4 Boys + 1 Princess = Crazy Life

Meemas Birthday

2012-02-09T11:34:00.000-06:00

Ava found out that it was Marilyns Birthday and she ran around the house saying "party", "party", I guess when you have Christmas, her Birthday, New Years, Toms Birthday, Super Bowl and then Meemas birthday, it becomes exciting...Ava Grace is getting to be an expert at blowing out the candels!

We made a Chocolate Eclair Cake,

mmmm, ,mmmmm,

that was sure good.

My first time, and it was very easy.

My Super Bowl Contribution

2012-02-06T07:24:00.000-06:00

We made cake!

We ate and watched a great game. I didn't care who won, just wanted to eat and enjoy friends and family. It was an exciting game.

2 years

2012-02-04T14:22:00.000-06:00

Wow, where has the time gone? 2 years ago we were meeting a precious, scared little girl...our dream...

She was soooo unsure of us, she held her little hands in a clenched fist...she had a rash on her face, they said it was from something she ate, I could tell instantly she rubbed it with her finger when she sucked her thumb...poor girl, no one noticed....

she loved my necklace

today, we made a cake

colored and wrote names

our lives are so full, it is amazing what change has taken place in all of us! God is so Good!

Thank you for all of your wonderful gifts!

Beautiful weather

2012-02-01T13:53:00.000-06:00

The weather here in Chicagoland has been beautiful. The weather was so nice that I decided to take Ava Grace to the zoo. It was about 50, windy, but not bad.

We saw lots of things and Ava even surprised me when she saw a hippo and told me what it was. I had no idea she knew what a hippo was.

watering the flowers in the green house

sorry Tyler this is all I have. I'll have to start taking more pictures so you can see Ava Grace from school!

Snow

2012-01-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Tyler and Ava Grace built a snowman

trying on Toms coat

silly girl...

I was taking some new passport photos for the boys

and Ava Grace wanted her picture also

Andrew was helping Ava shovel,

or was Ava helping Andrew?

I think Ava Grace is a great worker!

Ava Grace is 3

2012-01-19T15:04:00.000-06:00

Ava Grace, what a girl

Ava Grace is 3 years old

Ava Grace has had a birthday in Russia (IF they even celbrated her)

Ava Grace had a 2nd birthday in USA

Ava Grace had a 3rd birthday in Jamica....

hmmmm I see a patern, maybe every year she gets to celebrate in a different country. Great idea:)

We got to celebrate Ava Grace with her Meema, she wanted brownies instead of cake...so we made them..Ava got to lick the extras..

showing 3 fingers

excited to see the candels

What a week

2012-01-10T08:11:00.001-06:00

While I was looking at my calendar in the early part of December, I noticed something strange...I had a week with nothing on it for the boys, what???? no purple for Andrew, no Green for Trevor, no Blue for Austin, no Pink for Ava, no Red for Tyler, and no Black for Tom or I....what did my brain just see but yet an open week where we had NOTHING to do....that week happended to fall from Dec 26-Jan 2...

I started looking on line and calling a travel agent and lo and behold a plan started coming into place. A beautiful plan, now only if the kids would like it.

I asked all the boys if instead of doing presents we would take a family vacation, a cruise! They all said ABSOLUTELY, except Austin wanted these $26.00 headphones! So plans were made and I have to tell you, it was so nice not doing ANY presents for the kids....ok Ava got a few Barbies, smiles abound on Christmas day just watching Ava opening her Barbies that the boys gave her.

Royal Caribbean, Mariner of the Seas

Ava looking out the window during breakfast

our first stop

Cozumel Mexico

We went to the Ibeorstar and we

swam, snorkeled, kayaked

and Ava loved the fruity drinks

feeding the fish hot dogs in Cozumel

our first Formal Night dinner

our next stop was

Grand Cayman

We booked a private tour (I did it ahead of time from home)

to go to Sting Ray City

Snorkel the reefs

Starfish Pointe

It was great, AWESOME,

God created a world

that is so beautiful and unique

our next stop was Jamaica

Ava turned 3 this day.

to celebrate we went Zip Lining

can you see her smile,

She LOVED it!

fast daddy, go fast

Avas 3rd Birthday photo

she was working the camera

then we had New Years Eve/Day

the next 2 days, we layed by the pool, ate, read, ate, swam, ate...you get the picture.

It was a great family trip, one the boys will remember, and I hope Ava will also!

Oh what a night....

2012-01-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

Toms Nephew got married on Friday December 23...

Instead of throwing rice, or blowing bubbles,

they handed out these super long, really cool

sparklers! 4 minutes worth.

It was so pretty watching the Bride and Groom

run thru the line

Tyler was an usher, so he helped out

Ava Grace loving the sparklers

Toms mom and ALL of her grandchildren

Matt even was able to be home from Iraq

Surprise

Tyler with the other usher

have you seen the movie Courageous

if you have, you know that this brought tears to my eyes!

Ava Grace loved dancing, and her daddy loved dancing with her

Congratulations Jared and Karen, your wedding was beautiful and we were happy to be a part of it! May God bless you and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and give you peace!

From our house to yours

2011-12-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

We wish you a Christ centerd Christmas...

My Girl

2011-12-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

My girl, my Russian Princess as I call her is getting older. She is such a happy girl and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Ava Grace before Church. She just looked so grown up carrying her purse!

I love to watch how Ava Grace looks over all the ornaments

showing me a few of her favorites

Tinker Bell and a crystal church

A Russian Doll ornament that we picked up in St. Petersburg

With all the wonder and excitement this season brings

I am reflecting on our many treasures that

God has given to us....

His Son

Is the GREATEST gift ever

All I really want for Christmas

2011-12-09T14:05:00.000-06:00

I saw this on another adoptive blog here , It really tug at my heart strings so I thought I would share it with you all...

All I really want for Christmas

God is good ALL the time....

Lets remember the reason of the season, we can not possibly give a better gift then the one that God has already given us...

Bass Pro Santa

2011-12-08T14:54:00.000-06:00

Love this place!

I wrote about my dealings with the mall Santa last year here, so I made my way over to Bass Pro again and had another wonderful experience. I'm telling you, this Santa is wonderful, so kind, so caring, dosen't wear any kind of wig, so real...so patient. Ava played a little shy at first, but then Santa saw her holding a horse, and that was all it took for Ava to open up...she showed Santa her horse, made horse sounds and they laughed together...never again will I go to a mall Santa.

after seeing Santa,

they gave Ava Grace a candy cane

and a reindeer bracelet

(you see her holding the reindeer bracelet up

and the candy cane all over her mouth)

My happy girl, love her to pieces

So for those of you within driving of Bass Pro

go there instead of the mall

you won't be dissapointed!

Merry CHRISTmas

Fogotten pictures

2011-12-06T14:42:00.000-06:00

Ava Grace enjoying her ice cream

who says Russians don't like anything cold?

This girl loves her some Ice cream.

At the end of October

the ladies go on our annual

Door County trip

My bff Kelly with her mom

while shopping at Von Maur

Ava Grace jumped up onto the sleigh

she looks so cute...

now no longer forgotten, enjoy this wonderful season as we celebrate Christs birth.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

2011-11-30T17:07:00.000-06:00

I am overflowing with praises to God...He has blessed me so much just by being in my life...I looked around at Thanksgiving and I was so grateful for my family...

A few pics of whats been happening:

Trevor before getting his Varsity Letter for football

who is that???????

Ava Grace with Andrews mask

Tyler came home for Thanksgiving break

this is where he chose to sleep

I wonder why I bought beds for the boys?

That is him under the blanket

Tom with Tyler before taking him back to school

Trevor had a Thanksgiving Tourny for basket ball

Ava Grace was our cheer leader

Loved watching Ava Grace eat spaghetti

soooo cute....

Well lets see, life around here has been busy, but yet not as busy as in the past couple of years.

All of the Christmas lights are up, tree up, stockings hung, and now we admire the holiday season.

All is quiet on the home front

2011-11-15T13:21:00.000-06:00

Not much happening here other than life...

Football season is done, attended our first sports banquet, it was no big deal...

Basketball season is starting...busy again

soccer never ends...

Gymnastics is going great for Ava, the instructor wants her to move up to the next level...

I miss Tyler, haven't seen him, miss him a lot, who knew? He comes home next week for Thanksgiving

Austin got a ticket at one of those red light photo enforced intersection...What a JOKE. those things are just cash gobblers.

Andrew got a nice 11 point deer with his bow and arrow...he was super excited

Trevor shot his first Pheasant...

Ava regressed and now is back to wearing a pull up, don't know why?

11-11

2011-11-11T20:00:00.000-06:00

Veterans Day,

Freedom - what a price many pay...not only the men and women who serve our country, but the families and friends that support them in their journey...

My nephew Matthew is in Iraq right now, serving, we miss him very much...praise tho that Matthew will be home in about 6 weeks...God keep you safe!

Matthew is all the way on the left

Tigris River banks

Ramadi

Matt back in June when he was home for a few days (all the way left)

Tylers Graduation

Thank you to all the Veterans who keep my family safe

147 Million

2011-11-07T07:56:00.000-06:00

Orphans that is...

ALL children were made for families. They were made to be loved. We were ALL made to be loved.

We ALL need a family.

We are blessed

Twick oh tweet

2011-11-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

Trevor and Andrew

along with Ava Grace

carving pumpkins

what is that stuff in there?

ewww, its slimy

Ava helped Andrew

Samson, my Knight in shining armor

Ava Grace as Belle

she always called herself Beast

she picked out her own costume

Meema with Ava Grace

Trevor as a Mexican man in a soccer outfit

Andrew is a Jabawackeez dance man

Our annual Halloween crew

except we are loosing several as they get older

Who's That?

2011-10-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

Well you know you hear about when kids go off to College and they gain 10 extra pounds? Well not Tyler, he has lost 50 pounds since summer. He looks awesome and so much healthier. I'm proud of him and his determination to be healthier.

Tyler right before he had to go back to college this weekend

Trevor is missing, he was with Emily.

I got to see Tyler for a whole 2 hours

whoo hoo

he came home to visit some of his High School friends

Ava saying goodbye to her oldest brother

Hair, gone today for a good cause

2011-10-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Trevor and his football team were met with a challenge recently...no not on the football field, although they have had a losing season of 1-7...this challenge however was much greater...see the head football coach was diagonosed with a brain tumor and he has to undergo surgery on Monday. Coach Wilson started noticing his vision was blurry but wanted to wait until the end of the football season before being checked out. His vision was getting worse so his wife forced him to go get it checked out, and it is a good thing because they found a tumor sitting on his pituitary gland.

Well the boys on the Varsity squad wanted to help him and raise awareness of brain cancer so they got together and all shaved their heads...Wow what a sight to see all these boys who have some great looking hair to shave it off for their coach.

We lift you up in prayer, Ben along with your wife and 2 small children.

As you have said God is good ALL of the time. He is your rock and strong place, in Him you have found peace.

Can you tell...

2011-10-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

whos a big girl now?

Ava Grace is...Princess undies and all! Yea!!!!

Growing and Learning

2011-10-15T18:23:00.000-05:00

I look at my baby girl, and I see how big she is growing. New things for her to do, and learn.

Morning breakfast, nice bed head...

Ava Grace and I went to the Childrens Museum the other day. I bought the tickets thru Groupon, and it was a really good deal.

We had been there before, her and I, but this time she was so interested in everything. She did great, expoloring and finding new things to do.

looking at the model trains

coloring a picture, and explaing it to the worker

mirrored tunnel

4 Ava Graces, look how cute they all are

whee, up and down I go

coloring with light,

I thought this was so cool

learning about shadows

a really really big light bright

our masterpiece

wind tunnel

oooooo, look how strong I am

pretty girl

Homecoming and a Hoe Down

2011-10-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

This was such a busy week for us...but really who am I kidding, arn't they all?

Austin had his homecoming dance last weekend and their homecoming football game was against Trevors school...ok how weird is that? It's a good thing that Austin dosen't play football because it would have put a huge strain on their already strained relationship. At the game, Trevor got hurt, ended up at the hospital, refused treatment at the hospital, and made it back to the Varsity game...I know crazy huh! No pictures tho...

so I made it back to the football game at half time to see Austin march for his Military Presession...

Austin is the Delta Company, line commander, not really sure what that means!

before heading out to his homecoming

Austin and his date Reannon

So after that, this week, we had all the festivities of Homecoming Hoe Down at Trevors school...now you may be wondering, what is a homecoming Hoe Down? Well since Trevors school is a Christian Academy, they don't want to focus on the dancing part, but yet all the kiddos want to participate in something, so they came up with an idea of a Hoe Down, square dancing, I have to tell you from a parents point of view, who had the older boys with the traiditional home coming, I LOVED THIS IDEA...there wasn't the skimmpy outfits and the unnessary dinner and flowers, and when the Hoe Down was done, the kiddos LOVED IT ALSO. My Trevor said he acutally had a fun time, and his date Emily even said he went all out. Love it!

Trevor handing Emily the pretty

sunflowers for her to take home

awwww, so sweet

They look great

and so relaxed also

Emily and her friends

bunch of boys

love it!

We couldn't get a good pic of the boys

they are always so silly

Old Friend, Fall

2011-10-07T14:04:00.000-05:00

I remember:

The first week we were home Ava Grace was making all nice with our John Deere boy:

Ava and I were outside playing in the leaves, and her old friend was welcoming her over to play...

I can't believe the difference when I look at the first 2 photos...my word has Ava Grace grown up before my eyes...

She is loving her babies, and loves to take them everywhere we go...she is a good "mommy" to them, but she tells me that I (me) am the mommy and she is Ava Grace.

Fall is here, we have had beautiful weather as you can tell by her outfit...we are taking advantage of every moment.

Avas Gymnastics Class

2011-10-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

Look at Avas Face while she is warming up

I love it!

She makes all the animal sounds and faces when she is supposed to

This one, she is warming up and she is supposed to roll on her back and then bring herself back up

she rolls back and then she says "I can't do it", while she is rolling up

silly girl, you did do it

here she is flying

now she is a seal, making seal sounds and everything

now she is getting the spiders

jumping like a Kangaroo

this series is great

I didn't see her face while I was taking the pictures

I love her expressions

working really hard to balance and touch the cones gently

my monkey along with monkey sounds

ooohhhhooohhhoooohhh

not afraid to jump into the pit

waiting so patiently at the end of class

for her stamps

I haven't decided if I'm going to keep Ava Grace in this class, there are a couple of girls in her class that are soooooooooooooo bad. I don't understand how a parent can watch their child disobey and do nothing about it. I'm going to ask, if there is maybe a different day that has better children in it.

Cookie Love, Cutie Love

2011-10-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

My daughters love of Oreo Cookies

Dip those magical cookies in milk

and I'm in heaven!

My Cutie Love

Ava Grace is growing up so fast all of a sudden, my baby girl is growing out of her baby ways. I don't know if I'm ready yet for her to grow up.

My Very First Chicago Bears Game

2011-09-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

Whoo Hoo, I'm going to the Bears Game

our front of Soldier Field

cool ivy

found our seats

can you tell how giddy I am?

announcing the Chicago Bears players

fireworks also,

so cool

opening kick off

a man in front of us had this on his hat

at half time we walked around

this is a view of the Harbor

neat structure

memorial honoring our soldiers

This is my very first time at a professional football game. Tom surprised me and bought tickets for us, I was glad he picked a day that was early enough in the season so I didn't get cold. The weather started off a little rainy, but then the sun came out and we had a marvelous day.

I don't know how other fields work, but I loved how at Soldier Field, they honor our Military. During the game, they would take time to announce individuals and groups from our brave men and women who fight for us. I was always so impressed how they ended up getting a great standing ovation and cheering from the crowd.

The Bears lost, but thats ok, I had a great day.

Avas Adorable Dress

2011-09-22T07:08:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that you all love Ava Graces adorable dress. I first saw this dress here at And Emma Makes 5.

I knew I had to have one, so I went to this web page...etsy shop, and ordered one. Now she only had a few available so I took what I could. It is supposed to be a dress, but Ava Graces was a little short so I just use it as a top.

Thank you all for your kind comments...I'm glad our little princess can all look cute together!

Wish we could get them all together for a photo shoot with their outfits on!

Pumpkin Farm

2011-09-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

After dropping Trevor off at school today, Ava and I did a few errands. On our way, I saw this pumpkin farm, we stopped to see what there was. It was a big pumpkin farm with hay rides, animals, maze and rides...it was mostly closed, open on weekends, but we had fun anyway.

I got a few pics of Ava Grace by the pumpkins...she was so not interested in taking pictures tho, so much other stuff to see.

Andrew turned 12

2011-09-20T07:16:00.000-05:00

Yikes...my youngest son is 12. My how the time goes by. He turned 12 on Friday, but he was at the farm working with Tom, so we celebrated late.

The boys are so sweet to Ava Grace. They always let her help blow out the candels. I bought trick candels on accident, and the both of them were blowing and blowing trying to get the candels out.

Funny: When you tell Ava Grace that it is someones birthday, the first thing she says with a huge smile on her face is CAKE? Yup, she is my girl!

too cute while being bored at football

2011-09-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

What I did while Ava was in "school"

2011-09-15T06:21:00.000-05:00

for those of you who wondered what I did with my free time:

I had a foot/leg massage with a pedicure, it was fabulous!

hmmm, now maybe next time a manicure? Who knows?

Anyone available for breakfast? I have 4 hours!

Children's Day Out Program

2011-09-14T06:34:00.000-05:00

Whoot, Whoot...

I found a CDO program in the area, and I decided to sign Ava Grace up for it. They can attend 2 times a week for 4 hours per day.

Ava Graces first day was Monday, she was so excited to have "school". She finally got to wear a backpack like the big boys, and have stuff in it.

My baby girl

so excited to go to

"school"

showing off her back pack

this is what Ava Grace made

I love it!

It has her hand prints on them

and thumb prints for the apples

she is so cute when she says "ahbble"

walking to the car

little Miss Independant

hummm, don't know if I like that

I asked her to stop and wait for me

she turned around and said OK Mommy

I love this girl

So that is Ava Graces first day at "school".

random

2011-09-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

Last week: Not very exciting around our house, so we went out...

Ava Grace loving her Ice Cream

wait...are you trying to eat my ice cream,

or just take a picture with me...hummm

Trevor looking a bit guilty...

the other day I was driving and turned around to see

Ava Grace like this, now she has never used a pacifier

before, and she was chewing the heck out of this one.

I think the sunglasses on the head is cute

God Bless the USA

2011-09-11T08:49:00.002-05:00

We will never forget....

I will say an extra prayer for those who lost loved ones on that horrific day...

for those families who were and are forever changed...

for our military families still fighting to keep us free...

Freedom is never Free...

And there off....

2011-09-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

Trevor is so excited to finally have his braces off...

Beautiful Buildings, who knew?

2011-09-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

When Tom and I were in St. Petersburg for the adoption, we had the priveledge to go sight seeing. Tom and I were amazed at all the beautiful architecture in the Cathedrals and Palaces.

Church on the Spilled Blood

Hermitage

When I was there, I said, there isn't anything like that in Illinois....boy was I wrong.

On our way home from St. Louis last week, we decided to stop and see the capital of Illinois. We had never been there before. Since it is summer, there was hardly anyone there, and it was a Saturday, but we lucked out. We went into the capital building and they were just about to start a tour.

We were shocked to see the beautiful rooms, the high cathedral, the statues and the marble. It was beautiful.

I really had a wonderful time, seeing our State Capitol. I will definately bring the kiddos there to see it.

Tyler is 19

2011-08-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

OH MY, MY, MY, where do the years go? 19 years old today.

My firstborn, at college, away from home, it is his birthday.

I sent him a balloon, brownies and cologne.

sad, weird feeling not being with him on his birthday. I don't like it.

Happy Birthday Tyler, hope you have/had a great one.

Stay true.

Love ya!

Its that time of year again...Are you ready for some football?

2011-08-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

I traveled to Ohio last week for Andrews football team:

we played really bad, and lost...it was a long drive...

Then this week we traveled to St. Louis for Trevor and his high school...it was a long drive...

I am really encouraged by Trevor and his football team. Trevor chose to not go to the public high school where Tyler went, he wanted to mature in his faith, and become a stronger person, one who believes in God and strives to put Him first. The football team is only 5 years in the making and they have done well. So well in fact that they put us in the hardest division this year. That is NOT a good thing, since they graduated 26 seniors on the football team last year, and this year they only have 6 seniors, with only 4 of them returning from last year. To say that this is a building year...understatement. Trevor my freshmen is their starting kicker. He is super excited about this, it is a great opportunity for him. He will play Varsity kicker, JV offense/defense and freshmen offense/defense. He loves it, me not so much...this is why...

Trevor hurt his leg last week, kicking, and needed to have some electrodes hooked up to him to get rid of the "bad things" in his leg making him swell and what not...all I heard was ACL and I really didn't know much after that. Luckily it was just a level 1 sprain, and he is all good to go.

this picture was taken after the varsity game on Friday night,

the boys from the 2 schools came together and prayed...

my eyes started to tear up...

then after they did that, our team came over to the bleachers

and you have about 40 high school boys,

singing,

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand..

I really started to tear up then,

(No picture, because I was so encouraged by the sight, I forgot)

the next day JV played

Trevor kicked, punted and played most of the downs

we lost,

but again,

its a building year.

ugggh, its going to be a looooong year

so lets play some football!!!!

Off to school

2011-08-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day...

First day of Jr. High for Andrew

First Day of High School for Trevor

Austin is a Junior in High School

and of course Tylers first day of college...

I know you can't see it, but I made him hold up his fingers to show grade 13

Fly my son, spread your wings...

2011-08-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

Weird...that is how it feels to drop off your child at College. I didn't cry, Tom got choked up...it is weird to know that he is gone....gone to start a new chapter in his life.

The morning started like this:

for the life of me I can't figure out why he sleeps here, he has a nice big bed, but he loves to sleep on the couch...

NO, don't take my picture

loading up the submo...

last pictures

unlocking his room for the first time

looking at the room, wow is it small

we are renting this "loft" system for the bed,

that way the 2 boys have more room on the ground

but, man is it tight to the ceiling

after putting the futon together

out in front of his dorm,

he is on the 11th floor

facing the back

last goodbyes of the day...

awwwww

I almost lost it here...

nother one Tywer, nother kiss Tywer

(Ava Grace talking to her biggest bro)

Lord, I pray that you watch over Tyler, protect him, keep him grounded in you. Lord, please place Tyler with the right group of friends and keep him from straying. I pray that he will continue to be a man of God, worthy of the fight. Amen.

Midevil Times Fun

2011-08-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

Tom wanted to take the kiddos to Midevil Times Castle and watch the show. We had been there before when the boys were younger. We also took my parents and Toms mom along for the fun.

The family before we left:

our blue table

Ava loved it

she kept her arm around Tom

when she didn't have her arm around Tom

she waved her flag

She will be a good cheerleader

she would yell, Go Blue

watching and taking it all in yelling

horsey, Go Blue

I didn't know if a girl would like this show, but it is fun and very entertaining.

A trip to the zoo

2011-08-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

I took my parents, Andrew and Ava to the beautiful Brookfield Zoo the other day. It was an absolutely beautiful day out. Andrew was such a big help in showing Ava all the animals and making sure she saw everything. While it is summer Brookfield Zoo has an open air butterfly garden and you can walk thru and see the butterflies flying around. Andrew was even lucky enough to have one land on him.

this butterfly landed right on Andrew

a zebra clad girl, looking a zebra

this brown bear came right up to the window

he showed us his teeth

this polar bear gave us a great show

he swam right up to the glass also

awww, so cute

Another fun weekend

2011-08-01T11:24:00.002-05:00

We have been able to use our lake house so much this year. The weather has been outstanding! The company has been wonderful! My cup overfloweth!

Sara Water Skiing

Kelly and Sally, knee boarding

fighting on the knee board

Ava and Sara

first time going knee boarding

Nathan

I'll spot

hit it, go faster!

Auntie Ingrid, Chloe and Sara

Nathan, King of the tube

Ava getting a present

sticker books, Love it!

Jacob, not wanting to get wet!

My beached Ava, loving the water

even Lexi got a tube ride!

2nd time knee boarding

relaxing

Ava and Grammy,

going in for a nap

its tiring all this water stuff

Trevors catfish

our traditional Dairy Dream stop

What a fun weekend!

Mini Trip to Hershey, PA

2011-07-25T19:42:00.000-05:00

Tom and I took 4 of the kiddos and headed to Hershey PA. I went to Hershey when I was a young girl and remember thinking it was a neat place. It's a long drive, Ava did wonderfully for that long in the car seat. The weather was HOT, HOT, HOT.

Our first stop was at Indian Echo Caverns, it was a cool 52 degrees, and it felt wonderful. It is a really neat experience to tour the caverns.

next, we stopped at Hershey Chocolate World

where they sell these huge things of candy.

The boys were sad that they couldn't get any

because it would have melted, it was so HOT!

The candy bar Andrew is holding cost $50.00

WOW!

This is our first day at Hershey Park,

we got to enter the park 1 hour early to ride a few rides

it was already 93 degrees at 9 am.

I laugh at this picture now,

Tom got motion sick after riding the Carusel ride

our first ride!

Ava on the other hand, had no problem riding every single ride.

I have my roller coaster partner as soon as she gets bigger!

the rest of day, we spent in the water park, and I didn't capture a single picture because it was so hot,

and so crowded I didn't take my camera out of the back pack.

The next day, Tom took the boys and did paint balling in the Poconos.

They loved it, and Tom didn't take any pictures, bummer

while the boys were paint balling, Ava and I did some more fun things in Hershey.

Ava at the butterfly garden.

It was a neat experience.

then we went back to Hershey park and enjoyed even more rides.

I'm telling ya, this girl loves the rides.

Ava in front of Milton Hershey statue and fountain

Then we went up the Poconos again and Tom and the boys went Whitewater Rafting

and Ava and I did a bike ride. Very pretty

a waterfall along the bike path that we enjoyed

along my bike path, I could see the river where the guys were.

we biked and found a spot where the raft was in an easy section and

Tom got out and tried to swim to us, but he couldn't get to us because

of the current.

and now we are home, but I'm tired from all the driving! It's exhausting!

Summer fun

2011-07-20T06:44:00.000-05:00

This year, we have been able to enjoy the lake so much. We have had wonderful memories with friends and family made and the weather has been warm (hot) so we can enjoy the water.

Ava loves to ride on the wave runners, tube, fish and play with the water in the beach, but she still dosen't much care to swim in it when you take her deep.

Ava getting ready to go tubing with Sara

Ava with Sara, not sure about the swimming in the deep

Ava found a caterpillar

she wasn't sure what to do with it

Jim and Pam

Nicole with her huge catch

Our annual double family photo

My Best Friend Kelly

the gang getting ice cream

Cute Dress

2011-07-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

I found this adorable dress online and just had to share:

Go here if you want to see what other cute things she makes!

Trevor and Ava sharing breakfast toast

Avas Fish

2011-07-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

While at the lake house Tom taught Ava how to fish. Tom bought her a princess pole and off they went. Tom put a worm on the hook, and Ava knew just what to do. Sure enough, a tiny sunfish swallowed that worm and Ava caught her first fish. After that, she wanted to do it again and again. She caught several small fish and had so much fun. She wanted to hold it and touch them, that is until one of the fish jumped out of her hand and hit her in the face!

Not to be out done, Trevor caught a big carp, eewwww!

And Austin caught a Catfish at a friends pond.

Nice Shiner Huh?

2011-07-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

Poor Ava Grace, pulled the heavy kitchen chair down on top of her. She cried and cried, but she is getting better every minute.

4th of July

2011-07-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

I'm tired, I can barely move my arms, and I think I gained a few pounds. Why? Well we celebrated at the lake. At the lake for us means, extreme tubing, knee boarding, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, canoe sinking and many other activities.

Ava Grace loved the lake last year, this year, ummmmm not so much.

Tyler and Ava playing in the sand

Jacob carrying Ava to a safe place

Julie taking Ava for a ride

loaded up the pontoon boat to watch the fire works

Kelly getting ready to ski

this is how Ava enjoyed playing in the lake.

This is water to wash our feet off in

Mark building a castle for Ava

Nathan and Austin

silly boys!

Trevor

hot dogs on the open fire

yummmy

followed up with S'mores!

very American!

on the way home

brotherly love?

Waiting for Ice Cream

Caitlyn waiting for some ice cream

We had a great weekend

I also want to thank all the men and women

who fight and die for our freedom.

Sox Game

2011-06-29T07:38:00.000-05:00

Austins LaCrosse team was hosting a fundraiser, and one of the items for purchase were 2 tickets to the crosstown classic game of White Sox and Cubs. I called Tom and asked him if I should bid on them, he said sure.

So we went. The weather was great.

self picture taking (its hard to do)

The seats were terrible.....

self picture

and the Sox lost. But they did take 2 out of the 3 games. Go Sox!

but the evening was great. Just Tom and I and a nice night together. The city looked beautiful.

just for some cuteness of Ava Grace

Ava loves to swing,

this swing set is no longer at our park

they took it down to make improvements.

Sure hope they put the baby swing back in.

Pretty nails

2011-06-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Ava picked out the brightest shade of polish for her nails. It is like a bright orange/pink. It sure is cheap polish tho, it came off of her nails in less than a day. She still has some left on her piggy toes.

Week in review

2011-06-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

The week started with a trip to Cabellas. Tom loves to wander around in this store. Marilyn and Ava stopped for a picture.

This week, I took Andrew to Camp. He loved it!

We had some nice weather, so Ava and I went to the Riverwalk and we rented a paddle boat. It was a lot of fun!

I dropped Austin off at his school for his summer boot camp.

Austin is the tall one, 4th from left

Then Trevor, Ava and I picked Andrew up from camp, and on the way home we stopped to pick some strawberries. Yum

That night, we celebrated Trevors birthday

Then on Fathers Day, we made Tom a lot of things with strawberries in them.

Ava and I enjoying a Strawberry Milkshake!

Sprinkler Fun or Bidet?

2011-06-17T10:37:00.000-05:00

don't really know why she seems to like putting her butt to it.

maybe she just wanted to feel fresh!

Happy Birthday Trevor

2011-06-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Wow, 14 years ago, Trevor was born. He is my son that loves to keep on moving. He plays every sport he can. We call him the jack of all trades, master of none. He can't just stay still.

Ava surprised him this morning with Krispy Kreme donuts,

yummmy

Go for a walk?

2011-06-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

These are some of the best words spoken, the dogs and Ava just can't wait to go for walks. Lately, Ava has been walking the dogs by herself. I say that with a little girl who looks at me with hands on her hips and says "no me do it".

We've been loving our walks!

Yay Summer is here!

2011-06-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

We have been really warm here in Chi town. No complaints from me tho, I was sick and tired of the cold. I don't know if it is my age or what, but I was way done with winter a long time ago.

I have been crazy busy, doctor appointments, ortho appointments, dentist appointments, basketball camp, football camp, soccer camp and a few parties thrown in for good measure. Oh and I forgot the best part, our nephew Matthew was able to be home for 4 days, his General has a meeting in Hawaii and Matt was able to come and enjoy a few days here. He goes back to Iraq on Tuesday.

Ava has been enjoying a new sprinkler I bought her, we haven't been to the pool as much as I would like with all the running around.

Matt and Ava Grace

outside enjoying the sprinkler

she was looking at an ant

when I called her name to look at me

mad that the ant got away

come on mom, stop taking pictures of me already

a little fuzzy picture of a sweet girl with a shirt that says

"pick me"

We pick you Ava Grace

OK, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a terrible 'green thumber'

but these roses are absolutely gorgeous and I didn't kill them!

Tylers High School Graduation

2011-06-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

I didn't cry! I was so proud of my son and all of his accomplishments. It hit me after the graduation ceremony that he is done, done with High School, done with this comfortable life he knows, and is on a journey to the next stage. I have to admit, I got a little sentimental then knowing that my firstborn is on his way to college.

Before leaving for the school

Walking in

receiving his diploma

after the ceremony

Tyler got to wear the gold

tassle and scarf because he

was on National Honor Society

May you find your wings to soar
May you find your voice to tell
May you find your legs to go
May you become a leader for Christ.
My Son, We are so proud of you
Keep Christ first
and everything else will fall into place.
We love you so much, congratulations

Trevors 8th Grade Graduation, Andrew Field Day

2011-06-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

Trevor is officially a High School Student! Yikes!

man is this boring, and I have to be quiet? hmmm when will this be over?

Today, Andrew had field day at his school. Ava and I went to watch him. Ava was a GRUMPY girl, and not happy at all! The only time she was somewhat excited was when she could run on the track. She LOVED it, she is a girl after my own heart afterall! She ran and ran and ran, and didn't get tired, I had to chase her off the track so the kids could do their events.

tug -o- war

Andrews team lost!

Ava wanted to try

that rope is really long and heavy!

running...

lots more running

mad that she can't go out on the track

relaxing with big bro Andrew

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T14:02:00.000-05:00

What does the day mean to you:

a day off of work
picnic with friends
swimming
extra day of sleeping in?

Well to me, it means that I can honor the men and women who give their lives, and their family lives so that I can be free!

My nephew Matthew, is a hero to me, along with the rest of the family who have served!

Thank you Matt for your dedication and your commitment to the USA.

Matthew on the left, with the Generals personal body guard.

Can't wait to see you soon!

Playing Hookie

2011-05-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you can call it hookie if you own your own business, but none the less, Tom didn't go back into work one morning.

We took the opportunity to head to the Riverwalk. We played at the playground and watched the geese spit at us, and took a nice walk along the river and had lunch. It was wonderful to just spend time with my honey!

Ava almost fell asleep on this swing. We have never seen one like this before. I think she really liked the back and forth motion of it.

spying all the fun things the other kids are doing...

I look so giddy here...

so excited to have a nice day

taking a break with daddy

exploring...

on a bridge over the river on our walk

also,

we went to a breakfast held by the Rotary Club here in town to pick up Tylers Scholarship money. It was really neat. I had never been before, but it was nice and they do so much in the community that I didn't realize. Tom and I both said, these were people just like Tyler.

Finish Line?

2011-05-19T07:51:00.001-05:00

What does May mean for me?

End of year activities at school!

On one hand I am glad that school is almost over, on the other hand I am sad that school is almost over!

We went to an end of the year band concert for Andrew

and then we went to an award night for Tyler

We are so proud of all of his accomplishments.

Throw in some cuteness of Ava:

Samson and Cooper with Ava at the park

I bought a potty chair for Ava and I took it out of the box, and she instantly pulled her pants down and took off her diaper

in my kitchen of all places, I was shocked to see her do this. I wonder if she was on a potty chair in the orphanage? She knew exactly what to do, and she didn't want to get up. NO she didn't do anything in it, but I found it interesting none the less.

So, I see the finish line a comin, where I will have Tyler graduating High School and Trevor graduating 8th grade, and then the flurry of activities in the summer. HELP, I don't think it ends anytime soon!

Fun n' the Sun

2011-05-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

How I love thee o big beautiful Sun. I forgot what you looked like, so I traveled to Phoenix AZ to see you again. I so loved basking in your warmth and walking in slow motion. Thank you Thank you Thank you for being in Arizonia when i was there.

Well really Ava Grace and I traveled to Arizonia to see my parents. It has been since last May that my folks have seen Ava Grace. We had a wonderful time just hanging out, going to the beautiful Phoenix Zoo and to the Mall to see my parents friends. It was a short trip, but so worth it.

This is a statue they have in the childrens area at the zoo

petting the goats,

she kept saying

"hi" in her best high pitched voice she could do!

this is Dooper, he is helping with a childrens show at the mall

my parents were brought up on stage with Ava Grace

and they sang songs, Ava loved to shake Doopers hand

Papa and Ava Grace

Photo shoot before leaving

that is my new doggie sister Katie

Prom 2011

2011-05-10T13:41:00.001-05:00

Tyler attended Prom this year, he had to miss out last year because we were flying home from Moscow on the day of it. He was dissapointed, but happy it worked out this year.

He asked a really sweet Sophomore to go with him, and she looked beautiful.

I love her hot pink shoes!

beautiful wrist corsage,

love the pink sparkles in them

ummm, I think they are just having fun!

I love her hair, she has beautiful flowers in it!

What fun! Oh to be young again!

Happy Familyversary, Happy Familyversary, laa, laaa,laaa

2011-05-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

May 8, 2010

Tyler and I woke up early, we got ready and then woke Ava up. We ate a little breakfast (Dunkin Donuts from across the street that had just opened the day before), and something like yogart. We arrived at the airport and I was surprised in how new it looked, coming from St. Petersburg, where the airport was very very old, I was impressed by the Moscow airport. We flew Swiss Air from Moscow to Switzerland and then we were supposed to have a 2 hour layover there. Ava slept the whole trip to Switzerland, while we were waiting for our plane to board this time the Icelandic Volcano happened to interfer with plans yet again. Our layover went from 2 hours to 3 hours then it went to 5 hours and at 6 hours we were starting to board the plane and Ava just fell asleep in the stroller, she woke up when we found our seats. Well that 10 minute nap kept Ava awake for about 3 more hours of her not being satisfied. She wasn't crying and she wasn't whining, she just wasn't happy. Well I had it because I knew she was very tired and I took her in the back of the plane where the stewardess are and I held her in my arms firmly and rocked her, she cried loudly for just a couple of minutes and then boom, just like that she was sound asleep. She slept the entire rest of the time. What was supposed to be an 9 hour flight, turned into a 10 1/2 hour flight because we had to go around the Icelandic ash in the air. I had to wake her when we finally landed. She was home, and she was ours. We finally met up with the rest of the family and that is why today is FAMILYVERSARY DAY. Our family was all together and we could rejoice.

Tyler and Ava

Swiss Air

Moscow to Switzerland

hanging out in the Switzerland airport

Home

Happy 1 Year Home Ava Grace

Austin putting Avas new scooter together

Sprung

2011-04-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

One year ago today, Tyler and I drove with Svetlana to take Ava out of the Baby Home forever. Yipee! Wow one year, it goes by so fast, and then on the other hand it seems like Ava has always been here. Our lives have changed for the better, and Ava has blessed us sooo sooo much. She has softened the boys and has them tied around her finger. I love to see how they care for her, they are not jealous of her at all (this is a question I get a lot)! She has brought more laughter to our house and more imaginative play!

Thank you God for your beautiful gift.

See how she loved my necklace

I wore that necklace every time we saw her

getting all bundeled up

hello world, Ava is here!

Outside her Baby Home

Easter 2011, trying to blow her pinwheel

April 30, 2011 our beautiful princess

Poppy Dip Dress

We love you Ava Grace so much!

Gifts given by God!

2011-04-28T13:41:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share this with you all. This was done during our Easter Services at church. I think God gives so many people wonderful gifts to be used. Let me know what you think.

Sand Animation Art

also,

another thing that I have been watching lately is Carrie Underwood singing with Vince Gill. I have watched it many times since I saw the link, and each time I get teary eyed. Once again, God gave her such a talent and gift, all glory to God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk&feature=player_embedded

this song brings me back to when I was a just a young girl, and we would sing it in church. My dad was the song leader and I would sit in the pews and just watch him lead. This song is one of my favorite hymns.

Big Brothers!

2011-04-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

I just thought this was a cute photo. We were shopping at Menards and Ava was walking with Trevor and Austin. They would count 1 - 2 - 3, and then swing her in the air, she loved it.

Stay off the roads!

2011-04-25T13:31:00.001-05:00

Look Out, Austin is 16 today.

My 2nd born is 16, I can't believe it! Where does the time go? He will go tomorrow and get his drivers license as it is closed today. We celebrated yesterday with family at Easter. Austin is my dungeon dweller (he sleeps in the basement and LOVES it), he is whitty, best burper and farter in the family (did I really just admit to that). He frustrates me to no ends (probably because he is a lot like me) (minus the burping and farting), and he is my boy that loves adventure. He is growing into a fine young man who Loves the Lord with all his heart and has a ton of questions and is very insightful on so many things that I can't count. Happy Birthday Austin, We love you lots.

This is about the only picture I have of Austin

with him up against my chest.

This child loved to be facing out

looking at the world!

Austin (me), Bradley (Julie) and Nathan (Kelly)

all born within 6 weeks of eachother

best buds (all of us)

Tyler being a great big brother to Austin

Austin loving his big brother!

One Year old

Austin and Nathan at the lake, being silly as usual

At Great America, he still loves to fly airplanes

playing Lacrosse

Austin just scored a goal,

he is the one running with his arms up

HE IS RISEN!

2011-04-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Easter, my favorite holiday.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have EVERLASTING life.

This was the first verse I learned when I was small. It is such a profound verse,for God to give His only begotten Son for me, why? Because I am a sinner, and He (Jesus) was perfect. His perfect love, His blood, washes me white as snow! I will have EVERLASTING life, with God because of Him.

Enjoy your blessed Easter with Family and friends.

Happy 20th Baby

2011-04-20T06:56:00.000-05:00

Wow, we look like little kids. I was just 21 years old when I married my baby, but I thought I knew everything. I was wrong. You have taught me so much, made me grow in the Lord, gave me 5 beautiful children and a Love that just keeps going. Heres to another 20 baby!

Third Day Video

2011-04-18T16:25:00.000-05:00

I knew I always liked this Christian Band. Powerful message about being adopted and being adopted in Gods family.

Da

2011-04-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

Russian word for YES. YES you are the parents of a beautiful princess. We became parents to our 5th child, a girl, on April 14, 2010 and we were so so happy.

Court building in St. Petersburg, Russia

No cameras allowed inside the building

after court we went to see our daughter

here she is trying to escape to go eat

this is a room attached to where they feed her groupa

we spent about 30 minutes with her and then it was lunch time

and boy o boy she didn't want to miss out!

WOW, 1 Year together and in someways it feels like yesterday,

and in other ways it feels like she has always been with us.

No Help Needed

2011-04-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

I had been concerened about Ava Grace in regards to her talking and fine and large motor skills. I called our local school and they got me in touch with the county department that handels this. Since Ava is under 3 they don't do the cosulting thru the school district. We set up the appointment and went over what was going to happen and if Ava qualified for help how everything would work out. Well it took about 2 weeks before the Speech Therapist and Developmental Therapist could come to our house today to evaluate Ava. After watching the therapists assess Ava Grace and ask me a ton of questions they have both concluded that in NO WAY does Ava qualify for any help. In fact the Developmental Therapist told me that Ava is performing at the age of a 3 year old! Wow, I told her how much we have been working on and she was really impressed with the growth and skill that Ava has. The speech therapist was amazed that Ava is stringing 2 words together already. To tell you the truth, Ava has just recently exploded with her words. It was like a light bulb went on in her head and now she can tell me all kinds of things. She understands everything and repeats everything we ask her to. I was concerened about Ava with her "S"s and her "T"s. Considering she says no for snow, and anta for Santa, but she can say yes, perfectly. For her "T" she can't say Tyler or Trevor, but she can say top or table, and a few others I can't remember. It was interesting to see Ava interact with the therapist. She was not afraid at all, and they were very impressed with her altogether. One thing that kept coming up was...does she ask for anything? You know I never heard her ask for anything, but she will say outside, with a questionable look on her face and she will look at me and say cookie. so I guess in some ways, that is her asking to have or do those things.

Overall I'm still happy that we had her evaluated, it reaffirms the fact that so much happens at the home. Tom, the boys and I all work with her and I guess our hard work is paying off.

This is a picture from the night of the AWANA party, even Cooper is helping with Avas development. Learning how to balance!

Ava sitting on Cooper, what a good dog he is!

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-04-08T13:38:00.000-05:00

Wow, my dad will be 80 years old tomorrow!

My dad reminds me of an eagle. Maybe because he loves eagles and decorates his house with them, but maybe it is because of the free spirit eagles represent. My dad loved to be moving around. Moving from house to house, moving on a bicycle, moving in a car, or just moving in the yard. He loved to keep busy and then he would crash at like 9:00 p.m. in his lazy boy chair.

So many memories of when I would ride my moms really big Schwinn bicylce to the corner of 95th and Kedzie to get my dad after he got off the bus from a long days work, I was in 3rd grade! I would sit on the handle bars when he biked us home. Sometimes my brother David came also, and he would sit on the basket in the back.

How he helped to teach me to swim at the local swimming pool. How one day I told him I learned how to water ski, so that next summer he made sure we all went water skiing on vacation. How we used to take family vacations in a pop up camper. I remember thinking that that camper was huge! Now when I see pictures of it, I'm totally shocked how little it is.

My dad LOVES licorice, black or red it dosen't matter. I love it now also, along with any other kind of candy! My dad loved to have dessert right after we ate a dinner and how I now HAVE to have a dessert, or it just dosent feel right! Speaking of dinner, it was family tradition to sit down as a family for dinner, and now I make it a priority for my family. So much conversations happen over that dinner table.

May 1, 1954

Engagement Day

Munich, Germany

1954

Radio Truck

1957

Wisconsin Dells 1962

May 2010

Dad, I LOVE YOU! Thanks for being my dad, and showing me how to love unconditionally. Sally

Too Big

2011-04-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

Trying on Daddys Jeans, a little to big!

yes, she plays with her brothers cars now also (seen all over the kitchen floor). She just likes to dump them out and then clean them up. I'm telling ya, she is so different than the boys. She is a GIRL!

AWANA Games 2011

2011-03-29T14:49:00.000-05:00

For the past 2 months, I have been working with the 3rd-6th grade girls AWANA team. I train a team to compete against other churches from around the Chicagoland area. This year was different than in the past, to tell you the truth, I don't feel like my whole heart was as involved this year. I have been working in AWANA for the last 21 years, and I grew up in the program, so you can say that I am a lifer! I love AWANA for all the differences it has. There is always a story time, game time and bible memorizing time. Something for everyone I always say. I went to AWANA because of the Games. Fun, different and exciting games. I stepped back from my responsibilities this year because of Ava and the boys schedules. I did agree to coach, but found myself not committing a lot of my time to it like in the past. I had to confess that to the girls this last week, and humble myself to ask forgiveness of them. I tell you this only because God is so good and His ways are far beyond mine. We competed on Saturday and we won! God was there in those girls and used them to show me that He commands all and wants all of me, He blessed them inspite of my selfishness. Lesson learned.

Mary hand made this cake,

it looked just like the shirts!

It was great tasting also!

Pasta party at my house the night before the competition

The girls painted their nails blue!

the girls watching past AWANA games competitions

picture before the competition and after with our medals!

Thank you God for being with the girls even when I failed them!

Costa Rica update

2011-03-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

I was able to speak with Tom while they are in Costa Rica. They are doing a lot of work for the people of San Jose and surrounding communities. Tom tells me that they have been working on a lot of homes, making them bigger by adding bedroom or a kitchen, porches and just fixing them. The homes there are just made out of metal and a few boards. Very different then what we are used to. The neighborhood they went into yesterday was very dangerous as they couldn't leave their truck their for fear of it being stolen. So all the group put things on their back and put their work belts on and carried the material up a large mountain. It sounds like Trevor has been "kicking butt" with his unbeliveable athleticism. I am glad that Trevor and Andrew have had a chance to talk with the children of this area and to be able to shine Gods light on them. If you have a chance, you can access the blog here.

Thanks for your prayers and good wishes for them. Some pictures from their blog below.

Tom Trevor and Andrew built this bed

handing out goodies to the locals

the house on top of a mountain that they had to walk to

they doubled the size of this house

Andrew with the girls even in Costa Rica...hummmm

Trevor working hard

My what big eyes you have!

2011-03-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

OK, I was going thru my camera pictures and Tyler took these pictures of Ava. It made me laugh, all I could think of was those cartoons that always have the huge eyes.

Interesting story, when I was younger everyone told me my what big eyes I have. Now I can say that to my daughter, how cool is that?

The Big Boys

2011-03-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

While Tom has been gone with the "little boys", the big boys have been very busy.

Have I ever told you that Tyler is involved in like everything? He dosen't "do" sports, but he is president or runs just about every other thing at our small school. One project he is very proud of is that he is President of the Ecology Club. He takes this very seriously and he is committed to making us use our resourses and not waste what God has given us. Tyler implemented a "5 cent for the future" at our local grocery store. For every reuseable bag you used, instead of using the cheap plastic or paper bags from the store, the store will donate .05 cents to the school, who will use that money for scholoarships. He was so excited about this program, and he made sure that I always used my reuseable bags. They got their first check and they raised over $500.00. This is awesome for our "small" community. Thank you Tyler for thinking of others and our planet!

this picture was in our local newspaper

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Austin started to play LaCrosse at school. Now I know this isn't a new sport, it has been around since the 1980s at least. But, here in the midwest we just don't get around to playing these new sports! Well Austin is loving, did I say loving, I mean LOVING IT! It is a really rough game, and I haven't quite figured out all the rules yet, but it is a lot of running, hitting, ball tossing, ball catching, more hitting, more whacking of the stick and try and score game. Now in Illinois it is still not a sanctioned IHSA sport yet, so the school dosen't "officially" recognize it, so the boys can not get a "letter" in it. But who cares, Tom and I are loving watching Austin get involved in the school and he gets to hit someone other than his brothers and people cheer for it?! Go figure?!

Austin plays midfield, so he had to come back and cover defense

he is raising his stick so the ref knows that there are

3 people on defense (its a rule)

Austin has just "nailed" the guy in black

he had the ball, opperative word, had!

Missions in Costa Rica

2011-03-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Today, Hubs, Trevor and Andrew left for Costa Rica. They are a part of a group of 15 who are going and helping the local Missionaries who are there already. They are going to be doing some work in the community. Building, helping, organizing just about anything that needs to be done. The Missionaries there said that there are a lot of children who are eager to hear about Jesus. Trevor and Andrew were really excited about going, they went to the dollar store and bought lots of toys, balls, frisbees, and for the girls, socks, hair accessories, books, pencils, crayons coloring books and so much more I don't even know. I pray that they will be able to be open to God and to be used by Him. If you want to follow along, this is the link to the blog. Hopefully they will update it with pictures (there is nothing as of yet)

Notice anything different....

2011-03-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

Yep, I did it. Ava got pierced ears.

Here she is eating her fruit snacks while they mark her ears with a pen...

then they did both ears at the same time.....

look how nervous I am,

I needed a shower after because I was sweating

she didn't cry, right away, it was kinda like a whimper with some huge crocodile tears...

then all smiles with fruit treats on her teeth....

then a train ride....

she is doing great, we clean them 3 times a day for 6 weeks.

The boys were soooooo mad at me for getting her ears pierced. I'm not really sure why, maybe they don't want their little princess growing up!

Now, Trevor says he wants his done! Ya Right!

Luck O' the Irish

2011-03-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

To tell you the truth, I am a little Irish. I'm just a wee bit Irish, but I think I have the ole' luck on my side. We had a beautiful day here yesterday and today. I am glad to see the snow gone and the sun coming out and signs of spring popping up. The ole' luck gave me some special time outside with my Russian Angel. We did our best and put on our green and laughed and giggled all morning.

little blury, but did this on my own

not sure why the tounge is out

saying "cheese"

pretending to talk on an old cell phone

and yesterday we were outside doing some good jumping:

yes I see Andrews eyes are closed, but on the other picture I have, Avas were closed so I picked this one!

Total 180 degree turn!

2011-03-16T13:19:00.000-05:00

Tyler has surprised us once again! Remember when we went to all the colleges last summer here and here. Tyler was looking into International Relations and Affairs, his goal was to work in a foreign embassy. His favorite school was Syracue in NY. Well I made him apply to several schools within a 3 hour drive of our house and he got accepted to all of them with many of them giving him a full ride and/or scholarships. Well just 3 short weeks ago, Tyler came home from school and said he now wants to go to Western Illinois University and Major in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice! What! Where in the world did that come from? It's like he just switched him mind at the last minute. First of all, we are way behind the 8 ball then because applications needed to be filled out and most of the other kids did that way back in December. Well he sent his application and was accepted, so Tom and Tyler went to look at the campus. I do say, it is an U G U L Y campus, kinda old and yucky. There montra is, you don't go to the University for the buildings, you go for the education. Ya I guess that is true, but come on, spruce it up a little! Western Illinois is the top school for Law Enforcement in the state. So my son who surprises me all of the time like here and here will be a Leatherneck. I, as his mother, is a little worried about him in Law Enforcement, but he is super smart and will do the best he can in what ever Major he chooses!

and just so you know, a Leatherneck is a Marine! They used to wear leather around their necks to protect them in sword fights! I know, you think I'm so smart, but I looked it up!

I ask all of you out there, how in the world did you choose a Major when you went to College? Tom nor I went to College, so we are completely baffled on how you know what you want at 18?

Turnabout 2011

2011-03-12T19:13:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again where school dances are all around. This year Tyler was asked by his best girl friend. This is a girl that has shared so much of Tylers life since they were in Kindergarten together (I love her, truly a great girl). I am sad that his time in High School is almost over. He has grown into a nice young man and he has loved all of his school years.

(Ava was trying so hard to grab Tylers flower!)

The whole gang!

Eiffel Tower

2011-03-10T11:48:00.000-06:00

Austin had a project at school to complete in a 6 week time. This is for International Night and it is thru the foreign language department at the school. This was our first one as they only have it every other year. I have to say, I was really impressed with the projects that the boys did. The boys were able to build, construct, design, or create a project from the area they are studying. They could also make a dish or desert from their country. There were also boys who had played instruments from their country. Austin is taking French, so he chose to do the Eiffel Tower. He wanted to construct it out of metal, and he knew how high he wanted it. Austin and I went to the hobby store to see what we could find, and we didn't really have any luck there. So on our way home, we stopped at Home Depot, and wa-la, right in the aisle of carpet and tile were these long metal pieces and he had a great idea to use them. He also used some gutter screening and some other metal material that he picked out.

He did a lot of the work himself, with a little of Toms guidance and he was really proud of his work.

The foreign language teachers judged all the items and Austin won 2nd Place.

I am proud of him, because this momma has no clue on how to create or do crafty things.

Congratulations Austin on a Great Job!

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

2011-03-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

and for little girls to pretend they are Mommy!

From Sun to Snow...

2011-03-08T10:28:00.000-06:00

Tom and I, and David and Kelly planned a trip to Wisconsin Dells to stay at a waterpark and then ski for 2 days at Devils Head with the family. What cruel and unusal punishment did we put ourselves in. As I was skiing and bundeling up, all I could think about was the nice sandy beaches of Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Oh how this old gal, would much prefer to sit on the beach then to sit on a chair lift!

Don't get me wrong, I used to live in Aspen, so I ~~loved~~, liked skiing, and I have taught all of my kids and David and Kellys kids how to ski. It is amazing now to see all of them and their abilities love it and ski for hours, and hours, and hours at a time. They never seem to tire out!

On Saturday, we woke up and drove to the Dells and checked into the water park. We stayed at Mt. Olympus and we rented a 2 bedroom suite. It was a really nice room, and wonderful to have the extra space, and an extra bathroom and rooms with doors so that Ava Grace could sleep and we didn't bother her. Ava Grace loved, loved, loved the water park. There was so much for her to do and explore. At one point she was walking around the place with Tom and I just following her, and we laughed at ourselves because she was in charge at that point. Her favorite by far was the huge water tube slide. You had to walk up A LOT of stairs while carrying a tube, who needs a stair master after climbing that! It was super fast and Ava loved it so much. She would cover her eyes when we went under the waterfall and then squeal with delight when we splashed down in the water.

Just before going down the tube slide

Tom and Ava on the tube slide

after the big splash of the tube slide

David and Sara going up to the tube slide

(isn't he fasionable)

Sunday we woke up early again and went skiing. Let me just say that the worst part about skiing is the ski rental and then getting everyone ready. You would think that with the ages of the boys they could do it by themselves, but nooo there tends to be that Mom could you help with this...Mom could you help with that...Mom where are my gloves....Mom wheres my jacket....Mom help with this...Mom help with that...blahhh that part I could do without! For the most part, once they have all their stuff and skiis on they are good to go. In fact, It is hard to even get them to come in for lunch or dinner!

Ava with her skiis, are they not the cutest things?

all dressed and ready to go!

the magic carpet on the bunny hill

Monday we woke up and did it all over again, except we had to drive home....that was not fun!

Andrew getting some nice air on a jump

Trevor on the same jump with some nice air

I have to say it was a great weekend and there were no broken bones! Ava loved swimming and skiing!