Spring???????

Spring?????

I love when we have a random week of Spring in winter. It's rare here but it happens. Last week was absolutely beautiful. 55-65 degrees for four whole days. The boys LOVED it. We broke out the summer toys and played outside. Quite frankly we needed the break from being in the house. We have been redoing our attic and preparing Austin's new room. It was the perfect time to get some fresh air and allow the kids to just RUN! At first the boys where leery. It was like they forgot what to do outside. They seemed afraid to go on the swings or down the slide. They didn't want to step in the grass. And Alex kept asking me "are you here, mom?". I think he was afraid I was going to leave him outside. He picked up leaves, sticks and I saved him in time from picking up a petrified dog turd! UGH, the Spring clean up is underway!

Like I said the boys where leery at first but within minutes they where running like madmen. I realized they are kids now. Last year they where babies. I was so afraid to let them climb the ladder to the swing set or to play in the tree house but they seem to be so stable on their feet that it no longer mattered. This was great since now Griff is older and is running. He was unsure of the terrain at first. He stood straight as an arrow and refused to move. I realized he very rarely wears shoes and that he probably was afraid to walk. When he first got his memento up, he took off. He ran from one end of the yard to the next. He licked rocks and ate a small tree branch in the process but I just chalked it up as minerals he apparently needed in his diet. He even went down the small slide(with coaxing from mommy, of course). Maxim has NO fear. He climbed up and down the ladder like he has been doing it forever. He wanted to know what every single spec was. Emerson was happy to go in and out of the garage pulling out every toy and bike he could find. Austin is the KING!!!!! He plays with his brothers so well now. He organized them in a game of soccer than they where playing a rousing game of tag that lasted for a long time. He loves playing with them, finally.

I know this wasn't really Spring. It was more of an interlude to Spring. It's fine with me as long as I know it is eventually coming. We need the fresh air and excises really badly. I say, bring it on and bring on summer fun in the sun!

St. Patty's Day!

St. Patty's Day!

St. Patricks Day is one of our favorite holidays. Pretty strange since we are not at all Irish. We figured since there is no such holiday for Germans that we would adopt the St. Patty's day holiday for our own! We love the food, the decorating and the party that we throw every year for our family. Corn Beef and cabbage with carrots, potatoes, onions, green beans and ALL the fixins. Me and the kids make green desserts and my mother brings strange dense breads filled with currents and rye seeds. YUMMY!!!!! The boys really got into it this year. Emerson ran around dressed like a Leprechaun for weeks before. I bought him this green hat that is the cutest thing. Emerson is my "accessorizer". He loves hats, shoes, backpacks and gloves. Whoa, don't get me started on the GLOVES!!! The boys helped me make green artsy fartsy cupcakes, which is just regular cupcakes with green swirls. They thought it was cool to swirl in the green cake mix. Austin made decorations at school and the triplets did a shamrock project at home with me. They are so fun now. They love to do art projects and they are very proud of their creations.The boys had fun running around the house eating off everyones plates and I think they ate 10 cupcakes each. Griffin is quiet as always he is content to let Austin and the triplets have all the attention. What a sweet baby.

It was our first family dinner with our new dining room set. I am happy to report it held up great and I loved that we could all sit together finally. Now if we could just speed the addition along we could really throw a big bash. Maybe in a year or so!!!!! Whooo hooo, can't wait!

Spring Fever

This is what happens when my kids are bored. They paint their faces with their food! Lil' monsters!!!!

Spring Fever

What's the big deal with Buffalo winters? Why do people get so depressed? These are questions I ask myself ALL the time. It never affects me. In fact, I like the winter. Winter is a blast. Snowball fights, warm houses, cozy movie nights, holidays and family get together. That has been the case for me as long as I can remember. That was until this year. I think I suffered from a little of the Buffalo winter blues. Maybe it was the fact that we where sick for what seemed like forever or that I lost two people who where very important to me. I'm not exactly sure what the cause but I am looking forward to the warm weather and to get out of the house.

I know the kids are starting to get Spring fever as well. They have been in the house for what seems like months. I try not to take them out unless absolutely necessary. I feel bad that they are cooped up all the time but if one gets sick, they all do and it keeps going around and around. Next week will be nice here in WNY. I hear it will be in the 50's. Just try and keep the Stinners contained! We are heading outside, WE ALL HAVE SPRING FEVER!!!!

Calgon, tak me away!

OK, he looks all sweet and innocent, but just picture his happy face at 2am!

Calgon take me away!

WOW, what a week. Little Mr. Griffin Stinner has decided he no longer needs sleep. Apparently now, my nocturnal child, will take 5 hour naps during the day and wake up happy and smiley. The whole time planning his mode of attack which starts around 10pm and doesn't end until sometime between 2am & 5am! Or he will go to bed at 10pm and sleep until 1am just to get up and want to play until 7am! Dear Lord help me! This kid has his days and nights completely messed up. Now I know he is teething, so I can't really be upset. i have heard that if adults teethed like babies do that suicide rates would sky rocket! In general, he is an AMAZING baby. It's just the last few weeks. If I don't get some sleep soon I may have to run away from home! Griffin, mommy needs some sleep & a vacation!

What a Week

Happy Baby, Emerson making a mess, Silly Alex, Busy Austin and serious Max!

What a Week

When your loved ones die, you feel lost. I feel as if I have been walking in a fog for the last week. Everyday I go through the motions of my life. I get up, feed the kids, clean the house, play, do homework with Austin and love up all the boys, put everyone to bed and start over the next day. However, for the last week throw in wakes, funerals, family fights, mounds of paperwork, pictures, memories and tears. Not to mention a teething 1 year old who doesn't sleep and you have a recipe for exhaustion. At one point(while uploading pictures)my little Alex came up and hugged my leg. "Don't cry, mommy". How poignant those words from my little love. I thought, WOW...I just need to pull it together. Easier said than done.

The boys have handled all this drama in stride. I know the 4 little ones have no idea what's going on, they just know I have been gone a lot. I see their faces light up when I walk in the door and remember all the joy in my life, that seems to melt the sadness away. Austin knows what's been happening and keeps asking me little questions here and there. He even asked "where do you go when you die?". He said "I know...heaven, right". That's right, I said. He said..."That's cool." I'm not exactly sure how much he understands so we keep most conversations to a minimum. He was able to spend some time over the weekend with his Uncles Michael & Frankie. They took him to the Monster Truck rally. He said it was loud but really awesome. All I know is that it was very manly.

The triplets have stepped up their game. They have recently figured out the art of opening doors. This means three little men come running out of their room while it's still dark and get into the bathrooms and every closet you can imagine. They have figured out they are a team and one will distract as the others descend upon the attic. At some point over the last week, Emerson got into our bathroom and shaved the side of his head with Davids beard trimmer. Since we have discovered a mystery wound in Maxim's ear as well, we think he may have gotten in on the action. Let's just say they all got their heads shaved after that. Speaking of haircuts, Griffin got his very first big boy haircut. I really had no choice. His hair was down to his shoulders. I think I showed great restraint. I wanted to cut it when he was 8 months old, but held off. I figured since everyone else was getting chopped, so would he. He handled it well and looks like such a big boy. My baby is growing up!

My Protector, My Friend, My Grandpa

These picture are of Him in Korea(my favorite)Him and I at Christmas and a classic 70's picture of my Dear Grandpa

It is with deepest sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my Grandfather, Charles Abshagen. He was an amazing Grandfather. Strong and bold. If he loved you, he would protect you from the world. He taught me to cook. "Spice is your friend. Without Spice there is no taste". He told me that when I was 3. I never forgot! He was the grandpa that took me to school and held my hand when I was scared to go in. We grocery shopped and waited at the bus stop for Grandma, playing ISPY. He would tell me stories about life on the west side of Buffalo and how he was a hard ass. Fights where his specialty. He was scrappy. He wasn't afraid to tell me he was proud of me or that I was a doing something wrong. I loved his booming voice that would say "DAWNMARIE" whenever I walked in the room. Or how he would proclaim(at 2 in the morning after being "out"..."WANT SOME PIZZA". He loved me, unconditionally, and I him.

I know he read this blog to keep up on the boys. He was so proud. He told me I was a one woman baby making machine. He knew I always wanted to be a mom. I can't imagine a world without him. He commanded every room and I was privileged to be his granddaughter!

Losing both my grandfathers in 2 days is devastating. Although I know they where both sick and are out of pain now, for those of us left behind it is beyond words...even for me. Love the people in your life. Leave the difference of opinions behind you and look only to the future. You never know what tomorrow holds.

Good Night Grandpa, take a Gennesee for the road(maybe a Heineken), a shot of Goldshluger, a 20lb pizza with all the fixins' and $100 to buy some new jeans!

I love you and I will miss you ALWAYS!

Grandpa

This picture was of me(1 year old) & my Grandpa. He was always on the ground with us.

Grandpa

When I was a little girl, one of my fondest memories of my Grandfather was sitting on his lap. He was a big man, to me…a GIANT. He would put his long arms around me and squeeze. I felt so small, so protected, so loved. I never heard him raise his voice or say a harsh word. I can see him standing in the kitchen doorway asking my Granny…”Whatcha need, Babe?”. He never called her Donna, only Babe. They had a love that we all strive to achieve. 63 years married, 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren & counting. When my Granny died in August 2009, my grandpa was lost. His heart broken.

Today my grandpa has gone to be with my Granny, his son Richard and daughter Terry. Leaving the rest of us behind, sad and broken hearted. Our only comfort is knowing he has arrived in heaven his wife waiting at the gates of heaven…

”I’m home, BABE”


I love you, Grandpa!!!!!!!! I will miss you. Thank you for all that you where and all that you did.

The end of a truly amazing love story. The story now complete…fade to black.

The World According to Alexander Stinner

Alex is our talker. He talks CONSTANTLY! His articulation is amazing. Every once and a while he just comes out with stuff that makes me laugh.

While eating a grapefruit..."mmmmm, goot(good). I dink it wit my nose."

While watching a baby being born on tv..."MOM, a bebe. Awwww, I bite?"

While being a tattletale..."Ass(Max)gok(got)da foor wet, AGAIN!"

When falling down..."Mommy, I pall dowan, I OK."

When sharing..."Wook mom, I nice."

While going on the potty..."Mommy, I did it. I peeeeeee on da foor!"


...and that's the world according to ALEX!

{{{{7}}}}

{{{{7}}}}

My big boy turned 7 yesterday. It almost seems surreal. One minute I was bringing him home from Poland and the next he is 7 years old. I can't believe how the time has flown by. My little toddler chatterbox that ran around charming everyone is now this big kid who is responsible, extremely smart and still charming everyone. I am so proud to be his mother.

In lue of a large birthday bash, Austin chose to have a sleep over with his best buddy Zack. Him and Zack have been best friends since they where 3 and attend the same pre-school. I thought it would be fun for the two boys to hang out and play video games. They seemed to have a great time but huge sighs where heard from miles around when I exclaimed..."it's clean up time!". I know, worst mother ever. They went to bed with little fuss. I think they where just exhausted. Suddenly in what seemed like the middle of the night I hear little voices. Only to discover it was 6 am and the boys where raring to go! They where excited because we planned lunch, shopping and a movie. By 11 am I mustered enough strength to get them going. Lunch at Mighty Taco(their choice), shopping at Target(an experience I choose to NOT relive) and then Alvin & The Chipmunks movie. By 4 pm I was exhausted and returned Zack home. Austin was excited about his adventures with his buddy and I SURVIVED!

On Sunday we celebrated as we always do. We had a family party for Austin, My mother(same birthday as Austin), My brother in law Jose(2/11), My sister Gabrielle(2/14) and my mothers husband Anaur(1/29). That's right, February is my killer month. This considering my other sister Jennifer also had her birthday on he 5th. We enjoyed are day a lot. The 4 little boys just ran from room to room enjoying the company and visiting with family. It was a wonderful, stress free day that is until someone filled the marshmallow shooters that my mother
bought Austin. Let's just say I am still finding marshmallows in every crevice of this house!

A Better Day

This is the professional picture we had made for our family for Christmas. I had to wait until the last Christmas gift was given before I could post it. I am not a fan of the picture. I think it looks like I have floating children. If my kids weren't so darn cute, the day would have been a complete wash!

A Better Day

Day 9 after surgery and Austin is doing well. He says he is ready to return too school but in my opinion he is not eating well and is still on antibiotics. I told him maybe Wednesday if he is eating better. I think 10 days isn't long to be off from school after surgery. I'm just worried about him relapsing when his birthday is just a few days away. When I told him we would reevaluate on Tuesday he said "OK, that's why your the mom". I knew I raised him well!

I myself had surgery on Wednesday to alleviate the pain from the varicose veins the kids caused during pregnancy! Damn kids! It was actually rather painless but has proven to get a little sore as the days go on. Probably because I can't take more than 3 minutes of sitting down without stressing about what I need to do next.

The little boys are doing great. In fact they are doing amazing! I am proud to say that Alex has begun potty training. Yesterday he peed on the potty 3 times. We had a parade and sang the "we're so proud of you" song. He even got an Elmo sticker that said "Hurray"! He was so proud of himself that he keep saying..."I DID IT"!!! I think he will be ready for preschool in September. Yes, I will send him by himself if he is ready. We don't think it will harm them by being separated. In fact, we think it may motivate the other two to step it up.

Emerson is Mr. Independant. He likes to do things his own way. Don't get in his way or...you're in trouble! He sits and plays Lego's for hours. He makes huge skyscrapers than transports them onto wheels. I personally think he's a visionary, it's the wave of the future...you just watch! Maxim is my little helper. He helps me pick up the toys and he loves to vacuum and his main job is to help me change the sheets and make the beds. He always needs to be right next to me. If it would only last!

Max & Em are in speech therapy and making great progress. We are hearing a lot of words coming out of their mouths. They like their therapist and seem to be making great progress. We have a little concern when it comes to Max. He is going to a specialist to make sure his hearing is OK. I'm sure he's fine but we are just covering all of our bases.

Griffin is just my little joy! This kid is such a sweet baby. He is so independant since he started to walk. He just runs all over the place. He is a little rough houser though. He loves to be thrown around and smooched all over his face but watch out, he recently got more teeth and he is not afraid to use them! He's just a little smaller than the triplets and he can definitely hold his own!

An Austin Update

*********An Austin Update********

First of all Thank you again to ALL the friends and family that have called, come by, prayed and sent well wishes to our boy. Austin is doing OK. I wouldn't say he is doing good. He is still in a ton of pain and is just having a rough time relearning how to breathe properly. Unfortunately because he had surgery on both his throat and nose, breathing is extremely difficult for him. We are doing our best to keep him well medicated and drowsy, this way he sleeps most of the time. I would say he has slept 18-20 hours a day over the last 3 days. We ask that you all continue to pray for Austin's speedy recovery.

******Austin's Surgical Update*******

These pictures are of Austin at Hockey! He is our little superstar! This hockey league is done but he starts a new competitive league in February!

******Austin's Surgical Update*******

Today was Austin's surgery. He started the day saying "Don't worry mommy,I'm not worried". Little did he know I was a mess. What an awful feeling, to know your child is going to be in pain. Even if it is for the greater good, it is still so scary!

Austin is one of those kids that is extremely literal. When asked what he had to eat or drink today and he replied "apple juice, sugar free apple juice". Throughout the afternoon he continued to charm all the nurses. Somethings never changed.

So the surgery he underwent was a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy/nasal endoscopy and cauterization. His surgery was pushed back until 1:30 but he went in with a smile on his face and he seemed much more worried about me than himself. After an hour plus long surgery my big boy emerged victorious and tonsil FREE! My poor boy has been pretty drugged up though and has yet to wake up for more than 2 minutes. The doctor said this was to be expexted because of the extent of his surgery. I'm not sure what tomorrow holds for Austin but I know he will do fine.

I want to thank EVERYONE for their encouragement, thoughts and prayers for Austin. Thank you to my amazing husband for taking care of the 4 little boys. Thank you Adrianne for going with me and Mom for helping me get him home. Thank you Pastor Jon and Yolanda(Austin's Sunday School teacher)Hasselbeck for coming to the hospital and offering your shoulder to lean on and beautiful prayers, it meant so much to us! I would also like to thank my Dad and all the other people that texted me throughout the day to keep tabs on Austin and to offer support. Thank you, thank you, thank you ALL! God is good!

Griffin's 1st Birthday Party

Griffin's 1st Birthday Party

Well, my baby officially turned 1 year old on the 5th. However we waited until the following Saturday to have his 1st birthday bash. Those that know me, know that the 1st birtjday party is always the most important. I know the kids won't remember it but everyone else will. It's my job as the mom to make this day all about the birthday boy. This was no exception. The day turned out amazing and it was ALL about my little Grif!

Trying to find a venue for a 1st birthday party is always hard. There are very few places that cater to the littlest toddlers. Usually you throw a party and it is all about the attendees rather than the actually birthday baby. Well, I did a lot of research and decided to go with a venue that specified in toddler parties and It was PERFECT. We rented the whole place out and made it all about my lil' birthday man. The kids loved running around and playing with a ton of age appropriate toys, games and tumbling equipment. It was so much fun that even the adults got in on it! I watched as everyone, young and old played with the little ones and socialized. It was such a relaxed atmosphere. I was actually able to talk to all of our guests and that very rarely happens when I host a party. To watch Griffin run around and play and just be loved up by all our friends and family was an amazing feeling to have. I'm positive he had a great time. Happy Birthday BABY!