Isn't this how it always works. I was think I was in the clear. Feb is pretty much over and I haven't got sick. Well I think I jinxed myself. Today I officially have the head cold, sneezing, achy, headache and sore throat that everyone else at school has had. It figures cause tomorrow I will be taking my state principal test, and on the ninth I have to do my big presentation. From what I have heard this cold thing last at least three weeks. Hopefully I get better soon, like tomorrow morning!!!

One of the teachers at my school made my day. Her husband works as the regional manager for the Gap and she gave two of us teachers tshirts for our girls. I guess they get a deal a whole big bag for a penny. It must be nice! I know I appreciate their kindness, especially being on a teachers salary.
We went to the town this week and met up with our friends Dana and Andrew. I was so thankful to have Dana there. It is nice to have another set of eyes. Hans and this little girl did everything together until she left. She kept flowing him around. At first he wasn't sure, but then he loved it.

Elle moved out of the crawling area and decided to act like a two year old. She kept up with them, and zoomed around in her police car. Only problem she could just go backwards.

Hans watches daddy lift weight and found out it is not as easy at he thought he ended up falling of the bench right after I took this, and of course I had the camera in my hand. Dana thought it was funny because this is the second time he fell when I was taking a picture.

Hans was playing with all the boys after the little girl left. Eventually he found the oldest boy there and hung out with him.

This was a much needed weekend! Olga and Amy organized all of us getting together. We met up at lucky strike. It was so much fun getting caught up with everyone. When I left high school I was horrible at keeping up with people (I think I fell off the map), but it was amazing when we got together it felt like no time had passed. We all got caught up on what we have been up to and then decided to go to Cadillac Ranch and have more fun. We have decided that we need to do this more often and next time we should meet in Arlington Heights cause that is where Sarah lives and is the half way point for all of us. Also we are waiting for Stacey to have a bonfire at her ranch, which is even better because she lives close.

Olga, Sarah, Kari and Erin

It was great being around people who still call me Kari, which I only hear my family call me.

Liz, Amy and Olga

Diane, Kim and Liz



Erin and Sarah line dancing at Cadillac Ranch. Erin knew everyone there it was great! We had all these people trying to teach us the moves.

When we got home from an evening out, I had to get started on laundry. Hans is my helper. He finds any clothes upstairs that need to be washed and throws the over the banister. As you can see he is picking them up and he then takes and puts them in the washing machine.
After we at out we went to the town and Hans and Elle played. They love it there.

We are trying to go out to a nice restaurant once a week with the kids. Mark thinks it is important that they learn how to behave in a restaurant. Hopefully Hans will be an expert by the time we go to New York. This week we went to Paisano's. It is this adorable little Italian restaurant. As you can see Hans was doing an excellent job with his table manners. He was actually eating french bread and as we all know it is hard to eat. They were well behaved it is a quite atmosphere, and they were so good. The week prior we took them to wildwood, a hip restaurant in the area, but Hans struggled. This week was an improvement.

Please pray for Deb and Nate! Nate was going through clinical trials and it was ineffective. His tumors have increased. I can't imagine what they are going through, but it amazes me to see how his faith is so steadfast.

On our way home from Kirsten's we went to Sweet Pea. It is a boutique with adorable clothes. I found Elle the most adorable shoes, and Mark searched for these cute letters to hang on Elle's wall. I took him so time but eventually he found a combination that will look cute.

For V-day I got roses and a beautiful card. It was perfect timing because my birthday roses were dead when I returned home. We went down to Kirsten's house. She watched the kids so we could meet up with Karen and Denis. We had to bring Steve and hdmi cord so while we were at it we got to see a movie. We went to see Gran Torino. Karen and I were hesitant, but it was the best choice we could have made. We laughed so hard, and cried. It was the perfect movie to see.
We went to see Luke and Levi play basketball. After Levi's game they started to get tired. I took them into the area with kids toys. They were much happier and then they crashed when we got in the car. We went to Red Robin to eat and Hans didn't wake that entire time he was being held. I thought with all the noise he would wake up quickly.

Levi had a great game. He made most of the shots for his team.

This week we went out to Gymboree for their Valentine's day party. Hans and Elle had a great time. They also had two crafts and Hans loved it. Although their favorite time is when the bubbles come out.

10 Months and walking!

Yesterday was quite the monumental day! Elle took her first steps, and Erik got a stem cell transplant. I did not get to see Elle's first steps, but when I got home from work she walked 8 steps to me!! Since it was such a beautiful day we went outside for a walk and Hans is now walking the dogs around the block.

Erik's transplant went well. The next few days will be hard for him so please pray for his strength and endurance.

On Saturday we went to Home Depot and Hans made a heart jewelry box. I asked him who it was for and he said baby. It is actually very cute. It even has felt lining. I bought pink spray paint so it wasn't just the wood color. I am very impressed with his skills.
This week was quite interesting. Hans came home and had a mouth full of teeth on his back. At first I freak out and thought Elle did it, but no it was Derek again. Hans was running a slight fever because it was infected. As a result we didn't do much this weekend. After it happened I called my mom and asked her when she is going to retire. She said she is done. I know she wasn't quite ready, but I am happy to think that she might be able to help out with watching my kids. I just hope everything works out for the best.

My best friend's sister, brother in law and nephew disappeared last week, they were found, but it appears they got into a cult, which Satan has a control over their lives. Please pray for the family! They need wisdom on how to handle the situation and how to get the boy back with the family.

Today after I came home from school, I took the kids to the town at the park district. This was the first time they had been there. Hans just loved it. He said he wants to go back. Now I think we will have to make it a weekly activity. We will have to add it to the home depot building activity, the train slide, and Friday family fun night. Elle loved the crawling zone, but she tried many times to venture out into the street with the toddlers in the cars.

For the Super Bowl we went to Brent, a friend from college's house. Brent is now dating my cousin's cous. When I found out he wasn't dating anyone I took a chance and thought Jodie and Brent would get along great. They do! It was great getting to be with them and our friends Tim, Jen and their daughter Tylea. Hans was being a pistil pie that night. He always seems to act that way when he is around Tylea. She kept saying he is so funny, so I don't know if the attention made him be sillier than usual. He actually had to go in time out a few times. Elle was great she just loved climbing up the stairs. We had such a great time hanging out with them plus it was a great game.

I got asked does he always dress that good. Second question where do you get their clothes?

I just love being able to put Elle's hair in ponytails now.