Kiera Jean's Family Blog

Kindergarten Music Class Presentation

2010-03-11T11:50:00.003-05:00

Kiera Gets a Big Girl Bed

2010-02-15T22:39:00.001-05:00

My 36th Birthday

2010-01-20T22:33:00.001-05:00

Ice Skating

2010-01-19T22:28:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T23:52:00.004-05:00

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T20:48:00.002-05:00

Singing in front of the tree and Dancing!

Sheridan Elementary Holiday Concert Dec. 2009

2009-12-15T23:20:00.003-05:00

Our Little Scottish Highland Dancer

2009-12-12T15:12:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

A laid back Thanksgiving!

Kiera Cuts her own hair, AGAIN!

2009-11-21T13:25:00.002-05:00

And gets grounded from the scissors for life...LOL

Fancy Nancy Christmas Party @ Borders

2009-11-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

Kiera is all fancy!

Apple Tartlets

2009-10-25T20:52:00.004-04:00

MMMMMM...heavenly

A cold walk on the beach

2009-10-18T13:32:00.002-04:00

Beaver Island Celtic Games 2009

2009-09-19T23:50:00.005-04:00

Kiera's First Airplane Ride (that she remembers, also went when she was 6 months)

Kiera took this picture!

Can't remember what she was doing here, but she asked me to take this picture.

First Day of School

2009-09-09T23:30:00.006-04:00

Introducing Anna & Steve Wilson!

2009-07-18T23:52:00.002-04:00

5th Birthday Highlights

2009-07-04T23:36:00.005-04:00

Pinata, presents, cake, sun, fun, and fireworks...
and of course, putting makeup on grandma!

A day at the beach

2009-06-27T18:32:00.001-04:00

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T16:02:00.001-04:00

Visit with Jeremy's Dad & Family

2009-06-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Kiera and I in TC

2009-06-18T20:15:00.002-04:00

We went to Traverse City to get Kiera's annual portrait taken. She was wonderful and posed perfectly! Then, we spent the day eating pizza, ice cream, candy, and searching for father's day gifts. I had a list a mile long of things that needed to get done, but I enjoyed my rare day off with Kiera instead. I think I chose wisely!

Midland Highland Festival

2009-06-13T19:55:00.004-04:00

The Masked Man...er, girl!

2009-06-07T16:46:00.002-04:00

Kiera's Preschool Graduation

2009-05-27T14:29:00.005-04:00

Mother's Day and Jeremy's Birthday

2009-05-11T23:11:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day 2009

Jeremy turns 34

Conch Shell from Grandma from Florida

Kiera insisted that her present to Daddy be a Cowboy Hat

After the Cohen concert

Kat & Dave

Our hotel room at the Greektown Casino

Easter 2009

2009-04-17T15:40:00.004-04:00

Easter was a wonderful time, we colored eggs, had easter baskets, an easter egg hunt, and brunch with our extended family. Unfortunately, my batteries went dead, so I only got pictures of Kiera finding her basket.

Kiera found her basket in record time!

Her eyes got even bigger when she saw the "tweeps" (too bad a leaf was right in front of her face).

Swim goggles shaped like frogs!

A bug catching net, that actually caught a spider!

...and my beautiful Kiera, even with bed-head, and still in her 'Nicholas' jammies.

Recent Conversations with Kiera

2009-04-06T11:01:00.004-04:00

Grandma: "Kiera, What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Kiera: "A policeman, a fireman, or a Ninja of Love."
LOL

Kiera: "I'm singing."
Me: "I can't hear, could you sing louder?"
Kiera Sings: "Down Down bull-a-bit, down down bull-a-bit."
Me: "Nice song. What's a bull-a-bit? What's it from?"
Kiera: "It's from my head."
LOL

St. Patrick's Day 2009

2009-03-18T17:33:00.002-04:00

St. Patrick's day was a fun filled day, but I think the anticipation was even more fun than the actual day for Kiera.

Wedding Dress Shopping - Outtakes

2009-02-28T19:09:00.002-05:00

Had a great time helping my baby sister, Anna, Pick out a wedding dress! I'm glad she finally found one she loves (not pictured, must keep it a surprise)!!!

I wanted red lips like you Mommy!

2009-02-24T20:04:00.001-05:00

Swim Class Fun

2009-02-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

Weekend with Clifford the big red dog

2009-02-16T17:37:00.004-05:00

For a preschool project we got a backpack with a notebook, crayons, camera, and Clifford. He spent the weekend with us and we were supposed to write in the notebook all about it and take no more than 3 pictures. Kiera and I had a great time incorporating Clifford into our weekend. Together, we made pizza, went ice skating (which turned into sledding because the ice rink melted), and took a trip to the mall playground. Everything went great except Kiera used up ALL the pictures on the camera! I don't have any copies of those, but here are a couple from our camera.

(see Clifford in the upper right corner watching)

How do they know?

2009-02-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

Kiera never lets me sing in the car, and I love to sing to music, even kids music. I can't help it, it just comes out. She often remarks on the way to pre-school (30 min. drive) "Don't sing!". The conversation goes something like this:
Me: ...singing or whistling, without realizing it...
Kiera: Mommy, Don't sing!
Me: Please? I love this song.
Kiera: No!
Me: Just this one?
Kiera: No!
Me: Sigh...

Yesterday...I was very sad, and had been having a very rough 2 days.

Out of the blue Kiera says "You can sing today Mommy."

This made me smile and love her so much I wanted to pull over and hug her. I don't think I could love this girl any more than I already do, but she often amazes me and remindes me of her love for me too. :)

Sledding

2009-01-10T17:08:00.002-05:00

Kiera went down the hill once with daddy and got a ton of snow in her face from daddy's boots dragging in the snow to slow them down, she was NOT happy, and wouldn't go down the hill again with daddy, only with mommy. We spent a good hour going up and down the hill. Fun was had by all, until it was time to leave, then crabby Kiera came out, but all was right with the world once we got home to some hot cocoa!

Ice Skating for 1st time!

2009-01-02T21:57:00.002-05:00

What? You learned yoga in preschool? Cool!

2009-01-02T18:49:00.001-05:00

P.S.
This is her Ice Skating outfit in the next post.

Kiera goes Bowling for 1st time

2008-12-31T18:37:00.003-05:00

showing off her shnazzy shoes...

bored already after only two throws...

Bowling was NOT a hit...she didn't like it and I had to force her to finish ONE game. She would rather play the "claw" game or billards.

Singing and whistling!

2008-12-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

Christmas Presents!

2008-12-26T19:17:00.004-05:00

(more catching up)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-23T14:07:00.006-05:00

X-Mas Cookies

2008-12-20T23:09:00.000-05:00

(catching up)
before x-mas we made cookies and decorated them...

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-17T15:28:00.004-05:00

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T23:14:00.005-04:00

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-29T23:54:00.004-04:00

Trip to South Carolina

2008-10-21T15:40:00.000-04:00

*Note: All pictures taken from my sister, my camera was broken.
My Niece Sarah has a 6th birthday party!

We took "family" pictures, but none of the husbands were in it?!?!

My mom and all her grandkids.

Kiera goofs around with her cousins.

...and plays quietly by herself.

1st Annual Oktoberfest in Charlevoix

2008-10-04T16:11:00.004-04:00

1st Day of Preschool!

2008-10-01T14:29:00.001-04:00

3rd Annual Beaver Island Celtic Games

2008-09-13T14:17:00.003-04:00

Happy 10th Anniversary!

2008-09-12T14:16:00.002-04:00

Hangin' Out at Home Sunday Morning

2008-09-07T14:11:00.003-04:00

Kiera performs 1st somersault

2008-09-01T11:18:00.000-04:00

Kiera Cuts Her own Hair

2008-08-19T20:34:00.008-04:00

Before:

At least she was kind enough to put down a towel:

Nice bangs!
...and a little off the sides, crown, and in the middle-back just for fun:

New "pixie" haircut:

A view from the back:

A day at Lake Michigan Beach

2008-08-17T22:39:00.001-04:00

Choppy/Refreshing water:

Windy and clear:

Kira and Kiera:

Happy Left-Handers Day!

2008-08-13T09:43:00.005-04:00

Today is a day to celebrate all things left-handed! So if you are reading this, try writing, using scissors, answering the phone, and using a computer left-handed.

Left-Handed Fascinating Facts
Most left-handers draw figures facing to the right.
There is a high tendency in twins for one to be left-handed
Stuttering and dyslexia occur more often in left-handers (particularly if they are forced to change their writing hand as a child, like King of England George VI).
Left-handers adjust more readily to seeing underwater.
Left-handers excel particularly in tennis, baseball, swimming and fencing
Left-handers usually reach puberty 4 to 5 months after right-handers
4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed
1 in 4 Apollo astronauts were left-handed - 250% more than the normal level.

Making Friends wherever we go...

2008-07-13T21:00:00.001-04:00

Fun with spray chalk

2008-07-11T23:17:00.000-04:00

4th of July Fireworks

2008-07-04T23:41:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Kiera!

2008-07-04T20:39:00.006-04:00

Poor Pukey Kiera...

2008-07-03T22:20:00.003-04:00

stayed home the day before her birthday, throwing up from 2 am until 10 am. :(

but felt good enough to color, draw, and write her name!

Our Family

2008-06-22T14:39:00.002-04:00

as drawn by Kiera... Mommy (with tongue sticking out), daddy (with glasses and goatee), and Kiera (without legs).

Early Birthday Presents

2008-06-21T20:20:00.001-04:00

Father's Day Gift

2008-06-15T17:15:00.003-04:00

Tiger Kiera

2008-06-08T15:46:00.006-04:00

After visiting the Renaissance festival, where she got her face painted, Kiera loved to have her face painted like a tiger! I just happened to have some left over face paint from Halloween. :)

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-11T20:17:00.003-04:00

Cutie Pie Kiera

2008-04-14T15:44:00.006-04:00

I don't know what it is about this outfit I love so much but I thought she looked adorable in her heart shoes, "running" pants, and pig-tails!

Grandpa & Grandma Visit

2008-04-12T19:26:00.005-04:00

Kiera Gets Kids Tools, Belt, Constructon Hat and Tool Box:

Houghton Lake Indoor Water Park w/ Family

2008-04-08T23:04:00.002-04:00

Great Grandma:

Bath Time:

Cousin Alicia & Kiera:

Swimming at the pool:

Kiera with Lifejacket (she actually let go of me and swam by herself!!!!):

Grandma Sue on the Lazy River:

Cousins Oldest to Youngest (Christian, Nicholas, Alicia, and Kiera):

Coloring while waiting for dinner:

All tuckered out at the end of the day (watching a movie):

Martian Meteor 10k and Wine Tasting

2008-04-05T23:43:00.002-04:00

Everything is Martian Themed:

Pre-Race Coffee:

The Start of the Race (Daphne and I in pink):

1st Loop back to the Start/Finish Line:

Sprinting to the Finish:

Crossing the Finish Line:

Well Deserved Refreshments after the Race:

Wine Tasting at the Grapevine in Novi (Oliver, Me, Mike, and Daphne):

Making a Blanket Tent

2008-03-30T12:02:00.002-04:00

Easter Dress, Cookies, and Eggs

2008-03-23T11:53:00.002-04:00

Dora & Diego Scavenger Hunt

2008-03-08T11:28:00.001-05:00

Face paint (snake):

Flash Cards we made:

Treasures earned during the scavenger hunt:

We had a fun time, but the classrooms were so FULL of stuff that Kiera had a hard time focusing, let alone finding things. The treasures above are put in a water bottle, and filled with rice, for a fun game of "hide and seek".

Preschool Registration

2008-03-05T19:53:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it is time for this already!

At 5 pm we met with the Stepping Stones to School Network to register Kiera for free preschools in the area. I shall find out before Labor Day which one she is going to, but at this point our 1st choice is the WRC, which provides both preschool and daycare at the same location.

NO MORE PACIFIER!

2008-02-25T17:59:00.002-05:00

At age 3 1/2, it was well past due to give up the pacifier, but since it was only a night sleeping thing, we accepted it.

We tried the "give it to Santa" trick at x-mas, and for a while she was on-board, but then when it got closer, Kiera decided that she wanted to keep the paci.

On Wednesday night as I was putting Kiera to bed, I asked her what it would take to get rid of it? At first she was against the idea and said she wanted to keep it thinking I was going to take it away right that minute, but then joined me in my game, after realizing I was just trying to come up with some fun ideas. I asked her if she wanted a celebratory party with cake and balloons to celebrate getting rid of the paci and becoming a big girl, she said no. I asked what she wanted...she thought for a minute and said Dora and Diego Playdoh, I said OK!

The next day when I got home from work, somehow it came up again and Kiera insisted on going and getting the paci right then and there and trowing it away. So we did (but then pulled it out after her back was turned, and hid it, in case she threw a huge fit wanting it back later), and then went to the store to get her the Dora and Diego Playdoh. After a short stint in the clearance section we found the Playdoh and immediately found the Dora and Diego Playdoh. Much to my surprise it wasn't anything spectacular, just two tubs of Playdoh with a Dora on top of one and a Diego on top of the other. I was happy that it wasn't some elaborate toy costing a large amount of money! However, Kiera quickly found another toy that excited her more than the original toy that we came for, and much to my delight it was only a double the price of two tubs of Playdoh! I could hardly believe my good luck in getting off so easily! I was willing to give her much more than a measly $12 toy, but that is what she wanted!!!! So, we bought the "Doggy Doctor" Playdoh set and went home to an evening of fun play before bed.

I have to admit that bedtime was a little trying, she was very hyper and wouldn't stop talking, but Kiera only asked for the paci once or twice. However, at 4am she woke up and came over to our bed and didn't fall back asleep for an hour until I put her back into her own bed. I was very tired on Friday. Again, Friday evening, Kiera was very talkative and only asked for the paci once or twice. I was thrilled that it was going so well! However, Saturday and Sunday were pure torture as she asked for the paci repeatedly and screamed at me not to leave her because she didn't want to sleep. Saturday, I was able to get her to stop crying relatively quickly by giving her a Superman Action Figure to help her sleep without the paci. However Sunday I was not able to get her to stop, and actually had to let her cry it out. :( It broke my heart, but I was not going to give in and give her the paci, so I went and threw it away for real this time, because Jeremy was -- (this) close to giving it to her. We'll see how tonight goes, wish us luck!

An Evening with Aunt Amy and Uncle Ed

2008-02-19T21:01:00.007-05:00

at the Holiday Inn Express in Petoskey...
some new duckies to play with in the pool...

this is such a cute photo of her smile!

Kiera says "Don't take my picture!"

Trying to swim...

Getting a little brave by herself...

Swimming with Daddy...

Snacks by the poolside...

and pizza for dinner.

Thank you Aunt Amy and Uncle Ed, we had a wonderful time!

President's Day with Kiera

2008-02-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

It's a silly holiday, but I get it off every year, and today when Kiera woke up I was planning on taking her to daycare so I could run errands and go cross-country snowshoeing, but she climbed into my bed and looked at me sweetly and said "Let's cuddle!". How could I resist such a sweet request? We spent the morning as usual, watching cartoons and eating breakfast. While watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he showed how to make spinach egg-rolls, and Kiera was very curious to taste these after seeing it on TV. So, we made plans to go to the local chinese buffet for lunch. I enjoyed some spicy foods and wonton soup, while she enjoyed the chicken, and we both loved the crab rangoons, and egg-rolls. We had a wonderful time, and I hope that I have opened her palate to new foods. We then went to the dollar store and bought some more big girl undies and bubbles, but since we were having such a fun afternoon, I also bought her this pink cowboy hat that she picked out, it looks adorable on her (especilly when she put it on for the first time and said "Yee-Haw" while slapping and lifting her right leg!). By the time we got back home she was very cranky and tired, so I put her to bed to "rest", she refuses to nap...LOL. Kiera was so tired that she was up there for over two hours, not all of it sleeping I'm sure. While she slept, I enjoyed some quality alone time reading "Lisey's Story" by Stephen King. After the nap we had a great time playing and goofing around. Leftovers for dinner, and off to bed shortly after that, since it takes her so long to eat. She loves it when I tell her bedtime stories that I make up about "Princess Kiera, King Daddy, and Queen Mommy", especially when King Daddy beats up the bad guys! What a wonderful day!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T15:48:00.005-05:00

One of Kiera's cards...

My Beautiful flowers from Jeremy...

Chocolate covered strawberries before dinner...

Kiera also got a balloon...

Hope you had a great day too!

Big Girl!!!!!

2008-02-13T10:50:00.003-05:00

Kiera is now in BIG GIRL UNDIES!!!!

We are so proud of her!

New Treadmill and Snow Day

2008-01-30T22:57:00.000-05:00

I went shopping for a treadmill, after doing lots of research, and ended up buying one and cancelling my gym membership. I love the fact that I can run anytime and everything is within reach, but I miss getting out of the house and away from everything, even just for one hour a few nights a week. Now, I am contemplating joining a yoga class...I need some alone time! However, I am getting in more runs a week and walking a LOT more, so I am happy!

Here is Kiera on my new treadmill (on a snow day):

Don't You just love the outfit? She was taking a nap (not really sleeping) and decided that she was going to wear her "running pants" over her PJ's and her croc's too. Then, when I went to get her up, we were picking out clothes to wear for the day and she HAD to wear this racing hat of mine. LOL

I let her walk on the treadmill for a minute or two while I am behind her at a super slow speed, an she LOVES it!

And later in the day she found her old Halloween costume and just HAD to wear it. We had quite the fun day at home on this snow day.

I just love days like this when she is well behaved and we play all day without any problems, makes my heart smile!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-01-20T23:52:00.000-05:00

I am now 34! And to celebrate Jeremy and I got rid of Kiera for one night, so we could have a date night (THANKS GRANDMA!!!!). I had lunch with Sue and Kiera before heading off to snowshoe with my sister. Then off for a quick shower and drive to TC for Red Lobster Crab Legs (YUMMY!), and then to Interlochen Center for Arts for an Orchestral concert. Back home for a nice quiet morning of sleeping in until 10 am!!!!!!!!!!! Jeremy went to pick up Kiera while I went for a nice 4 mile run followed by a long hot bubble bath. Then Jeremy made me dinner and we finished the celebration off with brownies and a glass of wine! What a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!

Hi-ya!

2008-01-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

Kiera and I found this adorable Bath Robe (we've had since our baby shower, and was too big) in her closet, she loved it and promptly named it her "Hi-ya!".

We tried to get video of it but our videocam was out of tape and had a dead battery. :(

Ice Princess

2008-01-02T16:42:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas?

2008-01-01T10:47:00.000-05:00

Ho Ho Ho...Merry *cough, hack, snif, moan* Christmas?

Just when I thought we were over the sickies, from Dec. 14th to the 18th, with the stomach flu for Kiera and a huge head cold for me, leaving us bed-ridden for days, we find out on Christmas eve that she has pink eye! After a trip to the hospital for medicine and a diagnosis, we have a lovely, if not swollen Christmas day. Only to find out the next morning that I have woken up with a fever and body aches...will it never end?

I sucessfully manage to get dressed and in the car, no small feat, since I feel like death. Only to arrive 8 hours later at my grandmothers house feeling no better. Another day of fever and body aches, then another, until I finally feel a sore throat, to which I must go to the hospital again (on my VACATION!) to get a diagnosis of strep thraot and an antibiotic Rx. I feel a little better the next day, but manage to feel crappy until Dec. 31st, just in time to celebrate the new year with friends.

I have a few drinks and a good time at home laughing with friends and eating good food while playing a fun game before watching the ball drop and bring in the new year with health! Finally!!!

Ucky Sickness

2007-12-18T16:56:00.000-05:00

Friday afternoon I was starting to feel run down and yucky, but I had x-mas shopping to do, so I sucked it up and got it done. G&G DePew picked up Kiera from daycare so she could see them for the first time since they went on their 10 week trip across the country with Ford Racing. We picked Kiera up on the way home, with her presents hidden in the trunk, and went straight to bed.

We decided to stay home Saturday, plus I wasn't feeling that great, but we had lots of baking to get done. I had purchased a Gingerbread House Kit, and Kiera and I had a great time putting it together. Then I started baking Christmas Wreath Cookies, after dinner. While I was forming them into wreaths, Kiera puked all over the living room floor...YUCK!

That night, Jeremy decided to sleep on the floor next to Kiera's bed in case she had to puke again. Which she did, again and again and again, but with big gaps in between...7pm on Saturday, 9 am on Sunday, 3am on Monday, 9 am on Monday, 7pm on Monday, and again at 9 am on Tuesday!!!!

Now back to me...I got really sick too with a severe cold. Headache, congestion, aches, cough, and sore throat, not to mention that wonderful run down feeling that makes you feel useless. All this while cleaning up buckets and buckets of puke...UUGGHHH

I'm not certain yet, but I think Kiera and I are on the mend finally...time will tell.

Hope you and yours are healthy and happy!

Gingerbread House

2007-12-14T18:06:00.000-05:00

Frosting the roof...

Kiera's Roof...

Mommy's Roof...

Frosting Kiera...mmmmmmm :)

Christmas Decorations

2007-12-12T12:06:00.001-05:00

Two peas in a pod...

Getting our tree...

Supergirl!

First Ornament

Our angel barely fits atop our tree...

Lovely smile...

Cute...the girl and the bears...

All lit up...

Kiera's Snowman

2007-12-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

I forgot to add this picture two weeks ago...this was made entirely out of things in our yard.

Rock Candy Time!

2007-11-23T20:22:00.000-05:00

Kiera helps grandma cook breakfast:

Breaking the Rock Candy:

Everyone must wear an apron:

Kiera and Great Aunt Melissa:

The Kids Goofing Around:

They Enjoyed "painting" on the steamed up windows:

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

I can't remember the last time I was this happy! I have been working diligently for 2 years on my marriage and mother issues. I have now come to be at peace with my life! I have a great job, a man I love, a beautiful and smart 3 year old girl, a nice home, good pay, and a nice vehicle. What more could a person want?

I am so thankful for my american dream come true!

First Snow!

2007-11-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

How could I have forgotten to post pics of our first snow this year? Anyway, It was on Nov. 8th!

Kiera loves her new winter boots!

New Hair Color!

2007-11-15T16:14:00.000-05:00

Jeremy has been asking me to color my hair red for years, and I finally agreed to give it a try.

Here is my hair color before coloring:

Here is the color it was supposed to be:

And here is the color that it actually looks like:

Automatic Blog Updates! Really!

2007-11-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

(Click to expand picture/Instructions)

Just like in your inbox!

Superman!!!

2007-11-01T20:38:00.000-04:00

Kiera Visits Dentist for 1st Time

2007-10-29T17:34:00.000-04:00

She did excellent!!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

Hunting Season

2007-10-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

Jeremy and I went hunting together for the first time ever. We saw three deer, but didn't get any. :(

Here is me in my hunting getup, with a mean/silly look.

Fright Night at The Castle

2007-10-20T12:47:00.000-04:00

Medusa & Perseus

Apple Festival

2007-10-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

Kiera, Aunt Ruth, and I had a wonderful time at the Apple Festival. We ate fresh donuts, apple cider, and caramel apples! The craft fair was a fun time too. I couldn't believe how many people were there, it was quite packed, shoulder to shoulder full of people!

New Outfit from G&G Fromholz

2007-10-11T18:51:00.000-04:00

Isn't she adorable?

Soccer and Pumpkin Farm

2007-10-08T15:48:00.001-04:00

3rd Annual Beaver Island Celtic Games

2007-09-17T15:15:00.000-04:00