Ultra-Sound Pictures

These are pictures of my baby at 12 weeks inside my tummy, obviously.

This baby has fingers, toes, arms, and legs! It's amazing that at 12 weeks it has all these features!

Surprise!!!

January 1, 2010: It's 2:30pm. Bill just left for work. I officially did NOT get my monthly deal in December. What do I do? I'm gonna take a test.

January 1, 2010: It's 2:34pm. As I was peeing on the stick I saw a - (that means the test is working) and a + ( that means YOU ARE PREGNANT)! How do I tell Bill??

This is what I sent to him via text message at 2:37pm:

You're gonna be a DADDY!!!
And he was excited! So excited, he told Everyone he knew before he got to work.
Congratulations to us!!

Austin's Big Day at the Doctor's

Austin had a doctor's appointment on February 18, 2010. He had a physical and 5 shots in his legs! OUCH!! This was him in his gown before the physical. Doesn't he look adorable?!

Austin was so tough when he got his shots. His face got all red (that's when I started to tear up), and then he started to tear up..And then it was over!!! I hate, absolutely hate taking the kids to get shots!!! The nurse was so proud of him! She told him he could pick out 5 things from the treasure box. Plus, he got a bunch of stickers. When, we were walking out to the car, he said he NEVER wants to get shots again!!!

Christmas 2009

This year Grandpa Steve came to our house a little bit early for Christmas, because he and Debbie were going to Utah for Christmas. When he came we made sure we went to the light show at Wild Wood Park in Marshfield, WI. This stupid thing was there and our family jumped behind it quickly, and Grandpa took a snap with his phone. I tried taking pictures of the light show, but they all came out with a big light blur. This is the neatest thing to see. I have made it a Christmas tradition every year to go to this. The city and a ton of volunteers buy TONS of LED lights and display them all throughout the park/zoo. You can walk or drive through this enchantment. They have the lights blinking to Christmas carols. This is breath taking! This is free to the public! They, also, accept cash donations and canned goods. Every year no matter how much money I have or not, I always take canned goods there. On certain nights Santa is there. There is a little hot chocolate and treat stand. This year the kids got to pet and feed some reindeer. In one of the buildings they had music and a strobe light in it, and it was heated! If you ever have a chance to come to the center of WI, coming after Thanksgiving would be a great time. So, you can see this amazing light show!

This year for Christmas I did an advent calender with the boys. I found a cloth one at Menards and I bought a Santa head ornament that could fit in each day's pocket. Each day of December I put a note in the pocket. The kids would read it and it would take them to a certain place in the house. There, they would find a little present. To help them get into the Christmas spirit, some days I would give them candy and tell them they would have to share it with so many friends. Another day I bought them crazy red/green hats and told them to put them on and lets take crazy pictures of ourselves. Another day I bought them little blue plastic buckets that had lids on them. Inside the buckets were sugar cookie mix. The note told them they need to make sugar cookies, fill up the buckets, and give them to a friend to share with their family. Below are the picture of the kids decorating the cookies!

This is a picture of the kids getting ready to take their buckets filled with cookies to their friends' houses. Cole took his to Brenden's house, and Austin took his to Nick's house. Both families were thankful! When, the kids got home, they both had huge grins on their faces and felt good about what they did. Not only is this a good thing to teach your kids, but now everyone isn't obligated to eat so many cookies.

Crazy pictures in crazy hats in our crazy messy house!

This year I asked Grandpa if he would make Austin a lego table. I told him how I wanted it, and then he made it! It was perfect! I bought a bunch of legos off of Ebay to give to him along with the table. This pic shows the kids playing after we opened gifts. Thanks Grandpa for a beautiful gift!!!

Austin got this teddy bear from Santa. He hauled this huge thing around with him everywhere I would let him. He put on an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt on it. Eventually, I talked him out of dressing him in the shorts. Then, he only wore a t-shirt and his crazy red hat.

Halloween 2009

This month was a fun month. We did so many fun things as a family. Such as: pumpkin carvings, raking leaves in back yard and jumping in them, went to the Harvest festival in Nekoosa, decorated the house and yard for Halloween night...



This is one of many outfits Austin got for Halloween. (He was lucky to get so many, because I bought him one, his dad did, and Austin bought himself one.) This is the one he ended up wearing, though.

These next two pictures are of this crazy sweater I found for Austin at the pumpkin festival in Nekoosa, WI.

This is Austin's first sentence he's ever wrote!!! It says: "Austin said, I like to try on my knight costume." I had to take a picture of this. It's great!

And these last few pictures are of all of us carving our pumpkins! This was a super messy job, but we all had fun doing it. I baked the pumpkin seeds in a lot of oil and salt, when we were done. They were absolutely delicious! Everyone enjoyed them!

I wish I would've felt better Halloween night, so I could've showed you how we decorated the yard. However, Cj, Bill, and I weren't feeling the greatest. Cj had a fever and chills. Bill was sick all over. And I had a little fever but was the strong one for the night. We all forced ourselves to get dressed up and went trick or treating in Pittsville. There we met up with a big group of Cj's classmates. It was so COLD but so much fun! When we got back, Cj and Bill went to bed. Austin and I went around in Babcock. We met up with Brenden and his mom. We got a ton more candy here.
Bill carved some small white pumpkins to look like skulls. He did an awesome job. We stuck those on sticks and stuck them in the ground. We made a path that went to our front door around the house to our back door with the skulls and black torches and solar lights I had. In the back yard we had some styrofoam tombstones with our names on them. The candy was on the back steps in a bowl. We didn't have many kids come. So, when I saw them I told them to take as much as they'd like, because I had a ton of candy. In the front yard we had two big pumpkin leaf bags with a couple smaller ones around them placed on each side of the driveway.
Oh, what did we all go as for Halloween? Did Bill and I dress up? Yes we did!!! I went as a go-go dancer: I had black stretch pants on, black knee high boots with Bright Red boot warmers over top, a crazy shirt that was hidden by my coat, and a black/red wig that had high pony tails on each side. Bill dressed in his renaissance outfit. Which he totally regretted, because he froze in it. His outfit consisted of a red tunic and black pants with a belt around the waist. He, also, had black knee high boots on. Cole went as a Vampire. His outfit was pretty simple. He wore a pair of jeans with whatever shirt and a black hooded sweatshirt. He had a black cape that had skulls all around the edging. Bill painted his face, and he put in a pair of vampire teeth. Austin was a GI Joe ninja. He bought his one piece outfit at target in the toy section for like $8. We then found a thing he puts on his back and it carrys two swords in an X. He had a black mask to cover his face which kept bothering him. He ended up taking it off.

October 2009

This weeks family fun night, we carved pumpkins. It took a lot of time, but it was well worth it. We all had fun doing it.

Austin's 6 Year Old Birthday Party

Austin turned 6 this year!!!

He has changed so much within this last year. He finally got completely potty trained. Woohoo! No more bed wetting! He goes to school everyday all day long. He's grown taller; he's even thinned up a bit. Most importantly, he lost two teeth and learned who the Tooth Fairy is. He really likes the Tooth Fairy!!!
Below are two pictures of him try opening up Grandma Liz's and Grandpa Steve's presents they sent in the mail on his birthday. I had to put them on here, because he refused to have scissors to open them. He kept saying, "NO! I can do it!" He was so funny to watch as he struggled so hard to get them open. But he did it! He got this special hat from school on Friday; I made him wear it. He wore it proudly.

Austin had a birthday party at our place on September 19th, 2009. Three of his friends from school came, Savannah, Sarah, and Sirous. Cole invited AJ, Brendon, and Martin over, too. While we were waiting for Austin's friends to come over, Cole and his friends saw that I had placed a couple of clues around. So they decided to go find all the clues before the scavenger hunt even began.
The first game we played was who can pop the most balloons without popping them with your hands or feet. The time went so fast I was only able to snap one picture. That was fun to watch. They ended up way to close to the house and hammock stand. It got a little scary.



When we finally decided to do the scavenger hunt, Cole and his friends ran to where the next clue was before the clue was done being read. So, the younger kids ran with them...this hunt was suppose to be fun and entertaining and was suppose to last about an hour. The kids didn't even want to do the tasks that they needed to do before going onto the next clue. Which made it very difficult for this game to be fun for anyone. Three of the tasks they needed to do outside were to spell the letters S I and X with their bodies, making one big letter in the grass. I tried to take pictures before they gave up to go running off to the next clue, but I wasn't very fast. So that is what you are seeing in the next few photos.

Well, whatever...I sure had fun preparing for it. After this game they played duck, duck, goose (Austin called it purple, gold, panther), while I was getting the cake and ice-cream ready. After that Austin opened up his presents. He got 5 army guys from Sarah, $5 coupons for McDonald's from Savannah, and a Nerf gun from Sirous. He loved all his presents! I took a couple of pics until my phone said it was too full of pictures...go figure.



After Austin opened up presents we played red light/ green light for some prizes. Then, the kids just ran around and played with each other. It was very fun for Austin and that is the important thing. Next year, though, I think I'll take him to the bowling alley or roller skating. Our house was such a disaster after that. I was extremely exhausted, too.

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Bill got home from work around 9pm. After he got something to eat Bill, Cole, AJ, Brendon, Austin and I played Jail Break in our back yard. AJ and I were the only ones who have ever played that game before. So, we had to teach the others how to play. It was so much fun. Bill, Austin, and I were on a team; and Cole, AJ, and Brendon were on a team. Bill hid out in the open both rounds, but because it was so dark no one could see him. His head and foot was even stepped on and they didn't even notice him. I hid in the trees, and Austin was hiding close to me. The first time we hid Austin was caught first and told them where I was hiding. (brat) They gave up on Bill. The first time they hid, they were all hiding in the same area and had glow in the dark bracelets on. (dorks) So they were pretty easy to find. The second time we hid they couldn't find any of us. Brendon supposedly tripped and went inside cuz he quit. AJ went to the front yard to look up there which left Cole in the back yard by himself. He got somewhat close to me when I said "Woo Woo"! Cole looked all around quickly, looking in every direction. I giggled to myself. Then, he started walking again so I did it again. (hehehehe) He stopped and looked around again and said "What the heck? That's it I'm outta here!" And ran into the house. I couldn't control myself I was laughing so hard. Later, he said it sounded like animals from all over in the woods. Ha Ha Ha!

Bye-Bye Baby Teeth

Bye-Bye Baby Teeth! Austin lost his first tooth on September 03, 2009. He didn't know what the tooth fairy was so Cole told him all about it and what he has to do with the tooth. By the time bedtime came around we all had forgotten about the tooth. Bill had to work late that night, so when he got home I told him. He said the tooth was sitting on the counter. What a horrible mother I am; I forgot to remind him to put it under his pillow! Well, anyways, the next morning I had to work early, but Bill told me the tooth fairy still came and placed a dollar on the counter where the tooth was. WOW! It was pretty funny cuz when Austin woke up he went to get the tooth to show it to Bill and it was gone. He was upset cuz he couldn't find it until Cole said the tooth fairy must have taken the tooth and left you a dollar! Then he was jumping around and excited cuz he got a dollar from the tooth fairy! When I got home from work I asked him if the tooth fairy had come and he said, "yea." I said "well,...what did she give you?" He said "nothing." I said what?! He said "well, I just got a dollar." I said "WHAT?! Are You kidding? When I was little all I got was a QUARTER!" Then, he seemed pretty proud of his dollar and was bragging to me that he got a dollar.

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UPDATE!!!!

Austin lost the tooth right next to his other one today, September 08, 2009 at school. Well, he pulled it out during nap time. He f or got it at school . He told me he can't wait to go to school tomorrow to see what the tooth fairy b rings him this time...I told him I don't think the tooth fairy visits schools but maybe. He said "Yea well I know where I left it and if it's not there I'm gonna tell M r. Sanken to give me the dollar that the tooth fairy left for me; cuz it was my tooth so it's my dollar."
Ha Ha! I can't wait to hear how that all goes tomorrow.

Renaissance Event

AUTUMN ROSE

GAILSVILLE, WI
09-04 THRU 09-06

On Friday, September 04, 2009 Cole, Austin, Bill and I went to Gailsville, WI to a Renaissance Festival called Autumn Rose. This event went on thru Sunday, September 06. We got there a little before 6pm. We found one of Bill's friends, Willy; and put our camp up right next to his. After we got all set up the kids put their renaissance clothes on. Austin took off right away to look for some friends to hang out with. Cole stayed back and helped Bill and Willy start the fire for dinner. This first picture is of Cole in his peasant shirt and peasant pants (not his full outfit), and Bill in his regular clothes. (The people there will tell you you are naked if you aren't in renaissance clothes.)

After dinner Cole got the rest of his outfit on and posed for me. He looks pretty cool now, huh?! Austin took Cole with him to meet friends. Cole found someone who was 11 to hang out with. This boy wasn't the greatest kid for Cole to be hanging out with, but at least they weren't doing naughty things and getting into trouble.

A little bit later Austin came by with one of his friends. They had battery operated tea light candles. Austin insisted that I take his picture with it. Which was good anyways, so you can see his outfit. He wore a red pirate shirt with black pants. His pirate pants didn't come in time for this event, so he just wore black pants on Friday and blue pants on Saturday.



I did get dressed up and promised a bunch of people pictures of me, but was intending on taking pictures on Saturday. However, I had a tooth that caused serious pain at 3:30am on Saturday. I had to go to adult urgent care in La Crosse to get some pain killers. The rest of the day I spent in the tent sleeping and dying. I got up occasionally to see what others were doing . Everyone else seemed to be doing good; so, I kept on sleeping. So, I have a couple of pictures that Bill took of me at the last event when I wasn't paying attention.





They are the greatest pictures, but at least you can see what I am wearing. Yes, it's a little revealing, but in the hot weather it feels really nice.



Saturday is the day to be there if you ever want to go. This is the day they do all the cool stuff on. In the morning til early afternoon they have sword fighting. I got to see a little fighting when we got back from the hospital. They wear armor and use very heavy swords. I'm not sure they are sharp, but they sure would hurt if you got hit with it. Bill used to fight and wants to get back into it but has no armor. He was talking with another group (kingdom), and invited us to join his group. They said they would provide armor for him and it would be free to join. So, we are now part of the North Shield Kingdom!! (Bill was in the Buddha Kingdom before.)

Also, on Saturday the merchants open up. This is a bunch of shops where you can buy all sorts of things. Such as clothing, jewelery, books, dishes (feast gear), swords...that sort of thing. Austin brought $7 that he had earned and bought a pouch for Cole and himself. These pouches that he bought are normally for the ladies, meant to hold money and whatever else. Austin used it to put his guys and money in it. Cole tied his to the back of his belt. Sometime, Cole wants to get the leather pouches that are made for his outfit and for the men. Austin, also, bought 4 large freezie pops for Cole, and 2 of his friends and himself. Cole bought a mood ring that was 25 cents. Bill bought some pewter platter dishes for 50 cents each. I bought a strawberry milk shake. For dinner you could pay money to eat the feast or make your own food. Bill made steaks for all of us (except me cuz I couldn't chew very well). Next year I hope we will have money so we can go to the feast. It sounded like so much fun. I heard all hooting and hollering and drums and music going on in there. So, not only did you get the feast, but you, also, get entertainment, too. At 7:00pm the feast was over and people gathered around the bigger tents and the party began. This party is so much fun to go to. I went to it at the last event (Poor Man's), but was unable to this time. I asked Bill to take Cole to it so he could see what all the noise was about. This is where anyone who has drums play them with their hands. There is usually belly dancers with all this jingling stuff on their outfit that dance around a fire. At the last event there was even a swordsman doing a dance with his sword. It's very cool to see and is such a blast! There are people of all ages that go to these events. Some travel many hours to go to them. Some go every weekend and others go once in a while. You don't need to know anyone to go to have a fun time. Everyone is there to have a fun time. Everyone is very kind,willing to help you with whatever you need. Many people stopped by our tent to check up on me to see how I was doing. The kids just ran around and played with other kids and had fun. If you ever get a chance to go to one of these events, I recommend that you go even if its just for the day...very cool experience...very cool.

Sandhill

Sunday, June 28, 2009, we went to Sandhill! Sandhill is just outside of Babcock; it's an animal refuge. We drove forever thru this park looking for animals. We went exploring up this big hill, looked out from some towers, and stopped by a pond full of lily pads. In the end we saw 3 deer and a bunch of birds. This was a perfect day to hang out together outdoors!

Slip'N'Slide

I found this Slip'N'Slide at Menards for less than $4.00. Zach and Austin had a blast with it!



They were pretty muddy by the time they got done.