We are sick!

Over the past 3 weeks one or more of the kids has been sick with something. (no GI stuff thank the Lord!) This week alone we have been to the doctor's office 3 times (once for each kid!). Luke had croup, so needed steroids. Jake had/has croup like symptoms, a strep rash and an ear infection and AnnaJoy has had fevers and an ear infection. All the kids have a different chorus of coughing going on, and fevers pretty much around the house. This pic is of Jake just before we left for Lansing...he needed a treatment to get his coughing under control! I think we are on the mend now...or at least I pray we are!

My Sweet Girl

She is growing up and it makes me sad! These were taken today and on Sunday. She said, "Can you take my picture mommy while I am looking so beautiful?" I thought it was just too much to pass up! Did I mention I am sad that she is growing up!!??

Jake's mini party with the Rottier clan...

This was the final "birthday" get together. It is really hard to figure out when to have a celebration for Jake as I work weekends and Mike has wrestling season. Jake didn't seem to notice, in fact, I think he rather enjoyed having 3 or 4 separate "parties"! There is a pretty funny video of singing "Happy Birthday" to Jake that I will try to download, but blogger has been grouchy about videos lately! If not, I am sure I will get it on my facebook!

Cookie Making Party with Uncle Danny and Calli Jo

Uncle Danny and Calli Jo came to visit on Friday night. It was a lot of fun. The kids played like crazy! Uncle Danny brought cookie dough, so everyone made cookies....well Calli ate a little bit of the batter (shhhh, don't tell her mommy!!!!) Then everyone got ready for bed and danced in front of the fire place. It was pretty funny actually! (I should have taken a video!)

Jake's last day of High School "preschool"

Jake went to a preschool lab at the high school for 6 weeks. This was the last day. He loved it so much! I think the biggests reasons for his passion were #1 it was at daddy's school and #2 (and maybe the bigger reason) is that one of daddy's wrestlers was his teacher! I don't remember high school guys being so receptive to preschool age children, but he was awesome about it! Jake is sad that his time is done with that school, and tomorrow is our last opportunity to watch wrestling...he is going to be one miserable boy after that sinks in! :)

AnnaJoy's Valentines Party

In the afternoon I also helped with AnnaJoy's party. If I haven't already said it, I can not believe how much energy her class has! They had a blast making crafts and playing bingo. I was also able to stay for the "opening" of the valentines. It was funny to hear Anna freak out with each on she opened! All the kids were screaming their thank you's to each other across the room. We hope everyone has a very happy valentines day! Our family will be spending it in the gymnasium at East Kenwood HS, as it is the conference wrestling meet that day!

Jake's Valentines Day Party

I was able to help with Jake's preschool party. They had so much fun with cookie decorating and playing games. He has a favorite girl in the class that he stood next most of the party! Too much fun for all!

Yes, it is February! :)

What an awesome gift! 60 degrees at the beginning of February!!!! While AnnaJoy was at gymnastics, the boys and I played in the driveway. It was awesome! Jake was pretty excited about writing his name again and Luke was also thrilled about his "drawing" on the driveway! :)

Jake, the birthday boy!

We actually made the cake and did that celebration on Friday night. Jake (and the other kids) helped make the birthday cake. Then we went to McDonalds to eat and play at the playplace once daddy got home. Then it was home to sing Happy Birthday and eat some cake. I knew we wouldn't be able to do all the things we wanted to do on his actual birthday, so Friday was his "just us" party. Although, he is one smart cookie! He has already asked when the "real" party is...I had to explain that we aren't inviting friends this year, but we will invite grandparents, aunts and uncles over when we can find a day that works for everyone...after a few minutes he asked if that meant he got more presents and more cake, with a simple yes answer, he was alright again! (phew!). On his actual birthday we opened his presents before they left for church. He was pretty excited about his Batman toy from Luke (although Luke was upset because he thought it was his to "show" Jake....we will have to work on that!) a huge Cars coloring/activity book from Anna and another leapster game from us. He seemed content and off to church he went! What a big boy!

All this in 4 years!!!

Can it be that 4 years have passed already since I was on pins and needles worried for my unborn that quit moving at 34 weeks? Can it be that we were blessed with the safe delivery of a premature baby at 36 weeks with no need for any of my friends in Neonatal? Can it be that he is already 4 years old? He doesn't act like a baby anymore...because he is not! I can remember everthing about him like it was yesterday...but wasn't it?





Our Jake turned 4 today and boy is he excited! He holds up his 4 fingers proud and will tell you that he is 4 years old. "I'm a big boy now!" (sniff, sniff) I am sad that it has flown by but look at him grow and thrive! :) Thank God for our rich blessings!

Anna~Sparks Clubber of the Month

Anna was presented in the mornings service at church as the Sparks clubber of the month. (I missed it of course as I was sleeping off one shift and getting ready for another). She was pretty excited about the whole thing, and we are very proud of her excitement for learning about God's word!

Etch-A-Sketch Artist in training!

Anna showed me her little house that she made today and told me that Uncle Stevie taught her how to draw on the Etch-a-sketch. I thought it was awesome, considering all I can do is make squares all over the place! So, thanks Uncle Steve!

Being Goofy for the Camera!

I love to take pics of the kids all dressed up! (this usually happens before church!) Today they were being a bit silly, but I guess they turned out cute! Sadly, I bought this nice new camera and now my subjects don't EVER hold still together! (sigh) The best laid plans, right?

LOOK!

He can write his name!!!! (I actually didn't know he could do the whole thing....) We tried because Anna was doing some homework and what do you know? I am pretty excited! (Now we have to work on writing it smaller!) Way to go buddy!

Our Little Eagles!

This was before Saturday's wrestling meet in Sparta. The kids LOVE going to the matches! And, by the way, Jake is "being" a wrestler in the pictures (if you couldn't tell!)

Tooth #2 is out!

Anna's bottom tooth has been super loose for a few days now. We had friends over tonight for dinner, when Anna said, "Uh oh, I think I lost a tooth!". She was very worried and showed us all her little mouth with a new hole...but no tooth in site! I told her about when I was in 2nd grade and swallowed my tooth, Amber also told her that she lost her tooth in an apple without knowing. None of this seemed to calm her worried little face. So, I decide to check out her plate...there it is, her missing tooth! She was still worried but a bit happier knowing that she hadn't eaten it! This one was a bleeder, so that too scared her to death! I had to reassure her that everything was going to be o.k. when she went to bed....sigh....growing up is hard on all of us!

Jake, the professional bowler!

Look out Grandma and Grandpa G. here comes Jake! Jake had his field trip to Hudsonville Lanes today with his preschool class. He got the 2nd or 3rd highest score for the entire class! (71) Which, sadly, is probably my average as well! He had a blast and was really, REALLY not ready to go home...both him and Luke threw such fits that the entire alley full of people were staring at me in horror! (Those boys!)