Time to Update

Okay, so once again, it has been FAR too long since I have updated. Needless to say, I am very busy with the three girls, the dog, the cat, and Christmas just around the corner. My pants are getting looser though, so I needed to put another hole in a belt to keep them up. At this rate, I will have to convince Terry that I need a new wardrobe!! A real cheeseball lately for the camera!! This is on Thanksgiving day on the way to Terry's parents. Love that smile, although the last few days she has been rather crabby. She has all four molars and one eyetooth is through. I think the other three eyeteeth are causing the crab to come out in her!

Lily traveled with us on Thanksgiving day also. She was in her kennel in the basement at Terry's parents and many of the family had to sneak a peak at her. At my sister's house, where we ended up later in the day, she got to be out most of the time and she liked my brother's lap!

My last post was of Olivia's shiner and now I have to include her last war battle scar! Shortly after the black eye was gone, she fell and hit the corner of a small shelf that is by the door for shoes. She bled a lot and I almost took her to the emergency room that night. In the morning after, this is what it looked like and since it was still open a little, I took her to Urgent Care. By the time we got there, it had scabbed over and the doctor said they might have glued it the night before when it happened, but she also said Olivia is so little it won't scar really. Mom was just worried!!

A preview of what some of the pictures may be like for this year's Christmas card from the Even family!

So last Tuesday night it started snowing. Not sure what the total amount of snow was in Denver, but 12-15 inches probably for sure!! Our trampoline is full and Terry and the two older girls used sand buckets to get some of it out. Not much accomplished, so I may have the girls try to get more out when it is a warmer day. Maybe I just worry too much or maybe we should have taken it down. Where to store it was the question though??

One attempt at an individual picture of Olivia to use with this year's Christmas card. She does not sit still or stay put for as long as my digital camera needs to take the picture. What a challenge. I did get one that I am using today, but in a different outfit. Oh, well. You take what you can get sometimes!!

A Shiner

So Terry picked Laci and Olivia up from daycare today. When the babysitter was out of the toy room for a second helping another little one, Olivia must have tried to do something she shouldn't have. Marlene thinks maybe she was trying to climb on one of the toy boxes. Silly girl! Anyway, she got a bummed up eye. The babysitter was able to put a bag of frozen peas on it for a bit, so she said it looks a bit better. She also said she heard two little whines from Olivia and that was all! What a cheese-head! This is the first picture I tried to take and she was hamming it up for the camera. I heard all of the story from Terry over the phone when I was on my way to Jesup to get my van back from the car dealer. I was really worried about what I would see when I got home. It isn't that bad though. I am just glad the babysitter didn't call me or e-mail me at work. I probably would have worried the whole day for nothing!

An upclose view. It is a bit puffy and red and certainly is bruised. She didn't seem like it bothered her though.

Closing her eyes, so you can see both. Another silly shot!! Will be curious to see how the bruise changes over the next few days. Won't be getting any Christmas card photos done anytime soon!

Also, this reminds me of Madison. When she was about this age, maybe a bit older, she tripped over my foot in her room and bumped her eyebrow area on a wooden doll cradle. She ended up having stitches. There is a slight scar there still, but it isn't noticeable since it is right along the top edge of her right eyebrow.

Lily Marie

So we finally did it! We got a dog - this is the newest member of our family - Lily Marie. She is an 8 1/2 week old English Bulldog. She is so sweet too. She is snuggly and loves to be close all the time. This is from Saturday after we got home from getting her. We drove 4 hours one way to get her. We left home around 1 p.m. because we had something going on in the morning and got to the location around 4:30-5:00 p.m. We met her and her two brothers. Boy, were those boys rambunctious!! Lily was much more calm and still seems to be.

We had gone to the pet store before leaving to go get her, so she had a bone to play with and was just relaxing by Terry. It was almost 10 p.m. when we got home.

This picture is dark because the camera battery was almost dead and my flash wouldn't go again. It is Lily sitting by Laci, almost falling asleep. She is a snuggle bug.

Lily had a fun day playing outside. She bites at the leaves and runs around and plays. She looks funny running. I will have to tape and post a quick video. Olivia was even outside while she was playing and Lily had fun trying to get Olivia too!

Happy 7th Birthday, Madison!

So today was pretty uneventful for it being Madison's 7th birthday. She had the girls over Thursday night and family was over Friday night, so all the presents were already open. She kept wanting to go shopping today because she has four gift cards and money to spend. Not sure what else she could need, but I told her this next weekend would be a perfect time to go. She wasn't really in agreement, but she had to wait. Auntie called to talk to her and so did Grandma Cheryll. I could slightly hear Grandma ask Madi what she got to do for her birthday, to which Madison responds "NOTHING!!". Oh boy, was she sassy today - sassy seven!! I can't imagine how fast the next 7 years will go, but I do love Madison so much. She usually is so easy to deal with, although the attitude does come out at times. I have loved every minute I have had with her the past 7 years - what a joy in my life! Here's to many more years of joy with her and her sisters! Happy Birthday to a 7 year old princess, my Madison Leigh!!

Falling Behind!

So our lives are constantly crazy right now. I usually feel like I don't have a moment's peace because we either have somewhere to go or something I need to be doing. After next Tuesday, I think my life can slow down a little, but I am sure it won't last long. Here are some pictures of what the Even family has been up to lately: We went to a place called "Pumpkin Paradise", just north of Denver. It was a lot of fun for the girls. There was a pumpkin patch, a scary maze, a hayride, and lots more.

This is part of the scary maze. Good thing it wasn't night time because the girls would have freaked out!

This is an old boat filled with corn. A "cornbox" instead of a sandbox - the girls loved it.

This tire swing looks like a horse. Madison and Laci each took a turn on the swing.

Giddy-up!

Madi got to ride in a limo to lunch with the school principal one day. It was a Ford Excursion limo and they got to go to the Pizza Palace in Denver for lunch because they did so well selling for the school fundraiser. This is Madi and her friend Cylee who got to go!

Halloween Night 2009 - Madison is Gabriella and Laci is Sharpay from High School Musical. Olivia is a little monkey with a banana on her head. I put little pink bows by the monkey's ears to make it girly!

The end of the night after trick or treating at my mom's house. Laci, Kendall as a witch, Madison, and Olivia.

Madison will be 7 years old tomorrow! Thursday night she had 7 friends over for a couple of hours. There wasn't school Friday because conferences were Monday and Tuesday night. They ate pizza, played, Madi opened presents, and they ate cupcakes. CRAZY!! Front row: Jordyn and Emily. Back row" Cylee, Reese, Madison, Jayden, Abbi, Tessa

Friday night we had family over for cake and ice cream. Madison picked out a Hannah Montana cake this year.

Almost 7 - where did those years goes so fast??? She says she is 7 already because she grows so fast! Madison is such a good daughter - Happy Birthday, Madi Moo!

And Another One Gone...

So now we can sing "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" with Madi for Christmas this year. Today when I picked her up from school, she showed me that her top tooth was really loose. She already lost one of the top teeth, so now they are both gone. Here she is with her tooth-less grin. This is the 6th tooth she has lost and she was determined to get it out tonight before bed. She really wanted the tooth fairy to come tonight, I think was the real reason. More concerned about the money than getting the tooth out whether it hurt too much or not! She was in the bathroom and soon hollered that she had gotten it out. Three of her bottom permanent teeth are almost all in, but the fourth bottom one is still working its way up. The top two permanent teeth haven't started their way in at all yet.

Of course, Laci had to be in one of the pictures too! She asked today when she would start losing teeth. It's all about the money though, I think!

Happy 1st Birthday, Olivia Rae!

Hard to believe that a year ago, I was waking up around 3 a.m. to contractions about every 5 minutes apart. I took a bath to see if that changed anything, but it didn't, so I called the hospital. They said I should come in. My mom came up to our house so we didn't have to wake up the other two girls. And we left for Covenant to arrive there around 5:30 a.m. Olivia Rae was born at 10:27 a.m. a year ago today! Wow, how fast it goes!! I really don't have a baby anymore. She is walking more and more, so I am sure that will be her only mode of transportation soon. She still crawls mostly because it is so much faster. Sometimes, I find myself searching the house for her because she gets away so quickly!! Hopefully, she never makes it to the basement stairs before I find her! Here are some pictures from the party we had Saturday evening for her. Her balloons - she really liked the bear on the balloon and wanted to get it all the time.

Her cake has zoo animals on it - mainly because we got her a stuffed monkey this summer when we went to the Omaha zoo and she sort of makes monkey noises whenever she sees it. She also acts like a monkey sometimes.

Getting ready to eat cake, we tried to take a picture of her with the cake, but it didn't work too well. She had her own smash cake. She loved it! I videotaped that, so I don't have any pictures of her with the mess all over. Will have to try to download the video.

We had the party festivities in our garage because it was nice out and then most of the mess was out there. After eating dinner, we put Olivia in her stroller to open presents. The girls also posed for this picture. From left to right, my niece, Kendall (2), Olivia (1), Laci (4), and Madison (6). They all had a fun night, but tired girls by the end of it all.

Uncle Tracy and Kim got this puppy for Olivia. It makes all kinds of noises when you press its ear, hands, tummy, and feet. Olivia loves it!

Losing Teeth

Madison lost her first top tooth yesterday. She has lost 5 teeth all together now. Her 4 bottom middle teeth in the front are gone and yesterday at school, she lost her first top one. It has been loose all week and she finally got it out. Not sure how I feel about her toothless grin sometimes. It makes me so sad at times to think about how big she is getting. Her and everyone else - Olivia will be ONE tomorrow. We are having her 1st birthday party this evening. Hope everyone is ready to see this crazy girl!! Also, the Hawkeyes play their game tonight, so I am sure we will be watching that too! GO HAWKS!

Almost Walking

So Olivia is almost walking. She will take several steps before dropping down to crawl. Watch out world, here she comes. I will try to get a video taken and post soon!

Laci's 1st Day of Preschool - Year 2

So today was finally Laci's 1st day of preschool - her second year. Yes, next year she will be starting kindergarten. She keeps asking me if it is the last day of school and she says then she will be starting kindergarten. Oh, what a long year this could be if she is ready for kindergarten already. I know Mom is not ready for kindergarten. Getting ready to head out the door!

This girl is so little. She isn't short or anything, but just tiny. On Monday, August 31st, I had a hair appointment right after work. I told Terry to go ahead with supper without me. When I got home, they were finishing supper and I looked at Laci and asked her what she was wearing. She said she was wearing her clothes, but in reality, she was wearing Olivia's. Granted, Olivia wears 12-18 month clothes already, but I was shocked. The pants were jean capris (Gap 12-18 month) that looked like cargo shorts on Laci. They had the stretchy elastic and the babysitter said she got them up and down all day to go the bathroom without any problem. The pants surprised me, but then when I tried to change her into some shorts that wouldn't be as tight, I noticed she was wearing Olivia's 18 month t-shirt also. It didn't look too short or anything! CRAZY!!! Olivia will be sharing clothes with Laci soon!

Ah, sisterly love! Madison was literally crying Tuesday night when she thought about next year with Laci being in kindergarten and she would be in 2nd grade. She was crying because she said at recess they would be playing in separate locations and she wouldn't get to see her. I told her it would be okay, it is a year away, and they would see each other and get to play together at latchkey and when they are home together. Geez, if they would only get along so well and love each other so much all of the time!

The final picture this morning. Three girlies!! Olivia really hams it up for the camera anymore. Whenever I get my camera out, she is big smiles. Hope I see the same when I take her to the photographer to get her 1 year pictures taken soon!

Olivia - My Bubba-Do

So Olivia is drinking out of a sippy cup lately. Juice and formula are in the cup for when she eats in her high chair, then she can have a drink. I don't think the babysitter even gives her a bottle much anymore because she is such a good eater. The sippies she uses are softer, but still firm, so I hope the "getting rid of the bottle" won't be too stressful. Having some juice!

Olivia is also sporting some ponies lately. Usually I just have one on top, but the other morning after a bath, I got two little ones in! Too cute! It is always a challenge when they are this little to get it done quickly!

Another view of her two ponies!

I must say, I love when this child takes naps or goes to bed at night. She is such a good baby, but she wears me out! She is on the go constantly! I am also having things to do at night with taking a class and being back to work. It is a wonder this blog ever gets updated! I know there are some of you who check often and wonder where in the heck I am and when my next post will be!

School's In Full Swing

So school was on day 9 today already. I am in the routine of getting myself and everyone where they need to go. Boy, am I exhausted as the day comes to an end. As if teaching weren't enough, I am taking a class through Hawkeye Community College. It is a web-hybrid class. Most of it is on-line, but I have to go to campus once per month. It is Oral Communications, so the nights I have to go to campus are to give my speeches! FUN, FUN!! Ok, but it is the last class to get my middle school endorsement! Makes me a little more marketable if I ever feel the need to change jobs. I just need to win the lottery and then I wouldn't have to worry about a job at all (ha, when pigs fly). I am also helping at church to teach Sunday School. Luckily there are enough of us that I really only have to teach 3 times from now until Christmas. I am sure it will go fast. Laci starts preschool next Wednesday, September 9th. She hasn't really said much yet, but I am sure she will be excited to go back. Madison is liking 1st grade, but she doesn't say a whole lot about it. She needs to get to be more talkative like her mom! Olivia is still not walking, but that is okay - she still crawls as fast as can be and gets into everything. Boy, is she busy!! She doesn't say really much yet, just some faint "ma", "bye" and maybe "ba" for bottle. She gets what she wants by grunting. Spitting is also her favorite thing lately thanks to Uncle Doug. I could really wring his neck some days for that! I will try to post some new pictures by the weekend, but don't hold me to it!

First Day of 1st Grade

Wednesday, August 19th was Madison's 1st day of school. First grade already - Seems like just yesterday I was going to the hospital to be induced and meeting this little girl for the first time. She has Mrs. Cashman for her teacher. That's who she wanted she told me. Standing on our front steps the morning of her first day.

Holding up her finger to let me know she is a first grader.

A picture with Laci. They were so kind to each other that morning. I could tell that they would sort of miss each other while Madi was at school even though the fights were more frequent the last few weeks. Let's just say the next two mornings they weren't so nice to each other.

And one final picture that morning - with Olivia. I had put her in her carseat in the van and left the doors open while taking the pictures of Madison on the front steps. Madison and Laci both said they needed a picture with Olivia, so this is the best I could do for that! Some mornings can be challenging getting us all to where we are supposed to be.

Well, the first two days of school were 12:30 dismissal days. Madison went to latchkey the first day and rode the bus to the babysitter's house the next day. Friday was a full day of school and it was also picture day for the elementary students. I could tell Madison was tired from three days of school, so it will be interesting to see what a full week brings. Mom survived the first week too. Hope the year goes well!

Watching the Neighborhood

After making brownies, the girls were playing outside. I looked out the living room window to check on them and this is what I found. They had gotten out their chairs and were sitting facing the street. We don't have much traffic on our street at all, but they seemed to be waiting for the cars to go by.

Don't they look like they get along marvelously?? I wish that was always the case. Typically, when they play together, they do get along pretty well, but there are times when I need to separate them! Will be glad when they get back to school and a routine, maybe then they will miss each other and enjoy each other's company in the evenings.

The Best Part of Making Brownies

Madison has really been into helping me do things in the kitchen lately. I haven't always invited the girls to help because I know it can get a little messier, but I am trying to be a little more relaxed and just let them help. Madison helped stir up the brownies the other day. Then she and Laci had to use rubber scrapers to lick the bowl clean. The best part!

Chocolate was all over their little faces!

Laci wasn't quite as messy because she had a smaller scraper.

With the bowl - scraping what little was in there.

A Few Good Smiles

Here are some pictures of Olivia taken recently. I can really get her to smile and even laugh a lot. When she smiles like this, you can really see her dimples. Love those dimples. She has got 4 bottom teeth and two top teeth too.

She also gets smiling and almost giggly at times like this. The hiccups are sure to follow!