santa was early.....

Santa paid the kids an early visit....AGAIN!

each year he delivers jammies that feature secret tracking devices. he's moves so fast during the night to bring presents to all the good boys and girls around the world, so he doesn't have time to see if they are in bed. However, his GPS will tell him if Danny, Aaron and Anna are sleeping and if they are in their own bed.

we'll see tomorrow morning what happened :)

Merry Christmas.....

christmas pictures :)

The kids had a lot of fun getting their pictures taken. My friend Laurie came over and took them for us, she has a such a good eye for that kind of thing :) be sure to check back for Christmas day pics

also, I'm not the most tech-savvy friend out there, so i didn't know how to rotate the pics so you don't break your neck..... but you'll get the point :)

Rub a dub-dub... look who's in the tub!

OK----It's time for change

i want to send a HUGE shout out to JIM for his short and sweet, straight to the point kind of blogging intervention...

DUDE!!!!! IT'S TIME TO UPDATE YOUR SITE!!!!!!

thanks Jim. i needed to be slapped around a little :)

I will be updating all of you with new pics and stories. Please stay tuned this weekend.

Anna's Halloween Day 2007

I think Anna deserves her own posting. She was just the cutesiest dang thing i have ever seen. Dan doesn't like this outfit, but i LOVE it. the only reason i posted one of me with her is because i dressed up for work as a "stay at home mom". no hair or makeup, but i did brush my teeth and wear deodorant. I put Anna's hair in pig tails to represent ears of the kitty, but Aaron "Diego" said she was "baby jaguar".... Uhhhhmmmmmm----OK.

haloween... take 2!

the kids had a blast! 30 minutes in and out. we had friends come over to go trick or treating and get rid of the candy they had left over. the goal was to come back with less that we started with. believe it or not we both came back with WAY more than we expected

----sigh-----

most of this is going to straight to work.

Dan and i separated the candy out by chocolates, sweets (like now n laters or skittles) and mommy and daddy candy (like Take 5, twix)

Aaron stayed in his costume long after the night was over. we usually have to peel him out of it. Danny just wanted to take his off so he can eat some candy. Anna thought it was part of her PJ's so she didn't mind a bit! she just had cold hands and was tired.....

haloween.... take one!

for the last couple years we have been doing 2 trick or treats. One is the night EVERYBODY goes out. we usually go with another friend in their neighborhood where there's lots of kids and excitement. and then we do the second one in our neighborhood. it's usually on a Sunday night for one hour. the stay at home type of mom who has all the time in the world organizes it and puts nice little notes in our mailbox about a week before letting us the know the details. this year it's TRICK OR TREAT FOR OUR ROAD IS GOING TO BE SUNDAY OCTOBER 28 FROM 630-730.... 15 KIDS.

no lie.

and i think 15 kids is a lot for our road. the "mature neighbors" must invite their grand kids over. the best part for me is that i get all the kids in about 15 minutes. seriously, that's how long it takes to trick or treat on our road. it's only a dozen house and not all of them participates---weenies-----but the kids don't care. they just like to go out and have fun.

so for now, enjoy these pics. I;ll more after tomorrow night later :)

Foot ball and pumpkins and patches, oh my!

this past week has bee busy as usual. we took some time out to visit the pumpkin patch with the kids.

since when should it be 90 degrees and freaking' hot in October? anybody...anybody (is this thing on?)

the deal was they had to decide on bowling or pumpkins. which ever they don't choose we'll do in a couple weeks. we always watch the game before we do anything to go anywhere. Anna took her nap during the game and then we left to pick pumpkins. the horse drawn wagon takes you out to the field where you pick any pumpkin you want. $5 no matter how big or small, or color or freakish in nature.

did you know there is such thing as ghost pumpkins? seriously!!! they're albino! weird....

some of the photos in the slide show are just wild and random. Danny really enjoys taking pictures. they really good, but maybe not best subject (like me) or it something wacky like a foot, or the steering wheel, or how about the TV??? at any rate, enjoy!!!!

aaron's 3rd bday weekend

Aaron had so much fun over his birthday weekend. My mom and some friends stopped by to celebrate. Sunday we took the kids to the fair to see the animals and go on rides. Aaron didn't like ti too well,, but Danny stayed along time so he can enjoy them.

I can t believe Aaron is already three. He's a little brother and a big brother. He's just a great brother. he helps me wake up Anna most mornings with Danny. He's getting better at the potty training, but we still don't have him completely trained. his favorite food is cheese and could drink milk all day long if we let him. Hope you enjoy the pics. Dont forget to comment!

it would figure....

so we had family pics taken and church pics taken. some people say they hardest people to get to agree are 2 women...they obviously have never dealt w/ 3 kids under the age of 5. 2 are looking, the 3rd runs away. one gets up the other gets down. when everyone is looking one picking pushing the other. That's alright. I love my babes and my hubby.....we make this look good-----

danny's first day of school this year!!!

danny was SOOO excited to go meet his new friends and teachers last night. we made a special date of it. we went to the shoe store and he picked out shoes tht made him run really fast. then we bought flowers for his teacher--ALL HIS IDEA,TOO!!--- and then we grabbed some dinner. we had to sit through a small presentation to have all the teahers and programs introduced. he could hardly wait for the time he could run to his classroom and give his tachers their flowers. it was just so cute, and he became really shy around them.

anna gets her ears pierced

while the boys were our fishing and camping, anna and i did a girls weekend. look waht we did!!!

danny and aaron's fishing and camping trip w/ grandpa

danny caught his very first ever fish.

aaron had fun cutting the grass.

invitation

hellooooooooooooooo! i just sent everyone an EVITE for aaron's birthday party. Make sure you reply that you are ON BOARD so you are accounted for :)

saturday september 15th @ 1pm. be there or be a weenie who will be missing out a good time :p love you all!!!!

dog days of summer

just wanted to post something fresh to get rid of the stale taste this blog has had for the past week or so. we've been REALLY busy lately. weekends are usually full. I;m working long days a couple times a week. I took on a huge responsibility at church. Danny is getting ready to go back to school in a couple weeks. Anna started walking. ****DEEP BREATH****** still potty training Aaron. planning on seeing long distant friends soon. boys go fishing this weekend. girls go see friends in NY. Aaron's 3rd birthday is coming up. doing family and church pictures soon----HUGE THANK YOU TO CRYSTAL FOR THAT!!! *****EXHALE***

yeah, we've been swamped making lots of memories this summer.

what are some of yours? I'll go first....

SO the new pastor comes over for dinner. things are going awesome and Danny runs into the house and quietly tries to tell me "oh my gosh mommy! you have GOT to see this!" i tried to politely get him to go back outside to play but he wouldn't let up. He dragged me the hand only to see Aaron in the back of the pastors truck bed...... peed all over it with a nice crap, too! I felt so stinking bad!!!!! if you're a mom or a dad i am sure you can appreciate this.

kids' view on marriage and relationships

> HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
> -------------------------------
> "You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like if you like
> sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the
> chips and dip coming."
> Alan, age 10
>
> "No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.
> God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're
> stuck with."
> Kirsten, age 10
>
> WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
> -------------------------------------
> "Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by
> then."
> Camille, age 10
>
> "No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married."
> Freddie, age 6
>
> HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
> --------------------------------------------------
> "Married people usually look happy to talk to other people."
> Eddie, 6
>
> "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the
> same kids."
> Derrick, age 8
>
> WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
> --------------------------------------------------
> "Both don't want no more kids."
> Lori, age 8
>
> WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
> ----------------------------------
> "Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each
> other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
> Lynnette, age 8.
>
> "On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets
> them interested enough to go for a second date."
> Martin, age 10
>
> WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
> --------------------------------------------------------
> "I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers
> and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns."
> Craig, age 9
>
> WHEN IS IT OK TO KISS SOMEONE?
> -------------------------------
> "When they're rich."
> Pam, age 7
>
> "The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with
> that."
> Curt, age 7
>
> "The rule goes like this: if you kiss someone, then you should marry them
> and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do."
> Howard, age 8
>
> IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
> --------------------------------------
> "It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to
> clean up after them."
> Anita, 9
>
> "Single is better, for the simple reason that I wouldn't want to change no
> diapers. Of course, if I did get married, I'd just phone my mother and
> have her come over for some coffee and diaper-changing."
> Kirsten, age 10
>
> HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> "There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?"
> Kelvin, age 8
>
> "You can be sure of one thing - the boys would come chasing after us just
> the same as they do now."
> Roberta, age 7
>
> HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
> -----------------------------------
> "Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck."
> Ricky, age 10

danny's 5th birthday party

when i say "i am a christian"......

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

anna's first birthday

anna's 1st haircut

here's a glimpse of the babes. Danny was about 2, Aaron is 8 mos. and Anna is 1 in these pics. it's easier to see how the 3 kids all resemble each other, yet strongly favor Dan or me.

Dan and Danny are twins.

Aaron and i are twins.

Anna is a good mix. she has Aaron's eyes and smile, but danny's everything else:)

i just cherish all my children for their unique qualities and gifting.

another milestone.......

SO Miss Anna Bamboo Princess Angel has reached 2 big FIRSTS. She got her first haircut and she has started walking on her own. She's not that strong at it yet, but she really gets a kick out of it. I had a feeling that she would figure it out around her birthday. here we are, 2 weeks later and she is moving.

the good news---- we can carry her less. the bad news---- we have 3 highly mobile children

another day another dollar

OK, so i know this is a little late notice, but this is worth the shot.

I am interviewing for a promotion at the office. It;s still doing marketing and sales, but it's outside, beating the streets, instead of on the phone in my comfy 5x5 cube where i have pictures of my family plastered everywhere.

I need your prayers of encouragement. I interview this Wednesday morning. i am up against 2 co-workers, one of whom i have mentored over the past 18 months or so. He is praying to the same God that i am for the same position. I know that i am MORE than qualified for the job so it comes down to what does my potential manager want?

I pray that he sees my true work ethics and motivations. I want him to believe that i can do the job more than i believe it. I don't want to be a sore looser if i don't get it....I have job security in my current position. I am #1 in the office....

THINK FAST!!!!

my name: amy
fav music of the moment: aaron shust---his new CD ROCKS!
4 letter word: jack
3 letter word: ass
vehichle: blazer
tv show: so you think you can dance?
city: ashland
boys name: Andrew
girls name: alaina
alchoholic drink: beer
occupation: marketing
something i am wearing: scrubs
celebrity: Jesus
food: apples
something in my kitchen: orange walls
something I do nobody knows about: i like to dance in the car and sing loud
reason for being late: i didn't drive
cartoon character: sponge bob
something I shout: that's inappropriate!

OK, so Dan said that he doesn't have any pics of him on here, so i thought i would just echo the previous entry and say.... this is his OH YEAH! WE SCORED look :)

Hail to the Victors

Just in case any one was curious, Only 49 days till kick off! It's not that I'm counting down the days....it more like the hours and minutes really. I mean come on, the title of the blog is UMFAM 224, which means University Of Michigan Family, 2day, 2morrow, and 4ever.
So shout it with me GO BLUE!

Walk by Faith, not by Sight

Well this is my first time ever posting a blog, God know's I wish it was under better circumstances.
For those of you who know about the loss of our 4th child, I want to say thank you for your prayers, support, and kind words.
It's been an interesting 2 week process for Amy and I. We had no intentions on having 4 children, but by Gods plan we became pregnant. After the shock settled the excitement grew. Now in the past 72 hours God has changed his plans for us.
As a father of 3 wonderful kids, in all honesty its more difficult to let go of a child you have never met or seen than I ever could imagine.
But we know that our God is good and we have faith in His plans. So now all we can do is open up our hands and let go of that little child and hand him over to his Father.
For those of you who know me, you know I am an emotional person. Letting go of anything is not my strong suit. As the tears fade and the sadness subsides, I look to my Danny, Aaron, and Anna and I know the smile will return. I also know that right now the place our child is in, is far better than anything I could ever provide. We know that one day we will be reunited and we hold on to that and try to let go of everything else. Its out of our hands and into His.

Again thanks so much for all of your love, support, and prayers!

and so it goes...

we are not having a baby........... God has other plans for him.......

boy or girl

we are interested in what names you like. we have been going with D or A only becaue that's what we have liked.

Any suggestions?

Oh, and we're having a baby......

anna's birthday party

Anna had such a nice day for her first party. she had the dress and the hat to party!!!! the weather was a perfect 75 degrees. we had way too much food, so i think we will be having a cookout tomorrow and inviting a few church friends to help eliminate so much leftovers.

wanna come over???

Anna was pretty tired by the time she got to have her cake. she ate it with her eyes closed...that's how sleepy she was. she had MAYBE 10 minutes of shut-eye with godma.

thank you for all of you who stopped out to join us in her celebration :)

this Friday we will have our own celebration for her actual birthday at home.