We are still alive #2

Well we have come to the determination that the kids have made a pack to take turns torturing us---today was James turn. I was ready to start drinking. (OK I wouldn't have went that far) The winter weather is really getting to the kids--they need to go outside. Today was going to be that day and then at 13 degree's we decided that wouldn't be a good idea. We took all 5 kids out to dinner with my family on Saturday night. Overall it went well. We even took the all into Meijer---I forgot my camera or I would have taken pictures to share---the looks we get are really interesting---they all call us Mom and Dad so people are really confused!! Well they are all in bed so I better take advantage of some quiet time----hope you all have a great week!!! PS--I want to thank everyone that has once again came to our rescue with clothes, highchairs, car seats and all the little things and big things----we so greatly appreciate it.
This picture is for you Berta---Tory is getting so big!!!

1st bath that Kayden didn't scream the whole time!!!!

The spoiled one---up eating popcorn while everyone else was in bed. She has a wrapped around her finger!!!

Matthew enjoying Kaydens birthday cake!!

Kayden enjoying his birthday cake. He turned on the 15Th!!!

We are still alive!!

Well it has been 3 weeks and Ryan and I are still alive. I'm not going to lie to you--it is difficult being parents to five small children. We wonder sometimes if we are being the best parents we can to these children. It is hard to be sure each child gets the right amount attention and that each child is treated the same. We are doing the best we can and appreciate all your kind words, donations and all of you that have asked to be on the "sitter" list. We are going to take all 5 of them to dinner this weekend at a restaurant. We have not been that brave yet but my family is going to be there to support us. Hope everyone is doing well--- The babies making there daily mess!!!

Our puppy Tory!! She is getting so big!!

Yes you are seeing 5!!!

Call us crazy----at the moment we are a family of 7!! And yes Karmah is back. She has also brought her brother with her--Kayden. It has been a week and we are adjusting but it gets crazy around here at times. We have 2 one year olds, 2 three year olds and a four year old. Dont get me wrong we love having them here but by time bed time gets here I'm exhausted. I'm going to to do my best to keep blogging on a regular basis but if I'm gone for a while dont worry--I change about 30 plus diapers/pullups a day and with all the meals I dont have much time left. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!!

Matthew with his Elmo chair---Kayden is not allowed to sit in it.

Lake Ruehs---James wanted to go fishing. This is what our yard looked like after all the rain we had.

Christmas Fun!!

This Christmas brought us so much joy. The kids had so much fun and learned what family is all about. Sally and James are two of the most thank-ful kids I have ever meet and it just shows me how "tough" they had it before they come and it makes me sad to think that they already know what "having it bad" means. Ryan and I spent 3 days taking toys out of packages but it was all worth it---even though we now know how small our house really is.
We hope that all you of you had as wonderful of a Christmas as we did. May 2009 be even brighter. Nana with the kids!!

Matthew wasnt ready to get out of bed yet.

At Grandma Sue's house!!

Sally was sick from the 23rd to the 27th so she was not herself but she did a good job pretending. Poor little Princess Sally!!!

Daddy we are ready to go snowmobiling!!!!

The kids got there snowmobile helmet the other day and now they are ready to go snowmobiling. They havent yet because our house hold has been sick for a week now. Between runnung noses and throwing up I have been busy. I only worked for a day and a half last week and it was no vacation. I do have a week and a half (23rd to the 5th of Jan) and I hope that will be a true vacation---NO MORE SICK KIDS!!! Please pray my house hold stays on the track of getting healthy again. I used a whole can of Lysol (I hate the smell of Lysol) and I will use more if I need to. HAHA Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

December Fun!!

Sally and James were in the local parade friday night witht there pre-school. The pre-school is called Gardian Angels so as you can see they were all Angels. It was so cold out. They had alot of fun but they were cold.

Group pictures---so hard to get everyone to look.

A busy month!!

Well November was a very busy month for us. It seemed to fly by...I cant believe it is only 25 days till Christmas. Well November started with Matthew's 1st birthday. He has grown so much since we have had these kids...it is so neat to see the challenges he has over come. I know alot of them are normal for kids his age but with what he has been through I think it make them even more special. We have been teaching him some sign language and his communication with us is getting alot better plus he is saying more words so life is not as frustrating for him. We also took the kids to build a bear. A tradition we started with Karmah. This is the one thing that is special to each child and can go home with them (if they go) and can be there keep sake and memory of us. We got a new puppy this month also. Tory is a standard red poodle. We took a Sunday drive to Clair to get her. The kids love her...now if I could only get her potty trained. Last but not least "Thanksgiving". Ryan and I have lots to be thankful for this year. Not only are we parenting 3 wonderful children but we have one of the most supportive families anyone could ask for. We cant thank god enough for our parents and our siblings and all of our wonderful friends who have helped us out this year. Life has been a little rough this year but we have made it and we know it was because god helped us and gave us the support we need. We love all of you and wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. James rubbing the heart to put in his penguin. Of course the outfit he chose for the penguin was a batman outfit. Batman is James' hero.

Sally putting the heart in her bear "which she named kitty". Kitty wears a princess outfit.

Tory--still not sure what is going on in this new residence of hers. She is adjusting well.

Matthew partying it up. He loved the cupcakes and all the gifts.

The only time I got him to keep the hat on.