The New House

Today I built my Girls their dream playhouse. It was easy to put together until.....the roof. As you can tell my the picture, Charlee is wondering if her playhouse will ever be finished. Actually, she was chatting on the playhouse phone. I believe she was talking to Little Eliza and Marque. Her imagination was in full gear.

There was no way I was going to be able to put the roof on and screw it down without help....

....Dad/Papa to the rescue. After about 45 minutes (thought it was only going to take 20 minutes max) we placed the final screw. I should have gotten pictures of Dad inside the playhouse, it would have been priceless.

I believe Charlee has rung the door bell a million times and that is before the roof was in place. She laughed because Maggie didn't bark at her doorbell. She was trying to force Maggie into the house all day long. May be with a treat she may get Maggie inside.

Ice Cream was the first meal in the playhouse. She also decided to park her car on the porch. I might need to build a garage for her.

She loves sitting on the front porch.

2 million rings of the doorbell...and counting.

Charlee and her girl, Maggie.

Charlee has already decided what windows need drapes. She is already started to decorate the inside. She must get that from Grandma.

This playhouse was the best toy I've ever bought. Charlee was so excited to play outside after a nap. This will keep her imagination going. I might need to buy Natalee her own house when she is walking so there isn't any fighting. I might turn my back porch into a litte town.

Thank you Dad for helping make my Girls (mostly Charlee's) dream come true. You are our lifesaver.

Natalee's Tummy Time

"Look Aunt Von, I found my thumb but Mom keeps taking it away from me"

"This blanket taste good. Almost as good as Solomon last night"

The Babies of SWAC May 2009

Introducing the New Babies of SWAC

Single Woman Adopting Children

Mila, Solomon, and Natalee

"Let me see how you taste"

Last night, Charlee and Shanna had a collision. Here is the after math....

The line is from her scalp line to mid-cheek. This picture doesn't show her battle wound.

10 years ago....

10 years ago today...my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This is a day in my history that I'll never forget. I remember that day as if it was yesterday. It's hard to believe that 10 years have past. If it wasn't for my diabetes, I wonder where I would be at. Having diabetes has not been the easiest thing in my life but a few wonderful things have come from having diabetes.....

***I have two adorable children. I'm not sure if I would have adopted if I didn't have diabetes. I decided to adopted because the increase risk to my health and the baby's health with my diabetes.

***I have one of my best friend, Marque. Marque and I met because of my diabetes. She was the instructor of my education classes when I was first diagnosed. Today, she is my go to person when I need help or am just frustrated with my diabetes. I owe alot to Marque because she taught me so many things about diabetes and how not to fear this disease.

***I have a great job. Would I have become a diabetes educator if I didn't have diabetes? I get teach people about diabetes and hopefully make them not afraid of this disease. Not everyone listens to what I have to say but when they do....I realize I have this disease for a reason.

My diabetes has not always been in the best control. I try hard but it is not easy dealing with this disease.

Thank you to all my family and friends that have been me support, a shoulder to cry on, and love during the past 10 years.

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

Our Memorial Day weekend began with visiting the cemetries in Bountiful. We first went to Great-Grandpa's. I tried to get a picture of the Girls together but Charlee was not in the mood for pictures. Natalee was not the most cooperative but it was sunny. We then went to Baby Matt's (my brother). We also placed flowers on Great-Grandma Eva, Great-Grandpa Charles, and Great-Grandma Gladys. We barely finished when the rain began.

Great-Grandma and Natalee

On Saturday morning, we jumped into the car for an hour drive to Heber to ride Thomas the Train.

Charlee and Natalee before boarding the train

All Aboard!!!!!!!

Natalee slept through the whole 25 minutes

Tiffany and Solomon

Eliza and Charlee

Lindsey and Sam

After the day with Thomas the Train....we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's. On Sunday, we went to Great Oma and Great Opa's graveside in a complete down pour. We left the kids in the car while we each ran to the graveside with an umbrella.

Natalee was not a happy camper. On Monday we spent the day at home, just the three of us and Maggie. I did some laundry, cleaned the house, and played outside. Charlee said that she was glad that I stayed home from work.

Natalee loves her swing

Charlee requested nachos for dinner

My Girls after a long weekend.

I would have posted these pictures yesterday but my internet has been having issues. Comcast had to come out on Saturday to fix the connection, then on Monday the wireless router stopped working right in the middle of trying to post. I'm way to dependent on technology.

A New House

I just couldn't resist....



I bought this adorable playhouse for the Girls yesterday. It will be delivered in 10-14 days. I know Charlee will love it and Natalee will too when she is able to walk.

Natalee's 2 Month MD Visit

Yesterday was Natalee's two month doctor visit. I was shocked to see how much she has grown in the past two months. Here are her stats:

Weight: 11 lbs 8 oz (75th percentile)
Height: 22 inches (50th percentile)
Head: 15 inches (35th percentile)

We got a clean bill of health except for some eczema on her face and body.

She received a full round of immunizations, three shots and one oral. She cried of course but was easily comforted by Mom and Charlee. I think Charlee had a harder time with the shots because she kept asking, "Why did Natalee need to get poked".

Next visit is at 4 months of age.

A Cute Comment by Charlee...

Yesterday, I finally got the mail after several days. In the mail was the insurance statement on Natalee's hospital bill. Of course, one of the bills got screwed up and I was telling Charlee that the insurance company messed up on Natalee's bills and I'll have to call in the morning. She proceeded to say.....

"Does that mean we have to take her back"

That's my girl. Look at these cute shorts. Aunt Von, do you remember these shorts from one of our many adventures to Target last September? They are the perfect size, except the waist, but these shorts have the adjustable waistband.

Sunday Bathtime

This weekend was a double edged sword. We stayed home all weekend, unless you count a quick trip to Wal-mart, DI, Gas, and a car wash. I washed off the back patio, got the patio furniture out, filled the sandbox with purple sand (Thank you Tiffany and Crew), washed laundry, washed dishes, vacuumed, cleaned out the garage, fixed all three meals, cleaned three bathrooms, got ready for the next week, etc......

I really love staying home with the Girls but I feel guilty because we didn't "DO" anything. But when we have a "busy" weekend, I feel guilty for not spending time alone with the Girls. I asked Charlee if she liked staying home this weekend and she said, "YES".

The best thing we did as a family this weekend is bathtime. I get to watch and play with both Girls at the same time. And that fact that they are both water babies helps. I finally felt comfortable to snap off a few pictures on Natalee in the bathtub.

Charlee was first in the tub because she likes to play with different soaps that are a bit too much for Natalee's skin. So she played while Natalee...

...took a little nap in her bouncy chair. This chair has been my lifesaver.

The soap of choice was "Foam Soap". This kept Charlee busy for 45 minutes while I fed Natalee.

Natalee's turn

Natalee's tub makes up the majority of the tub but Charlee doesn't mind sharing as long as she gets to put bubbles on Natalee.

"Hurry Mom, It's getting cold"

"My Bubbles"

"Look at my BIG eyes" courtesy of the flash

"My ear is going to be squeaky clean"

The Girls watching "Little People" while I take 10 minutes for a nice relaxing shower