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My cousin melissa got married and the reception was on the boat at lake geneva.

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We met up with 15 other families at the drive in. What a blast!

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Elle spent the day with her adorable friend anna.

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Under wacker

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We went to the taste of chicago and when it was about to close they anounced a severe weather was coming in and it sure did. Thankfully we made it to wacker and were protected. The only thing was the water pour through the street.

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The fourth of july we spent the weekend at lake geneva. We were waiting for the fireworks to start.

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Brie had the best time wondering the farm.

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Hans, elle and levi collected frogs. Elle and brie freaked out when we gave them the frogs to hold. Guess they aren't fans of the frogs.

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Briella with her attitude. I love her but man can she be a pistol and this was one of those days.

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We walked out so far in the water. Hans and elle loved having levi with them.

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In lake michigan.

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In michigan patti has chickens and brie loved them, but she was convinced they were dogs.

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Took ellie shopping in traverse city. She loved the heart sunglasses like samantha and she wanted a hat.

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Hans and elle had their first sleep over and it went without a problem. They were out the minute the movie started!

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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!