On our east coast trip, I took the kids to Fort mchenry while Mark worked. It was their favorite place we went to.

The kids and traveling

On Memorial day I got to fly a plane for the first time it was so much fun. I flew from racine around chicago to an airport. I guess I was a natural. No I just think Dave is an incredible instructor:)

We spent much of the spring at the t ball field watching Hans play ball. He had such a blast! Then he went to Grant and got training from the coaches.

This is the group of neighbors I don't know what I would do without. Ethelyn in front of me takes care of my every need. Ria in the brown drives me every where I need to go and if she can't Alicia's, purple, daughter does. Laura in the red has come over to help me with any questions I have and to be a major support through all of this.
New Year's at Denise's house. It is the book club group that I am joining this week.

Hans and John, my mom's future husband. They are scheduled to get married the last weekend of June. It is going to be at the country club.

Ellie had to sit by auntie in Rockford.

Gifts from Auntie Kirsten. Since Kirsten had Lars, she had so many things for Brie and Elle. My Elle is her girl. She loves her Auntie.

Our Family picture. The kids just didn't want to cooperate so we just took a couple and were done.

Daddy and his girl!

We opened gifts Christmas Eve since Christmas Day we have everyone over. Santa came when we went out for dinner. This Christmas was so wonderful thanks to Grant and Big Hollow. I got a phone call from both schools and said we need you kids wish list. When Wendi came over to bring the gifts she came in with a massive box and bag, and then she goes that's not all. She had her entire vehicle loaded with gifts. They just kept coming. Then a couple day later the union leaders at Grant came by and collected money for us. They said how everyone loves us so much and they were so happy to be able to help. The union President filled the place of my father when my dad passed away. I love the people I work with and am so thankful for them. Plus even retired teachers thought of us. We received gift cards in the mail. It was unbelievable the generosity of my Grant family. They have made it so we are able to handle me not be able to work.

Who would have thought it would be harder to get a picture of Elle. Brie loves the camera!

We were not able to make it to Christmas with Grandma, so we went down to visit her that way she got to see Hans. She doesn't get to see him much because of school.

Happy New Year!! 2010 was quite the year. Mark and I are praying that 2011 will bring about change. This past year and a half we have faced many challenges and blessings. I was called and told that Mark may not make it due to his blood clots. He has been doing well. He changed his diet and is working out consistently. Then we were blessed with Briella in May. I have never ever have seen a baby quite like her. She is my gift of God! I thought that I had miscarried her but she made it. My ANGEL! I am so thankful for my wonderful children. Elle is so fun and spunky, and Hans is kind and wants to please us.
Then in August I gradually started to lose my vision. I found out I had MS. I have been on a rollercoaster. My vision is here some days and others not. I started plasmapheresis which brought my vision back, but as I have learned nothing with ms is permanent. I was told the Monday before Christmas that there is concern that my organs are going to fail so I will be adding cellcept to the injections I do every other day. I also will beginning plasmapheresis again. I was also told they would like to start IViG but I said no to that due to the risk of contracting something else. The final thing was that I would not be able to return to work. As everyone knows that is a major stress to me, but I am doing my best to leave it in the Lord's hands that he will provide for us.
Christmas was wonderful! Grant collected money for us and bought all the gifts for my kids. Let me tell you it made their Christmas and ours. I didn't think I was going to continue to do the blog, but so many people responded that they missed it, so I will try to keep up on it.
Prayers we need right now is that our insurance will cover the plasmapheresis because we got a bill for 100,000 that we were told would not be covered. Also that I will be able to continue treatment due to it not being covered. Thank you for thinking of us!

Abby has come by almost every day this week to bring Elle toys. Ellie got 6 purses, jewelry, makeup and so many other things. She loves Abby!

Our fall festival was so much fun!! It was the first time Mark was able to be with us.

I had to help Elle up the slide and then she wanted me to ride it with her.

I love the sky in this picture. Mark took a great one.
Hans in the corn at the farm. We went earlier this year. It was perfect!!

Mark got us the largest pumpkin out there, and hans and elle picked out smaller ones.

Picking out our pumpkin on a cold fall day.

Ellie eating her apple donut.

Hans eating one of the many apple donuts at the farm.
Briella in an outfit from tt.

I got to see my new niece. I mean nephew. As everyone has heard Kirsten had boy Lars. He is adorable. So we did a clothes swap. Briella got all the clothes Kirsten couldn't return and Lars got all Hans clothes. It is nice for Briella that she will have tons of new clothes. Hans took this picture of me with Lars.

Hans looks like he is ready to start modeling.

Ellie tried to hang in with the boys. She was running bases, tackling, and doing everything a little tom boy would do.

At Levi's football game Hans spent his time running the bases. I actually caught him in mid air.

My two girls! They love each other. I am so thankful for them.

2 outfits from auntie Kirsten

A friend of mine brought me so many apples this is what we didn't know what to do with. We made apple sauce, apple butter, apple pies, baby apple food, apple juice, and some other apple desserts.

Briella wearing one of the many outfits Kirsten gave her.

Bells has becom particular about the way she dresses and all the girls in the neighborhood love it. Today she walked out of the house and they said she is the best dressed and so beautiful.

Briella has been such a joy. I am so thankful for her. She is just the easiest baby anyone has ever seen. That is what I am always told and I do appreciate it.

Hans had his first day of school. I was hooked up to an IV so I couldn't walk him out to the bus. I was so excited to be able to do this since I miss it when I am teaching.