The Vink Clan

Winter Fun

2010-01-10T08:27:00.002-11:00

Not much green around here this time of year. If white were your favorite color, you would be happy from morning till bedtime. But, seeing as how white is not my favorite color...well...

I do love taking winter pictures though. The brightness of the whole scene is amazing...a God-given lightbox.

Don't mind Tessa's RED face on this one. The poor child did a face plant in the snow 2 seconds before I snapped the picture. I wasn't about to give sympathy. It was cold. I scooped her up, brushed her down, told her to "stand here and smile for 2 seconds and then you'll get a Smartie". Poor baby :).

Sledding on our hill with neighbors! The end of the hill is a firepit surrounded by trees and wooden benches. Hilarious to watch the kids, since they have to "bail" off the sled before getting to the bottom so that they don't run right into the trees, head on. Funny to watch them going full speed and then all of a sudden they roll off and get a huge white wash in the face from falling off the sled. Although, the alternative (running into a tree) I would assume would be far worse than a little snow in the face.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T10:18:00.002-11:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Taste....

2009-09-15T02:22:00.004-11:00

Thought I would share a little taste of what I have been up to this summer...besides taking care of scraped knees from bike accidents, breaking up sibling fights, picking up wet swimsuits, washing loads of sandy clothes, and the list could go on...

Don't I have the best looking clients EVER! So fun....

Oh Blog!

2009-09-14T13:08:00.002-11:00

I seriously forgot about this blog...and it took me FOREVER to figure out how to post again...must mean I need to stay more current. This is a test to see who actually checks this thing anymore :).

Humor Them

2009-06-04T14:59:00.002-11:00

Ahhhh....the middle child was feeling left out...she cried...mom humored her by telling her that she was saving the best smiler for last...that tactic worked!

My New Chair

2009-06-02T01:21:00.002-11:00

A few of my first born punk and the new chair I scored at an antique market!!

And the last born punk, being "punkish".

Rainy Day

2009-05-09T15:22:00.002-11:00

A few of my little buddy on a rainy day!

(now I hold true to my promises, Uncle Arie....a few days late, but true none the less...please forgive :).

Quiz of the Day

2009-04-29T11:31:00.004-11:00

Who knows the answer:
Did this little thing like, or dislike, me putting her in my bucket? :)

I Am One (32 years ago)

2009-04-24T14:31:00.002-11:00

I just had to show off this little thing.....she is our little neighbor, and will celebrate her 1st birthday in a few days....

Watch out beachers!

2009-04-19T10:13:00.002-11:00

The swimsuit model has arrived for the '09 season! You would have found her sporting it all day yesterday......73 degrees and sunny....today she wants to sport it too....50 degrees and rainy....mean mommy said no....whiny swimsuit model cried!

Job Description

2009-04-09T08:44:00.002-11:00

Does this make anyone else exhausted just reading this?

PARENT Job Description

POSITION:Mom, Mommy, Mama, MaDad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include
evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:None required unfortunately.On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

** AND A FOOTNOTE **

THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!
If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents!

Whoot Whoot !!

2009-03-29T14:13:00.005-11:00

Your chance has come !! Two very talented woman, two very cool websites, and LOADS of very cool (and cute) items. These woman work their tails off, and they are mighty good at what they do. I have had the privilage of working with both of them, helping them display their products on their websites. If you ever go to any area art fairs, you will see these two woman sharing a booth, displaying their items together. I ohhh and ahhh everytime I see what they have come up with next.....

Well, now to the reason for this post (other than to sing their praise!)....
These 2 woman, kBella Bambino Designs and Dani Bags Boutique is giving anyone who finds my blog interesting (ha), a special discount off of ANYTHING on their websites. Simply click on their link above, and pick your pleasures...then when you go to check out, type in "tina15" and you will automatically receive 15% off anything you purchase. Think spring/summer/Easter/beach bags/summer photoshoots/diaper bags/kids backpacks....endless!

To see more of Dani's Bag's, click here.

To see more of kBella's Designs, click here or here.

I am Still Alive!

2009-03-26T13:50:00.003-11:00

I seriously should have never made it public that I was going to "try" to do the photo a day thing....ahhhhh...I knew it wasn't going to happen :).

We are finally able to venture outdoors here in the midwest...not quit sure it was shorts weather today, but I "made" Thys put them on anyway, since he either has holes in the knees of every pair of pants he owns, or his pants have become such floods from him growing over the winter.

Of course, Elli was in school again today, so she missed out once again on a photo shoot! She woke up this morning and was not feeling 100%. She complained of a headache. After deciding if she was trying to "punk" me and was not as sick as she was saying, I finally just decided to let her stay home. Within about 20 minutes, she was running around the house. So, I said..."ok, get your booty in the car little girl!" Once we got to school, I told her that I was just going to drop her off at the door since I still had my jammies on, and asked if she could walk herself into her classroom? She said that she would be really embarrassed walking into the classroom and having everyone stare at her. I said, "Elli, mommy still has her jammies on, I really don't want to walk through the halls of school in them." She looked at me with these sad eyes...so, I thought to myself, suck it up Tina, just walk her in, don't make eye contact with anyone, and literally RUN back to the car.
"Fine, I'll walk you in."
We got to the front doors of school, and Elli stops me. She says, "wait mom".
Then I see her scan me over from head to toe.
"Ummm, you don't have to walk me in...I think I will be more embarrassed of how you look, than walking into class."

NICE!!!

Day 4...still rolling

2009-02-26T04:46:00.002-11:00

First she asked for her toenails to be painted....then she asked to wear the tutu....then she asked to wear mommy's shoes....then she asked to have her picture taken....the result of all her demands!

Day 3....Grandpa

2009-02-25T15:25:00.005-11:00

My Grandpa went HOME yesterday. What an amazing example he was to all of us. I will always remember him, and thank him, for the true Christian example he was. I know I have talked before about how thankful I am for having such a strong Christian legacy in my family. In my lifetime, it starts with him. I did not know my great-grandparents, so to me, the personal knowledge of that legacy starts with him (even though I know it started many generations before). The strong Christian example he set for his kids (my dad) trickled down to me, and I pray everyday, that I will pass that trickle down to my own kids. Thank you Grandpa for passing on that legacy...a legacy that will allow us all to meet again someday!

Day 2....

2009-02-24T13:47:00.001-11:00

I caught her trying to check out her belly button tonight, while taking a tubby...

Day 1...numero uno!

2009-02-23T10:47:00.002-11:00

I am going to try really hard, to do this "Photo-a-day" thing. I don't know if you have seen other photogs doing it, but the whole plan, is to take and post a picture a day....hmmmm, sounds easy, right? We'll see...and I promise they won't all be of this monkey...she just so happens to be the only one that is tied to my hip ALL day long, and the only one that wants to do "tricks" for mommy!

2009-02-20T11:18:00.002-11:00

The sole male in the house everyday from 8am-6pm.....quit the responsibility for the little man :).

Clothes Swap

2009-02-13T01:58:00.002-11:00

A little fun....I am loving this dress by kBella Bambino...I use it for a dress for Tessa, and then pair it with jeans and a shirt, for the older girls...I am all about multi-purpose clothing for the girls, even if they frown on sharing. I am sure this is not the last time they will fight over sharing clothes. Oh how interesting our life will be 10 years from now when we have 17, 16, and 14 year old girls....I have a feeling Dean will move out!

I Heart Faces

2009-02-03T02:19:00.003-11:00

I found this blog while browsing through blogs....ok, stalking blogs :). It's a really neat blog for photogs of all different levels. And, they were having a contest titled "The Eyes Have It"....As I have said before, I absolutely adore my kids crystal blue eyes...so, I found it fitting to enter this one of Tessa into the contest (my first photo contest I have ever entered)...

Go Check them out!!

Makeover

2009-01-30T13:35:00.003-11:00

Check out my new logo....The very talented Gina from Peahead Prints designed this for me. If anyone is in need of an amazing logo and wants a slamming deal...visit her site. She is running an amazing special till the end of Feb., so HURRY!!

Check it out on the website.

Just the Kids!

2009-01-28T08:35:00.004-11:00

Just a few pics of the kids....making them "perform" again!! See, they get suckers at the end if they cooperate!

Clothes are from the new spring line of kBella Bambino Designs
More to come on that later....stay tuned....you won't want to miss what she has to offer!

Does not take photo sessions seriously!!
The girl knows how to whistle....and she does it GOOD!! Too funny!

A Mom's Version Of I Corinthians 13

2009-01-24T14:48:00.002-11:00

I was reminded of this by a friend. Reminds us to "chill" as moms, and remember what our real job is...I SO NEED THIS REMINDER DAILY!

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy",
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my children.

All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.

-Adapeted by Jim Fowler

2008 In Photos

2009-01-07T01:38:00.001-11:00

Every year (I try) to make a short video of the kids pictures for that year. So, even though I am a week later....to much further ado....here is our 2008 video....enjoy!

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

2008-12-23T15:07:00.003-11:00

"Mommy, don't look at me!!"

Apparently, closing the eyes, makes the dreaded mommy go away.....

Until you actually open your eyes and realize she is still there....then you have to come up with other tactics....wow, someday (probably not till I get to Heaven) I will be that flexible again!

Bedtime Questions

2008-12-22T02:15:00.001-11:00

This is an email that Dean wrote, after a night alone with the kids. I was gone, and this is how bedtime went...enjoy your guest blogger!

So…my kids are not old enough yet to be asking about the birds and the bees… which is good, I’ll leave that one for Tina.
That said, raising kids as Christians presents as many, if not more perplexing questions. Dad is supposed to know everything right?
Eishck.

Bed Time Questions tonight…

Dad, was God ever born? (ummm… no sweetie… but that is a great question.. God always was…)
What do you mean dad? (Crap… how do you explain that one?)

Dad, did God ever die? (well, yes, Jesus died for your sins, and he is God…)
But dad, if God was never born, how could he die? (keep in mind this question is from a 5 year old, and I don’t know an 85 year old that can nail this one)

Dad, we pray for poor people, are they all in China ? (ummm… no… sweetie… there are poor people everywhere).

Dad, are poor people around us? (yes sweetie… there are poor people everywhere that don’t have clothes to keep them warm, food to eat, or even a house to live in)

Dad, if a poor person came to our house and needed a place to sleep, would we let them in our house? (finally one I could answer yes unequivocally)

Dad….. (PLEASE JUST GO TO SLEEP, I LOVE YOU!!!!)

I’ll take the birds and bees and pass them along to their mom any day. Easy one. “You came as a miracle from God, through mommy and daddy, and if you end up being a really good kid, God used a little bit more of daddy.”

#2

2008-12-15T13:58:00.005-11:00

Well, child #2 (or #3...see previous post) had his day. What else do you do on a snow day, right? If your sick of seeing my kids....sorry! Cold, snowy winters give us little else to do around here! Make this "For Grandma's Only" then!

Another Victim

2008-12-13T14:54:00.003-11:00

Child #3 (or you could say #2...depending on if you count that she came out 2 min. after child #2, which child #2 likes to let her know daily, even though child #3 is a head taller than child #2)....are you still with me here? Anyways, lets just refer to her as Child #3, since I do sign her name as the 3rd child on all cards....
Child #3 fell victim to my boredom this afternoon. This is what we do on cold MI winter afternoons...or at least, this is what I MAKE them do on cold MI winter afternoons.

Winter Princesses

2008-12-12T10:58:00.002-11:00

What do you get when you get 2 photographers/friends and 2 toddlers together for a play date?.....Mommies who bring their 3 year olds out into the frigid winter cold, just to take pictures of their "princesses".

They don't look like they were minding the cold....although we did bribe with suckers!

Trying out a new backdrop!

Just for fun!

2008-12-09T07:50:00.002-11:00

Just some fun pics with a fun new skirt I got for the girls....my little "peacocks"!

Question....

2008-11-19T10:51:00.003-11:00

What do you do when you make your kids give you a said amount of money for every piece of "whatever" that is left out and not picked up when asked....but, they are all of out money to give you? Do you make them issue you an IOU?.....or, do you resort to the fact, that yes, another tactic has failed and time to think of something else to make them get their fannies obeying!

PINK

2008-11-16T12:32:00.006-11:00

You don't run across my daughters name everyday...Elliana...I think she was 4 years old before she even knew her "real" name was Elliana...we always call her Elli...so, when our next door neighbors had a baby 4 weeks ago, and came home with a pink itty bitty named Elliana, we felt very honored that they chose that name. I think they had that name picked out years ago, but we can pretend it was because of our great taste in names. And, she is almost :)...as cute as OUR Elliana....

2008-11-11T13:23:00.001-11:00

Just because I think she's pretty.....

I would like to say goodbye....

2008-11-10T03:54:00.005-11:00

My dearest Luv,
I am writing to inform you, that it is now time for us to terminate our relationship. I want to thank you for the 7 years of friendship that you have given me. You have been there for me all hours of the day. Our relationship has definitely seen its busy times. I think years 2-5 were our years where we really got to know each other. We used MASSIVE amounts of you at that point. I will forgive you for taking a large amount of our budget, and almost making my husband get a second job. Our friendship has been slowly dwindling through out the last year, and I had to make a decision. Do I continue this friendship, that seems to be inevitably going nowhere, or do I break it off for the benefit of both of us. I know you would like to continue this friendship, but at this point, we are ready to be done. Please do not have hurt feelings. You have done everything we could have asked of you, sometimes people just grow up and want different things out of life. I will not hold you accountable for the times that you did not hold us tight enough....and "accidents" happened....I understand that at times nature is stronger than even the strongest can hold. As we enter a new chapter in our lives, I hope that you can find another family to bond with. It saddens me to no longer pass by you in the grocery isle, but when I do see you, I will always remember the fond memories that we had. You have been faithful......and we thank you for that!

Eshhhhhh!

2008-11-02T01:35:00.006-11:00

So, what time did your kids wake up this morning because of the blasted time change? Last night I said to Dean, "you know the whole spring forward, fall back thing doesn't really apply once you have a truckload of kids..." We both laughed. When we were in college, it was great...you would keep saying all night, "it's not 11pm, its only 10pm....we can stay out longer, and still get the same amount of sleep." Then we had the monkeys. Now, the whole "fall back", gain an extra hour thing, means diddly squat. All it means, is that your amazing, cute, adorable, perfect, quiet, wonderful kids (yes, I think I am delusional because of the early rise) look and sound like absolute hellions at 5:15am.....so, what time did your kids wake up this morning?

Halloween Spooks

2008-11-01T15:28:00.002-11:00

Pretty scary bunch, huh? Don't mess with them....

Quirky?

2008-10-23T01:55:00.002-11:00

Well....I was tagged by my blogger friend, Sara. I am supposed to list 7 quirky things about myself. Its a lot harder to think of quirky things about YOURSELF than it is to come up with them for others...lol! I had to have the help of my husband....

1. I cannot stand to have the windshield wipers going if there is not a constant drizzle of rain. The sound of them on a dry windshield about puts me over the edge.
I have been known to reach over and turn them off, in a strangers car, b/c I felt my blood pressure rising. (who doesn't realize that they are scratching on the windshield).

2. I cannot wear my hair down. It always is in a ponytail. I seriously have not worn it down in almost a year. Which, a year ago it was too short to put in a ponytail, but as soon as it got long enough it was up, and has been ever since.

3. I cannot stand the word, "moist". That word, even just typing it, gives me the heebie geebies. I have no reason for not liking it, just do not like the sound of that word.

4. I have to have sweet and sour sauce with my McDonalds fries, otherwise I will not eat them.

5. I have to have my kids nails clipped at all times. I am obsessed with not having any white on their nails....poor kids, they are going to fear the nail clippers someday, if they don't already.

6. I wear the same jewelry everyday. I wear my wedding ring, a silver band on the other hand, and the same earrings (small silver hoops) every single day....I lead a boring life, don't I...haha...this is not good for self-esteem to be doing this list!!

7. I have OCD when it comes to my teeth. I sub for an orthodontist, whom I worked for full time before Elli was born, then part-time till the twins were born, then I went to subbing for ever since. I am obsessed with having my teeth straight. I have had braces on 3 times in 10 years because of that. Hence the fact, that I now have braces on once again....why?, who knows why...b/c I have OCD, that's why.

Wedding!

2008-10-21T07:28:00.004-11:00

I have always said that I would never get into shooting weddings. Whole days away from the family, every single weekend of the summer, do not coordinate with how my family is at this given time. Then I had an old friend ask if I could shoot her wedding....I couldn't turn her down...although, I was not going to do it on my own....I had a little help from my amazingly talented friend, who basically was the sole photographer...I just got to tag along and shoot whatever my little heart desired. Well....here are some of what my heart desired. The wedding was beautiful, as well as the bride....it was at Kellogg Manor House in Kalamazoo, MI....an amazing location for a wedding...we had a great time. Lynell and I even got to shake our little booties a bit too!!

Family Pics

2008-10-14T06:25:00.004-11:00

Our attempt at family pictures. I suckered my neighbor into snapping a few of us last night. This family picture thing is harder than I thought. Not real easy to get all the kids looking or pulling some awkward, weird face.

Elli really wanted to do the "jumping" shot. So, this is our attempt at it....I think only Tessa is in mid-air....the rest of us look like.....who knows!

My Theory Holds True

2008-10-10T06:18:00.003-11:00

Ever since they were born, I have always said that my boy/girl twins switched sexual identities in the womb. Josie came out the loud, rambunctious, tomboy; while Thys came out docile, finicky about his appearance, soft-hearted, and cautious. They had library today at school....look what book Josie comes home with.....yes, one more reason I can add to my list that my theory is proving true.

As promised....

2008-10-06T10:31:00.003-11:00

As promised, pictures of the 4th child. Who, by the way, got all her hair chopped off today....so, these pictures are already outdated. Shhhh, don't tell daddy we paid a little visit to the beauty shop after school.

Holy Moly...Picture Overload...sorry!

2008-10-02T08:59:00.005-11:00

I was able to take some more photos of my kids using KBellaBambino's amazing clothes...I am way too lucky to have access to these. And yes everyone, leg warmers have made a comeback. I think I want to squeeze Tessa's legs in them too.

Not the prettiest of faces for Tessa, but look how stinkin cute this outfit is....

And of course, can't leave out the little man...

This picture is for Oma...."I finally got one of the twins for you Oma....one is in the mail and on the way to your house....how long did we try this....a year now?"

****disclaimer....I do have a 4th child, she just happened to be in school while the sun was out and the rain had stopped. We'll have to do some pics of just her coming soon....b/c the tooth fairy paid ANOTHER visit last night!

Fall Family Frenzy

2008-10-01T02:18:00.003-11:00

The frazzledness of fall frenzy is upon me.....

Holiday Cards

2008-09-30T07:18:00.004-11:00

I have some new holiday cards to offer. Here is a peek at what is coming...to see the others, click here. Just a reminder, all holiday card orders must be in by Dec. 1, 2008 in order to be received on time.

Simplicity

2008-09-30T05:17:00.003-11:00

Josie, while eating lunch...."Mom, can brothers and sisters marry eachother?"
Mom: "no"
Josie: "Why?"
Thys, whithout hesitation: "Because God said so."
Josie: no comment, back to eating her Mac & Cheese
Mom: no comment either....Thys said it all!!

Ahhh...I love simple answers.

Smart?

2008-09-17T07:29:00.004-11:00

If your going to do something this naughty, then for Heaven's sake, don't sign your name to the defiant act. Thinking if you sign it backwards, it will be like some secret code and mom won't be able to understand it. I don't claim to have the brightest kids on the planet.

kBellaBambino Designs

2008-09-11T02:27:00.002-11:00

I had the opportunity to do some website photos for an amazing designer....her clothes are so cute, I couldn't decide which one I liked the best. Everyone she brought out, was my new favorite. We had fun dressing up Tessa and her daughter, Anna. They were great models! And, this isn't even the half of it!!

Mass Chaos

2008-08-22T02:18:00.002-11:00

My friend Natalie came over the other day to get her kids pictures taken. She so graciously let my kids tag along....can we say mad chaos? For some reason, my kids were feeling left out and insisted on being in on some of their family pictures. Can you imagine actually having this many kids....YIKES!!

Cousins Rock!

2008-08-21T13:22:00.003-11:00

Who's A Pretty Girl?

2008-08-15T07:19:00.004-11:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Dean emailed me this today, and said it reminded him of me talking to the kids...not sure if that is a compliment or not? No wonder why I had kids peeing on my face when I changed their diapers....wouldn't you pee on an obnoxious creature like this too! Did I really sound like this?

Dress Up and Haircuts

2008-08-13T06:58:00.003-11:00

I guess it was dress up day in the neighborhood today. Don't you love how Snow White still sucks her thumb, and how her hair went from jet black to "snow white".

I was trying to get a good picture of Tessa's new haircut....the "big girl cut"....

But this is all she would give me.....lucky you!!

Wordle

2008-08-10T09:52:00.007-11:00

"Wordle".....a collaboration of random words found in my blog....a very random find while sitting on the couch last night web surfing.

Now if I could only figure out HTML in order to make it bigger....

Ahoy Captain

2008-07-24T07:23:00.002-11:00

Well, when one owns a "lake house", what is one to do, but to buy a "lake boat". And, when one owns a "poor man's cottage", what sort of "lake boat" is one to buy, but a "poor man's boat". So, in order to follow suit, we had to make a purchase.

We strapped that puppy right onto the top of the truck...

Hauled it to the lake, and set 'er up!

Set 'er in the water and started peddling 'er to 'er destination.

The hubby picked up a shipmate along the way.

The ships port, hopefully for many years to come.

And what's a girl to do, when mommy is too busy taking pictures, and daddy is in the water captaining a ship? She has to take matters into her own hands, and use what the good Lord gave her....a huge body of water.

Our other lake purchase....more on that later.

Sandy Pines Fun

2008-07-22T01:19:00.002-11:00

Anyone want to play with this group of "goggle nerds"?

I have absolutely no idea where she has learned those awesome moves.

Why the glasses.....my mother in law bought them for the kids yesterday, and for some reason they felt the need to wear them EVERYWHERE yesterday.

Remember getting flung like this when you were a kid?

This ended in a major belly flop.

Fishing

2008-07-20T15:07:00.006-11:00

Uncle Rob and Auntie Pam earned mega koodoe's today....they went fishing with the kids. Each kid caught a fish, minus Tessa. She was too busy running away from Scooter the dog.

"The best Uncle ever".....even better than donuts (That comment is for Dan, and Dan alone....please no obscene comments from the West side).

Scooter....the dog that Josie LOVES. (I think even more than me!)

Nuzzle time with daddy.

My husband, the fisherman....who dislikes fishing almost as much as he dislikes Obama.

Oh to be one of the big kids.

Our Lake House

2008-07-03T01:22:00.005-11:00

Here is just a tease.....you'll have to come visit to see the inside, water park, beach, pool, candy store, donut shop, coffee shop, ice cream store, flea market, pancake breakfast, Christmas in Aug., garage sale, indoor pool, picnic island, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, golf course, shuffle board, Vacation Land, kids drop off center, putt-putt golf course, gazillion playgrounds, and of course a golf cart ride for the whole family!!

Lake House

2008-07-01T07:01:00.002-11:00

We have been busy, hence the lack of blogging....where have we been? Well, here is a bit of a taste of our new "lake house" (haha). Those who are local, will know why I am laughing. No, we aren't 60 years old and retired. Believe it or not, there are plenty of younger "lakesters" than we are here. I always say, if you come to visit, you'll get sucked in. So visit with caution. Although, we would love you there!!

**Will post pictures tomorrow.....I know, you can't wait, can you?

High Expectations

2008-06-27T01:34:00.004-11:00

Elli and I were talking this morning. She was asking me about school and what grades you had to be in order to move up to the "next school".

Elli: "So, after 8th grade, I move up to high school?"
Me: "yup" (a mom of many words)
Elli: "And after high school, where do I go?"
Me: "After 12th grade, you go to college."
Elli" "And then what?"
Me: "Then you have to go to work."
Elli: "Oh, yea...I am going to go to collage to work at McDonalds!!" {said with the most excitement I have heard from her in weeks}
Elli: "And then if you and daddy come to visit me at McDonalds, I will give you food cheap."

Ok, so they say by the time your child graduates from college, you will have spent well over $100,000 on their education. Yippee, so now I will get a Happy Meal for $1.99 instead of $2.99. Do you think she will charge me extra if I want to upgrade to a milkshake with the Happy Meal, or just allow me the mini drink that comes with it?...which by the way, if so packed full of ice, that I honestly don't even think there is a drop of liquid even in the glass. We strive for high expectations around this house.

**this is not intended to disrespect any of those who have/had a job with McDonalds. If it weren't for you, my children would have never known the finer dining environment that McDonalds offers. And, we would have never had so many broken/useless toys sitting around our house as we do now!

Gotta Love Genes

2008-06-23T08:12:00.004-11:00

I love the fact that my kids acquired the "Dean's eye genes". I adore their blue/green sparkly eyes.

And no, I didn't have a 5th child while I was absent from my blog. This is just a little one year old I shot the other day, and she is WAY too cute to not show off!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T07:30:00.003-11:00

My kids have the best daddy EVER!!! And, I have the best daddy EVER as well. I have definitely been blessed to have been raised by an amazing Christian daddy. A dad who gave me unconditional love and affection. A dad who instilled fantastic morals and beliefs. A dad who, yet even this morning, tells me that I am beautiful!
I also am thankful for the wonderful father in law that God, so accurately, has placed in my life. A caring, loving, emotional, man, who has treated me as one of his own since day one. And most times, takes my side more than his own flesh and blood (Dean)! Ha
And now I see how amazing my own kids father is, and I once again, feel absolutely blessed that God has given me a husband who is instilling those same attributes into my children, that I cherish my dads for.
Happy Fathers Day to ALL of you!!

Bubbles = Summer

2008-06-13T15:08:00.002-11:00

Blonde Bombshell

2008-06-09T07:41:00.006-11:00

Hello....can this toe-head get any blonder? I can't even take her picture anymore, since the sun just reflects off her hair. And summer has only begun...holy smokes!

Pavlov's Dog

2008-06-06T07:43:00.004-11:00

I made a promise to myself that I would take more "impromptu" pictures of the kids this summer. I feel like I am jipping them in a way, by only taking set up pictures and not just random, everyday ones. My kids have sort of become "photographer kids". Every time the camera comes out, they immediately sit in a posed position, and smile automatically. I want them to look back on pictures when they are older, and not always see the "perfect" posed ones. So, I attempted to sneak the camera outside this morning and just take some of the kids playing in the grass. I felt like my camera is like Pavlov's Dog. A bell goes off when it comes out. The girls immediately crowded together and struck a pose. Ugg...I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Photos

2008-06-05T07:29:00.002-11:00

Well, I don't have a lot to say on the home front, so I thought I would share some pictures that I have taken recently that are my favorites. I don't say a whole lot about my photography on this blog, since I know the grandparents read this, and what grandparent wants to see all these pictures of other people's kids. But....my kids have been pretty boring lately. They are usually always dirty, or completely mis-matched since I am allowing them to take full reign of what they choose to wear. It is absolutely hilarious and hideous to see what they come up with. Complete winter attire when I know full well it is going to get to 80 degrees that day. Bathing suits at 8:30 in the morning. Snow White dress-up dress. The best lately....Tessa was wearing shorts and a tshirt, with one of Elli's bathing suits OVER the shorts and shirt. I tried really hard to persuade her to change this one, especially since I knew we were going grocery shopping in a few minutes...no luck....to the grocery store we went. She looked like an absolute goon!
Anyway, here are some complete strangers to fixate your eyes on! Cute strangers though!

My beautiful niece, Sophie...not a complete stranger!

hmmm...

2008-06-03T09:08:00.002-11:00

Hmmm...I'm still here, just have absolutely nothing to say.
It's raining right now, the kids are locked upstairs to prevent my insanity.
They were locked in the basement prior, to prevent the insanity this morning.
I hope you all know I am joking?....at least about the morning one...they are upstairs right now!
Just not locked. Although I did threaten that there would be no McDonalds tonight if they came down anytime within the next 2 hours!!
I hear our alarm clock blarring...and feet dancing.
Of course, there is the sound of fighting as well.
One little monkey just came down to tell me that another naughty monkey was putting lipstick on the ceiling fan, which hasn't been dusted in...hmmm...I won't say. This could be a truly disasterous mess.
I just heard a very loud thud, followed by a very loud "OUWWW".
I'm sure I will hear feet soon.
No, I still have not checked the lipstick smeared ceiling fan yet....I don't want to.
The oldest monkey is sliding down the stairs head first...that has to hurt. I have a feeling she is very bored, or lacking some brain cells.
She is followed by 3 more brain cell deprived monkeys.
And just like that, in a matter of 2 minutes, they are all down stairs.
They broke my rule!
One is crying...her hair got pulled.
One is whipping the other with a Nerf bat.
One is pushing the screen out of the window as she pushes her head harder and harder into it.
The last monkey is the one getting whipped in the face with the Nerf bat....and weirdly enough, she likes it. And even more weirdly (I know, not a word), I am allowing it to happen!!

A 2 minute glimpse into my life.

Flea Market

2008-05-26T13:35:00.002-11:00

I LOVE flea markets. I rarely go, since I have a husband who HATES flea markets. So, I treated myself to an area flea market this weekend. I came across this beloved chair for a whopping $10 !! Very old and distressed, but an amazing color, I do say myself. I had to try it out once I got it home, and guess who was the only monkey around?? Poor Tessa.

I love the fact that all I have to say is "tootie butt", and this monkey rolls in her chair every time.

Yup, "tootie butt".

And then, just like that, I am the lame mom who is SOOO boring.

Kiddo's

2008-05-23T02:10:00.004-11:00

Well, I thought it appropriate since I did an anniversary post yesterday, that I should post about what marriage will bring you as the years follow. As they say, "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes kiddo's in the baby carriage.". I rarely get pictures of all 4 kids together...for some reason, I don't think they like eachother. I don't know if I did something to initiate that or not. So, I had to resort to bribing. I had to bribe with a visit to the park. Not a bad compromise...seemed to work.
*Warning* loads of pictures to follow....

And apparently, I have one that doesn't like me a ton either. For some reason, Josie decided to give me the universal "Loser" hand gesture.

10 Years!

2008-05-22T05:35:00.002-11:00

Happy Anniversary to US!! Today is Dean and I's 10th wedding anniversary. Looking at these pictures, we look like babies. And we thought we were so mature..lol! I am so blessed. I have an amazing husband. He is an awesome companion, best friend, daddy, provider, etc...I hope 50 years from now, we are still celebrating out lives together!!

Random Thought

2008-05-21T06:18:00.004-11:00

Just a random thought I was thinking about this morning as I was cleaning our ever disastrous basement. Why is it that no matter where these little Polly Pockets are played with, they never get lost? In a house that is notorious for losing the opposing sock, why is it that something smaller than a penny always seems to pop up, but a sock {more than 10 inches long} vanishes? Anyone who has girls, knows that these Polly's are the tiniest things around....but, around our house, they seem to never get lost. Anyway...just something to ponder on this beautiful Wed. morning.

I heart SUMMER!!

2008-05-12T06:59:00.003-11:00

....and I think my kids do too!

I promise some pics of the others...they are just too busy being the social coordinators of the neighborhood to allow me to take their picture.

Does God Mess Up?

2008-05-10T01:33:00.002-11:00

My kids are really into asking philosophical questions lately. They have an infatuation with how great our God is. I love seeing and hearing the innocence in their voices, minds, and questions.
Last night, during dinner, all the kids were quizzing Dean and I on who God made.
"Did God make animals?"
YES
"Did God make plants?"
YES
You get the picture...this went on for awhile.
Then Elli decided to drop in the whole, "Did God make Satan?"
As soon as she asked this, I thought we were in for a long explanation.
So, all Dean said was, "Yes".
Elli's reply (which I am still laughing hysterical at):
"Did He mess up on that one?"

WARNING

2008-05-09T04:29:00.003-11:00

WARNING: having a 2 year old can cause substantial, and possibly permanent, stress to a mothers life. May also cause high blood pressure, heart attack, irritability, lack of sleep, hair loss, wrinkles, tremors, teeth grinding, extreme headaches, and possibly death at an early age. If you experience any of these symptoms, admit yourself into a psychiatric ward as soon as possible. Contact a therapist immediately.
These children can be corrosive--can produce deterioration of parents. If you come in contact with one, run away immediately, and call animal control. Due to their irritating nature, may be harmful to all present. They should be stored at a near freezing temperature, as to slow down their motor skills. Keep locked up so as other children do not come in contact and take on their traits and habits.

Cooties

2008-05-02T04:38:00.003-11:00

I am not quite sure whether I had a mental lapse moment, or if I actually just don't give a crap anymore. I am still trying to decipher between the two. Sometimes I think they run hand in hand. I am not a germ freak, but this gives me a bit of the willies.
We went to garage sales yesterday. I gave the kids each $1. This little turd spotted this big purple dinosaur a mile away and WANTED it!! I, on the other hand, tried to divert her attention onto other things. Wasn't going to happen. She fell in love at first sight. I gave in, hence the mental lapse/don't give a crap anymore. I promised I would never buy a stuffed animal from a garage sale. One, we have about 50 million here at home already. Second, I know what gets all over our stuffed animals at home (yogurt, spilled milk, snot, drool) why would I allow my children to smother in someone elses bodily fluids.

Happy as a clam.

That's right baby, get those lips on Johnny's snot from last years cold.

Eat it baby, eat it!

No turd, it's not funny. This mommy will have to wipe that snot off your face once you contract Johnny's snotty nose cold.

Wham, bam...contracted the virus....now off to smother in the dirt.

Fine Dining!

2008-04-30T02:55:00.004-11:00

Anyone who has been on a cruise, knows that you get to meet wonderful people each night as you fine dine. You are put, by random, with people you don't know for the entire length of your cruise each night for dinner. We definitely got put on the best table ever. These women, all from CA, were the best dining partners ever. Joanne, one of our dinner partners, sent this picture over to me, so I needed to include it. These woman deserve props for our wonderful trip. Every night, we closed down the dinner room. Our waiter had to tell us to leave because he had to get ready for the next round. Thank you guys for chatting and chatting with us every night. Thank you Donna for the advice every night on how to order!! Thank you ladies for being so amazing! And no, I have no idea why Dean is sitting like that....

Where Have I Been?

2008-04-29T07:11:00.003-11:00

Oh, you ask where I have been? Well, just been doing a little cruising!! YEAH! Dean and I had an awesome week with my brother and sister-in-law for the past 6 days. On the spur of the moment, for our 10 year anniversary, we decided to do a 5 day cruise with Dean's brother and his wife. None of us had ever been on a cruise before, so we were all rookies. It was so much fun, surprising my sister-in-law (she had no clue where she was going until about an hour from boarding the boat). We lounged and lounged and lounged. Our only port, was Cabo San Lucas. We spent the day there walking the beach and swimming in the water (well, the 3 of them swam, I waded..my fear of the ocean took over). Very relaxing....highly recommended to rejuvenate and refresh!!

Our boat---the Carnival Elation

Cabo locals selling their goods.

My lovely brother and sister-in-law...our faithful cruising companions!

Can You Forgive Me?

2008-04-14T14:10:00.003-11:00

Dean's peace treaty for burning my rocking chair. The secret to a girls heart, flowers, and more importantly....Starbucks!

Attention!!

2008-04-13T09:05:00.002-11:00

This is for all you 4, almost 5, year old girls. This little stud is available....but not for another 15 years. You'll just have to be patient...good things come to those who wait. Oh yeah, and you would have an awesome mother-in-law too by the way!! (haha).

Couldn't Resist

2008-04-11T06:43:00.009-11:00

I was riding down the road, and I saw this sign. I couldn't resist changing it up a bit.

And one of my little urban model.

Gasp!!

2008-04-10T08:06:00.004-11:00

I seriously do not know how I ever let her out of the house looking like this. It may have been my lack of coffee this morning, which in turn contributes to my lack of awareness. I loaded them all in the car to make a visit to the mall. (I know, your all cringing right now...). As we were half way there, I looked back in the truck, b/c Josie was making the most awful singing noises (not unlike her, so I think God was trying to prepare my eyes before I reached the mall). And much to my gasping and heart stopping....I saw the most funky, elaborate, uncoordinated thing in my life...along with every faux pas known to man. Here she was, in cheetah shoes with hot pink Valentine heart socks, grease stained sweatshirt material brown capri's, a totally different shade of hot pink shirt, jean jacket that is WAY too short for her long torso, a suede brown headband with obnoxious flowers all over, and 2 pigtails that stick straight out of the side of her head, that have been in since yesterday morning. And there she sat, happy as a clam. And there I sat, not willing to turn around and go back home to change her. We did it. We went to the mall, and we walked around like nothing was the matter. I acted totally oblivious to the fact that my child looked like a dirty little rat that just came out of an 80's video.

I am a blustering mess!

2008-04-08T14:51:00.003-11:00

Ahhh....big exhale. Tonight was bittersweet. I never thought I would be emotional about things like this. But, it had to happen. She (and he) have been asking for months to have new beds. I think it was ME who was prolonging the inevitable. So, tonight we DID IT!!

All 3 girls have slept in this crib. It has been up, and never taken down, for 5 years now. When we moved into our house 5 years ago, Elli was 15 mo. old. I was 7 mo. pregnant with the twins and at that point we knew Elli needed to be put in a big girl bed within the next 2 mo. since I was not going to have 3 cribs in one house. So, the day we moved into this house, was the day Elli started in a big girl bed. A few weeks later we put this crib back up, along with a 2nd one for Thys, and it has been up ever since. I remember the night we put it back up anticipating the twins. As Dean set it up in their room I sat on the floor, big as a whale, and was having the hardest time deciding about which baby I was going to let sleep in the "nice" bed, since the other crib we had was an old one I had bought at a garage sale. Ultimately, I thought that the "girl" twin should sleep in it, since Elli being a girl, had slept in it previously. I know....it's the only way I could justify not showing favoritism.

Josie slept in it until about 2 weeks before Tessa was born, when she moved into her big girl bed now. My kids couldn't even give me a nice smile while I was wiping away tears behind the camera. They were complaining about why they had to stop watching some tv show to stand in a crib, while their mommy cried and literally wanted to stop daddy with every screw he was screwing out. Someday, they will get all sappy about it....right?

And now Tessa's new big girl bed....if you look close, you can almost see her peeking out. I know, she is too little for a bed that size right? I should have never done it, she needs the comfort of a bed her size for a bit longer. She can't be old enough yet for this.....will this scar her? Will she grow up thinking that this world is just too big for her lonely little soul?

The big man himself, in the bed and bedroom he has been talking about for years. Well, not really years since he is only 4 and didn't really comprehend the whole bed thing until about age 3, and then didn't even want to be separated from his sisters until about 3 mo. ago...so, he has been talking about this bed and bedroom for umm.. about 3 mo. (How do you like that for a run on sentence!!).

Ok, and then to top it all off....my nasty husband (I say that with every term of endearment left in me)....I need to add that in there, since I need to blame someone for my emotional state right now, decided to burn the rocking chair that I have rocked all my babies in the middle of the night in. Let me clarify this, since I don't really want you all to think that I have the nastiest husband out there (although, I could put up a good argument right now--he is going to tell me I am throwing him under the bus again). This rocking chair has been falling apart for a few years now, but again, I needed to hold onto it. Too many memories of rocking those little babes in the middle of the night. Projectile vomit splattering on it, and me being too tired to clean it up. I can do it in the morning...to never do it, to find it completely dried up 2 weeks later. It had a little creak, that only I could eliminate at 2am. I knew exactly how to rock in it, so that it never creaked, as to not wake the baby once they had drifted off to never never land. So, tonight, since I was already a blustering mess, I decided to allow Dean to get rid of it. I knew the garbage man was coming tomorrow, so I asked Dean if he could take it apart and put it in the garbage can. Next thing I knew, he was coming up the back hill with a gasoline can in his hand. WHAT!!! What are you doing with that? He tells me he is burning the rocking chair I have rocked, nursed, cleaned vomit, and poop off of for 6 years. All I asked was for him to nicely place it in the garbage can for the nice garbage man to throw gently into the nice blue garbage truck tomorrow morning, hopefully before I roll out of bed to see it all happening. Instead, I have this raging fire in my back yard right now.

And to top it all off, all 4 kids wanted to watch it burn. No, "thanks mom for rocking us it for hours upon hours", "thanks for nursing me and keeping me alive for 6mo in the middle of night in it", "thanks mom for cleaning up my vomit while my tummy hurt because you decided to eat those extra spicy burritos tonight", no, I got nothing. I got nothing but a little turd who couldn't run fast enough to watch the sentimental rocking chair burn, that she fell flat on her face while running down the hill to get a better look.

Recent Gig!

2008-04-07T09:29:00.004-11:00

Recent gig. See, I have to photograph other peoples kids in order to get smiles instead of wacky faces. These kids are way too cute.

Pictures Like This Make My Heart Melt

2008-04-05T07:56:00.002-11:00

My favorite is Tessa's little pig-tail sticking out. Too cute!!

Super Freak...super freaky!!

2008-03-31T07:40:00.003-11:00

Do you want to know why I haven't blogged lately? I think the pictures show it. My kids have ultimately banned me from taking their picture. I think they had a secret meeting one day and decided that whenever I take out the camera, they would make the most absurd, awful, insanely freakish faces so I would give up and put the camera away. Uggg! My kids are complete freaks of nature. Even bribing with candy doesn't work anymore. Oh how sorry they'll be someday when they go to put that wedding video together and all their pictures have their tongues sticking out or their eyeballs bugging out of their heads. And, there I will sit saying, "I told you so...."

Easter

2008-03-22T14:07:00.006-11:00

Happy Easter everyone. I am so incrediably thankful that I know that this day is not all about bunnies, baskets, eggs, candy, and frilly girly dresses. This day, many thousands of years ago, changed my life forever.

Another One Bites The Dust

2008-03-17T09:10:00.005-11:00

Look what we lost this weekend!!!

It's Official

2008-03-14T08:10:00.006-11:00

Well, I took the plunge. I am now the proud owner of a spankin' new website. I feel so "professional". Take a peek, and tell me what you think!! I welcome any constructive criticism (spelling errors, gramatical errors--I promise I won't take them personally), since all this computer stuff is quite over my head.

Wow!

2008-03-05T15:08:00.003-11:00

I totally want to eat this little girl up!!--literally (sorry Janine). How stinkin' cute is she! I just had to share these, b/c as I am sitting here editing these pics, I can't quit smiling. She is way too adorable.
And...her big brother is one handsome man too!
This picture cracks me up. How many times, as moms, have we all felt like this picture. One child screaming bloody murder, and the other chained to our leg like a bowling ball.

My Evangelist

2008-02-27T10:52:00.002-11:00

Every couple of days, we have to do a major book sweep in the kids rooms. I keep most of their books upstairs, and for some reason they always find their way under the kids beds. Well, I have tried before to climb under there to get them, and have gotten stuck (although it could have been because I was 9 months pregnant at the time, and a little horizontally challenged), so I now send them under the beds to retrieve all the books that have been swept under. Today we did the sweep.

As Thys was under his bed grabbing all the books and whipping them out at me to put back in the bookshelf, all of a sudden he shouted: "MOM!!! I FOUND GOD!!"

.....and out he whipped a kids Bible.

Grown Up Boogies

2008-02-26T08:18:00.004-11:00

Elli: (said to mom while driving in the car) "Mom, do grown ups have boogies too?" (aka: boogers, snot...)

Mom: "Umm... (taken back) yeah, why?"

Elli: "Because why don't I ever see you picking yours?"

Whewww...so glad I haven't gotten caught yet.

Love Affair

2008-02-25T02:11:00.002-11:00

These two have a complete love affair with eachother--at least this week--who knows what next week will bring.

This last picture is almost creepy to me. I feel like she looks exactly like I do. Anyone else?

Have a good weekend

2008-02-22T16:30:00.003-11:00

This little girl is legitimately sick, the others are just sick in the head! Have a good weekend!

Learning and Munching

2008-02-21T10:54:00.005-11:00

A few weekends ago, I went to a photography workshop hosted by Elite Photography & Design.

I learned a ton, and felt like I have a better grasp of using my camera now. Here is a picture I took of one of the models they let us practice on. Too cute!! I want that couch by the way!

And these have been a killer for me. This is the outcome of a boring afternoon, turned into a trip to Costco, turned into purchasing a HUGE bag of M & M's, turned into munching on these all day long, turned into many fights with the kids stealing them out of the cupboard.

Meet Thys

2008-02-15T05:06:00.002-11:00

And finally, lets hear it for the boy!! I am finding this a bit mondane, so I reasked Thys some new questions to help with your boredom as well. If your still totally bored, then its your fault for continuing to read them. Again, click on "Thys' Song" for a little background music while you read:

1. What is your big, big name: Thys Daniel Vink

2. When is your birthday? Sept. 5 (same thing his twin sister said--hmmm)

3. What year were you born in? Aug. (now why do you get the month you were born right here, but not in the one above?)

4. What pet would you like to have someday when you are really old and you can take care of it and pay for it and mommy doesn't have to do a thing with it? sea turtle

5. What is your favorite food? pickles (makes me pick them off his McDonalds hamburger everytime he has one--)

6. What is your job going to be when you get older? house builder

7. How much money will you make doing that? 8

8. Where would you like to go on your honeymoon for a vacation? Great Wolf Lodge (ladies, line up at the door, b/c this stud is going to show you the honeymoon of your life)

9. Who is your favorite sister? all of them (they are all sitting next to him listening, and he knows he will get the crap beat out of him if he didn't say that answer)

10. What is one thing daddy has, that you want when you are a daddy? pennies (just wait till you read the next question and answer)

11. What is on thing mommy has, that you want someday? dollars (ha, ha, I win!!)

12. What are your favorite clothes? This (pointing to his red jogging suit that is really a girls that I bought at a garage sale last summer. I took home a bunch of clothes for the girls that day, and none for Thys. He broke down in a fit that i didn't get him anything, so I threw the first thing I could haul out of the bag at him, and from then on he wears it and thinks it is his--I will not let him out of the house in it--total fairy looking)

13. Do you like Barbies or Pretty Ponies better? I'm not going to do that one. Why? I want to answer boy things.

14. Do you like army men or Transformers better? Transformers

15. What is your favorite restaurant? Monkey Rest. (there is this podunk restaurant down the road from us, that we go to b/c it is always completely empty, so the kids can be---"them"--there is a rockin' dance floor and stage there, that the kids dance on. One time Dean told the kids that there were monkeys behind the curtain on the stage--they freaked out--we had to leave. From then on, it is now referred to as the Monkey Rest.)

16. What is your favorite movie? Spirit (has watched it at least 50 times)

17. If you had to choose, would you rather have to lose a leg or an arm? Mommmm....what? ok, an arm, b/c then I could still walk. Brilliantly thought out son.

18. Would you rather walk down the sidewalk with a dog or an old lady? a dog, b/c it would lick me. (an old lady might too)

19. If mommy and daddy didn't name you Thys, what do you wish your name would have been? Derek (ha, that makes me laugh)

20. What is your favorite thing about your teacher? she hands out the snack (again, paying $2,000 for this folks)

21. What is your favorite thing about being a boy? playing football

Meet Josie

2008-02-13T10:53:00.006-11:00

Wow, this whole interview your child thing has really taken off. I didn't know I came up with such a great idea!! I love reading all about your kids, and I hope you aren't finding mine too boring. I am glad I have given you SAHM's something to do for 1/2 hour of your day!! So with all do respect, I introduce my wild child, maniac, too funny, off the wall, spitting image of her father......Josie Leigh: (oh yeah, new song in the upper right corner, for a new child...hit it!!)

1. Favorite color: black (wohhh...gothic?)

2. Favorite food: granola bar (and a tree hugger too yet)

3. Favorite thing to do with mommy: go to the park

4. Favorite thing to do with daddy: take a walk to the sand dunes (ok, b/c we live about 1/2 hour from any sand dunes.)

5. Favorite thing to play: bike (schwins or Harleys...according to #1, I question if she means Harleys)

6. Favorite think to do in school: play with blocks (I pay $2,000 a year in tuition to do something at school that you call "boring" at home?)

7. Favorite clothes: pink heart sweatsuit (yes, she wears this until it can stand up on its own)

8. Birthday: Sept. 5 (beep...Aug. 5---I will give it to you though, since at least you had the number correct)

9. Age: 4

10. Which sibling do you like the best and why?: Thys, because he's cool

11. What do you want to be when you grow up: a painter (a painter?)

12. If you could drive anything, what would you drive? motorcycle (see, she has Harley Babe written all over her)

13. Would you rather have a kitty or a lion for a pet: lion (guarentee she is the only girl that would choose a lion over a cute little kitty)

14. Favorite tv show: WonderPets

15. Favorite song: Every Move I Make (on my Harley...)

16. Favorite thing to do in the summer: ride my bike (oh, and can she ever ride it...we cringe when we see her come flying down the hill on the sidewalk no handed--yikes!)

17. How much money are you going to make when you grow up: $15 (won't buy you a Harley honey)

18. How many kids are you going to have: 1 (she is concerned with population growth--nice nuclear family.)

19. How many bedrooms will your house have then: 7 ( not on $15 a year honey)

20. Who are you going to marry?:I'm not doing that one...(ok then)

21. Who will you live by when you grow up: myself (yup, can't argue with that one)

Meet Tessa

2008-02-11T08:41:00.000-11:00

First things first---I did not dress her in this outfit--it was all her. After I saw her, I immediatly thought of the song to your right. You must push play at the top right hand column( "Tessa's Song") and listen to this oldie while you read up on Tessa!!

1. Favorite color: ummm...pink (only color she even knows the word to--but cannot distinguish between pink or any other color out there--so, of course this would be her answer).

2. Favorite food: ummm...french fries (never has liked them since she was born).

3. Favorite thing to do with mommy: ummm...glove (glove what??? )

4. Favorite thing to do with daddy: walk (first one she hasn't lied about yet)

5. Favorite thing to play: colors (if you consider eating them play, then ok)

6. Favorite think to do in school: play (beeeep...wrong answer, your only 2)

7. Favorite clothes: this (said pointing to the stained, 3 hand me downs later, white onsie that is now gray).

8. Birthday: one (one what?)

9. Age: 2 (hallalujeah...my child is gifted, just as I thought).

10. Which sibling do you like the best and why?: Thys (only said this, b/c Thys is sitting right next to her and mommy encouraged her to say this so that mommy didn't have to listen to Thys cry for the next 10 hours about how Tessa loves so and so more than him)

11. What do you want to be when you grow up: Tessa (aww..my daughter is so comfortable

with who she is and so sure of herself at 2 yrs old)

12. If you could drive anything, what would you drive? horse (not a bad answer, since we do live in Dorr)

13. Would you rather have a kitty or a lion for a pet: kitty

14. Favorite tv show: Tubbles (I think that was meant to be Tubbies, as in Teletubbies, which I despise, so why would I even put it on for her--she maybe has watched it once)

15. Favorite song: Loves Me ("Jesus Loves Me"---my good CRC girl)

16. Favorite thing to do in the summer: slide (we own 2 swings, but no slide)

17. How much money are you going to make when you grow up: 2 ( oh boy)

18. How many kids are you going to have: 2 (I have a feeling she is not hearing my questio

ns and things I keep asking her how old she is)

19. How many bedrooms will your house have then: 2 (see what I mean??)

20. Who are you going to marry: mommy (who wants to explain this to her??)

21. Who will you live by when you grow up: Harry (she is looking out the window and saw the neighbor, Harry, pull in his driveway).

Meet Elli

2008-02-08T02:12:00.000-11:00

Yesterday, we were bored again....so, we decided to interview eachother. And, since you guys are my outlet for that half hour everyday, you are the lucky recipients of the outcomes of these interviews. Who knows, you may find that you have a lot of things in common with one of my children, and you'll want to come and pick them up from me one day and spend an ENTIRE day with them, away from me!! I really won't mind--anytime. So, since we are on an Elli kick here lately, I will begin with her:

1. Favorite color: blue

2. Favorite food: lasagna, because we had it when my teacher was here for dinner.

3. Favorite thing to do with mommy: going to McDonald's (hmm..mommy just sits there and drinks a mocha latte while you play on the playland...quality time)

4. Favorite thing to do with daddy: going out for breakfast on Saturdays (do I scence a trend with food here)

5. Favorite thing to play: American Girl Doll (yeah right, you just got it yesterday)

6. Favorite think to do in school: Math (come on child, your only in kindergarten--what happened to the recess answer.)

7. Favorite clothes: butterfly shirt (I don't even think she owns one--never seen it before).

8. Birthday: Feb. 6 (shares this with Ronald Reagan)

9. Age: 6 (going on 16)

10. Which sibling do you like the best and why?: Tessa, because she is cute (and maybe because she can't talk, or play with your toys, or boss you around, or beat you up, or blah blah blah--although I feel the same way about her at times!!)

11. What do you want to be when you grow up: teacher, because I like kids (awww...what kid doesn't want to be a teacher at the ripe old age of 6)

12. If you could drive anything, what would it be: a racecar (holy smokes--ok)

13. Would you rather have a kitty or a lion for a pet: a lion

14. Favorite tv show: iCarly (I honestly don't think she has ever watched it--maybe saw a commercial for it, but she is lying here)

15. Favorite song: High School Musical--"Start Of Something New" (come on...as a mom, I was hoping for Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves the Little Children...but High School Musical--gag)

16. Favorite thing to do in the summer: ride my bike

17. How much money are you going to make when you grow up: $15.00 in pennies (remind me to never come asking you for money when my social security runs out)

18. How many kids are you going to have: 9 (double holy smokes!! This grandma is going to escape to Florida for sure)

19. How many bedrooms will your house have then: 11

20. So why 11 bedrooms if you only have 9 kids: me and my husband are going to sleep in different bedrooms, so mine can be pink (LOL--all I have is a big laugh on that one)

21. Who are you going to marry: George (totally random, unless you consider her Opa's name is George, but that would be a little creepy.)

22. Who will you live by when you grow up: my grandma (good, b/c this grandma will be in Florida trying to get away from your 9 kids)

All American Dream

2008-02-07T10:40:00.000-11:00

Elli recieved her most treasured birthday gift last night. She has been gazing for months and months at the American Girl Doll magazine that randomly found itself in our mailbox months ago. One night, Dean heard Elli talking to Josie on the couch while browsing through the catalog.

Josie: Elli, do you want one for your birthday?"

Elli: Oh, I won't ever get an American Girl Doll, mommy and daddy aren't rich enough to get me one."

That was the clencher. Dean had to show her that her daddy was RICH!! Oh how great it feels to be the richest family in the world in your daughters eyes.

Birthday Wishes

2008-02-06T03:25:00.000-11:00

Elli started her day out this morning crying, because she could "never in my entire life" be 5 again. The older I get, the more I want to cry and use that same excuse!

Happy Birthday Elli!! You are such a joy to have in our family. Who would have ever thought you would have turned into such a laid back, go with the flow 6 year old, when as a baby you were anything but....You have turned into such a "grown up" girl. You amaze daddy and I with your ability to recall things from years ago--very good memory. And, you are one of the kindest kids I know--although I compare you to the 3 other monkeys around, who can be very psycotic. You love your brother and sisters so much and show it so often. You are such a pleaser, and love to help me do almost anything your little hands allow--I LOVE IT!! I praise God that he has allowed us to be your parents for 6 whole years. I praise God for your caring, gentle spririt that he has instilled into your cutie self. Your amazing!!

Love,

Mommy

Again....

2008-02-05T14:14:00.000-11:00

We'll just say this post if for the grandma's, and anyone else who likes to see my kids ALL the time. I apologize for those of you who log onto my blog to read some whitty horror story of what my life is like with 4 kids, only to find pictures of my children post after post. And half naked kids at that--can you start to see the trend here with Tessa's pictures? I told you she would prefer to be naked than clothed--a little something I think she inherited from her daddy!! (just kidding honey--actually, no I'm not--I don't lie). You see, my life is now what I consider--boring--. I am bored, my kids are bored--doesn't make for a good combo. We literally sat around all day today just looking at eachother. I guess boring is a good thing right--no major catastrophies, no running around with our heads cut off, no drama. Our days consist of driving to school and back, with kids music playing in the background, and mommy still contimplating running the car off the road while I hear the shrieking sounds of pre-pubecent voices cracking and wonder how these kids ever got a music deal. Mommy stopping at Starbuck's WAY to often, to reward myself for......umm....just reward myself--who needs a reason, right!!! Making lunches--which seem to rotate between only 3 different items now since the kids have totally eliminated anything that doesn't have processed meat in it, or doesn't crunch like a potato chip. Yes, we believe in healthy eating around here! Ha! This leaves us with hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and chips, maybe cheese curls. Then we start to stare at eachother again, until I finally take out the camera. You see, I need to take these pictures day after day, just so that my kids don't stare too long at my face and start to point out every blemish and wrinkle that I have acquired since their birth. And then, I need to share these pictures with all of you, because well it takes some time to post and edit them, which gives me something to do for about half hour. You see, you are allowing me to spice up my day a bit by taking time to share these with you. And of couse, I believe they are the cutest darn things ever, even though you think yours are cuter--you do, don't you--don't lie!! So, just flatter me--let me post picture after picture, let me take that half hour out of my day, away from having staring contests with the kids. You'll be doing me a huge favor!!