Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Yahoo!!

Mark and I are leaving for our anniversary vacation to Seattle in a few days!!! This will be the first time I will be away from my kids EVER! I have mixed feelings of course. I know my kids will do just fine. It will be good for them and they will have a blast with Grandma and Grandpa. And Mark and I really need this time together. I just will miss my babies terribly.

We will be going to a Seahawks and Mariners game. The Space needle and all sorts of shopping, fishing, and wondering around. So much to do. So excited!!!!! We are going to buy a city pass and totally tourist it up. Maybe go out of our way and stay in Astoria over night before coming home. Who knows!

I can't wait to spend this time with you Mark!!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Game Day

Practice
Let's get ready to go out there and have fun!

The Yellow team was on steroids.
Go Marki Go!

Marki had her first game tonight. It was quite fun to watch just like Tball. However, I think soccer is a little more competitive than I had expected. The yellow team really was on steroids. They should be tested:) Marki scored a goal, nevermind that is was for the other team;) She was proud as could be and I have to say her Daddy and I loved cheering her on. Can't wait for your next game sweetie! We are so proud of you!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Most Amazing Thing EVER!

Or at least that is what Marki and Levi told me this morning when they came in from outside so excited to show me this creature....

Marki got out her bug box.
It really looked like a leaf.

Right before we let him go.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Soccer Season: Marki's first year









Marki had her first soccer practice today and she had a blast. Soccer season runs all the way through October so all the grandparents will get to come and watch her play. I'm not sure what her team name is but I'll find out soon. How fun. Mark took her to practice and when she came in the door she ran to me and told me she played really hard. I love the pictures Mark took. She looks like a pro. I'll keep the blog updated with more pictures from all games. Enjoy the sideways video below.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Precious Moments

We got to spend some time with Daddy at the fire station today. Mark has been working a lot of overtime lately. He must have missed us because we got a call asking us to come and have a picnic. We brought pizza and hung out and played. Right before we were to leave they got a call. It was so neat to see Marki and Levi watch there dad get ready to go and save a life. Mark will usually get a call when we go and visit but this was just way to cute. It went something like this:

Mommy: Daddy's getting a call so let's go out by the van and watch.

Marki: (squeeling with joy) Bye Daddy! Come back safe! (blowing him kisses) I love you be safe! Go put out a fire! Oh Daddy....please come back safe!

Levi: (squeeling with joy) Super Daddy! Super Daddy! Go Daddy Go! My dad's a fireman!

Mommy: Oh look! Daddy is driving the fire truck!

Marki and Levi: silent....watching there dad with the most wonderful look of pride on their faces.

I am so glad I got to see that. I wish I could have taped their excitement and love for their dad. We are all so proud of you!

I remember watching my dad go off to a call. It really is neat that my kids get to experience that too. So, in the words of Marki, "Come home safe, Daddy!"

Religious Ed

Yep, it's that time again. Summer is over and Marki and Levi will be in Religious Ed after Mass. Here are their flowers they made. You can't see Marki's but I assure you her flower is orange. They are in the same class and have a wonderful teacher.

Irene's Birthday Party

Irene and Dave.
Cheyenne and Marki.

Dave and Brandon.
Levi and Brandon riding the 4 wheeler. I think Santa is going to have to bring Lee one of these! We plan on taking Levi and Brandon out 4 wheeling together.
Oliver loves Konor.
Irene driving her car right before she got pulled over.
The beautiful and delicious birthday cake.
We celebrated Irene's birthday with dinner at Applebee's. Great food but my kids were less than well behaved. I usually brag about how well they do when we go out to eat but this time I was a little embaressed of their behavior...mostly Levi. When Lee doesn't get his nap watch out! Thank God the Fewkes are laid back and understanding:) Then it was off to Irene and Dave's for cake, my favorite part of a party. The kids played and we visited. I always have a blast with you guys! Let's get together soon. Happy Birthday Irene!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Meet Whiskers

This is Levi's fish he caught while camping with his dad. We named him whiskers. Good rule of thumb, never name your food. Levi and Marki were not happy this morning when they woke up to go see their pet fish and I had to tell them daddy put him back in the river. So sorrry Whiskers.

Oliver's First Birthday Party

Friday, September 11, 2009

I'm Rossie's Giveaway Winner!

My friend Rossie had an apron giveaway on her blog and I WON IT! Yahoo! I am so excited. Rossie is one of the most talented people ever and I can't wait to see the apron. Thank you Rossie and Gabby! If you would like to see an example of the apron please go to http://www.treasuredheirloom.blogspot.com and see.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Slideshow of Wedding and Reception

First Married Dance

The Vows

Our wedding was soooooo long. I love it and it fit us well. I only put a short bit on here. The most important part;)

Walking Down the Aisle

I remember waiting and waiting for someone to come and get me. I went upstairs and saw the wedding had started. I forgot my bouqet. I do not like being looked at so this was hard for me. That's why I had so many cute kids in my wedding. Take the focus off me.

More Video Before Getting Hitched

Going to the Chapel Video

Growing up Slide Show

This is a slide show of us growing up. Yikes! I am very geekish so don't laugh too hard. I couldn't find my pictures I really wanted of me little on here and I had a time limit so this is what we came up with. More wedding pictures to come.

Happy Anniversary Mark

Wedding video's to be put on later today!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

School is in Session

Today was Marki's last first day of preschool and Levi's very first day of preschool. I am so tickled that they are together this year. Marki is such a great big sister. I was told she was very proud to have Lee with her and she loved telling her friends all about her brother. Too cute. The first day went great for them both.

Marki loved seeing her old friends that she hasn't seen for most of the summer. Lee played with Marki but also played with the boys. I was so excited to hear that. Usually he is playing with Marki's friends who of course are all girls. Now he get's to have his own friends. I am so very proud of you two!

Here are pictures from today.










Posing with Miss Arisa. I cried when I got to the car and saw Lee's very first paper. (What is wrong with me) I still have every single paper of Marki's for the past two years!

Dear World

My young son is starting school today. It's all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to now he's been king of the roost. He's been boss of the backyard. His mother has always been near to soothe his wounds and repair his feelings. But now things are going to be different.

This morning, he's going to walk to the door, wave his hand, and start out on the great adventure. It is an adventure that might take him across continents, across oceans. It's an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he will have to live in, will require faith and love and courage.

So, World, I wish you would sort of look after him. Take him by the hand and teach him things he will have to know. But, do it gently, if you can. He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero--that for every crooked politician there is a great and dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.

It will take time, World, I know. But teach him, if you can, that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach him to learn to lose so he'll enjoy winning that much more.

Steer him away from envy if you can, and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that bullies are the easiest to whip in the school yard. Teach him, if you can, the wonders of books. But also let him ponder the eternal mystery of birds on the wing, and flowers on a green hill.

In school, World, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone says they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he bears on a screen of truth and take just the good that siphons through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad but teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success.

Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to sell his brains and brawn to the highest bidder but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him how to close his ears to a howling mob, but to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.

Teach him there are times when a man must gamble, and there are times to pass the dice.

Treat him gently, World, if you can. But don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient; let him have the patience to be brave.

Let him be no man's man. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself. Because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.

This is quite an order, World, but see what you can do. He's such a little nice fellow, my son.



My dear Aunt Evie sent this to me a few months ago. I love this. This will be Levi's first day of preschool. I am so excited for him. I am struggling with the fact that this is Marki's last year of preschool. I just looked at her shoes and they are huge! How do they grow so fast?!?!

Have a great first day of preschool Levi. Have a great last first day of preschool, Marki. I love you guys. First day pictures will be on here later today.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

September 4, 2008

My labor and delivery was different with you, Oliver. With Marki and Levi I waited until nature told me it was time to go to the hospital. You, well you were inconviencing your doctor since he was going out of town so he suggested I be induced. Of course I thought this was crazy and was not going to do it but after talking with your dad we figured it would be best since we lived 25minutes or so from the hospital and I had quick labors before. Also, Mark had to work and this way he wouldn't have to get a call at the firestation at 2am to come and get me. We figured it for the best so at 5:00am we rustled up your brother and sister and headed to the hospital. I remember getting in the van, looking back at Marki and Levi, and knowing we were about to be a family of five.



Once I was admitted to the hospital I was so nervous I thought of backing out and waiting for you to come on your own. But I stuck it out, being too shy to stand up for what I wanted. The nurse who put in my IV missed on the first try and my arm completely swelled up and turned black and blue. I do okay with needles but that just gave me a sign that I should get the heck out of that hospital and go to St Lukes. After the IV was properly placed, I sat and waited for labor to start after being given a drug that they insert into the cervix to start labor. It wasn't very effective and the doctor later broke my water to start things even more. I had so many different nurses. A different one each time they came in. One nurse I loved so much because she helped me with my contractions and did such a wonderful job cutting my pain significantly just by helping me breathe and when the pain seemed unbearable she would calmly tell me it was just Oliver trying to come out. That made me focus on you and what I needed to do to get you to come out. I loved her so of course St Al's made her leave. I got a new nurse that was angry with the world and thought why not take it out on this poor laboring girl. I remember Mark had to run and get the nurse when I could feel the pressure from his head coming. Yikes! When the hospital staff decided to get around to it, they came to help me. While pushing and crying my doctor told me to stop "singing" as he called it. I was barely making any noise at all but I guess I was disurbing him. If the nurse had brought me drugs she promised for hours maybe I wouldn't be in such pain;) I pushed a few times and there you were. So perfect. So tiny. So beautiful. Everything I had gone through was so worth your little arrival. I remember your dad's face. He was beaming with pride. I am so glad we got that on video. All I wanted to do was hold you and look at you. I couldn't wait for Marki and Levi to meet their new brother. Marki immediately took you in as her's. She plays momma to you and Levi and plays that role very well. Levi was proud to have a little brother. Your family loves you so much. You are a such a blessing.

Birthday pictures coming soon.

Our Camping Attempt

Levi is tired of my pictures on the potty. We had to stop along the way.
Levi pushing Marki.

Marki returning the favor.
Oliver helping dad put up the tent.
Trying to catch the little fish.
Trying to sneak up on em.
Bouncing.
Getting cooled off.
Fishing.
I think it is safe to say this year was not the best camping year. Oliver would have done fine but he has been teething and cranky for the past week. He had to be held constantly and it was way too hot out. I felt so bad because I knew Mark was anticipating this trip. Olli was just not having a good time. Marki and Levi were not happy to leave. Hopefully next year will be better.

For Grammy

Happy Birthday Grammy! Hope you had a wonderful birthday! We love you.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Rossie's Blog Giveaway

My friend Rossie is having a giveaway. Go check out her blog and see if you can win!
www.treasuredheirloom.blogspot.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

So Excited!

I got to hang out with my friend Kami today while our girls played. I had so much fun catching up and finding out how her pregnancy is going. While we visited we went through a costume book to pick out some costumes for her dance. And guess what?!?! We decided to have Marki and Malia do a dance together just the two of them. I am so excited I can't stand it! The costume is super cute and the music...well you will all just have to come and see.

Thank you for our visit today Kami. I can't wait to see this dance:)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Happy Very First Birthday Ollipop!

Wow! What a wonderful year it has been! Oliver, you are such a blessing to this family. I love your smile and how you laugh at everything. I get sad thinking that my baby is ONE! You are becoming so much fun though. You are starting to reveal more and more of your little personality and I love everything we are learning about you. I love how music just seems to be such a big part of your soul. I love how you are so laid back and so much fun. You are just delightful to be around and yes, we all still fight over who get's to hold you first in the morning. I can see how much you love it and you know we are fighting over you. We can't help it. You bring out the best in all of us. Thank you for being you. Happy Birthday sweetheart.

Amazed is sung by Tracey McRoberts, Marki and Levi's preschool teacher.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

A Camping We Will Go

The summer went by so fast. We were blessed to be able to do so many fun things and be with family. Marki and Lee start school next week so we are off to camp in the mountains where we had a blast last year. Hopefully Oliver will be a happy camper like the rest of us. We'll only be gone for one night. Lot's to do this week.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Marki Dancing