Kenna at nap time

This was Makenna at nap time last Thursday! TOO CUTE!
Tonight when I got home from the dentist....she crawl up to me, stood up grabbed my leg and said "mumma mumma". My heart melted! She is officially an ankle biter!

Playing catch up

Sunday morning I was up around 7:15 am. I had lots to do...take care of the dog, make coffee (the most important), get ready, wake Eli up, pack the car with stuff for the church garage sale, off to Dianes to pick up the girls, then off to church. Thank God Eli cut up all the stuff for the salad for the pot luck. I was in slow motion. We made it to church on time and I was impressed! Cathie and I had nursery duty. It went well. The kids were low key.
The drive home from the pot luck lasted forever. I was beat! I just wanted to crawl in bed! I laid Makenna down...Erika, Olivia, and I crawled in bed together and slept from 2:30 - 6:30. Eli slept on the couch. We all got up and had Arby's and watched The Pink Panther (a movie we have had for 3 weeks).
I have come to realize that it takes me almost 2 days to recover from an evening out and being sleep deprived. I think it's a sign of aging.
Today I have a sore throat and I'm all stuffed up. I have to go to the dentist tonight....I am dreading it...I hate the dentist.
Well the babies are up and I have to feed them all lunch. Mom mode......

A tropical vacation

Eli and I went on our first tropical vacation.....well we pretended! On Saturday night we went to a party Bahama Bob's. A party that Bob and Ann host at their beautiful house. This was our second year going to his party. I hear that it has gotten bigger and bigger every year. Last year I was really pregnant....so it was a quieter night. Eli and I had a great time! They had a steel drum band, great food, great friends, and plenty of beverages to go around. Eli even danced a little bit....which you don't see all that often.
Oh how I wished it was a vacation! I could definitely go somewhere tropical for a week and do nothing but lay in the sun all day and party all night! It's is so refreshing to get out and be with such great people and forget about being a mom for the night.

POOR ELI

I have so much laundry to do, I don't know where to start! I know it's bad when Eli finally went downstairs to do a couple of loads just because he doesn't have any clean boxers. Poor Eli didn't wear any to work yesterday. He also had to wear dress socks. SORRY ELI! So....that is my goal today.....LAUNDRY. He's been a little crabby the last couple of days. He quit smoking on Monday. YEAH ELI! He is still chewing, but he is also trying to cut down.
For the last week or so, Olivia keeps crawling in bed with us. It's a new thing. Olivia is the craziest sleeper in the world.....so Eli hasn't been getting much sleep either. I made Olivia stay in her own bed all night last night, so Eli could get some sleep. She shouldn't be sleeping with us anyway.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my Mom and Dads 37th wedding anniversary. The sad part about it is that I don't have a single picture of them together. I probably do in an album, but not on the computer. Anyways, they've stuck through 37 years. WOW! 

Pictures of Titus

 

Titus

Today is the 2nd full day with Titus. For the most part, he is doing really well. He loves the kids. No potty accidents today (yet).
He is not doing well with the adult stranger thing. He nipped at Cathy, Jeff, and Kimmy. I'm a little disappointed. He even growled really bad at Kimmy.
Yesterday, I taught him sit and come.
Today, we are working on obedience: leave it, no, no bite. I also have been working on his leash training more. He is doing really great with that. He walks on his leash now like a big boy. I have it on him all the time dragging it around. (thank you Brad for the tip)
Erika, Olivia, and I are testing him a lot today. Taking his bone away. Putting our hands in his bowl and mouth. Makenna even chewed on his bone with him. He didn't care. Which I was happy about. I've been pinching him and grabbing him and testing him. He is doing great with me. He is listening well today! I do hope I can break him of the stranger thing.
If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I don't need criticism, just suggestions.

A New Puppy

Tomorrow we are getting a new puppy for the girls. He is a English bulldog/Chow mix. He is short hair/dark brindle. From what I hear he is lazy, potty trained and he loves kids. The best part is he is free. They just want a good home for him.
Our family doesn't have good luck with dogs. Our last two liked to bite people. I just want a nice dog that the girls will love growing up with.
Pictures to come!

A busy weekend

Saturday Eli and I had a night out without the kids. It was great! We went to a ping-pong party over at the Niemi's. It was so nice to be with other couples without children biting at your ankles.
The kids seemed to have a great time as well. You can read all about their fun on Diane and Jeffs blog. My girls love it at their Aunties house! I can never get them to leave.
Sunday was a busy... In the morning Kimmy, Jeannie, Athena, and I got together for a cooking lesson. Jeannie taught me how to make peirogies and taught Kimmy how to make stuffed cabbages. Everything tasted great! Peirogies are so good. I didn't realize how much time it took though. It was a lot of work....but fun!
After that... I headed off to my mom and dads to do a little house cleaning.....ok.... A LOT of house cleaning! I cleaned for 5 hours and didn't accomplish much! I still have some more work to do before they get home on Sunday. My parents are messier than I am.
Today, Olivia had two more cavities filled. She was a mean drunk today. Erika had 1 little cavity filled. They didn't have to numb her. The dental hygentist said that my girls are like night and day. Tell me something I don't know!
Marina is being a good girl today. She was also doing a lot better last week. I think things are going to get better. Makenna and Marina are started to play with each other. They are so cute together.

Ryan

Ryan loves being at his Auntie's house! How cute is he! 

Sleepover

Ryan and Lauren are spending the night tonight. They are eating popcorn and ready to watch Ice Age. Poor Ryan the only boy (bottom bunk), sleeping with a princess blanket. This is his first time he's allowed to sleep with the BIG kids. So I let him pick the movie. He is so proud! 

My angel is sleeping

She finally fell asleep. 

Olivia sleeping off the drugs

She is more drunk that sedated. She loves everyone! She is in la la land. She keeps falling all over the place, so I made her go lay down and watch a movie.
She ended up having to have a root canal on the really bad tooth. They had to numb her up pretty good. So she talks like a drunk too. They couldn't do all 6 fillings today because of the extra work they did on the one tooth. They did do 3 fillings and the root canal. Monday we go to get the other 2 fillings and fill the tooth they did the root canal on. She did great, she is a trooper! Her dentist was so nice. 

Makenna's on the move

Makenna made it up 3 stairs tonight, in a matter of 10 seconds. I'm in big trouble considering I have a tri-level house. There are stairs everywhere. She was so proud of herself. "LOOK AT ME MOMMA". She thought it was the greatest thing. I, of coarse, was busy having a heart attack....trying to get to her before she fell. Anyone have any baby gates I can borrow?

Oh Olivia

She looks sweet and innocent here doesn't she? GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH. She is having 6 cavities filled tomorrow. The dentist is squeezing her in because one of her teeth is so bad she crys everytime she eats and drinks. The problem is....she needs to be sedated. If anyone knows Via....she cannot sit still for anything. 6 CAVITIES! AHHHHH! So, instead of next weeks appointment, she is going in tomorrow. Which means I had to find a pharmacy that had the medication in stock. So off to CVS we went. She was horrible. She almost took out Makenna in the cart. Luckly there was a nice man standing behind me...he saved Makenna. She was running around the store acting like a spaz. I still had Target to get to and dreaded it. Anyways, we made it home alive. I am so tired! God, I LOVE HER, but sometimes she just sucks the life right out of me. Luckly the medication I started this week has made me tired. I didn't have the energy to loose it in the middle of the store.
Right now Olivia is in "quiet time", Makenna is napping, and Erika is watching t.v. I think I'm going to take a power nap. 

Cathie

Cathie Kurt is a great friend! I'm trying to get her to start her own blog. She has a wonderful outlook of life and she has a great sense of humor! She is much more patient than I and a wonderful mother! GO CATH! Love ya!


This is a great picture to show you what a wonderful mom that she is.

Rescue Me

Tuesday nights I am so tired after work, but I always stay up to watch Rescue me. I LOVE THIS SHOW. I need TIVO. Goodnight!

The doctor visit

Today I went the see a new doctor. I liked her. She was easy to talk to. Most of all, she spoke English....a big plus. I've been having a lot of heart palpitations, some dizziness, and a few hot flashes here and there. Not sure what's going on there. So I had an EKG done and I have to go for an ultrasound, get a holter put on me for 24 hours, and do some bloodwork. She thinks it could be my hyperthyroidism acting up or could be little anxiety attacks. So I also started a low dose of anti-anxiety medication. Recheck in a month, when all the results are back. A little embarrassing....... if they are anxiety attacks. I'm hoping it's just the normal postpartum thyroiditis thing I went through after Erika and Olivia. C'mon there's no stress in my life.....

ELI HAS A BLOG

ELI DID IT! Eli started his own blog. Great job Eli. This is not something that I thought he would actually do. Can't wait to read it! ELI - I hope you have fun with it! LOVE YOU!

Diane and Jeff

Diane went away for the weekend alone, because of some stress in her life. While she was away Diane and Jeff have both decided to start a blog! I am proud of both of them. GOOD JOB GUYS! You are both in my prayers right now!

I did it

Well I've done a few things. I added my profile and flickr photos. I am so proud of myself. The whole computer thing frightens me. I don't have a whole lot of experience with them. One of the reasons I started this blog was because I thought it would make me learn a little about myself, also to get more involved with the computer. I love skimming through other peoples blogs and seeing all the interesting things people can do with them, and also learning about other people. I love it.
Another huge thing I did was share my blog with Diane and Eli's family. One reason is because I wanted Eli's family to start one. I thought since Eli's family is so far away this would keep us all a little closer. Everyone is so busy and it could be an easy way to just keep in touch. It seems like sometimes we all forgot how to use the phone. Eli was always so close with his sisters. He just loves them all! I could not imagine not having my family around me. I have also wondered what they really know about what is going on in our lives. Eli and I have been together, including dating and marriage, 10 years now. I've only met them a handful of times and they have all been so great. I've alway felt very open with them and welcome. I hope they know we think about them and miss them very much.
I thought Diane would like it because she is SO great at things like this and she loves the whole computer thing. She also journals on a regular basis....I give her a lot of credit. Plus there is not a whole lot Diane doesn't know about me. She is my best friend.
Doing this blog has taught me things. This is something I've done completely on my own. It's not rocket science, but to me it wasn't the easiest thing for me to do.
SO.....I have made my blog public. These are things that are going on in my life and thoughts about life in general. Nothing too extravagant. I feel a little naked. Is that a good thing?

Friends

Last night we had Dave, Cathie and their kids over for hamburgers and hot dogs. It was great to have adult conversation in the middle of the week. I woke up in a great mood. I think it helped break up my week. I love hanging out with Cathie. We always have great conversation and I am never afraid to say what is on my mind. She is such an easy person to just be with.
The babies are on their second nap today. I hope they sleep for more than 30 minutes. Marina is really crabby today. She is teething. One finally broke through. I think she's going to be like Makenna - one right after the other.
Erika, Olivia, and I tackled the toy room this morning. WHAT A MESS. Erika is great at organizing and picking up. Olivia is a procrastinator, she just walks around whining about not wanting to clean, she reminds me of someone - ME. I was the same exact way. At this moment I realize why I pissed my mom off so badly when it came to cleaning my room. Anyways it is done and it looks FANTASTIC! It should stay that way for at least a couple of hours. It is a rainy yukky day and they will be in the house the majority of the day.

ELI

 
I realized last night that Eli has the same doubts about life as I do. I guess sometimes you just assume that someone knows how you feel. I do have a hard time showing and telling Eli how wonderful he truly is. He doesn't whine and complain as much as I do. So it's hard to tell sometimes what he is thinking. I was thinking about him this morning and decided to let him know how much the girls and I love him. So I emailed him a list of how wonderful he really is. Here it is:

ELI - Good morning! I hope you are having a great morning! I just wanted to let you know how much I love you!

BECAUSE (in no specific order)

1. You are my best friend
2. You love with all your heart
3. You are strong
4. You are so handsome - ok HOT!!
5. You provide for your family
6. You love your family
7. You are a great father
8. You are a wonderful husband
9. You are a great kisser - and a great LOVER
10. You are always there when I need you
11. You still give me butterflies when I see you across the room
12. You put up with me
13. You work hard at your job even though you hate it
14. You respect others
15. You're not afraid to say what is on your mind
16. You know how to have fun
17. You care about other peoples feelings
18. You are competitive
19. You learn fast and master it - you own it
20. You still kiss me every morning
21. You complement me all the time
22. You are the most UNselfish person I know
**Most of all - because I know you love me, you don't even need to say it, I can feel it. I can see it in your eyes and in the way you touch me!

Silly reasons why I love you:
1. You take the garbage out
2. You'll leave me a cigarette in the morning when I need some without me having to ask you
3. You edge in 100 degree weather - because it needs to be done
4. You don't need directions to do anything
5. You always ask for sex
6. You can fix a dryer
7. You drive 2 hours a day for work so your kids can go to a good school and your wife has a nice house
8. You hardly complain even though there are many times I know you want to
9. Your as stubborn as I am
10. You know how to stack a dishwasher like no other
11. You've had a hard life and you never feel sorry for yourself
12. You scratch yourself all the time

Eli -
I could go on and on about you. I know I don't express my feelings like I should, but I hope you never doubt yourself as a husband or a father! There is no one like you! You are a gift to me from God. I love you with all my heart! You are MY perfect man! I could not imagine my life without you!

The girls wanted to get in on this and these are the reasons why they love you - coming strait from their mouths-

1. Because he gives us hugs and kisses XOXOXOXO
2. Because he gives us movies and popcorn
3. Because he is nice
4. Because he gets us lots of treats
5. Because he lets us pick our lunch
6. Because he lets us go outside and play with our friends
7. Because he sometimes plays games with us
8. Because he makes silly faces at us
9. Because he gives us hugs and kisses when he gets home from work
10. Because he pushes us on the swing
11. Because he is good at memory
12. Because he shows me birds (Erika)
13. Because he is special - because he married mommy and had us (my favorite)

SO - please remember that you have 4 women in your life that think you are just the greatest!
You are teaching our little ones what kind of man they need in their lives when they're older. If they end up with someone like you, I will never have to worry about them. They will be happy well rounded women! You could not love us any more than you already do! We know you love us and we all think that you are doing a great job! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday morning

Makenna woke up in the middle of the night screaming and would not go back to bed for 2 hours. I feel like I had no sleep. I am on my 3rd cup of coffee. I don't know if Makenna is testing me or what she is doing.
Last night Eli and I watched Fun with Dick and Jane. I am not a huge Jim Carrey fan but I thought it was pretty funny.
After the movie Eli and I were laying in bed and I started feeling pretty emotional and started crying. I felt an overwhelming feeling of disappointment in myself. I feel like I am failing in every way there is to fail. I have a short fuse and I am having trouble handling everything. I don't know how to fix it.
Today this is my horoscope:

Daily Horoscope by Astrology.com
Monday July 17, 2006

Taurus
Redefinition is possible -- but first, you have to figure
out who you are right now. Work with these issues on a deep and personal level
-- you'll soon see the changes you desire on an outward level.

Sunday

It was so HOT today. I watched Lauren and Ryan. Somehow I managed to get my floors cleaned and get some laundry done including all my rugs. Eli fixed the dryer this week. So now it only takes 1 hour to dry clothes instead of 5 hours. GO ELI! THANKYOU! He is great at fixing things like that!  

Bath time

All the girls had to take a bath or shower today. Complete with finger nail and toe nail trims. Makenna had the most fun! She loves that she can crawl now. Especially in the bath tub.
Olivia had to be covered in eczema cream. Her skin looks horrible. Lake water has that effect on her.
Friday we went to Island lake with Cathie and the kids.



On Saturday we went to Brad and Joanns cottage. The girls had a great time! They did sparklers and were even able to catch a few lightning bugs with Joann. You can see more pictures here, thanks to Dave Kurt.

4th of July weekend

Makenna started crawling last Thursday! She loves crawling to herself in the mirror in our bedroom. Then she just sits up and talks to herself and tries to grap herself in the mirror. TOO CUTE!

Things have been crazy the last two weeks. Busy busy! The trip was nice, stressful at times, but for the most part nice. It would have been nicer if Eli was with us. The kids had a great time. Makenna - GOD BLESS HER, she was such a good baby the whole time. What a trooper!
4th of July was also busy. Saturday I worked and then we went to Brad and Joanns cottage. Sunday I wasn't feeling well so I did a lot of laying around. Monday I babysat. Later that night Eli, the girls, and I headed out to the boat with my mom and dad for a great barbecue. We all stayed the night on the boat. In the morning Eli and I went to JAH to do boarders (a dreadful task which I hate). Then spent the day out on Lake St. Clair. Back to JAH around 6:00pm then back to the boat to watch the fireworks. They were great. Makenna loved it. She watched so intensely the whole time. Then had to drive 1 hour home. I was in the car a little over 5 hours that day. More than I wanted, but worth it. Makenna went swimming in the lake for the first time in her little raft. SHE LOVED IT! Olivia went in the water this time, I was proud of her. She also went in the water at Brad and Joann's cottage. She doesn't like going in water when she can't touch. She did it! She did really great! Erika on the other hand, you can't get out of the water! She is very independent! I wish the girls weren't afraid to go under the water or jump off the boat. I know they would love it if they tried.
The past week, I've been trying to catch up with chores. I have managed to get both my bathrooms done, our bedroom, the van (that took 4 hours) and I am currently working on the basement. I want to be a more organized person. I'm trying to stick to one task at a time.
Last night we could up on our family movie night (usually is on Fridays). We watched Dreamer. Eli and I loved it! The girls didn't make it, they fell asleep half way though. Makenna has been sick the past couple of day with some bumps and a fever. I was told by the doctors office that it is just a virus and treat the symptoms. Today she's doing better. Her fever is down and the bumps are getting better.