4 Little Chicas and How They Grow...

Furniture

2012-02-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

I've been busy, again!

This was originally dark brown wood. I got it from my cousin, Sara.

I painted it black.

And, now it's white and black!

This lovely piece holds all of my tablecloths, napkins, and place mats.

I LOVE this piece!

MY NEWEST!!!

This is a valentines present from Cor. I found it on Craigslist!

We went and looked at it last night, it was just in Nampa.

All new glass, plus, lights along the top to light up my display!

I'm super excited about it! It fits perfectly in my dining room and no more dust-collecting bakers rack!

Wahoo!

This week it'll be painted...probably start work on it this afternoon or evening!

Found this lovely child and piece at a thrift store yesterday!

Fortunately for me, I got it to fit in my car :) Along with all of my other finds from the thrift store and my weekly grocery supply. The guy didn't believe me that it'd fit in my trunk. Another man proven wrong, yet again! Wahahahah! They never believe me when I say "ah, it'll fit". They give me the wild, crazy, "you believe in miracles?" kind of look. Well, it fit people. It fit. Mind you, Eleana was rather buried in groceries. But, she found the fruit snacks nestled in her armpits and then she was fine!

This'll also get painted white and go at the top of my stairs. It has lovely little shelves that will hold each chica's basket of "stuff".

A vital piece of furniture, if I do say!

Not bad for $20, eh?

The Amazing Race...Valentine's Style!

2012-02-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine, Amy, had seen this idea on a ladies blog.

It's not quite like the tv show, Amazing Race, but, it's along the same idea.

But, with a Valentine's Day spin!

Amy and I invited some couples from church to join in on the fun!

All together there were 7 couples. Perfect amount!

The wives had gotten together a few weeks before and schemed out the plan.

The husbands remained clueless the entire time :)

The Race:

At 6pm on Saturday night, us wives dropped off our unsuspecting hubby's at the church parking lot and gave them their first clue and confiscated their wallets. We left them one big suburban to pile in, and gave them our friend Wes who controlled the video camera. Oh, yes. It was ALL caught on tape!

{Or course, it was written all poetically and rhymed..but, this is just the gist of it!}

Clue 1. In the glove box was a key to a team members home (which was the Larsons).

In that home they would have to dip in chocolate 3 of their wife's favorite delights

(dried fruits, pretzels, strawberries, etc..)

They'd also have to wear their uniform (which are t-shirts that I made...see the pics below).

From there they had their next clue.

Clue 2. Off to the Dollar store to buy their wife her hearts delight.

{They were each given a baggy with $1.06 in pennies. Yes, pennies!!!}

Cory bought me a rose...other ladies got candles, chocolates, etc...

Then, off to Jacksons house.

Clue 3. Make us a valentines card.

Pretty funny what all came out from that!!!

Next, off to the Tiersmas house.

Clue 4. Make a music video.

Oh.my.word. Hilarious!

From there,

Clue 5: They had to acquire their wife a bouquet of flowers, using no money (we had their wallets!).

Four of the hubbys went to Albertsons and tried to play the "pity" card because their wives had taken their wallets. Fortunately for them, the cashier and manager felt sorry for them and struck a deal: if they'd push in the carts from the parking lot, she'd give them one bouquet that they could divvy up.

So, off they went to push in carts.

Creative men.

The other 3 made bouquets out of crate paper from the Jacksons card making clue.

Sweet, eh?

Lastly.

Clue 6: Go to the house of the teammates who's last name is DeWinkle.

Pretty easy.

They got to our house around 8:45pm.

Took about 2.5 hours.

So...while our men were off with their tasks, us wives chilled out at my place...drinking sangria, wine and enjoying ourselves!

The dining room all ready!

Another thing for the guys...we each put on a different color of lipstick and then all kissed a sheet of paper. The men were supposed to figure out which one was their wife's!

Can you guess which one I am???

Cory couldn't. But, the next morning Raina guessed it immediately!

I'm number 7, fyi. yes, the french kiss style...whoops!

Dessert:

Sangria:

THE WIVES!

Amy, Elizabeth, Laurna

Rachel, Christine, Me, Kim

{our shirts say: My hubby ROCKS!}

Here are the guys, trickling in...

Dinner time!

Trying to tell everyone that they need to look at the camera!

Not the best, but, the only one we got!

After dinner, we cozied on down to watch "the video".

OH.MY.GOSH. Haven't ever laughed that hard before.....

Between the commentary (especially when certain men thought the camera was off), and the facial expressions...wow! Awesome!

HERE WE ALL ARE!

DeHoogs, us, Jacksons, DeGroots

Larsons, Simmons, Tiersmas

Down...

2012-02-01T09:42:00.001-07:00

Finally!

Last week I think I lost about 4 pounds and gained most of those pounds back.

I cheated on my diet a little bit and paid for it....

Plus, it's been a fluctuation week.

Seriously.

So, today I weighed in and.....I'm down to a total of 9.4 pounds lost! I plan to keep going down, too!

I ran for a solid 20 minutes last night and got in about 1.7 miles in. I also lifted weights and did some crunches, too....I can feel my endurance levels rising!

It's awesome!

Cory is also down to a total weight loss of 11 pounds! Good job, my man!

New Project!

2012-01-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

I want this lampshade...but, at Pier 1 it's about $100 (for the whole lamp, too).

But, I want this lampshade!

So, I decided...I'm going to just do it myself!

I'll post pictures when i'm done...

(Thanks to Amy for the fabulous idea!)

Another addition

2012-01-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

to our busy daily lives...

inhalers. Yes, inhalers.

For Janelie, of course. I swear...there's always something wrong with her!

She's always had a cough and problems with her breathing...now we know why!

When she was 18 month old, she was hospitalized for pneumonia.

Apparently, that damaged her lungs so she's more susceptible for getting asthma.

So, now she has it.

Hopefully, she won't have to do these breathing treatments for too long.

We have to go back in 3 months and do a follow-up.

ANOTHER UPDATE FOR HER...

In 3 more YEARS, we have a follow-up with her cardiologist for her heart murmur.

Her doctor called it an "innocent murmur", but, he still wants checkups every few years.

Yep...still busy here!

The cast is off!

2012-01-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

That's right! No more hot pink cast!

We went to the orthopedist today and they cut that bugger off! They also did another set of x-rays to see how well it's healed. They're happy enough with the healing process that she doesn't have to get it casted again. But, we still have to be really careful.

Gigi's still guarding it and doesn't really want to bend it much. The skin is all dry and cracked, looks rather gross! But, it doesn't stink! We've been so careful to not get it wet.

Now she gets to go swimming and she is very happy about that!

Winning and Losing

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am happy, very happy, to report that I have lost 6.5 pounds since Monday!

I have been trying to work out almost every night...and eating right, too!

Cor and I are keeping track of our daily loss and he's down 5.5 pounds!

I'm a bit competitive.... so, I like to rub it in that I've lost more!

I think that I will do a weekly update.

It helps because I feel accountable if people know and can support me!

Here's to losing more!

Meet Piper

2012-01-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Our new wiener dog!

Well, a wiener schnitzel.

A Schnauzer Dachshund mix. Yes, kind of weird...but, totally adorable!

We all love her!

She is great with the chicas and doesn't get a chance to walk much. Usually someone has her tucked into their sweater or shirt and carries her around! Ok, fine...i did it, too.

You can't help but like her!

She is rather attached to us, too...gets a ride to town with us and likes to think she's something pretty high and mighty!

Another brilliant idea was to attach a little bell to her collar so I can catch her when she's being mischievous by sneaking out of her little bed. Works every time.

Meet Pie...

2012-01-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Our new horse!

He's an 18 year old Quarterhorse. Yes, old. Very old.

But, he is really gentle with the girls and appears to get along pretty well with our other horse, Camas.

Where did we get the name Pie? Well, if you don't know....then that means you have missed out on watching one of the best movies of all time: "National Velvet". It's an old Elizabeth Taylor movie about a race horse. Great movie...one of my chicas favorite!

He might not be as fast as the real Pie, but, he is the girls dream horse.... Just like Velvet.

I love this picture....she is my little cowgirl...hat and all!

White Furniture Fun!

2012-01-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the little Study Corner:

Living Room:

Re-painted bar stools (the table is next to be re-painted!):

Office

2012-01-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Got rearranged, again.

This time, I'm pretty happy with it!

Our Neck of the Woods!

2012-01-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

We were going to send out a newsletter, but, really just didn't get around to it.

So...in a very large nutshell....here's whats been happening in our neck of the woods:

It's been busy...and I mean busy!

Raina:

Doing really well! We've decided that she just needs a "monthly maintenance" time-out and boom! attitude change! In talking with her counselor, there is a "flight or fight" reaction when it comes to situations involving discipline, lying, punishment, etc....we've figured out that Raina is a fighter. She fights it! But, knowing that has helped tremendously. I don't think we'll ever be able to spank her..she would see it as abuse or hate...she wouldn't see it for what it really is...corrective love. So, we take the time-out to its fullest extent. I've been reading up on "Parenting the Hurt Child" and a few other books that help explain children in her situation. One thing that we've changed with her discipline is separation. Before (when she first came to live with us), she'd be sent to the office and have a time-out. She'd be alone. She'd scream some not-so-nice things say that she hated us and didn't want to live with us, etc.. Within the last 6 months, that all changed. She'd still go to the office, but, she wouldn't scream. She'd cry, have her few minutes of "thinking it over" and then she'd be usually be fine and would apologize. Well, like I said, I've been reading. Realizing that it's not healthy for her to be by herself. Kids will think that you don't want them, as they've been removed from the family and left...alone. So. We NOW put a chair out in the middle of the upstairs (the main living area) and she has to sit there and "think it over". She is still in a sort of time-out and is taken out of the "situation", but, isn't being forgotten or alone. This has been the best thing for her.

So, because of all this....she is no longer in counseling! Yay! She also is done with her PSR (psychosocial rehab) and she is like a different kid! She still likes to be a "survivor" but, shes learning, realizing, that we DO love her and are trying to do what we feel is absolutely best for she and her sisters and she isn't needing to be their mom. That's a huge power obstacle for her to overcome. She is a fighter and hasn't made it easy. But...it's been so good for us and her, too. I love this kiddo and I'm so proud of her and everything she has overcome. Guess it makes me love her more!

She is doing pretty well in school, too. We're probably going to homeschool her next year, for many reasons. But, I know that she'll love it and love spending more time with me. She is a little mini-me and is SUCH a pleaser! But, I do think she will do really well and it'll be an interesting trial for both of us! We'll give it a year and see! She finished up her iceskating class and is looking forward to starting again (perhaps this spring). She also wants to do girl scouts, gymnastics, dance class, soccer, basketball...yeah, I'm tired just thinking about it.

New motto: One child, one sport...at a time.

She's doing great! There were a few hard weeks when her birthmom and birthfamily were very much on her little mind...but, we've talked through a lot of those things. It's always hard for me because I have tried to push them out of my mind and I take those new roles...but, I have to realize...she is 7. She had 6 years of living with a biological mother that really did love her, and other family that did, too. I can't expect her to just forget about them and move on. She needs time to process and time to move on. I know she will, I'm just praying that she'll realize how much her "new" family and friends love her, too! So, if I have a prayer for her...it's that.

Janelie Jane:

Hmm...where to start on this little sweetie!?!

This past month was hard. Super super hard. Thinking about it makes me start to cry. Again.

It was a tough month with lots of confusion, tears, and pure frustration on everyone's part! I started seeing Janelie's counselor, as well, and it helps her to understand better about Janelie and me to understand her better, too. We're not entirely sure what is going on with Janelie, to be honest. She's been VERY depressed and not her usual bubbly self. She's the kind of kid that could find excitement in almost anything! And, I do mean anything. But, this past month...totally different kid. Rememer how I said "Raina is a fighter"? Well, Janelie resorts to the flight/flee side. She made everyone around her depressed and stressed, which really didn't seem to help the situation. She was constantly having meltdowns and finding disappointment in everything! We kind of thought of her as either a "Tigger or and Eeyore". Honestly, it was like dealing with two extremes. One minute she'd be bouncing off the wall...the next she'd be crying in her bed. We never really know what sets it off. Really, we're just kind of taking one day-at-a-time with her. Seems to be the best way to help her. She is in constant belief that shes been "bad all year" or doesn't "deserve anything". What her counselor and I have figured out is that we're going to try something different. It's called the "Erickson Method". Basically, there are different stages in everyones lives, stages that we go through, that we experience, a psychosocial theory. So far in Janelie's little life, she's had 2 stages: infancy and toddler. What the plan is is that we "recreate" those stages and have been endings/outcomes and healthier/positive experiences that those that she had originally gone through. Might sound silly to you...sounds brilliant to desperate parents. We are re-creating her infancy stage by: occasionally feeding her, laying with her in her bed, her sleeping in our room (on our floor, rather than a crib), eye contact, stroking hair, basically anything that you would do with an actual infant (it's the trust versus mistrust stage) just re-creating it to suit a 5 year olds needs. We started some of these things last week. It is going to be a slow process, says the counselor, but, fortunately we know what we have to do and that we've started treating it now...rather that waiting until she's an adult and has many many more stages to create. It's just going to take some time and hard consistent work. But, Cory and I know that it'll help her be able to learn to trust us, her grandparents, etc...that's one of her biggest obstacles. But, she needs to learn how to trust correctly. I do think it'll work. We've actually seen a bit of a change in her already. She is a lot more calm and is starting to be able to process things herself, rather than having her go into a meltdown and then do her deep breaths and butterfly hugs... that's huge. Really huge. Progress....slow and steady...

She is doing fantastic in school, though. She's like another kid at school. She's one of the best in the class, she got student of the week and she worships the ground her teacher walks on. Not joking! She's quite the little social bug, which I find quite funny! She's the kind that could strike up a conversation with just about anyone! (Well, as long as it has something to do with horses or drawing...those are like the only things that really matter to her!).

She started swimming lessons at the rec center last week. LOVES IT! She is a little fish, I'm convinced now! It's something she looks forward to every Tues/Thurs. The reward for a good behavior that day, is going to Dairy Queen after for a "sblizzard" as she calls it. I love this kid and love her smile (which hasn't been seen for awhile). So, please pray that this "Erickson Method" works for her and can help her! We've been doing family devotions as much as we can and explaining how none of us "deserve anything", its all a gift from God AND that none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes...but, He loves us anyways (just like Cory and I love her no matter what!) and we find peace in that.

Eleana:

My little monkey!

So sooo sooooooo funny these days! She is doing absolutely amazing! Well, last month there was an "incident" at school, but otherwise...great! Hahah! Her little defence mechanism is spitting. Yes, spitting. Not sure about the whole story...but, she spat on someone at school. She goes to a Special-Ed preschool in Nampa, just two mornings a week. Well.... I went to pick her up from Preschool the other day and she was crying the biggest crocodile tears! Her teacher came and found me and did her best to give her account of the story. Apparently, the kids were lining up to leave the classroom and a little girl cut in front of her. Well, guess that wasn't sitting with Eleana very well. So, she spit on little Kalisha. THEN she lied about it to the teacher. Yes, that is how we started our morning...crocodile tears and spit. I made Eleana go apologize but am still embarrassed when I see the other mom. The little girl she spit on wears hearing aids and has a severe limp. Not really sure what to say...so, I apologized. But, still...humiliation abounds. So, now when I drop off Eleana at school, I always say " I love you! Have fun! Be good!" and her little reply..."Love you too, no spitting?". Right, no spitting.

Otherwise, this monkey is doing great! She has the funniest gestures and imagination! She has learned so much at school, I'm really impressed with how well she is doing! Her speech stutter is way way better, but, every once and awhile it'll make itself known. But, we just slow down when we talk to her and ignore the stutter.

Now that she is 4, I've been giving her some responsibilities and chores around the house. She likes it! A lot! She is a lot like Raina and wants to be a pleaser...so, I have her unload the dishwasher! I HATE unloading the dishwasher! So, this makes my day when my little 4 year old lights up when asked to do the dishes! I love loading it, just despise unloading. Weird, I know. We all have our quirks, right? Right!!!???!!! But, her little reward is picking a piece of candy. She gets so excited. Gigi will occasionally join in on the putting away, but, Eleana is pretty possessive of the dishwasher! I think she is a little bit OCD (obsessive compulsive)...she likes to have everything a certain way. I'll take a picture one of these days of how she unloads the dishes. It's pretty comical how she stacks, organizes, matches, etc...quite comical. Helpful, but, comical!

Gigi:

The baby.

Well, she's still in cast for about another week. Then that thing should come off. We've gotten use to it, as big of a pain as it is. Her shirts and coats don't really fit over it, so, tank tops have been restored to her dresser. Poor thing! But, she's a tough cookie.

She was pretty much potty trained and then since she's broken her arm...it's kind of gone by the wayside. Diapers are once more in our midst! Dang it! My goal is to have her back in underwear by Valentines Day...it's a good goal, right? Well, I'm going to stick to it. Really, I am!

She's doing really well, though. Using bigger words and has the best sense of humor for a 2 year old! Kills me, seriously, kills me.

Cory:

(can't forget the main attraction, right?!!!)

He is my rock, my man. I honestly don't know how anyone can be a single parent. We need each other, oh so, much! None of us girls can wait til he gets home. I'm pretty sure we ALL light up when he comes home!

He is still working at DC Engineering in Meridian...still loves it...

He has many many "honey do's" at home and he never complains. I really did marry a wonderful man!

We've been working on building onto our fence and adding real gates that aren't held together with twine. It's a slow and steady process, but, a fun one for the whole fam.

He still volunteers on the fire department and wishes he could go to more fires...I always pray for him when he leaves for a call. Makes me nervous! But, I know hes such a pyromaniac that it's what he loves!

Me:

Busy. Busy. Busy.

Pretty sure that sums it all up!

Haha, ok...ok...

I got a creative bone this past month. I have decided to repaint all of our furniture white. Not the leather couches, obviously, but, pretty much everything else. Our poor garage is 90% paint fumes, 10% oxygen. My head kind of hurts after a while of being in there. It might not be too good. Oh, well. Just brain cells, right? Well, it's quite the project. I'm almost done, still have a few more pieces to do. I have lots of pictures on Facebook, but, if you're not my FB friend, I guess i could try and post some pictures on here... my goal for next week:) But, I'm loving the new look...so much fresher, brighter, cleaner looking. Makes me happy.

I also talked my hubby into getting us a family rec center pass! So, now we all go swim and workout...just got it last week. New year, new family, new goals...Cory and I are really determined to get our money's worth. But, it's really a pretty good deal. Our kids love swimming, so, thats' where they always want to go. So, while they re swimming, I go workout and run on the track or treadmill. Whatever! It's nice to have a few moments to myself! Plus, it makes me feel better about myself!

I go out for sushi about once a month with some girlfriends.

Once a month, I play Bunco with some ladies from church.

On Thursday mornings, I take Eleana and Gigi to a music class and an art class at the Kuna library.

It's the one thing they both look forward to all week and the best part....its free.

Hoping to go to Bible study more this year..but, as you can see...I'm busy.

But, God has been good to me and to us, I couldn't really ask for a better family!

OR love them more!

Truly blessed, through trials and all!

Our house:

Yes, it's still on the market. No, no one is really that interested.

We've been averaging about one showing per month. The one day where the house is a disaster, i swear! ALL other days it's not too bad. It's like they know....ugh. Silliness.

So, we'll just keep it on for a few more months and see what happens...

Our animals:

OH BOY.

We keep adding on. And adding on. And adding on.

We currently have as follows:

9 dogs

4-6 cats depending on the day

2 horses

2 cows

1 bunny

1 empty chicken coop, soon to have some new occupants

Think that's it.

That only took about 2 hours to type!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Was so wonderful, but, so busy!

We really had three Christmas's because of my parents, in-laws, and our family.

3 Christmas's is a lot. A lot.

Hence, the lateness of the pictures and the update!

I'm exhausted!

Anywhoo....

Still a wonderful Christmas!

Last year we didn't have the girls because they were with their birthmom and family.

But, we had them this year!

It's amazing to think how much has happened in this past year....

Last Christmas they were supposed to be moving to New York to live with their

"birth grandmother", but, God is truly awesome.

This was a very special Christmas for us!

Their birth-aunt sent them Christmas gifts this year, and they were so excited to see that she still remembers them! The older two got Barbies, the younger two both got Play-Doh sets!

She's very sweet and I'm fortunate because she is very helpful and lets me call her if I ever have any questions.

It's very nice.

Well, here are a billion pictures...

shows the rather chaotic Christmas that it was, but also,

how wonderful He is!

My parents came down on the Thursday before Christmas, so, we had the "Kimmell Christmas" on Friday.

FRIDAY MORNING:

opening presents from Nana and Papa...

My dad got put in charge of breakfast!

FRIDAY NIGHT:

we had a really nice dinner with our tradition of Clam Chowder

Raina decided she wanted in a highchair (once she was all done).

Such a goober.

Our Chicas:

This one shows their personalities...I love it!

Not the best, but, it'll do!

Opening presents that night:

Gigi's own tea set!

Raina with her new baby, Mary.

Nana made Gigi a hat!

Coffee Mocha, anyone?

Raina got a diaper bag for Mary...

My sister did not approve of the second-hand horse we got for Eleana. I do believe it was a hand painted job...not good, but, it came with a bunch of horse Play-mobil (the girls favorite collection)

My folks...

don't like pictures being taken of them:)

Raina: Mom! I can make SO many bracelets, like one for each girl in my class!

Me: Yes, I know. Have fun with that!

Putting together the Horse Stable..

So...that was the Kimmell Christmas.

The next day was Christmas Eve.

We went out for lunch with Cory's family, and my family, then went to a Christmas Eve service in Nampa.

Then, headed to the in-laws to open presents with 12 grandkids present!

Well, about an hour after we got there....Gigi fell of the couch and hurt her arm.

I mean, really hurt her arm.

Now, she's a tough cookie. Possibly, the clumsiest of all my chicas.

So, when she is screaming bloody murder...I know something is wrong.

Well, we waited for the girls to open all their presents, hoping Gigi had just hurt it, that's all.

Well, an hour went by of her laying on me, her still crying, that Cory and I decided it was time to take her to the ER. She wasn't getting better, and it was 9:30pm on Christmas Eve. There was church the next day and she is really really hurt.

We took her in, and fortunately didn't have to wait tooo long.

They looked at her arm and decided that it was just dislocated elbow. So, they popped that back in.

Boy, did it pop! Boy, did it hurt!

She screamed!

Oh, it was bad.

Well, she was still crying after that and I finally told the doctor that we wanted X-rays, she's still not right.

A mothers instinct.

Well, I was right. She fractured the bone right about the elbow.

They splinted her up and sent us home.

That was at 12:11am.

Happy Christmas~!

So, the next morning, we went to church, splint on, Gigi dressed up festively!

All very very tired, but, glad that she was ok!

CHRISTMAS DAY!

Opening the stockings:

So, that was our Christmas.

Gigi got taken in a few days later to the doctor and is now the proud wearer of a neon pink cast!

But, it was a wonderful Christmas and we hope for an even better year!

(Although, we think that's pretty hard to top!)

Some re-arranging

2012-01-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

I love Craigslist. So much.

Perfect for finding good deals, odd things, and dealin very strange people!

But, we've aquired some fun things, making us re-do the girls rooms. Again.

Here's what we've been up to...

GIGI AND ELEANA'S ROOM:

Bunk bed for Angie and Eleana! Grown up little Chicas, now!

JANELIE AND RAINA'S ROOM:

"THE" DOLL HOUSE of all doll houses. A mansion, really.

(Christmas present from Cory's parents)

OH! And some news....

If Raina can pull her grades up to straight A's or all A's, one B....she can be homeschooled next year.

Obviously, I have faith in the fact that she can do it.

Hence, the new desk :) Or, rather old desk...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-07:00

May this new year be filled with many blessings from above!

We can't wait to see what this new year has in store for us!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Melba Fire Department Christmas Party

2011-12-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Melba, such a great little town.

Cory, his brother Peter, and their brother-in-law, Justin are all on the Melba Fire Department. Every year, as a thank you to the firemen and their families, they have a Christmas Dinner. Parents can bring gifts for their kiddos because Santa (one of the firefighters) is there and actually hands them out. Raina is smart and recognized the wrapping paper, so, I think she knows now that Santa isn’t real. But, she keeps trying to trick me into telling her for sure. She’s on the fence about it.

Eleana got her own little tea set.

Gigi got a number noise maker thingy. Why did I buy that? No clue. Badly done… it now has tape over the speaker which does help. Thank goodness!

Raina and Janelie both got ice skates (thank you thrift store!).

Moriah got her very first Barbie!

Baby Titus got a noise maker:)

Melba Christmas Program

2011-12-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Janelie’s group was first, the Kindergarteners. So cute! She wasn’t nervous, at all! She was so excited and knew all her songs…I’m such a proud mama!

You can see her, she's the first little one in the black and white dress.

Cory’s parents and 2 of his brothers and their families were all able to make it to the performance. That was so nice of them! I think they all enjoyed it!

This picture makes me laugh. I look shocked, I know!

But, I can't remember what she was telling me!

Ahhhaah, so funny...

Pake and Eleana

Raina’s group was third, the Second graders. Raina acted like a pro. This was, after all, NOTHING compared to her Ice Skating show. Plus, this was her second year singing. So, obviously, she knows everything now J

She and Janelie had matching dresses, she's in the 3rd row in the middle...

I did manage to snap a few pictures of them, while they were still dressed up!

Such goobers:)

Raina's Holiday on Ice Show

2011-12-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Was on Saturday, December 10th in Boise.

She had 2 performances, a 3pm show and an 6pm show.

She did awesome! It's given her so much self confidence, which she really really needed!

Here she is in the dressing room, getting ready with her friend!

I was one of the chaperones for the 3pm show, so, I missed her first performance.

But, friends told me she did awesome!

Here are the pictures for the 6pm show:

And...she fell. She beat herself up SO bad about it...she was mad! She had been doing so well and hadn't fallen at the first show. But, she still recovered nicely and finished the rest of beautifully!

This is my friend, Erin, who also participated in the Ice Show. She did beautifully!

The finale:

My mother-in-law took this picture of Raina.

It's one of my all-time favorites.

4th Annual Christmas Party

2011-12-27T10:42:00.001-07:00

Total blast. I love to plan for it…I basically start planning and trying to come up with new foods or drinks to make for the next one! My favorite party of the year!

This year’s turnout was much smaller, mostly because we did it earlier in the year. Otherwise, there were going to be a lot more people missing from the usual turnout. But, it was still a great crowd! Last person to leave was at….2:35am. Yep, twas a good night!

The table:

The cocktail tables:

Janelie did this little display for me, then took the picture:

The gluten-free goodies:

Tis the Season

2011-12-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

To be jolly!

I love Christmas and all the parties and decorating that comes with it…plus, the food. Can’t forget the food.

But, I really do love the decorating! And, I realize that I have been so greatly blessed to have chicas that love to decorate, as well!

I do love our tree this year. The chicas loved to help decorate it!

Have I mentioned that we love to decorate for Christmas? J

All the credit for the gift arranging goes to Raina! She took on the task of organizing the display of gifts! I was quite impressed with the end result!

We weren't sure what to do with the leftover ornaments...so, Raina and I decided to display them in some apothecary jars!

Pretty, eh?

I realized that we should be good neighbors and deliver some scrumptious gluten-free goodies to our neighbors. Always a good idea. Plus, throw in a bottle of wine or some sparkling cider (for our LDS neighbors) and then we’re as good as gold. Heck, I’d be happy!

And, during the down time of the holiday season.....

Somehow I managed to find time to recover Gigi's highchair.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

My little helper, Raina Anne:

First Family Vacation

2011-12-27T10:41:00.001-07:00

Occurred at Long Beach, Wa! We have a timeshare there and decided to book one whole week of vacation, chilling at an awesome hotel. It’s right on the beach (which is very convenient for building sand castles or taking long strolls) but off the beaten tourist path. We like that part. A. lot.

The chicas had never seen the ocean before. It is my all-time favorite place to go. Cory’s, too. My parents planned on coming over to stay with us on Wednesday til Saturday, celebrating Thanksgiving together.

The car was packed with suitcases and girls! My sister joined in on the adventure!

We got in really really late on Saturday night. So, the girls had to wait til the next morning to see the ocean.

The first day, great. Except, perhaps, for the part where I dropped our camera into the wet sand. So, we don’t really have lots of pictures, clear ones, that is! Some water got into the camera and so most pictures are a bit…blurry/foggy. Whoops. Badly done, I know. Just my luck, really.

Here is the girls first look at the ocean.

You can actually see Eleana's feet leave the ground as she is jumping for joy!

Just a wee bit excited!

My Chicas!

Gigi was trying to catch some seagulls!

Cory and his chicas!

Raina

Nelly Jane, Marley style!

Eleana wasn't so sure about the water at first...

Anybody that knows Eleana, knows this is a common look. In her defense, the poor thing has no bottom. All pants just slip right down. Rather funny, I think!

Sistas!

After spending a bit of time on the beach, we decided to go hike up to an old Fort.

Auntie Em seemed to be the official photographer of the trip. My camera was rather pukey, so, I don't have too many more pictures :(

This is called the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Totally cool!

It got really windy as we hiked to the lighthouse. Poor Gigi thought she was going to be blown away!

Eleana loves "little" things. So, she found a little stick and pretended to write on the pole. We all just watched her...she was doing it for about 4 minutes!

Not a big fan of the wind or the cold...

Auntie Em is always up for a good time, though! :)

We found this little cove on our hike back from the lighthouse. It's called Dead Mans Cove.

Again, Em. Good time.

Practising the new names in the sand:

We are the

Family!

The weather was horrendous after the first day, though. Floods, rain, more floods, more rain….and so on. Plus, the wind picked up and that made it seem SO much colder. The chicas are pretty tough little cookies, though! They really didn’t complain too much, I think I might have complained more than them! We spent a lot of time in the hot tub and not-so-warm “heated” pool. People, it’s 40 degrees out! Heated pool needs to be warmer than outside!!!! Oh well…the girls had a blast swimming! They’re all little fishes!

We did do a bit more of hiking to a beach known for starfish. That happened to be the day where the roads were closed because of the flooding and the raining. You would think that would have been somewhat of a deterrent for us! But, no. We decided to go hiking. So, hiking we went!

On the way:

The river decided to cross over the road, not under it...

It was miserable. Seriously, miserable! It was raining so hard and we had about a mile walk to the beach. By the time we had reached the beach, Gigi had already fallen and gotten completely muddy; Janelies coat looked as if it had just gotten out of the washer; and it looked as if I had wet my pants. Kind of felt like it, too.

This is while they were still somewhat dry!

But, realizing that we had just walked all this way, why not browse the beach for shells and starfish? There was not a shell to be found. At all.

Poor little Eleana. This is actually right before she fell into the water.

We hid out in a cave for about 20 minutes, trying to dry off before we had to walk back.

When we finally made it back up to the car, we were so stinking wet. So wet. We rushed the chicas to the bathroom in the parking lot and stripped them down to their underwear (which were all wet, too).

I had forgotten to bring towels and a change of clothes, but, fortunately for me...no one got sick.

The bridge to Astoria

On Tuesday morning, we got a phone call. My grandfather had gotten very sick due to his cancer, and was put in the hospital in Moscow. So, my parents called to say that they were probably just going to stay in Moscow for Thanksgiving. Well, Cory and I got to talking and decided that since the weather was SO terrible and we didn’t feel like buying a turkey (and paying $50 for one) cooking it in a hotel, being alone, we would just head to Moscow for Thanksgiving and get to spend it with family in. Well, then I realized something. If we left on Thursday, we wouldn’t get a chance to go to Ikea! Ah! Terrible! So, I convinced my sister to make a little excursion to IkeaIkea, saw that it didn’t open for another 2 hours. Whoops!!! Thank goodness Target was open! We browsed there for a bit, then headed to Ross, and slowly made our way back to my all-time-favorite-store! I was proud of myself for shopping at Ikea and spending less than $200. I think that’s a first J. I bought Emma some coffee and a famous Ikea cinnamon roll to try and make up the early morning mistakeJ. We drove back to the hotel and spent the rest of the blustery day in the swimming pool.

Thursday morning was spent in the pool, soaking up the last few moments of vacation before the 8 hour drive ahead of us. We dried off, packed it all up, and off to Moscow we went!

We did have a nice time in Moscow and my grandpa was actually released from the hospital, so, he got to spend Thanksgiving with us, too!

Adoption Day

2011-12-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

November 18th, 2011

The morning of:

Cabbage Patch dolls from Uncle John and Aunt Sandy!

I actually do have a few photos from court (cool, I know!), but, not so many from the party that followed (sad, I know). But, pictures cannot always show the joy that occurred! And…there was much joy all around!

Here we are...waiting for the judge!

Everyone got a seat at the table!

Swearing in...

We are swearing to treat the girls as our own biological children, protecting them, loving them, etc...

The girls are being read their new names!

Its official!!

Uncle Rudi, Tante Anne and their kiddos made the chicas a really sweet little poster!

Eleana Gayle...waiting to go have our pictures taken!

Here we are! Official!

Lots of friends and family showed up for the big ol’ party! The chicas were overwhelmed with gifts and people that came to show their love and support!

A wonderful day!

Here is the cake my friend, Mackenzie, made for the party!

Janelie told me afterwards that we should have more parties like this…just so she could get more presents!

I, for one, do not feel up to throwing another party for awhile…..the chicas are always up for a good party, though!

Fortunately, we left the next day for the Oregon Coast. Vacation time!!

its been awhile...

2011-12-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual…its been awhile.

Apparently I have lots of posts to catch you all up on and I’m gonna just have to take a bit to organize it all!

So...be patient as I try to post it all over the next few days:)

It's Official!

2011-11-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

With our adoption worker, JoAnn! She was the best!

Now we are headed off to the Oregon Coast! See you next week!

They're practicing their new names

2011-11-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

And very excited for tomorrow!

These last days of fall

2011-11-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

have been so nice!

The weather is somewhat bearable, although the wind has picked up our basketball hoop a few times and come within inches of my car! Ah! Close, too close. So, we've been winter-fying our house. Preparing for colder weather!

Saturday was mostly spent outside, building more fence, cleaning up the yard while the girls ran around like crazed chickens. Literally. They just discovered our chicken house is a perfect little playhouse for 4 crazy chicas. However, they did turn into 4 noisy little chickens. Seriously.Which set off the neighboring dogs to be barking for the next 3 hours. Oh, well. Whoops! The girls had fun!

The chicken house:

Being chickens...

3 little chickens playing in their house!

Walkin like a chicken

Squackin like a chicken

or crawlin like chickens...

They were doing it all!

Here's a little video...

Since it was such a nice day outside, I told Raina I'd take some pictures of her. Really, I don't have very many of her because she's always at school.

I love when she opens her eyes...she's got big beautiful brown eyes that are full of love.

Everyonce and awhile you can see it on camera:)

4 little munchkins

Love this one:

My man...hard at work!

He wasn't crazy about me taking his picture! Hehehehe...

Little Eleana

I couldn't resist

2011-11-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

Awesome.

Totally awesome.

What's Cooking This Week...

2011-11-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Gluten-Free meals!

We had this on Saturday night. Big hit.

DeWinkle Heuvos

(DeWinkle's Eggs)

Basically, we each had our own little quiche. There are hashbrowns, sliced turkey, splash of salsa, an egg, and some cheese. It all adds up to deliciousness! Oh, and so quick and easy to make!

Here's Raina's plate:

I put some salsa and sour cream on, too. They love these kind of meals!

Sunday, for lunch, we had Chicken Salad:

Almost all of it has come from Bountiful Basket Co-op. Love buying fresh!

It's lettuce, black beans, grilled chicken, avacados, topped with cheese, some ranch dressing and Sweet Baby Ray's. One of the girls favorite meals!

You're Invited!

2011-11-03T08:44:00.000-06:00

Hope you can come celebrate with us!

Trick or Treat? I think not....

2011-11-02T13:36:00.002-06:00

Growing up, we weren't allowed to really trick or treat. I remember a few costumes that my mom had made me (snow white and Sam was Robin Hood).

But, once we got older, my parents nixed it and instead we stayed home and watched wholesome movies.

So, Cory and I decided to do the same. Nix it.

Raina and Nelly both got to wear their costume to school, that's fine. They're fairies. That's acceptable Halloween attire for little girls. No witches, ghouls or goblins here.

Then when they came home from school, we had to be the bad parent's who don't let them go trick or treating. Surprisingly, they were ok with that. I promised them instead, a night of costumes and dancing to Ella Enchanted music or Rio music. They danced their little hearts out. And then some.

Needless to say...they slept very well that night.

We had a quite dinner at home, with baked spaghetti and salad (they love love love salad). They of course, requested to be in costume attire.

Fine, I don't care! They're happy! And they're silly, couldn't ask for more!

It was either this one, or a picture of her with food hanging out of her mouth. Sorry:)

California 2011

2011-11-02T12:20:00.001-06:00

We went to California this past weekend for a wedding. Cory's cousin Jeremy's wedding.

The wedding was in Ripon and then the reception was at an amazingly delicious restaurant in Modesto (where Cory grew up).

We stayed with some good family friends, the Sikkemas, and it was SO nice to not have to stay in a hotel. I do love hotels, but, staying with friends who cook me gluten-free breakfast.....

Pretty hard to beat that Best Western!

The wedding was on Saturday morning at a pretty church in Ripon.

Marissa and Jeremy are a super cute couple...she has a hilarious sense of humor. Love her!

Here are the newlyweds with Cory's grandparents (Bert's parents).

After the wedding, we went back to the Sikkemas, got changed and headed out for the next party!

On the way, we drove by the house where Cory grew up. The only chica awake for that was Raina, no one else had had a nap that day! But, she thought it was pretty cool!

Then, we stopped at the Reese's house in Modesto. Said "hello".

There was a party for the family at Uncle John and Tante Sandy's house, next. Grandma and Grandpa DeWinkle were there and most of the other Dw family. None of them had ever met the chicas before. I think they were overwhelmed with the names and the amount of family, but, I'm so glad everyone got to meet the chicas.

Our family with Grandma and Grandpa DeWinkle

(the chica's great-grandparents)

Sorry for the bad quality, not our nicest camera.

The chicas and the great-grandparents

So...crazy busy weekend.

But, good for our whole family.

We needed a little outing, even if the road trip was 10 hours!

Naptime finally hit the car as we crossed into Nevada!

Raina said that she wasn't tired. Looks like it hit her anyways:) (shes on the far right)

My ever faithful husband and driver... Cor-man.

Exhausting weekend....

And, school came the next day!

Pre-Schooler

2011-11-02T11:11:00.001-06:00

Here she is....first day of school!

Eleana started preschool about 2 weeks ago. Her speech therapist, Trisha, said to go ahead and move her on up to preschool!

Eleana was originally supposed to have been at preschool in Melba, but, she didn't quite qualify as far as special needs. So, it just means she doesn't get to ride the bus with her sisters, rather, mom has to drive her to school in Nampa twice a week.

But, she loves it and she's learning better than I could have taught her.

And, she's making friends!

Ice Skating

2011-11-02T11:05:00.000-06:00

About 6 weeks ago, the older two started Ice Skating Lessons over at Boise Ice World. Yes, it's about a 50 minute drive. One way. So, this is their last round of lessons....then we're gonna try something warmer AND closer, like swimming or gymnastics at the Rec center. But, they're enjoying themselves with the skating, so far. They both had never skated, so, they started out with the walkers. But, both girls have now graduated from those and are just skating by themselves! Proud momma alert!

Raina is the one in the purple vest. She's skating with the rest of the class! Yay!

The Countdown has begun!

2011-10-27T07:57:00.000-06:00

Yep! 22 DAYS and counting.....

In 23 days we leave for the coast for our first "legitimate" family vacation!

What a year this has been!

One Year Ago

2011-10-20T10:22:00.000-06:00

(October 16th, 2010)

we became parents to 4 little chicas.

They have filled our lives with: love, laughter, joy, fulfillment and wonder....

We don't know what we'd do with out them!

(August, 2011)

Although they still have a lot of counseling and hurtles to overcome, they have become the best things that ever happened to us! Yes, we have had some hard days recently (I'm afraid that Janelie's honeymoon period with us is over....now comes some trials with her), but, I look at Raina and see how much she has grown up into such a fun, loving, giving, sweet girl. One year ago, that was not the case. So, in her, I see encouragement.

If Raina can change, so can Janelie. That does give us hope.

Here are 2 passages that I read recently that have also helped us on these recently hard days.

Helped us realize we are not in control and that He has a purpose for what we are doing...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(Jeremiah 29:11).

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

(Isaiah 40:31).

Yes, hard times recently. But, the other 3 are doing better than we ever could have imagined!

Raina is awesome! Have I mentioned that yet? Its so nice to wake her up in the morning and she's happy, she gives hugs, she's sweet! Ah...so nice! As a reward for her good attitudes, I've been letting her ride Camas (the horse) all by herself. No saddle! I'm so proud of her!

She got Camas to trot and she hung on, and she never fell off!

I remember being this same way when I was her age and I hope she'll be as adventurous as me! I still love horses and being able to just throw on a bridle and go off into the hills.

I see a lot of myself in her. It's nice being able to relate to her in some ways!

She got 2 A's and 2 B's on her last report card! Yay! I think this year she enjoys school more than last year. It's something that's familiar to her and now that she's excelling...that sure boosts her confidence! Mine, too! I'm a proud mama-sita (as my dad likes to call me!)

Raina and Janelie both love their ice-skating class. It ends next week and then starts up again. Janelie completed this whole last lesson without using a walker (basically training wheels for ice skating)! I was sooooo proud of her! Janelie also rode a "big-girl bike" (no training wheels) yesterday, which helped boost her confidence with the ice-skating. I kept telling her "I'm SO proud of you!" Her little face just lit up. Then she'd ride some more and ask "You proud of me?". I'd scream "YES!" and run to give her a hug. She's got some fears, no training wheels for one, and that fact that we just overcame that?.....for her: amazing! But, you mention school, no fear at all! She is little miss social butterfly! The days she doesn't get to go to school, she's a bit sad in the mornings. But, then you remind her that "tomorrow you have school", and then she lights up! The next day she'll ask, "Today is tomorrow?". "Yes, Nelly. Today is tomorrow"... classic Nelly language :) She never ceases to crack me up!

This week she was awarded "Student of the Week"! If you ask her why she got that award: "I was good listener, i be kind to others, I help others". Got to love a kindergartner! I'm very very proud of her, though! We had a big family dinner celebration for her with sparkling cider. She felt special, for sure!

About her "hard days". Her therapists call them meltdowns. Basically, we have found 5 different triggers for these meltdowns (being caught doing something naughty, lies and gets caught, thinking she's in trouble, sisters tattle on her, doesn't get her way and doesn't like the consequences of the punishment, etc.) The trick is, trying to get her out of her meltdown. The meltdown consists of her sobbing, inconsolably for at least 20 minutes, sometimes wetting herself, one time she had a small seizure-like thing. It all comes down to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Stuff that has happened in her past, is now being triggered to her brain and its typical reaction is: fight or flight. She gets into her "meltdown phase" and it's almost impossible to snap her out of it. We have at least been able to figure out that input makes it worse. If you try to talk to her, it makes it worse. But, leaving her alone in her room isn't healthy. The solution: still working on it! I did figure out that if I give her some paper and markers, she's able to draw and calm herself down. It helps get her mind off of herself and the situation that she's in. So, that's what new with her.

She's slowly doing better. Slowly. She just seems to have this dark cloud over her...she told me that she just wants to live with her Tia Jackie again. Again, her honeymoon period is over. Raina used to live under a black rain cloud and now lives out in the sun, with an occasional rain cloud. But, mostly sunny.

We'll get through to Janelie eventually. She knows that we love her. It's just constantly proving it and being the best parents in the world! It's a full-time job, believe me!

Eleana completed her speech therapy! So, now her speech therapist suggested having her in the St. Lukes Children's Rehab Preschool. Trisha thought she would benefit a lot by being in the class, both for learning and also by being a peer mentor.

Eleana starts that tomorrow! It'll be twice a week.

Angie is growing so much! She eats more food than Cory most days. Her little legs have lengthened so much that she's wearing Eleanas 3T pants! She is still a little short for her age....but, she's so cute and chubby, it fits her :)

Each little chica is different and it's figuring out what works the best for each of them!

But, I do feel that I have the best job in the world and this is where God wants me!

Who would have thought that after a year, we'd be filing for adoption and one big happy family!??!!

Rooms....updated

2011-10-17T07:48:00.000-06:00

Yes, I got bored....again. I didn't break open any paint cans for this update...shocking, I know!

Angie and Eleana's Room

Raina and Janelie's Room

A new dinner idea!

2011-10-10T09:23:00.000-06:00

Usually, I just cook the same things. Over. And over. And over. When it works, why try and fix it, right?

Well, my friend Jenn had made this Spaghetti Squash for me one day. I was skeptical. Very skeptical. Squash? Hmm....all I could remember about squash was how much my brother, Sam, disliked it. My mom had convinced him to eat it or at least try it. He ended up throwing it up in his plate, at the table.

So, skeptical about me and my family liking it? Definitely!

Well, I ended up loving it!

So, I made it for my family.

Janelie ate this one pictured, plus half of Raina's. {a definite fan!}

Cory wasn't as sure about it, but, he said if I made it again he would eat it.

{aka: please don't make it every week....maybe once a month?}

It was super easy and was something different.

I think I'm going to have a new goal to try something new once a week. That's doable, right?

These Boots Were Made For Cleaning!

2011-10-10T09:12:00.000-06:00

There's just something about wearing your momma's boots!

Usually it's Gigi, first thing in the morning.

Saturday, it happened to be the oldest chica!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having girls?

Tea for Two!

2011-10-05T11:03:00.000-06:00

Cheers~!

Air Show!

2011-10-04T20:54:00.000-06:00

Also a few weekends ago (although it seems like just a couple of days ago...), for Cory's birthday we went to the Mountain Home Air Force Show!

The girls were not really as excited about it as we had thought they would be. Plus, it was super loud when the jets flew over. I think Cory enjoyed it the most...which, is important since it WAS his birthday!

Yes, it was loud. Very loud.

We saw that there was a C-130 tour. For free...so, of course we jumped at that opportunity.

What we didn't know was that it was an hour long wait to get in the plane for 5 minutes.

We didn't know that until we had waited in line for about 50 minutes.

Here is the line:

Finally! Our turn!

Oh look! They're all still in line!

Well, it was a cool plane!

Pake and Beppe showed up and Gigi was happy to see Beppe!

The girls got to sit in the St. Lukes AIR helicopter! That was probably their most favorite part!

Eleana Turns 4!

2011-10-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

She wanted to be fairy for her birthday...so, I got fairy cupcakes toppers, and plates, and napkins (fortunately, these had all been a gift from the Sikkema's!). She was in heaven!

Sitting with Beppe

I apologize for the next few pictures... Janelie took over the photography!

Pake and Beppe bought her a bike, a monkey blanket (which she sleeps with and takes pretty much everywhere) and also got her a tu-tu (ALSO won't come off!).

She got lots of really nice gifts, and she loved being the center of attention!

She kept forgetting who had given her what presents, but, I do think she said thank-you to everyone, at least 3 times! The mind of a four-year old!

Happy Birthday, monkey!

Weekend with Friends

2011-10-04T11:03:00.000-06:00

A few weekends ago, my best friend, Jenn, took a roadtrip to visit me!

She stayed for 4 days and we had SO much fun.

We swear that we are/were sisters seperated at birth, don't know what other explanation there is! Although, she is 5 years my senior.....she doesn't acknowledge that fact or look it!

However, we had a great weekend together!

Our kiddos together. Cody wanted to help with the dishes and demanded an apron!

We are weird, its true!

Our children of the forest!

She went and got her nose pierced and we went out for Chinese...it was nice to have a break from kiddos. Cor babysat. So nice!

A Trip to Moscow and a Funeral

2011-10-03T16:02:00.001-06:00

On Thursday, after school, we headed out to Moscow.

My Great-grandmother had passed away at her nursing home in Nampa, but, the funeral was going to be held in Moscow.

The funeral was Friday afternoon at 2pm at the Nazarene church. A few of my cousins, whom I almost never get to see, were there, along with some great-aunts and uncles and some other distantly-related people.....that Emma and I are still confused on how they’re related!

My chicas had never been to a funeral before, much less experienced death first-hand. One of their counselors said "no" to the closed casket and to not let the girls near it....the other counselor thought it would be a healing/grieving process that they should experience and help with closure. So, I let the girls look and say goodbye to Grandma K. Raina held her own for a few minutes until I lost it and my tears began to roll. Then, she began to sob. And sob. She had only met Grandma K once. My mom had taken her and Janelie to meet her at the nursing home. But, I don't know that Raina really knew what to expect at a funeral. I guess we should have discussed it more before. I realized that I had to be the mom in this situation, since that really is who I am, and take control of my own emotions. So, I sat Raina and Janelie down and explained that Grandma K is in heaven. That she isn't sick anymore. She gets to be with my Papa K who had died 10 years ago and that she isn't lonely anymore, and most importantly she's in a much better place. Raina was still confused as to why Grandma K's body was still here... Janelie seemed to have cared less about the situation. Eleana wanted to know where Grandma K's feet were (since it was open casket and only half opens up). Then Eleana kept saying "Grandma dead. She dead. She gone and see God". But, it was a nice funeral. I love getting together with all of my eccentric family; I just wish it hadn't been at a funeral. But, there is such wonderful comfort knowing that she IS in a better place and is with God and my Papa K, my grandmother and her sister, and so much of my other family.

Grandma K was a funny lady. She never stopped talking, she was one of the best story-tellers that I have ever met, plus, she was just fun to be around! She used to take me and my siblings fishing/camping in their camper. We went to Spring Valley (up by Moscow) and Grandma and Papa K knew how to catch fish! They were so young at heart, so much energy! So much fun! Grandma K would then grill up the trout and boy, oh boy, was it the best thing! But, as time passed by...Papa K developed Alzheimer’s. They moved in with my Nana and Papa (their daughter and son-in-law) and I had the pleasure of helping take care of them. Papa K finally got so bad that they had to put him in a nursing home in Moscow. Grandma K moved into an apartment not far from the nursing home so she could be close to him. I would go help Grandma K clean and she would teach me how to cook and play cards (Nerts and Shanghai). One day, she got a call from the nursing home. Papa K had died in his sleep. I will never forget the look on Grandma K's face as she answered that phone. She calmly placed the phone back down, said "your Papa K just died. What am I going to do?". Then burst into tears. I drove her over to the nursing home (I didn't even have my license, I think I was about 15) and we went and said our goodbyes. Oh, it was so sad. Soon after all of that, Grandma K decided to have surgery. She had an aneurysm on her main aorta (main artery) to her heart. She figured she didn't care if she made it through surgery; she was a widower and wanted to be with Papa K again. Well, fortunately for us she made it through surgery. Unfortunately for her, she'd had a stroke sometime during surgery. That stroke affected her short-term memory and also caused her to become schizophrenic and paranoid. She had to go into a mental hospital for awhile, and was put on such heavy medications that she seemed incoherent and uncommunicative. Then, 2 weeks ago she decided to stop eating and drinking. She wanted to just go home to be with the Lord. She passed away that Saturday morning. My chicas and I had just gotten dressed and were leaving the house to go see her when my mom called to tell me. She was 95. I only hope that I can live as well as she did and love the Lord as much as her! Please just pray for my family, some of who are not believers. She was the last "Grandma" that I had. Such a wonderful and fun lady....

My cousin Spencer, Karil, and me and Gigi

Aunt Karla, my mom, me

Mom, Aunt Dixie, cousin Kendra, Aunt Karla

The Lubiens family (cousins and aunt/uncle)

My chicas...

Cousin Kendra with her niece, Alyvia. They're at my Aunt Jan's grave that my Uncle John designed for her...

{sisters}

{Cousins}

Daddy pushing Gigi on Nana's swing...

The morning before the funeral, Cory took the girls up to see Papa and Karil's alpacas.

Raina was so excited because she even got to drive the four-wheeler!

They also got to help feed the chickens!

Papa Gray and his four great-granddaughters

My parents have the greatest backyard...lots to do and lots of ways to get really dirty, really fast!

Oh well, it all went in the wash!

My dad is building this art studio for Emma. Cory was excited to get to help my dad build something! Kept the guys entertained!

Well, that was on Friday. On Saturday we had a birthday party for my little Chica #3, Eleana! She turned 4 on Sunday! Since so much family was in town, we got to have a family birthday party for her up in Moscow! She's the funniest Chica. She has developed such a funny personality because her older sisters are both in school! So, she's become somewhat bossy, but, mostly just hilarious! A very creative little monkey she is!

my birthday girl, ELEANA!

Gigi...

Eleana's "monkey-cake" that Nana made for her!

She loves it!

Singing "Happy Birthday"!

One of her favorite presents was from Aunt Karla and Uncle George...a puppy dog.

She was making the funniest noises and talking to it....funniest thing, ever!

If you look at my mom's face, you'll understand:)

Gigi thought Papa was a horse. Papa was just tired from working on the "studio". It didn't matter to her...she wanted him to wake up and at least act like a horse!

Birthday girl~

Papa woke up! Then, she preceded to bonk him on the head with her toy horse.

Crazy kid!

Auntie Em head locked Raina. One way to calm the chicas down!

All of us girls...we're watching a home video from when me and my cousins were growing up. Grandma K would help us throw "Anne of Green Gables Tea Parties" and we even got to use my Nana's fine china! These parties were a BIG deal. We all had scripts and got new outfits, had accents, makeup on, it was great!

So, we decided to reminisce about the old days and let my chicas watch!

My cousin Holly stopped by for a bit and pushed the birthday girl on the swing!

Holly also brought her mom's dog, Harley. Gigi loved him!

So, this is a blurry picture. But, an important one! It's my Papa and his four great-grandaughters. He was making animal noises with Gigi's toy.

So....long post. Sorry 'bout that! But, that's kind of how these past few weeks have been:

Long. Long. Long. Busy, too.

I will try and post a status update since the girls worker came out a few weeks ago!

Ta-Dah!

2011-09-07T20:26:00.000-06:00

Cory built me a special rack for all my headbands for the Fall Market this weekend!

Here's what my next project is gonna look like!

Off to the market, I am, I am!

And...without my chicas!

Cor is having a "daddy weekend".

Fortunately, it's only an hour flight!

Headbands Galore!

2011-09-04T12:21:00.000-06:00

The setup!

all 70 are now done!

Bloom!

2011-09-01T22:27:00.003-06:00

My dear friend, Kristin, made these awesome flowers for a wedding.

Once wedding was over...what is one to do with 40 some flowers?!!

So, I took some off her hands and put them on my walls.

What do you think?

I like them!

The chicas all woke up this morning and saw them.

Gigi wasn't so sure...she kept saying "mum, mum, happened?....happened?"

Janelie, of course, wanted to know how they got up there and Raina wanted to know why.

Eleana kept saying she was hungry. Not sure she really noticed! Hah!

I think they've all decided they like them, too though!

Headbands!

2011-09-01T22:16:00.001-06:00

Yes, I made these!

They are super cute and super fun!

The chicas love to wear them, too!

I've made about 70 to sell at the Fall Market at Logos.

I think I'll start a poll to see what I should sell them for.

They each take about an hour to make, including the flower.

Let me know if you'd like one!

Janelies Picture Day

2011-09-01T21:36:00.000-06:00

Kindergarten Pictures were today!

She looked super cute....as usual. There is almost always a smile on this little face!

Today was her first day riding the bus to AND from school....long day.

Tomorrow we are all sleeping in!

Raina's Picture Day

2011-08-31T08:30:00.000-06:00

She let me pick this out (well, I guess I did give her two options on the dress)

and then we picked the accessories together!

Last October when we only had had the girls for a few days, Raina went off to school...a few weeks later was picture day! It was a fight with her every morning to get her dressed into what I wanted her to wear...versus what SHE wanted to wear. I mean, we're talking down to the underwear and the earrings! Everything was a fight!

Cory has been waking her up every morning and she hasn't had a bad attitude yet! 5 days!

It's amazing!

So, it goes to show how far my oldest chica has really come!

It's been wonderful for me to not have to get up and wake her up...deal with the fussing, screaming, attitude problems, etc! We've had none of that so far!

Plus, she said, "Dad will wake me up mom, so you can sleep in. You look really tired.

You can just pick me up from the bus."

I'm cool with that!

Today

2011-08-27T19:59:00.000-06:00

I took a pregnancy test....and...

it was negative.

Again.

Ugh....

I had really been thinking that with our four little chicas, that a boy would be the final touch.

Mostly for Cory's sake. Ok, mine too.

And, that God has to allow us our own child, right?

That's what always happens when you try to adopt and have been praying so fervently for it?

But, alas.

I am again reminded that I am not in control.

You'd think one day I'd remember that?!

Still unexplained infertility...4 years going.

Just a wee bit sad.

Well, at least we got some yardwork done today....

the befores....

the afters...

Adoption Update

2011-08-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

Our caseworker, JoAnn, was just here.

She does a monthly home visit to ensure that all things are going well.

The girls were a bit cranky and exhausted this morning since school started this week...but, no school on Fridays is kind of nice. Not gonna lie!

Anyways...

she was so impressed how well the girls have adjusted in just 10 months! Can you believe it?

We've been parents to these 4 little chicas for 10 whole months and 12 days!

She loved that this whole situation was working out so well and that they re such a wonderful fit for our family. It's great to hear that!

She even teared up a bit!

We've been so blessed to have such wonderful workers, counselors, and others that are all believers. Makes a world of difference!

So...

she is coming out again next month for us to sign adoption assistance papers.

These papers basically summarize all special needs, the need for continuation of state insurance

and any other assistance that will need up until the age of 18.

Kind of important!

We're still trying to find a pro-bono attorney, but, JoAnn said that the state will

reimburse us for those attorney fees...I can't imagine any other way to adopt! I had always thought that adoption cost $30,000 or more. I know that sometimes it does, but, I am so glad that we were able to find our little chicas they way we did! I don't know how else we would have been able to afford it all!

Things are wonderful!

Lord willing, November 14th it should all be finalized! There is a big celebration in November because it's National Adoption Month...so, we'll be finalizing at the State Courthouse in Boise and JoAnn said that this is a huge deal...Media will be there and all our friends and family can come! HUGE DAY!

So, to celebrate, my parents and us are going on a vacation to the Oregon Coast! Our favorite place which we have yet to take the chicas to!

After that, I'm trying to convince Cor to take ME (just the two of us) on a cruise or something!

Janelies First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-25T22:25:00.000-06:00

was today!

School started today at 8 am and goes until 3:45pm on Tuesday and Thursdays!

She LOVED it!

Here is my little kindergartner all ready and sitting at her desk!

She was the only kiddo smiling...most of the other kiddos were either crying or being very stoic!

Some parents were crying...I teared up a little bit. Until she told me that I could go now. She had school to do! Alrighty then!

She rode the bus home with Raina. I asked her how her first day of school was...her reply "Well, I didn't get in trouble. Just once, teacher told me to sit and I sit. I still got green". Aka: she's still in the green zone for obedience. Next is yellow and apparently two boys got that today. I'm not sure what comes after that!

One thing that I find very humorous about this public school? I open Janelies homework folder to find all the paperwork in Spanish. Apparently, since she is Hispanic, they assumed that I spoke Spanish. ERRRR....Wrong! Cory is currently translating the homework assignment for me! In the teacher's defence, half of the class is Hispanic. So....one WOULD assume such things!

Raina's First Day of Second Grade!

2011-08-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

Off to Melba for her first day of second grade! I know she's gonna love it!

Last night was Back to School night. She got to pick out her desk and of course, picked the one next to her BFF, Shyanne. Her teacher this year is Mrs. Zimney (Marge Zimney!). Haha, I laugh because she fits the "typical Marge" looks and personality! Should be interesting!

We spent all day yesterday at Roaring Springs Water park. It was so much fun and the perfect thing to do before school starts!

Cor and I were seriously anticipating attitude problems with Raina this morning. It WAS a regular occurrence last school year. She didn't like Cor waking her up and ALWAYS found something to argue or fuss about. So....we were nervous to wake her up this morning. She had told Cor that he could wake her. So, he did. She came upstairs all happy and requested coffee or hot chocolate (just kidding, she only requested hot chocolate but looked like she could use some coffee!). I rewarded her good attitude with some lip gloss, some cheek shimmer, and a big ol' hug! I drove her down to the bus stop and off she goes!

What a wonderful start to the day for her....happiness is abounding with her! Amazing how far she has come since 10 months ago!

Janelie starts school tomorrow!

Eatin' and Sleepin'

2011-08-24T07:49:00.000-06:00

I have the sweetest Chicas...

2011-08-24T06:41:00.000-06:00

Raina went and picked these for me on Sunday....

This is what our mornings sometimes look like..

2011-08-24T06:27:00.000-06:00

We have two cows: Milo and Otis. Otis apparently is not satisfied with his fenced-in parameters. So, therefore, he has been escaping EVERY SINGLE morning. I convinced Raina and Janelie that they are indeed cowgirls and MUST chase Otis back in.

Takin' the walk...

Scopin' it out...

Goin' ...

Goin'...

Almost got 'em...

Ta da!

Meanwhile....Angie is there for commentating

Eleana is part of the cheering squad!

My Schedule for this Week

2011-08-18T16:37:00.001-06:00

In case you haven't been able to get ahold of me...or never see me around.....

This is why!

Things missing from this list:

-Fun time

-Nap time

-Grocery Errands

-Sewing Project Day

-School begins on Wednesday for Raina, Thursday for Janelie

And, I'm sure I've forgotten a few other things....

But, hey! The joys of motherhood, right?

Random Summer Pics...

2011-08-18T16:30:00.000-06:00

These are kind of a random assortment of pictures. My sis, Em, was here for a couple of weeks....

aka: lots of pics:)