The Denkins Family News

Denkins' Family Updates November 12, 2009 Fall is my favorite time of year. Though with fall comes preparing for winter. I still need to go our and do a little work in the garden and wash windows. We put in an outdoor wood boiler this year, the wood shed is full and is working great. March 18, 2009 Spring looks like it is finally coming! I am so excited for the kids to be able to go out and play. We have started to see some animals returning, including a skunk. I started hanging clothes on the line again which is great! The valleys are starting to have mini rivers flowing. Today the kids and I even started working on some yard work. Dustin was in Boston last week for work and then he enjoyed a couple days off. He is happy to be home. For St. Patrick's day I made a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. It was very tasty! Baby #3 is getting bigger all the time- only 9 weeks to go. I can't wait to hold the little guy. I have started to work on Jenna's birthday party - a butterfly theme. December 26, 2008 We are pleased to announce the Denkins Family is going to have a BOY! Derek believes his name is going to be yuka. In other news we also have a new nephew, Jake and Michelle had their baby on Christmas Day, and named him Jon. We have a couple feet of snow but the weather is warm today, after a very cold December. August 24, 2008 A little update on the house. We are currently working on drywall. We started the month off working on electrical and plumbing. Those two projects went extremely well and we passed the inspection with flying colors though we had to wait a week for the inspectors to come. So, the house is coming along. I am working on picking out paint colors which will be lots of fun. I can't wait to start painting. We also have been picking fresh fruits and veggies. We just finished picking raspberries and peas. The green beans are coming and I hope to have a zucchini this week. Other happening. We got to meet Dustin's cousin Candy's little girl, Lilly. Jenna had her 15 month check up and is a very healthy little girl. Went shopping in Appleton, to buy stuff for house and out to dinner with Julie. Jason, Leeanne, and Jerome came to visit. May 22, 2008 We have made great improvements on the house since my last update. We have a beautiful concrete floor, cut in a diamond pattern. The outside of the base coat of stucco is also almost compleoo! The trees are just starting to get their leaves and we have been able to eat some fresh rhubarb and asparagus. Yummy! I can't wait until the garden is ready. I have only planted onions but plan on getting the rest in this next week.Dustin finally got his tractor today. It is a John Deer 2020. We bought it to lift the dirt onto the roof and plow the driveway ( hopefully not the plowing part though for a couple months). The kids are both doing great. Jenna is speaking her own little language and loves to pick rocks up in the driveway. Tonight I made egg rolls and Chinese chicken salad for dinner. May 3, 2008 Ohh Happy Day! I did it! I graduated from college. According to some google research only 35% of the population has graduated with some degree from college. I put many long hours into studying with 2 kids, a husband, building a house, and starting MOMS Club. I look back and I don't know how I did it. Jenna's 1st birthday was great as well. We had about 40 people attend the party. She is so funny. She was very excited to blow out her candles. Last week Dustin was in Detroit for work. The kids and I survived. It was a nice break from cooking, but we missed Dustin. On Friday we had a family fun night for MOPS. It was nice Dustin was able to go with us. Saturday was graduation and we enjoyed lunch at H & H in Escanaba. Today, we spent the day outside riding 4 wheelers and had a cookout at James and Grace. Dustin and I then took Derek for a ride up north to look for fish. Posted by Green Heart at 5:39 PM 0 comments Monday, April 21, 2008 It's Spring!Some pictures we took tonight playing in the yard. Jenna's 1st pigtails. What a beautiful day. Spring is such an amazing time. The frogs in the pond tonight, the baby cows, raking, ohhh all the things that remind me of spring. Our trip to Las Vegas was really fun. It was beautiful out there. We went to three shows and loved them all. It was nice to have a break from everything at home and just relax. Last weekend we went downstate for Jason and Leeanne's baby shower. We had a good time. I got to plan the games, I know you are all surprised. Sunday is Jenna's 1st Birthday party. I feel I am not ready and have lots left to get ready. I know it will all come together. We went to visit my great grandma colegrove last week. She is 94, and still lives alone. I am amazed at her strength. You should see how clean her house is.I am also a little excited about graduation which is next week. So, thankful to be done. Wednesday, April 2, 2008 I'm leaving on a jet plane.... Tomorrow we leave for Las Vegas. I am almost packed. Not only did I have to pack myself and Dustin for the trip, but I had to pack the kids to stay at James and Graces. I think they have 10 x's more stuff then mom and dad.I am very excited for the trip. It will be nice to be in sunny weather, spend some time with my family, and alone with my husband.The house is also making some progress. We have the heat tubes laid in the house and the garage doors up. The cement should be poured sometime this month. We participated in Earth Hour on Saturday night.Here is what the website has to say about Earth Hour.Earth Hour, run by WWF, the conservation organization, is a global climate change initiative which calls on individuals and businesses around the world, to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday March 29 2008 between 8 pm and 9pm.The aim of the campaign is to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.The event itself will clearly demonstrate in participating cities, the connection between energy usage and climate change, showing that we as broader community can address the biggest threat our planet has ever faced.Not, only did we turn our lights off but Dustin decided to turn the whole breaker off. Since we have electric heat in the cabin, it got pretty cold. In other news Mother Earth played an April fools joke on us and decided to dump wet, heavy, snow, thankfully it is melting today. I am tired of dealing with a two years olds picky eating. The only thing I can say he likes is cheese! March 16, 2008 I really wish I was better at keeping up the website! I can't wait for the kids to read it someday, and look back on everything we did. Last week was a typical week. We had MOMS Club which was a little disappointing due to me having to do all the work. I also went to yoga and to a business meeting, both of which I enjoyed a little time to myself. I also went to MOPS this week. Wow, a busier week then I remember. I made Egg Rolls for the first time this week. Fairly simple and very tasty.Yesterday, we went to see the Easter Bunny. It was held at the Tribal Center. We had breakfast, colored, tried to get a picture with the Easter Bunny and the kids both got a new toy. Then I had a baby shower in the afternoon. I made a cool sunflower cake too. Today, I made poppy seed bread, a recipe I got from Tammey Denkins. Then I went and did a little cleaning at the new house. I was think how big it is going to be and I actually have to clean it everyday! Ohhh boy! We changed the plans this week to include a 6 x 6 shower. I am also going to have a built-in area in the dining room. March 3rd, 2008 A quick recap of this weekends events first. We had a great day on Saturday. I spent some of it seeing my sister, who I hadn't seen since Christmas. Then Dustin and I went to Marquette. We fast $$$ trip to Menards and Target. After that we went to dinner with friends at the Waterfront Restaurant. I would give it a **. But, we had a great time with friends we haven't seen in a long time. Then we went to the Landmark for drinks. Sunday, we celebrated James' birthday. We first went to pizza hut, and then bowling. It was Derek's first time bowling and he had a blast. Chad, Angela, Jake, Michelle, Grandma, and Deb all went bowling and Uncle Joe and Aunt Tammey went to eat. It is always fun when everyone is together. Monday was pretty typical except I got to make cards, which I haven't done in a long time. We watched a "family movie" too. Today is going ok so far. Dustin's truck won't start again. The kids are just waking up and I have a list of things to do. List MOMS Club Newsletter (done) Website for Happy Earth Products (done) Vacum- (upstairs) Dishes (done) Go to Bank (done) Menards Rebates (done) Put away Laundry (done) Friday, February 29, 2008 It's Friday. Even though my work week doesn't end on Friday it always seems to be a great day. I typically get the house clean and make something yummy to eat, if we don't go to Sidetracks for fish. Last night I went to Yoga, I really love being able to spend doing something for me. Last weekend I actually got to scrapbook a little too. It's snowing a little today, so the kids and I are going to go out and play. The garage is all painted it looks great. Dustin is going to start working on his truck. List of things to do. MOMS Club Newsletter Website for Happy Earth Products Vacum Dishes Go to Bank Menards Rebates Put away Laundry Looks like a busy day. Posted by Green Heart at 6:10 AM 0 comments Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Keeping Track of Life Finally, I started a blog. My goal of this blog is to keep better track of my daily life and try to be more organized. A little background about me. I am a 24 year old stay-at-home mom aka housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, facilities manager, taxi car driver, CEO and psychologist. I also recently finished my associates degree. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and scrapbooking. Dustin and I have two children Derek and Jenna. Derek is almost 2 1/2 and Jenna is 10 months. Everyday they make me smile more than I knew I could. Jenna is just starting to walk and Derek just loves his little sister (most of the time). Derek loves puzzles and play dough and is a typical two year old. My husband and I are building our dream home in rural Upper Michigan on 80- acres. We are currently living in our "cabin", with hopes of being in the new home in July. The house is begining to show great progress. Today Dustin and Uncle Steve began to prime the drywall in the garage. The next step is paint. We choose to use Benjamin Moore's Aura paint, a low VOC paint, which uses a new colorlock system for color. The kids have finally recovered from a nasty cold, which lingered almost two weeks. Potty training is still in progress, though somedays are much better than others. I am almost ready for our new business, Happy Earth Products, to open. I am still waiting on the logo and to finish up the website. I am really excited about all the products. I can't wait to see how the business is going to do. Today I tried a new recipe for lunch Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. It was tasty. January 10, 2008 Happy New Year! The new year has begun. We were able to enjoy some snow time activities (snowmobiling, building snowman, and skiing around the property), so far this winter. Today there isn't not much snow left after a week of warm weather and rain. It looked like Spring out. I was ready to start planning the garden. I am so looking forward to summer and not having to bundle the kids up in their snowsuits. We are also in the process of looking for a new car. The Jeep is in need of lots of repair. So hopefully soon we will have a different set of wheels to tell you about. I am also adjusting very well to not going to school. It is great to play with the kids without having to worry about schoolwork. I did miss getting out of the house, so I joined a yoga class. It is so far very relaxing. We are also starting to pick out all the appliances and fixtures for our new house. It is very exciting to see it come together. We have also started to working on potty training Derek. He is doing a great job so far. Jenna crawls everywhere and has started to sign (she knows more) and can also wave good-bye. December 7, 2007 It sure has been a while since I updated! We are getting ready for Christmas. Jenna is crawling, walking along the furniture. Derek is learning how to share, and loves to play with play dough, he is a typical 2 year old. The house is coming along very fast. We started by pouring the foundation and then moved on to putting up the walls, then worked on the trusses and the decking, we managed to get it all complete before our 1st big snow fall. We are working on pouring the garage floor. Dustin purchased our inverter and batteries, so our power is almost ready to go. I have 1 week of school left! Hooray! October 18, 2007 4 months of updates on The Denkins Family Derek was an M&M for the annual Manistique Kiddie Parade on the 4th of July. We then attended Dustin's cousin Andrew's wedding downstate and got to see Grandpa and Grandma Markel. Jill was taking summer classes in Escanaba as well. Dustin surprised me for a night away for my birthday. Dustin and Jill celebrated 5 years of marriage on the 20th of July. We sold our home in Marquette in August. Derek and Jenna went with mom to visit Uncle Bryan and Aunt Julie's new house. We attended the biggest event in Cooks all year, The Corn Roast. Labor Day weekend we had a rummage sale at Grandma Denkins. Derek had surgery. Jill went back to school for her last semester! Jill start a MOMS Club in Manistique for at home moms. Dustin worked very hard getting the cabin all set. He has been enjoying making trails all around the property. The last weekend in September we had Jenna's baptism. After the baptism we had an Apple Party. A good time was had by all. The 1st weekend in October Jill and Dustin attended Jennifer and Alex Mrozinski's wedding in Saginaw. Last weekend we took the kids to the Corn Maize with Uncle Jake and Aunt Michelle. But the biggest news of all is we started on the new house! June 13, 2007 6 weeks old! Where does the time go. Jenna is sure getting big. We have been spending lots of time on the property is Cooks and fixing up the cabin. We are going to the Midwest Energy Fair this weekend. Dustin also turns 27 on Sunday. May 7, 2007 Well, Jenna is over a week old and what a joy she is. She is a "perfect" baby. We are so blessed with such wonderful kids. Derek is adjusting well to her. He got a new turtle sandbox and is enjoying that. I started school again today. We are looking forward to going camping soon in our motorhome. April 29, 2007 Our little girl has arrived. She is just perfect. Labor and delivery went well and she entered the world on Saturday, April 28th at 5:23 am. She was 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well. April 15, 2007 9 more days till baby J's due date. Last night we set up her crib. It's so cute and PINK! We had a great Easter with both of our families joining us in Marquette. We are hoping for lots of sunshine to melt our late winter snow. March 18, 2007 Our baby girl is almost here! We are all getting excited about Spring and the new baby! Only 37 days to go. We have been working on getting the basement craft room finished with a new closet. Think Spring! February 17, 2007 Winter has finally arrived. We don't have much snow but it has been very cold. Dustin is snowmobiling in Houghton today. Baby #2 is getting stronger. Only 9 more weeks to go and we will be blessed with another baby. We can't wait till Spring so we can begin to work on the driveway of the new property. January 10, 2007 Happy New Year! The Denkins had a wonderful holiday. We can't wait for some snow! Derek is learning new signs everyday. He knows all the farm animals in his new barn. His favorite is the cow. I am feeling good-baby #2 is growing. Next week Dustin and I start a new semester. We have been busy with moms club too. December 7, 2006 We have a healthy, happy, active baby girl! We had the ultrsound and everything look good. I am still in shock that it's a girl. I am 20 weeks so over 1/2 way! Yeah! November 26, 2006 It's begining to look like Christmas at our house. Only 28 days. Derek has a little cold and is cutting his 12th tooth but still doing great. He loves to talk and is getting stronger walking everyday. Baby #2 is doing great as well. Dustin and I got to feel him/her kick last night. Very exciting! We are having an ultrasound on Dec. 6th. October 31, 2006 Happy Halloween! Derek's birthday party was on Sunday. We had a construction themed party. It was lots of fun. Derek loved his birthday cake. He got lots of neat new trucks, a wagon, and a new stroller. October 20, 2006 Another busy month at the Denkins. We just got back from a 12 day visit to our friends Andrew and Becky's in Pennsyvnia in the RV. We had a great time, it is a beautiful place to visit. This week we have been raking the leaves, taking care of the garden, and getting ready for Derek's birthday. He is still just taking a couple steps but is getting stronger and stands longer each day. Baby #2 is doing good too. My due date is April 24th. I am predicting another boy but still holding out for a little girl. I am 13 1/2 weeks and got to hear the baby on the monitor. Having another one is just as exciting as the 1st! Dustin is excited about his new truck. September 11, 2006 Derek is now 10 months old. He loves to talk and is almost walking. He weighs 21 lbs. and is 28 inches tall. Last weekend we spent at the Denkins' Family Reunion in our RV. Lots of fun. The weather is starting to turn cold and we got frost the last two nights. We are starting to work on the house again. We also have very exciting news- Derek is going to be a big brother in April. Derek is very excited we can tell. I'm feeling good too. Playgroup starts tonight and Derek and mommy start swim lessons on Wednesday. August 8, 2006 9 Months Old! Derek seems to love life more everyday. He has 8 teeth now and is 20 lbs. He loves all foods except Green Beans and anything thick in texture. He wears size 4 or 5 diapers and 12 month to 18 month clothes. He is starting to get better balance and can stand in the middle of the floor with no hands. Derek got to meet his great grandparents in South Carolina last month. He got to meet 13 of his grandparents, what a lucky boy. We have been busy with moms club stuff and going to the beach. Derek loves the water. This weekend we bought an RV. We can't wait to take lots of great trips with Derek. July 3, 2006 Happy 4th of July! I am now 8 months old. June was a busy month for us. I have 7 teeth now, 4 on the top and 3 on the bottom. I was Chicken Little in the Kiddie Parade in Manistique. I sure was a cutie! I loved the fireworks too! May 30, 2006 I am 7 months old! I learned lots of new tricks. I am crawling! I say mama. Last night I stood in my crib for the first time. Look out mom and dad here I come. May 3, 2006 Spring has arrived!!! Lots has happened since my last update. Derek is now 6 months old. What a joy he is. He know scoots all over the floor, backwards better then forwards. He also has 2 teeth! February 20, 2006 The cold weather has arrived in Upper Michigan. Everyone in the Denkins House is Happy and Healthy. Derek is doing just great. He grabs things now with his hands. He is sleeps from about 9:30 pm till 8:00 everyday! What a great little guy. Can't wait till Spring! January 23, 2006 I rolled over 3 times for mommy. We had lots of company last week. Everyone says I am getting so big. I went to my first fireworks too! January 12, 2006 Happy New Year! Life at the Denkins' House is great. Mommy went back to school and Daddy is working lots. I am learning new things all the time. I am getting more control of my head and can pick it up "really" far during tummy time according to mommy. I love when mom reads to me and sings me Old MacDonald. Today I went for my first sled ride. It was soo warm out. Love You, Derek December 19, 2005 Happy Holidays! We sure are in the Christmas spirit around here. We spent last weekend at the Denkins' Family having an early Christmas. He is 6 weeks old and thanks to Uncle Jake and Aunt Michelle he has his first BB Gun. Next weekend we will spend with the Nelson Family for another Christmas Celebration. Derek is now 25 inches. December 14, 2005 I'm almost 6 weeks old! Derek is still a wonderful baby. He loves to smile and enjoys taking a bath. We are keeping pretty busy with the holidays just around the corner. December 7, 2005 Our tree is up and we are preparing for our Christmas Party this weekend. Derek is cooing and learned to shake his head this week. He attended his first basketball game to watch Uncle Chad. November 29, 2005 Derek is a month old! How time flies. We sure love having a baby around! He's a growing little boy. We took our first trip to visit the grandparents over Thanksgiving, and now we are getting ready for Christmas. Novemeber 14, 2005 Derek is 2 weeks old! How time flies. He is getting stronger daily. He sure knows mom and dad's voice. We have had a couple of "first" in the last couple of week, his 1st stroller ride, his 1st bath, and his 1st diaper rash (no fun). He sure is a very loved little boy. November 1, 2005 IT'S A BOY! Derek John Denkins was born on Saturday morning at 8:54 am. I went into labor (this time for real!) on Friday night at around 9:00 pm, and went to the hospital about 1:00 am. I was progressing along pretty good when I arrived and knew he would be here after a little hard work, ok ALOT of hard work. After a couple more hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing he decided to make his grand entrance into the world and made the whole labor and delivery worth it. He weighed 7 lb. 14 oz. and was 20 inches long at birth. He came out with a full head of long dark hair, and beautiful blue eyes. He slept the whole night the first night! We could not have asked for a more content and happy little guy. Can you tell we just love him a little bit ?? Dustin is a wonderful diaper changer already and Derek loves to hear his daddy's voice and has smiled at all of us, especially clucking grandma nelson. We sure are enjoying being parents. We can't wait for you all to meet him. Lots of Love, Jill Dustin and Baby Denkins October 14, 2005 37 weeks! Almost time. I had a doctors appointment and everything looks good right on track. I updated the pictrues in the nursery. We just can't wait for our little guy to be here. September 26th, 2005 After a busy fall weekend of Scrapbooking, 4-wheeling and enjoying time with our families, another week has past. Only 36 days till our due date. So exciting. Baby and Mom are doing well, NO more Bed Rest (YEAH!). We will keep you updated. Septemeber 10, 2005 Baby Denkins thought he would let us know he was almost ready to meet us this weekend. We spent Saturday night in the hospital, but everything is ok. He is growing good and moving all over. I am on moderated bed rest now and at home taking it easy. Only 7 more weeks! September 3, 2005 Shower Day! What a wonderful baby shower. Our baby boy sure is loved. We got almost everything we need for him, and LOTS more. Over 40 people attended the breakfast shower in Manistique. August 23, 2005 10 more Weeks! Things are going GREAT! My dad came up last week and painted the babies room and today Dustin's dad finished painting the animals. It looks wonderful. There are pictures under the nursery section. I am getting excited about the shower. Everything is coming along. The crib should be here any day! Hope the rest of your summer brings you lots of sunshine. August 7, 2005 We went to Green Bay baby shopping. We are starting on the nursey this week. Stay Tuned for Pictures. We also created a Baby Pool on ExpectNet.com, our game name is BabyDenkins. Please fill out your guesses. July 30, 2005 We finally have the internet on our home computer so I can update you on our baby news! I am 27 weeks this week and starting to show more everyday. The baby kicks all the time now. We registered for the baby shower and are going to buy the crib next weekend and then hopefully start on the Jungle themed nursery. June 7, 2005 Toured the hospital tonight. Dustin learned all about car seats and where to park, the most important parts for "dad". I am 19 weeks today, and have started to feel the baby move. Getting more and more excited to find out what we are having. May 24, 2005 3rd Doctors Apt. Everything looks Great! The heartbeat was strong and clear. My next appointment is June 30th. April 21, 2005 2nd Prenatal Visit 12 weeks I got to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler. Everything looks great. No weight gain. Though most of my clothes don't fit too much anymore. Mom and I are going shopping in Appleton this weekend. March 23, 2005 First Ultrasound! It was awesome. The baby's heartbeat was 167 bpm. The baby was very tiny, but all ready likes getting it's picture taken. It made everything seem so real. Dustin joined us at the appointment. March 17, 2005 1st Prenatal Visit, Due Date will be November 1st, 2005. Maybe a Halloween Baby. Blood Pressure and everything looked good. Appointments will be every 4 weeks. March 7th, 2005 First Doctors Appointment Meet with the OB Nurse at The Family Doctors @ MGH. She explained basic pregnancy information. Took Blood Test. I feel great, just a little tired. I am just looking forward to the next 8 months, a little baby how exciting. March 5, 2005 Told our parents! Everyone is so excited. We gave them a picture frame which said "Grandpa and Grandpa can't wait to meet you in November 2005 Love Baby Denkins" Feb. 28 2005 After coming back from Target. I took a home pregnancy test. Within a couple of seconds two positive pink lines appeared. I was so excited. Dustin was in the living room watching Star Trek and shared in my excitement. We had been trying since September of 2004. We are so excited. Now we need to work on the baby's room along with the rest of the house