Wishing you a Merry Christmas & a Happy & Healthy New Year!

I know it's been some time since I last posted. So much has happened it will take me a few posts just to catch up. Hopefully I will have some time to post this week. Until then, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We did. Here's to a prosperous 2011!! Since I'm SO on top of things, I didn't even send out my Christmas cards until today. (Yes, I realize it's 2 days after Christmas.) I didn't even mail out that many, so we're sorry if you didn't receive one. I'm posting a pic of our Christmas card here to share with everyone. Once again, my BFF took another awesome photo of the kiddos. Enjoy!

I can't believe it's August already! Where does the time go? I'm already seeing the "Back to School" commericals on TV and getting that queezy feeling in the pit of my stomach. 

Summer T-Ball has come to an end. We really enjoyed watching McKenna and Zander every Thursday night. Every game they got a little better.

 

The kids were just tickeled when they received their very first trophy after the last game. The trophies are proudly displayed in their rooms. Well, at least Zander's is. McKenna's trophy is in our vehicle right now so she can show it off to people wherever she goes.

Jason is finally out of his cast and doesn't have to wear his "moon boot" anymore either. We were watching Twilight the other night and noticed Bella had the same walking cast on as Jason. The kids were all excited about it...Jason, not so much. Dr's orders, he can only be on his feet a maximum of 2hrs per day.

(Shyah right!)

I was in WalMart the other day and noticed a good lookin' crippled man trying to decide which beer to put in his scooter. Of course I couldn't resist snapping this photo. I just might tag him on this so he can use this as his new fb profile pic. Ha! I was literally laughing outloud.

Gage's new thing is to spend 80% of his day with his chubby little finger up his nose. Seriously, it's gotten to the point where it's not even embarrassing anymore when we go out in public and my child says, "Wook mommy, I gotta booogie!", and repeats the process over and over and over.  He gets seriously pissed off when I tell him to stop or take his finger out of his nose. When we've tried to stop him he immediately sticks his finger up his nostril, not even searching for a booger, and intentionally walks around looking at me with that "oh no you didn't!" stare.

We went up north 2 weeks ago and had a really nice time with the Bartel side. Gage didn't like the boat too much, but McKenna and Zander loved it. We saw an eagle swoop up a fish, and on the way back to the cottage we even saw a big black bear running across the road. Besides completely freaking out, I thought it was pretty neat to see. I also hope I never have to see one again.

It's Tornado Weather here in Wisconsin. The other evening the storms were pretty intense. The sky turned to a calm, ire shade of orangish red before round 2 of lightning, rain and tornado warnings came, lasting the entire night and into the next day.

Since it's been hot and muggy outside, the kids are constantly outside swimming and having a blast. When it's hot it makes for a better day at the beach.

Which also means the kiddos are practically passed out come 8 o'clock.

Happy Birthday to my litte boys!

Gagers turned 2 yrs old July 25th and Z will turn 4yrs old on August 9th!

I can't believe life is passing by so quickly.

Buzzzzz on Over for a ROARIN' good time!

Well, it's that time of the year again, where I say good bye to a little bit more of "baby" in my babies. Zander, my little man will be turning FOUR...and Gage is close behind turning TWO!

I was thinking the other day that I will never again be able to say I have a one year old. Cry. I have 3 more days to tell everyone I know that this little giant toddler of mine is, "only one year old."

Because my life revolves around my crazy kiddos, I was left with no time to send out bday invites yet.

BIG Surprise, I know.

So, for those of you who have not received an invite by either email or in conversation, here ya go...

You can click on the picture to enlarge.

We're still undecided if this will be a Dinosaur party or a Creepy crawly bug party, seeing the two are obsessed with both. Either way, stop on over to help us celebrate another year with these crazy beautiful boys and eat some "grub". Kiddos don't forget to bring your swimming suites!

Red White & Bruise, Happy 4th!

It's been an eventful couple of weeks to say the least. Another update from the past post: Jason's MRI showed that he does NOT need surgery on his Achilles tendon after all. His tear was higher in the Achilles and according to the Dr. should heal up after 2 months in a cast. This was great news for us.

Now it's a summer filled with no splish-splashing around for Jason and our niece Shannon, who broke her arm last month.

We received some very bitter sweet news the same day this picture was taken. My Grandma Lepak passed away June 20th. I can't say enough about how wonderful of a person she was. She died less than 3 months shy of her 98th birthday. I would marvel at the pictures taken with her and my kids thinking about the 90+ year age difference. She lived a very full life and had a very sharp mind, pretty much until hours before she reunited with my Grandpa Lepak. I have the most amazing memories with her. For our wedding rehearsal dinner we had a luau. Of course she showed up with coconut shells on.

Her humor and laugh were contagious.

Me and my Grandma at my bridal shower.

She will be missed more than she could have ever imagined.

And so life goes on...

Summer swimming lessons and T-Ball continue at the Bartel household. McKenna and Zander are doing so well this summer compared to last summer's swimming lessons. In no time at all they will be swimming on their own, ...and then driving, graduating and getting married...sob.

Gagers loves hangin' at the beach too.

Best Buds

McKenna's first bikini. She struts her stuff in it. It may be her last bikini.

Look at these princesses faces! They are NOT liking this pre-game warm-up.

After a great day of swimming and t-ball, the night couldn't be completed until Gage took a digger on the garage step after tripping on a shoe.

Poor little guy. As if cutting teeth isn't enough.

Hope you all have a nice 4th of July.

Hello Summer!

So it seems that summer is finally  here! Boy did that take forever. This summer will be busy and crazy as ever. Lots of FuN fUn FuN!

We've signed McKenna and Zander up for T-Ball. It's been a work in progress for both. Last week Zander wasn't paying attention during "batting" practice. He didn't have a helmet on and was too close to a little girl swinging her bat. Needless to say he had a pretty good goose-egg after a good 15 min of crying.

By the time the game started he was back to his normal self, which then gave McKenna the go-ahead to be a drama queen and start crying for no reason at all.

Gage can't wait to partake in the fun next summer, even though he won't quite be 3. He's already got mad skills for a 22 month old.

He impatiently stands on the sidelines just waiting for me to take my eyes off him so he can run on the field and try to steal the other little players gloves and ball.

Check out the hilarious team photo of "The Sliders". McKenna was still a Drama Queen at the time the team photo was taken, so naturally she refused to take part.

Once again, Jason had his annual Neenah Street Ball tourney this weekend. I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! It seems like I was just posting about this from last year. I would love to say Jason kicked butt and his team took 1st, however; I can't. (sigh) Jason ended up getting hurt in the 2nd game, which may result in a couple of weeks (hopefully not months!) off work and me taking care of a 4th "kid". He goes to the Dr. tomorrow but we're pretty sure he tore his Achilles tendon or calf muscle. BuMmEr x 10!

The kiddos start their summer swimming lessons tomorrow. They are really excited. This summer should be extra interesting, seeing Gage can now make a mad dash into the water vs. "drunk baby walking" to the shore like last summer.

Seeing Zander and Gage will be celebrating their birthday's soon, we decided to get them an early present. 

We may have spoiled them just a bit.

All I had when I was their age was one of those Banana sprayers. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Ghetto. I think we might have had a slip-n-slide too. My parents finally came to their senses when I was in 5th grade and put in a pool, which brought me many years of summer fun. Maybe once the 3 musketeers master their swimming skills we could do the same. I would love for them to experience that. Until then, it's the outdoor lake at Marble Park and the new water toy.

GUESS WHAT!? 3 of the 4 Canadian Tenors accepted my friend request on facebook! (Go ahead, rip on me all you want.) I'm still holding out for my fave...C'Mon Fraser!!

Just press accept!

His voice eyes, mouth, teeth, hair, body, clothes, everything about him is just AMAZING!

On a serious note: Prayers for Stephanie (click on her name). She is such an inspiration to me and many others. And prayers for my almost 98 year old grandma Lepak who is getting ready to be with my Grandpa. I pray the Lord welcomes her peacefully without suffering. She's the best grandma/great-grandma/wife/mother/everything in the whole world. 

Update: Jason went to the hospital today and it's confirmed that he DID tear his Achilles Tendon and he WILL be needing surgery in the next week. Because of this he will be off work for about 5 months. Not sure what the future holds but I guess it involves me dusting off my resume to bring in some income. Say a prayer for him (and us) too!

A Mothers Day to Remember

I hope all you mothers out there had a Mother's Day filled with *LoVe* and relaxation! You deserve it! Okay, who am I kidding. If you are so blessed to have 3 little beautiful tErDs like I me, relaxation only comes when I am passed out on the couch after an exhausting day....uNnLeSs....my awesome mom (thank you!) comes over to watch my 3 little beautiful TeRdS while me and the hubster are off duty for the weekend to see an A*M*A*Z*I*N*G Canadian Tenors Concert!! (click on name)

(Victor, Remigio and my future husband if I wasn't already married Fraser)

Don't know who they are? See here, here, or even here and here!!!. WARNING, before you attempt to press the "here" links,scroll to the bottom and pause my music playlist, THEN,  grab yourself a drool bucket and a blanket to cover your goosebumps because you will need them! I first saw the Canadian Tenors on Oprah in February singing with Celine Dion. Instant goose-bumps. THEN....by sheer coincidence, they were on Dr. Phil a day or 2 later AND I just happened to have the TV on. (Note: I RARELY watch Dr. Crazy Texan Phil!) If you have been to my house in the last 3 months, you have seen the Canadian Tenors performance on Oprah,....because I've made you watch it. :)  

Bless the person who invented the DVR!

Needless to say I am now an addict and I just got my best fix ever!!

JEALOUS?

Gotta LOVE Canada, EH?

These pictures don't do the Fraunthal Auditorium justice. Just beautiful.

I do have to add that I've never seen that many old people in one place my entire 31yrs of life. Maybe I have a mature taste in music? (sure, we'll go with that....better than I'm just a dork who likes "Popera") The lady behind me (see her with the glasses on?) was having what I referred to as "grandma orgasms" throughout the concert, because every time the song would be  a l m o s t done, she would let out a deep "Mmmmmm" moan. I was dying inside of laughter.

On a side note: Jason finally joined the "guys can wear pink too" bandwagon (better late than never??), as he wore a pink shirt to the concert ...

AND he wore a different pink shirt on the drive home.  Not even half way through the ride back I dubbed him "stinky pinky". I'm sure you can figure out why. :)

We even stopped by IKEA on the way to MI and home. LOTS of cool decor for the learning room! I'll post a pic later.

You can check out my facebook page for VIDEO CLIPS OF THE CONCERT!! You might even hear the "grandma O's". :)

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Spring

Well, it's been some time since I've last posted, so I figured it's due-time. I'm always procrastinating updating the blog, until I realize I could write a novel with all of the happenings going on at the Bartel household.

February was a busy busy month for me. It was the start up of my Gold Canyon business, which is going wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you to those that supported me and continue to do so. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just LOVE Gold Canyon, and I know that I've gotten some of you addicted to their products as well. I'd like say I'm sorry,....but, that was my goal. :)

I've mentioned before that we live next to an Elementary school. It's not just any elementary school, it was ranked 15th in the state. That's pretty impressive. The small school was the only reason we purchased our house. I am so sad to say that our school board has voted 4-3 to close our school the very same year McKenna was going to attend kindergarten. I am just devastated. Seeing that we practically live on top of the school, we have become the "poster family" for Winchester school closing and all of the local News media. I've been on the news about a dozen times in the past 2 months trying to get the public involved in our feverish efforts to keep the school open. Seeing that our community's attempts have failed thus far, I have decided to do something I'd never thought I was capable of.....homeschooling. Yep, you read that right, I am going to teach my child. My first thought on this was, "NO WAY! I'm not crazy." then I was like, "Well, I guess it wouldn't be that bad, after all, it's better than sending her on a bus for a 2hr commute per day to get to a school almost eight times the size of our beloved elementary school next door." now, after extensive research, I'm like "LET'S DO THIS!" I'm super excited, and I'll admit, a bit scared too. After all, I don't want to screw up my kid. This is only a temporary set-up. My goal is to get through this year and we'll see how things go. If they go exceptionally well, then I will home school both McKenna and Zander the following year. If McKenna decides she's ready for the "big" school and to ride the bus to "far-away land", then I know at least she will have her brother Zander with her. Because of this decision, we are turning our playroom into a Learning center, and the storage space under the stairs will be the new "cool" kids room. I'll post some pictures of the new set-up.

March was a BIG month. It was McKenna's birthday! My little baby girl, my first born, continues to get bigger, stronger and smarter. It was 5 years ago on March 26th that I left the Mesa, AZ hospital with my beautiful baby in my arms and experienced this life with a whole new outlook. I had a little person that depended on me for everything, literally. It was the most AMAZING and scariest thing ever. Here I am, my heart swelling with pride, to know that my daughter is five years old.

McKenna continues to bring our family joy and animation. She is still a princess and loves anything princess related. She still acts like a little mommy to her two "little" brothers. Gage is too much of a chunkeroo for her to lift up and tote around, but that doesn't stop McKenna from trying. It was no surprise that the theme for her birthday party was her favorite princess, Ariel. Once again Grandma Bartel made the delicious cake.

The kids had a blast. I cherish these moments when they are still so young and have their little high pitched cute as ever voices.

April came, I blinked, and now it's practically over. Within a couple of days we went from almost 80 degree weather, to LOTS of snow, and then 2 weeks later, the kids were running through the sprinklers.

 Only in Wisconsin do you get to experience all four seasons within one months time.

I can't believe it will be May soon! Swimming lessons start in only a month. Just unbelievable how fast time is passing.

Zander has officially passed up McKenna in weight. They were at 45.4lbs for the longest time, and all of a sudden Z shot up to 47lbs! He's still a good two inches shorter. They both wear the same size (5T) in clothing and fit into each others shoes. (12-13 for McKenna and 11-12 for Z) Zander is into worms, snakes and dinosaurs now. He's also getting Gagers into it. Last week I heard a McKenna scream, "MOM, THERE'S A WORM IN MY ROOM!".....and I knew exactly how it got there.

(Z & G with a worm)

(Zander passed out with his worms)

 Because Gage has older siblings to look up to he is starting to grow up even faster than the others did. His vocabulary is so extensive. It amazes me how much he is able to comprehend at his age. I think because of this he is more capable of being a little stinker. Gage is going through a biting, hitting and pinching phase. It's seriously driving me bonkers. I've tried ignoring him, giving him time-outs, even biting him back, and NOTHING works. I'm embarrassed when my friends bring over their kiddos for play dates because Gage will always end up making one or all of them cry. The other day he bit my parents 4yr old neighbor girl in the BUTT! Just a little devil. I've never had a child that challenges me so much. Gagers gets into EVERYTHING too!

 If it weren't for his big hugs & super cute dimples.....

(SO big!)

Hopefully summer will bring new distractions and this phase of his will disappear.

Well, I know there is so much more to include, but I will have to write in a later post. I will make it a point to post more frequently. I know, I've said that before, but I'm going to really make the effort. These kiddos are growing up way too fast for me not to appreciate & document it. As crazy as my life is right now, I wouldn't change it. I am so blessed.

How does that Jon & Kate saying go?...."It might be a crazy life, but it's OUR life".

(pathetic I know, I just couldn't resist!)

(My little devils!)

(couldn't resist...now THAT is a grundy!)

(Yep, Kenna still pretends she has a sister....and Z goes right along with it)

(Z refused to take his shark PJ's off for McKenna's B-day party)

(Gagers checking out his Easter eggs.)

(The kiddos helping make our Easter Lamb cake. A Lepak tradition.)

(Priceless expression to her Ariel card)

(I had to include this one,...just so I can look at it when it doesn't look this clean....which is almost ALWAYS!)