Time flies...

Wow, what a difference a year makes. It's been a doozy of really good ups...and serious downs. I'm glad to say, though, we've all made it through in one piece and in relative good health. I'm grateful for my little family and that they are here for me. I hope to do much better in 2011 with keeping up with this blog. I feel like I want to reprimand myself for the lack of 'blogging' in 2010, but what good would that do??

Here's to 2011 being a wonderful year!!

Cute Kid Stuff

I know a lot of you read my FB page, but wanted to post these stories here for those that don't AND so I'd remember it!

#1

While getting the kids ready to go out on Sat. it was snowing. We don't have the snow boots out yet but I remembered all 3 boys have work boots. Scott put them on the big boys & I took Ethan & did his. After I was done, I told him to go show Noah & Elijah. He ran off down the hall to show the other kids. I yelled down the hall, "they all have the same boots everyone...!". Then I hear Kara exclaim, "YEAH... THE THREE STOOGES!!"!! LOL!!!

#2

So we're sitting there the other day at Christmas Village in Laconia, waiting for Santa. They have all sorts of holiday characters strolling around, Frosty, Rudolf, The Grinch, etc. At one point, I smell something rancid and so I ask Elijah, "Elijah, did you toot?" His reply, "Yeah. At da Grinch!". I turn around and the Grinch is behind Elijah. LOL!!

Hope this at least made you smile a little! :)

First Day of School

Yeah, I know. Months ago. Still want to post it! :)

Saying 'bye to Elijah

Noah showing off his new sneakers lol.

awww.

Here it comes!

Post-summer summer blog update!

I'm sure you've all given up on me at this point... Summer was a drag for many reasons. First a major surgery for me which put me out of commission until mid-July. Then I had strep, not once, but twice. That was fun. Just when I was feeling better and READY to go and be outside, too. So by that point I had all of August to enjoy the beach, the park, blueberry picking, cook-outs and a short camping trip. Here are a few photos from our camping trip with the Flanders... I'll catch up with back-to-school, fall and then Halloween later...

Kara and Melody

Ella and Ethan

Baby Olivia

Noah and Ella being silly! :)

Baby Ethan cleaning the cabin!

Daddy & Kara

Ella, Noah and Emily being camera shy!

Mark and some of the kids...

Kara, Melody, Ella, Emily, Noah and Ethan

Ella, Emmy and Kara

Did we really pack the whole house????

Nicole and Alyssa

Elijah and Alyssa

Mommie & Kara

Noah and Ethan

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!! :)

A Baby is Born!

I'm REALLY hoping I'm not stealing Jenn's thunder here, but,

SHE HAD THE BABY!!

I received a message a little while ago from Malcolm. I did not want to call her hospital room this late and besides, I'm SURE she's exhausted. No name as of this hour (10pm, Weds. night) but, he was 8lbs. 10oz and 20 inches long!!


YAAAYYY! Congrats Malcolm and Jenn!!

Dance Recital Rehearsal

This was May 29, 2009. I will post some photos of the night of the recital later...for now, a tidbit!

At home, getting ready!

The little cheetahs with their teacher's helper, Nora. AKA Pumbaa
Striking a pose!

Waiting backstage...

All done with the reheasal! Time to go home and rest up for the show!! :)

A new angel in Heaven

Just wanted to let you all know that sweet, beautiful Ryan Oickle passed quietly early Saturday morning. His mother and father were holding him at the time and he was surrounded by many family members and friends. Our family is deeply saddened by their news and is praying that Heavenly Father helps them to have peace in their hearts. They are a very spiritual family :) and I know they trust that Ryan is in good care. Desma, Ryan's mother, has all the info. on his caring bridge site. Give your little ones (or your big ones) an extra kiss today :)

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryanoickle

My Birthday

As usual, I am behind. I probably won't get any better with summer coming up, either! For my birthday we went to Chili's to celebrate with my sister and Meghan. It was nice to be out and have a great meal! April 10th has been difficult for me and Mel because it was our Dad's birthday too. The kids made it a wonderful, cheerful evening and I know it would make Dad happy :-)
P.S. The Marine background is in honor of my Dad and his birthday as well as for Memorial Day and his sacrifice in the Vietnam war. I will forever be grateful to him and others for their service and forever be privileged to be the daughter of a Marine :) Love you, Dad--Semper Fi!

Our silly girl, Kara Melanie-full from eating a great dinner!

Elijah, Daddy, Mommie and a portion of Ethan's head

Happy Baby-as usual!

Meggie and Noah

Meggie and Kara

The Oickle Family

Hello Everyone. I wanted to do a post in honor of our friends, The Oickle's. George and Desma have 2 sons, Colby (Noah's friend at school) and Ryan, 4 (Elijah's age). Nearly 2 years ago, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer (after MUCH testing). He was about 2 1/2. With chemo and other treatments they have been able to keep Ryan's tumors from getting worse....that is until recently. Around April 1st, they found out that not only are Ryan's tumors not shrinking, they are getting larger (around 5.5cms). They have used all the medication they can at this time and are told chemo will only prolong his life, not necessarily improve the quality of it. George and Desma have made the agonizing decision to take Ryan off all meds. and enjoy the time they have with him.

As if that weren't enough burden to carry, George was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year after Ryan (in August 2008). His is in stage 3B, which is incurable. George currently undergoes chemotherapy and they are hoping to put it into remission for a LONG time. What George has is called Adnocarcinoma and Ryan's is Rhabodomyoscarcoma.

I know many of you that read this blog are believers in miracles. I wanted to spread the word as far as I could to request prayers for them. Desma is such a strong, wonderful, positive woman. I know George and Ryan (and Colby!) are truly blessed to have her! If you would like to read more about them, here are the websites they have set up:

Ryan Oickle

George Oickle

THANK-YOU!

And The Mother of the Year Award goes to.....

NOT ME!!!

I have no idea with all the postings of Meghan's birthday, Scott's birthday, Noah's birthday AND Elijah's birthday that I forgot to POST ETHAN'S BIRTHDAY! Is this a sign of what's to come as the 4th born...Everyone forgets you?!! Well I have to say at least we remembered him on his birthday and had a nice little party for him. We love our adorable ONE YEAR OLD! He is SO happy all the time and he's such a gift to our family!

Happy Birthday Ethan Scott Presby!!


Unsure of what's going on...

VERY happy about his balloons!

Cake-Good!

Wouldn't we all like to do this? LOL!


Yes, he did start chewing on this plate! We took it away
from him and he SCREAMED! So sad :( I can't believe
his parents wouldn't let him eat paper on his birthday!

"Oh, hey...there's people behind me!" -OR- is he staring
at his balloons??

Siblings & Cousins

I guess taste-testing the envelope was more fun than opening
the gift!

HI NOAH!

OOOhhhh...steering wheel!

NOW he wants to open the card!

P.S.-in case you're wondering, Ethan was born
on December 26, 2007! :)