A relaxing Easter.....

April 12, 2009 - Easter Sunday was relaxing and a lot of fun! The kids got up at 7:00am and went right to their baskets. By the time I got up at 7:30, the boys had their lightsabers out and were fighting with them. I had to put batteries in them so that they made noise. Madison was going crazy since she got soccer goals and needed them put together and taken outside so she could play with her stuff. It did look like the kids were enjoying their candy, though!! LOL!

Here are the three kids enjoying their toys:


Here is Madison with her box, poor girl!!!:


Keegan was still sleeping during all these fun times, but he did get up later and was able to enjoy opening his Easter basket stuff.


Later in the day when it got a bit warmer, Trav put Madison's goals together. The four of them went outside and played a game of soccer. I was inside after putting Keegan down for his nap and snuck some pictures. Love the goalies with their lightsabers!!!


Here is Madison schooling Daddy:



Later in the day, Daddy pulled Madison's second loose tooth. It was the one on the bottom next to the one she lost first. Now we have to get her to wiggle her two top front teeth as the adult ones are coming in behind those and pushing them out. Wonder what the tooth fairy will bring her.

After a non-traditional dinner of tacos, I took Keegan and went to Mass at 6pm. The kids stayed home with Daddy as they go back to school tomorrow and Braden has been a bit cranky today. Mass was AMAZING!!! I LOVE our church. I even called Carolyn during the service so she could hear the music as we had talked earlier about how the girls had loved our church and the amazing music we have. Then after Mass, I decided to spoil myself and went to Wendy's and had a chocolate shake.

All in all, a very relaxing and fun Easter. We had time as a family, fun and of course, Mass to thank God for giving us His Son. It was definitely a good day and reminded me of what is important - our faith, our family and the love we share with others! Hope you had a blessed Easter!

Where are the eggs?

April 11, 2009 - Today we hung around the house doing absolutely nothing! It was fun to spend the last weekend of spring break just enjoying not being on a schedule.

Sandie called me and invited us to their neighborhood to do an Easter Egg Hunt. I decided since we weren't going to the one Kami told us about due to the wetness from last night's rain, we would definitely be up for doing this one. We got to Sandie's and Trav got to meet Steve and the rest of the kids. Then, we walked to the cul de sac and the neighbors set up the hunt. Madison was with the 6 and over group and Ashton and Braden were with the 5 and unders. Madison ran around and picked up the 25 eggs they were allowed. The boys ran around and picked up their eggs (no limit). Ashton's bucket was brimming with colorful eggs. Braden kept getting to an egg, picking it up and opening it to see if there was anything in it. Of course, all the eggs had little treats in them so I kept pushing him to just pick up the eggs! He seemed to get the idea and from then on, ran around gathering eggs into his bucket. At the end of the hunt, the kids took all the treats out of their eggs and gave the eggs back. For the eggs, they got another handful of candy. It was a lot of fun! After the hunt, the kids played with Steven, Nicki, Erika and Loukas a while before we left.





We were pretty hungry after the hunt so we stopped for dinner at McDonald's. The kids had so much fun climbing in the tunnels and sliding down the slides. Trav had just as much fun chasing the kids and pretending he was going to go in the playplace and get them! I had a blast watching him play with the kids! They had so much fun!









We left there and came home so the kids could relax and play for a while before bed. I went shopping for a couple last minute Easter things. I then went to Kami's and scrapped the night away. I got Carolyn's birthday card done and finally started to really work on a couple pages that have been giving me trouble. I can't wait to get them done! I got home in time for the Easter Bunny to visit and then crashed as it was about 4am!

Wednesday - Improvement, but still not wonderful!

April 8, 2009 - Carolyn, Tori and Amber had to stay an extra day to recover from being sick. Not the reason I wanted them to extend their stay, but at least they got a chance to rest and recover a little.

However, today didn't start out the best for Carolyn who around midnight was awakened by Amber throwing up on Madison's floor. Poor girl...we were REALLY hoping she would not get this yucky sickness! She was up every hour or so throwing up. We all knew how she felt...such a terrible sickness this has been for everyone. Everyone else seemed to do fine except for Ashton who threw up one more time during the night. Tori, Keegan and I slept in the living room and slept pretty well. Ashton, Madison and Trav slept in our room and they did ok until Ashton came downstairs, threw up and then slept with Keegan and I on the couch. Amber and Carolyn tried to sleep in Ashton's room but I don't think either got too much sleep.

This morning wasn't so bad...Madison, Braden and Ashton all had appetites again and had breakfast. Carolyn, Tori and I, though we felt a lot better than yesterday, just didn't feel like eating quite yet. We took turns doing laundry, taking care of Amber, chatting, watching Disney movies, playing Guitar Hero, doing dishes, and playing with the kids. Around noon, Carolyn, Tori and I decided that we were HUNGRY - we wanted to eat. So, we ordered food from O'Charley's. Carolyn and I shared a club sandwich (no honey mustard and no tomatoes for her, extra tomatoes and no honey mustard for me!!!) and potato soup and Tori had a cheeseburger and french fries. After we ate, we were all stuffed since we hadn't really eaten since CiCi's on Monday. But boy did it feel good to eat!!!

Carolyn started talking about the fact that it might work out for them to leave today and drive for 5 hours or so so that tomorrow they didn't have to drive the whole way. I didn't really want to think about them leaving...I was really enjoying having them here...but I knew that they had to do what they had to do. So, after Amber woke up from her nap, Carolyn asked if she felt like traveling a bit today and she said she could. I helped Carolyn get their stuff together and Tori and her packed the Envoy. Right when she moved the Envoy to pack it up, Amber ran to the bathroom with bowl in hand and I thought for sure that they would not be leaving. But, Amber turned out to be okay and they decided to hit the road.

After all was packed, the kids and all of us took some pictures outside before they left. Keegan even decided to wake from his nap to wish them goodbye and a safe trip home. So, here is a picture of Carolyn with all the kids before they left.



They left at 4:30. Right after the pictures and as they were getting in the Envoy, Madison came over to me and started crying. I knelt down to her, holding her and Keegan and we both cried. Carolyn came over to us crying and we hugged again before saying goodbye. I love having people visit, but I HATE having them leave. Madison talked about how she felt about them leaving - like she had to work out her feelings to be okay with it as they pulled down the road and out of sight.

I am so sad that they left, but so thankful that they were able to come visit. I really miss my sister and my nieces. It was wonderful to spend some time with them again. I am also holding on to the fact that I will see them again at the end of June. I can't wait!

Safe travels, sis, Tori and Amber. We all miss you already!!!

Tuesday - ok...today really sucks!!!

April 7, 2009 - Why is it that ever time someone comes to visit us, everyone gets sick???? Last time, Mom and Dad and some of us got sick. This time, Carolyn, Tori and all of us get sick! It started late last night with Madison throwing up. Shortly thereafter, Keegan started throwing up. In the middle of the night, Ashton, Carolyn and I all started. It was awful! Ashton and Madison started sleeping upstairs in my room but after Ashton had thrown up a few times on the bed and the floor, they came downstairs and slept on the couches. I spent the night with Keegan on my lap in the blue chair making sure I caught him when he threw up by using a bowl and trying to make sure I got to the bathroom when I needed to throw up or poop. I also had to make sure Madison and Ashton got up when they needed to. I can't remember how many puke messes I had to clean up! It was not fun! I don't think any of us got much sleep - especially Madison and I. Carolyn was also suffering upstairs, though Tori and Amber seemed ok.

Unfortunately, just after Tori woke up, she started throwing up, too. Amber was the only one who didn't get it. Thank God!!! She was a lifesaver! With trying to take care of all the sick kids, doing tons of laundry because of people getting sick all over everything, and not having any energy, Amber was invaluable. She ran to get drinks, made the kids lunch (seems they got over their sickness in about 12 hours), and just took care of all of us. Carolyn, Tori and I seemed to get hit the worst...ours lasted ALL DAY!!! We barely could move - we were so sore and were throwing up and having the poops so bad. Each of us said this was the worst sickness we have had in a long time. Personally, I hope that it is the only one I have for a very long time!

Luckily, Madison and Braden seemed fine...even Ashton who only threw up a couple more times during the day. Keegan, Tori, Carolyn and I suffered all day. We hoped that tomorrow would be a much better day!

Oh, no pictures today...figured I would save you from the horrid sights, sounds and smells that emulated from the house today!

Monday...the first day of a whirlwind

April 6, 2009 - Today started out okay, but never seemed to end. We got up not knowing what we were going to do. We took it easy and hung around the house. It was a rather busy and somewhat tiring weekend so we really weren't that anxious to start out running today. Of course, the kids had to play Guitar Hero. They have been having tons of fun battling and also just playing two player on the new and old games.



We got up, slowly got ourselves together and then decided to go to the thrift store. We ran to Kami's to pick up the pics she had scanned so that Carolyn could take the ones to Mom and Dad, Eric, Keith and the ones for her. We headed to the store and Carolyn got to enjoy the joys of taking my four to a store! It was insane! I did get a chance to shop a bit and picked up some clothing for Ashton and Keegan. Carolyn got some clothes and books for Tori. We also ran into Sandie while there who was there with Erika. Between the three of us, it was doable! Amber took the kids while I shopped, I took the kids while they tried stuff on, Sandie took the kids while I shopped some more, I rode the kids around while I shopped...it was over an hour to maybe 2 of shopping chaos with 6 kids and 2 adults!

After we left the store, we decided to go to CiCi's for dinner. I called Trav on the way to see if he was going to be able to go, but he was tied up at work and didn't know what time he would be out. Thank God we didn't wait as he didn't get home until 6:30 or so that night. Everyone seemed to enjoy CiCi's. We all ate well...the kids ate their favorites and Carolyn, Tori and Amber all tried different pizzas and of course the cinnamon rolls and brownies.

Here is a random pic of Keegan just enjoying himself.



We got home from CiCi's and it was back to just chilling out. Carolyn and I talked about the sheet mom sent to use as a curtain and Carolyn cut it in half so we could hang it. We decided we needed a curtain rod and that we would get one someplace else since we didn't find one at the thrift store today. Can't wait to see how they look hanging in the office!

Of course, the night ended in a way that none of us wanted....Madison, Keegan, Ashton, Carolyn and I all got sick. Yuck! We hope that this is just a 12 hour thing like it was with Braden on Sunday. Wish us luck with that!

Sunday...a day of rest...or is it???

April 5, 2009 - Today really started out like any other Sunday. The kids woke up early, played video games, watched TV, and just hung out and played. However, Braden woke up and shortly thereafter, threw up in my hands near the downstairs bathroom. He threw up quite a few more times, too. Poor little guy!!!

The rest of the kids got up and of course, started playing Guitar Hero again. We let them play until it was time to get ready for church. We left Braden home with Trav and we went to noon Mass...Carolyn couldn't wait for the girls to see our church...and I forgot to even ask them how they liked it or what they thought of it. We came home and the kids and I ate leftover Wendy's, M&C, and other leftovers for lunch. Carolyn took the girls out to Beef o"Brady's as Tori wanted to go there really bad! The kids went back to playing Guitar Hero and I watched them, took care of the little ones and just hung out.



After a while, I put Keegan down for his nap. While I was up with him, Carolyn came back. Amber went outside to play with the kids and Carolyn started to work in the yard by the mailbox. When I came down from putting Keegan for his nap, I went out there and started working with her. It was fun to be outside in the nice weather again. Trav came out, too, and our whole family worked out there together. The kids had fun cutting the crabgrass with the clippers, digging in the dirt with the shovels, and using the garden weasel. Keegan even came out after his nap and sat in the grass checking everything out! We cleared a lot of weeds from the part right by the mailbox and talked about what to do there. We even moved some dirt from that area to under the driveway where there was a gap. I think we got it packed in really well, but I am going to watch it to make sure. I hope that was enough to stop the driveway from cracking. It started to rain, so we had to go back inside.



Later, we got Sonic for dinner. It was the first time Carolyn, Tori and Amber had eaten there. Carolyn and Tori were so full from their lunch that they just got a slush and a shake respectively. I think Carolyn fell in love with the Sonic slushes! The rest of us ate our dinner. We all hung out, played more Guitar Hero, and the kids eventually went to bed.

Later, Carolyn, Tori and Amber met Scott Webb at a local ColdStone, but they didn't even have ice cream...I know, what a sacrilege. They ended up going to the Melting Pot instead and having chocolate fondue with all sorts of yummy things. Sounded great! They got back and we hung out a bit and crashed in bed.

Saturday - Woah, am I tired!!!

April 4, 2009 - After crashing in bed late last night, I am super tired today! Had to get up at 7am to get ready for Madison's soccer game. Got everyone up and ready except Trav as he is still not feeling well. Everyone is kind of zombie like as we all went to bed so late.

Madison's game was awesome! They won by a score of 12-3 (it was actually 12-2, but the other team mom insisted that they scored 3 goals so I conceeded). Madison scored 2, yes TWO, goals! She hustled so much on the field. She went for the ball, she passed it, and she went for goals! It was an awesome game! And, it was even more impressive since there were only 5 kids there - Francisco, Elisa, Madison, Anthony and John. This coming week they don't have any practices or games because of spring break.



After her game, we just came home and vegged at home for a bit. We had some lunch and then did the cake and ice cream thing. I opened my presents - got a shirt and a video of St. Therese from Mom and Dad, a card from Eric and Beth and a card and money for a Mega Millions ticket from Carolyn and Jim. Then, the kids played a ton of Guitar Hero. They also played with the toys and stuff.



Keegan broke both his top teeth today. Carolyn mentioned last night that she could see them coming, but today they actually broke all the way through. That explains a lot - diaper rash, cranky baby, chewing. I can't believe that he isn't even 11 months and he is well on his way to having all 4 of his front teeth. My baby is growing up too fast!
For dinner, Carolyn, Tori, Keegan, Braden and I drove around Kennesaw looking for something that sounded good. We ended up of all places at Wendy's per Braden's request. We brought that back for everyone. While we were gone, Trav took Amber, Ashton and Madison to the park to play basketball. They came back with red faces and big smiles so I know they had fun. After dinner, the kids played outside a bit and then Carolyn, Amber, Madison, Keegan and I took a walk to the park, to the mansion and then back home. It was a beautiful night for a stroll. Carolyn loved seeing all the bushes and flowers blooming. Not something she sees right now in Michigan. We came back and just hung out, talked and had fun before going to bed. It was a great day with lots of fun!!!

It's my birthday.....

and I'll clean if I want to!!!!

Friday was my birthday...a big 33...and I spent most of the day cleaning. After I took the kids to school and got Braden and Keegan settled, I started cleaning and doing laundry. See, my seester and her girls were coming to visit so I wanted to have as much done before the weekend as I could.

Madison was the very first to wish me a happy birthday by simply saying, Mom, it's your birthday!" I'll take that. I also got an ecard from Carolyn, greetings online from Nej, Shawna, Teresa, Staci, Nancy, Maraline and all the girls on Scrapbook Lane, from Melissa Hinds Vandale, Angela Jaskulka, Marrisa, Sandie, and of course Mom and Dad, Eric and his family, Keith and his family, and Carolyn and the girls.

I got my first present around 4pm. Trav lined up the kids. Braden handed me a birthday card from them. Then, Trav said here is your birthday present. The kids said the following when Trav touched them. Madison said, "Kilpatricks", Braden said, "dot", and Ashton said, "info". So, I went to check out this "Kilpatricks.info" and low and behold, Trav started a website for us with a scrapbook gallery, a photo gallery and a blog area. I am so excited!!!! I have wanted a website forever...especially with us living so far from family and friends now. I can't wait until I can put some things up on it. Probably after Carolyn and the girls leave.

Speaking of, they got here around 4:45pm on Friday. When they got here, Madison and Ashton were playing the new Guitar Hero (World Tour) that Trav had bought yesterday. So, I grabbed my camera and ran outside and grabbed this photo.



Then, they came in...I went to the living room to take a pic of the kids playing so they wouldn't know what was going on and Carolyn, Tori and Amber walked in. So, I snapped this pic of the kids' reaction.



Loved Madison's face! We just hung out for a while talking and having the kids show the girls around the house. Then, we went to dinner at Olive Garden (Yummy!!!). It was fun! I had the most yummy Seafood Portofino and everyone else seemed to enjoy their dinners. We came home, but were too stuffed to eat cake and ice cream so decided to hold off on all the other birthday festivities until tomorrow. We crashed around 11pm.

It was my best birthday in a LONG time! Having my sister and nieces here to celebrate with me was the best present. I am so thankful that they were able to come visit during spring break. A great way to start out my 34th year.