stuff

Okay, that video will give you nightmares, so its time to move on from it! Next week is FINALLY the last week of school. It seems like it is never going to get here! But, I won't get into all that. I did want to share a few things that Annika has said the past few weeks:

"Mom, don't worry, I put the rugs back in my shoes. They just fall out when I take my shoes off!"

"Why did you have to fire the worms?" Explanation....we had two tent worm nests in our front trees. I remember in my younger days we would find a nest and cut it out of the tree and then torch it. I was having a "moment" on Monday, so I cut them down and took a lighter to them. I remember the worms crawling out and screaming as they would shrivel up and die. Sounds horrible, so why was it so fun? After being not so successful, it was a really windy day, I took a can of Scrubbing Bubbles to them. I learned the other day after running out of wasp spray that the Scrubbing Bubbles works quite well. Both are foamy and toxic and got the job done! Anyway, a few worms were left on the driveway and the next day Annika saw them and said, "Mom, why did you have to fire all these worms?!" Yes, worms, YOU ARE FIRED.

Today is another cold, rainy day. Summer is just having a hard time getting here. We went to the Aquarium last weekend....very fun. :) And now, this week my parents come down for Alaina's dance recital and Friday my mom and I take Amy to NYC for her 30th birthday. Watch us on Good Morning America Monday morning, the 15th! My mom and I are more Today people, but not Amy. So, I guess she wins out being it is her birthday trip!

I'll post some pictures later along with the other Annika quotes that I forgot at the moment! I guess fried mommy brains are a real thing....right now I have to go feed the kids!

Secret Drama!

I know, its been awhile! But, I think I'm back. :) For one, we got a new computer this week, so we can FINALLY download pictures and videos with ease. Yay for that. So, tonight Tim downloaded everything from our old camera. The kids would take it and video themselves. Let me tell you, they can get very creative and it really is funny to watch. We just watched a few and I am just dying of laughter. This one is my favorite....so far. Its kind of freaky, in a way! But, Alaina is so good at "the look"....I didn't know she practiced it on the sly!

A couple weeks ago we were eating dinner. Not even paying attention to Issy, Erik says, "Mom, why did you give Issy ketchup?" Well, I did't mean to! I guess I just put it on everyone's plate. And, she didn't mind! I think she liked it.

Packer Girl

Issy's red curls and big round face are just too cute for words.

Friday

On Friday Bob and Shirley took my kids. Amy, Mom, and I headed down to Green Bay. It always gets a little crazy with the 3 of us. We met "Auntie" Colleen at Margaritas. Too fun. Its been 23 years since we've really seen each other! The memories flood back....I was only Alaina's age when she was around. She taught me to cross stitch and she was always so creative. I remember hanging out with her while mom and dad were in Mexico pleading with her to stop sewing! I would love to have her abilities! Maybe when my kids are a little older my sewing machine will come back from hiding in the back of my closet. I have missed her so much over the years, so a night out was fun.

I hope I posted the right one! The others with Mom in Amy did not look good (so she thought) so I was told not to post them!

After dinner we headed back to MI. Leave it to mom to get crazy on us. When I picked her up it was kind of rushed to get to Amy's on time, so I just had her bring me a snack so I wouldn't pass out on the way down! She brought many. On our way home, she was missing out sitting in the WAY back of Amy's van. There was so seat, except Vincenzo's, in the middle so she just sat on the floor. Well, she sat on my snack bag. Oh the laughs and giggles started. If you know my mom you can probably hear her through the computer!

We're back....

I know....its been awhile. People have been reminding me! But, I'm back now. Do you ever feel like you are just going and going and going but not getting anywhere? It seems to me that it is always Monday and Friday. The weeks fly by so fast that it is almost scary! Oh if the days could just slow down a little bit! So, I'll just begin where I left off.

We had a really fun time in Michigan last week for Spring Break. A little bit chilly, but it was just too fun. And, I do need to say that it was a very easy week. The kids were so good and just went with the flow. We were all together everyday, except Friday when they all went to Papa Bob and Nana Shirley's. They swam in the hot tub pretty much every day, played games, colored, and played with Ben. Ben is the new "outside" puppy at my mom's. He is WAY TOO CUTE and FUN! I'm not really a dog person, but I just really like him. And, the older Erik gets the more I realize he is a country boy. All he needs is a place to run and a dog to run with him!






Along with Ben, the kids got to talk to the horses. They were all sleeping in the far corner of the pasture. My mom whistled and they got up and came trotting. Erik ran out to meet them and some how got them all in a line. It was too funny. The kids loved on them for a little while and the horses were in heaven. They love the attention and the kids just laugh!

Line 'em up! Nice job, E!


We always laugh at Erik....he can never just sit by you, he has to be on you! He lays on Issy...she gets mad. But, he found two "things" that do not get mad when he lays on them! Buck and Ben. See...he is SOOO country!



Chuck and Annika were bonding.

And, more bonding!

Can you hear the giggles through the computer?!


Buck...what a sweetie!


Annika was loving it!


We had a fun few days. I'll write more later....promise! I have all the picture number written down so I can easily download. But, for now, I have to go watch Fireproof with Tim. This week is HUGE. Tuesday we pick up Ryan in Gurnee, Wednesday we pick up Auntie Shirley and Uncle Jaan at the airport (!!!!), Thursday the Speziale van drives down FULL of people (Pupsi, Nana Bev, Amy, Vince, Caleb, Vincenzo, and Chloe! But, the best part is Tim, me, Amy, and Vince are heading out on Friday for the Weekend to Remember Marriage conference here in Chicago. We are leaving all 7 kids behind! :) I have been wanting to go to this conference for about 7 years. And, FINALLY!! I am so excited. I can say that Tim is not so much...especially now that he realized he is going to miss the big Basketball game on Saturday, but he'll get over it!

Alaina's tooth.

Yay! Its out! Well, its been out for a little while, but I'm just now getting these online! What an ordeal....but its done. :)