Life with Multiples

opposites

2010-06-16T13:00:00.004-04:00

Eden has been Miss Opposite lately. If I say up, she says down. If I turn right, she wants to go the other way. Recently, we were having a discussion about how to be polite and that we always say "please and thank you". Eden, said 'NO, we say Thank you and Please!!"

Leave it to her to turn THAT one around!

Gasp!

2010-06-10T15:10:00.003-04:00

Gasp! Could it be that I didn't make any blog postings in May??? This blog is now 2 years old and I am amazed at how life in 2 years has changed. I now have 3 'babies' and have started a photography business--which blogging was a definite catalyst into become crazy about photography. It's a struggle to keep up a website for my photography and a personal blog-and now there is facebook, and ya da ya da ya da! Too many things, not enough time!!

So-what has this mother of multiples been doing lately???

I've been trying to find someone to re-upholster my arm chair after being experimented on by a utility knife and a 3 year old. Spending the day hovering around potty chairs and having a party every time someone makes a poppy. Loving spring/summer and so happy to have weeds in my front yard full of wild flowers....grass is so over rated anyway. Can't believe my 19 month old can say the alphabet and count to 20-----I honestly can't remember her being a baby---she just grew up too fast! Spent an hour last night with the twins shaping our bodies into the shape alphabet letters-and laughing hysterically. I am enjoying this new phase-they are such a hoot. Today they were taking a music box, winding it up and playing 'time-out'.

All together Now

2010-04-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

This week was Grandma Senter and Uncle Dave's Birthday. Sunday morning we were driving to grandma's and the girls were singing Happy Birthday at the top of their lungs. I commented on how beautiful they were singing (and actually they are very good singers and right on key). Eden says, "Lets sing it for Jesus, All together now!" and began singing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Saturday night I took the twins with me to Target. As I was getting a cart a group to teenagers walked in behind us. Eden turned around and emphatically stated, "Welcome to the store!!"

I made a wrong turn while driving last week and when I got on the correct road I said, "Whew, we are on the right road now." Eden says, "Say it with me mommy, We are on the RIGHT Road!". Then we got to Linden Road and I said, here is Linden Road, can you say "Linden Road?"
Eden said, "No, I am not going to say that!"

You have to hear the tone of her voice, I have to keep from cracking up half the time.

Look whose is 1 1/2!!!!!

2010-04-15T11:00:00.003-04:00

We are at the 1 1/2 year mark---I shudder to think she will be already 2 years old this fall. Alot....and I mean ALOT has changed in the last year. One year ago she was just barely sitting up, nursing, babbling and totally dependent. Now, she runs, climbs, feeds herself (which she has been very proficient at for a long time-ha), she can count to ten, repeats anything you say, has very strong opinions on what she does and doesn't like--and has personality oozing out of her pores. She makes us laugh all the time and is CRAZY about her big sisters and tries to be like them in every way.

You just can't help but smile when you see those chubby cheeks and gapped teeth!

Easter

2010-04-15T10:37:00.005-04:00

My parents and Blaine's parents were out of town for Easter-so it was to Aunt Carmyn's house we went for an Easter Egg hunt with Grandma S and Aunt Shannon. It was a very bright and sunny morning-some of the best Easter weather I can think of in a long time. What a FUN time it was this year with the kids-they totally got into the egg hunt game. A special thanks to Aunt Carmyn for everyone's coordinating outfits

Grandma Senter-I love this picture of her

Eden

My twinnies

Evie-she was trying to keep right up with the bigger kids

Kallyn would stop to eat the treats in her egg before moving on

Elle-who is my sweet tooth-was in 7th heaven

Eden was the master egg hunter

And needed more than one basket

Em

Kolton-doing what boys do best!

I am thinking there is some candy in that little mouth somewhere

Stopping to watch the dogs here

the twins

Evie and Kallie

final results.

2010-04-15T10:31:00.004-04:00

...I posted this on my photog website, but just wanted to share the cute little photos of the twins/baby after total chaos....I think they turned out pretty nice!!!

Eden

Elle

Evie

Batteries

2010-04-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

The twins have picked up that when something is broken, than it must need batteries. Last Sunday I was cleaning out a closet as I am getting ready for a sale this spring. With the closet cleaned out, I threw some pillows in the back and we made a hide out. It was raining that morning and my girlies and I were in the hideout listening to the rain and singing about the raindrops falling with a pitter pitter pat......

On Monday, I was back up there cleaning and Elle wanted to go in the hideout. All of a sudden she was all upset and telling me, "The rain needs batteries, the rain needs batteries!". Well, it wasn't raining on Monday and she didn't hear the rain, so she figured that the rain was broken and to fix it, it needed batteries..................

I wish batteries could fix everything!

stay tuned to see more of what happened here:

Happy 92nd Birthday Grandma!!!!!

2010-03-11T15:41:00.001-05:00

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyy!!!!

2010-03-11T14:23:00.002-05:00

Gramma's Cupcakes---------------------------------The Best!

slacker

2010-03-10T14:29:00.003-05:00

I have been a big blog slacker recently---and need to get back on track. Life is just plain busy and I want to remember it all!! Spring is in the air around here with the sand hill cranes back to nest, and woodchucks, muskrat, opossums, raccoons out and about day (and night). We've been awoken the past 2 nights from raccoons fighting (or mating) outside our windows. We are still deep in the throws of potty training. We had been using marbles as an incentive-the twins would get one marble to put in a cup every time they went wee wee and FIVE for #2. Well, scratch that and the dentist. Who knew bubble gum machines were FAR better than marbles in a cup. There has been more pee around here that ever before. I am secretly hoping the baby will not be far behind. While the girls have been wearing 'big girl panties' in the day (and wearing not much else but that-ugh)- we are still diaper dependent at night and poop is still a big issue.

Here is a typical snapshot in my day. Yesterday I had to work and when I got home, my mom, who I am daily indebted to for watching my children-was frying up noodles for their lunch...And what a mess noodles can make!!!! So there were noodles everywhere and smashed grapefruit pieces and someone decided that they were going to pee in their big girl panties and that was running down the chair. Oh and did I mention we have a major Asian ladybug crisis in our house as well as ants.....Blaine is calling the bug guy today....we are being overrun by insects. So, it was too early for a tub bath and to the sink it was. I think bathing in the sink must be much for fun than the tub or shower.

Here are my little skinnies with their Buddha Hair styles--and you can see who else wants IN!

definitely not happy about not getting in the sink-who knew I could really use 3 sinks

more piggy tail pics---they are just too funny and cute

This past weekend was Grandma Blanca's 100th Birthday. She had sewn these dresses for the twins when they were little and can still wear them as shirts. Happy Birthday Grandma!

And just playing around before naptime after church

pigtails

2010-03-06T17:22:00.003-05:00

The day has finally arrived..............................................Evie has pigtails!!!!

winter fun

2010-02-23T21:43:00.004-05:00

Blaine got the girls an 8 foot toboggan(not pictured)-and wow-it is pretty cool. The only bummer is that the girls were all pumped up to ride it and when it arrived in the mail, there was a big gash in it from shipping! So-he borrowed his folks and than the toboggan guy said to go ahead and use it till the replacement comes. Last Saturday night me and my girls got a pull with the 4-wheeler from Blaine over the river and through the fields to grandmas for hot chocolate and popcorn. Yum! Owen and Olivia came over to play too and so there has been some fun in the snow around here-snow angels included.

blaine pulling the kids through the woods behind our house

Jen and Livie

had to laugh at the fact that Owen finally cracked a happy little smile when the sled finally took off

I thought I'd throw this in too....My littlest one-she really is something else and her personality-the good and the not so good-is showing all of its colors. Boy-I think there is some of her momma's attitude in there somewhere. I think she wanted me to pick her up here and I wasn't re-acting to her fast enough and I was able to catch one of her classic looks. (not her best look if I do say so myself-ha)

Garden of Eden

2010-02-12T21:12:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was reading the twins the story of Noah and the Ark. In the book, it starts out with the Garden of Eden and how the world was without sin. I wasn't even paying attention to the name of the garden, when I read it again, "Garden of Eden" and Elle blurted out, "And ELLE". It took me a second to realize that she wanted to have a garden too.

fancy nancy

2010-02-10T20:43:00.004-05:00

The girls got a 'Fancy Nancy' book for Christmas. For whatever reasons (because I think I am losing my mind---alot), the thought hasn't crossed my mind to braid the girls' hair. My mom braided their hair last week and the twins LOVE their new "Fancy" look. Elle calls them her fancy braids. Besides the fact that they're adorable in braids, I love their fancy braids because their hair doesn't get as tangled and is easier to comb-which hair combing can be a nightmare some days. Poor baby---she doesn't have hair to braid.....and in these pictures she had just rubbed her head while eating yogurt for lunch. It doesn't smell very pretty.

(the twins braids are post nap here-so aren't so fancy-but you get the idea-Ha!)

if you wonder why the blog has been so quiet lately, check out photographybyannmariewalker.com to see why........

next post....................."The Donald"........................stay tuned

Happy 3rd Birthday Elle and Eden

2010-01-29T22:31:00.010-05:00

Wow-where did the last 3 years go??? My once long ago little teeny tiny red-headed beauties have said goodbye to the two's and we are off and running into the three's!! Here is hoping for wee wee and poo poo in the potty, to getting rid of wearing 'seat belts' for meals (some of you will get that one), here's to no more temper tantrums (yes, I am dreaming here), and always sharing their toys and never fighting (another pipe dream) and never bubbling their milk or drawing on the sofa with markers. Oh, but I love those little girlie twirlies with all my heart. Their kisses and hugs and sweet little smiles can melt the hardest of hearts. So Happy Birthday to my most amazing little miracles. I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ella Bella

Eden

Mark

2010-01-25T14:58:00.009-05:00

Big Mark came to visit over the holidays and the countdown for his wedding...to Meghan Gray....is ON! And the fun news is that Blaine and the twins are going to be in the wedding! I think this is the most anticipated wedding of the century-and we wouldn't miss it for the world!

And this isn't why we call him "big" Mark---! Just playing with the wide angle lens!

Just so you know, when we built this house, I spent 2 weeks lying on scaffolding sanding and staining those beams in the ceiling. Don't ask---never again!

Bangs

2010-01-25T14:38:00.003-05:00

While the twins have the most gorgeous red curly hair in which I can place all sorts of adorable ribbons and bows, the baby has thin, stick straight blonde hair. And do you think she would let me put some cute bows or clips in it. Not on your life. There isn't anything that I put in that child's hair that can't be pulled out!! So----bangs she will have. But aren't they cute??

Ella Bella

2010-01-23T15:41:00.005-05:00

We have been on and off with potty training. I wish it were more 'on' than 'off'.....but we aren't there yet. People keep telling me, you will know when they are ready and don't push them. Well, I thought I knew they were ready when this week after getting out of the shower, Eden laid down on the living room floor naked with her legs up in the air and hollered, "Elle, get me a diaper, RIGHT NOW!" Elle dutifully appeared-with a pile of diapers and tried putting them on her sister. If they have this much figured out, you would think we would be more diaperless around here by now. Augh!

will tell you more about this later

2010-01-21T22:05:00.007-05:00

Weddings....VS....Newborns
Weddings are a COMPLETELY different ballgame than photographing kids and newborns.......
I helped my sister-in-law take some photos at a wedding recently.....what an experience!!!

Annabelle and Andrew

2010-01-20T14:11:00.003-05:00

While I am in transition of putting my photography work on my new website and keeping this blog about my little family, I still have to post some here on the blog. A friend from work brought out her newborn Annabelle (isn't that name just the cutest) and her 16 month old brother Andrew. They were the sweetest family-really! It was so much fun and a privilege to take these pictures!

Fairy Emersyn

2010-01-20T14:01:00.003-05:00

I couldn't share these photos I took of Em this past year since I was waiting to give them to her for Christmas. So now I can!!! Blaine's mom came to watch the girls on Monday and I told the twins that Grandma was coming. Eden said, "Well, How about Emersyn, Kolton, Kallyn and Keira too!" Boy do they ever love their cousin Emersyn.

Major Exciting News...............well almost!!!!

2010-01-19T23:47:00.004-05:00

Well, the blog has been quiet---and it's not that things haven't been happening around here.
I have some major exciting news!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am putting together a photography website, trying to decide on a logo, and am actually starting an" official" photography business.

I really want to specialize in newborns and children.

Who Knew!!!!!!

So, if you have a moment, check out

photographybyannmariewalker.com

photographybyannmariewalker.com

The website is in it's baby stages (I really haven't done anything yet, but put up a template and buy a domain name), but there are some SUPER duper cute pictures of Samantha Addey there.....and there are more precious babes to come. Keep posted!

angels

2010-01-08T21:09:00.003-05:00

My mom was watching the girls today while I was at work (did I tell you how lucky and blessed I am to have her-she is the greatest!!!!). While she was changing Elle's diaper she told her that she was Grandma's precious angel. Elle said, "I am the angel of the Lord!"

I got some amazing news today-! Bear Feet shoes wrote me and shared this:

I thought you'd like to know, I used your photo for the show in Amsterdam called Kleine Fabriek:
http://www.kleinefabriek.nl/index.php?page=4_1&labelLetter=B
And they put it up right at the top of the Bs!
Very cool.
I need to send you more shoes! We are going to a show in NYC in March.
How does boots sound?
-Amanda

Uh, did you catch that? AMSTERDAM...NYC. If you follow the link you will find that the picture of my little twinnies and their Bear Feet Shoes were shown at an International Children's Trade Fair.
How exciting is that??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My little Goatherds

2010-01-05T21:13:00.010-05:00

This week we have been watching bits and pieces of The Sound of Music every night (My favorite movie of ALL TIMES). They especially love the yodeling song of The lonely goatherd. Tonight, the twins were busy playing with a pile of mismatched socks and an old box. They spent the entire hour "mailing" their socks through the slot in the box's bottom. I asked who they were sending their socks too....their reply.... Santa!

Then I heard faint singing from Eden........."Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you"
from the song- So Long, Farewell.

My mom got the girls a toy mixer for Christmas which is battery operated and the whips turn. They have been busy all week making 'pancake mix' and 'pizza dough'.

And this one below looks like she's been eating all the pancakes and pizza they make~!

Tonight Eden took the kitchen towel and wore it draped across her head and announced she was Mary. Than she instructed Elle to be Joseph and "go ride the donkey!"

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:19:00.007-05:00

So here I sit thinking of all the wonderfully wise things I am going to write and bestow upon you all in this new year, but I can't because Dolly our cat has perched herself in front of the computer screen. Shoooo Dolly! I have kids hanging off of me all day and the second they are in bed, than it's the cat! Shoot-now I have forgotten all those words of wisdom I was going to share. Maybe I will just share with you some of the days highlights

-The twins have been incessantly playing with rubber snakes their Uncle Kyle bought them for Christmas. Instead of playing with their babies in their toy cribs/bathtubs/highchairs.....it's the snakes. Steve Irwin would be SO proud.

-The baby is taking some steps (Yeah-finally) and had her fist in her mouth all day. There are 4 new teeth coming. She is already quite opinionated and if she doesn't like being scolded, she gives you a glare and shakes her finger back and forth at you and says "No, No, No!" I used to be worried about her being the 'little' sister........my fears are being laid to rest!

-If you have ever had bananas mashed all over your living room floor, if you have ever found a rubber elmo in your boot, if you have ever cleaned up dry toothpaste so artistically swirled on your bathroom doornob, if you have ever found bite marks on your DVD's, if you have ever found grapefruit peelings behind the desk or part of the grapefruit skin being used as a pretend bathtub for a plastic sheep, or if you find cut up hot dogs stacked up as towers on the dining room table........than you must have a two year old or two living in your house!

And now I will end this post with a picture I took of Elle who was playing in the ryegrass July 3rd of last summer. Summer will be here before you know it! (hurry up......Brrrrrrrr)

Cider Mill

2009-12-29T20:24:00.010-05:00

This fall we visited a local Cider Mill and I couldn't post the pictures of the girls because they were wearing their Bear Feet shoes.
Bear Feet Shoes has now released pictures of these shoes on their website (click here).
They are the cutest, most adorable childrens shoes ever~!
And they are hand made right here in the good old USA!
On a really fun and exciting note-and a small wish of mine-Bear Feet will now be making shoes in woman's sizes (click here for more info).
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

(Eden)

I can't remember what happened here, but I am sure I was putting out the flames from some little battle or skirmish

(Elle)

Christmas Song

2009-12-28T21:08:00.002-05:00

Anna Kuperberg-photographer, linked to this song on YouTube-an old Stevie Wonder song. The melody and lyrics are profound, beautiful, haunting, touching. I hope someone finds this girl. Simply moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9glSOtFQAo&feature=player_embedded

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T22:18:00.005-05:00

Christmas is a time of Miracles as we reflect on the birth of Christ.
What a wonderful celebration!!!
Today, I took some time to reflect on my own three little miracles that I've been given.
What a wonderful celebration-and I own it all to Him! Merry Christmas--!

My three little miracles

Eden

Elle

Evie---with Abbey

The cousins

Cousin Kyle

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T20:26:00.003-05:00

Blaine just read the girls the Christmas Story and off to bed they went. As we were tucking them in and kissing them goodnight and saying their prayers, Eden said "Merry Christmas Mommy, Merry Christmas Daddy, and Merry Christmas Bed!" Than she crawled into her 'floor bed' and there hasn't been a peep out of her since. (more on the floor bed later--I am hoping this is a short lived two year old thing)

So Merry Christmas Everyone.

May God Bless you and your loved ones!

2 days to go

2009-12-23T22:32:00.001-05:00

THE Christmas Tree!

2009-12-17T21:38:00.006-05:00

Everyone knows I LOVE Christmas and everything about it. I have white lights twinkling in some form in my house all year round. When we first moved in our home, we had 16 foot fresh trees.....UNTIL......kids! The tree was eliminated and the first year when the twins were babies we had Norfolk Pines in elevated planters. Last year there was no tree. One reason, I had two 1 year olds and newborn (insert chest pain here) and secondly, the twins can climb Mt Everest and I was worried they would think the tree was fair game. This year, we thought we'd attempt it. We went very traditional- a fresh little evergreen from Home Depot (very original.....not) and the extra heavy duty Christmas tree stand. Add to that the wonderful shatterproof ornaments Sam's Club made especially for families with small children (or at least I'd like to think they were thinking of me) and ta-da, we had a beautifully and FULLY decorated tree with bulbs and lights all the way from to the top to the bottom. That was the "first" day the tree went up.

Here is the tree now:

can you see where the ornaments are now....................................!

The rest are in a plastic bag in the cupboard awaiting another trial run next year.

a day in the life...........

2009-12-17T20:00:00.002-05:00

This morning in the middle of breakfast, Eden said, "Momma, sing Frosty The Snowman". Now where did that come from in her brain in the midst of eating french toast. So, I began singing and than got to a point where I forgot the words. So what does a mommy do these days? I ran to the computer, Googled Frosty the Snowman Lyrics (and there were hundreds of them from Harry Connick Jr to Randy Travis' version) ran back to the table and finished the song. How's that for technology.

The rest of the morning was spent dancing to the Nutcracker Suite-their favorite song is The Russian Dance.
I wish you could've watched all three dance.

This week the girls and I were talking about farm animals (I think we've about exhausted that subject) and we were going through animal noises. Lo and behold, who joins in, but Evie. I said what does a Sheep say...."Baaaa" she says. What does a cow say? "Boooooooo!". And a dog? "Whoof Whoof". And our cat Dolly to her is "Dah Dah" and Blaine is "Daa Daa". Not too shabby for 13 months.

Little Sopie

2009-12-17T14:44:00.007-05:00

I met a very talented lady at a local art fair who was able to look at a few pictures of baby hats I emailed her and whip up some very cute baby hats and a sling (Thanks Sue). I was DYING to try them on a little baby---and along came Sophie Lynn. She is Precious......and so are her doting parents!!! At 2 weeks old and on her first outing since birth, Sophie Lynn came over the river and through the woods in the snow to our home and had a most wonderful time sleeping--yippy! Welcome to our world little Sophie!

Isn't this hat to die for!!

Kyle was cracking up about the 'naked baby with a hat thing' -----so he joined in--well, not the naked part... ha!

what a tiny little peanut!

Tiger Woods-WHAT????????

2009-12-12T22:03:00.003-05:00

The whole Tiger Woods thing is unreal. Though I am not a golf fan, I can't help but be drawn to this story. A friend of mine wrote a piece on Tiger Woods that blew me away-she sums it all up. It is definitely worth a few minutes time to read!!! Thanks Kim for sharing! Here is the link below:

http://bobandzoe.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-tiger-to-do.html

The Ducky Pond

2009-12-11T22:47:00.006-05:00

Last week, before the temperature dropped and the snow fell, the girls and I took an outing to the duck pond. Last time we were there, we didn't know we weren't 'supposed' to feed the ducks. Though we didn't feed the ducks this time, we were still swarmed and the girls had a blast.

Watch out little duckies-you better run for your money

Come here ducky ducky

Eden

The Christmas tree in the gazebo was being set up and I think the twins must've run around it about 20 times shouting "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!"

Eden kept hollaring "Hurry Up, Elle!"

I guess there are times that you may want to just hang out in the Christmas tree....at least Eden did.

"Hey Mommy-look-a Barn!" (too bad it wasn't, we have been talking about the stable and a manger and Bethlehem everyday---and of course, baby Jesus)

Elle

Elle

Eden

...I don't think the baby likes riding in the wagon as her sisters are having fun chasing ducks and running around trees...........but she isn't walking yet and so the wagon it is. I am betting we will see steps by Christmas. She is soooooooooooooo close.

She learned a new word this week and is using is quite appropriately and way tooo frequently....the word is "NO!" Oh dear, at 13 months old we are in trouble!!!! She is one strong willed little girl. So now there are FOUR strong willed females living in this home....poor Blaine!! (We love you DaDa)

All three girls got one last swinging session outside before the snow was flying.
Ella Bella Della

mmmmmmmmmmm...................can you tell what is happening here?

My little Eden-who all week has been randomly and sincerely saying to me...
"Merry Christmas Mommy!!!"

Peyton and Austin

2009-12-11T22:38:00.008-05:00

I had the privilege of taking pictures of Peyton and Austin, whose mommy is an old friend from work. The baby was a dream baby-slept like a rock the whole time and Peyton......if all little children could sit as still and smile as pretty as her. It was so fun-thanks for letting me take your picture!

one of my all time favorite pictures ever-she looks like an angel

what a wonderful little Christmas present

Shaving cream

2009-12-07T10:31:00.004-05:00

I was so happy when the SKIP program changed their playtime hours back to the morning and we were able to go-instead of their original time which was right during the girls' naptime. Anyways, in the SKIP newsletter there was a brilliant idea! After meals, let the kids play in shaving cream. They get clean, the table is clean, they get to play in it and when I wipe them up-everything smells great! Win Win for everyone!!!!

Eden

Evie

Elle

Ordinary and the Extraordinary!

2009-12-05T12:02:00.006-05:00

The blog has been quiet recently since Blaine took the computer apart and added more ram and hard drive space. Not all of the programs are re-installed.

Here are some snippets from our lives the last few weeks

--this morning the twins took Q-tips and were swirling designs on the front of our bedroom dresser using toothpaste (They are such little artists!)

--this week during breakfast, Elle swiped a raw egg from the container. Her and Eden managed to crack it open in the middle of the living room rug and rolled several of their stuffed toys in it-as well as themselves (They are such little scientists!)

--Elle busted off the top of the Christmas Amaryllis that gramma had just helped them plant-we're crossing our fingers and hoping it will bloom yet (What little gardners they are!)

--We've watched the 1978 vintage Christmas Eve on Sesame Street movie about a zillion times in the last few weeks and the girls dance and iceskate and make snow angels right along with the DVD. I have been hearing constant chatter from them about chimneys and Santa. (Seriously, I think this is the best Christmas movie ever-well, it's right up there with Irving Berlin's White Christmas!!!)

--Evie is saying new words like 'button', 'Hi', and 'kick'. We were rolling with laughter this week as the twins were being donkeys and kicking their legs about and the baby joined right in saying 'kick' and than throwing one leg back to kick too-and than she would just bounce around and laugh hysterically.

And the BIGGEST, MOST AMAZING, MOST WONDERFUL NEWS THAT WE'VE HAD HERE IN A VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY LONG TIME......................

drum roll please....................................................

Eden went POOP in the Potty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like that!

It is near miraculous!

We are on our way to buying less diapers around here! It will be a Merry Christmas!

head bumps

2009-11-25T16:28:00.006-05:00

I was trying to get some pictures of the baby's forehead, but the bumps didn't show through. There are bruises and bumps and scabs all over her head---she is cruising now and can crawl faster than the speed of light. Maybe by Christmas we will have 5 "walkers" in this house!!!!!

Fahrenhiet 911

2009-11-22T00:35:00.002-05:00

Blaine and I just finished watching Fahrenheit 911................

.................I hope I can sleep tonight!!!!

"Mine...itis"

2009-11-21T13:42:00.008-05:00

I was trying so hard not to crack up this afternoon. The girls were all changed from their morning church clothes and playing while Blaine and I were getting dinner together. Soon, a not-so-wonderful fragrance from a poopy diaper was wafting through the air and I-for the billionth time in my life-was standing by the changing table doing wiping duties. The changing table is at the bottom of the staircase-which is gated off for safety-and has been the perfect place for time out. The gate closes, the girls sit on the 'naughty step', and we set the timer that magnetically sticks to the front door. I will have to say, time out has worked beautifully. Anyways, back to my original story, here comes Eden with her little deer finger puppet from Aunt Maggie (which they have been playing nonstop crazy with these finger puppets) and she proceeds to tell the deer that he has behaved naughty, places him on the step, closes the gate and tells Mr Deer, "Time out...4 mintues!" and marches away. She does this like she is totally a little adult. I am trying to hold my laughter in. So after I am done with my wiping duties, I asked Eden, "What is Mr. Deer in time out for?". She responds, "Mr. Deer said Mine-itius!!" Now I am really trying not to laugh-even though I am thrilled that they are listening to me and are somewhat understanding larger concepts. We are BIG Sesame Street Fans!! We sing songs from there all the time and I know the girls are learning things..good things..........except for this one particular episode that I could strangle Sesame Street for. The episode has Brain Williams from NBC news guest appearing and apparently everyone on Sesame street, with the exception of Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, & Leela get a disease called "Mine-itus"-a non sharing disease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ditiORdPKY0
Everyone is running around Sesame street grabbing things from each other. Even Brian Williams catches Mine-itus and he's wrestling with a chicken for his microphone. The only way you can be cured is if a Grouch (Oscar) shares with you. Now, I understand the point of the segment, but what the twins got out of it was the non-sharing part and if you want something of your sisters' you play tug of war and yell at the top of your lungs.....MINE-ITUS!!!! I was hearing mine-itus, mine-itus, mine-itus, mine-itus, and was about to go crazy till Mine-itus became a naughty word in our house, and if it IS said, it will land you on the time out step.

Fortunately, I haven't heard this word in quite a while.... too bad Mr. Deer picked up on it!

Yes........I know................there was way too much background needed to understand Eden's little Mr. Deer's timeout scenario............................................but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My little Eden

looking back

2009-11-18T10:12:00.007-05:00

I was going through some old pictures last night-here is Evia at 7 months old whose chubby cheeks back then are now fading fast (*sniffle sniffle*).

My little baby chubs at 6 months old-and my first try at using textures in photos-
what do think??

And to let you all know, if you want to see some pictures of the twins wearing their Bear Feet Shoes, you can visit http://bearfeet.com/ and click on their gallery.

Vote!

2009-11-16T10:35:00.004-05:00

Ok, all who read and lurk this blog.
Time to put your fingers on your mouse, go to this site, and click to vote for Annmarie

You CAN do it!!!!!!!!!!!

I Could BEG.....PLEASE..PLEASE....PLEASE.........But I won't! ha!

Here is the link:
http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/11/15/vote-for-the-most-deserving-of-a-custom-website-25-off-smugmug-pro/

Gorgeous November.............

2009-11-14T22:25:00.013-05:00

After church today, we stopped at the park to let the girls play. We are finally having the October weather we've missed out on.
Eden

Elle

sun flare-Yummy!

I've gotten a picture every year in the fall with the twins and I in this pose. Last year I was 9 months pregnant when we took this picture and I gave birth the next day.

They grow too fast
(ps-Evie was taking her car nap and missed out on the fun)

Bear Feet Update...........

2009-11-13T22:29:00.003-05:00

I finally heard back from the Bear Feet Shoe Company. And the verdict---they thought the photos were fantastic, and they will be displaying the pictures in their showroom and using them in their look book!!!! Sorry, I can't share them yet. AND, the best part, they want me to take more pictures using their ballerina shoes in a wedding styled shoot!!! How perfect-the twins are totally into the Olivia books right now (Olivia is a little girl pig who obsesses about being a ballerina-among other things) and are dancing every night like ballerinas. Last night Eden was yelling, "Daddy, Daddy, LOOK!!, I am a ballerina, Daddy, LOOK". Then after a few twirls, she dropped down on the floor and started kicking her legs back like a donkey. Blaine and I were both cracking up.

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-12T21:45:00.004-05:00

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.

In the past week, thepioneerwoman.com had a contest on her blog in which you created a photobook of faces. She personally handpicked the winners. I thought I would take a few moments and throw some pictures of my children and their cousins into a photo book and submit it just for the fun of it. (all pics from this blog) WELL, I Won Runner-Up!!!!! I can't even tell you how excited I was. I was jumping up an down and running all over the house---and the girls, who had no clue why mommy was jumping and screaming and dancing all around, were more than happy to join in and yell and holler with me. If you've never visited her site, you must, even if it's for the cooking recipes. I have learned gobs from her about photography, and she literally has tens and tens of thousands of readers......just to be acknowledged personally by her is over the top for me!! Ree Drummond (the pioneer woman) just released a cook book and is touring the country promoting her book and has been on the mainstream talk shows, etc..... Her blog is fantastic..............so check it out

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Carter and Coen----Todd and Elise

2009-11-11T15:26:00.012-05:00

Last Sunday morning, I caught up with Todd and Elise and their little guys Carter and Coen--and I can't forget Simpson their Dog. We spent some time playing at a local Orchard and Cider Mill. It was a gorgeous morning and the sun was beautiful and bright--Perfect for Sun Flare, Sun Flare, Sun Flare--Oooo la la!

Sweet Coen. He has the biggest, roundest brown eyes ever!

Oh, I just LOVE This one...........

..and this one...........(wait-I could say that about them all)

And Carter (Who doesn't have dust on his sweater)
May the Force be with you!!!!!

(a little wide angle lens play here)

And last, but NOT least--Simpson

October 31st

2009-11-05T22:41:00.003-05:00

Our little ones were pumpkins this year. It all started with my mom buying the baby a pumpkin costume and the twins fought over it so much that she went out and got them all three the same thing---problem solved--thanks mom!!

Elle

Eden

The kids went to the Mother Of Multiples Halloween Party at the church that hosts the meetings---What a lovely thing to do for the kids!

I am not sure how much the baby enjoyed the costume thing

Elle--No, not MY Elle, but Elle Haney, with Eden and my little Elle...........

In the church basement-there were play areas set up for the kids
(most of you don't care, but these basement pictures were taken with the new camera using NO FLASH---low light and little to no graininess-amazing)

Here are the triplets

Luv the cookie monster thing

some new twins

some twins not quite so new

Barb and her little guy (who blogs My Sweet Life)

Someone's little cutie

Elle
(seriously, no flash was used.......)

Elle was totally mothering my girls all night and wanted to take the baby home with her--not sure what the baby thinks about this

(...Ok...Ok....I won't say it again...but no flash was used in the taking of this picture)

Blaine's sister Carmyn had a nice Chili dinner at her house Saturday night and the cousins got together to play and go to a few neighbors homes to trick-or-treat. It was COLD!!!!!!!!

Elle playing on some of Aunt Carmyn's very cool toys

Thing One (or Two) Kolton

Cousin Kyle--I am surprised none of the little kids were afraid of him

....or of Grandma

Aunt Krista-Keira

Kallyn

Emersyn-The Cat in the Hat

Grandma Senter bundled up to come along for a little while

So we hooked up all the Choo Wagon Cars together and pulled all 7 cousins along-I am not sure what they thought of it all-but I think they liked the candy part

(The baby-always looking for mommy)

The story of the Coy...................and Craigslist

2009-11-05T21:40:00.005-05:00

Late spring the SKIP program had a Luau for the kids and we came home with a little baggie filled with 3 tiny goldfish. The little goldfish spent the spring, summer and fall in my parents cattle stock tank that caught rain water. The twins spent alot of time this summer scooping water from this tank and watering gramma's flowers and raised bed. Of course-we ALWAYS checked for the fish and counted them. This fall we wondered what we were going to do with the fish-and considered putting them in the big pond. Sadly, one night it got very cold and found one of the fish resting on the bottom of the tank-soon to be followed by a second one. Fortunately, the 3rd fish, which was the bigger of the three-and a Coy-ended up in a bowl in Gramma's house. (6 hands and a cat is not a good match for 1 fish in an open bowl in our home). Gramma decided that someone may love this little coy more than her..and so this MORNING, advertised the fish and it's bowl to a loving home-for free.

Tonight, after my parents were bombarded with 14 inquiring phone calls, one little Coy is now nestled in his bowl in the loving home of 2 young ladies who I am sure will love him (or her) very much!

The power of Craigslist!!!!

Funny things....

2009-11-01T22:32:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to write down some cute things the twins have said so I don't forget them.

Sabbath morning I was chopping onions and the girls were 'helping' me. I turned around to get something out of the cupboard and when I turned back, Eden was chewing on a big piece of raw onion. She emphatically stated "Delicious"---but her facial expressions didn't quite match her words.

This afternoon I asked Elle what she wanted for lunch. Her reply.........."Candy"
(oh dear, trick-or-treating may have some negative side effects)

I read the story of Noah and the Ark tonight to the twins before bed. When Eden saw the cover she said, "Thats an I love you Jesus book"

Our friend gave the girls play purses for their 2nd birthdays. I recently got them out, never having checked inside them. The girls were playing with the zippers and opened them, and inside were crisp $1 bills. (Thanks again Judy). When Eden saw the money she said, "Money for Jesus".

Baby Adeline Adasa

2009-11-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

Our good friends Katia and Shawn had a baby girl, Adeline Adasa, born 3 hours after Evie's Birthday (we were hoping for Oct. 16th, but Adasa wanted to have the 17th be her day). I couldn't WAIT to get my hands on her............she is absolutely a perfect gift from God.
We love you baby Adasa.

Kyle..Krista..Keira!

2009-10-30T22:12:00.007-04:00

I had so much fun taking pictures of my brother-in-law and his special little family. I don't think there was a more perfect night to take these pictures.
The leaves were spectacular.
I wish fall lasted longer.
At least these memories will!!!!

(I don't know which one I like better)

so sweet

Blaine thinks this looks like I stuck my lens in the mud
I happen to think it looks very cool!

I SO LOVE this one of Keira

Just lovely.....

.....even MORE lovely.......

....Totally Lovely!!!!!

NIght time Issues......

2009-10-30T21:46:00.008-04:00

Are 2 year olds inherently opposed to sleep???? Well, the ones living in this house are. Nap time is a hit and miss lately. Argh! And THAN--there's going to bed for the night. We have always, and continue to do, the nightly routine. Dinner, Baths, Books, Bed. Sometimes we let them watch a quiet DVD. We take them up to their big girl beds, they have their special blankets, say their little prayers, than kiss them goodnight. We close the door. Than, 'Where the Wild Things Are' come out! It must be fun to have a twin. There is playing, and chattering, and humming and banging. Than you hear furniture moving. Bright light shines from beneath the door. Things are being removed from dresser drawers! After a zillion times of trudging up and down the stairs for the day, we decided to unplug the lights, duct tape off the switch to the ceiling light, and remove everything from the dressers. Pajamas are put back on. The twins are re-tucked in their beds, sippy cups refilled. And the process starts all over. SO.............after this has repeated itself several times, Blaine decided he was going to end the fun (at about 10:20 p.m.). He turned off the breaker to their room. No night lights, no fan, no ceiling light. Quietness. Than, I hear this tiny little voice (Eden's)................... "Ella Bella, I love you Ella Bella".

Than, silence till morning. Ah! Blissful Sleep!

Wow-who knew breakers could be such a great thing!

Here is my precious little Eden Emberlen.........with recharged batteries

Dave, Carmyn, Emersyn, Kolton and Kallyn

2009-10-30T21:19:00.009-04:00

So.....................here they are

I am so excited for you to see these

I hope you love them!!!!

Is this not adorable???

Totally loving this....

Vintage Kallyn

Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite pictures of ALL times! There is just something about it!

Blaine and his sister Carmyn

SIX of the cousins...I have to laugh. Evie is always watching where I am lately. She is really mommy's girl and here is a great example. Ha!

Baby Kyran

2009-10-26T13:35:00.010-04:00

Well, it has begun---I think I am hooked on photography! I had my first "official" newborn shoot yesterday with a colleague from work and her wee baby Kyran.There was a little struggle to get him to sleep, but even then-there are some precious moments. Can you even stand how adorable this picture is of Kyran and his daddy???

Check out those chubby cheeks-delicious!

Arm Slides

2009-10-23T23:26:00.002-04:00

The twins are really into imaginary play lately. Eden asks me all the time if she can dress up like daddy. So I put Blaine's big coats on her and she plays "Wolverine", in which she tells me she is sweeping. Last night, the twins entertained themselves most of the night by building towers out of cardboard blocks. Than they would take their plastic animals and have them 'leap' off the top of the tower onto my head (yes, I was a participant here) and than they would slide their animals down "Mommy's Arm Slide". Bet you didn't know you have 2 arm slides that you carried around with you everywhere you go. They come in handy from time to time.

licking acorns

2009-10-21T13:44:00.005-04:00

I am dreading winter and cold weather. Mainly for the reason that the kids can't play outside like they have all summer. It is not as easy to entertain them indoors-however Blaine did put a slide and 3 swings down in the basement and so I am hoping our basement 'playground' will help during the cold dark evenings. We did have a reprieve from cold weather the last few days and we've been outside as much as possible. I am still trying to take a few last minute Bear Feet Shoe photos that are due the end of October. Trying to take photos, in focus, of two constantly moving 2 year olds is near impossible----Unless---they stop a few seconds to lick the acorn caps!!!!!

(my little Ella Bella Della)

Tiffany, Elena, Robert and Stephanie....

2009-10-18T22:43:00.010-04:00

Robert and Elena are friends of my little ones from church (as well as Stephanie's little brother and sister). We had so much fun playing at the farm and orchard. Stay tuned for more pics....

These are the most gorgeous brown eyes!!!

(have to give Robert a break here, he just woke from his car nap--I wouldn't be super happy about it either)

The Black and White Version

The Spragues

2009-10-18T15:09:00.007-04:00

Tired kids, late evening, freezing weather, but somehow we managed to get a few pictures of my nieces and nephew------We love you!
Emersyn

Kolton-(always surrounded by girls, poor chap)

Kallyn

The Spragues

Tripletts, Tripletts, Tripletts,---aiy yai yai

2009-10-17T15:32:00.008-04:00

Justin, Jait & Julius

A month or so ago, Dana, a mom from my Mother of Multiples group sold me her triple Choo Wagon.
I was so excited to buy it from her since they don't make them anymore and I didn't want to buy a triple stroller. We still need something to keep my three all tied down in, but separated. It really is a great little wagon. Anyways, my three and her three adorable little 3 year old triplet boys got together for a playdate. Can you say...kids galore in constant motion!!!

We had a great visit and the boys have now since been to the farm and even picked corn. Even in the chaos there is therapy being with a mother who is living life in your shoes. But aren't we blessed?

We were laughing at some of the crazy questions we get asked all the time:

Can you tell them apart?

Are they triplets (twins)?? This question always floors me. There are times I want to, with a straight face, say "No" and keep on walking.

Who's the dominant twin (triplet)?

Do they have different personalities?..ummmmmmmmmm YES

the list could go on and on

Stephanie

2009-10-15T23:35:00.004-04:00

Stephanie-----I think you are TOO cute!!! (those of you who aren't in MI, it's COLD HERE!!!!). Steph works on my parents farm...and a great little worker she is. But she is also the sweetest sweetheart there is and has even survived watching all our 3 wee ones. I always miss her when she isn't around after the farm season is over-we LOVE her!!!!!

More little Tyler.....

2009-10-15T23:29:00.006-04:00

(Stella-I knew you would check back...............there are more..Just for you!!!LOL)

(this is a 70's effect look that I saw and thought I'd try)

Tyler and his mommy--Kristina

Stella and her daughter Kristina

RRRoooorrwwrrrr.........!

Little Tyler

2009-10-14T21:21:00.004-04:00

A good friend of mine from work asked me to take some photographs of her grandson Tyler who is visiting from Chicago. What a Sweetie!!!! He played (and we froze) for about 30 minutes in the pumpkin patch today---but what fun! Here are a few photos I had a chance to play with tonight...

Birthday Fun!

2009-10-14T15:00:00.010-04:00

Evia will be 1 year old on the 16th, but we celebrated a few days early last Sunday. We planned for a hayride and though it was cold, the wind died down and Blaine pulled the kids around my dad's farm. The kids had a ball!

(Eden)

Dave, Carmyn and their twins

Krista and Keira

Even Blaine's brother Kyle, post op a few days from a hernia surgery, came along. I had almost forgotten he had surgery-it's amazing how fast people recover following laparoscopic surgery.

(ummmm...these pics are for all the Kyle fans out there.LOLOLOLOL)

Cindy and Judy

This is a 'pumpkin tree' decoration I saw on Martha Stewart.com and used her scrap book paper and decorative brads-much cooler in real life

Cousin Keira's hair cracked me up---so cute!

I think Kolton ate all the pumpkin jello jigglers

Even Mandy and 4 week old Elliot made it

I begged my mom to make a rainbow cake that I had seen on MkMama's blog. By the time it arrived, it had turned into the leaning tower of pisa, and she begged me not to bring it out, and even bought a cake from VG's (shame on her-LOL), but it was the coolest cake ever, still, and tasted far better than ANYTHING you can buy. The kids loved it!

(the VG's cake)

Evie definitely loved her cake.....................

And so did the other kids. I wish it could've been warmer and we could've just taken them outside and let them have a free for all with cake and frosting

I think it got a little much for the Birthday girl here!

Cousin Kyle-a big freshman now

This is a taste of the mass confusion when we get together--that is why I wanted to keep her party 'small'. Seven of the cousins are in this pic..can you find them?

My little birthday girl! Happy 1st Birthday Baby!

....and my FAVORITE picture of her!!!!

Birthday funnies

2009-10-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday evening was Evia's 1st Birthday party-in which I will have pictures up soon. It was a wonderful party with good food and family/friends. It was late and everyone was gone and the twins were still pretty much wired from the evening's events. I was in the kitchen cleaning up a few things and I look down on the tiled kitchen floor and Elle was lying on her back, wearing only her duct taped diaper, and was moving her arms and legs. I asked her what she was doing and she said so mater of fact, "mommy, I'm making a snow angel". Eden couldn't miss out on the fun, and so for the next 10 minutes, Eden, Elle and I laid on the floor and made snow angels at about 10 p.m. last night.

They slept in till 9:15 this a.m.

A RECORD~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

maybe we will have to make more snow angels at night!!!

More of Elliot...................and life

2009-09-29T22:20:00.004-04:00

It is too late, but here I am, typing on the blog. The last few weeks have seemed extra busy, partly because I have 3 very small children and work 2 days a week (duh), but because I am obsessing about learning our new photo editing software...Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom!!!! Wowser! Blaine surprised me for our anniversary with this editing software and while the learning curve is HUGE.....it is so much fun!! If I only had TIME..TIME..TIME....!!! Oh, and did I mention that we sold our camera...and a lens....and a flash and upgraded? We have a full frame camera now-and I am pinching myself. I haven't really gotten to play with it yet, so keep tuned.....I haven't figured out all the work flow/processing/putting pics on the blog efficiently yet, etc.... And the baby's birthday is in a couple of weeks. Yikes! There is planning to do for that. I am most excited about her cake------this is a surprise! She is finally moving that caboose around and it's hilarious to see how she 'crawls', it's sortof like a crab/left toe ballerina pointing shuffle. And can she get around. Oh, did I mention that the SKIP program started back up-YEAH......AND...........the Bear Feet shoes finally arrived. I think it was in May that I received a contract from them to shoot pictures of the twins wearing their shoes in exchange for shoes. Well, they are here and so the pressure is on. I can't post any pictures of the shoes since they haven't been released for sale to the public, hence the shooting pictures for advertisements. But, THEY ARE TO DIE FOR CUTE!!!! So, I am signing off tonight, but I had a minute to work on another baby Elliot pic. I especially love this one.

Baby Elliot-2 weeks

2009-09-26T23:02:00.005-04:00

Baby Elliot came for a visit today-and he IS growing!

What a sweetie!

September

2009-09-20T22:42:00.012-04:00

September has been a nice month so far: warm weather and low humidity, the bugs are dying out (YEAH!), doughnuts and apple cider, Apple Fests, trips to the orchard ....and pumpkins! Great Grandma E (my dad's mom) visited this past week and saw our children and the home we built for the first time.

Grandma will be 90 this October!

So, with great grandma visiting we spent more time up at the farm-and in the tree swings

Eden

Elle

Evie

This week the twins have been playing "Sleep and Snore" on our bed. They put their heads down, close their eyes, and snore. After about 10 seconds they pop up and yell, "Awake". The other day I was reading them a book and Eden wanted to play "sleep". Elle was sitting next to me listening to the story and Eden was "sleeping". I could see one little corner of her eye open and she hoarsly whispered to her sister (as if she was totally annoyed that Elle was more interested in the story than Eden's game) and said, "Elle, PUT your HEAD DOWN, AND GO to SLEEP!"

I am trying to find the picture that I took of the twins last year by the old tire wheel-my, have they grown.

Well, why don't we go back to 2007 when the twins were just turning 9 months old!

Here is it-last year-2008

this year 2009

Every night this week, they have been singing "Ring Around the Rosey" and run around the house hanging on to Blaine's belt. When they get to "...we all fall down", they crash to the floor and laugh and laugh.

Several times in the last few days Eden will go to a door or gate, wave and yell loudly "GOOD-BYE, GOOD-BYE, BYE". I will ask her, "Where are you going?" And she tells me (like I should know where she is going) and states, "I am going work!" I will say, "Where do you work" and than she mater-of-factly tells me---- "The Wolverine!"..than shuts the door

11 months old

2009-09-15T21:33:00.002-04:00

I can't even believe that I am going to write this----but I won't have a baby much longer :-(. Evie is 11 months old and so now the 1st Birthday Party planning has begun-WHAT?? Wait...........wasn't she just born yesterday??? I try to hug and squeeze my little bundle of baby fat as much as I can, for she will be a 'big girl' tooooo sooon! She has almost completely weaned herself off the bottle, drinks from a cup, eats everything in the refrigerator including the kitchen sink, giggles, babbles and smiles all day long, is rolling and pulling and moving to just about anywhere she wants to go and has started to become, shall I say..........demanding! Her eyes never leave the motion and commotion of her twin sisters and she is processing everything they do--this can be good and this can be bad.....I was hoping she wouldn't walk till about age 5! Ha!

I had to post these adorable little pictures of her in her birthday suit-for it won't be 'appropriate' for too much longer........but those little rolls of chub-how could I ever cover them up with clothing??

(this is why her grampa calls her "Buddha Belly")

Baby Elliot

2009-09-12T21:53:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our World
Elliot Edward
6 lbs, 2 oz, born 9/9/09
(What a beautiful name-not that I am partial to 'E' Names or anything like that!)

2009 Labor Day Picnic!

2009-09-11T21:13:00.006-04:00

I haven't heard the final tally, but I do believe this past Labor Day was the biggest, most fun-and chaotic-picnic at the farm yet (and that is not counting all the mosquitoes in attendance!!!!) There was so much delicious food as well as a huge roaster of fresh fried super sweet corn and my mom's homemade ice cream. The kids had tons of fun playing-though I think the twins were overwhelmed by all the people 'invading' their play space. I tried to get picture of most of the kids there...........so here are a few of them so far. Stay tuned for more picnic pictures.

Timothy

Mathew

Robert (tater tot 1)

Elena (tater tot 2)

Kallyn

Emersyn

Riley

Kyle

Eden

Elle

Olivia

Owen

Olivia

Sophia

Mia and Gramma Lee!

Debuting (well somewhat since he's inside his mum's tummy here)
Elliot Edward-born 2 days after this photo on 09-09-09!
How cool is that Birth Date?

And Last but of all NOT the least!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!
You are the best mother and grandma EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Picking Apples

2009-09-06T22:39:00.002-04:00

My parents have 2 apples trees in their yard. They are loaded with apples this year, but since no one sprays them, the worms enjoy them the most! The twins had a ball picking apples into their new buckets from gramma.

Poor Baby! She is still somewhat sidelined, watching her sisters have all the fun.........but not for long...she is on the move, scooting and pushing/pulling up on things

Hey-Daddy's home............let's wave

It's time to play-YEAH!

.....and give hugs and kisses

and play some more.......

and hug and kiss some more!

sit -n-spins and POOP

2009-09-03T14:41:00.006-04:00

Everyday there is something new at this house. This a.m, I was vacuuming upstairs in the twin's room and they were running up and down the hall squealing and playing. I got the sit-n-spin toys out (had to hide them for a while because they were pulling them up to cabinets and dressers and using them as stools and it was scaring me). They were spinning, laughing and mimicking each other (as usual). Eden would throw herself off her spinner and than ask herself "Are you OK?", then answer her own question by saying "yes", laugh, and then tell Elle, "You do it", in which Elle would throw herself off the sit and spin and Eden would say "Are you OK?". I told them they were so silly, and then they kept repeating, "You are so silly" the rest of the morning.

ok, the next paragraph is gross-so reader beware

So, I am officially sick of POOP!!! Yes Poop!!!! Good thing I am a nurse and have plenty of experience cleaning it up-however, I am not getting paid to do it at home. Ha! Though the twins are showing great interest in the potty-they are not doing 'it' in the potty. And the baby......my OH my. She is eating like a horse which results in her pooping like one too (sorry for such a graphic and gross posting on this blog-but this is my life with multiples-remember). I go #2 myself (um...don't forget that you do too), as well as clean up after Dolly the cat, so there is plenty of poop duty throughout my day. And I will be very very very very glad when this stage is OVER! I am now officially tired of, sick of, and ready to be done with cleaning up poop. Good thing Blaine takes care of this job for himself-for he would be out of luck.

oh-my big $25 dollar check for doing jury duty came this week.

I guess I can now retire

the end

Mandy, Brandon, and baby XY

2009-08-30T22:31:00.015-04:00

My good friend Robin is going to be a 1st time grandma---in literally a few days!!! Mandy asked me.....or wait.......did I ask her..........to take some pictures of her adorable belly. We were holding our breaths as we have been trying to get together to take some pictures, hoping she didn't go into labor before we could get together. She is due Sept 3rd. Anyways, what fun we had taking some pictures---I think the lavender one is especially to die for.

Family Gathering

2009-08-28T21:46:00.007-04:00

Blaine's mother's side of the family had a gathering at the Lakehouse this past weekend and we got to catch up and play a little bit! I am pretty sure the adults were outnumbered.... Nothing new about that I guess. Yikes! All Eden has been talking about all week is "The Lakehouse, Uncle Dave, Kolton, and the banana boat"

Elliot

Francis

Olliver

Kolton

Karen and Kiera

Dave and Kallyn

Grant

Greg

Elle, totally enamored with Uncle Clark and entertaining her
2nd cousins all evening by showing them 'shapes'

Evie and Grampa

John
-just look at those green eyes-

Little Jackson Martin

2009-08-28T21:40:00.003-04:00

My old friend..............(emphasizing OLD)..............Laura visited with her number 2 baby. (ok, if you knew how long I've known Laura and how much she needs to be picked on from time to time-you will understand how really OLD she is-LOL) Jackson was born exactly one year after the twins-how fun is that? Anyways, he is giving Laura a run for her money-and I LOVE IT! She needs someone to keep her a little bit young. Ha! Anyways, he is such a little blond cutie and what a smile!

The girl's buddy---Owen

2009-08-22T17:56:00.008-04:00

Owen, Olivia and their mommy came this afternoon for dinner and a play date! Yeah!
Jen brought the most delicious apples from their Orchard today and my mom made a very yummy apple topping-which was some seriously good stuff!
(apples sauteed in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon)

Jen and Owen

2009-08-22T17:56:00.001-04:00

Gramma and her Elle (with a pudding mustache)

2009-08-22T17:55:00.001-04:00

My Watering flower Children

2009-08-22T17:52:00.003-04:00

There hasn't been a more fun activity for the twins this summer than watering gramma's flowers-they are lucky they didn't drown. And there were many cherry tomatoes eaten this summer-including green ones.

10 months-Evie

2009-08-22T17:51:00.001-04:00

Can she already be 10 months old?

4-wheels and 6 feet

2009-08-22T17:49:00.001-04:00

Grampa and his girlies!
(at least 2 of the 4 are happy at this moment)

Grandpa...................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-22T17:44:00.003-04:00

Grampa...........

...........NO Hat Please!

...Gotta Get........

.....It ...OFF!!!!!!!!!!!

My little Cutie pies!

2009-08-22T12:06:00.006-04:00

Just look at those smiles..........................heart melting little smiles!

Eden Emberlen

Elle Ebrielle

Evia Erianna (debuting her 2 front teeth)

Dress-up

2009-08-21T22:29:00.005-04:00

After a tough week, I have to smile when I see this picture of my little twins playing 'dress up'. I had bought several bags of old cheap jewelry last summer for just this reason and what fun they did have! I am so glad this week is over-! Though I did get to spend part of the week watching the twins wrestle (a fun new activity they discovered), feeding Evie anything and everything that is edible, enjoying fresh cucumber/tomato salad, watching the fireflies at dusk while it begins sprinkling rain, eating hummus and McDonald's Sundaes at the park (how nutritious!), and taking pictures of my father playing with his grandbabies. I spent one day downtown this week in the court house dreading every second of that day, hoping, praying and pleading to God to spare me of being a juror of a murder trial-really-and He answered my prayers. The Judge was giving his speech to all the potential jurors about how this is our country's highest calling-ya da ya da..... I was formulating my own speech to give to the Judge about how this country's highest calling is being a mother-a mother who needs to be home raising her children so they hopefully will never ever have to be the defendants chair!!!

Mark and Meghan

2009-08-16T00:15:00.005-04:00

What Goes BUMP in the night!!! AUGH!

2009-08-12T13:43:00.005-04:00

So-I don't know if this has ever happened to anyone else, but I hope this was a 'one time only deal'. We had played at the local park till pretty late last night and thought the girls (or hoped and prayed the girls) would sleep like logs! About 2:30 a.m., I heard some whimpering and thumps, and so I thought I had better check on the kids upstairs. As I opened the door, I heard crying and it didn't seem to be coming from upstairs. My eyes at this point are furiously trying to focus as it was pitch dark in the house. As I walked to the hall to flick on the light, I noticed I was stepping in pools of water. Ugh! Here, I find Elle standing in the living room. She had opened her bedroom door, came down the stairs and pulled a step stool to the bathroom sink. Dumped out the toothbrushes from a plastic cup. Filled that plastic cup up with water numerous times and proceeded to dump them out on the floor. I don't know how long she had been awake, why she was awake, what possessed her to do this, but I wasn't too happy. Eden was upstairs crying, probably because she was alone and wondering what in the heck her sister was doing. By the time I had the water cleaned up, change Elle's soaking wet PJ's and got them all calmed down and snuggled in their beds....I wearily climbed back into my bed at 03:30 a.m.

Oh the joy of parenting!

Finally-summer weather

2009-08-10T10:12:00.011-04:00

Finally, the 2nd week of August, we got some summer heat-------and humidity. With over 3 inches of rain on Saturday and almost 90 degree weather on Sunday-we had a typical Michigan summer day. We spent the day with the cousins at the lake house and I think the kids had more fun playing with the garden hose than anything else-. They crawled under the spray...

...jumped over it, ran through it and than were "eating" it.

While were here...lets play with some leaves too!

eden

elle

..And play in the innertube

...and make a sandcastle (elle)

...or play with an oar (eden)

....or play with the grass in our birthday suit

Aunt Krista and Keira

Uncle Kyle

Grampa

Uncle Dave and his brood

And then there is sweet little Kolton-who I love to photograph---He was not happy with all this picture taking fuss

..well, at least I got one without tears---I could just eat up those little toes!

The Engelharts

2009-08-05T18:11:00.006-04:00

After a horrible past week with the baby having Roseola and than spending 4 days in the hospital with Eden due to Pyelonephritis, it was a welcomed relief to have family visiting from North Dakota. Unfortunately not everyone could come-but Kenny, Brooklyn and Breighton are here (yes, all the young girls that work on the farm are having an exceptionally good week-ha!)

Potter Park Zoo

2009-07-30T15:41:00.005-04:00

There is a sweet little zoo in Lansing and some of the cousins got together Wednesday to check out the animals.

I think they make bars and cages to keep the 'kids' out-why-to protect the animals of course! ha!

The kids really loved the bird cage-It was filled with hundreds of colorful birds that were flying and whizzing around-even between you.

Can you see the bird by Emersyn's shoulder?

....goat

..................Goat

................................ GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOTCHA~!

Then there were THREE.............

And then there were FIVE..........................poor little goat

lunch time

What is summer

2009-07-28T10:32:00.015-04:00

What is summer without some bubbles (Eden & Shawn)

Or how about a hug

Or hey, lets kick

Or how about playing in the corn and weeds (Elle-with those grubby paws-to match her feet above)

Duct Tape

2009-07-28T10:31:00.004-04:00

If you look really close---and with great caution-there is something in this crib that shouldn't be there:

Hence

The Duct Tape

I think this picture speaks for itself---------------------and yes, it works!!!!!!!

How to Eat Corn

2009-07-28T10:28:00.003-04:00

You can eat corn many different ways-the twins seem to prefer all of them

Eating the husk (Elle)

Eating it Raw (Eden)

Eating it on the swing (Eden)

The Woods Family

2009-07-27T14:41:00.005-04:00

Cyndi-my sister wife (no, not really................. inside joke), Jeremy, Molly and Tyler were here to visit this weekend and I snapped some impromptu shots of them

Shawn and Katia

2009-07-26T23:15:00.006-04:00

Baby Girl Gallagher-their first- will be arriving sometime in November-We can't wait to meet you Alenee, Emberly, Hadassa, or whatever your name will be???????

Aren't they glowing?

Ummmmmm Shawn....................................who is pregnant? LOL

The flying twins

2009-07-26T23:08:00.012-04:00

Eden

Elle

Grandma

2009-07-26T23:08:00.010-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Emersyn

2009-07-26T23:08:00.007-04:00

Our Niece turned three on the 25th of July--Happy Birthday Em!

Blaine's sister Carmyn-and her Emme

Transitioning!

2009-07-22T16:57:00.005-04:00

About 2 weeks ago Eden finally realized she could get out of her crib. And so, a whole new journey lay before us-----Going from the crib to a 'big girl bed'. It took about 5 nights till I think she had pretty much adjusted. 5 nights of taking everything out of the dresser drawers, opening all the cabinets, pulling the 'sit-and-spin' over to the dresser to use as a step stool to crawl up on them and turning the waste basket up side down to stand on to get into Elle's crib (Elle did NOT like Eden joining her in her crib un-invited!!). I knew, just knew, that in 2 weeks time, we would be doing this with Elle. Well, I was right. Elle wasn't about to sit by in her crib and let Eden have all the fun. We are in this process right now w/Elle. The only thing is Eden is bored with the whole 'freedom' thing while Elle ran around her room the first night her big girl bed was set up like she had drunk 30 gallons of coffee. Oh, the other thing that has accompanied this is the undressing thing. Elle has taken off her clothes and diaper 3 times in the last 12 hours and has peed on the bed twice (yes, on the new set of sheets) and the floor. I am getting the duct tape out! AUGH!

Kristy and Andrew

2009-07-22T13:40:00.029-04:00

Blaine's cousin Andrew and his wife Kristy of almost 1 year, surprised us when they showed up this week-all the way from Massachusetts. So, what a good reason to get together with all the cousins-----and have some corn too!!! (thanks Dad!)

(FYI-this corn is raw and they are still lovin it!)

Keira-- just up from her nap--

Colleen and Trevor-bet you couldn't tell they were siblings

Trevor's new puppy-is this not one of the cutest puppy pictures ever? He really is asleep here.

The still newlyweds

Elle/Eden-Ring around the Rosey

Great Grandma----and Evie

Kallyn

Kolton

This sweet little face could sell ALOT of corn. What a cutie!!!!!!