Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas this year! We started out on December 18th and went to Marty's grandparents house. We have dinner, exchange gifts and play a family tournament with a children's game. This year it was Don't break the ice. Marty, both the kids and I almost made it to the final round! The furthest I've ever made it in the tournament! The kids had a lot of fun, there's so many kids there to play with. And Mackenzie is the middle in a group of 3 kids that are 4 mos apart in age!

Christmas eve morning my mom came by to have Christmas with us and the kids. Christmas eve we spent at my dads house. We exchanged gifts, ate some yummy food and had good conversation with everyone. It turned out that grandpa and GG seem to think mackenzie was extra good this year. She was very spoiled with all the gifts she got. Marty and I were given a date night and we can't wait to use it! All 7 of us kids (me, Courtney, Danielle, Taylor, Marty, and the kids) had a picture canvas made for Dad and Carol of all of us. I turned out great!

We woke up on Christmas morning and opened presents together. After, I made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Later, we went to Doug and Leslie's house for dinner and we had a great time with everyone!

Monday, Aunt Jo got here for her Christmas visit and the kids and I went to my dads to visit.

Tuesday, we stopped by my grandmas house to see her for the holiday.

We're spending new years eve at home with the kids, just the 4 of us, 2 which will be in bed.

Sunday, we're spending the afternoon with Marty's mom for Christmas with her.

I hope you had a great holiday as well!

Camerons Helmet

Cameron's new helmet is actually quite cute, and he's doing great with it! We went to fit it and pick it up yesterday. It was trimmed so it wasn't too low on his forehead and his ear holes were made bigger. Other than that it fits quite well. It's a bit loose because of the room for head growth. We go back in a week once he settles into it to get the fit checked again.

They have him on a schedule this week to get him used to wearing it all day. Yesterday 1 hr on, 1 hr off, all day. Today 2 hrs, tomorrow 4 hrs and do on. He's not having to nap in it until tomorrow and the first day he'll wear it over night until Saturday. If he falls asleep in his helmet, that's fine. He's been sleeping in it today for 2 hours. It doesn't seem to bother him :)

Cameron Update

Cameron had his evaluation this morning for a helmet. We went in and a bunch of measurements done. They did head circumference, front to back, left to right, and diagonal from left to right then right to left. Based on the difference of the diagonal measurements was how it was decided if he needed a molding helmet or not. I was informed that the difference has to be a centimeter or more. The difference between Cameron's measurements was 11.5 mm.

Once it was determined he should have a helmet, they did scans of his head which took about 20 min. That was some cool technology by the way. Much easier than I had imagined.

The scans are now being sent to Arizona to custom make his helmet. And it won't be plain white, he's going to be a styling' little boy with a camo helmet! We go back the afternoon of the 19th to make sure the fit is right and pick it up. I'll post pictures then. I'm sure he'll be looking cool!

The Kids Keep Growing!

I've been waiting until I have all my information on both kids, but I can always update so...

Cameron had his 6 month check up on November 29, at 7.5 months. He's huge and growing very well. He weighs 19 lbs 4 oz and is 28 in long. What a big boy! He already wears 12 mos clothes, sometimes 18 mos. his dr. said he's perfectly healthy, which there was no question, and he's right on track for everything else. He does, however, need an evaluation for a molding helmet for positional plagiocephaly. his evaluation is scheduled for Friday at 10 am so I'll update about that. He received his immunizations and his flu shot. He did have a fever that night and the next day from those but that's normal for him.

Mackenzie had her 2 year check up on the 6th. She is 31 3/4 inches tall and 24 lb. She gained 1 lb in 6 mos, from all of her running around. She, just like Cameron, is perfectly healthy and is doing great in every aspect, except speech. She didn't need any shots except her flu shot, no fever or anything, which is normal for her. A bit of an update on her speech...she has more than a speech delay. Her speech pathologist has diagnosed her, 95% sure, with childhood apraxia of speech. We're continuing with the therapy she's getting at this point, as she grows and her needs change, her therapy will change with her.

All in all, they're very happy and healthy, and they have some very proud parents. We can't wait to see how they both progress with everything they do!

Christmas Decorating!

I usually decorate the Friday after Thanksgiving, but this year was so busy with Mackenzie's birthday party and our anniversary so it was put off until Saturday.

Anyways, Mackenzie helped me this year decorate the tree and she had so much fun! Decorating has never been something Marty really got into, but he sure loves watching her do new things! She helped me hang all of the non breakable ornaments, even though, if she had her own way, they would have all been in the same spot on the bottom of the tree :)

After the babies went to bed, I put up the rest of the decorations and hung the stockings. I love how our house looks when it's decorated for the holidays!

We don't usually buy new decorations, but this year I bought a babies first Christmas ornament for Cameron, and a countdown until Christmas for the both of them. Mackenzie loves the countdown because it has Santa on it. This year, she loves anything with Santa! I hope she feels the same way when we go see him. She cried like crazy last year.

Merry Christmas!!!

Mackenzie Turns 2!!!

Ok so I'm a bit behind, but what do you expect of a busy mom :)

Mackenzie turned 2 on November 23rd! She had three parties this year, one with most parts of her family.

Saturday, November 19th was her first party with my moms family. It turned into a disaster and I thank God she won't remember it when she's older, but we won't get into details. We bought pizza and pop and I made a yummy cake. Pretty proud of the way it looked because I'm not good at making cakes look pretty :) She got a few outfits, a Dora doll for the bath and her favorite, a princess tea set.

Wednesday was her actual birthday but dad wasn't able to make it home. I took the kids to grandpa and Gege's (Carol) for lunch. Plus, Aunt Ney Ney was in town! Aunt Ney Ney got her princess dress up stuff, which she loves and wears everyday.

Of course, Thursday was thanksgiving, which is always busy. Marty got home late Wednesday so she opened her presents when she woke up. We got her an outfit and a 30 piece playdoh set! She loves playdoh. We went to Marty's moms around noon. We had her birthday with them then since everyone was in town. She got 2 baby dolls, a new purse, folding table and chairs, her size, and a mini pillow pet! She sleeps on that every night!

Friday, we had her party at Grandpa and Gege's! All aunts were there except Ney Ney who was in school or working. Our friends Tim and April came to join in the fun! We got her a Cinderella cake from meijer. Grandpa and Gege got her a Cinderella balloon and doll. They also got her 3 new outfits and a big magnadoodle. Aunt Danielle got her a princess music set (recorder, tambourine, maracas and a harmonica). Aunt Taylor got her a princess cup with a straw. Best part-it doesn't spill! Aunt Jo got her a bunch of Abby Cadabby stuff (sesame street character), which she loves. Tim and April got her the Leapfrog Tag Junior reading system. We do a lot of reading with regular books, but this is great when she wants to read while I'm cooking, cleaning or feeding Cameron. Aunt Melody and Uncle Curtis got her a gift card from Carter's, who children's clothes I love. I just ordered her a dress and leggings, so we're just waiting for it to get here!

We had a very busy week of celebrating, and it's hard to believe that she's already 2! Time really does fly as you get older.

Busy and stressed

These last few weeks have been the most stressful I think I've ever had. I love my kids but being with them 24/7 can really make you crazy. So, Saturday night they spent at Grandpa and Gege (Carol). Mackenzie just started calling her that on Friday! Too cute.

With the kids at my dads, Marty and I had the night to ourselves to do whatever. When I left dads, I had a massage appointment. It was much needed. I had never been to this place before so I wasn't sure what to expect but it was very comfortable and relaxing. I had an hour massage and it was only $55. The cheapest I have seen around. I was so relaxed by the time it was over, I almost walked out without paying. Whoopsy!

After my massage, I picked up Marty and we met up with friends Tim and April at London Grill for dinner. It was pretty good, but not as good as we remember. But decently priced so not terrible. After dinner we had a drink at a small bar in town that Marty and I had never been to. Nothing special, but made huge long island iced teas. As big as a beer, it was pretty crazy. From there we went to Tim and April's for a while. I learned to not drink chocolate wine after anything. It was yummy, but I payed for it all day Sunday. I'm not a wine drinker so I'm not used to any of the after effects.

Sunday was a very lazy day. I took a 2.5 hour nap, Cameron slept for 1.5 hours and Mackenzie napped for 3.5 hours. Marty spent that time to work on his car.

All in all, it was a nice weekend, and I'm way less stressed out and feel like I could deal with anything these kids throw my way.

Today, they're going to Grandma Shelly's for a bit while I have a meeting for a ski lift operator job tonight. It's not a guaranteed job but something to get us some extra money for Christmas will be nice.

The rest of the week will be spent with Mackenzie at school and getting ready for Mackenzie's birthday parties and her birthday which is all next weekend and next week. And getting the house ready for my Mary Kay holiday open house which is on Sunday! Hopefully that will be successful!

Happy Halloween!

We had a good Halloween weekend and Monday.

Friday Marty got home at a decent time, for dinner we ordered my somewhat newly favorite pizza, the New Yorker from Upper Crust. So yummy!

Saturday Marty and I took the kids to the annual Halloween carnival at church. It's the first year that we went, so we weren't totally sure what all there was. They had a lot of games and the trick or treat trail. We did the trick or treat trail but not the games. They were all a bit too old for the kids. We are planning on going back next year, and Mackenzie should be able to play some of them then. After the carnival we took the kids to see Grandpa Mike, Marty's dad. After there, we did grocery shopping and came home for a late dinner. We also learned, Mackenzie can not go all day without a decent nap yet. After the kids went to bed, Marty and I finished carving pumpkins. Mackenzie carved hers on Thursday.

Sunday came and Marty left for work :( while the kids and I went to church. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home.

Monday was of course Halloween!!! The kids were in there costumes by 3:45. Cameron was a little monkey and Mackenzie was Cinderella! They were so cute. Marty's mom came up to see Morgan in her school parade. She was a character from Monster High. I have no idea what that is. Then she came over here to trick or treat with the kids. They have the businesses in town hand out candy before homes in town so we trick or treated there. Once Marty got home, we went trick or treating to houses and handed out our candy until around 8 when we ran out of candy.

All in all, it was quite a nice weekend with the whole family together.

Decided and sick

I did all of my thinking about cosmetology and decided I was going to do it! Then my childcare fell though, so that decision really made itself. It must be God telling me to not take Mackenzie out of school.

So, I have put in a few applications for part time work just to get some much needed adult time. Now, it's time to wait and see how all of that pans out. At least I can work around Mackenzie's school.

Today I'm just now getting over this nasty sinus cold and cough. It's nice because I'm feeling better, but Cameron's got it horribly. I'm constantly wiping his nose, he's sneezing like crazy and he can't have his binky to sleep because he can't breath :( Poor guy. It's seem, as well, that it's trying to get Mackenzie as well but she's fighting like crazy. I really hope she doesn't get it, but who knows.

I'm not going to my Mary Kay meeting tonight because Cameron is sick and so is Grandma Shelly (Marty's mom), and she usually babysits on Monday evenings. Hopefully staying home and out of the chill will get these kids healthy so they'll be ready for trick-or-treating in a week!

Every year at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, they have the Zoo Boo. You get to see the animals that are still out, ride the train and do the trick-or-treat trail. It's a lot of fun for the kids. We took them for the first time this year, and Mackenzie had a blast! Mackenzie is Cinderella this year, and Cameron is a cute little monkey! I can't wait for Halloween this year, she's going to have so much fun!

A lot to think about

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Like a lot of people, it's tough to pay everything and still have anything left over to enjoy later. Also, I want to work, but without being able to finish my nursing classes because of the waiting list, I can't get a decent job that pays for daycare plus more money to pay the bills. So I've been looking into other things with less schooling and decent pay.

I have found...cosmetology. I've visited a couple campuses in town and got a lot of information on both programs. If I decide to try this field, and of course finish nursing once I'm accepted, I have the choice of one of those schools. The other school does not accept student loans. However, I liked all things about this school better, tuition is just more expensive.

So now I have choices to make. Kind of exciting to try something that's completely different from everything else I've done. It makes me nervous though, it's completely new! I'm not a perfectionist, I'm just very competitive. I want you to do well for yourself, but I feel like I have to do it better than you :)

I'm gonna take a couple days to think about my decision, but at this point, I'm leading more towards doing it!

Not A Lot

This week has been kinda busy but I don't have a lot to share.

Sunday, the kids and I went to dads house for dinner. Papa, Grandma and Grandpa Scotty all came over too. Dad made beer butt chicken. We also had some awesome green beans and red skin potatoes. Carol got a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, which was delicious! I'd love to have it again soon.

Monday, Marty was home most of the day, so we enjoyed spending time with him. He had the kids for me while I went to school and filled out my nursing application and attended my Mary Kay meeting. Marty took the kids for chili at his moms. After my meeting, I met them there to pick the kids up and he left for work.

Tuesday, Mackenzie had a good day at school. She only broke down once and she participated a lot better during songs and group time. She loves playing in the noodle bin and didn't want to stop. At the art station she helped me put together a picture book. It will help her communicate with everyone. She'll be able to point at pictures if she can't say or sign them. It will also help her learn people and names.

Today was our lazy day. We all spent the day at home reading and playing. I made beef stew for dinner and Mackenzie loved it. It was the first time she's had it.

Tomorrow she goes back to school. And Friday, we're supposed to go to Gull Meadow Farms with Grandma and Aunt Jo to pick apples! Mackenzie has never been there either, so that will be a fun afternoon.

Austin Porter Remembered

Austin Porter was my neighbor since I was 5 years old. He was 1 when we moved in. I've known him for 20 years. Growing up, he had 2 older sister who were my age, so we played together all the time. We would all play barbies in Holly's room and play house in the basement. In the summer we were everywhere in the neighborhood. We rode bikes, swam in their pool all day long, played Cowboys and Indians, baseball, football and basketball. We rode the bus to and from school together and when we were old enough to drive, we carpooled.

 Austin loved Tae Kwon Do. He was a 2nd degree Black Belt

Thursday, September 15th, started as a completely normal day and ended in a total shock for me, and many other people. Austin was running late for work. A train was coming. He tried to go around the railroad crossing arms and while on the tracks his car died and he wasn't able to get out the way of the train. Of course, a car-train accident will be on the news, and I watch the news almost everyday. When I first watched that news clip, I thought, what an idiot. 2 hours later, I found out on facebook, that "idiot" was Austin. It was a shock. I was just catching up with him a month ago, when I went to his parents house and he was home. Mackenzie had formed a little girl crush :) Totally cute! Her and his daughter, Gabby, are close in age, so they like to play when we're around.

Austin and his daughter Gabby

I hadn't been to a funeral in 5 years now. I never thought the next one I would be at would be for someone my own age. I attended his funeral yesterday. I really was a nice funeral, as far as funerals go. It was at a Lifestory funeral home so they made a video, pamphlet and even a web page all about Austin's life and the things he loved doing. He spent most of his free time with his friends, when he wasn't able to see Gabby. He also spent much of his time with Tae Kwon Do and hip hop dancing. He loved his life and everyone in it.

I will always remember Austin as the little boy next door. (Every time the news said the 21 year old man, I told the tv he wasn't a man, he was the little boy next door :) But I won't forget the time spent with him as a kid or even just a month ago.

Fair Time!!!

Saturday, Marty and I took Mackenzie and Cameron to the Allegan County Fair. It was the first time for Mackenzie to go! (It rained last year so we didn't want to take her.) This year, however, I think she loved it!

She got to see all the animals and feed some of them, as well!

 Kangaroo's

 Cows

 Looking at the goats

 This goat thought her sleeve was food :)

 Feeding the goats

 Marty feeding the goats

 She liked the smaller goats a bit better than the big ones. The big ones got in her face a lot more

 He fell asleep about 2 minutes after this picture was taken

 The donkeys named Dora and Jackie

 Petting the horses butt

 Mini horses

She liked the rabbits

Next she got to sit on the tractors, which she enjoyed immensely!

 This one was huge!

 She really liked this one, more her size

 He didn't really care about the animals or the tractors :)

She loved all of this. We seen a horse out of his stall and she really liked that. Then we checked out the cows and pigs. She didn't really care about the pigs, it was nap time for all of them while we were there. And she always likes cows, even though she gets to see cows at her grandpa's house all the time. She had a hot dog, which she always likes to eat. And she loved her first taste of an elephant ear, she just couldn't get enough! And I won both of the kids stuffed animals. Cameron got a little snake, and Mackenzie got a bright blue dog and a big tiger!

 Where your pork comes from

 Looking at the sleeping pigs

 Where your beef comes from

 Checking out the cows

Feeding her big tiger her pickle. Hard to tell, but Cameron is back there trying to eat his snake :)

We really had a great time at the fair. I can't wait when we can put her on a little ride and see how she likes that!!!