to work. It is also the first Monday since the start of the school year that Ella is home. It is the first official day of her summer vacation. I guess things are back to the usual. It's been a nice quiet morning and afternoon so far. Maddie decided to wake up at 8 and Ella slept until almost 9:30. That was the opposite of their usual waking schedules. I was hoping they would sleep in. :) We laid in bed and watched a cartoon, ventured downstairs for some breakfast and are now lounging again. Spongebob is on the TV and I am at my computer. I tried to do the majority of my housework yesterday so we could have a nice leisurely day today.

She did it!

My little girl is officially BIG. Wednesday night she graduated from pre school. I am in awe at how fast time flies. Just the other day I was sitting in this very spot feverishly watching the clock and counting the ticks until my baby finished her first day of school. Here and gone in a blink. Her teacher Miss Beth, was THE best teacher I could have asked for. She has so much love and compassion not only for her job but for each one of her students. God blessed us by putting Ella in her class.

At the graduation we got to watch a slide show of each of the students through out the year. (There were around 50 kids total.) Then, they sang us some awesome songs and it was time. Time to watch the little one prance across the stage in her little red cap and get her diploma. It was the sweetest thing in the world. I unbelievably did not cry. I was just so proud of her and she and her friends were adorable.

Wonderful news and thanking God

Today I called Maddie's Cardiologist because, well because I am impatient. I was so worried and couldn't take not knowing her results any longer. I gave the nurse Maddie's information and then she placed me on hold. Next thing I know Dr. G is on the phone. She gave Maddie a clean bill of health! She even pushed her next appointment back to the one year mark instead of six months. There is no residual hole in her heart, the veins are all draining properly. According to the doctor, "She is as close to perfect as she can get." Since she had surgery they don't consider her perfect but "repaired." Dr. G stated that if things stay on this route Maddie may only need to be seen once every 2 or 3 years instead of every year. We are praising God for healing her and for giving us the news we so deparately wanted to hear.

Maddison's Echo

Today was Maddison's sedated echo cardiogram at U of M. Miss E stayed with Ye-Ye and Ni-Ni and had a great time. She got to go out to lunch, ride her bike and help the neighbor in his yard. She and Ni-Ni made some really delicious brownies for us too.

Once we got to the hospital it only took about five minutes for the sedation nurse to come get us. It was the same nurse that did her sedation for the echo before her surgery. She was very kind to us and went above and beyond for Maddie's comfort. Bret is the one that administered the chloral hydrate (sleepy medicine). Maddie took it like a pro. The nurse added some strawberry flavoring for her. It took Mads about 20 minutes to stop fighting it and fall asleep. She was very sweet and calm. She slept for about an hour and half and woke up about 10 minutes after her procedure was done. She sat right up and when I spoke to her she tried to climb right up onto me. She was able to nurse and we left about 30 minutes after that. She was so funny, a bit wobbly and a little cranky all in one. She is doing well tonight. Still a bit sleepy but that is normal.

As for her results...we *think* they are good. We wont know for sure until her Cardiologist reads the films and calls us. A staff Cardiologist looked at her while we were there and said she, "Didn't see anything unexpected." Not sure if that means there IS something with the right side of her heart or if things are looking good for her. The sedation nurse did tell us that if something had been wrong Maddie's Cardiologist would have been called on the spot and we would have scheduled an appointment right then.

So, we are thanking God and praising Him for the news we got. Thanking Him that she did so well for the sedation and praising him no matter what. Thank you all that prayed for her and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.

Maddie's appt. update

The sedated echo has finally been set up for Maddison. She will go to U of M on Tuesday, May 5. I have been praying really hard about this and now that the appointment is set up I feel a real sense of peace. I know as the day draws nearer I will have some anxiety creep back up. If you could keep Maddison in your prayers most of all I know it would help Bret and I to the utmost.

I look forward to reporting the findings to you and pray that it will show all is well with my little fighter.

Prayers and a farewell

A couple of my friends have recently lost their parents. And I have recently lost a great uncle. So many people are facing so many hard times. What a comfort to know the Lord and that it is only a temporary goodbye. I am sending out extra special prayers tonight for those who's hearts are aching at this moment. May God comfort them in a way human hands never could.

If you can...

Check out my friend Rachel's blog. You can get her on my list of followers or click on the button of Noah to the right. You can get the full story there and she tells it so much more eloquently than I ever could. On her blog you will see that something special is brewing in honor of Noah. If you could join in the effort it would mean so much to us. It will likely cost you nothing but be priceless in the end.

Maddie's Heart

Yesterday Maddie had her cardiology appointment. It has been one year since her last check up. Time really flies. I am writting this with such mixed emotions. I am so proud of my little girl for being so tough through all of this. She is such a fighter and a strong little girl.

To say that Maddie has stranger anxiety is an understatement. She doesn't even like anyone to look at her much less touch and examine her. The doc did get a good listen to her heart and said she sounded good. We know that she is doing well developmentally and emotionally. Her growth is right on track. She is bigger than Ella at the same age. (Not saying much since Miss E is a peanut.) The doctor wanted to try to do an EKG since it is standard procedure for a check up. Maddie didn't want much to do with it. I was holding her and Bret was trying to hold her feet still. She was struggling and crying (SCREAMING) loudly. But, they got the test in. It showed a slight abnormality on the right side of her heart. The Dr. said because she was so upset it could have been inaccurate or there really could be a slight problem. Bottom line is she has to be sent for a sedated echo cardiogram. We opted to send her back to the hospital that she had her surgery at. It's a better set up, it will be easier on her and they can compare her old films directly. The hospital should call me soon with the date and time for her appointment. If you could please say a prayer for her and for our strength. I need to keep in mind that the doctor said she would be, "surprised to see anything on the echo." And she said IF they do find something with the right side of her heart they will likely watch it for a while. This does NOT mean she needs surgery right away or again at all. It's a precaution. We may even be able to tell if she is "out of the woods" after this test.

I do not like the idea of her being sedated again but I know it is necessary. There is not much chance of her being still enough for them to get good pictures or for her to be calm. Like I said she is really struggling with the stranger anxiety so it would be a true shock for them to be able to do it with out. The sedation medication is given orally. I remember the look on her face and the struggle she had at one month old when she was given the medication. I do not look forward to her doing it again. The plus is, she will not need an IV.

Thank you all for your thoughts and love and concern for our family and epically for little Mads. The Lord had blessed her and we trust He will again.

Had to try it...

I knew I could post from my cell phone but I wasn't 100% sure how. So tonight I played around and figured it out. I had a couple requests to see my hair from the front so here it is and posted from my cell phone no less. :) Technology...how wonderful.

I did it

I cut 9" off my hair today. I have been saying for some time now that I would donate it. The last few weeks I realized just how long it was getting. I've been getting headaches when it was in a pony tail because of the weight. I also noticed no matter how hard I tried to pile it up on top of my head it is falling down and getting into everything. I was helping at E's school one day and leaned over the table and the poor kid got a face full of hair. It takes so long for me to blow dry it and I just loathe doing it. So today I made the call to see when I could get in to see my girl. Turns out...I could get in tonight. So off I went. Please forgive the pictures. They were taken with my cell phone. And my hair has the lovely "bump" in the before picture from a pony tail. Another thing I realized...I never wore my hair down because it was just EVERYWHERE.

So, I am sending my hair tothe Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. You can check it out here if you'd like.

Goodbye, Hello

Goodbye old car, hello new car. It may be a used car but it's new to us. I got a new car today. :) It's a silver Buick Rendezvous. Hello third row seats!!! Finally, the girls can spread out a bit and we no longer have to pull car seats in and out to be able to go anywhere with my parents. Up until now we've relied on their van. Now they can just hop in with us. Ella was a bit sad to say goodbye to the Equinox but Bret and I were not. B finally has some room to move with out being squished between two car seats. The best thing about the Equinox was that is the car we brought Maddie home from the hospital in. Both after being released from the NICU and from U of M after her surgery. I am looking forward to taking Grommet for a drive in the new car tomorrow. After all, what's a car with out some dog snot on the windows?

Prayers for the D family

There is a family from my church that really needs prayers right now. I won't go into too much detail but they had a daughter born at 27 weeks. She passed away Easter Sunday. I know this family can really use prayers right now. They were very good to us during Maddie's surgery and sickness. They hold a special place in my heart. If you could see the faces of their other beautiful children you would melt in an instant. Could you join me in saying a prayer for them?

Bad Blogger

I know I have been terrible lately about blogging. It seems like I have been very busy with out really knowing what I've been busy with. Maddison is sick again. I don't know what the deal is with that girl and colds. I do know that this time she is teething along with it so she is a very UN happy camper. Of course she has shared her germs with me so I have been run down myself.

Ella had her spring break last week and this week is B's. We will enjoy the time we have with her. Not sure what we will do yet but whatever it is will be fun.

I bought myself a drop spindle and some wool roving. I am hoping to teach myself to spin yarn. If I can't do it it will be a good laugh and maybe the girls will be able to pick it up. It was a pretty cheap investment to see if I can get myself into a new craft. :)

Just because

I just wanted to post this picture because Maddie is such a cutie. :) My little baby is a big girl now. How heartbreaking.