First Camping Trip of the Season

We had our first camping trip of 2008 - there was a new member this year - Maddy Cakes was there in person as opposed to last year when she was there in utero. She did very well - Nonie thought she wasn't dressed warm enough so she tied a purple bandanna around Mad's head - after that she was referred to as "Pirate Baby" arrgh- she looked adorable and was warm at the same time!! I don't think she was put down once - Nonnie and Poppy held her and took her on walks - which left mom and dad with some extra special time with Mikey and Macy. We had a little poisoning scare - coffee made with antifreeze water - not a fun combo - but Thank the Lord - after 10 hours (for my sister and Krista) in the hospital and they were back camping with the rest of us!! We went hiking and fishing - had campfires and roasted marshmellows - we made plant boxes and boondoggle - it was a terrific weekend! We even had a talent show and scary stories around the fire! Mikey said the best part was being together as a family. I agree!!! I can't wait until we go again!!

Picture Day At Sears

It was time for the kids to get their pictures taken - it had been over a year and Maddy had never had hers done professionally - so we went to good ole Sears. Everyone was in matching outfits - including Mommy!! The photographer was a jolly plump lady - I was just waiting for Macy to say something like "Are you gonna have a baby?" or "Why is your tummy so big?" . We started with Maddy - who was happy until she saw the photographer and then her bottom lip stuck out and the tears came on - thankfully I sat by her and she did OK - as long as the lady didn't come near her or touch her or look at her. Macy wanted to direct the whole ordeal - she made her own poses and Kim (photographer) went along with it - she was very nice! Mikey enjoyed the spotlight, too! Smiling until his eyes closed!! Mommy got in on the action - I asked them to make sure they used the lens that removes all unshed baby weight for mommy's - when they took my picture with the kids - I'm not sure it worked, though! Someone also let out a silent toot - I could smell it but I didn't know who the culprit was - most of the time the kids own up to it - which is why I think it might have been Kim!!! The best part was seeing all the pictures - the kids are so photogenic!! Sadly I could only choose 3 sheets but thankfully, I had a coupon for a free one,too!! Yea for coupons!!! Now - I won't have to go through that for another 6 months!! You can see the pics at www.searsportrait.com

Home School Graduation and Science Fair

The end of school is nearing - YEAH!!! We had our first Science Fair - our project was about how fish breath. It was fun and the kids enjoyed decorating the poster board - Mommy forced herself to step back and let the kids do the work :) Poppy even bought two fish - named Mikey Jr and Macy Jr - who sat at the bottom of a tank in front of the kid's display. Many onlookers thought the fish had croaked - at first glance!! Sadly - the fish will be released into Poppy's pond because having a baby and a puppy is enough work for Mommy!!

After checking out everyone else's displays and trying all the experiments - we went onto the graduation. Sweet Macy Kaye - with her hair in a bun - came walking down the aisle - and posed so nicely for Mommy to get her picture. It was so cute!

Welcome Barkus!!

Introducing the newest member of the Shwantastic family - Barkus T. McFarfel Seffinga. Barkus (or Nippy, or Puppers, or Stinky Face , or Honey) joined our family May 3. He was a neglected Yorkie who was given to my sister in law - who gave him to us. What an adjustment!! We've gone through alot of paper towels and Clorox Clean Up spray!! He is very clingy but sweet!! The kids are learning the responsibilities of a pet. I like him because he is small - doesn't shed and I can put clothes on him!!!

Maddy's Bling

On April 30 - Little Maddy Cakes got her first taste of pain for beauty - she got her tiny little ears pierced. She was so brave!! She (and mommy) barely cried! And even though she has those beautiful sparkly pink stone earrings - don't you know some man said "What a cute little feller" - I guess "feller" could mean girl but, in my day, it meant boy!!!