July 4th camping trip 2018

The kids got eaten up badly by mosquitoes. I think Makenna had over a hundred mosquito bites on her. Big mistake taking off into the woods before putting bug spray on as soon as we got there. Lesson learned!

Jace and his crawfish

Anyone who knows Jace, knows he loves to catch crawfish. Well his Grandma J told him if he caught one she would help him cook it and he could try it. He was all about it!

He got to watch it boil in the water and then once it cooled down he was able to try it.

It was pretty gross. Made me gag a few times. I think he was the only one that tried it.

Triplets Turn 10!

I can't believe the girls are 10! Time is just going by way too fast. I scroll through and see pictures of them as babies and miss them so much. I wish I would have taken more time to enjoy it. I do have to say though that I enjoy holding conversations with each of them as they slowly become young ladies and no longer children. It's such a blessing to watch them grow up and become so bright, and to hear their dreams and wishes for their future. I want to enjoy this time now and slow it down, but I can't wait to see how they are as adults.

This was the last year the girls get to have a birthday party, so we wanted to make it special. They had their very own fashion show! I think they had a good time. Next year we might just do one friend for a sleepover or go somewhere special. They are getting a bit old for birthday parties. As sad as that makes me, it also makes me happy to know I don't have to plan such big parties.

Makenna's Fructose Malabsorption Update

Every two years we have Makenna tested again for fructose malabsorption. We order an at-home hydrogen breath test and send the results in to a lab. It's much cheaper than going to the doctor to have it done. She's got it down now! This year's results were excellent. Her numbers went way down and it has shown us hope that she may outgrow this. I highly doubt she'll outgrow lactose intolerance, but that is easier to manage.

She has been doing better making the right choices and defeating temptation. She still struggles with it though. Once she gives in to the temptation, it's a couple weeks of dealing with it, which sucks. Especially since we went a few months without any episodes. One little mistake, and that trust is gone and she has to earn it back. Breaks my heart.

Something new we have been trying this year is getting to eat the school lunch. It's always been tough for her to pack everyday. But with this new digestive enzyme we've been using for a couple years, she gets to take one at school right before she eats and it seems to be working. I think she feels more included then she ever has. She gets to feel normal, and that is all I've ever wanted for her.

Looking forward to next year's results and hoping they are even better.

Eating a strict diet of rice, chicken, and eggs before her breath test!

Bible School 2018

This year Bible school was around their birthday. They always have fun going and getting out and about while learning new things is always good for them! Looking forward to next year. I remember when they were a lot younger and were so shy they couldn't even do the moves for the songs. As they get older they do more. They may not look like they're having fun, but they are. Pretty soon they'll be the big kids teaching the little kids. Where has time gone? I miss my babies.

Family Vacation Fun

We always have a good time spending vacation with the family, the kids especially when we take boating trips thanks to Grandpa! We usually do something once a year. This year during spring break I believe, we went to Pokagon and stayed at a hotel nearby, and then met up with my parents and the boats for a day of boating. It happened a while ago so I'm trying to remember, but I think Josh and I kept the M's and my parents kept the J's the first night, and then we switched after we got done boating, for another night before we left in the morning to go home. They got a lot more attention that way, and it was easier for both sides. Looking forward to next year!

A little gardening

Over the summer, the front yard looked horrible. So Josh and I decided to fix it up a bit. Makenna helped with the flower beds and making them look nicer, and Jace helped with the light pole bricks that had to come out on the side of the driveway. It takes a lot of work and we need to do so much more to it next summer, but we have two little helpers who I'm sure we'll enjoy it... maybe even the other two will join us. If it involves destruction, Jace is always willing to help. And usually anything I ask of Makenna, she will do. Jae and Maysie I am sure will help for a little bit if I find them something fun to do.