Thirty Little Toes

Honey Creek Resort

2010-09-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

A few weekends ago we spent the weekend at Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun. Grandma and Grandpa came along with gigi (my grandmother - the kid's great-grandmother). We had the most amazing time. We rented a two bedroom cabin, that has a full kitchen, fire pit, grill and a cute sitting porch. We boated all day and cooked great meals by night. At the lodge on Sat. night they had a cover band Jennifer Lynn and the Revolutionary Band. So we put the kids to bed and gigi was having a date with John Wayne and headed up to the lodge. It was a beautiful night, great band, comfy Adirondacks chairs and a few beers!

So I forgot my camera along with a half dozen other things..so this is the only pic I have of the kids playing at the playground. Check out Honey Creek Resort at http://www.honeycreekresort.com/

Not the best blogger....

2010-09-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

ok, well I had good intentions of blogging again, but that darn facebook is giving me huge competition right now. Im not even sure that people still check my blog anymore, but after reading some of the old posts....I used to write alot and it is so fun looking back and reading it now. I wonder if I can print off this blog,mmm. I might have to look into that.

the kids are great, Penn had his 3rd soccer practice this week and the girls start gymnastics on thursday. Kurt and I have figured out that our lives are no longer our own, our saturdays will be filled with early morning soccer games. well i guess that is what being a parent is all about and i guess that is what being a kid is all about.

Pics to come soon....new pics of everyone!!

Love T

Im Back!

2010-04-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided that I am going to try and blog again!! Whoo. whoo. Now, keep in mind that is a goal. The definition of a goal is : aim: something that somebody wants to achieve. WANTS is the key work...has time for is another.

Well to get everyone up to speed. I am back to work at FBL Financial Group full time and have been since July of last year. At FBL they have an amazing state accredited daycare that the kids love. They are just two floors down and I love the chance to go see them when I can. They are growing like weeds. I am so glad that summer is here because Penn has grown out of all of his pants!! Learning a routine that helps get 5 people out the door by 7:30 every morning has been challenging, but we are doing well.

I will try to post some new pictures in the next few days! Please keep checking back! Love T

MY FIRST 5K!!

2009-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I ran my first 5K (3.1)miles. Des Moines has the "Dam to Dam, Iowas Distance Classic" every year. My time was 26:41...I place 10th in my age bracket and 102 overall out of 2600 runners!

Going into the race on Saturday (with my friend Karla who ran 25.50), I was thinking to myself all week "this is just going to be my first one, just a bench mark...dont feel bad if you cant keep up with Karla etc.... Well Karla was in my sights the whole time and she was my pace car! Thanks Karla!!

I think I am going to go back to Cedar Rapids in two weeks and run another 5K for the flood victims. I am so excited to be back running again! Everyday I pick up the kids from school, I see the girls track team running, wishing I was running again. So about 3 weeks ago, I decided that I am going to run again! My first goal was the 5k in Adel in Aug. but then I decided, why wait that long....

I want to thank Kurt, for supporting me in this new venture! And my mom and dad..they drove 2 hours to watch me race, stayed for lunch and margaritas and then drove back home! THANK YOU so much, I love you all very much and thank you so much for your support!! And to my brother Caleb who has been my personal trainer through this!! THANKS Bro!

Happy Easter

2009-04-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

Hello!

2009-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, we are alive! Things have been so crazy for the past 3-4 months. I am a working girl...and I will tell you, I don't know how working mom's do it. The kids are loving school and I am loving work. I am working for a communications company with my position still evolving. I had to go shopping for all new clothing..that was painful. We are really looking forward to spring. I am going to dig out some new pictures of the kids and post them...I do apologize for not posting for so long. I will be back soon....

Thank you for visiting again....

Welcome Beckham Lewis Kolbe

2008-11-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Beck was born on Friday November 7th, 8:17 am...ealry riser unlike his mom... 8 lbs. 20 1/2 inches. He is so cute...he has cheecks to last you till next week and he has tons of black hair. He looks like a little indian papaous (sp). I was there two hours after he was born and then we brought the kids to meet him the next day. Penn was the first to ask to hold him...Penn handed me his fruit snacks and said "here mommy, I hold baby"...it was so cute and for Penn to give up his fruit snacks...that is big....

Elle with Beck...

Kate giving kisses...

Penn was so excited to hold him...

mom & dad with all of their grandchildren....

Just two hours hold...

TRiCk or tREat

2008-11-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

Here is the trick or treat group....first Penn (pulling the wagon) Kate sitting in the middle, and Elle. In the back is cousin Will the Cereal Killer...so cute...Jacob from Pirates of the Caribbean and Justin his pirate sidekick....we had a great time...great weather. They had some great loot...but I am a mean mom and threw it all away...maybe next year!! Halloween morning, going to school for our Halloween Party....

with breakfast in hand...gotta love waffles....

hApPY HAllOWeEn

2008-10-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

HaPpy hALloWeEn

Crazy stuff going on....

2008-10-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's official! I'm a working girl again...after much deliberation, we have decided that it would be good for me to go back to work. I am missing the adult interaction, the kids need more interaction then I can provide for them. It will be an adjustment for all of us but we will survive. We have been talking about it with the kids and I bought them a new pillow and blanket set for them to sleep with at school. I don't start until the end of November so we still have some time for adjustment...I will keep you posted.....

Our family friends have been going through roller coaster after roller coaster these last few weeks, please keep S&G in your prayers! WE love you guys!

Happy 3rd Birthday Penn, Elle & Kate

2008-10-29T10:38:00.001-07:00

First shot 2005...

Birthday, October 28, 2005....

...to this

Happy Birthday Penn, Elle & Kate....

Elle, my loving mommy's helper, miss bossy, likes everything just in it's place and is not afraid of color...

Kate, my hand full! she will be the first to visit the emergency room and the Principal's office, all in PINK!

Penn, my kind, soft hearted boy who is as rough and tuff as they come...

We love you very, very much and we cant wait to spend more birthdays with you! lOVE MOM & DAD

Night Eyes At Blank Park Zoo

2008-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Grandma Tracy and Gigi came over for the weekend. Papa is in AZ with Grandma Shirley, who had hip surgery....we wish her a speedy recovery!

We went to Night Eyes at the zoo....it was not the best Halloween party I have ever been too...but the kids had fun! here comes the heard of cows in a choo-choo and riding on the haunted train ride....

A Great 39+ weekend!

2008-10-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Kurt's 39th and holding birthday. Kurt, turns 40 the day before Thanksgiving, so we decided to combine it with our annual Hayrack Ride. The weather was perfect, a little windy but beautiful. We had such a great time, great food, great friends and family, so much fun, that I did not get my camera out until sunset. This is what fall is all about!

Thank you to everyone who helped and attended, Kurt said it was a birthday he will never forget!

On Sunday we headed to the pumpkin patch with Grandma, Papa, Gigi and Grandma Carolyn. The pumpkin patch had goats, horses, bunnies...they were all so cute, we wanted to take a baby goat home with us. The kids loved to play in the hay maze, jumping houses and the cow choo choo. With all the fun we also picked out some great pumpkins.

papa and kurt carrying our loot...

penn trying to pull our loot....look at those perfect pumpkins!

Cow choo choo...

so cute...the goat tried to eat Kate's shoes...

walking through the maze.

Elle, climbing over the maze walls...she is too smart!Daddy and Penn at the end of the hay maze.

I think Penn is lost...

Sunday night, back at the farm cleaning up and putting the tractor away...cute driver!

cute driver and his helpers, they wanted another ride....so daddy gave them another ride in their pjs.

Sunday was Karson's Day...

2008-09-24T07:45:00.001-07:00

Sunday, we kept the work going with decorting Karson's room. We wanted him to make sure he felt as much a part of this new baby business as possiable...so I dedcided to do his room too....this was an amazing make over...

Before....

After...

We are ready for Widget!

2008-09-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend mom, kurt, dad, uncle lynn and I work very hard on a surprise decorating of the nursery for Tarah & Ben's baby. She had no idea what we were going to do and she was gone babysit the trips while we were working. She came home for the big reveal...it was just like something off of HGTV. Here are some pics from the nursery.

30 DAYS

2008-09-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, It has been 30 days since my last post. I don't know where my time goes...well yes I do..their names are Penn, Elle & Kate.

We have been so busy this past month...I think we fit in all the summer activities into one month. In reviewing my calender...we had the annual Adel Sweetcorn Festival, complete with the parade, food and beer garden. EE, Uncle Ben and Karson came over for the weekend...we swam in the pond, went to the parade...it was great, EE and Karson babysat for us on Saturday night so we could go out with our friends downtown Adel and a little skinny dipping afterwards...at 2 AM!! Then that next day we said goodbye to the Kolbe's (a little under the weather) and hello to my BFF's Robin and Shelley. They were in town for one thing and one thing only....THE IOWA STATE FAIR!! I was not able to go with them but they had a great time, but did not eat nearly enough! Then we said goodbye to them the next day and hello to Grandma, Papa, Gigi and Karson (again)...they came for two things only....THE IOWA STATE FAIR and THE IOWA CUBS! Gigi is 80 years old has only been to the fair once when she was a young girl... so since she is not getting any younger, we decided this would be her year! We had a great time, we rented Gigi a scooter....scary... eat deep fat fried Twinkies, fried cheese curds, gyros, turkey legs, ice cream, wonder bar, taffy, mini donuts and some beer too... we were stuffed and broke when we left. The kids had a great time on the big slide, the animal barns and the helping hands farm.

The next day was Papa's Birthday, so Gigi watched the kids and mom, dad, Kurt and I went to dinner and the I Cubs. What a great night....it was beautiful out, we had a few cold ones, roasted peanuts and watched the game...but I have no clue who won!

We said goodbye to them and then we were off the Kensett for Uncle Floyd's funeral. Kurt's uncle was a great guy, he reminded me so much of Kurt's dad, who passed away a little over 3 years ago....we will miss Floyd, but know that he is not alone up there! xoxoxo..

The next week we took a breather then Kurt and I were off to Cedar Rapids, to drop off the kids and continue on to our friends Robin and Jason's cabin in Lake Delhi....we LOVE going up there, we relaxed, slept in till 9:30 both mornings, ate dinner when ever we wanted to, did what ever we wanted to...went boating...saw a hilarious ski show and had a few cold ones and a few smores. oh...by the way I have to tell you about our new smore creation..... Chips Ahoy Oatmeal Chewy cookies with a marshmallow...TO DIE FOR!! TRY IT!

Then that brings us to this past week when an opportunity came in my lap where I might go back to work full time...I will keep you posted, I went to my first Iowa Realty function operating as STAGE & DESIGN, company breakfast, it was a great time and I was able to get my information into the right hands. Then it was the holiday weekend..we had nothing going on, so we decided to take the kids to the farm and camp out... we had a great time, the kids thought the tent was awesome, they fell right asleep after a long day of fishing, six wheel rides and camp fires. It was me that was having trouble sleeping, between having no fan (bad habit) and the coyotes knocking t our tent door, I was able to make it with little sleep through the first night and we attempted to stay again on Sunday night but at 1:00 am when neither Kurt nor I were sleeping, we decided to pack up the kids and drive the 30 minutes home...in the morning we were so glad we did...I missed my bed and my fan! The kids were a little confused, but slept great.

So that in a nut shell is why I have not posted for 30 days..... here are some pictures to enjoy.

Adel Sweet Corn Parade...

The kids at the Helping Hands Center at the Iowa State Fair, it is a great little center where the kids can be farmers...

Karson and Aunt Tiffany on the Farris Wheel...

Karson and his turkey leg!Kate...not so sure about her corndog...she ended up peeling off all the breading..

This is not a very cute picture of any of us...but as you can tell we are all telling someone what to do...I guess bossyness runs in the family... Gigi,me and mom!

Lots of pictures to share!

2008-07-30T10:54:00.001-07:00

Pool time...

who said you cant have popsicles in your PJs

Karson & Elle

Kate & EE

Fishing with Uncle

Picnic time at Grandmas & papas

Sprinkler time for the boys...

Kurt & I at Buffett

a few drinks later...still looking good!

the party scene at Buffett

dinner at the Lake

Blank Park Zoo... with the kids on Sat.

here is the horse that bit Elle... naughty!!

waiting for the choo-choo

today at the mall...

Welcome Samuel

2008-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

"A new life, only makes loosing a life a little easier". Congratulations to Kelly, Nick and Anna, they welcome a new family memeber to their family Samuel Kramer! Check out their blog http://alittlepieceofus.blogspot.com/ .

We are here...

2008-07-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wow ....when it rains...it pours...

Lets start with JIMMY. We had an amazing time at Jimmy Buffett, after seeing some videos of what can happen at these shows, I really did think that it was just a few weird people who got all dressed up....boy WAS I WRONG! EVERYONE gets dressed up, camps are decked out with tiki bars, pirate flags, Margarita machines, lots of Landshark beer, full size grills and more men in bikinis then anyone needs to see!

It was a nice break from the kids, the next day we went boating in Lake Geineva where we stayed and then home on Monday. Mom did an amazing job with the kids with the help of my Aunt Diane...THANKS MOM & DIANE...the kids loved having both of you there! Dad came over on Monday and Tuesday we had a great afternoon on the lake. It was perfect weather, Mom & Dad could not remember the last time they had been on a boat...we even stayed out late, to eat dinner at the marina.

Then on Wed. Kurt's Uncle Floyd was rushed to ER and then passed away on Saturday night. He was an amazing independent spirit, similar to Kurt's dad and he will be greatly missed. We miss you Uncle Floyd!

Before Kurt and I went to the hospital on Sat. we spent the day at the zoo. Kurt's work had a family outing at the zoo. What a difference a year can make...they loved every animal...expect Elle with feeding the mini donkeys....he bit her finger, she was scolding him all the way to the tigers..."bad horsey..no, no...don't bite Elle, time out". She was so funny and she will be an amazing mother someday.

I will post pics soon...I promise!

Hi, we are still here!!

2008-06-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I know it has been too long since my last post. Things have been crazy around here! The kids are all great, the girls are loving their big girl panties, going in the potty, Penn still not in big boy pants, but soon it will be his turn. We have been swimming in our pool we bought for the back yard and playing on the playland.

We have had a lot of visitors, Gigi (my grandmother, their great) came to stay with us for a week and we had a great time. Grandma Tracy came for a few days, then came back again for a few days. Grandma Carolyn is in Europe, we miss her and Papa is in Australia, we miss him too and Uncle Caleb is off in Milan/Paris doing some run way shows and photo shoots....so it has been non stop around here keeping up with all the travelers.

I also started a new venture that I have always wanted to do, just not sure I could. I started my own business.... "Stage & Design, Specializing in Real Estate Staging and Home Redesign". I am so excited, I am up and running now it just a matter of getting my name out there! Thanks to everyone for their support.

We have alot coming up we are home for the 4th but then off to CR to see Uncle Caleb who is coming home, Papa will be coming home too and Uncle Caleb will be turning the big 20. Then the next weekend Kurt and I are off to JIMMY BUFFETT, WE CAN NOT WAIT!! So I promise that I will post a few pics that I have and more to come...stay tuned!!

YIPPIE WE DID IT

2008-06-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

We have two potty trained girls!! We had a potty party last week and the girls are doing GREAT! I am a believer of the potty party book by Terri Crane!!

Potty Party Pics...

This weekend we finished the play land by putting down some rock and finally put sand in the sand box. Then Sat night we went with some friends out to watch the horse races... no millions of dollars were won here! Sunday was a great day, we went to a mustang car show in the morning and the girls used their first porta-potty, I told them no to touch a thing! Gone all morning and no accidents!! The afternoon was spent at the farm for a cook out and fishing! In a few weeks it will be Penn's turn to potty!

At the car show...

Fishing at the farm...

Boys will be boys

2008-05-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

We played outside all weekend. Saturday morning we went to the farm to watch daddy plant corn, then home for a nap and a visitor! Saturday, my cousin Kristen and TJ brought over their puppy Gracie. She is a Vizla, we have had two of them in the past and are thinking about getting another one next summer. Penn, loved having Gracie here, he would laydown on the ground and Gracie would lick him, step all over him.... he loved it. Another thing he loved was watering the drive way. He got ahold of the hose and he would not put it down, nor share...

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mommies are good for...

lots of neat things,

like kissing your boo-boos

and pushing slow swings.

For fixing you breakfast.

For hugging you tight.

And for reading your favorite story just right.

For making you smile (when you feel like a pout).

And for knowing exactly what love's all about...

Yep, mommies are good for a whole lot, it's true. And no mommy's better for me than you!

This was the sweet card that I received from the kids...so cute. Although, they are so into their dad these days... you would have thought it was father's day, but I know they can't live without me...right?!! And I can't wait to plant my tulip bulbs that the kids gave me!

It was a little chilly to play outside but we did head to the farm to do some mushroom hunting! YUMMY!!

If you build it, they will come...

2008-05-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

Yippie....we are finally done with the play land...well sort of! At least we have it up, we need to get sand, some ground cover and a landscaping rock wall put in, but at least the kids can swing, slide or rock climb! Kurt and I worked on it till midnight on Sat night and a little on Sunday, the kids were swinging for over 1/2 hour when we got it finished. It looks great in our back yard, it is fun for the kids but still looks like a club house in the woods. We are excited for everyone to come over and play with us!

Mustang Sally...

2008-04-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well it is more like Mustang Penn, Elle & Kate! For Christmas this past year with much suggestion from Daddy, Grandma Carolyn bought the kids a motorized Mustang. We finally got it put together this weekend and THEY LOVE IT!! The only problem we have (grandma please take note) is that it is a TWO seater car and we have THREE kids. We are trying really hard to work on sharing and taking turns but, this toy is difficult to share. The first time we put them in it, Kurt and I were saying, "turn the wheel, put your foot on the petal, stop"..they have NO clue what we are talking about. Kurt and I have never laughed so hard! They were looking around not paying attention and turning on the radio...um I wonder where they see that...hehe. Today was a great day for them to be out but we learned quickly you can not take your eye off of them for a second when they are in that car. They already had their first accident and ran under daddy's truck and put a scrape on the hood, but we no police were needed!

PS...dont look at my attire, we were doing yard work!

BON JOVI - LOST HIGHWAY

2008-04-21T05:48:00.001-07:00

I am still in aww this morning. Last night my wonderful husband took me to see BON JOVI. When I was 16 I had tickets to go see him, I got caught riding on a morphed and lied about it, my mom tore up my ticket, so I never got to see him....until last night. It was AMAZING, the most amazing concert ever! We took over 250 pictures and we were front in center behind the floor...they were great seats considering we bought them yesterday! A huge THANKS goes to BECCA AND ANDY WILSON for watching the kids last night on late notice and we did not get home till late! THANK YOU GUYS, it was one of the best nights of my life! Here is a little slide show..... he sang everything..lost highway, bad medicine, living on a prayer, blaze of glory, I'll be there for you, you give love a bad name...all of the great ones and get this..NO INTERMISSION, he performed for two hours strait! I LOVE YOU JON!!

2008-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS AUNT TARAH & UNCLE BEN

and KARSON!

Aunt Tarah, Uncle Ben and Karson are expecting a baby!

Aunt Tarah is felling well and is due in mid November. So I thought that we could watch the baby grow with the widget.

Our new art project

2008-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

When we moved into the house our greatroom was nicely decorated, but when the kids were born we had to make room for three swings, toys etc. We got rid of our glass coffee tables, lamps and everything else except the couch. So for the past 2 years our greatroom has looked like we are moving, but we are not. So finally I decided that it is time to reclaim our greatroom back! I was watching Candice Olson on HGTV's Devine Design and saw this great wood project that she had done, I loved it! I talked Kurt into it and that was about a month ago. It has taken so long and really labor intensive. What we did was cover up two windows in our great room, build a frame, cut a few hundred sticks into a 5 3/4 length, then glue them in. It sounds not so bad, all you have to do is cut some sticks....it took forever...but FINALLY! We are done, with a new rug, coffee table and side tables...its a new place and we LOVE IT!

BEFORE...

AFTER...

A rough and wet start...

2008-04-07T06:27:00.001-07:00

We tried to start leveling out the ground for the play land. Well with the rain and snow of all last week...it was a rough start. Then the rental bobcat broke down...so although we did not get a lot of work done on the play land...the kids helped dad relocate the deer in the back yard and had a great morning outside!

Here come the circus...

2008-04-07T06:17:00.001-07:00

At school this month the kids are learning about the Circus, so on Friday when I picked up the kids they were all wearing "Ring Master" hats that they made...they are so cute!

World Autism Day

2008-04-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know I first met Katie at the mall when I was about six months pregnant. I saw that she had triplets, we exchanged numbers and went on our ways. I started having some complications soon after that and decided to give her a call. The first time we talked on the phone we talked for about 3 hours about her girls and about my triplets to be! Through the next few months Katie was a tremendous help, inspiration, support team and nurse! She would help explain things in English! I asked if she would video tape the birth for us, since she was a nurse and a mom of triplets, she would tell us what was really going on in the OR. Kurt still talks about how much help Katie was to have there as support, she kept telling us everything is great and they are all beautiful. Months later little did she know her little Eryn would be diagnosed with Autism in March 2007. Katie and Gary were devastated but certainly not down for the count. Katie grabbed every book, pamphlet, Internet site and an Dr. she could get into, to help Eryn get the help she needed. Below is a video that Katie made for World Autism Day....please get educated, support and love every child with Autism! We are thinking of you Lenhart's!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Finally a playlset is on it's way!

2008-03-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

After hours, hours and hours of research, looking, counting pennies, playing on the demo play sets at the store...we finally decided on a back yard play set! We are so excited! We think the kids will love it, the club house will be great when they are older we could camp out! It comes with the wooden roof, all green accessories and will look great in the back yard in the trees. So anyone with a free weekend that wants to help put this monster together...let me know and I will let you know the weekend..FREE BEER!!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

egg coloring..naked!!

girls playing at grandmas... our attempt at a family picture...

it looks like we are a single couple doesn't...oh those days...

girls with their bunnies....Penn ready for a nap...what a day!

We had a great week of Easter. All week we were practicing our Easter egg hunting skills, the kids loved it and did great. Friday Dad had the day off from work, we dropped the kids off at school in the morning and we went shopping! Picked up the kids and after naps we finally went and ordered our Rainbow play land...it should be here in a few weeks we hope! Then we came home and colored eggs, the kids had a great time. I drew swirls on the eggs ahead of time, then we gave each on of them a different color. The loved stirring the eggs around. Sunday morning we had an egg hunt in the house of course this year, since Spring has not yet Sprung! The Eater bunny brought us some flashlights, puzzles and some new books. The had a great time with their flashlights, although we need to learn to shut the flash lights off, otherwise mommy and daddy are going to have to by stock in Energizer. Sunday morning early church with Grandma, then another egg hunt at grandmas along with a big dinner then everyone home for a much needed nap! Thanks Easter Bunny for a great weekend...now can you just bring us some spring so we can all get rid of our colds!!

Happy 80th Birthday Gigi

2008-03-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

Me, Mom, Gram, Tammi and Tarah
Yummy cookies, cupcakes and fruit galore...
Elle with Tammi's party hat on...
The girls with their party hats on...sorta...

This weekend we had a tea party inspired birthday party for my Grandma (also know as Gigi, for great grandma). It was a great success the food was great, everyone looked so chic in their tea party hats, the kids we great and a lot of grandma's family and friends were there. Gram does not look a day over 60!

Jimmy HERE WE COME!!

2008-03-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentleman, pack your bags and get your flip flops on we are headed to Alpine Valley Wisconsin for a Jimmy Buffett concert. We (well Kurt more then me) LOVE Jimmy Buffett, I am surprised Penn's name was not Jimmy, Thanks to Robin and Jason for getting us the tickets...Kurt is so excited...this will be a life time dream for Kurt, July can not come soon enough!

What a morning...

2008-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like waking up to two little girls kicking on their door to let you know they are awake. Then as I walk into their room, I smell that someone is poopy. Well.. after looking and smelling around, I found that Kate had taken off her diaper, she had poop all down both legs, all over her sheets and quilt. Then I saw the worst, she had some how smeared poop into her white rug at the side of her bed. This is not a good way to wake up. I threw all three in the tub, because you cant do just one ya know. We are going to throw the rug away, along with her pjs that were covered and now mommy has two more loads of laundry to add to her stack. What a morning...what is that saying...Callaghan take me away!!

OuR New PuPPies

2008-02-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

This morning we logged on to Disneychannel.com and downloaded some puppy faces. We colored them and put them on sticks! They are having a blast carrying them around!

HaPPY vALenTINes DAy

2008-02-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

Knock, Knock...
Who's there?
Whale...
Whale who?
Whale you be my Valentine?

To all we love!

Happy Valentine's Day

CANCUN,MEXICO

2008-02-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

We are back...kinda..

2008-02-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Kurt and I had an amazing trip to Mexico with our great friends Robin and Jason. Although we had a ruff time getting home from Chicago...it was an even ruffer time when we got home. The kids were all sick when we got home, I have been sick for the past few days with flu like stuff and Kurt has had a sore throat since we left Mexico. So...my thought is that we go back for another week and start all over!! Pictures and stories...coming soon! (When we all recover!)

WE ARE OFF!

2008-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning we will be leaving the house at 4:30 sharp :( .

We will arrive in Cancun at 2:00 in the afternoon, tomorrow the high temp....is 85.

See you when we get back!

2 DAYS!

2008-01-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

In two days we will leave these frigid temps of below zero and head to Cancun, Mexico. We are so excited, we are going with my best friend from high school and her husband. We will miss the kids a ton but, time away well deserved! Thank you in advance to Grandma Carolyn, Grandma and Grandpa, Great Grandma Gigi and Aunt Tarah for taking care of the kids while we are gone!

School...the kids loved the new school, I think it was more me, then them. I was looking at every little thing, scoping out everything, looking for sick kids and were a few times, I was going to pack up the kids and leave, because they are not ready! Well...after I came to my senses, I think they will go back on Friday. I may sit at the gas station next door for the 4 hours they are there, in case they need me... :) but I would like to run a few errands....we will see how I do on Friday!

Here is a pic of the kids, first day of school!

geTtiNg in tOuCh wiTH NaTuRE

2008-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Who said camping has to be ruffing it...

I hope there are no bears....

time for a nap in the tent

we need a welcome mat!

Finally...

2008-01-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

For the past few months I have been looking for an outlet for the kids and myself. I have thought about going back to work, but the cost of daycare is outrageous!! I am not sure that I am ready to go back to all of that yet, so I have been looking for a part time program for the kids to attend a few days a week. Talk about the impossible...they are too young for the baby room, too old for the 3 year old room, over $100 per kid for two days...it is depressing! Finally I think I found a place, the kids will start out one day a week too see how it goes. They will go every Friday morning from 745 to 1145, they will give them breakfast, snack and lunch!! Yippie, I am excited for them, I think it will be great to get them with other children their age and I am excited to get out by myself. So this Friday we are going to visit to see how the kids like it, then if all goes well, we will start on Feb. 8th after we get back from Mexico. Wish us luck on Friday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA

2008-01-09T06:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

You are an amazing mother and an awesome grandma. I couldn't be the mom I am today without you and some day I hope to be just like you.

We hope you have a great day and we will see you soon.

We love you so much!

Love Kurt, Tiffany, Penn, Elle & Kate

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

2008-01-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

We had a great time this year...well most of the night. We had plans to go to dinner with our friends and Grandma was so kind enough to babysit for us. We were on our way to the restaurant driving down the road and saw a stranded car, we stopped to ask the woman if she needed some help...10 minutes later we find ourselves in the middle of a domestic abuse situation...we had to call 911 for the woman...it was not a good start. But we got to the restaurant in great time, had a little wait...but it was so worth it! Kurt and I had Ahi Tuna, Bang-Bang Shrimp...it was to die for! Then back to our house to really party!

My wish for everyone is that this new year be full of love, laughter, health, great friends, peace in the world and another Bachelor show!! :)

Where has the time gone...

2008-01-02T12:42:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas and Happy New year all in one! These last few weeks have been crazy. We were in Cedar Rapids at my parents house for a week over Christmas. Had many laughs, drinks...lots of food and tons of presents. It took us two cars and three hours to load the car! Here are a few pics from Christmas with my dads side of the family, Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. The kids got some great gifts tri-cycles for the spring, a keyboard, guitar, hummer rescue truck, some cute clothes. We always have the tradition on new pjs on Christmas Eve and we even made it to Church. Then we came home to Des Moines to have Christmas with Kurt's family. No we did not steal a car, this would be the Mustang GT that Grandma got the kids to drive in the spring. It is really cute but needs a TON of assembly...so that is going to be a winter project for daddy so it is all ready to go for Spring...although it is only a 2 seater...to be continued!! It was another great Christmas, I love the holiday and the kids really bring you back to the spirit and Santa Clause.

A Great Family Tradition

2007-12-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas since I was little the girls in the family got together with all their recipes to do some holiday baking. When my great grandmother was alive, here job was to make the list, cross of what we got done and scold us for sicking our fingers into where they shouldn't be! This year was no exception...I went to Cedar Rapids for the weekend, Kurt was the great dad he is and stayed home with the kids. Saturday, I did a few thing for my grandma and Saturday night everyone came over for a ice skating party. The lake my parents live on was perfect...except for a few potholes. Everyone had a great time, grandma was serving hot chocolate out the back door, everyone was pulling Karson around on his sled...it was great...until I was acting like I was a speed skater...fell hit my head on the ice..and decided that I was done for the night! Sunday morning everyone was up early to start the baking...here is the grand list. Peanut clusters, pretzel rods, elephant ears, chocolate Biscotii, party mix, sugar cookies, Andie's mint cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies, ginger cookies, Oreo balls and peppermint bark...and that is not everything on our list. Grandma was there to take great grandma place telling us not to dump too many decorations on the sugar cookies and to get our fingers out!! We had a great time...I cant wait to include the triplets next year! THANKS MOM FOR EVERYTHING!!

Happy Holidays

2007-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Kurt and I had his work Christmas Party on Friday. It was a great night to get out, filled with good food, drinks and chicks with long legs! Ha? You are asking...we went and saw the Radio City Rockettes, they were amazing. The costumes, the dance coordination and the live nativity scene was really cool. We should have taken a better picture in front of a Christmas tree or something but I just remembered that I brought my camera on the way home in the shuttle...

SnOW dAY

2007-12-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

Today we got 4 inches of beatiful white snow, it was not very cold out...so we decided to take the kids out and play in the snow. Kurt was home early from work because of the roads. I have not gotten them snow pants or boots yet, but we made due with Penn's slick pants, rain boots with lots of socks and little hiking boots! They had a great time...well almost everyone...Kate feel once and was done. Elle thought it was ok just as long as she stood there and Penn we had to drag in the house kicking and screaming after more then an hour. We did not have a sled either...we need to get on the snow gear I guess. It was so funny...all parents can relate to this...it took us over 1/2 hour to get dressed for the 20 minutes we were out there! Enjoy the pics.

Holiday Lights

2007-12-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last night we loaded up the kids in the car and blew our way over to Cuddy's which is a camp ground to see some more Holiday Lights. They love the lights and name all of the animals. There is also a cute picture of them all snuggled in the car in the pj's, blankets and all...

Big Kids!

2007-11-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

The kids have started using kid cups!!

hAPPY tUrkEY wEEK

2007-11-27T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Picture....

This year it seems like "turkey week" to me...I had stuffing, green bean casserole and an appetizer to make for the big day! So I felt like I was getting prepared all week. But all turned out great and a lot of food was eaten by all!

Then the girls decided they were going to crawl out of their cribs and they wanted to be big kids, like Penn. I am going to try and describe the events that took place November 30th in the PM. (afternoon nap time). ........I was decorating the house a little when I heard something go bang from up stairs..I thought it was Penn, I went up to Penn's room and he was reading a book in his bed..aww such a big boy! So then I went to the girl's room and there was Kate and Elle playing on the floor...I looked at them and said "HOW DID YOU GET OUT". After a little investigation of the room it looked like Kate had swiveled the rocker around so the back of the chair was right at her crib, about 1 foot away. She climbed over the crib, down the back of the chair and she was OUT. Then she thought it was only appropriate to help her sister out. She grabbed a little box toy that you put shapes in and gave to Elle in her crib, she proceeded to use it as a step stool and she climbed out...they are so crafty!! Well I guess that means the end of the cribs....we went out the next day and got them their mattresses, since their cribs convert to a full bed. THEY HAVE NOT SLEPT SINCE!! All they do is play, rip apart their closet, unload their dresser and scatter books EVERYWHERE! We decided to put a hook and eye on their closet door, but as for the drawers...we took almost everything out. WHAT A PAIN!! As I write you this post...Tuesday afternoon....the girls are up stairs ...STILL NOT A SLEEP!!. They have been up there for over an hour....I am about to drug them or strap them in their beds! Any suggestions!!

So the rest of the weekend...my friend Julie and I went out of BLACK FRIDAY and found some great deals for us!! Christmas party outfits, great toy deals and more stuff for us...Friday night the girls were crabby, since they have not slept, so we loaded everyone up in the car and went to Water Works Park for the Jolly Holiday Lights. Then Saturday, I did a little more decorating, Grandma babysat while we went to dinner for Kurt's birthday and Sunday we went to the tree farm to get a tree. I was in charge of picking the tree out while Kurt waited in the car with the kids, it was way too cold for them. I thought I found the perfect tree, gave the guys my ticket so they could go cut it down. When they brought it around to the house...Kurt looked at me and said...please tell me that is not our tree...I had a huge look of panic on my face...that was our tree, why? Kurt said, "Tiffany, that is HUGE, this is too big! I guess I don't get to pick out any more trees!

So, that is the crazy weekend we had here...sorry for the rambling on.. have a great week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY

2007-11-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday DADDY...

39 things (lets just pick a number) about Kurt

1. He is the love of my life.

2. He is the best father, he had a great teacher.

3. He was born November 26th, 19..

4. He owns a 1966 Mustang Fastback the he had in high school.

5. He was a customer at the bank that I worked at, that is how he asked me out.

6. He is an Iowa State fan and graduate.

7. For two summers he was a fishing guide in Montana.

8. We have been married 8 years, this March.

9. His favorite color is green.

10. He hates to wear black clothing.

11. He is the strongest person I know.

12. He loves to hunt deer, turkey, quail, duck...but only has time for deer, these days.

13. He has a extremely organized garage.

14. When I first met him all he wore was solid clothing.

15. He spoils me rotten!

16. He has 1 sister.

17. When he was little, at Christmas time his cousins would get together and act out Mary & Jesus. They always made Kurt be the donkey.

18. Kurt used to own his own business, Midwest Fly Fishing Co.

19. When he was in college, he bought a Snoopy fishing pole for his future child...awww

20. He is a very hard worker and loved to play hard!

21. Kurt LOVES to gamble!

22. He lets me dress him, which I LOVE too.

23. He hates feet....so do I, we know we were made for each other.

24. He LOVES his new T.V.

25. GO VICKINGS, maybe next year.

26. Kate is daddy's girl.

27. His favorite drink: Gin N Tonics

28. Favorite pop: Diet Dr. Pepper

29. Some of his favorites his mom's pumpkin bread, pecan cluster blizzard, sugar cookies, milk

30. A childhood favorite: Macaroni, Corn, Wieners...I know it is a Weieneth thing...

31. Jimmy Buffet margaritaville is his favorite Sirius station.

32. His favorite dog is a Vizla, we miss Zoe!

33. He took care of me hand, foot and belly during my 18 weeks of bed rest.

34. He puts up with me!!

35. He is kind, sweet, funny and an amazing best friend!

36. He lives less then a mile from his mother and his best friend.

37. He is the favorite son-in-law..sorry Ben!

38. He still like his Suburban that has over 200,000 miles

39. He is so loved by everyone that knows him....

WE LOVE YOU!

Ta DAh!!

2007-11-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Finished Product!

We LOVE our new basement, a big Thanks to United Services for all of the work and Thanks to Dan our sales guy and Gina our project manager, GREAT WORK GUYS!!

Kurt finally has his deer on display!
Media Area
(we are still waiting on a few pieces to the entertainment center, but should be her next week)

Bar Kids corner!
Guestroom

Bathroom

Happy Birthday Penn, Elle & Kate

2007-11-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Birthday morning, it was really cute, we had the kitchen and slide/ ball pit all put together, so the morning of their party we lead them down stairs to see their presents..it was kinds like Christmas morning...

Dog food anyone...

This weekend we had a doggin good time at a birthday party we did for the kids, it was a little past their birthday but with every ones schedules, things are a little crazy. We had Sherry Wild Rice Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, beer bread, lots of appetizers, puppy paw birthday cake and the best of all dog bone ice cream sandwiches..they were labor intensive but sooo cute! The kids LOVE puppies any kind, any size and they have the cutest dog bark. We had a wonderful turn out and it was so nice to have the basement done so that we had room to stretch out. We and grandma bought the kids a Step 2 Grand Walk In Kitchen...THEY LOVE IT!! My parents bought them a little tike's blow up slide with ball pit. This thing is so cool! It has a little slide and comes with 150 balls! THANKS MOM..you can come pick up the balls every day! They got lots of food, food that you can cut, puzzles, a magnetic letter/chalk board easel, Mr. & Mrs. Potato heads, cozy slipper and lots of great gifts! We were all exhausted by the end of the day...but a big HUGE THANKS to Grandma, Papa and GiGi for all their help this weekend, I couldn't have pulled off another great party without you guys! I gave orders and they followed! THANK YOU. THANK YOU also to everyone that came to the party, it is so nice to see how much love and support the kids have from all of our friends and family. Here are a few pics...enjoy!

Priceless...

2007-11-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

A new flat screen TV....too much money

Finishing your basement...stressfull

A slide made out of the new TV box, playing in the new basement...PRICELESS

HaPpY hALLoWEEn

2007-10-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

As one person put it tonight....a frog and his dinner!

A frog and his dad...

Elle, with a little of her dinner still on her face...

These are some pre-trick or treat pictures that I took. This last picture of Kate, says it all, "as soon as I get out of this costume mommy...I am going to kick *(#U$*# U$IO#EU$I %I#U$O#". The kids did a great job trick or treating, we went to about 25 houses, thanks to the help of our friends Mike & Karla and the boys. The kids got lots of good treats for mommy and daddy!

This is a haunted house kit that grandma sent home with us to do..the kids and I started it but they lost interest in about 5 minutes...then I was left to finish! It turned our great and very scary...don't you think!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY PENN, ELLE & KATE

2007-10-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

PENN, ELLE & KATE

I can't believe how much the kids have grown and how much they have brought to our lives. Kurt and I talk about it all the time, how we still can't believe we have three wonderful, healthy and energetic children! No matter how big they get they will still be our thirtylittletoes.

ELLE WESLEY...the first born...that is really all I need to say. She is a lot like her mother, always in charge, telling people what to do, always taking care of everyone and has her finger pointing at someone all the time! She has such expression, a mean scowl and she talks up a storm. I can't wait for her to really develop more words to see what all that babbling means. She likes her mommy right now the best...but that could change! She is a great eater, loves blueberries, strawberries and any fruit you give her. She loves her puppy and watching Pooh. She looks great in dark colors, loves hair barrettes and will be my little girly, girl!

KATE TAYLOR...ohhh Kate...she is so cute with an ATTITUDE! We think she is going to be the first one to have stitches or break something, she is a climber and she has no fear. She loves her daddy!! She usually has the most bumps and bruises, she was the first to bite then she taught her sister. She has the most amazing smile and will smile at anyone, but if she does not want to do anything SHE WONT. She knows every animal sound, LOVES Pooh..the kids were in a wedding a few weeks ago and she got a Pooh bear, which she will not let it out of her sight! Kate looks great in pink, but does not want anything to do with a barrette and hates having her teeth brushed but she LOVES to cuddle.

PENN MARLIN...is my sweet, soft hearted, shy, big guy. His spirit is all his own, he is a flirt like his father and he will give you a look that makes you melt! Right now, he is the culprit of most wrong doing...he opens the doors for all of them to escape to the front porch, he opens the refrigerator to get out slices of cheese and he gets the markers out of my desk. He loves cheese sticks, milk, his duck, his gorilla and his cuddle time when he wakes up early from his nap. He doesn't mind brushing his teeth and he loves Gunner...sometimes a little too much. The girls boss him around but he does not seem to mind too much...if so, he just takes their toy!!

We are having a party in a few weeks, because of every ones busy schedules...more to come!!

BIG KIDS...

2007-10-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I have 3 toddlers...and they are such big kids. We moved Penn to a big bed 2 weeks ago since he decided to take a head dive out of his crib! Here is a picture of Penn's new bed and the girls's new PINK room...

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Caleb update...

2007-10-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, my brother is in New York making a name for himself! He was involved in a photo shoot with Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe. Trump has a new show on MTV called Pageant Place...which is the life of all three of these girls and the old Miss USA Tara Conner living together and traveling. Tonight they are showing this episode of the photo shoot...which Caleb is at...so watch tonight on MTV 9:39 central time..check your listings for other times and channel!! Let me know what you thought tomorrow, post a comment. We are so excited for him!!

Welcome home daddy, bye-bye Kate & Elle

2007-10-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Kurt came home last night and Kate decided that she was leaving...

a little sister & brother love...

2007-10-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

penn & kate having a little fun in the toy bucket!..then kate proceeds to bite penn...

2007-10-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

7th ANNUAL WEIENETH

HAYRACK RIDE

This weekend was our annaul hayrack ride. We have a family farm about 45 minutes away that has great trails, camping area and a tractor with hay! Friends an family showed up and a great time was had by all, except for the 80 degree weather and a little windy... with all that going on...please tell me WHY my kids wont stay out of a cooler!! They loved playing with the ice and the cans of beer...

here are the girls in the cooler...

oh and here are the girls again... in the cooler

oh...and here they are again...now making a beer can tower...I am so proud of them, I taught them everything I know!

horseshoes anyone...

The basement looks great!

2007-10-05T13:20:00.001-07:00

from studs....

to drywall..movie night...here we come!!

(from left to right TV area, with a half wall leading into the kids play area, built TV unit on this the wall and the bar area at the other end)

The basement is coming along great, it has only been two weeks and we are rolling right along. Drywall will take a week or so to dry, mud, sand etc, then trim carpenters, paint and then flooring, cabinets and we are done!! We are having a party for the kids a little late for their 2nd birthday on November 10th, so we are hoping to have the basement done by the party. I told our contractor that he could come to the party if he has the basement done!!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. T.J. Jacobs

2007-10-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations T.J. & Kristen

We had a wonderful day on Saturday for my cousin Kristen and her new husband T.J.'s wedding, but the party did not start there.

Friday night we had rehearsal at the Cathedral and dinner at Centro here in Des Moines. The kids did great at practice walking down the isle, they did a little running but at least they made it down the isle. So I thought, this will be great tomorrow...they will walk right down with no problems....

Then our day started early on Saturday morning we had to get a lot of people ready and out of the door and to the church by 11;00 for pictures. The kids looked so cute...the girls wore a grass green dress with little bunches at the bottom, white tights and little silver ballet shoes. Penn work a tan suite complete with a jacket, vest and tie. They looked so cute...pictures below. Then we were ready for pictures, happy, cute kids...Kate took one look at one of the ushers...burst into tears! So, not sure what the pictures are going to look like...but they all stood still for the 2 minutes needed for the picture...tears and all. Then we took them to a back room, stripped them and feed them chicken nuggets and fries....happy kid food!! See pics....

Then comes the big moment....all the guests are seated, Tarah and I are already seated at the front of the church, armed with tigger, pooh and gorilla (Kristen and T.J. gave these to the kids the night before and no one had set theirs down yet!) and mom and Kurt are at the back of the church with the kids. The Grandparents are seated, parents are seated...all the girls are down the isle....and here come the kids...everyone turns around to see the kids and here they come....

or so we thought....Kate was the first one...she looked right at Tarah and came running down the isle...GREAT JOB KATE!! Then Penn, he was confused because Kate was down there but Elle was still at the door...he didn't know what to do... but he finally made it....GREAT JOB BUDDY!! Then there is Elle...now everyone who knows her knows that she is a drama queen and the is the oldest...kind like her mom people say. Anyway...she took one look down the isle with all these people...and decided that she would stay with daddy...daddy gave her a little shove...she looked again...nope, not going down...hen she decided that she was going to lay down in the middle of the isle....Kurt finally picked her up and brought her the rest of the way...legs kicking an all.... The moment was over..that I had been no sleeping for a week over...it was done...2 out of 3 is not bad!! Then the kids went home for a nap and now the next dreaded moment....my reading. I had to walk a long way to the podium and bow to the tomb and read....YIPPIE MOMMY, it turned out great and people stopped me later and said I did a great job!!

Now it is time to PARTY!! The kids came back to the reception all rested and happy. We had a great time. Kurt's mom came and got the kids around 7 , then mommy and daddy partied!! We had a room at the hotel and hit a few bars downtown with Tarah and Grandma. All and all the kids did a great job and everyone commented on cute they were..... wheeew

Before...

2007-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

well to add to our hectic schedule we have decided to bite the bullet and finish the basement. We are so excited to be able to finally use the space...that we so desperately need! So here are some before pictures and I will keep you posted on the progress. We are hoping for completion by Thanksgiving...we will see how things go!!

Kids in a box

2007-09-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I bought this cute new foot locker to keep by the front door for this winter coats, mittens, hats etc.... but I guess they have a different plan...

Before...

2007-09-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I spent the weekend at my parents redecorating their bedroom. We had a design meeting Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings and then strait to work early Saturday morning. We had a great time, a few laughs and a lot of drinks but we got it done...now if mom would send me the after pictures I could post them!!

too be continued...

We are here...

2007-09-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are alive, just busy bees! Last weekend I went to spend the weekend with my parents to redecorate their bedroom. I took some before pictures but still waiting for mom to email me the after pictures. We did a lot of work painted, made an upholstered headboard, added floating shelves and had a great time. We also did some great shopping for the room...pics to come soon! I re-did the what used to be the nursery, which is now the girls room...it turned out so cute! Pics to come soon! And to add in more...we have decided to finish our basement. We are hoping to make a decision this weekend and get things going within a week or two. We are pushing the contractors a little to get it done before Christmas...well that is my plan it may not be their plan :) We are also getting ready for Kristen and TJ's wedding in two weeks, all three kids are in the wedding and I am reading. It is going to be a crazy day, but we cant wait!

I promise pics soon!!

2007-09-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 1 ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY AUNT TARAH & UNCLE BEN

Sunday was as beautiful as their wedding day...this weekend they moved into their very first house! Congratulations, we love you and can't wait to see you soon!

Labor Day Weekend with the Stephen's

2007-09-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

pics of the gang...

This weekend we headed to Desoto, KS to visit the Stephen's..Friday night we went to the Desoto fair, it was a beautiful night to be outside, the kids rode the big slide, enjoyed a frozen ice snow cone and hung out with the Stephen triplets. On Saturday we found the bravest woman ever JULIE, she babysat 7 children all under the age of 2 all day long! She is amazing she said that she had a great time! At the same time us adults had a great day boating at Clinton Lake. Lots of skiing, wake boarding and just swimming around, it was a beautiful day! Sunday, we came home for Kurt's sisters Birthday house party. Thier house turned 100 this summer, so what better reason to have a party...but somehow my camara didn't make it to the party :( but we all had a great time. Monday night we went to the farm for a little cook out... whewww what a weekend....we are going to have to take lots of naps to recover, but what a great end to the summer!!

Sunday morning at the Stephen's...before our ride home...

Labor Day picnic at the Farm with Grandma, Gary & Sheryl

Play Time

2007-08-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

No its not time to eat, the girls are into wearing their bibs around the house... its all the fashion rage for fall!

THANK YOU GRANDMA & PAPA

2007-08-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend. Friday night we dropped the kids off in Cedar Rapids with Grandma & Papa, then two hours later Kurt and I were off to lake Delhi to party with my BFF and her hubby Jason. We had such a great weekend, lots of smores, beer, fishing, relaxing, a ton of non-scheduled events, more smores and lots of relaxing. Thank you so much Robin & Jason for such a great weekend, please let us come back soon! We are going to Cancun in January with Robin and Jason so this was the pre-party to Mexico, we are so excited and we cant wait to have a great time with great friends! Thanks also to mom, dad, grandma, Caleb, Steph, Tarah and Karson for letting us be gone the entire weekend! We so needed it. I have some pics but...well its a long story, I should be able to post in a few days!

This labor day weekend we are off to KC to see the Stephen's, Desoto fair, a little boating and then back on Sunday for a big party. Kurt's sister and her family bought a house in Adel about 7 years ago (?), well the house turned 100 this summer. They thought what a reason to have a birthday party! I will post pics next week. To all: have a great last weekend of the summer and be safe!

Elle, on her way to grandmas, looking a little tired.

Grace reading to Elle

Kayden & Penn...reading a usual

Karson showing me his new hot wheels...

Blank Park Zoo

2007-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Our friends Julie and Karla invited us to the zoo on Monday, their kids start school on Thursday so this was their last harahh. Here we have some picks of the giraffe...enjoy all the pictures....

oh what...there are no pictures....oh....that is because my camera died, two steps into the zoo! That is always how it happens....don't worry I have a new one on the way from Ebay. This weekend we are going to CR to drop the kids off and Kurt and I are joining our friends Robin & Jason at their cabin for a little grown-up weekend! We will have pics from the weekend with the new camera!

Iowa State Fair 2007

2007-08-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE THE IOWA STATE FAIR!

Kurt and I met 10 years ago this August, one of our first dates was me taking the day off and going to the fair, we lived in Cedar Rapids at the time and have not missed a year since!! Last Wednesday we headed to the fair. We go every year and eat our way through, this year was no different! We ate turkey legs (well Kurt did) tons of mini donuts, Gyros, lemonade, pizza, wonder bar, some more mini donuts and beer! What a great day. We got lots of people stopping us, comments, "we feel sorry for you" etc....we even had one man take our picture but all in all it was not bad. We did lots of walking and eating which is what you do at the fair. We meet up with my cousin Kristen & TJ and our NICU nurse Becca and her husband Andy. We all had a great time and thanks to all who pitched in to help with the kids. We thought the kids should get out of the wagon and walk around a little, like big kids, who's idea was that! One thing the kids loved was the big slide, its a huge slide that you sit on a burlap bag and away you go...but let me tell you what a RIP OFF this is. $2.50 a person that is kids and adults, so for all three kids and three adults to go with them....$15.o0 x 2 times we went down...yes that is $30.00 on the big slide that last all of 3 seconds....but what do you do when the kids get off the mat and sign "more, more, more", how could I say no.

Crazy weekend!

2007-08-14T11:26:00.001-07:00

Hi, my name Tiffany, it has been 14 days and a few hours since my last post...I am sorry for my relapse, we were out PARTYING! Last week was just crazy, we had a play date, Gunner (our dog) had a hair cut, Kurt had a hair cut, I had a hair cut and we are trying to move the kids to one nap....so that is about all I could fit in one week.

My sister and Karson came down for the weekend to watch the kids since we had events going on both nights! THANK GOODNESS FOR EE. That is what the kids call her, we started off with Auntie, because Tarah is too hard at this point...and Auntie came out EE. The kids loved having her and Karson here. It was nice for us too. The reunion was a great time, I was wondering what it would be like to meet the "ex's" and "friends with benefits" that I have heard stories about, but it was really a good time. Kurt graduated from Adel, with a class of 78 and 56 were at the reunion, they had a great turn out. Before dinner they gave out prizes to longest married, most kids, oldest kids, longest traveled to the reunion, but we got the award for the most kids at one time!! who..whoo. Then we went into Adel to some of the bars and had a great time.

Early Saturday morning we went to the Adel Sweet Corn Festival Parade. Karson got a TON of candy, almost like Halloween and we were in a great shaded area out of the sun! The kids loved the horses, clowns and some floats gave away popsicles which was a great idea! Then back home for a nap, while Uncle Kurt and Karson went for a swim in the pond. Then Kurt and I were out to party for a second night in a row. Every year all of our friends get together go to dinner and then go down town Adel for the Beer Garden, live band, food etc. We had a great time again, acting like we were 21...then some how we came up with the great idea to go skinny dipping in the pond....I wont name any names!

Sunday was a day to recover and a great day to stay inside. So...that is what we have been up too, total craziness..then tomorrow we are off to the IOWA STATE FAIR...we can't wait! Grandma and Grandpa are coming this weekend and the guys are having a work weekend at the farm! So, I promise (with my fingers crossed) it will never be 14 days been a post ever again!

So here are some parade pics, the parade had not even started and my battery went dead in my camera so enjoy the few I have.

oh, the week before last we went to the new pool in Winterset with some friends...here are a few pics too..

fUn At tHE LaKE

2007-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kids on their first voyage on the big fishing boat. We are going back to Kansas City to visit the Stephen triplets & the Meyers over Labor Day weekend. They both have great boats, so we decided we should introduce the kids to the boat experence, now rather then later... they did great for their first time! They love to ride on our 6 wheeler so the fast thing and the wind does not seem to bother them...they got used to theirlife jackets and had a blast on the beach.

CoRN FuN

2007-07-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

CaLEb UpDAte

2007-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Whewww ww....Caleb has signed a modeling contract with one of the largest modeling agencies in NY, IMG (www.imgmodels.com) has produced such models as Drew Barrymore, Angie Harmon, Selma Blair, Mischa Barton, Hilary Duff and Heidi Klum! He went to his first casting call on Friday and got a runway show for American Eagle, he is so excited, he loves the runway! He is staying with a family friends, friend for now in the city, they said he could move in there but he may also move the the model apartments. He went to his first Yankee game last night and is getting a hang of the train system. He said he is having a great time and he has more meetings this coming week. He is not sure when he is coming home, they say August is a slow month for models because everyone is gearing up for September fashion month.....to be continued...

OuR FiRst HaiR CuT...It'S All abOUt beINg cUtE

2007-07-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Kate is first...

Elle's turn...
It was finally time for the girls to get their frist haircut....I know...I know...you are probably saying "what hair"?...well it is there and there were some terriable baby layers that they girls were born with...I am not sure who's side they got that from but it sure was not mine!! I know...know you are probably saying the same thing Kurt said, "pretty soon I will have them getting $100 highlights every 5 weeks like mommy"...NO that is not the case I just think they needed a trim! The girls did a great job, we went to daddys hair girl Tina, the girls sat on my lap and didn't fuss a bit!

So to celebrate we went to the DQ for some ice cream!

GooD BYE CALeb, HEllo NEw YoRk

2007-07-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

As some of you know my brother was born pretty lucky in the looks department. This past February we went to San Antonio for some modeling opportunities, and we had a great time. Since then Caleb has been working on some stuff and contacts. Well , Monday morning he flew to NY to go visit some agents, a scout that saw him in San Antonio said he could do well in NY or Los Angeles and could get him some appointments. He meet with three yesterday and one more today...it looks like he should have a signed contract by the end of the day! It is so exciting but a little scary for us here went he is there all by himself (that just sounded like my mother...ops) !! I will keep you updated on his progress!! GOOD LUCK CALEB, WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!

PeNN PAinTing

2007-07-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

Priceless....

PaIntiNG wiTh ElLE

2007-07-12T06:48:00.001-07:00

Did we get any on the paper?

FinGEr PaINTing FuN - Kate -

2007-07-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Start....

to finish...

2007-07-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

2007-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July

We had a great week at Grandma & Grandpa's house. We had a terrific time going to the pool, we went out to lunch, went downtown to see the fireworks, lots of walks around the lake and mommy even got some time out of the house with friends! Here are some pictures from the week...thank you to Grandma & Gene, Grandma, Tammy, Kayden, Aunt Tarah, Grandma & Grandpa for all of the help this week, it was a great little get away for everyone!!

ThING 1 & THInG 2

2007-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

ArT

2007-06-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

Elle's sidewalk art...it took her two seconds, then she was done...

but mommy had a good time....

When your kids would rather have fruit then cookies....

2007-06-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Elle, taking the biggest bite ever!

Kate, little bites

Penn, watermellon and all...

WHaT a pARty PLaCe In KC

2007-06-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

THANK -YOU STEPHEN'S FAMILY

We had a great time in KC! The kids were AWESOME, the company was fantastic and the beer...well that is always great! Since we have never met the Stephens family before, we were introduced through very good mutual friends, it was so funny that we pulled into their drive way, said "hi nice to meet you, let me show you where you are going to sleep". We laughed about it and after a few drinks we long time friends. Throughout the weekend we found out that we have a lot in common other then triplets. Friday night was a great BBQ and some pool time. Saturday morning 6 adults, 2 sets of triplets, 3 kids, a stroller, a triplet stroller and a choo-choo....we were ready for the zoo. We packed a picnic lunch for the park outside the zoo, then it was nap time for all the kids and pool time for all the adults! Saturday night was another night of friends, food, pool time and a few drinks with NO OLIVES! Sunday was more pool time and packing the whole house and the kitchen sink that we brought. We can't thank Kim, Chris, Collin, the triplets Carter (my boyfriend), Cora and Cami for opening their home to us....we will be back soon....you will regret inviting us back! Here are some pics from the weekend!

2007-06-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

KC or BUST!

...more on Monday...

HaPPY FatHER's DaY

2007-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Kurt! It was fate when we met, chance that we fell in love but it was destiny that brought us three beautiful children..ALL AT ONCE! You are the most amazing father and husband, I couldn't imagine this journey with out the love of my life. The kids and I greeted daddy in bed this morning with presents and cards, this afternoon we are off to the family farm for a cook out. Here are some pics that I took of the girls with the "I love Dad" shirts on!! Happy Father's Day to Papa, Great-Grandpa Gene, Uncle Rod, Uncle Ben, Tom, Uncle Scott and all the other dads out there, that work hard and play hard!!

2007-06-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

WE LovE oUr nEW POOL

2007-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

2007-06-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

FiRSt TrIP to THe ZoO

2007-06-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the zoo yesterday with the help of Julie, Sydney & Alexia. I was nervous to see if the kids would be scared of the animals or what....well we were all doing really well, we saw Lion, Tiger, Giraffe and then we got to the really scary animals...the GOATS! Penn did not like the goats at all cried through the entire walk way. This was a great test run since we are going to Kansas City next weekend to see the Stephen triplets and go to the KC zoo. So just an FYI watch out for the scary and vicious goats next time you are at the zoo. The other problem was since the kids are still little and all the animals are big, it is hard to get the small kids and the large animals into the same picture. I got a few good ones, enjoy!

thANK yoU GrANDma

2007-06-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Grandma, thank you for the socks that you sent in the mail...mommy tried to put them on my feet but I would rather carry them around.... love Elle

CaR ShOW

2007-06-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

The kids loved the car show! We walked around and we looked at the cars and people looked at us. We got our picture taken for the local paper, so we cant wait to see that. While we were on a walk, dad got ahold of the camera to take pictures of the "cool" cars.