Our Family

Eli's Field Trip

2010-05-28T07:29:00.001-07:00

Eli went to a park/farm for his field trip. He woke me up that morning in his full Woody outfit, but since it was almost 90 degrees out He just kept his vest and hat on!

Our April and May

2010-05-28T07:07:00.001-07:00

This picture will haunt them forever, but I LOVE IT!!!Hannah being Hannah!
Ramiah being Ramiah!
Eli being Eli!

Hannah and Ramiah got their ears pierced. Ramiah did hers about a week before Hannah though. Hannah does not deal with pain well..... we will leave it at that. But after she saw Ramiah do it she could not have that and ended up getting hers done. I was proud of her. She said she got so nervous she almost backed out but decided to be brave, and she only cried for about 10 seconds after I told her it was okay if she needed to. They both are doing great with them. Aunt Marianna got Ramiah's for her birthday, but unfortunately these two old ladies did them uneven. I will eventually take one out and have it close up probably, but for now she loves them to much to do that to her.

Ramiah's first hair cut!

It was getting so hard to do, so we decided to cut about 3 inches off.
You don't realize how long it really is with all the curl.

Eli's Graduation from Preschool!

2010-05-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Eli's Graduation!

So glad Hannah looks so thrilled for her brother. At least she put the double thumbs up for him.

The ones in his class that graduated. Yea the face was Eli's idea and only his best friend decided to follow in his foot steps.

Eli and His Best Friend

Getting his Diploma! Walking across the stage, which he walked up turned around and walked back down the same way he came up.... I guess that still counts.
The sweet three!

Snow Day!

2010-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Our snow fort! Try not to be jealous!!!

Birthday and snow... I will spare you all from the sickness pictures this January has brought to us.

2010-01-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

Pictures of Eli's birthday Party. We had a Diego Polar Bear Hunt. I think the kids had a lot of fun. It was crazy, with 6 boys running around, but so much fun for them.

Eli and his best bud. Eli just had to get these crazy glasses for his friends.
One of the things at the party were making polar bear masks, these are some of the boys with them on.
Diego cake! I can't believe he is 5 already!

outside for the first time in the snow this year.

Our December

2010-01-22T07:09:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas....

Eli and his best friend him at Preschool

THE KIDS BEING FUNNY!

Hannah and her Brownie troop

2009-11-06T17:06:00.001-08:00

YES that is a REAL LIVE Tarantula!

Hannah and her troop with Bunnies all in blankets like their baby.

Hannah with some huge snake... now I would not come near that thing, not even a feel.

Baby alligator. The lady did mention that if you did not hold it just so it would bite and make you bleed, but she still held it... not me!

This fall

2009-11-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Trunk-or- Treat at church.

We had fun making our apples!

The kids in their Halloween costumes. Hannah is a rock star again and Ramiah is an angel of course and you can see what Eli finally decided on.
Dad took Eli hunting. Eli called him and asked if he would take him to get a deer. I was actually glad when they left with only deer calls, and no guns!
Walking back from his first hunting experience.

Mom turned 60!

The Hayride at the Cocco's!A little to much fun with Hannah's wig. Does not take much for the Cocco fam...

Ramiah out in the leaves.

I got purple highlights...

Ramiah just being silly in Shannon's socks
Hannah had a lemonade sale for her sponsored child in Ethiopia.

Zoo

2009-09-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share these cute pictures of the Zoo this summer.
Hannah's head is inside of a polar bear scull.
Eli as the Dinosaur hunter.

Ramiah poses as a frog!

First day of school

2009-09-08T10:01:00.001-07:00

Eli and one of his best buds out front of their new preschool.
Hannah and Eli.... Hannah you can see the nerves and Eli is all about fun times!

Eli was so excited this morning he could not stand still for any pictures!

He cried when I picked him up though... was not ready to leave! I was really feeling the love. I would much rather have it this way then Hannah, which cried for the first 3 months of preschool.

My Birthday

2009-08-17T07:52:00.001-07:00

Busy at Bedtime!

2009-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

So Ramiah can get out of bed now! Unlike the other two when they get out of bed they come right to us, but Ramiah is smart she has learned when you go to mom and dad they just put you back in bed... Now she is getting Eli involved!
It is 10pm and we heard Eli crying. Shannon went and laid in our bed with him and was finding all kinds of stuff in the bed and started throwing it out, and decided to get up and look to see what it was. That is when he discovered my make up bag and permanent markers in bed! He brought him to me and we discovered his face and body was colored. He said Ramiah did it.... well I went to check her out and this is how I found her. Our sheets are just covered with marker and make up and not to mention my make up is mostly destroyed!
WE both agreed it was better to find it at night so we could be appropriately angry in the morning without laughing. I am sure I will have to use Shannon's mom's saying she had to use on him, "I may be laughing , but your still in trouble"
The joys of raising kids!

Our Tree

2009-06-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well here is the results of the crack in the tree.
For those of you that don't know a few years ago in a bad ice storm a large chunk of our tree fell and over time it has just been getting worse and worse. This past week Shannon heard a pop sound and looked up and saw a crack starting that was endangering our neighbors house.

Poor Eli

2009-06-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2009 at 9:00p.m I became a mom on a whole new level!
The first broken bone....A fractured clavicle.

Eli was asleep in his single high twin bed with a bed rail and still managed to fall out directly on his right ear and right shoulder. Shannon and I were just sitting watching a movie and heard the thundering thud from downstairs. Poor guy was in so much pain we had called the neighbor and was into the ER within 20 minuets. Eli is a really tough kid and when he screams in pain you know he is hurt. After eternity in the ER HALLWAY he was wheeled down to X-ray and he was really excited to get pictures taken of his bones. They made me stay out in the hall and wait, which I am still insulted about but I will get over it eventually.
After many pictures he was wheeled out and the first thing he says to me, "They took pictures of my clavicle mom!" I think my first words were, "wow well that's a new word." I looked at Shannon and he said, "Collar bone." (I'm so smart)
So the x-ray tech told me how brave he was and that it was a definite brake. My heart sank.
After 4 hours in ER we were sent home. Eli slept in my bed with me and poor Shannon had to get up in 3 in a half hours for church so he slept in the basement. Eli had a hard time all night finding a comfortable position, but before he went to sleep I heard him talking, so I leaned as close as I could to hear what he was saying and I caught, "Oh now I have a broken clavicle... what am I going to do now?"
I tell you becoming a mom on this level is rough. Seeing your child in pain and there is nothing you can do to take it away is torcher! May God give me the courage and strength to help Eli in the way he needs.

Mother's Day

2009-05-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Me and my babies!

Being a mom...

2009-05-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Since Mothers Day is just around the corner I thought I would share what I have been realizing and reflecting on about motherhood. Which I guess is about time since I have been one for almost 7 years now! Every time I reflect on me as a mom comes the feeling of being old, which is another whole topic I could rant on and on about.... Note the wrinkles in my face in this picture. Sad. I thought it was just the other day when I was free to do what I pleased with whom I pleased and had not a care in the world. No one to be responsible for.... Life has changed.

So ever since Easter when I realized I have not gotten an Easter basket from the Easter bunny in nearly 13 years, it became clear..... I am a mom. No more rewards for being good at the Doctor office, no more wanting to pull an all nighter just for the fun of it, no more sleeping in until noon, no more having friends over to sleep over, now it is my kids friends coming over. No more eating whatever I want with no worries, no more quiet breakfasts, lunches, or dinners, no more privacy in the bathroom. Life has changed.
Just the other morning before church I took all the kids out to the car strapped them in their car seats and took out my nail polish and painted my nails, it was the only way to get 10 minuets of drying with no marks in the polish. As I drove to church with the windows down to dry my nails I began to think of how wonderful it is to be a mom. Sure some of the things I once loved to do I may not be able to do, but what little blessing I have instead. I would not trade these days for a million Easter baskets!

Since September 08...

2009-04-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

I was inspired this week by a friend to continue writing on my blog and since it has been like 6 months since I have I guess that was quite the inspiration...

Let's see the past 6 months... okay, okay let's be honest I can't remember what I did last week let alone what I have been doing over the last 6 months.

Here is an overview on the family.

Shannon has been working hard and I think honestly he is the best preacher EVER! The latest project is our kitchen and for not owning much more than the everyday tools he is doing great.

Hannah has lost 2 teeth and is getting into that weird elementary age. Acting silly most of the time. I think she picks up weird habits from others.... well at least that is what I have been blaming it on... the more I think of it, it could be that she is a Caroland! Hee hee
I am so proud of her. She supports a girl from Ethiopia through Compassion International and she decided to be an advocate and have compassion Sunday at church these past two weeks. She has gotten 5 kids families so far.

Eli is all boy and super fun. He keeps me thinking and very busy. He still really loves the planets and wants to just study them and know more. He will just randomly come up to me and spout off a fact about one of the planets and I will be... Oh really is that right?! Pretty bad when you 4 year old has a better memory than you.

Ramiah is changing all the time. Repeating most everything and talking like crazy! She is such a sweetie, but don't let that cuteness fool you, she is rough and tough and can take you down wrestling and is a little dare devil! She has been getting into a lot of trouble lately. Writing on the couch and walls with marker and then telling me, "look it... naughty Hannah did it" And even if Hannah was not in school I would definitely know Hannah would not have done the scribbles! Ramiah has much to learn if she is going to play the blame game....

Well that should do it for now... if anyone even keeps up with this long lost and forgotten blog.

Home Forever party

2008-09-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am so tired from a long week and Ramiah's Party today but I just wanted to share some photos from the beautiful day.
enjoy

1st day of school

2008-09-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

INVITATION TO ALL!

2008-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

On the other side it says....

September 22, 2007 we arrived home from Ethiopia with our precious Ramiah. We look back over the past year with much thankfulness. In one year our family has seen God’s love in action. We have a better understanding of God’s amazing passion for His people, and we have seen the sacrifices people must go through to survive. We also have an overwhelming joy that leaps from within when we see the face of our precious Ramiah.

Join us for the one year anniversary of her arrival and know our appreciation for all you have done in our little girls life.

PLEASE NO GIFTS
you can rsvp to me here, if you plan on coming.
Thanks and I hope we see you on the 27th!

2008-08-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Family Vacation!

ZOO!

2008-08-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

A day at the Zoo!

train ride

Ramiah loved seeing everything, even the birds!

Miss Sue, Papa Dave, Eli, and Grandma Dee Dee

Hannah and Eli trying to find the seals.

Cousins

2008-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

A day with Aunt Wendy and her kids.

7 KIDS!

2008-07-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

4 nieces and 1 nephew stayed last week with us for 5 days, I thought I would share a few pictures.

We had a blast, and really I had a lot of helpers with Eli and Ramiah! Our only problems came when we could not all fit at the same table for meals and in the same car for going places, but it all worked out and we had a great time.
I can't say it enough at what GREAT kids they are! We were missing one though, Kordell. He was with my brother Pete in the Philippines and we are so proud of him, since he is only 9 and my brother said he was perfect on the trip. When we picked them up at the airport he began to tell of his journey and Shannon and I were amazed at his maturity and love for God's people at such a young age.

Well here are the pictures......
This first one is where we decided to celebrate everyones birthday, since I am a terrible Aunt and don't always remember to call or send a card. So we pretended it was everyones on July 14th and had a PARTY!!!
Shannon took them to the store (in 2 loads) after we drew names and they each bought a gift for someone else.

Micah and Ramiah playing together! I love it!

Wren at the beach!

Heart ache

2008-07-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday when we were outside Josh our 4 year old neighbor was over and said, "my sister Tamia died." My mouth dropped open and I asked if he was sure. I asked another neighbor girl if it was true and she said it was. My heart sank. I sat the baskets of flowers down that I was watering and walked right over to their house. As I approached the porch tears of children filled the walk way up to the house. As I walked I bent down hugging so many of the kids that have spent hours at our house playing and laughing together, for the past 7 years we have lived here this was the first time I had seen some of them cry. My heart hurt, and my eyes welled up with tears as I embraced their weary souls.
That evening as I sat outside watching all of the family and friends fill the street, I felt so helpless, so empty for them. What could I do? A few kids at a time would come down and sit with me as I held them and cried with them, until my heart could not take the beating any longer. I went inside wanting to dull the pain or somehow get my mind on something else, but I didn't think that would be fair to do. I felt like I needed to somehow share that pain.
What I really needed to do is to rely on God to fill my aching heart, and although my heart was still heavy with sadness, God gave me the peace I needed for the moment.

Please pray for Tamia's family and friends, and for my family to be able to minister to them in the ways they are needing.

92!

2008-07-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma Cocco is 92, and still walking to the post office every day! Rain, snow, or sweltering HOT she goes and even picks up a friends and brings it to her house. She also walks a mile down to the museum were she volunteers many hours. She makes everything with her hands. I do mean EVERYTHING! She finds a use for anything and everything. She was a pleasure to see and is an amazing independent woman.

A few blocks from Grandma's is this park, which she says we wore a path to when we were little. This is the famous curly slide they still have. Eli didn't even hesitate, up he went. Hannah took the first 3 steps and freaked.

Hannah, Mikailia, and Ebony.

Ramiah on the bench I spent many hours with my grandfather.

Lake Michigan

2008-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

We finally got the camp site we have always wanted and wondered gosh every site is open, that is so weird. It is always so full, but must be because it is still June we thought. WELL think again... as soon as we opened our car door the mosquitoes ATTACKED! They were something I have never experienced before. After finding the bug spray we hurried set up the tent and ran for the beach.
We never really enjoyed a fire for hours or sat leisurely at the camp fire because of them, but now that we are home we can say it was an enjoyable time.

Vacation Bible School

2008-06-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything"
is our vbs theme this year, and I just wanted to share this
cutie pirate!

Eli Willis

2008-06-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Eli..... he is a busy boy.
This is one article of clothing that was kept of mine and I thought it fitting for Eli, my son to wear.
It says, Caution here comes trouble!
The first picture is him up in the window! He is showing off his new undies.
What a handsome little guy, but oh is he naughty lately. He thinks whatever he does it can just be followed up with, "Sorry Mom" and all will be well. It is hard to teach a child that sorry just does not cut it sometimes and it is not a cure all. We are starting to tell him we are glad you are sorry but we would rather you just be good.

The Dress pictures...

2008-06-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Every year on Hannah's birthday we take a picture of her in my mom's prom dress, that she made and went with my dad in. It is her special thing. This year Hannah wanted to start that tradition with Ramiah, so here are a few of the pictures we took of baby sister now in the dress.

Pictures to cherish

My Girls

2008-06-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Is that the cutest thing ever.... Matching outits is my favorite thing! Adorable!!!

The great outdoors!

2008-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sprinkler time

Using the squirt gun to get a drink

Cousins, Ebony and Mikaila

The kids have been enjoying the nice hot weather.

Liz's Wedding

2008-06-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

May 31st was a big day. We celebrated Ramiah's birthday at my cousin Liz's wedding, which was also my late grandfathers birthday. Not to mention Shannon had a funeral to do in the morning in Pontiac and the wedding was just past Chicago! We made it with a half hour to spare. I got dressed in the back of the car at the church, but we made it! After the fact Shannon did tell me I scared him a little on the way, when I was driving. I was just determined, that's all.

The wedding was so much fun and Liz looked amazing. Although her mother, my Aunt was not there in body, her presence I believe was felt by all.

We have such a wonderful family! Enjoy the pictures.

Ramaih turns 1

2008-06-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Our baby turned one! We were at a wedding on Ramiah's birthday, so we celebrated this past Sunday with family. As you can see she loved her cake.

For more birthday pictures you can check out the adoption blog.

40 Years of Marriage

2008-05-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Eli Willis

2008-05-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Eli is enjoying the nice weather and is FULL of energy! He is keeping me busy, worried, and counting to ten A LOT! Just the other day I told him it was time for nap and told him to come upstairs with Hannah, Ramiah and me. I laid Ramiah down, took care of laundry and made my bed with Hannah and realized he must have not come up, since he was not in his bed. I yelled to him to come up and there was no response, which is not that uncommon. So I went to get him and could not find him! I looked EVERYWHERE!!! I yelled for Hannah and she came running. I told her she was going to have to go outside and look down the street and up everyones driveway! She told me, "okay mom I will look for cars like you always taught me!" (At least I have one good one I thought)
SO we split up and we both were yelling, "ELI!!!" I came in and looked everywhere again, and yelled his name at the front door as loud as I could multiple times thinking he could hear me inside and out, but nothing! I called Shannon and told him I could not find Eli. He said, "What do you mean?" I then replied.... "I LOST OUR SON!" So Shannon started home, and I was now beyond panicked. Hannah and I were now in the doorway together yelling his name when I saw the play closet move slightly... which is right by the front door! I whipped it open and there he was, "SORRY MOM, SORRY, SORRY, Sorry mommy... sorry." Oh I was glad to see him but he sure got in trouble!
So that is just a story about a day in the life of my little boy, who continues to grow more and more curious, witty, and seems to be naughtier everyday.

Before and After

2008-05-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

My Mom

2008-04-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day fast approaching I thought I would write about my Mom.

As I am sure many of you know she was diagnosed with cancer when I was back in college. I remember thinking that this was the end, all the memories would soon be ending and I would be left with no mother.
I remember I was the one who had to shave her head when her hair began to fall out, change her infected pads on her port, and each day live through thinking it was the end. But God had other plans. She conquered that cancer.

Awhile passed when they found another kind of cancer affecting her body. This second time the Doctors have told her she has lymphoid's in her neck, between her heart and aorta, and in the past year more were found in her abnamin and into her pelvic. Now I tell this to you because if any of you reading knows her, NOTHING stops her. She out cooks, out cleans, out shops, and out serves many of us. No one would ever know she has a threating disease within her body. God has plans for her and she believes in the Hope of Christ. She is a role model for many to follow. My mom is not only my mother and role model, but a best friend. She has taught me much about the life God has given to me and much about being a mom that seeks God's grace and leading.

My news to you all today is that at her last cat scan she received great news. The cancer is not showing up in many of the places it was before, and she is in a stable condition. Much to praise the great Healer for. He indeed hears and answers prayers, and is still working today. No matter what the results are in life we have much to be thankful for and many reasons to live a life of joy.

Hannah and my mom getting ready for a tea party.

A little different.....

2008-04-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

I did have a before and after picture of the room but for some reason it is not showing up. I am almost done and never want to see paint again. While the carpet was being installed Shannon put all the paint in the kitchen and I needed the vacuum and just happened to spill one FULL gallon of paint on the kitchen floor! After about an hour with a dust pan and a extra wide paint brush, it was all cleaned up.

Oh and I had some HELP!

Spring Break

2008-03-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

We surprised Hannah and Eli with a trip to a hotel water park this week for Hannah's spring break. Although there were A LOT of people, we had a wonderful time. Eli keeps saying he wants to go back to the surprise!

Here are a few pictures from our overnight getaway.

Making Memories

2008-03-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

8 kids and a mall! WOW, what a day!
The Cocco 5 came up from Illinois on their Spring break and spent the night last night with us and then we all went to the mall today. We had so much fun. Pete and Paulette have wonderful kids. They were so helpful, I want them over more. Micah was cleaning up and organizing the shoes in the first 5 minuets she was in the house. Judah and Kordell were off playing and entertaining Eli, while Wren and Hannah played, and Mattea and Micah both were awesome with Ramiah!
I just hope they had as much fun as I did.

Enjoy the Pictures of our wonderful family....

JEEPERS!

2008-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Easter Morning

2008-03-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Baby Bunny

2008-03-17T18:08:00.001-07:00

Not much to say but enjoy our sweet baby. What a joy she is.

Remember the miracle

2008-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Easter is one of my favorites! What a time to celebrate. Although there is plenty of easter grass, bunnies, eggs, and jelly beans..... Jesus has risen and that causes for great celebration.

HAPPY EASTER FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Hannah's easter bunny creation.
and
Coloring eggs!

March Snow!

2008-03-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Still enjoying snow in March, well at least the kids are.

Our February so far...

2008-02-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Our February started out great when we had our good friends the Havilands over for the weekend. Doug has been that faithful friend who has been there for those BIG moments in life, good and bad. My mom even had his moms baby shower when I was just a few months old. Everyone needs a Doug in their life. We were blessed with him and his wonderful wife Renae and great kids Dillan and Miah. Here is a picture of Miah and Hannah.
Here are a few pictures of the kids sharing the valentine love.....

Our January

2008-02-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

Our entire January was filled with sickness! One child after another. We had it ALL!
These are by far the most pathetic pictures we had so I thought I would share. Ramiah was really sick. As you can see we had a breathing machine at one point.... So Sad.

January was also BIRTHDAY month for Eli. He turned 3 on the 3rd.
He always seems to have a bruise on his head! His latest one came from falling off the toilet. I guess his curiosity just got the better of him as he tried watching what was coming out.
He is always making me laugh, what a boy!

Cocco Christmas

2008-01-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

Family Christmas at Wendy's house and Christmas party with syblings at mom and dad's house!
Can I just say we have a ton of kids!!!

Caroland Christmas

2008-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Can I just say a whole lot of rock band went on.

Christmas this year....

2008-01-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a summary of the Christmas at our house.

Lots of excitement.......Christmas eve church, family parties, presents, baking, more family parties, more presents, and food food food, and then a few more presents. We had a wonderful Christmas, just really busy.

Blessed, but busy.

PEE!

2007-12-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Finally Eli sat on the toilet and did something. At first it was just some toots, but then we heard the tinkles!!! Hannah, Shannon, and I were all in the bathroom at the time and all screamed and cheered for the huge milestone.

I was so happy that I wanted to give him a present for going and then hope that he will want to do it again.... so I went and got into Christmas gifts and found Bob the builder undies. He was so excited he just stared putting them on right over his pants.So he did go, but not so sure if he totally gets it. He was really happy to know "Lofty" was on his back side!

Decorated, but not yet ready for Christmas...

2007-12-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our Caroland elves

2007-11-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

Our kids can dance!

Halloween

2007-11-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Brandon, Abby, Collin, Morgan, Shannon, Hannah, Eli, and Ramiah!
Hannah was a princess for school and decided she wanted to be a rock star. If it would have been anything else I would have said no, since it was the night before when she changed her mind, but something so eccentric, sure! She is my shy one, so when she wants to do something out of her character, I support!
She came up with her whole outfit. IT was pretty darn cute.

THE FAMILY

2007-11-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

All but Kurt. (Someone has to work)
All but Wendy's 4th, coming this February! Making 15!!!

Cocco family get together

2007-11-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Eli is really into Bob the Builder and when we are on the road he is looking for all of Bob's trucks. We even passed a pile of dirt the other day and he said, "there's Scoop's dirt mom." Scoop is the bulldozer. So we had to go see Grandpa's tracter, since it was just like Travis! I love having a boy! There is never a dull moment.

Hannah was actually the brave one. Once Grandpa started up "Travis" he freaked and started running. He has never been a fan of load noices.
There is some of the Cocco fam.

2007-10-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Fall

2007-10-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

I love fall more and more every year. This fall has been so nice, being extra warm and mild. I do love that first brisk day that you can get a cozy sweatshirt on and cuddle up with a blanket. The leaves colors are so amazing, the fire red and sun yellow, that almost hurt your eyes they are so bright. I love it!!!
We have our annual hay ride with all my siblings this weekend at my parents house. My Dad had to get a bigger wagon since there are 24 of us and one more on the way. WOW, we are a huge family. It is great, I can't wait to see everyone.

Here is a little collage of pictures of our fall so far. Hope you enjoy.....

Catch up

2007-10-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

I will catch up anyone still looking at this blog at what the Family is up to.

First we already had our first and I know not the last bout of sickness. Here are the pathetic pictures of Hannah and Eli with their feverish Week, yes WEEK! I thought I would go crazy staying in our house, but I made it though.
Eli actually fell asleep climbing onto the couch. Sad I know. Hannah asleep on the table, not much better. I said it was rough.

Other than being sick for a week, the kids are doing fine. We have been busy with School for Hannah. She is now in Daisies, it is Girl Scouts for kindergarten. And we are doing a family night on Mondays, which is interesting to say the least.

A few fun pictures

2007-09-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

While I had my wisdom teeth out, Dad was in control!

CHUCK Y CHEESE After first day of school!

Getting you all caught up...

2007-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

We leave for Ethiopia Friday at 6am! We are just now starting to pack and are continuing to loose our minds while getting ready to leave.

Hannah is still doing great in school! She LOVES her teacher and is talking in class. I am so thankful, it makes it a little easier knowing she is not crying everyday while I am gone.

Eli is crazy wild and out of control most days. I said out loud at Meijer, "I will never again take you out in public alone again!"
But he is ever so cute and makes us laugh all the time!
He is so into Bob the Builder and fixing things. I really have to learn the names of all these tools!

A couple cute things
Hannah said this past week. She came into the kitchen and said, "mom you really choose a good daddy. And daddy choose a really good mommy!" She is so precious.
The other thing was again while I was in the kitchen...I am in that room of the house way to much!
"MOM, you know how I wanted a baby sister?"
"yes" thinking to myself... you better not want to take that back!
"well what if Eli wants a baby brother?"
"Why do you think he does?"
"YEA I already asked him and HE DOES!!!"
"Well...........um..... I guess we will have to see..."

Hope you enjoyed.
*Check out the adoption blog while we are gone. We are going to try and update everyone while we are there.

Hannah's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2007-09-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

WOW, I feel 30 today. Hannah is starting school and that makes me feel really old. She has Mr. Stevenson! Yes a man and let me tell you, she is not happy about it. She does have a friend from church in her class, so we are hoping that helps.

Please pray for her as she is painfully shy and has a hard time with change.

She said this morning and I quote, "Well I'm not going to talk."

Oh boy, lets just hope she at least can motion about going potty.

__________________________________________________________

Oh my goodness, NO TEARS!!! I am pretty much in shock. She did so well. She sat right down started talking and was completely fine! Here is a picture of her and her friend Lydia at school.

Maybe the incentive to go to Chucky Cheese after school helped.

Feeling Better

2007-09-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, first I want to apologise for all of you that had to see those pictures, yuck!

I am doing much better. I hope to get out and start on my list this week to get things done. We only have 11 days before we leave. I have so much to get done!

Thanks for all the prayers, keep them coming. I am hoping this is the root problem of my pain.

Toothless and Psychadelic

2007-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Shannon, here. Cindie just mimed to me from her bed that she would like me to write on this blog about her wisdom teeth being pulled. Yes, she is that talented. The title is mine, and I'll be in trouble for it when she sobers up.

Her appointment was at 8:30. She was put all the way out. I brought her home when she was in a complete fog. I couldn't help but laugh at her. She kept insisting she was fine, which would promptly be followed by her passing out on her feet.

When I finally got her up the stairs and in bed. She asked for something to write with. With her eyes covered by a cold washcloth, with her mind clouded by heavy painkillers, and with her left hand she scribbled out "For better or worse". She then circled "worse", and drew an arrow toward herself.

She has been resting all morning under my bumbling care. After I sent the morning babysitter away, Eli climbed up with her. Her gentle strokes sent him to sleep. Hannah made a card and some paper hearts to help Mommy feel better.

After putting Eli to sleep, a Vicoden and 600mg of Ibuprofen, she asked me to go get her monster-sized before-we-can-go-to-Ethiopia to-do list. I'm not sure what she intends to complete off the list in this condition, but I bet you it will get done... whenever she wakes up. She is amazing. (The first picture was her idea, the second one was more mine)

A lot going on

2007-08-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on right now. AHHHH!

I am going through a bible study with a friend on priorities and let me tell you it is coming at the best time. I think I would have pulled all my hair out already with the stress that I am under, but God is in control and He provides, protects, calms, and comforts me!

Please pray for me. I am getting all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out Friday! I have 2 weeks to recover before going to Ethiopia.

If it does not rain I will be out for Garage sale #3 in the morning to raise funds for the adoption!

Hannah starts school the 4th and has the man teacher! We went to see him tonight at "meet and greet" and he was great, but not in her eyes. I told him she probably won't talk to you all year! We will see. HE thinks it will last for a couple of weeks, I hope he is the one that is right.

Cleaning day...

2007-08-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was doing the "clean out the fridge day" and Eli thought it would be fun to get in the fridge and help. He got Hannah to get in too. At first she hesitated until I told her it's okay and then she thought she was something, and well Eli thought it was normal.

They are so opposite. I want you all to know I did not shut the door but they did beg for me too!

Just thought I would share in the cuteness of my kids!

ENJOY!!!

30!

2007-08-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

30..... wrinkles are coming, gray hair has begun, body aches are arising, turning in for the evening is arriving earlier, and things on my body are relocating!

And the real kicker, in a year it will be closer to Hannah's graduation, than my own.

I have been dreading this day for a long time now. For those of you that are not here yet, don't even talk to me, for those of you that didn't have a problem turning 30, well I don't get you, and for those of you that had a hard time turning 30, thanks for understanding!

I don't know why but this is a hard birthday, and it's not just because Eli got me up at 6am. In a way I feel responsible to be grown up and I don't much feel like doing that. I always thought of 30 as being old and all grown up and now here it is and I am 30. It is really weird to know that I have arrived.

To leave us on a positive note...... Jesus started his ministry at 30, so I suppose I am just beginning.

My last day in my 20's!

2007-08-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

My wild and crazy last day in my 20's!

Our day at the beach with our family from ELCC! We had a great day, but today we all suffer with sun burns! I should have listened to JOE!

JURY DUTY

2007-08-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

I found out a month or so ago I had jury duty, and was I worried. I had never done it before and to be honest did not want to. I was scheduled for 3 full days! Monday- Wednesday.

Monday rolled around and after having a fund raiser garage sale over the weekend and sleeping over with the WHOLE family at some friends house in a tent (that was unsuccessful because of the rain) I started making lunch for my family when Shannon shouted, "YOU HAVE JURY DUTY" Needless to say I freaked! I got so upset thinking they would come and take me to jail, since on the top of my paper it says if you fail to come or come with children you could be! I called right away and I talked to a woman that took her job serious! She told me that someone might just come and get me and that I better come in Tuesday! Well I was crying and thinking we were going to have to pay all this money and I would be sitting in a jail cell, I went up to the court. Which my friend Amy had to come and pick me up cause I was to upset to even drive. I got sent upstairs and down and to what I called the principles office. I felt like the worst citizen ever! I asked the security man if I was going to jail and he just smiled. He laughed at me when I was being sent all over. I sat and sweat it out until the chief officer came and asked me why I missed for the day. I told him I had no good reason, I just simply forgot. He warned me that I might have to tell the judge why I missed and said be here tomorrow. As I left the security man said so your not going to jail today huh? I still was not able to laugh.

Tuesday morning came and I was up and around and to the court house well before I was suppose to be. I sat in the jury room and the same cop came in and called role. He called me out and gave me a nod and a wink, which made me feel a little better.

Then the moment came and they called us into the court room and told us a little about the case and the same police officer put all our names in a hat to see who the jury would be and yes, I was called FIRST! The thought crossed my mind that he didn't really call my name he just said it to punish me! So I went to my purple seat and the attorneys started asking their questions. For some reason this woman choose me to pick on. She was giving me all this lawyer language and speaking in circles. I was loosing focus and kept trying to pay attention since there were so many people staring at me for my response, but the only thing I could think about was her outfit! It was horrible. I kept telling myself pay attention, but I was so lost. She was asking me things I had no idea how to answer, and I would just say I have no idea what your saying and don't know how to answer you. She would then go on and on explaining the law and would loose me two words into it all. It was a nightmare.
After her brutal attack the opposing side took a bite at me too. And let me tell ya that Lawyer was sweating so bad that is ALL I could think about. I never have seen someone sweat like that before just standing still! The judge finally called them both up to his bench and probably told them to leave poor little me alone and move on since she has no idea what is going on here. Cause after that they didn't say anything to me. Needless to say I was the only one rejected and got sent back to the jury room.
After they choose the jury everyone else came back and were all laughing and carrying on ABOUT ME! One man said, "that was the best comedy I have seen, you were great." Others told me it was hilarious how I just told them I had no idea what they were saying. YEA real funny I thought. So after everyone got their laughs they sent us home for lunch and we had to come back. I tell ya I prayed so hard they would not have another jury needed and they ended up holding us after lunch for a couple hours and letting us go, so I was releaved.

Today, after not getting much sleep due to my encounter with the court room attack, I was so nervous to go back in case I would have to relive the experience.
But I went and sat for 3 hours and finally got sent home! I was so ecstatic I almost just went up and hugged the police officer!

I hope never to be called again. If I do I will have to take the lawyers advise and watch an episode of Law and Order.

A few days at Mom and Dad's

2007-07-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Family Vacation got canceled so we spent Sunday-Wednesday on Chadwick rd!

8 adults+one pregnant+
8 children+
4 dogs+
1 cat+
_______
= a crazy couple of days!

We had fun, playing outside with sprinklers, water balloons, bubbles, bikes, badminton, blongo ball, and each other.
The kids got along great and seemed to find all kinds of things to do with their imaginations!

Eli took dad out to the "ANIMAL SHOP" (taxidermy shop) every chance he could get! Eli is the only 2 year old I know that can name deer, elk, moose, raccoon, coyote, mountain lion, and many African animals by name. It was amazing how he took it all in. And the highlight of the trip for me was when Dad asked me to take his picture with Eli walking out to the shop. It was sweet of him, he really loved the time with Eli.

I am glad to be home. I am exhausted after the short trip. And ready to start getting my house ready for Ramiah to come home.
I have a garage sale in a week, to earn a little money towards the adoption and am working on a few other projects.

I forgot my camera for the Cocco get together, so I will see if I get any from Dad or Jacob who took plenty and post them then.

If I were a Simpson....

2007-07-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

My creation of me in Springfield. What do you think?

Floor Fun!

2007-07-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

I can now say I know how to lay a hard wood floor thanks to my brother Brad.

For those of you who do not know my brother he is married to Marianna who is Hungarian and every summer she goes back home to visit her family. Brad re-modeled their basement last summer while she was gone for a surprise and for a surprise this summer it was their 3 rooms made into one, with a new entrance to the house. He does nothing small!

Well... While in Hungary Marianna wanted to surprise Brad with something so she bought him a PUPPY! For all of us married couples this is why big things should not be surprises! A new puppy with razor sharp claws and newly laid hard wood floors are not the combo in surprises that mesh. It all worked out wonderfully though (at least so far). HA HA

I have to say it was hard work! Since I really was not scheduled for this work week. I dropped by just to say hi Thursday in my flip flops, Bermuda shorts, and sunglasses and 14 hours later I finished the first day. We ended up finishing Sunday and had all the furniture back in in time for Marianna to come home to! Little did I know the kids would be eating popcorn for meals and watching Lots and LOTS of sponge bob for 4 days!

With all this said I would not have spent those days any other way. What a memory and a joy to help my brother out. Brad is a brother who will and does do anything for his baby sister and I was thrilled to finally give a little back.

Hannah's HAIRCUT!

2007-06-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hannah was talking about getting her haircut for awhile, but when we told people their reaction was something like, "oh NO her hair is so beautiful..." Well being the sensitive child she is she decided to keep it long because as she said, "It's okay mom, I don't want it cut. Everyone likes it long."

After weeks of letting her know it was her decision and that she would be beautiful no matter what, she changed her mind tonight! The 90 degree heat might also have been a source of persuasion! Tonight after I cut Eli and Shannon's hair she really wanted hers cut. So we loaded the kids in the car and off we went to the mall.

And she looks wonderful! Oh and Eli had fun playing too! He even ripped the steering wheel off one of the airplanes! We can't take him anywhere!

Grandma's new Puppy!

2007-06-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Embracing the Beast!

2007-06-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

It is time to stop the fight and embrace the Beast. I refused for long enough! I refused to call this car my own, I refused to program any radio stations or get personal at all with it (yes we get radio..... after Shannon put a wire in where the antenna goes) And now I have found that stopping the fight and embracing this boat is much easier.

Oh and by the way her name is Peggy!

5 Years OLD!

2007-06-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hannah had a luau this year for her birthday. I told her being 5 is a big birthday. I asked her what she wanted to do and with much thought she asked for a slumber party. Now this was back in February when we start talking May birthday plans! We like to get excited way far in advance. It was a few weeks before the party and I asked if she still wanted a sleep over and she said no. I was all concerned and asked why? She said I don't want a sleepover I want a slumber party. I said they're the same thing. She came back with, "no a sleep over is when your friends come over and you sleep and a slumber party is when your friends come over and stay up ALL night!" I gently told her that they were the same thing and 5 year olds still go to bed at a slumber party! So I got smart and had 7 kids stay the night. That was not the smart thing the smart thing was I had the MOMS stay too! And let me just say the kids went to bed around 11:00 and the Mommies stayed up way too late! I will let the pictures tell the story of the LUAU!
Opening gifts. As you can see she had plenty of help!
Night time story read by Dad!
Teeth Time...
And all FAST Asleep!
BUT.....Mommies up way past their bed time, and way BEYOND tired!

My Friend Anne...

2007-05-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

12 years ago today I got a call saying that my friend Anne was in a car accident. I thought that there was no possible way that anything could happen to her, but when I heard the phone ring for the second time I felt my heart plummet. My friend Wendy was on the line crying and no words came, her dad got on and told me, "Anne is dead.... I am sorry." I fell to the floor dropping the phone and screaming, "NO!"
I felt sick. I felt despair. I felt empty and angry.
I remember my mom was gone so it was just my dad and I at home. He held me as I fought to get away and then I collapsed into his arms. I fell to the floor and he just held me saying words I can not remember, but that gave me some comfort. I felt like I needed to just get away, to run away from the pain that I felt, but where? I went outside yelling at God, screaming in sorrow, and falling before God with questions that still go unanswered today.
My life was changed. A dear friend was gone forever.

Today I mourn her loss and still find tears of sorrow as I write and tell of the story. But as a parent my sorrow is not for my loss of a friend that is gone but the loss of a child to Steve and Betty, her parents.

Awake and busy!

2007-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Eli has graduated to a "Big Boy Bed" and he has done the transition better than I ever thought! I think it helps that he got his cousin Jake's CAR BED (that he calls a bus.) So anyway... Eli gets to choose an animal each night to sleep with him and the other night he choose "gerrrrrAFFFF".... Well all was well as we thought until I went in to check on him and found this... I could not help but take the pictures! He keeps me laughing even after he is sleeping!!!

Mother's Day

2007-05-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Orientation

2007-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well we went to Hannah's Elementary the other night for her Kindergarten Orientation! She got to go to the gym, the classrooms, and on a bus ride! That is the picture you see. I can't believe she is going off to School in the fall! We have her going to Burt in Waterford, just down from the church so Shannon can take her and pick her up. The only problem is there is little to no diversity. I was looking around and said to Shannon, "Welcome to the Caucasian Kindergarten!"

This past week...

2007-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

This past week we had a couple stay with us. A couple who has no permenate address, a couple who has all of their possessions in their car, and who get up and go where God wants them to at a drop of a hat.
Shannon and I were privileged to have them stay in our home while they listened to God's calling to do what was next. Their next big thing they want to do is travel Africa for a year, showing God's people His amazing love. They minister to people where ever they go, including me. They really taught me a lot while they stayed with us. I saw their simple life style and I yearned for that, I saw their adventurous attitudes and their desire to do what God wants of them. I kept thinking how cool is that.... I have always dreamed of changing the world, to live among people who don't know Christ, and to have a daily adventure with God. But most of all what I learned and saw the most from them was their complete trust in God through prayer. Dying to one self everyday to listen to what God wants. Although I have a permanent address and more possessions than I know what to do with, and I have kids so the adventures usually consist of ones in the back yard, I still can die to myself everyday and listen to what God wants of me. To fully rely on His goodness and to fully trust in his care for me.
So I may not be able to change the world but God placed me on Dwight Street with plenty of ministry all around. With dozens of children who long to receive a kind word, a loving touch, and a listening ear.
I am thankful to Eric and Andrea who reminded me through their life that God longs for me to have an adventure with Him everyday!

My Mom

2007-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know my Mom she has been a victim of Cancer for many years now. She has changed her lifestyle drastically with her diet and medication. You would never know she deals with cancer on a daily basis. She has more energy than anyone I know and is such a role model of living a life that is NOT at all self-serving. In the past few months the results have not been encouraging to her and it naturally has brought her spirits down, but she puts her hope in God and trusts in his care. Today she has Limpnods in her abdomen, pelvis, and between her heart and aorta that have been claimed by Cancer. This morning she got her last cat scan results and they said although this kind of cancer is not curable and it is not if you will die from this cancer it is when... the cancer seems to have decreased in size. This is something to praise the Lord about. The thought of not having your mom around to see you through life seems just about impossible for me. I pray she lives, I pray God destroys this cancer and she lives to tell of how God has took over in her body and she is one of the survivors.

Eli Willis...my little James Dean!

2007-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Easter Pictures!

2007-04-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

You Know your a mom when....

2007-04-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

*You can wipe your 4 year old's butt while cradling your sleeping 2 year old and not even wake him up!!!
*Going to a parent teacher Conference is considered a date.
*you have a hot wheels car in your purse.
*you wear Sponge Bob band aids.
*you have to move the tub toys out of the way to take a shower.
*you have french fries under the car seat.
*Finally get a few intimate moments with your husband to discover you have rolled onto cheerios in your bed!
*Your car has become a toy box with wheels
*You can fit 2 children and 2 adults in your bed, and can actually sleep with one child's head on your stomach, the other child's feet on your face!
*you have some "spending" money for yourself, and you come home from shopping with only things you bought for your kids.
*When you show your child your pee and poo in the potty so they will hopefully go there one day.
*when you go to the bathroom and don't bother to shut the door because you know you won't be alone!

Take My TEST!!!

2007-04-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Create your own Friend Test here

2007-04-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

2007-04-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Recovering

2007-03-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Eli, Hannah, and myself have all visited ER in the past week.
Eli woke up with croup. He was having a really hard time breathing so we rushed him in. They gave him breathing treatments and ex-rays and ended up giving a dose of steroids and sending him home. Five days later I had been in extreme pain and was trying to hold off to go to the Doctor the next morning but my fever was just rising and I was feeling worse by the minuet. We called a babysitter to be with the kids in case they woke up and as she arrived, Hannah woke up not able to breath. She also had croup. So we both went in and got checked out. Hannah got treated for the croup and I had tests done and they found out that I had a kidney infection. I am on the mends now, but still am not back to normal. The whole time all this was going on our Dog, Bella was throwing up, SICK! It has just been a lovely ending to our winter.
We hope that this spring will bring us good health.

A few Mexico pictures to share with you all.

2007-03-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Janette and Abi are sisters that are the sweetest things. I have known them since 1997.

Bobbi and I playing with shower curtain rings! The sun got to us that day.

This sweet little girl was a pure gift when I was missing my own kids at home. She came up to me at church and just loved on me. It was just what I needed.

At the Bible acadamy taking a break Washing dishes after one of our wonderful meals!

More Mexico...

2007-03-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Our Mexico team
Elizabeth lake & GLCC

My trip to mexico was a difficult one for me. Leaving my family for 10 days was by far the hardest thing. We had some strong personality on this trip. We all grew from this experience and God still worked through all of us dispite our limitations. It did my heart well to see the faces of the people I have grown to love so much. It was good to feel their embraces, see their warm smiles, and expereince their love for Christ. I was again honored to work with the Mexican people to help furthur the kingdom in the Yucatan.

Our Disney trip By Hannah Caroland

2007-02-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

Grandma took us to Dinsey World becasue I saved up enough to go. We stayed at Grandma's cousins. Her name was Tony. She had a nice house and a special place for us to sleep.
We saw lots of Characters there. My favorite part was going in Minnie Mouse's house.

hannah

January Florida Trip!

2007-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Eli's TWO!

2007-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Eli at his birthday!

2007-02-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Family on Christmas!

2007-01-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas seeing family and friends. We hope that this will be a great New Year for you all!

Not sure who is more excited?

2007-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Girls! (missing Bets)

2007-01-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look A LOT like Christmas!

2006-12-09T07:18:00.000-08:00