Toepfers in Michigan

Jet goes to School

2010-09-19T15:47:00.005-05:00

Jet started school this year! He is in Mrs. Westley's afternoon kindergarten class at Amberly Elementary! So far he likes it, when I ask him what he did that day he says, "You know, just read books and played and wrote some stuff. No big deal Mom." His first day, standing by the closet where he will keep his bookbag, coat, boots etc
Jet at his desk

Outside the school

The girls at the door being mad because they can't go with their Bubby, they even had their pack-packs ready

Showing the sisters where his back pack goes everyday

Rogues at the reading center

The kids having cake to celebrate Amberly Elementary's 50th Birthday

Jet shwing us his favorite books at the reading center

Jet showing us the globe

Rogue goes to the eye doctor

2010-09-06T21:04:00.003-05:00

Rogue has been blinking her eyes lots and lots lately. I don't just mean like a regular blink, but something more purposeful and like she knows she's doing it. We ask her if her eyes hurt and she says no, but it's been going on a while now. So last week when we were in at the doctors getting his hearing tested for school we asked them, they referred us to an eye doctor, saying that could be a sign she needed glasses...so off we went. She looks super excited to be there doesn't she???
Harleigh helping her check out the room before she had to go out and sit with Daddy

To get her into the chair I had to let her dig through my purse looking for snackies!

After her visit which she did really good at, for someone who hates strangers and strange places, it has been determined that there's no need for glasses this year, maybe next year and maybe not, by then hopefully she'll be more willing to talk during the appointment and we'll be able to get a better judgement of what she's seeing. He also said there's nothing physically wrong with her eyes (lack of tears etc) so we're headed back to the doctor to figure out what's going on.

Welcome Baby Pearl!

2010-09-06T20:57:00.002-05:00

About 3 weeks ago now, Andy's sister Besty and her husband Schy welcomed their first little girl into their family, Pearl Birdie...Here's a few pics of the cute new addition to their family! The proud father
Miss Roguey checking out her cousin

Jet was so good with the baby, sweet and talking to her!

The amazing baby whisperer!

When Miss Pearl was fussy Andy just took her and she was happy as could be!

Congrats Betsy and Schy!

Fall Fashion Preview

2010-08-29T16:19:00.004-05:00

This post if mainly for Granny and Nanny....we all went shopping the other day, however, I can't take a half day and meet them anymore. I ended up finding an amazing sale at The Childrens Place, and here's what I got for the sisters....They picked out what they liked after I got everything home.

Pfizer Family Fun Day (and other fun)

2010-08-29T16:08:00.003-05:00

Pfizer has a family fun day every summer, this years was at a family activity center wtih go karts, mini golf, and bowling. It also had a bounce house, arts and crafts, and a game arcade. There was also a taco buffet (which Roguey loved!) and lots of other good food all day long. Below are a couple of pics of us there. Jet and Steve in a go-kart (Andy had Harleigh and I had Rogue)
Harleigh's starry tattoo

Rogues princess crown tattoo

Mini Golf!

Here are just a few pics of the kids enjoying the yard

Jet setting up his army fort

Rogueys supervising Daddy on putting the sand in the sandbox

The kids decided the diggers needed a bath

The girls looking at our outdoor neighbors, we have 2 bats that live in the backyard

Strange, I just noticed looking at these photos that one or both of the sisters tend to be naked alot! Guess we'll have to work on that :)

Our last days in Kansas

2010-08-27T15:28:00.005-05:00

Bedtime on our last night in Kansas

Granny reading the girls a Dora book on our last night in Kansas

Talita dressing the girls dollies for the long ride the next day :(

Jet and Lita when we picked her up from the airport

Andy took the boys to the fire station in LV and they got to sit in an engine and check everything out

Jet and Ty at Fritz's Train Restaurant (more still of Jet's last days with Ty)

Mmmm Starkisses

More sleepover pics

Pizza party during Jet and Ty's sleepover! (This was like 2 days before we left town)

The kids mking sure Pops will know how to make potatoes while we're gone

Pops and the girls doing some swimming

Me, Jaymee and Mary's pedi's, part of our going away celebration and my first pedi ever!

Me, Mary, and Jaymee trying on hats at Target on our "last night out"

The lab I spent the past 5 years working with at Intervet (my first real job)

Jet in his scuba gear at Granny and Pops pool

Catching Up Photos

2010-08-27T14:52:00.008-05:00

Jet's first and only t-ball game in Kansas

Kyler, Allie, Jet and Roguey watching them feed the Leopards

Lunch Break!

Allie and Jet "riding" the pony at the wichita zoo

Roguey checking out Makenzie (Kyle and Emily's little girl) as she says "not baby Lainy!"

Jet and Maddy jumping on the trampoline at Kyles

The girls have a turn on the trampoline

Miss Diva!

Jet riding his big boy bike at Granny and Pops house

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Jet's first t-ball practice

Blue Angels

Jet and Harleigh in the Blackhawk (?) at the air show we went to up in St. Joe

Miss Roguey has a fashion sense all her own

Harleigh loves her boots!

Jet and Ethan doing some reading

Harleigh riding her Bubby's scooter

The girls and Jet with their new chairs to watch Bubby play soccer

Jet playing with a punching bag from Grandma Linda (April)

The kids love the digger box!

Jet played soccer this spring for the first time. It will probaly be the only time he plays as he doesn't like it. In his own words, "It's all about running and I just don't like running that much."

Andy and the girls during movie night

Long Time No Post!

2010-08-27T14:37:00.002-05:00

Jet and his best friend Ty having a sleepover at our house in Kansas back in March
The kids having a pizza party

"I not muddy!"

So, lots has happened since my last post....the most major thing being we've moved to Portage, Michigan. Where I work for Pfizer Animal Health, Andy is a fire fighter for the city of Portage. We have purchased a home that the kids love! (especially the basement and back yard!) We've been on vacation to Florida this past July. Other than that we're just settling in to our new lives. I will try over the next few posts add some of the highlighting photos of the last 7 months without a post. Then I swear I'll try to update regularly (at least once a week, but no guarantees)!

If anyone out there is still reading this please let me know, otherwise, I'm just going to get rid of the blog altogether.

Little Chef's

2010-02-01T20:24:00.006-06:00

This past weekend while Andy was out helping some friends, the kids and I decided to experiment in the kitchen.... Harleigh helpin clean the beater off
Jet checkin to make sure we were doing it right

Rogue testing each one

A closer view of Harleigh cleaning, she's sure doing a great job!

Mmm, Momma we should add some of this!

Jet was a huge help, he even got special mixing projects to do all by himself!

The important part of this picture is my wall, I caught Harleigh "helping clean" the beater and just said her name when she quickly turned and wiped away the evidence from her hands....onto my wall!

Everyone was very excited about taste testing the beater!

The girls helping put stuff away

Rogue's doing a little quality control :)

Harleigh showing off the finished product!

Cooking sure is hard work!

We ended up making chocolate peanut butter cupcakes filled with peanut butter cream and frosted with sour cream chocolate frosting, and every bit of it was homemade and done by me and the kids!!!!

It was super fun for everyone, but next time I think we'll work on something not quite as complex!

January Randomness

2010-01-27T14:54:00.003-06:00

A few pics from this months happenings: We decided to try to do a family movie night a couple of times a month...This is from our first one

We watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Everyone had a good time, the girls made it about an hour before we had to put them in their own beds....Jet loved it and wants to do it all the time!

Boys are crazy

Miss Rogue

H-Momma winkin'

Rogue's driving her van on her baby...shes such a good mommy :)

Harleigh's too busy for this photo stuff!

Rogue's favorite place to hide everytime I vacuum

The girls kissing Bubba's owie (him and daddy were wrestling and he hit his head)

The sisters pretending to ride a pony

Rogue's doing a little reading

Harleigh playing some ball

The girls waiting on their Pops to get them

Harleigh got tired of waiting and decided to take matters into her own hands

Royals Fan Fest!

2010-01-27T14:45:00.003-06:00

The sisters showin off their new purses
Us with Billy Butler

Momma, Banister, Rogue on Lerew's lap, Harleigh, Mary and Bettincort

The sister were also very interested in the water fountains!

Andy got free tickets to the Royals Fan Fest this year so we took the girls and our friend Mary. (Jet was already at Granny and Pops house before we knew we were going to go) It was a really fun evening for the kids. The all the kids got t-shirts and we were able to get a glove for Jet and purses for the sisters during a promotional prize throw. The girls also ran the bases and had a great time!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2010-01-27T14:27:00.004-06:00

We had tons of snow in late December/early January... The aftermath of the day... 30 min to get dressed and another 30 to get it all off and put away...

Harleigh throwin snowballs

Rogue

H-momma

Jet's snowball

After a while the girls got used to it and learned it was easier to crawl around rather than walk in the snow that was up to their knees!

Snow Angels!

Rogue's slidin on a drift in front of the house

Christmas Highlights

2010-01-27T14:17:00.003-06:00

Harleigh modeling her new boots, purse and scarf that Aunt Rel made!
Rogue's new scarf and purse

Jet getting ready to build something

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus...a tradition at Grandma Linda's

Rogue, Jet Henry and Harleigh waiting for the fun to start.

It's been a month since Christmas, I know, but it's been a busy month! Here's just a brief highlight of our Christmas holidays...

We were are Grandma Linda's house for Christmas itself...then a couple of days at home, then at Granny and Pops house for New Years...Everyone had a great time. We went sledding in Illinois with Jet and his cousins, and spent an extra day there because of the snow. At Granny and Pops house we were helping Aunt Donna build stairs in her new house and Andy fell and put a 2" screw into his back. Other than that, everything was pretty calm. Since then we've been working and wondering if the weather was ever going to get nice again, if the fog would ever go away!

Howard family Christmas party

2009-12-20T09:50:00.003-06:00

Like mother like daughter (attention hogs)

What North Pole did these two come from

Stranger Danger

She sets a mean table but her pies leave something to be

desired

Dont we look thrilled (Granny)

Michelle and Jet

The coolest guy in the world and the

luckiest women in the world

Rogue explainin life to Granny and Nanny

Shes possesed

Runnin off some energy before Santa showed up

Howard Christmas party prep

2009-12-20T09:43:00.002-06:00

Granny and Rogue makin baby pigs in a blanket

Rogue taste testin to make sure
Pops made it right

Harleigh thought it was good then what
doesn't she think isnt good

Pops and the girls choppin velvetta

KISS

2009-12-20T09:28:00.002-06:00

Paul Stanley and Gene

Better pic of Gene on top of the light bar

Gene and Paul the only originals left

Paul Stanley

KISS Again

2009-12-20T09:17:00.004-06:00

Kiss

Gene Simmons (check out that tongue)

Gene on the top of the light bar

Guitar solo

Gene again

The Girls Newest Love

2009-11-15T13:36:00.003-06:00

COLORING!
And so far it's just been on paper!

Getting Big and Crusin'

2009-11-15T13:08:00.003-06:00

First things first...we took the kids for their 5yr and 2yr appointments. Here's the stats:
Jet is 5yrs old, 43 lbs adn 43 1'2" tall
Harleigh is 2 years old as of the 28th, She's 25 lbs and 34 1/2" tall putting her in the 35th percentile
Rogue is 2 as of the 28th also...and she's 23lbs and 33" tall, which puts her in the 10th percentile.
All of the kids are healthy and good!

Below are some pics of us enjoying the amazing weather lately! We got out lightening McQueen and let the kids go for a ride. Rogue

Harleigh

Trade!

Daddy's jealous because he can't drive a race car!

Hey wait for me!

It was a great afternoon. Jet loved it because he got to drive the whole time. The girls did great taking turns and waiting nicely. Then we played on the playground and followed the afternoon up with a trip to DQ.

Halloween

2009-11-15T12:45:00.005-06:00

We started the day finishing up decorating...the kids helped by making some ghosts

(like the hats??? Thanks so much Barbara!!!)

Batman again...next year he will have to pick something else, this one won't fit anymore

Pops with the Grandkids, Harleigh, Rogue Jet, Mirranda, Their step-brother (I don't know his name) and Andrew

A Roguey spider

Harleigh Monster

Treats at Nanny's house

We hit a few houses in Emporia to visit some of Momma and Daddy's friends then Charli and the kids met us in Rapids and we took the kids around town.

Charli and Katie

Charli and Tristan

Pumpkin Carvin'

2009-11-15T12:30:00.003-06:00

Since Halloween was on a Saturday this year, we spent it at my parents house. We started the weekend festivities with some pumpkin carving.

Harleigh and Uncle Jesse are buddies!

Hmmm, can you eat it?

Aunt Rel felt pitty on Jet and cleaned his out for him

The only part Rogue wanted involved in was the candles

Momma's brave girl did it all!

Puppies!

2009-11-15T12:13:00.004-06:00

Our cousin's dog recently had puppies....

Awww

Pumpkin Huntin 2009

2009-11-15T12:02:00.001-06:00

We took the kids to the pumpkin patch in Platte City again this year. This time Grandma Linda was able to come with us. It finally stopped raining and we were able to go without getting too muddy! Jet checking out the nature that decided to attach itself to his jacket

They're all riding a haybale horse

Daddy bringing in a big load!

Everyone on top of the haybale maze! This is a favorite for everyone!

Happy Birthday Jet!

2009-11-15T11:47:00.001-06:00

It's pretty late, but I'm finally getting Jet's Birthday Pics up here... Here he is opening some gifts!
Cake Time!

Make a wish!

His Batman Cake Daddy made

Jet and Ethan checkin out some of his new Legos! Thanks Granny, Pops, Uncle Jesse and Rel

Grandma Linda and the kids at the legends after Jet's Birthday Dinner

Jet's Birthday dessert at T-Rex!

Jet had quite a birthday this year. The weekend before we had a party at Granny and Pops house with Nanny and Uncle Jesse and Rel and our friend Charli and her kids. The weekend of his birthday Grandma Linda came to visit. We went to T-rex for dinner on Friday night, Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch and on Sunday we had a birthday breakfast and later in the day a party with his friends. Thanks to everyone who helped make his weekends special!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T20:31:00.004-05:00

A trip to Peter Pan Park

2009-10-12T15:55:00.002-05:00

A return to blogging with trick pony riders...

2009-10-12T15:34:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile...I know. I spent last week in Okoboji, Iowa for work and the weeks before that have been crazy busy. I don't know what it is about this time of year, but it seems we're always on the go...
Anyway, here are some photos of the girls being pony riders...

They even do tricks

This is what happens when you push your sister off the pony while she's doing her trick.

The Return of Dog-Dog

2009-09-22T21:12:00.005-05:00

A package for Rogue

How do u open this, remember i am only 2

Oohhh i cant look, what if its diapers or something worse

My daddy will help me open it, please let it be something good

Its my dog-dog oh i love my dog-dog

Wait what is in there for me

I missed my dog-dog, since my parents left him

at granny and pops, sorry give me a minute while i fight back these tears

Dont u ever leave him there again hear me

mom and dad

I guess i will just wear daddys boots instead

Happy Birthday Pops and Nanny

2009-09-22T21:05:00.004-05:00

CAANNDLEEESSSSS

Its not even his birthday and that is not even
close to enough candles for the others.

Presents for me and not for U

Pops cant even open his own presents anymore

Happy birthday to u

Bouncy Bouncy

2009-09-22T21:00:00.003-05:00

Who said these things were just for cats

Why buy real kids toys

Uncle Schys cousins mothers brothers friends cousins

bounce toy

Get her

Too late lucky girl

Mmm Cake

2009-09-22T20:51:00.003-05:00

Cake give me cake NOW

Were u been hidin this stuff

There has got to be more cake on here somewhere

Yeaaa I found a speckle

Mmmm cake ruugghh uuummmm yyuuumm cake

This stuff is awesome more please!!

My babies and playgrounds dont mix

2009-09-21T16:49:00.006-05:00

Harleigh in TO cuase she thought rocks were cool and threw them everywhere.

See she is goin to throw rocks on sissy. Look at that shit eatin grin, little miss angel.

This brings back memories of someones certain birth. Oh wait she didnt come like that.

At least she isnt throwin rocks anymore.

Monkey see monkey do.

Harleighs rebirth with rocks of course.

Cuz Julia takin a slide.

Jet and Henry showin everyone how to fly planes.

Jet explainin to his Uncle Schy and Monica (Pauls girlfriend) the meanin of life.

Cuz Chris showin his daughter how to be a maniac, maniac on the floor,

and shes dancin like she never danced before

Wheels and Spills

2009-09-21T16:34:00.003-05:00

Jet learnin to ride a bike in our parkin lot

Jet learnin it is hard to ride a bike. He met the pavement alot that night

Harleigh takin the safe approach, four wheels on the ground

Ethan showin Rogue how to ride a trike.

One Bike, Two Girls....

2009-09-21T16:22:00.006-05:00

Little Rogue gets a bike before daddy

No Harleigh has a bike before daddy

Ok Ok just whose bike is this

And the brawl continues into the yard

Still

Tryin to figure out a peaceful solution

Well i guess we know whose bike it is

Swordfight!

2009-09-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

Pops's Girls

2009-08-27T14:00:00.001-05:00

Piggies and Smiley's!

2009-08-27T13:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary Remodel Granny & Pops

2009-08-25T20:11:00.003-05:00

For their anniversary this year Pops decided to give Granny the gift of a fully remodeled bedroom/dressing area. Therefore, we and my brother and his wife finished it out. We put texture on the walls and ceiling (mom hates sheetrock dust and texturing prevents the need to sand hence no dust). Then we put of wainscoating, chair rails and baseboards, finished out all the doorways with new trim and rewired some lighting. It looks great! Jet really getting into it...
Rel working on the ceiling

Andy workingon the lighting while Jesse trims a doorway

Jet cheering everyone on

And last but not least Granny doing what she does best!

Hope you guys had a great day!

Love you!

Monday Madness!!!

2009-08-24T20:47:00.003-05:00

For about 2 hours tonight we were homeless... Here's a desolate Jet and Rogue wandering down the street looking for a new house that isn't "broken", how do I know they're desolate.. Rogue is willingly letting Jet hold her hand.

Here's Daddy trying to save the day

Harleigh's not sure she wants a new house

And she's telling Bubba and Sissy not to give up yet either!

Wait, maybe not, here she goes off in search on someone to save the day, or some food, whatever, she's easily pleased

Everyone taking a break waiting on a hero to show up

And wouldn't you know it, the one time the sisters tell us they have to potty there's no way to get to a bathroom in time!

Even Harleigh's in on the deal

They tried to go in the grass, but daddy wouldn't let them....

What you may ask caused this, we got home tonight from work only to find out that we were locked out of our house. Not because we both forgot our keys inside, but because the lock broke. When we finally got ahold of the landlord, he was of couse out of town! We had to call a locksmith to get us in and he eventually broke the door down. Then Andy had to repair the door frame and trim etc and install a new working deadbolt!

The kids thought it was a great adventure, until they got hungry so we had to run out and get some sandwiches and by the time we got home they had gotten the door open. So much for a relaxing evening!

Randomness.....

2009-08-20T20:39:00.002-05:00

The depths of Lake Perry

2009-08-17T22:28:00.003-05:00

The precious Harleigh before her trip to the depths of Perry Lake. We will miss her.

Even Rogue joins the search party as she scans the water for sissy, or doin some magic trick.

Holy Cow there she is she is back from the depths. Even Nessy cant handle her ( watch out boys of the future not that i will ever let that happen).

I think she wants Nessy to come back and get her.

As for mommy well she was the first casualty of Perry Lake, Nessy tried to bring her back but i said he could keep her. But he insisted i take her back, I guess i do need someone to make dinners, wash the clothes, u know do the wife things. Like mother like daughter not even the monsters of the deep want these two.

Loch Ness Monster

2009-08-17T22:11:00.002-05:00

Me, Bubba and Harleigh scan the waters for Nessy at Lake Perry.

Jet thinks he has seen Nessy so he runs for the beach

O no its got Harleigh!!! Nessy's got Harleigh.
She looks real concerned for her sister doesnt she. As sis gets dragged to the depths of Lake Perry Rogue could really care less. Do u feel the love?

See what I mean.

Jet Goes Camping!!!

2009-08-15T21:11:00.003-05:00

Jet went on his first camping trip with Uncle Jesse and Aunt Rel a couple of weeks ago... They went out to Melvern and had a great night! Here he is all loaded up and ready to go
Jet and Aunt Rel checkin out his tent, he slept in it all by himself all night! (good thing this point was left out until after the camping trip was over or Momma would never have slept that night!)

The boys getting ready to swim

Jet and Aunt Rel swimming, (this is about as deep as he went out!)

Sand castles are still cool!

Uncle Jesse and Jet roasting marshmallows to make smores!

As much as he liked to cremate the marshmallows he didn't want to actually eat them, he preferred pop tarts instead

They went on a nature walk that lead them to...

Diggers, of course, where else would a boy go (Uncle Jesse even got in on the fun)

Jet goes to the Fair

2009-08-15T20:57:00.004-05:00

Jet went to the county fair back home with my parents and brother and his wife....here are a few of the highlights... Crazy boy with a hammer!

Uncle Jesse drew the short straw and had to ride the flying elephants!

Aunt Rel got the pleasure of riding the spinning tea cups

Playing Basketball

Uncle Jesse rode the spinning dragon

He LOVES tractors!

On the cars ride, he just hopped into this one next to the little girls he didn't even know....Daddy says it's cause he's a ladies man...

And the Ferris Wheel...Good thing Aunt Rel likes them because you'd never catch Momma on one! Notice how they're sitting when they first get on

Here's halfway through, a little closer now

And by teh very end of it he was almost on her lap. He loved it as long as it was going but he didn't like all the stopping and starting to let people on and off...

He had a great time! Thanks Jesse and Rel and Granny and Pops!

Mud Table Part 2

2009-08-15T20:51:00.002-05:00

It seems no matter where the Sisters go they are immediately drawn to any source of mud and water.... Here they are "helping" Granny's pond...
See, it's a two girl effort to make this much water into mud!

The Sisters First Dance....

2009-08-15T20:33:00.002-05:00

The girls first dance...

awww

Wait a minute!!! No kissing!!

Seriously sister!

O good they're threw dancing now they're going to beat them up!

Good Sisters!

Down on the Farm

2009-08-02T13:59:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we were at my parents visiting and took the kids over to Aunt Donna's house to visit the animals... Rogue's not so excited about the piggy

Harleigh and Jet wouldn't even get that close!

Jet does love that she has diggers!

The sisters taking a break....it's hard work being a farm girl

Jet and Aunt Donna taking the backhoe for a drive

Sisters meet the new calf

And while Jet likes the diggers, he could care less for the animals

Shopping Spree!!!

2009-08-02T13:43:00.003-05:00

My work had a summer picnic for all the employees at which they had a contest and the prizes were gift cards to a local mall...And amazingly my team got 1st place!!! With the giftcard and an amazing sale at Penney's we went shopping and got the kids some clothes for this winter.... The sisters model some of their new jammies. I got 4 pairs total for them, only 6 more needed!

(They wear jammies everyday to the sitters house and she dresses them there after breakfast, then she washes their jammies so I don't have to, the only down fall is I need a pair of jammies for each kid for all 5 days)
These are outfits Grandma Linda got the girls when she was visiting!
Thanks Grandma!

How cute are these! Since we had the giftcard we actually went into the Children's Place and Daddy picked all of these out for the girls!

Some more shirts we picked up and a capri outfit Granny got for next spring that might fit them this fall instead

2009-07-28T19:24:00.002-05:00

Jeris Dream Men

Here sit her two men watchin a game at the K
We were quickly dropped for this man as we had to move to the outfield wall so we could get a better look at him

Here he is perousin the crowd lookin for her

This is the mystery man. Josh Hamilton centerfielder for the Texas Rangers.

She was so wxcited to see him that i think she forgot about us for 7 innings until the game was over and she got dropped back down to reality.

Shades

2009-07-28T18:13:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday....Sisters....

2009-07-20T18:48:00.005-05:00

Momma's dress shoes holding "mad-cow disease"

(her arm's stuck in the speaker)

Okay it wasn't really wordless.....at least you got new pics :)

Sock Puppets

2009-07-20T18:41:00.004-05:00

One night after the sisters went to bed we made sock puppets!! It was great fun, but we need to get more supplies and socks to make some really great ones

Momma's blonde super hero, daddies has a comb-over and Jet's red haired hero

Natalie et al comes to visit!!!

2009-07-20T18:30:00.003-05:00

We were full of visitors this weekend, not only did Grandma Linda come visit, so did our friend Natalie and her husband and their two girls Allie and Maddyn. Sunday was again filled with lots of hanging out around the house playing. Then in the afternoon we went up to Crown Center and checked out the Lego exhibit and Fritz's (the train restaurant) then we looked at the fountains and closed the day with dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise....It was a great time and great to see them again. We really have to work harder at getting together! Sunflower built entirely out of legos
Jet and Allie at Fritz's

More Fritz's

At the fountains

More fountains

Amelia Earhart Festival

2009-07-20T18:04:00.004-05:00

Grandma Linda came to visit us this weekend. We spent some time relaxing and hanging out around the house, then Saturday night we took her to the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison. We went up and met some of our friends and their kids that Andy works with. We watched a wing walker on a biplane and then just hung out by the river playing and enjoying the amazing weather until the fireworks show! It was a great night! The sisters playing cars with daddy

Rogue entertaining herself

Jet playing races with Ethan and Maddie and the other kids

Wing Walker, see the red spot on top of the plane....thats the guy up there

Jet entertaining himself while waiting for the show to start

Harleigh watched with Grandma Linda

Rogue and Momma watchin the wing walker

Jet watchin the fireworks

Harleigh watches next to Daddy

Rogue didn't quite make it through the show (that'll teach her not to take a nap during the day)

Oooo....And the photo doesn't do the show justice at all, they were amazing!

Jet flyin a plane in downtown Atchison

Happy Father's Day Pops!

2009-07-17T15:49:00.002-05:00

I know it's a little late...but here's some pics from Father's day at my parents house. This year my brothers and I chipped in and suprised Pops with a new grill....

And just as we were getting ready to cook on it it started pouring, so pops was drenched by the time the food was done, but it was great anyway!

Babies...

2009-07-13T19:03:00.002-05:00

The little girls (Sisters as we like to call them) are no longer babies. They are big girls now, so much so that they like to play with babies. Below are some pics of them playing with the american girl dolls I got them on a work trip to Chicago last year. Rogue loves the babies
Harleigh is a little more casual with the babies, she can take them or leave them most days, but sometimes she really likes them

Awww

Such nice little girls

And a side note to those few faithful readers I have....I know I haven't been posting as much lately. It's crazy busy here, you know, 3 kids, full time job, working out, summer and spending time outside with the kids. I promise everything at home is good and there are no problems other than there aren't quite enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done. Unfortunately, this blog is one of those items that gets pushed as not a top line priortiy. I promise to try to do better!!! I will post at least once a week!! And I know I have father's day and fourth of July photos still to post, but I'm going to watch the home run derby with the kids and Andy now, so they'll have to wait until later. But I promise they'll be up here soon!!

"Brief Entertainment"

2009-06-29T18:07:00.001-05:00

Sorry Andy...

Mud Table?!?

2009-06-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

Andy and I thought it would be a good idea to get this cute little water table for the kids to play with on the balcony.....you know splash around it.....things like that. So we finally saw one on sale and got it. Andy put it together and the girls loved to climb in and out of it when it was in the living room. It finally got hot enough so we put it outside and filled it with water. The girls were splashing away having fun, we turned our backs for just a second and the next thing you know.... The sisters had figured out how to lift the lid on the digger box and throw all the dirt from it into the water table....mud table!
See

They were so proud of themselves we let them go for a while but eventually...

Daddy gave them showers and they were mad mad mad!!!

Why Andy is a Great Husband...Warning Graphic Content!!

2009-06-16T07:51:00.002-05:00

***Fair warning there are a few gross things in this post and it might not be for the faint of heart***

Okay, this post is no pics or anything like that, just a quick way to express my love and appreciation for my husband. It's been six years now and while not all of it has been wonderful or easy. I'm so glad that we're together. What has sparked this sudden post you might ask, is it the upcomming father's day holiday. No. It's more than that...(here comes the gross part)... Since, I was pregnant with the girls my hormones have been totally out of control. I had so much that I threw up every day with the girls for quite a while. Most mornings I was good and made it to a trash can or the toilet, however, that was not always the case and every time I didn't make it Andy always got up and cleaned up for me so I could go lay down a little bit. After the girls and the end of breast feeding my hormones went completely back the other way. I guess from all the swings and crazy levels they affected me more than I thought. I started having miscarriage like periods every month, then every three weeks. It was crazy and I couldn't deal with it anymore. So at Andy's encouragement I went to the doctor and yesterday he too me to have a D&C and then an ablation. Meaning they scraped everything out of my uterus then basically carterized the entire thing. The plan was for Andy to take me in in the morning then we'd be home by lunchtime and he would go to work for half a day. However, this was not the case. I woke up sobbing in recovery and he was right there telling me it was okay, then when the pain was awful they gave me more drugs which of course made me so sick I couldn't move without getting sick. By the time we got back to the house he decided to just stay home with me, he made sure I had plenty of fluids and made me eat so I could take more of the awful pain meds. He even laid with me to watch a movie without touching me or making the bed move so I wouldn't get sick. Today I'm feeling better, still very achy and tired but not sick. The side effects of the procedure: no more bleeding ever... that's great right, but it also means no more children ever. Even though we were planning on being done, I'm still a little angry, we were done before by our choice, now we're done no matter what, yes it was my choice not to live that way anymore, but it's still a sucky choice. Enough of that though...Back to Andy, he's great because he's there for the big things, he's there for the house and the kids and the little things, but also because he's there for the gross things you're afraid of doing. I love you husband and am grateful every day that we found each other.

Zoo Trip

2009-06-16T07:31:00.003-05:00

A couple of Sundays ago we went to the Topeka Zoo with our friends Jennie, Matt and her kids Ethan and Maddie. The kids had a great day running around looking at all the animals, then we rode the train and played for a little bit on the toys. My parents met us there in time for Granny to ride the train with us and then Jet went home and spent a week at their house now that my mom is out of school for the summer. He had a great time playing diggers, riding his bike, swimming and visiting Nanny. I'll hopefuly get some pics of this from my parents and put them up here too!
Jet, Ethan and Maddie shared a wagon

Daddy and the sisters looked at the fishies and turtles

Jet and Ethan chekcing out some ducks

Harleigh was willing to let the goat kiss her

Rogue however, didn't want it to get any closer!

Granny, Harleigh and Jet wait for the train

The girls want Granny to pick them up

Jet playing on the toy train.

More Party Pics!

2009-06-14T10:29:00.003-05:00

Granny, Grandpa Pete and Uncle Gerald with Grandpa's Life Pictures Card
Grandpa Pete and Granny blow out their candles

Jet, Uncle Jesse and Noel get ready to hit the pinata

Granda Pete had a turn at the pinata

Family Pic

Molly with the pinata

party decor

Happy Birthday Grandpa Pete!

2009-06-14T10:07:00.002-05:00

When my grandfather was here formmy brother's graduation we held a suprise birthday party for him too! It was a Luau and despite the monsoon like rain we had for about half an hour everyone had a great time! Noel and Nanny
Grandpa Pete opening his gifts

We also had a cake and gifts for Granny, it was her birthday weekend too!

Here Rogue and Jet are helping her open hers

Granny and Grandpa Pete with their cakes

Mirel

Susan and Molly

Grandpa

Granny and Rogue

Gerald

Photos Finally!

2009-06-09T18:28:00.004-05:00

I finally got some photos downloaded (thanks Andy) this evening. Over the next few days I'll try to catch this blog up. Here are some photos of the Memorial Day Weekend activities. I also have shots of Grandpa Pete's Surpise Party, THe kids at the zoo, the girls and the mud table and more I can't remember now. Anyway, things are good. Jet's spending the week at Granny and Pops house and is having a great time! The girls are still with us and are good. However, when we say Bubba they look around and call for him. They miss him! This is it for now however, the girls are pretty crabby and I might have to go rescue Andy! Jet and the submarine
Jet

Rogue

Daddy and Rogue play some ball

The girls enjoy a swim

Rogue and Daddy take a break

Jet and Daddy ready to party

Harleigh Momma talks with the doggies

Playdough!

I know I know!

2009-05-29T16:07:00.003-05:00

I know it's been a while. 10 days, I know! But we've been really busy. It's been work, and the weather's great so no one wants to be inside early in the evening. Andy just finished up 2 of the 3 softball leagues he plays on last week, now we're down to one night a week. I'm kickboxing one night a week. And the holiday weekend was crazy busy! My brother graduated college, my grandfather was in town from Florida, my aunt and uncle and their two kids were in town from New York, we spent the whole weekend at my parents. We had a suprise birthday party for my grandpa and mom. It's been busy, then this week we've just been trying to keep up. The kids are all good. Enjoying the weather and playing outside. We got Harleigh's ears pierced, but Rogue didn't want hers done. And now my camera's battery is dead, so you'll just have to wait to see the photos of all the excitement lately! Sorry! I'll put them up as soon as I can, it's charging now, so hopefully this weekend!

Wordless Wednesday! (New Tradition)

2009-05-18T20:37:00.003-05:00

Andy has taken it upon himself to be the maker of the mac and cheese. He makes it the way my dad used to make it. Real noodles and lots of velveeta. It's great! and the kids love it too! The girls are covered in it every time we have it...

On the Move Again....

2009-05-18T20:28:00.004-05:00

No, not us....Just the kids! We moved the girls into toddler beds this weekend....they're doing pretty good. It takes them about 30-45 minutes to give up and realize they have to go to sleep, but it's not bad. And they sleep in them all night. Well, Rogue does. Harleigh has been in our room every night for a little bit because she keeps falling out of her bed. She wiggles so much when she's sleeping, we're going to have to put her next to the wall and get a rail for the other side. On Tuesday night she was at our bedroom door sucking her thumb and holding her blankie. Very cute! (Just not all the time) Harleigh

Rogue

Jet

To facilitate the new changes Andy spent the weekend moving the kids rooms around. Now they're all sleeping in the little room. He even got both dressers in there and the clothes hanging in the closets. The big room is now the playroom. Jet still has his loft area for his big boy toys, and now they all have a lot more floor space to play.

Thanks Daddy-- we love it!

18 month meltdown

2009-05-18T20:13:00.002-05:00

The girls went in for their 18 month check-up a little early due to the holiday etc. Anyway, both girls are doing great! Harleigh is 32" tall and 21.5 lbs. Rogue is 31" tall and 20.5 lbs. They're both very little only in the 10% and 6% in weight, but right about the 50% for height. Other than that nothing really exciting happened. Here's a few photos of sisterly love. Rogue was having a meltdown (I don't remember why) and Harleigh was helping her.

Wordless Wednesday--Daddy's Little Princess!

2009-05-13T17:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-05-12T16:50:00.002-05:00

Andy's Birthday was yesterday. We celebrated with the kids last night with our traditional dinner and cake of the birthday persons choosing.... Andy and the kids getting ready to blow out his matches (I forgot candles)
And on Saturday I threw him a suprise party at a local restraunt with some of our friends from work and softball. Here's most of the group at Hooters where we went after dinner for a quick drink

Andy with his candles at the restaurant

Andrew and Alana and Kelvin

Jennie and Matt and Ivan and his girlfriend

Happy Birthday Andy! Hope you had a great day!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:57:00.003-05:00

This Mother's Day we stayed at our place...a first for us not to be at a family members house. My brother Jesse and his wife Rel were at our place so we took them shopping at Zona Rosa then had lunch at Abuelos (this really amazing Mexican place)with some friends (Jennie and Matt and Maddie). Jennie and I even got free t-shirts and gift certificates for 4 free meals, one a month from now until the end of August! We spent the rest of the day just relaxing at the house and everyone (even Momma and Daddy) got to take a nap! Jet and Uncle Jesse wait paitently while waiting on Aunt Rel to try on dresses

Harleigh running around the fountain at Zona Rosa

Jet throwing pennies in the fountain

Rogue

Harleigh wants to play with Maddie (in white) and the other big girl

Daddy Plays Baseball

2009-05-10T18:32:00.002-05:00

The weather's finally been warm enough and the games early enough that we've been going to Daddy's baseball games a lot lately! Suprisingly it's a very good time for everyone and the kids are really very very good. The girls hang out in the wagon and play and we eat dinner at the games (PB&J). Then towards the end we get out and run around. But lucky for Momma the girls are still pretty shy and don't wander far with all the strangers around. Jet is always a big helper, playing with the girls and pulling the wagon. We were leaving the game Friday night when the girls deciede they needed some chips for the ride home

Mud, Monster Trucks, and More

2009-05-05T19:23:00.003-05:00

Nope not mud here, just chocolate frosting
Jet helped me plant some flowers yesterday

And he made a mud track for his monster trucks today

Our finished project. Lets hope we remember to water them and they don't die right away!

Pics, Pics and more Pics...

2009-05-01T14:31:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a long time, but we've been busy. Nothing great really, just hanging out and enjoying each other. But having a lot of fun all the same.... anyway here's a few of our recent activities... Rogue playing with her Bubba's Bat Cave
Jet and Harleigh reading train books together

"I'll show you Bubba, this is for not letting me play with you"

(no she didn't really hit him)

It's been raining quite a bit here lately....

"What? I didn't do anything I swear!"

Jet made Thomas a track

He's Crazy

Rogue playing "Binga Boo" with Harleigh and Granny

The girls do like their shoes

As an update: everyone is good. Harleigh got 2 more teeth, the girls love to dance and read and play with all of Jet's toys. They say lots of words now including: milk, bubba, momma, daddy, dog, ball, sissy, no, mine, up and a few others I can't remember right now. The still talk to themselves quite a bit too but we can definately understand when they want something now. Jet is good. He loves riding his new bike, and playing with his diggers. He's been helping me cook quite a bit lately and playing with his friend Ethan (our neighbors son). Andy and I are good as well, just working and trying to survive the crazy kids. We're very glad its getting warmer so we can spend more time outdoors with them and wear them out, now if it would just stop raining long enough for it to actually dry out.

Train Ride

2009-04-26T12:28:00.003-05:00

Recently while at Granny and Pops house we took the kids on a train ride in Emporia

Momma and Granny rode with the girls

The girls waiting their turn

And Jet is so big now he get to ride all by himself!

Wordless Wednesday--New Wheels

2009-04-23T19:50:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know it's Thursday, but it's been really crazy here lately!

Long Weekend!

2009-04-20T09:50:00.002-05:00

Not because of a holiday or anything fun, just because we were trapped inside first by the rain then by two sick little girls Rogue didn't even get dressed yesterday! She has a pretty good ear infection and cold

Daddy and Harleigh. We think she has strep from the daycare. We'll find out today when we go to the doctor. They were watching the Royals/Texas game

Rogue wanted to watch too

Jet was so good. He played nice and worked on his learning games and we did get out Sunday afternoon for about an hour of baseball together. He also helped me cook all weekend

A little fun Saturday morning during the rain. I took apart the couch to clean and vacuum it and let the kids climb all over it and the cushions before putting it back together.

Harleigh goes to Time Out

2009-04-19T17:39:00.003-05:00

Friday night Harleigh made her first trip to the naughty chair.....

She decided it would be fun to hit Rogue on the head with daddy's belt and she didn't stop when mommy and daddy told her to. Daddy took the belt and Harleigh just hit Rogue in the head with her hand. Daddy sent Harleigh to time out for a minute. Needless to say she was not thrilled
But with Daddy's assistance she sat there for her full minute

Then (also with Daddy's assistance) she told Rogue she was sorry and gave her a kiss.

Easter Dinner, Dresses and Fun

2009-04-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

This year we spent Easter at my parents house. We did the usual egg hunts and dying, Easter baskets and a dinner with my parents, grandmother, my brother and his wife, my uncle Ronnie, Aunt Donna, and Cousin Jason and his 2 kids. All in all it was a great weekend. Here are a few of the highlight photos....
Jet all dressed up watching cartoons on top of the additional table we had to set up in the living room so everyone would have a place to sit.

Harleigh and Rogue standing on the table in their Easter dresses and sweaters. I made those dresses! (I'm still a little excited that they came out so well)

Rogue helping Pops get the carrots ready for dinner

Harleigh helping Pops with the potatoes

Rogue giving her baby some of the grass from her basket. The kids had the grass all over the house driving Granny crazy, everytime she thought she got it all picked up the girls found more!

Jet helping peel some eggs for the deviled eggs

Harleigh helping Jet look at his basket

Rogue checking out the baby doll that came with the girls baskets.

(check out her hair, total bed-head

Harleigh Momma holding some candy. She quickly figured out if you dropped the eggs on a hard floor they would come open and candy would come out for her to eat. I'm amazes no one threw up with all the extra sweet stuff they had that day.

What's an Easter Egg?

2009-04-16T19:15:00.003-05:00

This is the first year the girls have been old enough to dye eggs with everyone else for Easter... Look at all those beautiful eggs!
Jet had a great time

Harleigh checking out a green egg

Pops and jet show Rogue how to do it just right

Rogue and her Pops with her first egg!

Egg Hunt

2009-04-15T17:09:00.003-05:00

Every year the little church in my hometown has an Easter Egg Hunt and we try to take the kids every year. Here are a few of the highlight photos from the event.

The end of an era part II

2009-04-13T18:39:00.005-05:00

In order to get a tattoo you have to shave all the hair off the area the tattoo is going. This tends to be a long process when you've never shaved your legs before....

The end of an era

2009-04-13T18:33:00.003-05:00

When I met Andy 6 years ago he always wore khaki shorts, a t-shirt and athletic team jacket, a backwards baseball hat and white socks up to his knees. He'd been doing this for years before I met him and it earned him the nickname "socks" when he was playing baseball at William Woods. He's been dressing like this for a very long time now. Every game it's 3 shirts, 3 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of knee socks, usually tye-dyed, and a backwards baseball hat.

Thats all about to change, for getting A's in all his firefighter and EMT classes, passing all his certification tests on the first try and partially his birthday he's having "flame socks" tattooed permanently on his lower legs.... So, this is it, the end is near and we will soon never see the tye-dyed socks again.

Rock Concert!

2009-04-13T18:25:00.003-05:00

Wednesday the 8th Andy took me to my second concert ever! It was the Saving Abel, Seether, Nickleback show and it was great! We didn't get to see much of Saving Abel because of some difficulties with the group we were going with and getting everyone out of the house to go, but it was still amazing!

Thanks husband-- Here we are waiting for something exciting to happen
Nickleback

Seether

Saving Abel.

These are all the photos I got, of course I didn't realize that my cameras batteries were almost dead and I have photos on my phone but have no idea how to get them off.

What's an Easter Bunny???

2009-04-07T23:03:00.004-05:00

My Mom and I were in walmart this weekend and they had a thing set up to get a free photo with the Easter bunny. So we tried it out with the girls...... Rogue did not care for it one bit!
This is the calmest photo we got, needless to say she doesn't like big furry things that talk!

Harleigh Momma wasn't so sure either at first

But once she found her thumb she was alright again. No smiles but no screaming.

Busy Times--Photo Catch Up

2009-04-07T22:46:00.004-05:00

Rogue looking outside at Granny and Pops house
Harleigh at Granny and Pops house

Jet and Daddy fixed the sink in our bathroom

Daddy pulls the girls through the Topeka Zoo

Jet and Ty climbing on the rocks at Gage Park

Jet walking the train bridge at Gage Park

Jet and Ty on the Lion at the Topeka Zoo

It has been crazy busy here the past few weeks. So apologies for the lack of posts. Above are some photos of what's been happening and here's a quick rundown.

1) Andy took his practical exam for his EMT certification and passed everything on the first try

2) Jet spent a week at Granny and Pops house

3) Andy started playing softball again

4) Jet and Andy went to Illinois to get Grandpa Tom's boat and bring it back to KS so they could work on it

5) The girls and I went to Granny and Pops for the weekend without the boys

6) I finally finished the Easter dresses

7) We went to the Toepka Zoo and had lunch in Gage Park with Granny, Pops, Nanny, Crystal and Ty

8) My work has been crazy busy and pretty stressful

9) We rearranged the living room and the master bath

So, in closing, it's been really busy and I apologize for the lack of photos, but I'll do better, I promise!

Prayers Please

2009-03-27T08:18:00.002-05:00

Hi all--

This is a prayer request for a family that is very good friends of ours. We went through college with Cody and Heather and now she is in the fight of her life for her life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma last summer and has been on chemo for about 7 months now. While she was responding well, she just received a huge blow and the cancer has returned in multiple spots on her back and chest. Please pray for her and her family and their 2 kids. Here's the link to her family's blog if you would like to read more. She has a special link on the top right side that is specifically her story of the battle she's been having with cancer.

http://thesnydernews.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T19:14:00.002-05:00

Working Man!

2009-03-21T08:48:00.002-05:00

This pas week my mom's school has been on spring break, so Jet spent the whole week down there with them. They had lots of fun and playtime, he even spent the night and Uncle Jesse and Aunt Rel's house. He was also a huge help in the landscaping project my parents were working on. Here he helping shovel the rocks for the patio area
A quick break to climb up on top of the swingset. This is are far as he got before Granny figured it out and went running over there to resuce him while my dad was taking the photos.

More shoveling

He's going to be a great man someday

A little celebration on top of the huge pile of sand they had delivered for the kids' new sandbox and swingset area.

Kidney Refulx--Advice???

2009-03-19T13:12:00.003-05:00

Harleigh went in for her ultrasounds and dye tests for her kidney's/bladder today. The tests went as well as can be expected when cathing a 15 month old and then trying to get her to lay still so they can take a bunch of photos. Anyway, at least this time they were able to use a numbing agent so it didn't hurt as much. The tests showed that her kidney's hadn't been damaged yet, so that's super good, but she does have reflux on her right side. It's not so severe that she has to have surgery right away. Instead they treat it with a low does of antibiotics daily until something changes (she grows out of it, gets another infection, etc.) This bothers us because they aren't going to scan her again for a year! Needless to say Andy and I aren't really excited about her having to take antibiotics for a whole year! And it could turn into 3 or 4 before it goes away on it's own or they decide to operate to fix it. So, anyone had or have a child or know someone who's delt with this before that has any suggestions either for or against the meds, alternative treatments, etc?

Wordless Wednesday! (almost)

2009-03-18T19:55:00.003-05:00

Practicing?

"Go Away!, I'm Mad!"

Monkey impersonation

Wedding Cake

2009-03-17T18:26:00.003-05:00

Long story short, I have a friends whos daughter was getting married today and her wedding cake fell threw. So last night I made my first wedding cake. Not very fancy, but I think it turned out pretty cute, for only having 4 hours to make it. Bow detail
Finished product minus the topper the mom still had.

It was actually pretty fun and I think with a couple of days to do it, it would be really great. However the bride really liked it so that's all that matters!

Thanks to Crystal who baked the cakes while I was at work!

First Haircuts!

2009-03-17T18:20:00.003-05:00

I can't believe we did it, but we did it. Last Saturday after a long battle over whether they could see or not we cut the girls hair. Just a little trim of the bangs and the extra long stuff so they would have a shape to grow into. Anyway--Here's a few photos... Rogue couldn't believe we were doing this to her
She wasn't thrilled

As you can tell by the dirty looks she was giving Morgan. However, she didn't move or speak at all during the whole thing.

Harleigh did better as long as she had her thumb anyway

She was a little more active and wanted to know what was going on then when she figured it out she didn't want to see anymore and kept her eyes closed the rest of the time.

Where's the Beach?

2009-03-07T11:17:00.003-06:00

Crystal and I were are Target and JC Penney last night and they had the cutest swimsuits on sale! Needless to say we're now ready for the beach! Except we live in the middle of KS and it's still not warm enough out yet. Oh, well they sure look cute anyway. Jet also got a lightning McQueen suit, but he didn't want to put it on for a photo! The back of Harleigh's (I love the butt ruffle!)
Miss Bathing Beauty Herself!

The back of Rogue's

How cute is she? (Think she knows it?)

One hour after bedtime...

2009-03-07T11:13:00.003-06:00

The other night about an hour after we put the girl to bed I saw the light on in their room, so I went in to check it out...This is what I found Crazy Rogue still awake and playing with her dino
And Harleigh Momma fast asleep.

That Funny Boy

2009-03-07T11:05:00.003-06:00

Our son thinks he is hilarious! Here are a few of his latest funnies:

1) On the way home from Granny and Pops house. He's in the back of the van...

J: Guess what I can do mom!

M: what?

J: I can swallow my food and make it come back up into my mouth!

M: Gross, don't do that!

2: The house is a little smoky as I burnt something on the stove beacuse I was chasing after the girls and didn't get back to the kitchen in time...

D: Do I need to call the fire department and ask to borrow the smoke ejector?

J: Yeah! I think that's a great idea!

He's stil so sweet when he sleeps. This is how I found him last Friday when I was on my way to work.

15 Month Check ups

2009-03-04T18:59:00.003-06:00

Today we went in for the girls 15 month check ups. We also combined in Harleigh's hospital follow up in the visit. So here's the new stats.... Harleigh now weight 20 lbs 6 oz and is 31" tall

This puts her in the 20% percentile in weight and the 75% in height.
Rogue is now 19 lbs 8.4 oz and is 30" tall
Rogue is in the 10% in weight and the 45% in height

And some extra fun stuff, they both got shots today and are really crabby. Rogue has an ear infection in both ears and Harleigh has to go in for a bladder/kidney ultrasound and dye test. They think her infection might have been caused by reflux between the bladder and kidneys. No date for this test yet, they're scheduling with the drs and will let me know. Until then she has to take a low does antibiotic everyday to prevent another infection, just in case that is the problem. So, we'll know more later. I'll keep you posted.

Harleigh Goes to the Hospital

2009-03-03T21:29:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been quite exciting since the post last Friday! This is how we knew something was really wrong....

and it was. Miss Harleigh Momma was having fevers in teh 104-105 range, then she started vomiting and refusing to eat or drink....and after a quick trip to the dr we were sent to Childrens Mercy South. Here we learned she had an E.coli infection that was resistant to ampicillin. Thus we had a couple of days of pertty strong IV antibiotics and treatments for the fever as well (motrin/tylenol/baths etc) We had to stay to finish enough of the IV antibiotics that the infection wouldn't reoccur once we got home even after we took an oral antibiotic for a week. We also had to stay until she had been afebrile for at least 24 hours. So, in we went on Saturday and home we finally came today. Playing in the cage

Harleigh and Daddy cheesin'

"seriously Daddy, what are you doing?"

"Help"

"I hate this stupid thing!"

Harleigh chillin in the recliner. While she was hooked up to the IV she could only move around in about a 6' radius

Snack time with Chompers

Breakfast on the floor also. Seriously have you ever tried to feed a 15mth old at a hospital???

Harleigh and Daddy cuddling the night before we were released! She was finally unhooked from a constant saline drip and could move around. We even took a couple of laps around the ward she was so excited.

A few other notes about the weekend.

Our very good friend Mary helped us so much Saturday getting to the hospital, then staying with Rogey and Jet until we knew for sure what was going on with Harleigh. Then she took the other 2 kids to Ottawa where my parents picked them up so they could stay with them because Andy was at work the whole time. Then Mary came and visited us everyday to keep us from going crazy! Thanks so much!

Also, Crystal visited us bright and early on Sunday morning and brought us breakfast and lunch so mommy wouldn't have to leave Harleigh in the room alone to run to the cafeteria! Thanks so much Crystal!

And Granny and Pops and Uncle Jesse and Aunt Rel...Thanks so much for taking such good care of Rogey and Jet while all this craziness was going on! We don't know what we would have done with them otherwise! And I hope you are all resting now, becasuse I know those kids are a crazy handfull!

Friday Friday!!!

2009-02-27T17:29:00.004-06:00

We made it through another week! Too bad the weather this weekend is going to be so crappy! Anyway, here's a little of what we've been up to this week.... This is what we use for the "naughty corner"...I wonder if Rogue is practicing for her future!

"I'd rather eat this than write with it"

"I'm so cool with my shades"

Jet and superman playing in their secret place

"what you looking at?"

Roguey will steal you dino too, if you don't watch her! (This one is her Bubba's favorite)

Weekend at Home

2009-02-22T20:06:00.004-06:00

Another relaxing weekend at home, if you can say trapped in a small house with 3 crazy kids because it's too cold to go outside, is relaxing anyway. Jet in the playroom
The girls love the toybox!

Andy said he was studying, but I'm not sure I believe him...

Jet's singing on his v-smile

He gets his musical ability from his mother if that tells you anything!

Harleigh is such a cheeser!

Jet and Rogue played firehouse

Harleigh riding the pony

Rogue and her dolly in the basket! ( I told Andy buying those American Girl dolls last year when I was in Chicago for work was a good idea! The girls do play with them)

Wonder what she's thinking...

Crazy kids!

And just a Rogue update...She's had a really bad cold lately and been very crabby, tonight we learned that she was probably super crabby because not only could she not breathe, she also got in 4.5 teeth in the last 3 days! Now she has 8 total and one more molar that will probably be through in the next few days! Fortunately for us she is feeling much better now.

And a Jet update, we had him screened for pre-school for next year and were told there is no way he is educationally "at-risk" and not to worry about pre-school, but if we still wanted to send him to look into one of the private ones in town. To send him to a private pre-school, anywhere in town costs as much as I pay for my car every month. Needless to say Jet will not be attending pre-school, just hanging out another year and going straight into kindergarten!

And for Harleigh, she's good, just being sweet and silly. We're thinking she might be ready to potty train soon. If you ask her where the potty is she'll go in and sit on the little on at the daycare. I can't wait for no more diapers!

More Dresses

2009-02-22T19:44:00.003-06:00

I've managed to finish a couple more dresses.... This is an Easter dress, the other one will be the same, but the fabric is blue and green instead. I don't think I'll be making a whole lot of dresses like these, I have determined I don't like pin-tucking! but it did turn out really cute.

Granny found this fabric for me

I love the ladybugs and you can't tell, but it has little sparkles in it too!

These are so easy! Except I wasn't paying attention when I was cutting out the monkey fabric and they're upside down! Oh well,

2 more easy ones. I love the daisy's they're so bright and the paisly is much cuter in person than in this photo, and looks good with the first brown and blue dress!

I have more in the works, I'm starting on shorts sets, but time is limited, good thing it'll be a while until it's warm enough to need them!