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.

Well this month has passed by and things weren't quite as we expected. I was able to start my maternity leave and had to return to school for two days. I attended school and noticed I was having problems with my vision in my right eye. I thought that I had scratched my eye taking out my contact lens. Then on Monday I went to pick up Mark from the airport. His blood clots were so bad that he stayed home from work. I decided to go see the eye doc. I went to see the eye doctor and when they have you look at the lights I couldn't see them. He immediately sent me to the optamologist. The optamologist sent me to get tests at Mercy. Mercy couldn't do them for a week, so I ended up in the er at lake forest. The er sent me to the neurologist, who did a stat MRI on Thursday. The MRI showed lesions on my brain. When I went to the neurologist Friday she diagnosed me with MS, and admitted me into the hospital. At the hospital I had a MRI of my spine and a lumbar puncture. I was immediately put on steroids to help the inflammation. I was in the hospital for four days and then placed on in home care. I learned how to administer steroids through my pic line, so I could be at home. Then the last few days I have been going from doctor to doctor. I will be starting avonex injections this next week, which I will have to give myself once a week. The side effects are flu like symptoms for a few days after the shot.

I also have had to change my diet. No sugar, gluten, corn syrup, fats, red meat, anything gm, artificial sweeteners, so pretty much a vegetarian diet is the best for me.

Please pray that my ms goes into remission and that I don't have any new lesions. Also that I will regain my vision in my right eye and feeling will come back in my left arm.

Thanks everyone for the prayers, cards, food, and all the thoughtful things! I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I thank God for you all!!

Briella's two month pics

Ellie's two year pic

We headed to Michigan to Boo Boo's Farm. It was the first time for Elle and Briella. We had such a great time. Hans was in heaven. I definitely think that he was made to be a farm boy. Elle had fun swimming and her favorite picking berries, but was tired from the lack of naps. When we returned home she went to bed at 6 and slept until 9 the next day.

Hans hiking through the woods to get berries.

Elle and Hans in the woods. Hans was able to climb the highest hills. Elle had a little bit of a problem do to her

Briella spent most of her time on the deck. Since mom can't do much with her walker she took baby duty. Briella was the best baby!!!

Garth took Hans out on the tractor. Hans had a great time driving it. Garth said Hans caught on quickly.

First day of hiking

Getting ready to go hiking

Swimming at Elk Rapids

Beware crazy driver on the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UP UP and AWAY.

Mark always took picture by a tree on all of his trips, so we are continuing the tradition.

Hans at the park trying to look cool!

Ellie loved Gwen although I am not sure how much Gwen loved her?!

Swimming at torch lake!!

Adam and Mark took Elle and Hans downtown to see the filming of transformers. I think the kids favorite part was playing at the water wall.

IGNITE CHICAGO

We got tickets once again mainly so we could see Toby Mac. Once again we were up close. It was a great day. We went with our wonderful friends Eric and Kristen. We used to be in small group together.

Group picture!

The boys goofing around having a great time!

Hans had to get two things! These sunglasses and a kid wearing a superman outfit to support.

He went on the slide numerous times.

Hans smashed the other kids. The other boy would stand up get his balance and Hans would smash him down.

The boxing gloves were twice the size of Hans but he was determined to do it and win!

Briella had to wear the flower at Elle's request.

We painted our toe nails and put on make up before we went out!

Elle got dressed up in every single dress up outfit she has.

Our little sweetheart!!!!!!!

Hans Loves Briella

Mommy/ Daughter day- we had fun going to shopping.

Hans and Elle had such a blast at Melissa and Brit's birthday party!