Chapman Family

More Christmas

2011-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how much fun we all had in Idaho for Christmas? The time we all got to spend together went by much too quickly and the time to leave came way too soon for any of us. We are now counting down the days until we are reunited again. Don't know exactly for sure if it will be before Disney, but we are excited nonetheless. Yes, Disney is in November...simply can not wait for that and to see the excitement on my girls faces as they meet the princesses face to face. Not sure who will be more excited, mom or the girls! Enjoy some more pictures of our trip west.

Have you ever successfully attempted to take a picture of 5 children at one time and have them all looking and smiling? Yeah, me neither, but we did attempt and had lots of laughs trying....

This is the best we could do!!

Once we were home, the girls got to have another Christmas. We didn't take any of our gifts out to Idaho for them...Santa came but that was it! So another Christmas it was, they were in heaven!!!

And so the long winter nights and Christmas break took our toll on all of us and we ended up with the stomach flu at our house. So we snuggled in and hunkered down and tried to get rid of it!

Merry Christmas 2010

2011-02-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

How many pictures can I keep on my camera at a time? Apparently too many. I cleaned it off today and have decided to update the blog!!

Merry Chirstmas! We spent Christmas in Idaho this year. Planned and packed for lots of snow and sledding. Didn't have time to go sledding, we have too many other things going on. Oh, and it didn't snow. You have got to be kidding you might say? Well, it flurried and was gone within an hour. Yes, no snow in the mountains for Christmas!! We made so many happy memories and had suck a fun time just watching the kids play.

If you are a new parent or have an idea to try somehing new...my advice is to NOT try Make-it and Bake-its with toddlers and with a wobbly table. Not worth the headache. But it is fun to have the finished product now. Jenny had lots of crafts and activites planned to keep the kids busy. VERY little TV was watched. Lots of music recitals, concerts and books read aloud happened instead.

A plane ride from Omaha to Denver and finally to Salt Lake City followed by a 3 hour drive in a BLIZZARD. The girls did amazing and there was minimal whining. Some peeing on the side of the road in a blizzard as I have a daughter who gets her tummy in knots when we travel in the car.

Lots of time spent doing crafts, blowing kisses to each other through the glass door. Pretty sure Jenny instigated that one!

I still have over 140 pictures just from this trip...but check out the sleeping arrgnements these kids made for themselves. Now this is what bonding with your cousins is all about!!

Christmas Music Program

2010-12-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Being in Kindergarten means lots of new and exciting things and for this particular little girl, it meant getting all dressed up with mommy's make-up and curling her hair for her 1st Music Concert at the high school!! The kindergarten class was so big that they had to make a separate concert for them and the 1st graders!

Check out my peanut!! In case you can't see her, just look for that big red bow!

And of course, not just one Chapman girl can get dressed up, they all must!!!

Where we have been

2010-12-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Seems as though time passes so quickly and we have little time left for updating the blog!! Not even sure anyone really looks at this anymore. Nevertheless, I am gonna add some photos from the past few months, enjoy!! Our sweet girls are growing up and it is still hard for this mommy to let them grow up!!!

More Pumpkin Patch....

2010-10-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

We just can't seem to get enough of the patch this year!! We have been 3 times already! Maybe again this weekend! Good times, lots of memories being made! Have tried MANY times to get pictures of the girls at my favorite spot at the pumpkin patch, with very minimal luck!! Oh well, as long as we are having fun and making memories to last a lifetime!

This past weekend was Gradnparents Day for Olivia at school. Mamo and Bampo came out to go to preschool with her and then to the Pumpkin Patch. Grammy was visiting Pap-Pap in Pittsburgh. We will have to take her to the pumpkin patch again!!!

Pumpkin Patch Time

2010-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have the chance to head to the Pumpkin Patch in Grand Island with Mamo, Bampo Ty, Tish and Londyn and Sydney. The girls were so excited to see their cousins and have a fun filled day with them! The weather was amazing and the smiles and giggles were priceless! Of course getting 5 little girls to sit still long enough to look at the same camera and smile was a touch difficult, but fun nonetheless!! Check out their fun times...

They enjoyed pony rides, slides, walking through the Land of Oz, visiting Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin yard, having snacks, riding the zip line, riding the train, riding bikes and . I think the adults enjoyed Latisha riding the zip line the most!!! Check out her face, priceless!!!

Everyone konked out quickly after baths and as the lights went out! I couldn't pass up the chance to take pictures of my sleeping beauties!!

Randomness....

2010-09-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

A Jammin Good Time

2010-09-22T18:59:00.001-07:00

Labor Day weekend always is a great time of year for us!!! The Welsh's come from Idaho!! The girls love playing with their cousins and getting to spend as much ime with them as possible!! This year was no different. The crew trekked through the wide open spaces of Wyoming, and Nebraska and made it in record time!! The kids played from the minute they were our out of the car until they went to bed the night before they left to head back home. Of course the time we spend together never seems to be long enough. We are anxious for a white Christmas this year in Idaho! Please start praying for cooperative good weather on our way there and way home. It can snow feet while we are there, just not while we are traveling. I have never spent Christmas in the mountains, so I am really looking forward to it!

The pictures of our time together do the talking...

Happy 6th Birthday Addison

2010-09-22T18:48:00.001-07:00

Just so it is clear, I did NOT forget to write anything, things have just been extremely busy around here!!!

Happy 6th Birthday to my peanut!! Each year, I am more amazed at where the time has gone. This year I am also amazed at just how much you have grown up the last few months. You have become such a young lady, sweet, caring, willing to help mom and dad, but don't get me wrong, you can be sassy sometimes also!!!

You have made lots of grown up choices this year, and mommy and daddy are VERY proud of you! I look forward to what this next year holds for you as you enter into school, learn the things I have spent the last 6 years protecting you from, move to a new level in gymnastics, and figure out "stuff" for yourself!!!!

We love you so much Addison and are proud of you!

Locks of Love

2010-08-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Donating 10 inches of hair! Way to go Addison - you look beautiful, more grown up and another tear wells up in your mommy's eye as you continue to grow right before my eyes! I Love you so much peanut!!!

Preschool...Again!

2010-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Olivia goes to Preschool 3 days/week this year. She was VERY excited to go. Mom was just hoping there would be no tears from her this year. For those of you just joining us or have forgotten, we spent the first 1-2 months in tears EVERYDAY of school. No idea why!! Was stressful for mom!!

She told me this morning there would be no tears, and she was ready to go to school again. She does not really know anyone in her class, her BFF was in another class this year. Although right next to her. And they get to have snack together, so they will still see each other. Knowing that is probably the only thing that saved us from tears this morning!!

It was a hectic morning trying t get everyone ready and out the door by 7:45am to drop Addison off and then take Olivia to school. SIDE NOTE: I know this is about Olivia, but I have to mention, Addison walked into school all by herself today. I stayed in the car and dropped her off at the door - a big step for both mom and her!! Okay, side note over - tears welling in my eyes!!

All smiles right now and ready for a new year of preschool!

My 2 little school girls!!

Finding her cubby and putting away her backpack.

Time for mommy to leave...hold those tears in big girl, you can do it!!

Finally, gets to see her best friend Madeline!

I have her picked up and she had a GREAT day!! No tears and she even got to be the leader today! What a great way to start her year! Hoping everyday goes this well for her!

Happy 4th Birthday Olivia

2010-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously, where does the time go and why must my children grow up so quickly? Happy Birthday Olivia!!! The last 4 years you have made my heart smile and overflow with love. From your gentleness to your toughness, each day is definatly adventure with you! I love to watch you "teach" Ella new things, and to watch you learn from Addison. Being a middle child is tricky, trust me, I know!! But you are a middle child with much grace and enthusiasm! I pray your wings take you far and your endless energy goes with you! Happy 4th Birthday princess!!!

We celebrated queitly this year. A garage sale in the morning, working up the nerves to take the training wheels off, some shopping for new clothes and a dinner at where else but Valentinos!!

Liv actually ended up with 2 parties this year. We celebrated with Mamo and Bampo on Friday night and Saturday with Grammy. Olivia was the twinkle in Mamo's eye as she opened her purple fairy costume! Just because I actually don't have a "real" picture of her in it doesn't mean she hasn't pranced around here with her costume and wings!!! Saturday the favorite was the big coloring book from Grammy and the purple "slip phone" from Addison! She had lots of help from her sisters opening presents.

The cake this year was supposed to be easy. It was not quite as easy as I had hoped for! Oh well! It was a surprise to her to see Princess and the Frog because she thought is was just going to be a barbie doll!

The training wheels came off long enough to take a stroll about 2 inches before she decided she was going to take a break. More practice is gonna be needed to get that down!!

Couldn't help but end with this...melts this mommies heart and soul.....

1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Can it really be time to send her off to kindergarten? My goodness seems like we just brought her home from the hospital, watched her roll over for the 1st time, take her first steps, walk into preschool. I know there comes a time when all mommies must let go and let them learn, let them make mistakes and watch them succeed and know that you built a great foundation. This mommy just wasn't ready for it though. I prepared myself for the tears, but really had no idea what feelings I would have when she walked through that door and into the world I have tried so hard to shelter her from.

She went in with a smile that grew from ear to ear all morning long. I had the biggest smile right there with her (biting the side of my cheek and holding back the tears that welled up in my eyes simultaneously)! She was beyond excited for school and could not wait to start school today. After we got to the school, she found her locker and put away her things and we went to the gym to find her teacher. The gym was so loud, she really did not like the noise. She went right to her line with no hugs or nothin! Had to go ask for it when I was done taking pictures.

I had a terrible time sleeping last night with anticipation of what today would hold. I have found myself tearing up several times throughout the day for various reasons, but all bittersweet and so proud of my daughter. She has such a compassionate heart and I just can't help but melt when she tells me things like this:

A: Mom, I know you might cry when I go to Kindergarten.
M: How do you know that? Did someone tell you that?
A: No. I just know you don't want me to grow up. You just want me to stay little. Remember, I am always going to live with you.

M: You are right, mommy might cry, but I will cry because I am so proud of you and can't believe that you are big enough to go to school!!

Man, I love that little girl!!

All right mom, I am ready! she wasn't nervous at all, just VERY excited!

Dad, I am ready! A proud daddy!

Finding her locker.

Sitting in the LOUD gym.

She made it!!! The end of the 1st day of Kindergarten!!!

So proud of you Addison!! YOu are an amazingtle girl who is going do amazing things someday!! Keep your chin held high, stay true to yourself and always remember a kiss from mommy is ALWAYS in your hand! I love you peanut!!

Adventureland...one last horray!

2010-08-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Took the girls to Adventureland this past weekend in Des Moines, Iowa. We had a great time, despite the whining standing in LONG lines. It was a great weekend to celebrate birthdays and our last weekend before Addison heads off to kindergarten!!

The weather was great. We got to the park before it opened and wanted to take full advantage of our time together and our time there. We only had hotel reservations for one night (which was Friday), so we were eading back to Omaha after a LONG day playing!

In the car on our way to Adventureland! They were soooo excited!

Waiting patiently to get into the park. We were there about 25 minutes early (on purpose)!

Ella would ride anything we put her on! she LOVED it all!

Riding the Ladybugs.

Some of the few smiles while waiting in lines!

Infant Boat Races - look at that smile on Ella's face!

The Raging River - we waited in lone OVER an hour just for them to tell us Ella was "to little"! Not happy were we or her!! That was a LONG line of waiting and the whining was kind of out of control!

Up a big hill, down a big yellow slide all in an innertube and they didn't even get wet!

Adventurland Bay was SO crowded it wasn't even fun to be there. They had a swim up bar in the pool - crazy!

We ended the weekend in Omaha at the zoo and had a terrific time! Could not of asked for a better weekend! We made tons of memories and had lots of laughs!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ella

2010-08-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ella!!! Hard to believe that you are 2 years old already! I am pretty sure that it was just the other day I learned you were breech and I would have to have a c-section to deliver you safely!!

You have brough so much joy and laughter to our lives! Your sisters love you more than you will ever realize. They are still learning just how much you look up to them and copy EVERYTHING they do!! Everyday is an adventure with you! If you could just sleep a little later in the morning and preferably not wake up during the night your mommy and daddy would GREATLY appreciate it! Sleeping is a great thing and something we hope that you will soon learn to love. This was a big year for you for sleeping! You went from having your own room to sharing with Olivia. Of course you are now waking her up also...but I think she loves you just the same. She would also appreciate if you could sleep all night though!! :)

We have had a rollercoaster of emotions with your health this past year. We found out shortly before you turned 1 that you had kidney reflux. Over the last year we have had to take precaution having you out in the sun, have had to give you a daily dose of antibiotics, and prayed that you had no unexplained fevers for that meant something was wrong with your bladder and/or kidneys. We visited Childrens Hospital again the day efore you turned 2 and found out that not only is your reflux not gone, but now you have it on both sides. The doctor told us you may have trouble potty training!! Mommy and daddy have been pretty discouraged by this news but have chosen to focus on your outward health and your spunkiness!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ella! We are so anxious to see what the next year holds for you!!

Picture Posts...running on fumes here

2010-08-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

A Colorado post will come later! Too many pictures!!

A Trip to Pocatello...

2010-06-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

**Just so you know - I wrote this in June. I had good intentions! The pictures loading won't working and well, now time has slipped away!

Has it seriously been a month since I last posted, man time just seems to get away from me. We have been super busy. We just got home from a trip west to Colorado. However, a blog on that will have to wait. Here is the latest from Pocatello!!

Grammy and the girls and I loaded the van and headed west to visit Kevin, Jenny and the kids. We had a great time. We really did not do a whole lot, but had fun playing together, laughing, putting on shows and dreaming of the next time we can be together. The kids played amazing well together. It was fun to see how much Madeline had grown since we saw her last. She is talking now, her hair is growing (enough for some ponies and barrettes), she is potty trained, but she is small in comparison to Ella, my is Ella a big girl next to her older cousin!!!! And Leo, well Leo is ALL boy. Which I know nothing about. He loves playing in the dirt, playing with bugs, feeding and tending to his pet salamander, Jumbo and playing as hard and loud as he can. There is a ditch next to their house that he LOVES to play with the oldre boys in. I think these older boys tell "stories" to Leo. They told him that if a bug (can't remember what it was) bite him he would be poisned and have to go to the hospital. Well, great Aunt Kerry put on her thinking cap and got just as creative as theose boys. Leo was convinced he was poisened and needed to see a doctor. I told him I was really a doctor and had special poison medicine that would make him all better. I went and got a dropper, filled it with "medicine" (water down diet coke) and he drank it up and felt much better!!! Good thing I was there to make him all better!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day Late

2010-05-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Took an impromtu trip to Omaha to see Grammy for Mother's Day and then headed home. A quick day trip had the girls having lots of fun and getting to be at the zoo on opening day of the Madagascar Exhibt. The weather started out cold and windy, but ended up being a beautiful day to be outside! Some face painting fun during lunch. Not really any pictures of the animals or really at the zoo. But a fun time was had by all!!

Have you ever tried to take pictures of your children who don't sit still, refuse to smile, act goofy or pick their nose? Welcome to picture taking at my house. All I really wanted was a piture of me with the girls. Rarely do I get that because I am usually the one taking the pictures. So enjoy the chaos that followed at my house on Sunday May 9th, my 6th Mother's Day:

Kind of windy? You think?

Look mommy, I can touch my toes.

Maybe Ella just needs a tickle from her big sisters.

Let's move this indoors and try again.

Maybe a little singing will help with the chaos!

Ella had had enough!

Obviously, she was real excited to be drug back to mommy's lap!

I'm so out of here, enough!

Outside Play

2010-05-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

We have spent TONS of time outside already. I am sure we spend LOTs of time out there this summer, as the girls have really taken a liking to riding bikes and riding the jeep and playing with the dozen or so kids that live on our street. Thank goodness it is a quiet street for the most part. Although watch out in about 10 years when they all start driving within a few years of each other!! Our grocery store had a Family Fun Day no so long ago. We took the girls to check out the animals and play the games and then got a free lunch. Couldn't beat that! The girls really enjoyed petting and holding the baby chicks. I am not sure where they got the love for doing that, because this mommy ain't having NOTHING to do with touching them. I don't even step foot in a petting zoo! GROSS!!! Jenny, you are a more amazing mother than I with the salamander for Leo!

A local carnival came to town. I have to swallow my fears and let them ride a few rides within some limits. They each got to pick 3 rides...one of the "rides" they picked was to jump in an inflatable house! Ella unfortuantly had to sit in the stroller...too little. We used lots of hand sanitizer and made sure not to look at people for too long that were either dressed much differently than us and smelled much grosser than us!!!!

Be sure to keep scrolling down, more pictures posted below!!!

Wow, it is has been 2 months....

2010-05-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Seriously, where does the time go? You would think with the hiatus that from bloggin I would have all these grand adventures to tell you about, rather we have just been playing, riding bikes, going to school and being busy!! Here is what you have missed in the last 2 months:

We went to the Shrine Circus with some friends. Had an Easter Egg hunt at Grammy's house:

We had another Easter Egg Hunt at Mamo and Bampo's house, tried to take cute pictures of the girls together:

Olivia has learned how to ride her bike like a champ. Although still nervous yet ready to take those training wheels off. This summer we will!! Ella runs around with her chair, and a forshadow into the future with Addison:

I have LOTS more to share in the next post!! Check back in a little bit!!

Beauty and the Beast

2010-03-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of our local high schools musical was this weekend. Beauty and the Beast. The girls really enjoyed it and got over their fears of the Beast rather quickly.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T06:36:00.001-07:00

Roller Skating Party

2010-03-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

We have had a few firsts lately...roller skating has been amongst the newest! It was fun, challenging and scary! The girls were invited to a birthday party at the roller skating rink. They were excited to go. Skates on, wheels locked and out to the skate rink we went. Sweaty hands, mom sweating holding preschoolers up, more sweaty hands that tremble when I let go to wipe my hands off. Eventually they worked up some courage and I could feel my hands again and they weren't sweaty! After a few times around, it was time for some games. Neither of the girls were brave enough to try that, I probably wouldn't have been either! It took me a while to get my bearings straight and my footing. I can not remember the last time I was on roller skates. It was a little awkward at first. Especially as I went skating across the slick floor to put our shoes away. Bout feel on my behind!!! We did have fun though and the girls really enjoyed and have already been asking to go again!

Growing Up....

2010-03-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

She is growing up right before my eyes. Got the call today for Kindergarten registration and orientation! Am I ready for this? Is she ready for this? We are...bring it!!!!

Sunshine Yesterday, Rain Today and Snow Tomorrow

2010-03-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

We have spent the last 4 days in a cloud of dreariness, cold, rain and today snowflakes. We are supposed to get 2-4 inches. You gotta be kinding me! This is crazy. The girls are so anxious for the nice weather. I think I get asked weekly if it is summertime yet and if they can wear flip flops yet. Yes, we have a bit of cabin fever. We had a few nice minutes one afternoon and therefore spent the ENTIRE afternoon outside. Trying not to get to muddy, and just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Check out the fun:

Vulnerability

2010-03-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel vulnerable? The conference that I went to in Atlanta I found this quote and I really liked it:

"Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness; it's actually a sign of strength. People who are genuinely open and transparent prove that they have the confidence and self-esteem to allow others to see them as they really are, warts and all. There is something undeniably magnetic about people who can do that".

I have lately felt like I am in a vulnerable state with different aspects of my life. I have been deep in prayer about a lot of things. When the time is right I will share. For now, just keep me in your prayers! Tony and I are doing lots of praying about the future. Will you pray with us and for us?! And PS, for those who may be wondering, don't worry we are all doing fine. Just got some things deep on my mind and in my heart!

A True Mommy's Helper

2010-03-06T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have recently acquired a great helper with so many things. I am trying VERY hard to make sure she knows just how much I appreciate her help, and how proud I am of her. It actually makes me proud and sad all at the same time. It means my baby is growing up. She assures me she will never get married, and will always live at home with me; I hope she still feels like that when she is 15!!! I can't believe how much she has matured and grown up in the last 6 months. The things she does to help out; the things she does out of the kindness of her heart; and the things she does simply because amaze me. Take for example tonight at dinner; Liv waned the Tinkerbell spoon that I had already given to Addison. Liv through a huge fit; crying screaming, and whining. Addison so politely just switches spoons with her. I try to explain that she does not have to do that. Liv can have the Tinkerbell spoon next time. Addison can keep it. "It's okay mom, she can have it...I a okay with that"...Addison, I love you so much and you amaze me each day!

Harder Than I Thought

2010-03-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

So finding the time to blog EVERYDAY has proved to be more of a task than I anticipated. I would say that I am doing pretty darn good though! You can comment and let me know what my grade is so far!!!

We were able to spend the ENTIRE afternoon outside yesterday. It was great and the girls; except for Ella; slept great! Had to wake Liv to get her ready to leave for daycare this morning! That doesn't happen all that often! I tried to snap lots of pictures. I will save them for my Sunday post because they are still on my computer! Tonight we took in a free Veggie Tales movie at the girls preschool and Addison won a free copy of the movie; "mom, I am so excited. I have never won anything in my whole life"!!!! And of course Liv, "but mommy, I didn't get anything like a movie"...mommy politely says, "we can't all win something. Maybe next time you will win Liv". Poor Liv, she just wants to be just like Addison and sometimes she just wants to be like Ella. It's tough being a middle kid! (Insert snide comment from my siblings) (And by the way; 2 different days in these pictures, same outfit. It is her FAVORITE: it is Hannah Montana and it is purple. If it's purple she'll wear it, if it's not, she'll throw a fit!)

Check out the video of Olivia trying to get some attention around here:

Bring on the nice weather....

2010-03-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

Life continues to be anything but slow for us!! Sometimes I feel like we are constantly on the go; running here or there; with barely time to sit down and spend time with just the girls. Well this weekend, the weather is supposed to beautiful. We plan to take FULL advantage of it and get outside, clean out the girls, play in the backyard and head to the park! I can't wait. The girls got invited to a roller skating birthday party on Saturday morning. We will probably let them go; should be quite comical I am sure! Ella will get to stay home and probably hid in her new spot! She has been so much fun lately...the words she is saying, the things she is doing, the way she bluntly tells me "no" when I ask if she slept good...I can't wait for you to all see her. Although I am not sure who "you all" since I am not quite sure exactly who all is reaing this outside of immediate family! But regardless, she is at such a funny stage; I could do without the waking at 5am every stinking morning. She is defiantly taking after Addison is so many things!!!

Happy Birthday

2010-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Whose birthday is it you might be asking...well Dr. Seuss' of course! And we were in full Dr. Seuss mode this morning singing happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Love,

The Grinch; aka Addison

An Overdue Return

2010-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

I warned you I would not have my computer with me! But now I am home...

A trip down south was supposed to mean warmth and sunshine. There was hardly any warmth!! Glad I took my winter coat. The adventure to Atlanta was great. The conference was excellent and the company great. I think the girls and Tony survived. Had to call in back-up for Liv's full head of thick hair!!!

Just so you can all know that I could survive in the "big" city. We rode the MARTA (a railway tram) from the airport to some street that was supposed to be close to the hotel. What hotels in 2010 don't have shuttles? Well apparently we found the one! So we get off this railway and what do you know. It is about 40 MPH winds, 25 degrees and get this, yes it is MIDNIGHT!!! And we have to walk about 4-5 LONG blocks to the hotel!! I think outside of the time I spent in San Fransisco I haven't seen so many homeless people in a long time. My feelings are always mixed for them. Anyway, the walk at midnight was just that; long, cold and sort of a run!

It was definatly nice to be home; although I was exhausted. We were up at 3:30am eastern time to cathc our flight home. I think I was in bed by 7:55pm Saturday night, took 2 naps on Sunday and barely made it today!! So now, we are home, I have snapping pictures and have all sort of goofy ones to share with you! I am hoping to get a GREAT one tomorrow of Addison!!! I can't tell you why...will ruin the surprise! Check back in about 24 hours!

I got to finish going through the girls backpacks and find thier March calendars. As Olivia told me earlier tonight her calendar was missing and I needed to find it so I would know what was going on at school. And according to Liv; "my calendar isn't on the frigerlator mom"....

Miss these girls....

2010-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

I am in Atlanta for a few days for work and I miss these girls like crazy!! Sure hope Tony is hanging in there and the girls haven't ganged up on him yet!

What a difference 16 months makes!!

"Spring, where are you"?

2010-02-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Going on a jet plane....

2010-02-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

...don't know when I'll be back again!! I am actually leaving tomorrow for Atlanta. Hoping that the weather is nicer than here and not windy. Although I am not hopeful. The weather forcast today is 55 degrees, tomorrow (we get in at 8pm) 54 degrees, Thursday 43 and windy, Friday 40 and dreary...great!! Guess I'll have to pack my winter coat still!

Hoping that Tony and the girls will manage fine. I have left enough food for them, gone to the grocery store and left the ouse clean. We shall see what it looks like when I return on Saturday!! Thursday is a busy day for Tony, Ella has shots, Addison has gymnastics, both girls have Father/Child night at Preschool....should be an interesting day for him!! :)

Hopefully I can still manage to post soemthing while I am gone. I am NOT taking my computer though!!

Miss Me?

2010-02-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

Did you miss me yesterday? I know I am a slacker! We were busy though! Took the girls on Saturday to the National High School Cheer and Dance Competition. They LOVED it! Olivia wants to be like the dancers, and Addison wants to cheer because they do gymnastics!! It was so much fun to watch them, and to watch Olivia dance along!! No pictures to share though, sorry.

Tony and I got to have a date on Saturday night, a quick dinner and a movie! It was bliss! Thanks Grammy for watching the girls and getting them to bed! On Sunday, we awoke to snow and more snow. Apparently it was yucky out this way, so Grammy stayed an extra day because of the weather. We had the Kelly's Kids Clothing Open House, what cute stuff!!

We awoke this moring to quite a scare. There was an oder in the livivng room. After sniffing it out, it was concluded that it was coming from an electrical outlet next to the couch. An outlet that is not even used. Tony took the cover off and there were sparks and the lights in the kitchen kept flickering. Tony was meeting with the electrician this morning...this should be interesting. We have had lots of electrical "issues" with this house. We probably need to have someone come out and go through the whole house and check it out for us.

Have a great week and check back soon.

It's Tough Being Ella

2010-02-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

She LOVES to play with her toes!

Loves to say "cheese" for the camera...but wants to see herself and won't let me take it of her!

"What you talking bout me for"????

"Mk, plzzzzzzzzzzz"

Poor Ella gets to stay inside with mommy while the girls played in the garage!

That One Nice Day

2010-02-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

So today, it is cold, snowy and slick outside! I have fallen walking across campus twice now. I am okay; in case you wondering!! :) But yesterday, it was WONDERFUL!!! Remember I told you the girls got to play outside for a little bit? They took to riding bikes in the garage, spraying the snow that was still sticking around. Chalking it up and having a grand time exerting energy. (And in case you read my post from yesterday, they slept in until 6:07am!!! I walked in the door from teaching my class at 6:17am, and all 3 were just walking out of the bedroom and into the kitchen!!)

Never mind the mess, look at the cutie!!!

Liv enjoyed spraying the snow and just running around!

Addison was anxious to get back on her bike; goal this spring: get those training wheels off!

Naps, TV and Prayers

2010-02-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

Why must my children rise before dawn? My goodness! I just want to sleep in. We have set a rule with Addison and Olivia that they are not allowed to come out of their room before it says 6:00am on their clock. Well, sneaky parents that we are, set the clock back 15 minutes. Anyway, both Tuesday and Thursday this week, they have been up BEFORE 5:45am on MY clock which is even earlier on theirs. There is a lot of whining and arguing that follows. I have told Addison that if she does not follow the 6:00 rule, she has earned herself a nap that day. Well Tuesday, she took a nap. Today, Tony went in and laid with them to keep them in their bed. I was still annoyed because then Ella started in around 5:50am....it does not matter what I try, go to bed earlier, go to be later....they are up EARLY ALL the time!! It drives me bonkers!

So today after school we had a quiet day. Naps were required for the youngest two and Addison got to help me make some Valentine cookies. We cleaned, rather I cleaned and she watched some TV while having her quiet time. Seems as thought I always start with a lengthy "to-do" list on my days off, but don't get near enough done. Usually I try to have Addison help me with the cleaning and tidying while the other girls are sleeping, but I was trying to accomplish a bit more today, so just let her watch TV instead. I did not have the energy to argue with her to have quiet time WITHOUT the TV today. Constant reminders to not stand so close; someday I am going to keep track of how many times I say, " too close", "move back" or "you are gonna hurt you eyes". It ended up being a rather nice day, so I let Addison and Olivia play in the garage while I got dinner ready. It was good for them to get outside and exert some of that energy. Hoping for them to sleep until at least 6:15am! Doesn't matter though, I got to get up early and teach Body Pump at 5:15am!

So the weekend is upon us and I am hoping that I can follow through with continuing to blog. I am impressed with myself so far for keeping up this long!! We have a fun weekend planned with the High School Dance and Cheer Competition in Grand Island this weekend. Tony and I are hoping to slip away for a dinner and movie while Grammy stays with the girls and Sunday I am having Kelly's Kid Clothing Open House! Should be fun! H0pefully the weather cooperates!

Just in case anyone is wondering Tony is getting close to closing in on a year with Northwestern Mutal Financial Network. He is really enjoying this new adventure and is doing fairly well. Of course we are hoping he can do a little better so that we could consider me staying home and being his assistant as he needs it. Please keep this in your prayers for us and for him! He is trying to qualify for a trip to Mexico this fall. The qualifying period ends in May. A trip to Mexico sounds WONDERFUL!!!! He is probably regretting telling me about it because I am nagging to make sure he is making contacts, getting new clients and getting closer to qualifying. Keep him in your prayers!!!

A Look Back

2010-02-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

Were you starting to wonder if I would make a post today? Yeah, well give me a break!!

I thought I would start this journey of blogging everyday with a look back a few years. Hard to believe Addison was ever a baby...but my goodness was she. She was the one who made me a mommy, she took my breath away and allowed to me to believe in miracles. Her entrance into this world came with much some struggle for both of us, but one that will always connect us! Addsion allowed Tony and I to trust more in our instincts, our gut feelings and each other. She was and will always be my little peanut! We got home from the hospital and looked at each other with that "what now" look!! We have somehow figured some things out, and if you ask the girls, some things we still don't know much about! I think one of the biggest struggles for me once we were home was the jaundice that Addison had. We had to hook her up to the bililight and put her in the sunlight as much as possible. She had to wear that light all day for 3 days. It was a struggle. We learned a lot from Addison. As we continue to every day!! Enjoy a look back through some of my favorite phots of Addison!!

***Blogger is not responding and I can not post pictures, check back later!****

Greetings from No Man Lands

2010-02-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

We are still alive, and we are still busy. Busy as ever it seems. However, despite the business that seems to plague this blog; I am giving up Facebook for Lent and dedicating myself to this blog. I am going to TRY and write EVERY single day. There will NOT always be pictures, but more or less what we are up to and what we have been doing. Each week I will have a sayings day. It will be a series of crazy things the girls say to me throughout the day!! It should be fun, and I hope that I can do this and keep up with it. So, starting tomorrow...40 days of blogging!! I can hardly wait!! :)

Until then, I will leave you with a fun Olivia quote from today. Let me set the scene for you:

We have an 11:10am doctors appointment for Ella. I get the girls early from school, and we get to the doctors right at 11am. We arrive early because Ella has to have her blood drawn for her kidney stuff. We get right into the lab for that; and then the waiting begins. We get called back to the exam room at 11:22am. The nurse asks me to strip Ella down to her diaper. I expect her to follow me into the room. Nope, 10 minutes later she comes in to weigh her and take all the necessary measurements. I have now given Addison and Liv "the lecture". You know the one, behave, listen to me, I should not have to ask you twice to sit in the chair....you do all this and I have a bribe for you!! Yeah, you have all been there at some time...except maybe Cassie. (Trust me though, your time will come). The two older girls now are sitting nicely in their seats. Ella is laying on the floor screaming "noooooo", and "ouch". I am sure the nurses think I am beating her. The exam room is hot, small and we are cramped in there. Addison decides she is hot, hungry, thirsty, tired of waiting, tired of listening to Ella scream and cry and continues to whine despite my growing headache. She lays on the floor, trys to flip on the chair and sprawls her coat, and shoes on the floor only to have Ella trip on them numerous times. It is now 11:55am. It seems like we have been in this room for at least an hour. Olivia is sitting nicely, and reminds Addison of that. Addison does not take to kindly to the reminder from her little sister. Ella is still screaming, trying to get into cabinet doors, drawers, the trash....FINALLY the doctor walks in (12:02pm); and right on cue, Addison and Olivia fall apart with their good behavior. I am now bracing for the parenting skills that are going to follow and I will proudly display to my children's doctor. Hoping and praying she would find sympathy for me!! She talks to me amongst the loud ruckus that pursues from right behind me. I apologize for my children's behavior...she tries to tell me that this is nothing compared to her house with 3 boys. I am sure she is trying to make me feel better. We FINALLY leave the parking lot at 12:17pm. Yes, we only saw the doctor for less than 15 minutes.

Oh, you are asking what the funny quote was from Olivia?? She kept asking while we were waiting for the doctor "when is Dr. Seuss going to be here mom"? Okay, I thought it was comical! Guess you had to be there!! Now, you have a little insight into me day!!

Christmas in York

2010-01-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Mamo and Bampo went to Pinehurst for Christmas, once they were back to the snow and cold weather, we trekked over to have Christmas with them!! We got new vests, colored spray bottles to play out in the snow with, a mitten tree!! We had a great time visiting Great Ma and Great Pa also!! Addison and Olivia braved the cold and spent some time outside spraying Mamo's snow. We missed playing with Londyn and Sydney this year for Christmas. We are hoping to make it to Wichita for Londyn's 4th birthday in February! Here are a few more shots of the girls playing:

Santa, Snow and Snot, oh my....

2009-12-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the snotty nosed Chapman's!! Yep, that's right, we all have had colds, Liv and Ella got it the worst! Poor girls!! But Santa was definatly good to the girls and George had usually good reports for Santa!! We celebrated Christmas in a different kind of fashion this year...a blizzard! Yes, too much snow and way to much wind. I am not sure how the house remained standing during some of that wind. Grammy came early for Christmas, but Cassie and Lou were not able to make it because of the weather. We missed them dearly and it just really wasn't the same! We did make it to church on Christmas Eve, and made it to the movie on Saturday after Christmas. The girls enjoyed hanging out at home with grammy and playing with their new toys. They got a few games this year and are really starting to understand the concept of them. It was fun to turn off the TV and sit around the kitchen table playing games and giggling with the girls. I did notice though their daddy was getting a little competitive with them!!!! :)

Snow Days

2009-12-09T14:53:00.001-08:00

We have had 2 snow days this week and a ton of snow and wind to accompany the warmth in the house!! We easily had 10 inches ; however the 50 MPH winds made drifts that were many feet deep. Time to break down and buy a snowblower!! We found lots of ways to be creative and make the time inside pass...Addison proudly displayed her bathing suit while it snowed outside, the whole time complaining that she was so hot! We put stickers on the windows, daddy brought home donuts before we all got stuck inside; Addison played computer games, Ella banged on pots and pans and cooked us up some skillets; daddy shoveled the millions of inches of snow; we made cookies, the girls painted mommy's nails and we finally played outside (brrrrrrr it was COLD); mommy gave us some yummy hot chocolate when we came back in!!!! We had a great few snow days; tomorrow it is back to school and to work!

Happy 10 WONDERFUL Years Tony

2009-12-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Friday Tony and I celebrated 10 years together since the day we said I do. It was a GREAT day spent shopping, laughing, reminiscing, and spending time together!! Both Grammy and Mamo helped out with the girls so that we could have the day to ourselves. It was wonderful and much needed!!

Hard to believe that it has been 10 years, seems like it was only yesterday that I was finishing finals my senior year at Hastings for the fall semester. Tony was adament that I come see him in Sutton; he was giddy and acting funny. He sped all the way from Hastings to Sutton (very unlike him). We got there and my world was on cloud nine!! We have had our fair share of ups and downs, and happy times and sad times. We have chosen to embrace each of our expereinces together; not only does it make us stronger individually, but stronger as a couple. Our love has been tested with medical issues that has stressed each of us to the max, but we know that their is someone else in charge, and all we can do is to pray for comfort, understanding and strength during those times. We don't know what the future holds for our family, but we know that we will be enjoying each new adventure, each new roadblock and each new struggle together...wouldn't have it anyother way. Ten years ago, we never would have imagined our lives would be blessed with 3 little girls; ten years ago, we NEVER thought we would be EVER driving a minivan; ten years ago, we still didn't know what the future held for us...but we sure all enjoy this ride and looking forward to the next ten years!! I love you Tony!! Thank you for 10 wonderful years, thank you for being such an understanding husband, and thank you for being a wonderful father and example to our daughters!!

Thanksgiving...and lots to be thankful for

2009-12-01T12:09:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is always the time of year that I reflect on the things in my life that I simply could not live without. This year I had a friend who challenged me to be thankful for one thing everyday for the month of November and to post it on my Facebook page. I did it and often found myself having to decide which thing I would publicly declare thankful for that particualr day. My list of thankfulness has grown and I am thankful that I do indeed to have so much to be thankful!! This past year has been one of challenges and one of greatness (you will read more about that in the Christmas letter - if you don't follow my blog regularly).

We had the oppurtunity to spend Thanksgiving with both sides of our family this year. On Thanksgiving day, we spent it with Cassie, Lou and Grammy and in Omaha. We had sucha great time splashin at Coco Keys, but felt a great abscence that the Welsh's were not able to be with us. The weather outside was frightful (okay just cold and windy), but the weather inside was warm, welcoming and a balming 84 degrees at Coco Keys...yes, we went swimming!!!

We also had a great time celebrating with Tony's entire family at the farm in Friend. It is good my children get some "farm life" expereince, because this city girl is not a fan of petting animals or the smells on the farm (except for Karen's candles, and the smell of yummy food cooking). The petted baby lambs, horses, chickens, and who knows what else. They recieved strict instructions NOT to touch the cats though...mom can't handle those!!! We had a wonderful day with cousins, extended family and the company of those we love. The weather was perfect and the girls and Uncle Harold went on search of the perfect Christmas tree to decorate for the birds. We mad peanut butter pine cones, popcorn and cranberry strings on the tree...a great time was had by all. We even got to make smores on the fire (something I am sure my girls will talk about for a while)!!!

Tis the Season

2009-12-01T12:05:00.001-08:00

We waited until the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving this year to put up the Christmas tree and the decorations. I was getting a bit antsy; knowing I had to put lights on the tree again this year (my LEAST favorite thing to at Christmas time). The girls enjoyed looking through the boxes and telling stories and recalling memories. For some reason, Addison can remember everything. Tony is sure one of these days she will be able to tell her birth story; simply because she remembers it!!!

Disney Princess' on Ice

2009-12-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Grammy and mommy took the older girls to Disney on Ice again this year...love to see the delight in their eyes and the smiles on their faces. They were in such awe of the Princess' and sat great through the 2 hour show!! We were lucky enough to have some friends to go with us (so mom wouldn't bore them too much)! Kristin and Keyara and Grammy loaded up in the van with us and off to Kearney we went! Of course, a trip to Kearney wasn't going to be complete without some shopping at Old Navy and Target!! The pictures from the actual show really did not turn out that well; but enjoy the ones of the girls!

Go West Young Ones...

2009-11-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

But be careful of the weather! Halloween was supposed to be in Idaho this year with Leo and Madeline. We planned to leave Wednesday afternoon and get as far as Sidney Nebraska; which still lfet us about 10-12 hours on Thursday. When we left, we were well aware of the terrible storm that was developing across Wyoming (the only way we were getting to Idaho was through Wyoming). We left anyway with hopes that the interstate would be open by Thursday morning and the snowful amounts they were predicting would not come true. Let me just say, we must be the eternal optomists, because not only did the snowfall amount come true, it doubled in some areas, and the interstate was closed both East and West come Thursday morning, and Friday morning. Us, and a bunch of truckers stuck in the motel. Thank goodness for Walmart and Cabelas; oh and a freezing cold pool and a slighty warmer than bathtub water hot tub. It was difficult at times to stay busy and take our minds off the weather. Thanfully my mom was with us to help entertain and Tony ended up with some meetings in Sidney and was therefore stuck as well when the interstate back home was closed!! (HE was not planning on being with us in Idaho). Lunchtime on Friday, interstate opened Eastbound and we took off for home...with much sadness on the way, we made it home safely and without ripping out anyones hair!!

Check out what we did to pass the time:

Addison colored lots of pictures:

Olivia, well she was just Liv. She danced, she exercised, she sucked her thumb, and she

made us all laugh:

Ella played with anything she could get her hands on:

And when Tony was with us in the hotel room, he was checking the weather, the roads and looking at the pictures of the storm in Wyoming:

Happy Halloween Princess Style

2009-11-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

Despite not being able to make it to Idaho, we had a great Halloween. Since we were not expecting to be home, we had to make a quick trip to get some candy and some other neccessities (check out Daddy)!!

Of course Addison and Olivia had to be princess'. Addison was determined to be Jasmine this year, and I tried to talk her out of it when I could just not find a costume, but she found that tiny little spot in my heart and made it melt; I crumbled and caved and found the costume on ebay!! Olivia was contect with one of the dozen princess costumes we already had at home; and poor little Ella just keeps getting to follow in her big sisters footsteps. She was a little monkey and by far the cutest one!! Our good friends the Caspar's brought their kids over to join in on the fun with the girls. They had a great time strolling up and down the streets in the 60 degree weather!! It was a beautiful night and great time was had by all!!

Daddy told the girls that if they finsihed thier dinner on Halloween night, they could spray paint his hair. Liv ate hers all done and enjoyed spraying dad with a little help from mommy (who probably enjoyed it more than daddy!!)!!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Mamo and Bampo treated their 5 little granddaughters and their parents to a sun filled day at the pumpkin patch! It was so much fun to see the girls all playing together, to hear the giggling and the continous laughter. Of course the day was filled with smiles and memories, even complete with a few tears. None the less, a great time was had by everyone. We tried numerous times to get some great pictures of the kids; do you know just how hard that really is?? Our kids were exhausted and took naps on the way home. When we stopped along the way for dinner, we realized we head left home without one VERY important thing...sunscreen. Who would have thought...Ella is on meds that make her very sensitive to the sun, her face showed us just how sensitive that medicine is and that you truly must follow docotrs orders!! We felt like terrible parents. She is better now though. So without further ado...enjoy the picture post (this is for you Karen!!)

BodyPump

2009-10-12T18:05:00.001-07:00

I have to steal the stage for myself a moment. I am taking my fitness and health goals to the next level. Since the middle of June, I have found a new passion for exercise and becoming more healthy. I have lost almost 30 pounds and would still like to lose about 10-15 more. I was approached by the owners and managers at the gym I belong to about becoming a Group Fitness Instructor. I was very excited at first, and then the more I thought about it, I thought I was not ready for something like this because I was not where I needed to be yet. Well, after some long midnight conversations with Tony and a lot of prayer, I decided to do it. My first certification is in Les Mills Body Pump. If you are not familiar with BodyPump check out this website: http://www.lesmills.com/ It is the original barbell fitness class. It rocks! I had my intial training this past weekend. It kicked my butt in more ways than one. I doubted myself at numerous times throughout the weekend, shed LOTS of tears and sweat and also survived and am on my way to becoming a world class fitness instructor. My journey is just beginning and I hope and pray that you will keep me in your prayers and your thoughts over the next 6 months as I dive more into the final stages of the certification process. Check out the others who are doing this also!! 4 other gals from my gym and the owner went through this training! One other gal and I were the only ones who were new to group fitness instucting.

Melody Round Up Parade

2009-09-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

The two big girls were asked to be in the Homecoming Parade for Hastings College. They were princess'. And I am hear to tell ya, they loved it. Olivia loved it so much she did not want to take her dress off ALL day. Yes, she even took her nap in it, went to the mall in it, ate dinner! There were about 8 little princesses and they had a good time walking and throwing candy. Ella got to watch the parade and clap for all the bands!

Birthday Splash Bash

2009-09-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Since the girls birthdays are all so close, we have always chose to do a "group" birhtday party, not sure how much longer we can do that. Addison wanted a few friends invited this year and I wasn't quite up to a party with just kids, so we invited families, and we had about 40 people for the Splash Bash. I am quite certain all the kids had a great time in the pool, on the Slip-n-Slide and throwing water balloons!! Everything seemed to go without a hitch and none of my kids were sick for this one!!

I had gotten some ideas for the birthday party from a magazine and had an idea of just what I wanted for the cake. So not to ruin it and be disappointed, I left the cake making up to the professionals, and was really happy with how it turned out! Check it out...

We were so delighted to have Leo and Madeline joining us for the party this year. Living so far away, we just never know when we are going to see each other again. Jenny got brave and boarded a plane east with just herself and the 2 kids. I am sure she was armed with lots of snacks, movies and toys to keep them quiet and content. From what I hear, she was relatively surprised at how well they did!! Kevin even got to drive down and surprise us for the long weekend!! Jenny and the kids stayed for the next week and the kids played so well, and Jenny was quite the trooper; having 2 days by herself with all 5 kids. The visits ALWAYS go so fast, and we are always sad to see them come to an end. The girls and I are trying to plan a trip west for Halloween. Hopefully the snow holds off and we can make it. Grammy has not ever been able to spend a Halloween with the girls, so it will be fun for her to see them.

I was a terrible host while they were here and did not take any pictures. So if you want to indulge yourself in a laugh, head over to http://www.kjwelshfamily.blogspot.com/ and check out Leo as Hannah Montana!! I am sure Jenny was thankful for no big sisters for Leo; as she got a glimpse of what it looks like to have 3 girls...pink, pink, fufu, fluff and lots more pink, oh and crazy dress-ups!!

Addison's Flip Flop Party

2009-09-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

In my last ditch effort to not make something hard for Addison's birthday, we settled on a Flip Flop ckae. And it turned out rather cute! Addison loved it! We had gymnastics that evening, but ate that yummy cake as soon as we got home!!

I decided to surprise Addison with a special day for her on her 5th birthday.
We spent the afternoon getting manicures and pedicures! I think she is hooked as she has asked me numerous times when we can go back and get another one. If they gave me a discount since her feet can't even touch the water without sitting up and therefore not enjoying the massage chair, we would go more often. It was more expensive than I was planning, but we had tons of fun none the less!

Happy 5th Birthday Addison

2009-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Addison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has it really been 5 years??? (More now that I have slacked on my posts). Addison, you came into this world very slowly, and once you got here you sped up and have not stopped since. I love watching you interact with both Olivia and Ella. You are such an incredible big sister, so mature and so caring. I have to often remind myself that you are only 5, and I need to treat you like a 5 year old. Today, you are 5. Today you gain more responsibilities. Today you have chores. Today you are mommy's big helper. Today you are more mature than a 5 year old. Today you are wise beyond your years. Today you have learned to ride your bike. Today you are potty trained (thank goodness). Today you love to do gymnastics. Today you tell me you want to do soccer. Today you tell me not to "freak out". Today you make me laugh with the crazy things you say. Today you are still scared of going underwater. Today you love to sleep with Olivia in your bed. Today you find ways to not eat your dinner. Today you got a special treat from mommy and got a spa pedicure. Today you drive mommy and daddy crazy. Today mommy and daddy drive you crazy. Today you make me smile. Today you make my heart overflow with love. Today you love to snuggle with mommy in the morning. Today you make my heart ache because I am at work and not with you. Today you are my peanut. But yesterday you were this...

Duck Derby

2009-08-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend at the Duck Derby at the local waterpark trying to win some prizes; and letting the girls play some games and jump on the inflatables. Once again, Liv would not go near the ducks to have her picture taken, but did enjoy waving to the ducks! Sorry to say, but we did not win any prizes, and left with some candy and some hungry children! We did make the front page of the newspaper on Sunday morning! The girls thought they were pretty neat stuff being in the paper!

The first week of school is about over and the girls have really enjoyed going so far. Addison is going 5 days and has been pretty tired lately. Can't imagine how she will be when she goes full days next year. Hard to believe that next year she will not be home to eat lunch with either!! Liv is going 2 times a week and can not get in the door fast enough!! She LOVES it!!. Both the girls started gymnastics back up tonight. Liv has really been looking forward to going. She was in the class for about 15 minutes and then all of a sudden just started crying and did not want to do "nastics" anymore. Not really sure what happened or exactly what her thought process was; we did finish the class through tears and with mom sitting in the gym with her. She told me on the way home that she is not brave because she was crying!! Breaks my heart!

Thoughts From a Preschool Mommy

2009-08-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well, now I officially have my 2 big girls in school. Olivia was beyond excited to get to school this morning. She just could not wait and was beaming from ear to ear. She did not hesitate when I left, it was just, "okay bye mom"!! She is growing up to be pretty independent. Addison is going to the pre-kindegarden class and is loving it. We have noticed a little more tiredness lately. It felt kinda weird to be home with just Ella who was napping after we dropped them off. All summer the girls have come with me to exercise on Tuesday and Thursdays. They know we go every time and they look forward to it. Liv was a tad upset when I picked her up and she realized that I had already been to workout. She insists that we are going this afternoon now. Ella was not happy about her sisters not being with her when I dropped her off in the Kids room. Sounds like she was not happy for the majority of the time.

Hard to believe that I now have 2 kids in school. Wonder what it will be like when they are not home for lunch and quiet time with mom in the afternoon. Addison already talks about kindergarden. It is amazing what 2 years difference is like; when I ask Addison what she did at school now, she is very explicit and detailed, 2 years ago, it was a lot of "nothing" and "i don't know". Liv's response today was "music". Even Addison got in on the asking questions to her to find out what she did. I asked her if she met any new friends, and she replied, with her teachers name! It was very cute! And now she is conked out in her bed taking a nap!

I pray they continue to enjoy school this much and always look forward to going!

Olivia's Caterpillar Party

2009-08-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Playing with my Play-Doh Ice Cream gift from Addison.

Lots of helpers to help me open presents!

Mommy made me a purple caterpillar cake.

Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia!

2009-08-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, time sure has flown since you were born! You came into this world with such a calm attitude and for the most part you have maintained that. You have grown into such a spunky little girl who has the MOST contagious laugh and giggle. You can always make me smile, even when I am trying so hard not to! You are going to keep me on my toes. You love to play with your sisters, sometimes a bit to hard. You have just recently started to want to sleep with Addison and you love to cheer for Ella. You are a wonderful big sister and a little sister! You will ALWAYS be my middle child, a bond that will connect us for forever. Ask your dad about middle kids some day when you are older. I love you so much and am so proud of all that you have become and am anxious to continue watching your grow and develop into a wonderful person. Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia Grace!

Random Summer Fun

2009-08-20T12:03:00.001-07:00

Addison, can I please sleep in your bed?

If I could only get this box open mom would have a mess.

Mom, can we play 'canon ball'?

Leo, listen you got to do it like this...

Madeline, you are NEVER allowed to date boys unless it is daddy.

You think I look like a mermaid Londyn?

Hey guys, uh hello...I want to come out and play also!

Mom, I am so gorgeous!

Kool-Aid Days

2009-08-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to spend the last few weeks of summer doing as much as we possibly can, and we are loving every minute of it! This past weekend, we spent all day Saturday in Hastings attending Kool-Aid Days. The girls had a blast jumping in the Bounce House, drinking as much kool-aid as their little bladders would hold, swimming at the water park and enjoying each other. We truly had a great day.

We broke up the afternoon and spent some time at the water park. It is a great kid friendly place and the girls had a great time. Ella enjoyed more of the climbing on the chairs; as she is becoming quite the monkey climbing all over these days! Just realized all my pictures from the waterpark are of Ella!!

First Birthdays Revisited

2009-08-09T17:50:00.001-07:00

Thought you might enjoy seeing the girls on their 1st birthdays! It was fun for me to look back through them!

Ella's Elmo Party

2009-08-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

An Elmo Cupcake Cake - easy to make, but takes LOTS of frosting!!!!

Getting Messy

Oh mom, I think I like this cake stuff!

You are going to give me more, right?

Time for a bath!!

Happy 1st Birthday Ella!

2009-08-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go? My baby is no longer a baby, she is becoming a toddler and wanting to do whatever her big sisters are doing! It has been so much fun to watch her grow this year. We have been through a lot with her, more so in the last 3 months.

Ella, you have been a wonderful addition to this family of crazy kids! You were such a surprise at first and now we can't imagine you not being in our fmaily. You big sisters love to dote on you, pick you up, help you walk and most of all love to get sloppy wet kisses from you! Mommy and daddy can't wait to see what all the next year brings for you!!

We love you Ella Catherine!! Happy 1st Brithday!!

July Fun

2009-07-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

We have definatly been having a great summer and have been extremly busy! Swimming lessons are over now and I am happy to report that Addison did eventually somewhat enjoy going, although she did not pass the level. She is still extremely hesitant to put her head in the water. She will, on her terms. She still thinks that she is going to sink, and is sort of obsessed with what will happen if she drowns. I have recently purchased life jackets for all 3 girls!

Since I do not work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we have been trying to spend lots of time with friends and swimming and being outside as much as we can. I got brave and took the 2 older girls to the waterpark by myself this last week, of course I forgot my camera! We had a blast though and spent almost 3 hours there before we had to leave because we had to get home for dinner and swim lessons. The girls did great listening and there were no fights and no melt downs...until we entered the car!!!

The latest on Ella...please keep her in your prayers. We are headed to Childrens Hospital this next week in hopes of finding some answers and figuring things out. Of course they don't tell you exactly what they think or what they are looking for. I was able to do some research on one of the exams she is going to have done, and it sounds like she may have to be sedated for that...I am terrified.

In about a week and half we are leaving for vacation to Pittsburgh. We are driving the whole 18 hours, and hoping for complete sanity the whole time. Grammy is riding with us, so that will be a TREMENDOUS help!! We have lots of activites planned, a family reunion picnic with Kerry's family, a waterpark day, an amusment park day, seeing Kerry's dad's side of the family and just spedning time with Grammy, Kevin, Jenny, Leo, Madeline and Cassie and Lou. This weekend, we are hanging out in York. Tony is golfing in a tournament with his brother and the girls are swimming and playing with their cousins!

e spent the 4th of July weekend in Omaha. The weather was less than cooperative, but we found lots of ways to have fun. We spent some time at the Children's Museum, and CoCo Keys (an indoor water resort), and hanging out at Cassie and Lou's for dinner and fireworks. Ella slept throught he fireworks, not sure how! Addison and Olivia enjoyed them, except for the REALLY noisy ones. It was a much different week leading up the 4th than in years past. Three years ago, Addison was terrified of the fireworks, wouldn't go to bed, would wake up crying. Many times I went to bed with her, just to keep her in bed, and because I was exhausted (pregnant with Liv at the time); can't really remember summer 2007; last year she was interested in them and wanted to see what they were like when it got dark. I let her stay up and sat on the driveway with her for a little bit until she had had enough. This year though, she was all for them...after my lecture about how dangerous they were. Check out the fun times (BEWARE: I had a hard time just picking a few!!!!!):

The Omaha Childrens Museum:

CoCo Keys Water Resort:

Fireworks with Uncle Lou:

Olivia's 1st attempt at taking pictures:

We were delirous with sleep deprivation and being cold on July 4th...okay and a little bored waiting for the fireworks to start...(Tony is going to shoot me for putting this on here, but wonder how long it will take for him to say something. I am convinced he doesn't even look at the blog.)

Swimming Lessons

2009-06-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Addison started swimming lessons today...it was quite an adventure for her! She is afraid she is going to drown. But she did get in the water; no blowing bubbles, no putting her head under, and lots of looking around to make sure mom was still around! She was not happy that I had to stand behind the fence while she had her lesson!We have 2 weeks of lessons, check back in 2 weeks to hear how she faired and if she passed this level!!

Parties, swimming and negligence...

2009-06-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am a negligent picture taker...

We have been busy the last few weeks, and I have not captured very many moments on my camera! Addison has been busy with camps, Olivia and Ella have been busy tagging along! We have spent time swimming with friends. Addison tried out Dance the last 2 weeks. She tells me she likes it better than gymnastics...I am not convinced. The dancing was just jumping around to music. Her friend Keyara went also, Keyara prefers gymnastics better. So when I told Addison that Keyara probably was not going to take dance, she said, "well fine I want to do what Keyara is going to do"!!! Nothing like being your own person! The comment was followed by a teaching moment. Addison was invited to a party of one her preschool friends that was at Xenon, which is a hairstyling school. She was having a good time until the girl curling her hair burned her! She was finished after that and did not want her to finsh curling her ahir. I talked her into it, but the curls was as far as it got. No updo or anything!

Poor Olivia still hasn't gotten to do anything yet. She desperatly wants to do gymnastics, or camp or something to be just like her big sister! Someone needs to convince her dad, and then plant a money tree in our front yard please!

Ella, well little miss Ella is growing like a weed. She now has 6 teeth and just tonight started taking some steps while pushing a chair. When we hold her hands to walk in front of us, she just collapses on the floor! She is sleeping much better, depsite the teeth invading her mouth and the terrible diaper rash they give her! We are taking her back to the doctor to see if the 3rd round of antibiotics did the trick to clear up her UTI. If not, well, I would rather not think about the if not. We really aren't sure. Our doctor was supposed to be visiting with some pediatricians and a kidney doctor this last week. Hoping for good news!

We spent Father's Day in York with TOny's mom and dad. We took the girls swimming while Ella stayed with Frank and took a nap. The water was a great tempature and the girls had a blast sliding down the turtle slide. Mamo had popsicles waiting for the girls when we got back and even Ella got to try one!

The Allgood Wedding

2009-06-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Albion and Cedar Rapids this weekend for the wedding ceremony of Eric and Angie. Angie looked like a princess and beamed of love, and of course Eric looked handsome as ever. I am fairly partial to how cute and gorgeous the flower girls looked though...Addison and Londyn did a wonderful job. Much better than was anticipated...they got down the aisle, stood with the big girls, smiled and played with the flowers in their baskets. Londyn did have to make a quick trip to the potty, but got right back to her duties as flower girl! Addison loved getting her hair done, and being a princess. Angie had bought both the flower girls little tiara's to wear. The other kids were great troopers, all in part to Grammy. I might not have managed without her. The hotel sleeping arrangements were less than desirable. Ella got to sleep while Grammy, Addison, Liv and I sat outside having a snack. We turned off the lights and geared up for a good night of sleep. Ella ruined that within 5 minutes. She ended up sleeping with us; much to my dismay. I can NEVER sleep very well when the girls sleep with us. Because we did not sleep real well, both Olivia and Ella fell asleep during the wedding.

We were tired on Saturday, but got up, got going and started having some fun. We all had a great weekend and were so glad to be apart of the wedding and the weekend. We wish Eric and Angie a wonderful life together and hope they can always remember how in love they were the day they were married!

At one point during the reception Addison and I were watching Eric and Angie dance their 1st dance as husband and wife. I leaned over to Addison and asked if she was going to someday find her prince and get married and wear a beautiful dress...she answered me with, "oh mommy, I am will get married, but don't worry I will always live with you"!! Kinda made my heart melt and a small few tears come to my eyes...the thought of them growing up to quick....

Making Memories...

2009-06-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, we have been busy making memories and having fun!! Just a few cute pictures to capture the memories we have been making. Won't you join us so that we can make memories with you also! The girls having been playing outside non-stop. We got out the pool, and enjoyed a swimming day with some neighbors. Dad has been busy studying to take his Series 6 exam (for work), and mom has been busy playing with us and working on her tan outside!! Vacation bible school started this week, and now the craziness begins!!

This weekend we head north to Albion, NE for Tony's cousin Eric 's wedding. Addison is a flower girl and can't be more excited!!

The Beginning of Summer...

2009-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Seems like we have been really busy lately and the summer has hardly started. On Memorial Day, Mamo and Bampo took the girls to the Stolley Park Train! They had a blast riding the train, playing at Kids Kingdom and having a special treat from Mamo! Even Ella got to enjoy the train ride.

Ella has still been sick. We are not really sure what exactly is going on. She was running fevers 104.5 for about 3-4 days and took her in on a Saturday, and found out she had a UTI. They gave her antibiotics and we just finished that up and went back for a recheck and still not gone. Our doctor says very uncommon for it not to be gone and just as uncommon in 9 month olds. So tomorrow we are going to the hospital to run some more tests and have an ultrasound of her kidneys done. There is a chance she has reflux of the kidneys. We started a new antibiotic today also! Please keep her in your prayers!!

Since the weather has been so nice, Kristin and I decided we needed to get the kids to the park for a picnic. Today was an absolute great day to be there! All 5 kids had a great time!

We have some fun things coming up in the next few weeks. Addison is going to start Vacation Bible School, and camps. She is also going to be a flower girl in Eric and Angie's wedding. Eric is Tony's cousin. Addison is so excited to be a flower girl and dres sup like a princess again! She will be walking down the aisle with Londyn and I think a ring bearer. Now I can't remember for sure. Nevertheless, she is anxious for next weekend!

Time to Shine 2009

2009-05-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

Addison had her year end gymnastics Time to Shine for family and friends! She has done really well in gymnastics and it has been fun watching her learn new tricks and start to excel in gymnastics! We have decided to take a break for the summer and do swimming lessons. I hesitate to stop because I know she is enjoying it and is doing well. We will put her back in in the fall and let her decide if she wants to continue. Check out all her tricks...(The lighting was terrible, so not many pictures! Sorry)

Olivia enjoyed jumping around in the foam pit. We are thinking she may get to do gymnastics this summer so she can have something for just herself. Addison will be in camp and swimming lessons and nothing for poor Liv!! So she will probably get to try it out and see if she likes it!

Soccer Season

2009-05-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that Addison played soccer this spring! I am not so sure soccer is in her future, but I do think she enjoyed being outside and running; I mean doing cartwheels on the field!! She really had fun, and will still tell me that she would like to do soccer and take a break from gymnastics. I am not quite sure about her thinking there!!

The majority of the games were either cold, windy or rainy! Not real great weather to have Ella out in! But both her and Liv were troopers and made it to almost all the games!

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Addison graduated from Peace Lutheran Preschool; for the 2nd time!!! And we will have one more for Addison! This was a great school year for Addison; she really enjoyed her teacher and enjoyed the other kids in her class. She went to school this morning sad because she was going to miss her teacher! We assured her she would see her next year, but is one year closer to getting to kindergarden! We decided to hold her one more year! Olivia will start preschool with her next fall and is really anxious to be at school with Addison. Although right now, Olivia thinks she only gets to go IF she stops sucking her thumb. We are working on not really trying to get her to stop, but only sucking her thumb in her bed at nap and bedtime. Constant cues are required!

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

I had a WONDERFUL Mothers Day this year just being with my family and continuing to thank God for the 3 little miracles He has placed into our lives! I look at each one of them daily and say a prayer of thanksgiving for them! We do not know what the future holds for us, only He does, and I am so glad that He has blessed Tony and I with such wonderful children when we truly thought we would not have any of our own!

This year for Mothers Day, I got to spend not quite an hour laying in bed, trying to fall back asleep, but anxious to get up and see my girls. I dozed and finally decided it was time to get up and enter the chaos. After breakfast, I got to take a nap for about 45 more minutes and then up and at em for church! There has been a carnival in Grand Island for about a week, and Addison has been asking about going for well over a year since the last time it was here and we told her she was to little. It was kind of a dreary day, but told Addison that if after naps it wasn't raining we would go to the carnival. Once Ella and Olivia were up from their naps, we did indeed go, even thought it was misting! Addison and Liv had so much fun! They each got to ride 3 rides! We were glad we took them!

A wonderful day to spend with my family!!

Future Prom Dates....

2009-05-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ella and Blake enjoyed some quality time together! We of course did not caputre the more funnier moments on camera! Ella was trying to crawl on top of Blake!! It was hilarious, the parents just sat their watching and laughing!! Blake is about 11 weeks younger than Ella. I think Kristin and I really hope they grow up loving to play together!

Outside Fun

2009-05-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

The weather has been beautiful lately and we have tried to take advantage of it and be outside as much as possible! The girls planned a wonderful weekend of birthday celebrations for me! We spent the morning outside doing chores, planting flowers, riding bikes and riding the Barbie Jeep. Neither of the girls are real good at driving, but they sure have a great time whipping each other around and riding in circles. We did realize this weekend, that some of the crazy driving the girls demonstrate might not be ALL their fault. Looks like one of the wheels on the Jeep is turned outward. That is what happens when you get it at a garage sale! Needless to say though, they love it and it suffices just nicely and fits within the budget!! Olivia enjoyed helping plant flowers and wanted to plant her own. She went around to all my pots that already had dirt in them, collecting her own dirt for her pot! Addison just wanted to ride up and down the street on her bike! We are so glad we got her a new one, she enjoys riding this one and is doing well! Ella even got to enjoy some sunshine after her morning nap! She seemed to not be minded by the grass at all! She did not even try to eat it! We went to the doctor this morning for her 9 month check-up and she weighed in at 20lbs 11oz!! She is still smaller than her big sisters at this time. Well she weighs less than Liv and a few ounces more than Addison, but is much shorter than either of them! Sleeping is getting better for her, and she is eating better and the next thing we are going to start working on is getting rid of the bottles!! Our goal is to be bottle free by the end of July when we go on our family trip to Pittsburgh!! Should be attainable! At least we hope so! She does love her bottles and her pacifier a bit too much for this mommy!!

Have you been wondering....

2009-04-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered where we have been or what we have been up to? Me too! Seems life is passing us by in a rush! We are on the go, the girls are on the go and there seems to be no stopping! Since Easter, Addison has started soccer; yes, along with gymnastics. She is enjoying it. Although I am convinced she is not sure what to be doing out there. She is the only girl on the team, and those boys really know what they are doing! We kind of fell into a great way for her to experience it with minimal cost to us, so that has been very helpful! Addison has successfully learned to ride her bike; with training wheels. We bought her a new bike, and she is really enjoying it now. I am not sure what was wrong with the other bike, but she just could not manuver it well. She is hesitant to ride on our driveway becasue there is an ever so slight grade to it, and she just takes off. "mom, I don't like riding my bike real fast".

We got to see The Chapman girls of Wichita! Tyler and Latisha and family came to York for a weekend visit. We took the older 2 girls (Addison and Londyn) to Lincoln to watch the NCAA gymnastics championships. I think Mom and Dad had more fun than Addison! She enjoyed watching the big girls flip through the air and jump on the balance beam. The uneven bars were on the opposite side of where we were sitting as was the vault. I think Addison did enjoy it; even though she kept asking me when we were going to leave. I told her numerous times we could leave if she wanted to. "No mommy. I just wanted to know when it would be over"! Addison and Londyn really enjoyed playing together and had some fun times over the weekend. When Tyler and Tish told her it was time to go home, Londyn protested a bit and said she wasn't ready to stop playing with Addison and Liv!! They really did play well together and had a great time! I think this may be the 1st time, that they all played together and didn't want to stop playing!

We have had some unusally nice weather lately and the girls have been playing outside. Last week, Addison had her friend over to play. There were so hot playing outside, they wanted to come in. I had Olivia and Ella sleeping insde, so I let them play with the hose to pass the time and keep cool!! They played outside for almost 3 hours straight!

And one so you can check out what Ella has been up to...growing and no sorting through her clothes and deciding what she wants to keep and what to get rid of.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend; spent at home. It was nice to just be home and not feel like we were running all over. Our Easter celebrations started with an Easter egg hunt at one of Addison's friends churches. Unfortunatly, Addison got into some trouble shortly before leaving and did not get to participate. Olivia, however, had a great time searching for Easter eggs and loose candy on the ground. Depending on how many children were participating in each age group determined how many eggs the kids got. Liv got to find 11 eggs, and pick up all the loose candy she wanted. Dad wanted her to find as many Reese's Peanut Butter eggs as she could!! After lunch we tried to head to the Heartland Events Center for a Family Fun Day. Turned out they were overwhelmed with the response, ran out of food, ran out of goodie bags and we never made it in. We wasted some time at the mall and then headed home for a warm Easter dinner.

On Easter morning while we were at church, the Easter bunny came and hid eggs and a few gifts and baskets for the girls. Poor Ella, she just got to watch!! The Easter bunny thought she was too young to participate!! We went out for breakfast following church and then home to start the egg search! Naps and then outside to play before Grammy had to head for home. A great weekend was had by all and we are so blessed with our 3 beautiful miracles. They are the reason I can get out of bed in the morning, and the reason I can lay my head down at night with a heart full of thanksgiving. I am constantly reminded of how awesome each one of them is, and the true miracle they are.

Our goal for this summer after this weekend is to get Addison more comfortable riding her bike. She is still learning to pedal and learning to not be so distracted. The little boy down the street has learned to ride his bike without his training wheels and he JUST turned 4!!! Nothing like a little neighborly competition!! Ask us in a few months how it is going!

Randomness.....

2009-04-07T18:11:00.001-07:00

Playing with some new software on my computer!!

What We've Been Up To....

2009-04-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Lots! Seems like life is never dull, not even for a moment!! We have been enjoying having Tony home. We sure missed him and were so glad to have him home! I learned lots about myself while he was gone, but mostly I learned that I do not like single parenting and that if he does have to travel again, I know I can do it. We just hope he doesn't have to leave us again. We were able to meet up with Tony in between his weeks in Des Moines. He drove to Omaha, and we met there. The girls enjoyed some daddy time and I got to drop some baby stuff off to be consigned (made over $200). Tony came home Friday a week ago, and we have been on the go since. He arrived home and a few hours later, the Welsh clan from Pocatello Idaho came in for a visit. We had Ella and Madeline baptized! Yes, we FINALLY got to meet Madeline and boy did we ever have fun visiting with each other and allowing the kids to run rampat in the house. They had a great time as well!

Having Ella and Madeline baptized together was very special for us! We miss Kevin and Jenny and their family so much and really wish they lived closer. The kids had lots of fun playing together and just picked up right where they left off in September when they came to visit after Ella was born. Madeline is super cute, and oh so petite. She is smaller than Ella. Madeline warmed up to the girls and to us rather quickly, much to all of our surprise. She is walking and doing so well. Still having some sleep issues, but she will come around.

Having the kids together was both loud, chaotic and oh so much fun. They played exceptionally well together. They enjoyed walks outside, flying kites on a windy day, playing in the backyard on the swingset and in the sand box...and being loud! Kevin, Jenny and the crew left early Wednesday morning and made it home in record time despite not feeling well. We are anxiously looking forward to the next adventure together in July when we all head back to my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylavania for a family reunion!

Leo got this tool bench while he was in Nebraska. Not sure I ever saw HIM play with it. Olivia and Madeline sure enjoyed it though!!!

A Lesson in Patience

2009-03-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is actually reading this and cares...we are surviving here. I am learning a lot about myself this week. I have learned that I absolutly HATE waking up in the middle of the night a hundred times. Actually, I really even hate waking up more than once. I need my sleep and need sleep to feel like I can function like a normal mommy! Ella has been sleeping terrible. She is teething, and I am sure she senses my tension during the middle of the night. I have also learned more about being a patient mom. I also know about myself that I am sometimes quick to snap in the evening when I am tired, or the girls have exhausted every last nerve I have. I am learning/trying to stay calm, and let the dozen potty trips roll off my back. There are so many things that the girls do that just aren't worth getting upset over or making a fuss about. The girls have had to take on a few more responsibilites for themselves and I know that for them it has been a challenge as well. Addison has really stepped up and is trying to be a big helper. I am trying to constantly let her know how proud I am of her, and how much she is helping me.

The middle of the night has been the toughest so far since Tony has been gone. I know lots of people whose spouses travel for extended periods of time, but when it is the 1st time it has ever happened to you and your family; you sort of have no idea how you are going to handle things. So, I am coping...treading lightly with the girls and praying each and every day for more strength, both physically and emotionally and really praying for more patience. I know God will only give me what He knows I can handle, I just wish he didn't trust me with so much!!

The girls are doing okay with Tony being gone. They ask me EVERY day when he will be home and they talk to him at least twice during the day. Olivia is probably the one who is struggling the most. She just does not understand why he isn't here when she goes to bed and still isn't home when she wakes up in the morning. She asks about him a lot; wants to know what he is doing, why he is doing it, when he is coming home and then reasks all the same questions over and over again!

Tony, we love you and miss you lots! I hope and pray that you are learning a lot and are ready for this new adventure when he get home. I also hope you are ready for me to check myself into a hotel for some R&R!!! I will post some pictures tomorrow!

Happy St.Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

We Miss You Daddy

2009-03-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Daddy! We are being good girls and listening to mommy. We miss you lots and miss reading books with you and you putting us to bed at night time. Mommy doesn't do it like you do!!

Tony is out of town for 2 weeks for his new job. He has resigned from the college and is now working for Northwestern Mutal Financial Network...so if you need some life insurance or anything, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE call him!! This is a huge leap of faith! We need lots of prayers over the next several months as he learns the business and goes through the "learning period". At the end of the 75 day learning period, he sits down with the boss and discusses whether or not Tony has a future in the business!! He is in Des Moine, Iowa to start his learning. This is the longest he has ever been away from the girls and the longest I have been with the girls by myself. A test of wills if you ask me! Theirs and ours!! :) One night down, and we survived!!

Tony, the girls have asked about you almost EVERY minute, that is no exaggeration either. Liv misses you putting her bed and does not understand why you can't be here and I can't feed Ella while you are putting them to bed. I just don't do it like you do I guess. Bedtime takes a wee bit longer because I don't sit with them and make sure they are asleep, or fall asleep with them...I got Ella chomping at the bit to eat! Needless to say, we miss you very much!

I am having trouble loading the pictures...will try tomorrow! We love you!

2009-03-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Ella and Olivia got to spend Saturday with Mamo and Bampo. Mamo took this picture of Ella roaming the living room floor and rolled right up to Raggedy Ann!! Mommy took Addison out to lunch, shopping and to a baby shower!! They had such a great time and really enjoyed the bonding time. It was a long week for Kerry at work and dealing with some other things, so she was really excited to spend Saturday with just Addison. Addison was of course spoiled and got some goodies while shopping...like tap shoes!!!! She taps all around the kitchen now! No pictures though, sorry!

I Did It!!!!!

2009-02-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Jenny, this is for you! I actually accomplished making baby food today!! Jenny has inspired me to make my baby food ever since Olivia was born, and I finally decided to try. I made sweet potatoes, Jenny said they were easy, and boy were they!!! Maybe I can get Jenny to make some more with me in March! We even tried it out on Ella and she loved them!!

Happy Birthday Londyn

2009-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

We missed cousin Londyn's 3rd birthday, but we did manage to send you some birthday wishes...enjoy the Chapman girls singing...listen closely, you can hear all 3 of them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE5nqKfYgxs

Olivia Cheerleading

2009-02-19T11:55:00.001-08:00

Hoping this works better. I loaded the vidoe to YouTube...Blogger was killing me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1h7SQX29U

I'm A Big Girl Now

2009-02-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Just some fun pictures of Ella! She is finally eating better. Sleeping, she is still in cahouts with her cousin Sydney on that one! But she sure can make us laugh! She is rolling all over the place, trying to scoop, pivots and really wants to be crawling...I am sure it won't be long before she is mobile!! Watch out Addison and Olivia, she is gonna come after you!!! She loves to hold her own bottle now too What a big girl she is!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

Have I ever told anyone lately how AWESOME my husband is?! Well, he is the greatest, and I don't give him nearly enough credit for how awesome he really is! He surprised me this year with a wonderful weekend. He had both my mom and his mom in on the surprise and they were both able to help him to make it work. He told me to be ready at 2pm Saturday. I had no idea what I was doing. He was going to take Addison and Olivia to his mom's that morning and they would spend the night. My mom came in Saturday morning. He made the girls and I heart shaped waffles for breakfast. We gave the girls the little valentine's we had for them, Addison of course got a Taylor Swift CD, and Liv, well she is a puzzle fanatic, so we got her a big floor puzzle. We got the girls ready, Tony left with Ella in tow also. I was told to take my mom with me at 2pm...we went and had a spa manicure and went to lunch! It was wonderful. When we got home, Tony took me to a movie, out to dinner and then got us a room at the Hampton Inn for the night. Peace and Quiet!!! It was heavenly!!!! And we both slept awesome! Thanks Tony, I love you so much!! I am sure Jenny and Kristin are laughing and thinking that I got pretty lucky to marry such a romantic, because they always used to tell me that I had no romantic bones in my body!!

Snow Time

2009-02-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

We are starting to get restless being couped up inside on the weekends and my days off! The girls want to be outside ALL the time, even when it is 16 degrees. Last week, we got quite a bit of snow on Friday, about 6 inches in 4 hours. So when we got home from work, Tony took the girls outside to play while he scooped the driveway. Ella and I stayed inside to stay warm. It took quite a while to get them ready to play outside. Thankfully no one had to go potty once they were dressed!

Olivia Wants to Cheer Also...

2009-02-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Olivia is feeling quite jealous of Addison getting to "cheerlead"...so we had an impromptu cheerleading session for Liv!! She was hilarious!

Check out the video....

Well apparently Blogger has decided that my video is corrupt...what is wrong with a 2 year old cherring and dancing?! C"mon on Blogger!

Flower Girl

2009-02-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Addison has been asked to be a flower girl in Eric and Angie's wedding in June. Eric is one of Tony's cousins. Addison is so excited to be in another wedding. She did such a great job at Cassie's! This time she will get to walk with Londyn...the aisle is pretty long in an older Catholic Church. Hopefully she will make it all the way down the aisle. Londyn will be walking with her, so I am sure they will have no problem thrwoing rose petals. Here are a pciture of 2 dresses that she has tried on. Angie's colors are Royal Blue and Ivory...Addison will wear an ivory dress...Oh and by the way, she has this bad habit of not looking at me while I am trying take a picture...

Cheer Camp

2009-02-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Lutheran high school that is affliated with Addison's preschool had a Cheer Camp about 3 weeks ago and Addison got to participate. Hard to believe my girl is already big enough to start participating in these kinds of things. She was so excited about cheer camp and talked about with everyone she saw the week leading up to practice. We even got a note home in her notebook from school about how excited she was for it! They had "practice" for 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon, and then the game was on the following Tuesday. I show up on Saturday with my camera, video camera and one very prud mommy, only to find that there are NO parents there. I do not want to humilate Addison, so I only stay for a little while, take a few pictures and leave.

Tuesday night, she was VERY excited for the game and did a great job. During the game, she noticed that Olivia was eating popcorn and thought she needed some also. After one of the cheers, she is trying to get my attention to tell me she wants popcorn, and the older girl is trying to pull her off the basketball court...it was quite comical!

Olivia had a good time hanging out with Mamo and Bampo, and going potty a dozen times!! Sometimes I don't think there can be any more pee left in her, but she always goes!! Liv didn't really like the noise or the buzzer all that much! Ella was just as happy as a clam!

2009-02-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am not pleasing my sister with the number of posts! I do have some pictures to share with you of Addison at cheerleading camp! I know, I asked myself the same questions; is she really old enough to be doing that, and did Tony really let her go?!!

Got some great outdoor pictures, since it has been so nice lately, we have taken great advantage of the beautiful weather! I will TRY to work on posting some pictures tomorrow.

Open Wide

2009-01-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to get more sleep for both Ella and mom and dad, we started baby food this weekend. We started with carrots. Ella ate them like a pro, only an occasional shiver of dislike! We have been trying rice cereal for a few weeks. Before she got sick, Ella was eating her cereal great, now she just spits it out. After a few succesul spoonfuls, I added the cereal to it, that little stinker started spitting it out!! Guess she hates the cereal!! Oh, and she is on a nusring strike! Mom is not liking this!!!

An Usually Nice Day

2009-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

We spent Thursday outside for most of the afternoon, enjoying the usually warm 55 degree weather. In case you are wondering, we have about 2 1/2 inches of snow on the ground today! The girls were so excited to run around in the backyard, swing and just blow off some of their pent up energy. Addison recieved some outside games from school this week. We attempted to play jacks. That was a disater, and I spent the first couple of trys, chasing after the ball. We moved to a different area and just practiced, dropping and catching the ball! The girls enjoyed chasing each other, and attempting to jump rope. We have lots to learn this spring!! Including riding the bike! Addison gets so distracted and hates to peddle.

Tony and the girls have all been sick with colds. I think both the girls started with croup and then turned into nasty colds. It hung around for a little awhile, and then Tony and Ella got sick. Tony was home from work for 3 days with fevers. For him to miss work is a big deal, he hates missing work. Addison and Liv are feeling much better, despite the coughing in the evening and the sometimes stuffy nose. We can't give anything to Ella, so we basically just had to let her suffer. We cleaned out her nose a lot, gave her tylenol and some baby vicks. She still has a nasty cold. I was afraid she was getting RSV, last week she was sounding very rattly. Never really wheezed though. Grammy, Bubba and Lou got the brunt of sleepness nights and hacking. They were kind enough to watch the girls for us while Tony and I had a work function in Omaha last weekend.

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T18:24:00.001-08:00

We rang in the new year in great fashion...in bed by 10:45pm!!! What do you expect, we knew Ella would be up at midnight to celebrate! She was up at 12:23am!! Brian, Kristin, Blake and Keyara came over to help us celebrate with Grammy. The girls had a great time playing, minimal arguing, and lots of dancing and laughing! The girls were not happy to stop and take a picture for me! They all wore their pajama's and princess dresses while they partied and played!!

Olivia got some new "diamonds" for Christmas. For those of you who don't know what her diamonds are, shame on you...her diamonds are sometimes rocks (yes, the ones from outside), but are usually colored rocks that you use to decorate inside vases or use for something classy. Not Olivia, these are her diamonds, and don't you dare lose them, take them from her or in case of her mother, not go back to Hy-Vee to find them! She left them, wasn't listening and didn't tell me she didn't have them until I had all 3 girls buckled in their carseats and was buckling myself. I told her I wasn't going back in to get them! She has reminded me everyday since that they are still at Hy-Vee. In these pictures, her "diamonds" were sticky and she was puttin them on herself. She was talking to Michael Leo in this one...probably telling him about her diamonds, or mommy's tree and he was probably telling her about cars, trucks or maybe "Manlin". Toddler talk!!

We decided to bring out a new toy for Ella, the exersaucer. She is loving it, now if she could only love sleeping as much! I am fairly certain that when we went to York for Thanksgiving with Tony's family she must have had some kind of a talk with her cousin Sydney from Wichita. Sydney is a parent proclaimed sleeping nightmare!!! Sydney sleeps about 1-2 hours and then is awake to eat, play or simply get on her parents nerves! Now Sydney is only 14 months old, but is already trying to teach the youngins her tricks...here they are in cohots trying to devise the new sleeping plan for Ella..."Got to bed really good, then around 11:30 start waking up and be in an allout crying fit by 12:30am. Your mommy and daddy are gonna try to rock you back to sleep, but let them know you aren't having any of that...you want mommy's platinum milk and you want it now. Go back to sleep with that feeding and wake up exactly 2 hours later until morning! Your mommy and daddy will be so proud of you for sleeping!!" We have tried to reason with her and tell her Sydney has no idea what she is talking about, but apparently Ella is already telling us who is boss and who is gonna run the show around here, and it ain't gonna be mommy or daddy!!

Compare these all you smarty pants....

2009-01-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

It was harder than I thought to find pictures that did not have anything in them that

would give it away, like certain blankets or other people.

Comparisons...

2009-01-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

As we start a new year, I always start the year with some great resolutions. This year, I hope to stick to ALL of them...#1 being, try not to be pregnant this year!! Ha ha - seriously though, I have been pregnant during some time of every year since 2003!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, it got me to thinking about how much our lives have changed since the girls and how awesome each and everyone of them is. I started looking back through some old pictures and wanted to share baby pictures of all the girls at almost 5 months of age...that is how old Ella is now. See if you can figure out who is who....

A Pictoral Review of 2008

2009-01-01T13:08:00.001-08:00

January - We started 2008 with a trip to Omaha to see Elmo Live at the Qwest Center. Mom was already starting to feel quesy - there was a little someone growing and making their home in mom's belly!

February - Cassie found the "perfect" dress for her flower girls for hers and Lou's wedding. Addison was really proud to hold the honor of flower girl. Took a trip to Wichita to celebrate Londyn's 2nd birthday and Sydney's dedication.

March - Started with Easter Egg hunts, Bampo's birthday, a trip to the Shrine Circus and Easter of course, man it was early and cold!!

April - Took the girls to see The Wiggles, Kevin, Jenny and Leo came to Nebraska for Cassie and Lou's wedding..it was freezing, snowing, but beautiful and warm inside!

May - Addison finished another year of gymnastics at the annual "Time to Shine" performance for family and friends. She "graduated" from her 1st year of preschool. We celebrated Mother's Day (in bed, mommy was sick)

June - We finally started playing outside, took trip to see Kevin, Jenny and Leo in Idaho. Yes, we drove, all of us and grammy took the 16 hour trip!

July - We tried to spend as much time swimming and at the Water Park as possible. We started preparing the house for the new arrival. Olivia moved to a "big girl" bed and got her 1st haircut!

August - Ella Catherine was born August 7th. She weighed in as the smallest Chapman girl 7lbs. 6 oz. She was born via c-section because she was breech. Tony and I were still "discussing" boys names right up to the doctor saying, "it's a another girl"!!!!!! Olivia turned 2, and Addison started her 2nd year of preschool.

September - Addison turned 4 and we spent lots of time adjusting to our new "normal". Jenny and Leo came for 2 weeks, and Kevin got to come and visit for 1 week!

Ocotber - Mommy went back to work part-time, and we got ready for Halloween! Addison was a clown and Olivia was a Barbie cheerleader!

November - We spent time in York for Thanksgiving and also had Christmas with Tony's family. The girls had lots of fun playing with their cousins from Wichita.

December - I took Addison and Olivia to Disney on Ice; Christmas, Santa, and lots of messes!

This took me way to long to post, so if you read this and got this far, at least make a comment!!