Party of Five

Yummy Homemade Jam

2011-12-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

I've been making homemade jam for the past several years and I don't know how I ever ate any other kind of jam! Usually I just make strawberry, but this year I branched out and made raspberry too. It's DELICIOUS! Next year I will have to find another yummy berry to make:)

Double Digits Baby

2011-12-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

Michael is TEN, 10, the Big 1 0 ! He had a friend party this year at Big Al's with several of his closest friends. They had a great time!

Family Party

Luke LOVES to bowl

Michael Vick was at the party too!

L. Thomas was also in the house!

Blake, Solomon, Michael, Alex, Nate, Kyle, Benj and Bryan

Girl's Weekend Away

2011-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

It finally happened.....the girls got away! It all came together due to the sad fact that our sweet Mindy is moving away:(

We headed to SunRiver and stayed in a marvelous home that Dayl hooked us up with!

We ate and chatted, and then ate somemore. Went into Bend and ate, shopped and ate yet again. We hot tubed, ate and made some really cute bows (thanks Christy!). It was a much needed getaway, and we all want to do it again, SOON!

Eating a yummy lunch in Bend

Eating together and chatting

Modeling our fancy bows! Christy and Amy

Marnie and Christy

Kathy and Dayl

Kathy, Mindy and silly Candice

Halloween

2011-12-26T12:09:00.001-08:00

Halloween was a success this year, again:) Halloween night was beautiful.....no rain!

Superman!

McKenna and Kylah

McKenna and Jane

McKenna and Tatum

Michael, a nerd

Lee Farms with Luke's Preschool

2011-12-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Luke and Mathew

Luke in the maze

Fun Run 2011

2011-12-26T12:01:00.001-08:00

Middleton's annual fundraiser....THE FUN RUN. Although, I don't know how much fun it is when it's REALLY hot!

Michael, 23 laps

McKenna, 19 laps

Luke, cheering on his brother and sister!

First Day of School 2011

2011-12-26T11:59:00.001-08:00

Michael 9, grade 4

McKenna 7, grade 2

My baby goes to preschool

2011-12-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

My little buddy goes to 3's preschool 2 days a week. It's nice to get something done by myself, but I sure do miss him while he's at school. His teacher, Miss Michelle, is a delight.

Luke and Braxton

RainGutter Regetta WINNER

2011-12-26T11:53:00.001-08:00

Michael's the WINNER! I knew all his hot air would come in handy:)

Osborn Aquatic Center

2011-12-26T11:48:00.001-08:00

A beautiful day to have lots of water fun at the mini-waterpark!

Getting ready to go down the waterslide with dad!

Pump it, pump it!

2011-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

My life got a little easier when Luke learned how to pump himself! He just needs a started push and he's off!

Sauvie Island

2011-12-26T11:40:00.001-08:00

What would the summer be if we didn't make a trip to Sauvie Island. It's closer than the beach and a heck of a lot warmer!

Beloved Clackamas County Fair

2011-11-17T18:04:00.001-08:00

Michael and I on the 1st ride that made me sick

Oh boy!

Luke riding in a truck

This ride DID ME IN!

Sweet Michael taking Luke on a ride

Sweet Sister taking Luke on a ride

Sweetie on another ride with brother

Michael is on this all alone......

Luke on a motorcycle....he is in heaven!

McKenna on a ride with the Gibb's neice

The Fair is back and we are excited!

We go every year and still love it.

Who does not love Fair food and rides??

Although, this year, I got SICK (didn't barf though) on a ride with Michael!

I am getting old.

I have always loved scary rides, but I can't ride them more without getting sick to my stomach.

What a bummer for my kids!

Jason will not even consider going on a ride the spins or twirls......so I do it, or should I say, I DID it.

Sorry kids. Your moms was fun......when she could hold her cookies.

Black Knight Award and the HOT TAMALE!

2011-11-17T17:56:00.000-08:00

Michael got the Black Knight Award after having an amazing game on Saturday.

Their team was playing Aloha and he got the a touchdown while dragging 9 of their guys with him! He also had several sacs on their QB and some serious tackles! Go Michael!

Oh yes, and his coach have him the HOT TAMALE award because he LOVED when he dragged those boys along with him for the touchdown:)

Football

2011-11-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Michael is playing football again this year! This time as a knowledgeable 4th grader:)

He is on Coach Tanuvasa's Team again and is loving playing football.

He is #66, not a number he would have chosen, but that's what they had left in his size.

This year he is playing Full Back and Defensive End. He likes to run the ball, but he will do whatever he needs to do to get a win!

Jason Turns the BIG 4-0!

2011-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Our great friends Jody and Brandon flew in on Friday August 5th from SLC to surprise Jason for his 40th birthday and what a surprise it was for him to see them!!!

Then I had a surprise party for him on Saturday August 6th with some of his really great friends hiding in our backyard ready to yell "surprise" as he walked in the backyard. It all went really well considering it wasn't easy getting him in the backyard.

Thanks to everyone who made his day a great success :)

HHS Class of 1991 20 year Reunion

2011-08-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Christy L. and I at Sundance looking good for almost 40!

Jody and Brandon

Jody, Alena and Kathy....Midvale Elementary besties!

Jody, Brandon and Kathy

Me, Uli, and Stacey Jean

Tom and Stacey

Uli

Jace and Tom

My 20 year reunion was a lot of fun. It was great to see so many faces I haven't seen in a LONG time. I hope we have another reunion before we are 60!

Wilsonville Fun

2011-08-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

Luke going pee pee on the grass in our backyard. I love his hands.

McKenna and Luke in Wilsonville

Michael William being silly

A little party outside

2011-08-18T12:30:00.001-07:00

I love my little girl

Luke and Conner Pierce showin' some love.

Silver Falls

2011-08-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Silver Falls is a beautiful place with lots of amazing waterfalls. The kids had a great time walking to several of them. Luke keeps asking to go back and see the big water.

Family BBQ

2011-08-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

My new sis in-law Shelly!

In early July we had a family BBQ at Jerry and Judy's house. It was fun!

Community Fair

2011-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

We LOVE our community and enjoyed a fun day at the Community Fair.

1st Grade Music Program

2011-06-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

McKenna had a awesome music program this year.

She had a wonderful time singing and playing a few instruments.

She had a great first grade school year!

Tubes....again

2011-06-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Luke walking around his room with a barf bag over his hand.....great entertainment pre surgery!

Luke had to get ear tubes, again.

His first pair lasted about 9 months....which is about right for ear tubes.

His hearing was down about 30%, so the ENT wanted to get them in asap.

He put in a different shaped tube this time, one that should stay in for 2-3 years.

I just have to be very careful about getting water in his ears.

I ordered some awesome ear plugs online and he gets to wear them each time he bathes, swims, or play vigorously in water.

I tell you, he is a trooper.....never complains!

3rd Grade Music Concert

2011-04-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Michael's music teacher, Mr. S, is awesome.

He is the "funniest" teacher in school and pretty talented if you ask me.

The kids performed a GREAT music program.

Thanks Mr. S for another great year!

Spring Break...... in March

2011-04-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

This Spring Break we stayed home and did fun things around town instead of packing up and going somewhere.

Monday and Tuesday Jason had to go into the office, so the kids and I stayed around here and played with friends.

Wednesday, we took the kids to the Aquatic Center.....which they LOVED.

Thursday, we drove to Mt. Hood and went tubing.....I LOVED this.

Friday, we went to Chuck E Cheese......Luke was in heaven and hasn't stopped asking to go back to Chuck E Cheese it".

Blazer Game

2011-04-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Michael's friend Alex took he another friend to a Blazer game for his birthday. Alex's dad had really great seats which made the game even more fun!!

Thanks Alex!

Muscle Biopsy

2011-04-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day was on a Monday this year (2011) and Luke had a 2 inch piece of muscle removed from his right thigh so it can be biopsied.

Luke does not do well coming out of anesthesia.......kicks, hits, cries, throws his body around.....so sad and hard.

We have done a year of testing and nothing has turned up any sort of answers.

The results should take one to two months.......the waiting begins........

Be Mine

2011-04-11T15:05:00.001-07:00

Since my birthday is the HOLIDAY before Valentine's Day, I get a lot of cards with hearts and stuff from the kids.......I LOVE it.

This year Michael made me the BEST card EVER.

He is so sweet and caring.

Guess turning 38 could be worse!

Snow Day.....or "Barely any Snow Day"

2011-04-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Snow days around here are a JOKE.

Seriously.

It's more like a snow drift and school is canceled.

This creates problems, because my kids hear SNOW and they think SNOW.....poor kids......they just get a teeny bit of snow to play with and then it melts. What are they supposed to do the rest of the SNOW day?

Michael and his friends went up to the High School to find some snow that hadn't been touched or melted yet.......they were successful and began to build a snow man.

One friend had a stick and accidentally poked Michael just below his eye.

It was actually a lot worse than the picture represents.

I actually took him into the Doc because it was swollen shut and I wasn't sure of he got poked in the eye or not.......... good thing is was a NOT.

Sky High Sports

2011-04-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

There is a new, wicked, trampoline place in town that has wall to wall trampolines....it's pretty cool; BUT when I say it's wicked, I mean wicked in a bad way.

There have been TONS of broken bones courtesy of Sky High....bad breaks too.

It happens when someone jumps on YOUR tramp and makes the tramp rock hard for your landing.

Jason has taken the two older kids a few times, but not anymore.

I took Luke there on Munchkin Monday and it was okay because there were NO big kids there jumping with him. Luke had a BLAST. He was so tired and sweaty by the time we left he was asking for nap.....I was thinking bubble bath first, but that didn't happen.

all the RAGE!!!!!!

2011-04-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Michael played Rec ball for our city this year. Jason was the head coach and his good friend Ben was the assistant. Needless to say, their team was the team to beat this year. Michael is an AWESOME ball player. He really knows how to move the ball and is a great shooter.

He had a very successful season playing with the RAGE!

Las Vegas

2011-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Jason and I at the awards dinner

M & M store on the strip

Gotta love the Las Vegas Strip!!

Each January Jason's work has their President's Club Award Celebration in Las Vegas. We had a good time.....the weather was partly sunny and most importantly, DRY. Was saw "O", which was not as good as we were told to expect it to be.....be we can check that off our bucket list!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

opening their stockings....

Santa brought McKenna Video Barbie!

A new and improved Razor Scooter

Dsi XL

Pillow Pet for the princess

Bullseye and Buzz for Lukey

McKenna opening Luke's gift

The face of HAPPINESS

playing "HeadBands"

Christmas was at our house this year.

It was very nice to open gifts and spend the day at home.

Jerry, Judy and Brian came over early afternoon to spend the day with us and to have Christmas Dinner at our house.

We had a lot of fun!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve with Jerry, Judy, Brian, Colton and Avery and J and J's house.

We had a nice dinner, re-enacted the birth of Jesus and opened gifts.

It was a lovely evening!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-27T13:07:00.001-08:00

Scott carving the turkey.

Avery, McKenna, Ella and her dad, Bill.

Uncle Brian

McKenna, Halle and Avery

Colton, McKenna, Alex and Michael

Beth and Jason

The kids' table

The older kids' table

Lukey going down the slide

He is very limber!

I almost forgot to post about this special day!

Since Jerry and Judy (aka grandpa and grandma) were visiting Denise and her family in Idaho this year for Thanksgiving, it was up to us to feed ourselves!

Two of our neighbors, and friends, were in the same boat, so we decided to have dinner together.

We ate at the Farnum's house. Beth decorated so nicely for the special day.

We ate yummy food and spent time with good friends....the Howes and Farnums.

Local Rec League

2010-12-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Colin, Soloman and Michael

Michael is playing basketball this season.

Jason is the head coach and a friend of ours, Ben, is his assistant.

I haven't been to one of his games (sorry, no pictures) because McKenna's have been at the same time.

I hear that he is a pretty good player though (he takes after his mommy)!

The Celtics

2010-12-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

McKenna taking a sweet shot!

McKenna holding the ball and Sophie in the back.

She is a fast runner!

McKenna is playing Y Basketball again this season.

She has a bunch of her friends on her team, which is awesome!
YMCA basketball is co-ed, but since there were so many little girls that wanted to be together, they made one team an all girls team....The Celtics (yes were are green).

Potty Training Update

2010-12-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

It's a no go.......try again after he turns 3.
It started out great and then went south pretty fast.
I am not a fan of having the experience be a terrible one, so we will wait!

Toliet Training

2010-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

The time has come.
I am going to potty train Luke, or at least try.
Today after lunch I saw him getting ready to poop in his diaper, so I brought him into the bathroom and he went pee pee and poopy in the potty!
I kept a diaper on for his nap though!
When he got up, I put Nemo undies on him and he did great until I had to leave and go grocery shopping.
Daddy sent me a text to inform that he wet Nemo :(
Thankfully, it wasn't poop on Nemo. Nemo would have gone in the garbage!
I think daddy forgot to remind Lukey to go pee pee on the potty.
Tomorrow is another day and we shall try again!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T22:37:00.001-07:00

Sherwood Football Player, Hannah Montana and the CUTEST Monkey ever!

Below, Michael is getting ready to take you down!

So Long Sherwood Stars

2010-10-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Today was McKenna's last soccer game.The weather had a nice parting gift for her too..........RAIN RAIN RAIN.

No matter, she LOVES playing soccer in the rain.

McKenna received an awesome trophy, necklace and Super Striker certificate from her coach.
She has learned a lot since last year and I am excited to see her play again next season!
I am VERY PROUD of you!

And the Black Knight Jersery goes toooooo.........

2010-10-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yup, you guessed it. Michael received the MVP award last week. It was perfect timing.

That morning at breakfast he said a prayer that included him getting the Black Knight award or at least a candy award that night at football. So perfect that his prayers were answered.

We were sure to tell him that HARD WORK had something to do with getting the recognition as well!

Way to go Michael, I am SO PROUD of you.

Guess all those bruises are worth it after all.

Lee Farms 2010

2010-10-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Michael and McKenna bouncing on the big "pillow"

McKenna and Luke riding a ride......No tears from Luke!

Michael going down the slide

Michael had to help get Luke onto McKenna's lap

A maze for the little kids (mckenna was just helping lukey)

Luke went down the slide and HE DID NOT LIKE IT!

2 of the 3 cooperated...Luke was still mad about the slide

Pony Ride.....He is having SO MUCH FUN!!

Brothers on the tractor

Posing with their own pumpkins

My 3 babies

There are so many wonderful farms around here that it's hard to decide where to go and get our pumpkins. One thing is certain, the farm MUST have pumpkin and apple cider donuts or I won't ever step foot on their property.

This year the kids and I went to Lee Farms. They have FUN activities for all ages, great pumpkins and delicious donuts!!!

Football....White Knights

2010-10-07T14:55:00.001-07:00

Michael is playing 3rd/4th grade football this year. This is his first year playing tackle and he LOVES it. He thoroughly enjoys tackling other players at the expense of bruising up his body!

He has practice three nights a week for 2 hours each time. It's a BIG time investment. He once said he did not want to play next year because he has no time to play after school.

He's right. When he gets off the bus it's eat a snack, read for 20 minutes and then do a little homework. By the time he is done with all that he has about 15 minutes before he needs to get all his gear on for practice.

He is playing so great this year, I would be sad to see him give it up next year.......guess we will have to wait and see!

Fun Run 2010

2010-09-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Another annual Fun Run for the kids.

McKenna ran 14 laps and Michael ran 19.

Way to go kids!!!!!!

Sherwood Stars

2010-09-29T15:22:00.001-07:00

Allie, McKenna, Mandie, Meg, Kiali, and Natalie

McKenna is playing soccer again this year and is back with her team from last year.

She is having a great time, which is most important.

She is doing great and working on being more aggressive with the ball.

Good job McKenna, I Love You!

Back to School 1st grade and 3rd grade

2010-09-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

First day of school

I LOVE back to school. I do miss my children while they are gone, but I know they are safe and learning great things.
This year McKenna has Miss. Locke for first grade. Miss Locke LOVES McKenna. She is going to have a great year.
Michael has Mr. Shuckerow.......I have heard WONDERFUL things about him. I expect Michael to really enjoy third grade.
Luke had a great first day without his siblings. He didn't ask for either one of them all day! He was so happy to have me ALL TO HIMSELF.
The house was so calm and quiet- we both LOVED it.

Kah~Nee~Ta

2010-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Wild Horses are everywhere. They guys wanted to check out the Lodge too.

McKenna, Luke and Michael sitting below a huge log fire. Soooo warm.

Jason and Michael playing Wii Mario Cart

McKenna riding a "pony".

Luke riding his "pony".

Jason really wanted to take the kids on one last family get-away before school began.

We decided to head into the desert (my favorite) to an Indian Resort here in Oregon.

We stayed at the Lodge opposed to the Village or staying in a Tee-Pee (cement floors are not my thing).

We swam, played at the park, rode horses, played games in the arcade and even made it to Madras, Oregon for dinner one night.

The pool was a warm 95 degrees. It was soooooo nice. I could have done without the wind.......made it VERY chilly getting out of the pool!

Beach Trip

2010-09-06T21:59:00.001-07:00

My mommy came to visit in mid-August.....she LOVES the Clackamas County Fair (so do I)!

Michael and Jason were at Michael's 3rd grade football practice that night so they were unable to come with McKenna, Luke, my mommy and I.

The fair was great. McKenna rode a few rides with me and a few alone, oh and she tried to ride a few with Luke but, he would have NO part in riding ANY rides this year.

Last year we couldn't get him off the rides and this year he SCREAMED! Go figure.

It was still fun.

We took my mom to Lincoln City for a few days and enjoyed the cold and windy beach. I am NOT an Oregon Coast lover. Sorry for those who are, but I never enjoy myself at the Oregon Coast. I live in Oregon, but I am a Utah girl through and through.

Youth Full Contact Football

2010-08-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Aren't those muscles impressive ;)

Third Grade has arrived and that means full contact football!

As a mom, I am not too sure about it, but Michael is very excited to play and that is enough for me.

Jason has been working with him and talking to him about what to expect (getting the wind knocked out of him).

I am excited to see him play even though 3rd graders do not get much playing time. Hopefully it will be a good learning year so he can kick some butt next year!

Happy 39th Birthday

2010-08-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Jason just turned the big 39 on the August 6th.

I must say he looks great!!! He takes pride in his body and enjoys working out.

The kids had a fun time making brownies for him and we took him to lunch.

Happy Birthday daddy!

Lemonade Stand

2010-07-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a beautiful HOT day.

McKenna has been wanting to do a Lemonade Stand all Summer, so I finally gave in.

She made $9 in about an hour and a half!

BFF

2010-07-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

mckenna

daddy and luke

lukey digging in the sand

rain and mckenna

ah yes, michael spitting

Stacey Jean Schreiber LaMont is one of my BFF's. I have know her since my mom, sister and I moved from NYC to Utah the summer before I started 3rd grade. Stacey and her mom, Margie, are from Long Island......so you can imagine my delight to find a fellow New Yorker living at Plum Tree Lane! I was beyond happy...AND we became superfab friends.

Jason, the kids and I spent the day with the LaMont family at the beach......they were there on a family vaca and let us intrude on one of their days.

We had lunch in Manzanita at a spiffy Mexican Casa (pizza was not open until 4- thanks Jeannie) and then we were off to Ecola State Park to play at Indian Beach, which is basically Cannon Beach MY FAVE BEACH.

We went tide pooling and then let the kids play in the water and sand until too many little fingers and toes were freezing!

Since we were not hungry for dinner just yet, we decided to head into Cannon and get a yummy pastry. Sadly, the bakery was closed, so we had to force ourselves to eat ice cream in homemade waffle cones..... Delicious.

Udderly Chocolate is soooooo good!

It was 7pm by then and we had a 2 hour drive ahead of us, so the Rump family had to say their goodbyes (NO!) to our (my) BFF.

I hate saying goodbye to my childhood friends. They mean so much to me. I don't even know if they realize just how much love I have for them.

It was a great day spent with awesome people!

Multnomah Falls

2010-07-20T15:33:00.001-07:00

Sunday was a beautiful day here in the NW, so we decided to take the kids on a hike of the beautiful Falls.

My strong stallion of a man pushed Luke the entire way up and down the hike in Luke's jogger. What a man!

The kids complained a little, but it was worth the trip.

We had a nice picnic dinner after the hike and let Luke run around to get some energy out before heading home.

Cub Scout Camp

2010-07-14T08:04:00.001-07:00

Michael M., Dallin M., George W., Michael S., Tyler C., Zach J., and Michael

Camp Ireland is putting on a pretty cool cub camp this year.

The Boy Scouts are running the show and doing a great job.

Stations are organized and fun for the boys.

I was lucky enough to be able to go on Tuesday and help out Pack 838.

The boys got to make a bird house, be a human knot, shoot a BB Gun and decorate their camp leader into "The Human Frog".

I would say it was a pretty great day!

Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!!

2010-07-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

My sweet girl

Michael being silly while filling up a water balloon

Lukey playing in the Farnum's garage

Our friends and neighbors, the Farnums, put together a 4th of July block party!

It was a great time.......good food and great friends.

The kids had a wonderful time playing in a bounce house and throwing water balloons.

The weather was a bit on the chilly side.....but there was no rain so I am NOT complaining:)

Sunday Bike Ride

2010-06-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

When the weather is nice, we like to take family bike rides on Sundays.

We are all really good bike riders, but sometimes THAT is not enough.

Sweet McKenna took a corner too fast and slid across the pavement.

She was so brave!

I told her she could get in the bike trailer with Luke and I would drive her home, but she said she was okay to ride home herself.

She is one tough cookie!

Tickle me OUCHIE!

2010-06-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

We had a family BBQ over the weekend and paybacks are not so fun.

Jason is very ticklish and I thought it would be great to tickle him while he was on the swing with Luke.....seeing that he was helpless and couldn't chase me down!

Well, I then got on the swing with Luke....he wanted to sit on "mommy's lap" and I can't say no to that.

Jason came behind me and tickled my sides not once, but twice. On the second tickle I freaked out and jumped off the swing. The inside of my arm rubbed against the plastic coating on the swing chain and did some damage.

I did a good job of protecting Luke from injury, just not so much for myself. It hurts REALLY bad!

Lucky Us

2010-06-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our home was complete in December of 1998.....and while we are the third owners, we are the lucky ones they get to deal and pay for the water damage that has been taking place for 11.5 years! This picture is just of ONE room torn apart. Michael's room, the kids' bathroom and all three windows in the bonus room are affected........along with may other parts of the house (pictures to come of THAT mess).

MRI

2010-06-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Nurse Sue

Today, June 11, 2010, Luke had an MRI at Emanuel Children's Hospital.

Everyone was so nice and took GREAT care of my baby.

Nurse Sue took care of us, she was the same nurse that took of Luke for his EMG. When the MRI was done, I told her, "I mean this in the nicest way possible, but I hope I never see you again......at least here at the hospital." And I mean it.

I should get the test results Tuesday or Wednesday and I have a follow-up appointment with the genetic specialist, Dr. Anadiotis, on the 17th.

I am hoping and praying that they find NOTHING wrong and we can stop doing tests.

2nd Grade Reader's Theatre

2010-06-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Jason was able to go and watch Michael's 2nd grade Reader's Theatre on Tuesday.

He said Michael did a great job as Chunky Monkey!

He has become quite the reader.......which Jason and I love.

Good job Michael, I LOVE you.

Tests, Tests and more Tests

2010-06-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

The first part of the EMG. I did not get pics of the second part......the needles. Luke was screaming!

In April Luke had 2 blood tests.

1- CK level.......which were 107 (AWESOME)

2- Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (results were NORMAL)

On June 1st he has another test

EMG (electromyogram) can detect abnormal muscle electrical activity in conditions such as neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, herniated discs, peripheral nerve ...

(results were NORMAL)

On June 14th he will have an MRI

MR imaging of the head is performed to help diagnose:
tumors of the brain.
developmental anomalies of the brain.
vascular anomalies of the head (aneurysm for example).
disorders of the eyes and the inner ear.
stroke.
trauma patients (in selected patients).
disease in the pituitary gland.
certain chronic disorders of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
causes of headache.

Why all of this you ask?

Luke has obvious low muscle tone and after seeing Dr. Anadiotis (Dr. George Anadiotis practices clinical genetics and medical genetics ph.d. in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Anadiotis graduated with a DO 17 years ago) he thought it wise to have some tests done to determine what type of muscle or neuro-muscular disorder Luke has ( which now seems like Luke does NOT have any disorder......but the MRI will help us be more certain).

Luke began Early Intervention at 9months because he was not sitting up (he sat up that night!). He walked at 18 months.......within the normal time range (just on the later end).

At 2 he was not saying as many words as he should have been.

All these factors have to do with MUSCLE. We take our muscles for granted! Did you know that talking is a very muscle oriented task?

In April, Luke has a special leg brace made for his left leg. Dr. Barmada (Dr. Barmada specializes in pediatric orthopedics, including conditions such as spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis); hip disorders (dysplasia, perthes disease); and fractures. In January 2005, Dr. Barmada was named a Top Doctor by Portland Monthly magazine and was a Cosgrove finalist in 1996. He is an author of research articles for professional journals and a presenter at professional conferences) thought it wise to fit Luke with a leg brace to see if that would help his knee retain its proper place (so far Jason and I think it's NOT working).

Dr. Janselewitz (Dr. Steven Janselewitz practices pediatric rehabilitation and physical medicine & rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Janselewitz graduated with an MD 12 years ago) performed the EMG test just a few days ago and he is the doc who ordered the MRI for Luke on the 14th.

All these doctors have been wonderful to work with up at Emanuel Children's Hospital.

After this MRI, I hope I never see them again!

Zoo Trip

2010-06-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Brooke, McKenna and Kylah

I hate to say it, but I GREATLY dislike the Zoo and had NO intentions of going with McKenna's kindergarten class this year until a parent had to back out leaving Mrs. G without enough parent helpers.

I waited about a week after receiving the email asking for help (the email was sent to all the parents not just me) and then replied HOPING and PRAYING someone had offered to help.

SUCH

LUCK

I know I didn't have to go, but I was a kindergarten teacher and I know how stressful trips to the zoo are and I didn't want Mrs. G to be short a parent helper.........so I offered to go AND ride the bus with ALL the kids.

Needless to say I left that day with a migraine and an image of the orangutans sitting against the glass staring at me with empty eyes.

Did I mention I GREATLY DISLIKE the zoo?

Proud

2010-06-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Michael got an electric scooter for his 8th birthday and McKenna has been dying to ride it.

While Jason was loading the car up for the Father Son Campout he decided to help McKenna ride the scooter. Apparently she just took off and never looked back.

She is very proud of herself and thrilled to ride it all weekend while Michael is gone.

Father Son Campout

2010-06-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Every year Jason and Michael head out for a night of camping with our ward for the Father Son Campout.

They have a great time and I get the bed ALL TO MYSELF!

It's a win win situation.

Craigslist

2010-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

I woke up one day and decided Luke needed a train table. I began researching them and found out that they are not the cheapest things in the world to buy. So my search began on Craigslist. You can get a lot of good things on there if you are willing to wait and really look for them. I found at least four train tables I wanted to get, but I was always the second person to call and was told, "I'll call you IF the person coming to look at it doesn't want it". Fat chance.

Finally I was numero uno and got a good train table for my child!

BTW, he loves it.

Tornado

2010-06-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Luke wanted some crackers so I told him to get a bowl. He did, but missed the bowl and got them all over in the drawer. At least he came and got me to show me the mess.
While I was cleaning up this mess, he was making another.......

when you are eating crackers you get thirsty......good thing it was just water. He knew he made a big mess and was trying to clean it up. What a sweet boy I have.

KOOZA

2010-06-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Jason and I took Michael and McKenna to see KOOZA in early May. Luke is too young, so he stayed with grandma and grandpa for a few hours and got some good lovin'.

Easter

2010-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter Sunday with Jason's parents eating yummy food and enjoying one anothers company.

Big Boy

2010-04-16T15:54:00.001-07:00

I admit I am one of those parents who wants to feed my kids for as long as possible so they don't get messy. Well, my time is done with Luke. He wants to do EVERYTHING by himself and has a fit if I try and do it for him. He greatly enjoys eating yogurt (as displayed above) all by himself. He has also found pudding to be just as much fun to eat. How can I get mad at that face?

Three

2010-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Michael and McKenna do not agree on everything, but the one thing they BOTH love and adore is their baby brother Luke. They love him sooooooooo much and I love watching them love him.

Kinder Music Program

2010-04-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

McKenna had her first music program. Her music teacher is amazing. He is so great with the kids. She has been singing the songs all week and I LOVE to hear her pretty voice.

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

We had a fun few days at the beach. We stayed in Lincoln City and traveled to Newport and hit the OHSU Science Center and then made our way down to Florence to the Sea Lion Cave. We learned some interesting differences between Sea Lions and Seals. Can you guess a few??

The next day we packed up and headed up to Tillamook to see how our favorite cheese and ice cream are made. Then onto Cannon beach for lunch and some fun in the sun (at the local park).

Family trips are nice, but it sure is great to be home.

Pump It Up Party for the Birthday Girl

2010-03-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

McKenna and her girlfriends watching a video about the playing rules.

Luke and I flew down the slide......he wasn't to sure he liked it!

McKenna LOVES the slide.

Jason and Michael racing on the obstacle course....Michael won.

Michael shooting hoops (such a surprise!).

Daddy and Lukey going down the FAST slide.

Jason and McKenna racing on the obstacle course......

McKenna's wonderful friends.

Wish I could say I made it...... thanks Costco!

McKenna blowing out her SIX candles.

Brooke, McKenna and Sydney

Family Partay!

2010-03-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

My babies

2010-03-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken on 3.9.10, Luke's 2nd birthday. This picture pretty much sums up my kids.
Luke is the baby and does whatever he wants.
McKenna adores Luke and tries to get him to do what she wants.
Michael is eight and it's all about him (he is my son after all!!).
I can not imagine my life without them......

Music Concert

2010-03-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Michael had his 2nd grade music concert in February. The music teacher is great with the kids, they all love him. Because the teacher is so awesome, Michael never complains about music class. He likes that Mr. S allows the kids to play the instruments and have a good time.

Valentine's Day Class Parties

2010-03-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

McKenna and Mrs. G

Super cute cup idea......no waste!

Getting ready to pass out V-day cards

Michael passing out his Valentine's

Waiting his turn for ice cream sundaes!

Valentine's Day is my FAVORITE! I love all the LOVE (and my birthday is the day before!!).

Two at the same time

2010-02-01T19:13:00.001-08:00

McKenna lost her two middle bottom teeth just days of each other. She was soooooo excited to finally have the tooth fairy come and pay her a visit instead of Michael!

YMCA Basketball

2010-02-01T19:04:00.001-08:00

Michael played on the Rockets for the Y this winter. He REALLY enjoyed his teammates and coaches. He is a VERY good basketball player. It's great fun to watch him play ball.

Cute Luke

2010-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and sunny day. I needed to get outside with Luke. He saw the swing and wanted in. He is such a sweet, lovable child!

SNOW

2009-12-29T20:18:00.001-08:00

It may not look like much, but we got a lot more as the day/night went on. The kids and Jason headed over to a nearby park with all the neighborhood kids to go sledding. Luke and I went to Target to get him a pair of snow boots so he could enjoy the lovely snow too. I hope it sticks around for a few days.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-29T19:13:00.001-08:00

Michael and McKenna got us up at 7:25 AM to open gifts. We let Luke sleep in. He finally got up at 9:00 AM. Lucky kid.

McKenna opening her pink Ds from Santa!

Michael opening his black Ipod from Santa!

Michael LOVES the Blazers, especially #7.

Luke hugging his very own teddy bear from Santa.

Yum.

Thanks Santa!

Luke LOVES balls. Santa got him a set of three!

McKenna is going to be the best mommy. She is an amazing big sister.

Jason and I got Luke a Little People Airplane.

Luke and McKenna playing with Luke's new phone.

Michael's Christmas outfit. Nice.

2009-12-19T19:15:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2009-12-19T19:09:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Baptism

2009-12-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

Michael's baptism was awesome. Two other children from our ward were baptized on the same day, Steven and Tailee.-

A musical number by the Primary children, "I am a child of God"

Michael, Luke and Jason

Michael had to throw his peace sign in there!

The children and their dads

Christmas Party

2009-12-12T16:43:00.001-08:00

Our Ward Christmas Party is always a fun time, especially when SANTA arrives!

McKenna, Isaac and Michael getting ready to sing with the Primary

Lukey did NOT like Santa ;(

McKenna LOVES Santa

Basketball

2009-12-12T16:36:00.001-08:00

McKenna is playing basketball for the first time. She likes to shoot hoops outside our house with her brother and dad (and me when I can), so we figured she would enjoy playing at our local YMCA. It is awesome to watch the kids double dribble and travel the ball. She has a lot of her girl friends on her team so there are times when she is chatting away when she should be playing ball! I am thrilled that my good friend Megan is coaching the team.

Turning Eight

2009-11-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

Michael turned eight on the 13th. I can not believe how fast eight years went by. I remember my water breaking at Noon and calling Jason to see if he was on his way home for lunch yet. He was so nervous and excited at the same time. I was just nervous. Having never gone through having a baby before I had no idea what I was doing! When I checked into the hospital, the nurse was certain my water did not break. Seriously? I may be a "new mom", but I'm pretty sure a popping noise followed by a gush of water means my water broke! Geesh. Needless to say, my hospital stay was not what I wanted for my first time having a baby. If you want more details, email me and I will be happy to tell you all about it.
Having said all that, Michael was perfect. Ten finger and ten toes. A loud, healthy cry. Nice peeing and pooping. What a miracle babies are.

Michael, McKenna and cousins Colton and Avery

Colin B., Tyler C., Jack M., Blake J.

Tanner W., Thomas O., Nate H., Alex B. and Michael

Solomon B., Isaac E., Cole B. and Michael

The whole bday gang

Michael loves his Trail Blazers

His new Razor Electric Scooter. He earned half the money to purchase this toy.

End of the season

2009-11-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

Girl Power had a powerful soccer season. McKenna's first soccer team experience was great. She had a wonderful coach, Coach Chris, that taught the girls a lot and made sure they had fun. She was given the award for "Best Defender". Coach Chris commented that, "she can kick the ball for a mile". Way to go McKenna!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-11T14:11:00.001-08:00

Let me start by saying that my son, Elvis, is all personality. He definitely has the attitude and personality of the oldest child. Having said that, yes, McKenna seems to be taking on the roll of the middle child pretty well. And Luke, well he is baby of the family for sure! I love my children deeply!!

Michael's face really says it all. This is an expression we see often around here. It's the "geesh, why do I have to be bothered with this kind of stuff". It's the "ugh, hurry up and take the picture would ya" look. It's the "I have the worst life" expression. Yes, he is just like me.

Elvis lookin good in his 2nd grade class

Mrs. G's AM kindergarten

Super girl and an angel (Grace T.)

Preparing

2009-10-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

November 13, 2009 is fast approaching and Michael will soon turn EIGHT. Wow, the time has gone by quickly.
We are all set for his baptism on the 21st. He is very excited and has chosen, by himself, to be baptized.
Jason is very proud of his son and is looking forward to baptizing him.
He is one GREAT kid.

looking VERY handsome in his shirt and tie

the shirt and tie and nice, but this is how he'd rather look 24/7

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

the train ride

Jason took the day off and we took the kids to Lakeview Farms. We have never been to this particular pumpkin patch, but a good friend of mine highly recommended we give it a try.

We took a cute little train out to the pumpkin patch where there were hundreds of pumpkins to chose from. After finding just the right pumpkin each, the kids got to play for a few minutes until one of them "had to pee reeeaallly bad". We took a cute little boat back, had a hot dog and nacho lunch and headed on our way.

It was a really fun time. However, they did not have pumpkin bread or apple cider donut which to me is a MUST at a pumpkin patch. I was disappointed to say the least.

The kids and I will have to venture out again to our regular pumpkin patch on another day off school next week to get my treats.

lookey what came in the mail today..............

2009-10-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

I know I should wait until 10.31.09 to post these pics but, they are toooooo good to keep all to myself! Take a look......................

Awesome, right!?

It's been worth waiting for this moment.......

2009-09-29T14:01:00.001-07:00

...... he is walking! Still working on coming to a stand from the floor- but I am so not worried about that!

He is immensely proud of himself and LOVES to walk!

He spent the afternoon outside walking up and down the sidewalk and street. Not a bad way to spend a beautiful Fall day.

Fun Run Part 2 of 2

2009-09-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a HANDSOME boy!!!!!!

Michael is a Fun Run Veteran- this is his 3rd run for his school. He was really sweaty when the run was done- which means it was a gooooooood run. Great job Michael, I am so proud of you!

2009 Fun Run Part 1 of 2

2009-09-25T13:08:00.001-07:00

All smiles with the sun in her eyes.

Ouch!

Great running form McKenna!

This was McKenna's first Fun Run- she did great (despite the horrible fall right out of the gate!!).

She ran 11 laps and enjoyed her first experience.

thirty minutes, that's all I asked for.......

2009-09-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to rest for a little after dinner. I had a headache and was feeling rather cranky, so I decided to be selfish and escape to my bedroom ALONE. Jason was down with the kids doing the dinner dishes and Mr. Sneaky Pants (sweet little Luke) loves mischief. He found a marker (I thought I had put them all out of his reach, but Michael and I had been working on his "me" collage and I obviously missed ONE). Mr. Sneaky Pants found a great canvas (my hall wall) and created his first - and let's hope last - wall masterpiece!
Luckily a little warm water, soap and elbow grease got it off.
Silly Mr. Sneaky Pants.

Race for the Cure

2009-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Jason's office, Northwest Mortgage Advisors, joined the Race for the Cure in downtown Portland on Sunday morning. Michael and McKenna also participated in honor of their aunt Michelle who lost her life to breast cancer 13 years ago (jason's sister). It was a wonderful experience for them!