Cookies with Karla

Today the grand-girls made cookies with their great-aunt Karla. It was quite the experience. They had a lot fun decorating the cookies, but it was funny because they just didn't understand that you can't like the dough... even though it tastes really good. So I think we had to have them wash their hands like fifty million times... those little stinkers. After they were done with the cookies Karla had packed a picnic lunch of sorts and then they played outside with some bubbles from Kyra's birthday. All in all it was a nice last day of summer.

Thank you Karla!

Sleepy Babers

Look at this sleeping beauty. She walked herself right to sleep.

Baby its cold outside!

So yesterday we opened up the rummage sale around 7:30 am. And it was super super cold. I mean really cold. Anna was outside in a sweatshirt and blanket and the poor girl looked frozen. She went for a run later that morning and ended up wearing a hat and gloves. Its August, are you kidding me? So we shut down the sale around noon not just because of the cold but because it was sprinkling too. Timmy sold his moped early in the morning and Anna and AJ sold some chairs but other than that it was a crummy day for a rummage sale. That is unless you were the rummager like mom and I... Jackpot! There was nobody out to compete with. WooHoo!

Sunday we hung out at mom and dads to visit with AJ and Anna before they left. We helped out with a few chores but for some reason it was mighty stressful there. So mom, Kyra and I went for a ride to find some apples. We did end up finding some and mom made her famous apple crisp. Yum Yum Yummy!

Rummage Sale

Today AJ and Anna had their rummage sale to raise money for their wedding next summer. It was so much fun! We started setting up at 630 am and were ready to roll by 715 am. This was impart to them setting up the tables last night and getting some of the "treasures" out ahead of time. Mom and I went to a few sales of our own this morning until about 930 am with Bella Baby. We found another walker and clothes of course but the prices were a bit steep today. I think that's why AJ and Anna did so well... 489.00 WooHoo!!! Wedding here we come!
Jackie came by to visit and ended up spending most of the time playing with Kyra Jean. Unkie Jackie is the best. It was awesome to watch the two of them drawing and playing dollies. Kyra can be a bit much though so I give Jackie props...not even I can give her that much undivided attention.
The rain held off just long enough for AJ and Dad to get the tarp over all the tables. And by tarp, I mean one. Yes... Dad has the biggest tarp ever. It covers nearly half of my driveway. Here's hoping there's not too much rain and it falls off. However I must admit we need the rain. So... it can rain for the next few hours and then its gotta clear up so we can run the sale again tomorrow. Wishful thinking I know...

I am 9 months old today!!!

My little “Butta Bean” is 9 months old… Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday we were getting the nursery ready and washing all those clothes. She didn’t even wear them all. Good thing mom and I are rummaging queens. Lately we have been watching for this upcoming season. I can’t believe she has gotten so big. She’s already wearing 12 months and I bet she’ll be in 18’s by her birthday. I know I said its already been 9 months, but I cant remember what life was like before her. Kyra has been such a great big sister and a huge help around the house this summer. I am so proud of the young lady she is becoming. Little Kaitlynn has become quite fond of her too. It seems like Kyra is the only one that can make Bella belly laugh at the drop of a hat. I love both my girls very much and am blessed that they are as healthy as they are. Everyday I am reminded just how lucky I am. Look at those cheeks… who could say no?

My little Designer

Kyra and I were very excited that Project Runway has started again. It was complete agony to have to wait a whole year! Anyways, she Bella and I watched the first episode and let me tell you, its pretty exciting. She even has her little sewing satchel and sketch book that she keeps near by for when she gets an idea. I love that kid! The only downfall is that now all we can say to each other is "Make it work." (just like Tim Gunn). Example: I say "Kyra, I need you to come and make faces at the baby while I change her diaper, she's fussy." She says "Cant right now mom, I'm in the bathroom... Make it work!" Or vice versa "Mom can you come help me make my bed" My response "Feeding the baby right now... Make it work!"
Life is great

AJ and Anna

AJ and Anna are home right now to help Dad with a few projects he wanted to get done. Like yesterday, we went through the entire heating room/ furnace room in their basement and hauled out a couple loads of things that my mom was holding onto. Most of them were rummaging treasures or things from when AJ and I were kids. Don't worry, we didn't make her get rid of everything, but mom has decided that we are going to try and pear down the house a bit. Which is incredibly fortunate for AJ and Anna because they are going to sell everything at their rummage sale next weekend... at my house. I am actually really excited because mom and I still get to go rummaging that morning but then I get to come home and help with their sale. I know I am nuts but I really like the rush of sales. I like to see who buys the different items and how much they are willing (or not willing for that matter) to pay. Hopefully they do really well. The plan is to put everything that they make into the wedding fund. Here's hoping that they have great weather. FYI: if anyone wants to drop something off as a donation please let me know... I know they would love it.

This afternoon we went to the Dykesville bowl for cheese curds. YUM!!! Anna had never had them so we had to take her. I had no problem because I have been craving their tacos for a while. After we all ate AJ and Anna took kyra bowling there while Dad supervised. I cant tell you how nice it is to have them home. Later this afternoon they are going to be taking down the ceiling in the garage... which should be quite the adventure!

On to different business---------------------

Kaitlynn has been starting to walk along the furniture in the house. So today mom and I found a little walker at a sale for 3 bucks. We picked it up hoping that it might ease her frustration a bit. She is adorable in it. She puts her arm over the back like a little old man and walks it in reverse... like shes backing up a car. It is so cute and she'll get excited here and there and giggle. Its great. It is a bit ironic that she started to crawl backwards and now walking backwards... but I guess its easier to push then to pull. Que Sara Sara!

Hospital and Zoo

Today was an interesting day. First of all I was starving because I had to fast for 12 hours for my insurance exam at work. So of course my appointment was at 930 am so I quit eating after 9pm last night. I wasn't aware however that Kaitlynn was going to get up at 4am and for the most part stay up. So needless to say, I am a little sleepy.

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In other news... Dad has been home now for a few days and seems to be doing pretty well. Mom had a bit of a hard time adjusting to having him be so tired, especially since we all know that he is quite the busy body. I am proud of both of them though; its a hard thing to deal with cancer both physically and emotionally, and they are going to do just fine. Today dad was admitted into the hospital again to have a port inserted into his chest. I guess the port is a permanent fixture and will be used when they start the chemotherapy in a few weeks. Before he left the hospital last time, they tattooed four little lines to mark where they need to line him up for the radiation. I told him that with all his scars we should have just had them tattoo a screaming eagle around his chest... he didn't really go for that one... he smiled though.

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The surgery this afternoon took about four or give hours when it was all said and done. So instead of waiting in the hospital family room we chose to take the girls to the local zoo... which was free today!!! Its not that we didn't want to be there when he came out, it s just hard to sit there and wait, especially with the baby. So we headed to the zoo and we met AJ and Anna there. It was a great time. The weather was cool but not cold which made it nice to walk around the park. We ended up riding the carousel before we left which was only a buck... can you believe it? Only in Wisconsin. Anyways, the surgery went well... Everyone is beat... but we're all still relatively happy.

Back to the YMCA

Weren't we just here? Why yes we were. Yesterday Kyra went to a gymnastics camp for the day. She enjoyed it very much but feels that she may need more practice. Auntie Karla was very generous and purchased the camp for her birthday this year. She has informed us that instead of toys for Christmas she wants to try the other camps that they have. I'll remind her of that when it comes down to making her list ;) Anyways, the reason we came back to the YMCA this evening was so that Kyra could enjoy the free inflatables that they had put up. Today was "family fun day" and they had various stations where the kids could play. There were three inflatables, face painting, hair spraying, a ball toss with a dunk tank, and an obstacle course. Tim was stoked when he found the free grilled corn dipped in butter. I myself was holding out until we met his parents at Culver's a few hours later. They were just getting back from visiting our family in Las Vegas (Brad, Tara and Dom). It sounds like they had a blast, spending nearly two weeks out there. Finally I ended my night it my favorite way... a new scary movie with my BFF Jackie. We got the girls all cleaned up, fed Bella her night time bottle and watched the new Lat House on the Left. I have to say I thought it was better than the original, but I would not run out and buy it. Maybe I would watch it again if I was folding socks or something... Oh, and Jackie brought a chocolate zucchini cake that she baked from scratch... she really does love me!

Day at the YMCA

Today Kyra went to a gymnastics day camp that Auntie Karla got her for her birthday. She was pretty stoked. We got up early this morning so that we could put her hair in a bun. She just couldn't stop talking about it though. I had to remind her that the more she repeats herself... the less I pay attention. Its a Catch 22 ;)

He's Home!!!

Dad came home today... YIPPEE!!! I thought my mom was going to jump right out of her skin. However that didn't last all too long because he must have been feeling pretty good because he got on her for her driving right away... Its good to have him back. We stopped at Shopko on the way home to pick up his meds and then headed out to the house. Timmy mowed the lawn but we didn't stop to check out the house on the way out there. You should have seen it though... We got the call that he was getting his PIC line out around 10:00. He wanted us there between 10:30 and 10:45. We got there at 10:42 and walked in like gang-busters. The nurses got us a cart to put all his things on and we probably had him packed up in less than five minutes. I even stripped the hospital bed because I needed something to keep me busy until we were given the green light. Timmy stayed home with the girls so when they said to get the car you should have seen me run to the parking lot (no valet on the weekend).

Thank you to everyone that prayed for him... we are not out of the woods yet. But with a little luck, we'll sneak a few more years out of him.

Chemo and Radiation start in two weeks as they were unable to get all the cancer. We are taking it day by day... its about all we can do right now :)

Rummaging was GREAT!

So even though Dad is still ill, Mom and I have been able to do some rummaging. It seems to be number one a good distraction for a few hours and number two it is definitely comforting. Is it sad that I find solace in owning things- the novelty of it? I guess its not as bad as it could be since all these "treasures" are incredibly inexpensive. Speaking of treasures... the picture is of a infant size tree house with a swing. It was only 12 bucks... can you believe it?!? Actually, I didn't believe it either until i got it home and put Bella in it. I kept trying to fasten the harness straps and came to find that the buckle was broken. Who sells something they know a baby is going to go into without having the restraints work. The worst part is that Kaitlynn was with us when we bought it. So they knew that it was for her... Silly people. I say this all nicely now like its a big joke, but I can tell you when I found out that the straps didn't work I was HOT! Luckily we were able to use an old dish towel and tie her in. It works just fine... Buyer Beware I guess!

Silly Baby

So, have I mentioned that Kaitlynn gets into EVERYTHING!!! These are a few pictures of her with her favorite things... a big bottle of Diet Coke and the puppy's toys. I have to say that although I am excited that she is growing up and becoming mobile, its becoming apparent that I will not be able to sit her in a single location and expect her to be there when I come back to check. Frankly I cant even use the restroom without having her close by. Mind you that I would spend every second of the day with her if i could... but this is a little ridiculous. All I can say is that the baby gates are ordered and on their way... Waly-World can call any day now!

Heritage Hill

Today Miss Kyra Jean spent the day at the "Life of Laura" camp at Heritage Hill. It is a local historical park where the volunteers dress in period clothing and educate through tours. My parents had very generously purchased her two day camp for her for her 9th birthday. She had lots of fun making friends, which we know is a little hard for her at times because she has the tendency to be very timid. Kyra made a yarn doll, butter from creme and was able to have a school day. My favorite part was when they had her doing chores on the farmstead... finally! I am not the only one asking her to work ;)

Thank You!

Thank you to all of our friends and family for your continued love, prayers and support. I know my Dad really appreciates it!

waiting... waiting... waiting

This weekend has really taken it out of us. This picture represents how we all feel... exhausted. Dad had a second surgery today to try and stop the flow of his lymph fluid... it doesn't look so good but we are all staying optimistic. Pull out the magic eight ball please!

Trifecta Week

So this week Kaitlynn not only decided she was going to crawl... but she cut two teeth on the bottom gum and started walking along the furniture. I don't understand how that all just happens but I am definitely ordering my gates! She is getting into everything especially if it makes and noise at all. I don't know how she does it but she will pull her chubby little body up to standing and then look for you... and then she does a smarty pants dance... its adorable to say the least!

UPDATE

So Dad's surgery went pretty well. They ended up having to take out more of his esophagus (food tube) than they originally expected. He only lost a small portion of stomach though so that's good. Unfortunately the surgeons were unable to get all the cancer... which means chemotherapy and radiation in the next few weeks. We are all still being hopeful that his cancer decides to runaway... not just hide. All we can really do is breathe... pray... and love each other a whole lot. Thanks to everyone that has been so supportive through this whole thing. I know Dad really appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers. I don't get too churchy that often, but God Bless Us All!