Future Olympians

On Friday a group of us Moms took our kiddos to a gymnastics gym to get some of this pent up energy OUT. :) The kids had a blast and we as Mom's got a little work out. Maddie has no fear, so she was all about the big kids areas. She walked on her first balance beam and actually did it without me. It's about 2 inches off the ground...no worries. :) I was impressed I will say that. I can't walk a straight line to save my life! :)

Here are a couple of shots from the day. The little sweetie is Ruby B and the crazy lady with TWO kids (Ryar and Nolan) on a running trampoline is Kristen. She of course is motion so that's why she's in a blur. So much fun!! We will do it again for sure.

Sleep Well Grandpa

The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind for the Hosford/Snellink family. Grandpa Snellink (Gloria's Father), went into the hospital yesterday morning for his weekly radiation treatment for the cancer he was battling again and was admitted with sever phenomena in both lungs. He had been very week the past few days, and was so exhausted. We later found out that he had a laceration or whole in the bowel area that was making his body toxic. He got very ill, very fast and passed away late last night with family at his side.

We were very blessed to spend a great deal of time with Grandpa on Sunday and he was oddly reminiscent. He spoke of playing cards and camping with the kids and the many wonderful times he has had with Grandma. He was so positive and there was almost a calm about him. The Lord had his hands in this for certain and that was so important yesterday when we were faced with all of this very fast. Please keep Grandma Snellink in your prayers as this will be a hard adjustment after almost 60 years of a wonderful life together.

We will miss Grandpa ( or G-Pa) very much but know that he is with his Lord right now and free from pain. We love you Grandpa.

This is a picture of Maddie when she a newborn with her G-Pa.

Happy 22nd Birthday Kellie!!

Tom's "baby" sister Kellie turned 22 on Friday....good Lord I'm getting old. :) I was at her 10th, with a Winnie the Poo on her cake! :)

We had a family dinner on Sunday to celebrate and we did a little sledding in the front yard. Here are Aunt Kel Kel, Aunt K.K. and Uncle Austin (which Maddie says now!!) taking Maddie for her rides. :) And yes...that is Austin in shorts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLIE!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Chicago or Bust

We spent this past weekend with our dear friends Jason and Johanna in the windy city.Maddie spent the weekend with my parents and had a blast. :)

We left on Friday and went straight to Sheds Aquarium, which was amazing. They had everything from small "Nemo's and Dori's" to huge sea turtles, beluga whales, sting rays and so much more. I wish more of my pictures would have turned out, but there was no flash allowed of course and it was quite dark.

From there we checked in to our hotel and then we headed to ESPN Zone or dinner and games. What a cool place that was! Great food and of course great beer. Later that night we had drinks at the Martini bar in our hotel...lets just say $13.00 martinis...good times. :)

On Saturday we indulged in more food at the Cheese Cake Factory, which was out of this world. Totally recommend it if you haven't had the chance to eat there. We stuffed ourselves silly, but had to get cheese cake, which was to die for. It's located in the bottom of the John Hancock building, so we went to the top after lunch. After that we need to work off some calories so we shopped Michigan Ave.

Later that evening we had reservations at Stetson's, an amazing steak house in our hotel. It was just fabulous. The only thing we can complain about there was the fact that apparently in Chicago it's a HUGE deal to split tabs. We asked to have it split per couple and our sever came back with it in half. Like right down the middle. :) It worked out ok...:)

The other little rough part about our weekend was the the fact that our hotel room's air conditioner didn't work. It was up near 75 most of the time and set at 40. It was a tad bit "balmy" lets just say that. ;)

We had a wonderful time and ate like fools. Here are a few pictures.

Fun with the Wilsons

On Saturday we spent the evening with Jeff, Tara and Talen Wilson. Jeff and Tara just built a beautiful home and welcomed us for dinner and a playdate for the kids. Maddie and Talen had a BLAST together. Talen is almost a year and has 6lbs on Maddie, so he's quite the little hunk. :) Thanks Wilson's for having us!! :)

Jackson's 2 Years Old!!

Happy Birthday 2nd Jackson!! Thanks for inviting us to Chucky Cheese. We had SOOOO much fun. :)

Sleepy Head

Here is little Gracie sleeping the day away. She is such a little love and we are very proud to be her Aunt and Uncle. Six weeks old already!! Time goes so fast.

We love you Gracie!!!

Congratulations Dave and Stephanie!

This past Saturday we went to a good friends wedding, despite the blizzard warning. A good thing too, it was a blast and always wonderful to see two people unite. We wish Dave and Stephanie the very best. Here are a few shots from the reception.

Look at all those pregos!!! From left to right Megan, Rebekah, Katie, Amanda, and Jodi.

In a galxey far far away...

Thanks to Papa Hosford, Maddie has a new favorite Movie. Actually, the ONLY movie she will watch. Star Wars!!! You're probably thinking that she just watches it, oh no....after a couple of times seeing bits and pieces, she was asking for "Chewie" and "Yoda." Not kidding. Not only this, but she now sings "dun dun dun...." the Imperial March theme, which comes on when Darth Vader is in a scene, swaying side to side or clapping. But best of all, she does the Darth Vader breathing sound when he comes on the T.V. Seriously... this is one of the funniest things she has done to date. I SOOOO wish I could get a video file on here so you could all see this. I have seen more clips of Star Wars in the past week then I have in my entire life.

Take a close look at who is on the screen of the T.V. in this picture. As I am loading this, she is sitting next to me making his famous sound. HA! This is a hoot.

Big Girl

Maddie is just getting so big. Everyday I look at her and want to freeze the moment. Her vocabulary is growing everyday. Today she likes the word "apple." :) She is such a blessing.

Madilyn's Blood/Health Update

Well, it's been 19 months since our scare with Madilyn's health. That was absolutely the most frightening time in our lives. Our little trooper went through so much with blood draws every other day, blood transfusions and just DRAMA. We are so glad that she won't remember any of it.

On Tuesday, Maddie had an appointment with her pediatric hematologist and got a clean bill of health!! :) We are so thrilled!! She was finally diagnosed with an incompatibility with my blood. The issue is actually with Tom's blood and my blood, and she being half Tom and half me, and our blood mixing was the issue. In reality, it's Tom and I that aren't "compatible", go figure!! :) So there is a chance with any other children we have to have similar issues, but we know ahead of time now. It won't be so life threatening as it was with Madilyn. Thank God. Anyway, we are just so happy to have this news that I wanted to share. I didn't take pictures or anything, but thought this was a cute one of her at bath time. :)

Little Sweeties

So I stole this picture from Tracy and Dan's blog because I don't have one of myself and these two little sweeties. :) Thanks Tracy! Aren't they cute???

When I Grow Up

Tom and I of course are already telling Maddie she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up. Yesterday, she wanted to be a Doctor. :) Well......OK, we GUESS that's alright.

She was all about listening to he Daddy's heart and even gave him a shot. Tom was such a trooper, as we all know he HATES shots. :P

Thank you

Tom and I just want to send a thank you to all of our family and friends who have been so wonderful through out this tough time. We can't tell you what you kind words and prayers have meant to us. I haven't been good about posting recent pictures, but I promise to get on top of my game soon. Much love to you all.

In Gods Hands

The statements "God has his reasons for doing things" or " everything happens for a reason," have never been more true for our family than now. Even though we can't understand why the Lord does certain things, we have to try and except them. On Friday we found out that the second child we were expecting didn't have a heart beat. I miscarried about two weeks ago and didn't even know it. Monday I have a D&C. I have a wonderful doctor that helped us understand that it wasn't anything that I did as a Mother, which is very comforting.
It's very hard to grasp why these things happen and grieving is such an understatement. We are so very blessed with Maddie and know that our family will grow someday. All of your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated. We are just so blessed to have you all in our lives.

Check Out Dan and Tracy's Big Day

Click on this link and check out just what happened on a very special Christmas Eve. :)

We love you Gracie-poo!!!

http://dandthosford.blogspot.com/2006/12/welcome-home-gracie.html

Welcome Gracelyn Rae Hosford

Well today was quite a day!! :) An early Christmas gift for the Hosford and Carlson families. Gracelyn Rae was born to Dan and Tracy this morning at 11:20. She is 6lb. 11oz and 19in. long. Just a little sweetie! Both Mom and baby are doing fantastic. I have to go through all the million pictures Tom and I took today, but here are a few to start. We are very proud of both Dan and Tracy. Tracy was just amazing. Love you all.

Meeting Santa

Today Maddie met Santa Claus and actually didn't cry! :) She didn't really know what to make of him. She didn't smile, but more or less just sat there. :) Hey...at least there were no tears.

Courtright Family Christmas '06

Sunday was my Mom's side (Courtright) family Christmas gathering in Mt. Pleasant. My Grandma hosted and we all brought "the grub." It was wonderful seeing everyone! Maddie and Catherine, as you can see in the picture, got into the gifts before we had a chance to open them. I love the look on their faces.

Congratulations Aaron and Sarah!

We want to send out our congrats to Aaron and Sarah as they were married on Saturday Dec. 16th. Many blessings!!

Less then 6 weeks!!

Man........we are SOOOOO excited that in less than six weeks, we are going to have new little bundle of joy in the Hosford family. Gracie is on her way!! I'm placing bets that she will arrive early. Doctors aren't ALWAYS right. :) I say....oh....Jan. 5th. 8lbs. 7oz. Eh...just a guess.

I stole this picture from Katie and Austin's blog, so a thank you goes to Katie for the pic. Tracy, you have been such a trooper with your pregnancy! It's getting so close now and we are praying for a smooth and safe delivery.

Funny Faces

Just having fun. :)

Snowday Fun!!!

Madilyn and I spent the afternoon outside in the snow. What a BLAST!! She was a riot. She absolutely loved the snow, except when it got in her boots. Then...not so much. :) Here are a few cute pics.

Another Hosford Baby on the Way.

Babies!! Babies!! Babies!!!

Tom and I are pleased to share with you that we are expecting our second child in the summer. :) I'm not very far along, 6 weeks at most. We are so excited and couldn't be happier. Another little Hosford running around. :) Maddie of course will be the best big sister and already understands that Mommy has a baby in her belly. Thanks to months of practice with Aunt Tracy.

Congratulations Kellie!!

Tom's sister Kellie graduated from Paragon's School of Pet Grooming yesterday after a year of study. She did a fantastic job and just loves what she is doing already. She has a job grooming at Holiday Kennel, on Northland Drive and couldn't be happier. I totally stole the picture below of Kellie and her boyfriend Tony from Dan and Tracy's Blog as I forgot my camera. Yeah....My mind is slipping lately. :) Thanks guys.

CONGRATS KELLIE!!! We couldn't be more proud of you sweetie!