The weekend

Friday was Makenna's official 1st birthday. I tried my hardest to keep my spirits up for Makenna, even though we had just heard some bad new about Auntie Chris. We had a little party at my Mom and Dads for her. It was nice. We enjoyed each others company.
Saturday, I worked and then went to pick up my girls from my Moms and hung out with her all day, we talked about Auntie Chris and about life. I haven't done that with my mom in a long time.
Sunday, the girls and I went to church. After church Maddie and Emily came over to play....then Ryan and Lauren came over too. The kids had a great time together....there was no fighting.....poor Ryan was the only boy with 6 girls. That evening, Cathie was kind enough to take my girls...she fed them, took them for a long walk, and bathed them. THANK YOU CATHIE...you are such a great friend!
Eli and I went to the viewing for my Auntie Chris. It was hard for me. I don't know how to deal with death....it frightens me. I'm happy I was able to talk to Keith and Kevin for a while. It's hard, just because I don't really know what to say. There really isn't anything you can say to help them or make them feel better. I just wanted to hug them, and when I did.....my heart hurt for them and I just wanted to hug them forever and just cry. I just wish I could take the pain away for them....I know it's not my job. I just feel so bad.
I am spent.....I am drained emotionally and physically. For the past 3 weeks, Eli has been gone a lot, busy with work, golf, concerts, fantasy football drafts, tigers games, etc. I am feeling alone and sad. It's not Eli's fault...I am so glad that he is having fun and getting out of the house and spending time with friends, he deserves it. I just think I am jealous right now and I feel like a single mom.
This morning was not good. Olivia's bus tag was missing and Erika lied to me about it....trying to find the tag, deal with Erika lying to my face, and trying not to loose it at the same time was hard. All of sudden, I heard the bus.....of coarse it was early, because nothing could be easy for me this morning. So I had to get Makenna, Marina, Erika and Olivia in the car....off to school. I finally realize around 9:45 that I forgot to feed Makenna this morning. HELLO!
Tonight is another busy night. I am trying to decide what to do...do I take Erika to gymnastics with Olivia and Makenna, or do I go to the rosary service with the kids. It's a toss up. I don't know if I have the strength for either one. Eli will be at a concert with friends.
I guess I feel like I could have break down....but I just don't have the time. It's funny that moms don't have options....they have obligations.

Makenna's 1st Birthday

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Auntie Chris

This morning my Auntie Chris passed away. Keith and Kevin were able to be with her. Karyn is flying in from Seattle. Please help me pray for this family. They need strength and faith right now. Having lost both their parents has to be so devastating for them.
I just hope my Uncle Pat is waiting for her at the gates of heaven, standing next to God with both of their arm open wide to her. I pray that she is at peace now, her battle has been long and hard.

I love my sister!!!

My sister does so much for me! She is so GREAT! Yesterday she watched my girls until 7:30 last night, until my mom got here to relieve her of her duties. Not only did she babysit my girls all day, she also had her 2 kids. She got Erika off the bus for me, took care of my dog all day, put Makenna to bed, had Erika and Olivia ready for bed......the best part......she picked up my entire house. This is something I am not use to (no offense Eli). THANK YOU DIANE for all the wonderful things you do for me. You are such a great sister and a great friend. I love you from the bottom of my heart!
Jeff was also kind enough to come over and bring pizza for Diane and the kids for dinner. Thank you Jeff.
I am truly blessed to have such a great sister! She is such an important part of my life. Diane does so many things for my girls and she treats them like her own children....she is so special to my girls, they love their Auntie!

I need a nap

I feel so exhausted. The past two weeks were so busy with school starting and Makenna's birthday party. Now that things have slowed down, all I want to do is take a nap. Last night I was on the phone with Eli until 1:00 in the morning...talking to him so he wouldn't fall asleep driving home.
Olivia has school pictures today and I curled her hair this morning. By the time we made it to the bus stop....it was flat! I wonder where she gets that from. She still looks absolutely adorable though!

Pictures from Makenna's party

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Makenna's birthday party!!!

Makenna had a great time at her birthday party!!!! She loves all the wonderful people who came to spend this special day with her. Today she is having a great time playing with her new toys, wearing her new clothes, and listening to a fun CD. She even gets to go shopping at Babies R us. Which of coarse Mom loves shopping!
I am so extremely grateful to all the people in my life. Everyone in one way or another helped me put on such a great party! I truly couldn't have done it without all of you! I love you all XOXOXOXO! Mostly I would like to just THANK everyone for coming and I hope everyone had a great time!!!
My little baby is already one....I think I can cry now!

My girls are off to school!

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Erika's first day in the 1st grade!

Today was Erika's first day in elementary school. I can't believe it! She is so excited and I am so excited for her. Her teacher seems very nice. I hope she has a great year. I will miss her! I can't believe she is growing up so fast! She is becoming so independent. This morning she wouldn't even let me do her hair. She kept saying "I got it mom, I can do it myself".
It will be hard not having her around all the time....she is such a big help and she loves to keep the babies busy. She is such a great big sister! I hope she makes some great friends! I'm sure she will make lots of friends....she is such a social butterfly and she'll talk to just about anybody.

Labor Day

On Labor Day we headed off to Kimmy and Bobby's for a barbecue. Bobby just bought a new smoker and tried it out on some ribs and chicken! Pretty good! Kimmy's family is so nice! It is nice to be around them. They don't argue and they just enjoy each others company. What a concept!

Cathie's night out

Lori, Jen, Joann, Cathie, and I went out to celebrate Cathie's birthday on Saturday night! It was great! I haven't had so much fun in such a long time. We started our night out having dinner at the Melting Pot in Novi. The food was fantastic. The company was even better. It took us 4 hours to get through dinner. It was great.
After dinner we headed off to the Rhino Club for some dancing.
I hope Cathie had fun celebrating her birthday......we all did!

Girls night out!!!!

CALLING ALL GIRLS. Diane and I have a great idea. LETS PLAY BUNKO!!! For all the women out there that need a night out! It's once a month for us to get together. From what we read, you need 8 - 12 women. It's a mindless game so we can chat and be in good company.
Men have all their reason they get together (poker, football, golf, etc....). I think that women need their time as well. Let me know.....I'll be calling some of you and you know who you are!!!

Cathie Kurt

CATHIE KURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madeline

I promised Madeline that this summer she could help me babysit one day. So tonight she gets to have a slumber party with the girls, and she gets to help me tomorrow. Erika and Olivia were fighting over who got to sleep closer to her. Madeline is truly loved in this house, by all of us. They are watching Mermaidia and eating popcorn. All us girls are missing Emily though! It's just not the same without her. 

Please help me pray!

My Auntie Chris has been in ICU for 1 week now. She had a bowel obstruction on top of her ovarian cancer. The cancer has spread and she now has major infection. They have had to stop chemo because of the infection. She in still intubated and unable to communicate with her children. Karyn said it doesn't look hopeful. The doctors said IF she does make it through the infection, they won't be able to start the chemo for about a month, which is not good news. Her heart rate is very high. Karyn is going back to Seattle to take her 2 year old home and come back to be with her mom. Please pray for Karyn to have a save trip, she is 24 weeks pregnant traveling by herself with a toddler. She has been having contractions from all this going on in her life. This family needs so much prayer right now. Kevin and Keith are not handling this well.
Please pray for the strength of this family. Thank you!

Unleavened

Unleavened is a christian band that has a CD called "Out of a Barn". My favorite song is "My Great Reward". This song helped me a lot today. I needed it today more that ever. I've listened to it about 10 times, singing louder and louder every time. Crying at some moments. Listening to it gave me a peace that I was desperately needing!
Great CD! You can go to their website and listen for yourself.
Some of the people in this band play at Crossroads, which is the church I go to. Come and visit!

My Great Reward

Jesus, it's for you I'm living
I pray that you will keep forgiving me
and when I stumble break my fall.
I need you with me everyday
and fill me with your love, I pray
and open up my eyes so I can see

Chorus:
That you are my lord
You are my great reward
You are my peace
The only one I adore
You are my King
You are my everything
You are my hope
You are my song to sing, Jesus

Tell me secrets by you Spirit
Wash my heart so I can hear it
Tell me of the Kingdom that's in me
Draw me Closer, make me yours
I'll give you all me praise, Oh Lord
and shout out from the rooftop all you say

Chorus

I raise my hands in worship to you, Lord (repeat)

Chorus

Chicken Pox

Anyone want chicken pox? If you do, come over to my house. I think Olivia has it. I'm waiting to see if the all the bump blister, then we will know for sure.

Eli's spitters

Ok.....I just need to vent for a second. Eli, I am so glad you quit smoking....but all of a sudden there is an overabundance of spitters laying around the house! YUK! So are you dipping more? What's up? How many spitter things do you need? Clean it up guy! It's making me sick!
LOVE YOU BABE!

Middle of the week blues

I am flying solo the next two days. Eli is going to the Tigers game tonight and tomorrow he has golf. It makes for 2 long days with no break and no adult contact.
Thursday night my family was suppose to have a barbecue with Auntie Chris and her daughter, Karyn (who is in town from Seattle). Unfortunate my Auntie Chris who has ovarian cancer is not doing well at all. Recently she has found out that her cancer is getting worse. So I don't think she is up to the visit. I feel bad for Karyn, being so far away from her mom at this time. I could not imagine. The family has been through so much. They lost their father 12 years ago this month. He died of a heart attack at age 40 playing basketball. His name was Pat. He was my dads best friend. It was the first time I had ever seen my father cry. To loose both their parents at such young ages has to be devastating. Keith and Kevin never recovered from loosing their father. They lost him at a very hard age in life when they needed their father the most. Please keep their family in their prayers.
Dave also has a mother going through cancer. I pray that Lynn and Chris and their families will have hope and strength at this time. Cancer is such a horrible disease and it effects so many families. I am so fortunate that I have never experienced it in my immediate family. My heart goes out to all of you. You all are in my prayers.

Greater Love

Our children will grow and move on, but our partner will remain with us. And it is because our partner is the most important person to us that our children feel free to move on, and create their own family. If we show our children that our partner comes first, we do them a greater favor--we give them their freedom.

-Roni Jay

How cute

Makenna and Marina playing the piano together. 

The Melon Festival

Sunday I let Eli and the girls sleep in. They were up pretty late on Saturday night. Makenna and I hung out for a while and played. When we all decided to get our butts in gear we headed off to the melon festival in Howell, with the Meadors Family. The kids seemed to have a great time....complete with balloons, face painting, and ice cream. There was tons to do. Eli and I bought a bunch of veggies that we are going to make for dinner tonight.
After the melon festival Eli and I stopped and bought a frozen lazagna and some garlic bread and headed over to Jeff and Dianes for dinner. Jeff and Eli played Madden and Diane and I lounged around and watched the kids play. We were all pretty tired by 8:30. The girls were filthy....which showed how much fun they had.
Overall it was a great weekend! The girls slept in till 9:00 this morning. WOW.

Saturday night card game

Saturday I worked and then we went out with the "Meadors" to Outback for dinner. Then we went over to their house for some cards. A horrible thing happened......Jeff and I lost at euchre. It was all Jeffs fault. (just kidding Jeff) It was very sad! So we played texas hold'em next. I was not having a good night. I lost both games. So did Eli. We will have to do a rematch soon!

The drive

OK - driving downtown with my sister was an experience. She is the most aggressive driver I have ever met! Maybe it's the size of her truck or she's just that aggressive.
We were stuck in traffic to get off the lodge for 40 minutes to go to the concert. When we were about to get off the expressway, there are always the drivers that don't wait in traffic and cut in and get right off. Diane was pissed! She didn't let anyone in in front of her. She would look right at them and scream NOOOOOO!!!! She did everything but give them "the bird" I was scared we were going to get our &$% kicked! She didn't even let this hummer in that tried like hell to squeeze in. GO DIANE! Didn't think you had that in ya, but I guess you learn something everyday! Too funny! I probably would have just let them in and waved. I'm not into confrontation.

American Idol

Last night "the girls" went to see American Idol. My Mom, Diane, Lauren, Erika, Olivia, and I. We had a great time. I LOVE TAYLOR! He is so fun to watch! He seems like he just has such a great time out there and he's not afraid to show it. He started off with a Bob Segar song (Hollywood nights), which was great! Chris is pretty awesome too, he started off with a Led Zepplin.
I don't think the little ones appreciated as much as we did, but by the end of the night, I had Erika and Olivia waving, jumping up and down screaming like a typical fan. It was fun!

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!