MORNING AT THE KEEFER HOUSEHOLD..............(Somehow this post never got posted. This was actually a post from last week)

I told myself I needed to update the blog more but I had no intention on doing it every night but this morning had to be documented.............

 Raelynn woke up very grouchy today.  I am unsure why but when I got out of the shower a little after 6:30a.m. I already heard her and Terry butting heads over breakfast.  Their debate continued and eventually I hear Terry send her to her room to get dressed without breakfast.  Of course she is in tears and I am sure Terry was about there too.  I went in to talk to her and she calmed down a little. She told me, "Dad is being unreasonable!"  I tried to keep a straight face and I asked her if she even knew what "unreasonable" means.  She says, "Uh yea, it means he isn't making sense and he isn't listening!"  I went on to explain that Dad would probably say the same about her right now.  Eventually the morning went on.....next it was her clothes.  The long sleeved shirt she has worn a million times was now too tight.  I knew that on this paticular morning nothing was going to make her happy so I simply told her, "ok, if it is too tight pick something else." She almost seemed disappointed that we were not going to argue about it.  She continued wining and crying about and finally I told her that she needed to go to her room and not come back to talk to me until she could talk nicely without wining.  Of course that sent the tears rolling again and she disappeared into her room.  A little while later she comes back into the bathroom where I was still trying to get ready, she says in a completely grown up voice, "Mom, I am going to turn my morning around, I am going to be ok now, can I talk to you?" I told her thank you and of course she could talk to me now.  So the next part of my story I am not sure is "blog appropriate" but too funny not too tell.  First let me explain that I come from a family of 3 sisters.  We have no brothers and our family is fairly conservative, therefore, certain things pertaining to my son have been quite eye opening to me.  So in the midst of Raelynn's chaos and the constant interruptions in our morning routine to get her back on track I had at one point taken Cooper into his bathroom to go potty. However, before even getting him on the potty I had been interrupted by Raelynn so while I am discussing with Raelynn how Dad is unreasonable and then how she is going to turn her morning around, poor Coop is just standing in the bathroom waiting on me. Finally I am reminded of him by him yelling to me, "Mommy, my peepee is standing up in my pull up!"  WHAT!!!???? Half in laughter and half in shock I yell back, "Why is it doing that?" He replies, "I think it needs to go potty." By this time I am in the bathroom and putting Coop on the potty.  Sure enough, he went potty and fixed that issue.  As I walked back to my bathroom where Raelynn was brushing her teeth and doing her hair just perfectly as if she had not been a complete grump all morning, I had to smile....from frustration to laughter every minute holds another learning experience whether it is teaching us patience or simply the process of life, I have learned more about myself and the world around me  in the last 5 years than I had in the previous 30 years.

The rest of the morning went along just fine and everyone seemed to be back on track.  Raelynn had told me last night that at the upcoming Halloween Parties on Friday at school their brothers and sisters could come and Raelynn was so excited that Cooper would be there.  However, that meant that I would have to take him and therefore have to take time off work.  She was so excited I couldn't just tell her no so I told her I would talk to Tom to see if I could work it out.  Tom, being the kind and supportive boss that he is, let me have Friday morning to take Coop to school.  When I picked Raelynn up I let her know that Tom said I could have the morning  off so Coop could be at her party.  She was so excited and said, "YES! Thank you Mom for taking off work and tell Tom thanks too."  It was so sweet and grown up that she recognized that I was doing it for her.  As soon as we got to Mary Beth's Raelynn runs down to Coop and says, "Guess what Buddy? You get to go to Sissy's school on Friday for her Halloween Party." Cooper gave her a big smile and they hugged.  Way too cute!!!

I love these kids!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN..........

What a great last few days we have had!  Friday was Raelynn's school Halloween Party and her Kindergarten Class invited the siblings.  Raelynn was so excited to bring Coop to her class, it was adorable.  Coop was a little bashful in the beginning but by the end had warmed up to everyone and made himself right at home.  They had a great time.  I ended up reading stories to the class.  After school and we were headed to Mary Beth's, Raelynn says to me "Hey Mom, I think you should come and read to our class again.  You were awesome!"  Who knew a 5 year old could make me feel so good, it was the best praise I had gotten in a long time.

Friday night we went to the LHS and FSHS football game.  It started off great.  We made it through the first quarter and then it happened......Coop pooped!  Yes we are still working on potty training and needless to say it is not always perfect.  So I grabbed Coop and headed to the truck which was parked plenty far away.  Now let me explain a few things before I go on; first, we always have a pull up and wipes in the vehicles just for times like these.  Second, I can't drive the truck.  Third, I have no sense of direction.  So to go on with my adventure.....we finally get to the truck and well, no pull up.  I call Terry and let him know I am headed all the way home with Coop because he did not have any pull ups in the truck.  Terry did not even question the fact I was going to be driving his truck all the way home which included backing out of a parking stall and the parking again when we returned, Mistake #1!  Leaving actually went ok.  I lectured Coop all the way home about how he needs to tell us when he needs to go poo.  We get home, change pants and head back to the game.  I knew finding parking would be difficult so I took the first spot I found.  Mistake #2!  You see, I cannot park the HUGE truck.  I try pulling into the spot and by the time I am in I am millimeters away from the truck beside me.  I am starting to panic but try to stay calm.  15 minutes later and with little movements forward and back I am finally parked decently.  Now it was time to head back to the football field.  I can see it but have no idea how to get to it.  I see these kids come up between a couple buildings so I grab Coop and head over there.  Now you would think that the fact we had to duck under this torn netting and  jump down off a little embankment might be a clue that this was not the normal path to the football field but no I continue on my way.  Minutes later I realize I am on the soccer field which is completely surrounded by fencing and all gates are locked shut.  I was completely stressed out by this point after my whole parking ordeal so I call Terry.  I talk to him for a few seconds and realize I have to just figure this out myself because this stuff happens to me all the time.  So Coop and I head back from where we came and eventually find our way back to the field.  I manage my way back to our seats and guess what?  Terry isn't there.  I text him we were at our seats and I was not going anywhere else.  He and Raelynn came back to our seats and we finished watching the game.  Besides my adventure with Coop the evening really was fun.

Saturday was a great day.  We ran errands and got the house cleaned.  Raelynn had a play date with her old friend Paige from preschool and then we headed to KC to Cabela's.  We went there for a specific item and I expected to go, get it and be back home.  I had never been to Cabela's and neither had the kids.  Who knew it would turn out to be a great family outing.  We looked at fish and bears and more deer than I had ever seen.  We laughed and joked about what camping equipment it would take to get me out camping and had to drag the kids away from their fascination with the guns.  As we left, Raelynn says, "that was so interesting!"  It was awesome to stumble into an entire evening of fun with the family.  The funniest part was that we had explained to the kids that all the animals on display had once been alive but then caught by the hunters and stuffed for the displays.  Then we were in the Museum of the Mule Deer and they had some manikins of hunters.  Raelynn asks Terry, "who caught those people?"  She actually thought the people were once real and had been caught and stuffed too.  We quickly explained they were just manikins but it sure was a good laugh.

Today of course was the big day.  We had church this morning and then just finishing up a few weekend chores this afternoon.  Raelynn made some delicious pumpkin bread while Coop took a nap and then it was up and ready for trick or treating.  We had a good time but fortunately the kids tire of it after a few hours and we headed home.

Other than all this fun, Coop and I had some great snuggle time and he kept us all laughing.  Raelynn and I shared several funnies together too and did our fair share of snuggling.  I love these days and it just makes me anxious for next weekend!  Life is great when you share it with amazing people, big or small!

HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING...............

Last night Terry and the kids carved pumpkins.  They were so excited when I picked them up and wanted to go home, have a picnic and then carve pumpkins.  It was a little breezy and quite cool so the picnic and carving occurred in the garage.  The kids loved it no matter where they were.  Raelynn drew the faces on the pumpkin and Terry did the carving.  My job......take the pictures :)

Today Coop got released from Tiny K.  They wrote, "Cooper has met all IFSP goals and is developmentally on target in all areas." I cannot tell you how great it feels to have such a "normal" boy.  I actually loved having help from Tiny K.  We started with difficult with speech and then with eating and now "he has met all goals".  Tiny K has been a wonderful program to work with and I would highly recommend anyone who has any developmental issues with their child 0 to 3 years of age to reach out to them for help.  Thank you Molly and Staci for everything!

Tonight as I am getting Raelynn out of her bath she says to me, "Mom, Jared totally in to Tony Hawk."  (Jared is her little friend :) ) "Is he a race car driver?" I ask. "No, he's a skater and Jared is totally in to him.  He is more into him than I am into princesses......he likes him that much!"  She goes on to say, "his room is all Tony Hawk, he has posters everywhere, I told him my room is just pink. It's crazy Mom, he's just a skater boy."  I felt like I was talking to my teenage daughter.  "You like Jared don't you?" I ask. She replies, "Yea he makes me laugh, he is really funny.  It's important to be funny when you're a boy, like Coop, he is really funny too."  "Why is it important to be funny when you are a boy." "Well the boys that aren't funny are just running around like crazy and playing star wars and stuff, just boy stuff."  I translated this to boys that aren't funny are just being boys and not paying complete attention to her.  Regardless the interpretation, my little girl is growing up!!!

Coop, Coop, Coop........................

Cooper is really entering another stage of his development.  He is beginning to speak more emotionally and descriptively and it is awesome.  Every night when I lay with him right before he goes to sleep he has a story for me.  Usually it is about something that happened at Mary Beth's, the place where all his friends are and the place he loves to be.  He always has to set up and he talks just like I do with facial expressions and hand gestures.  Regardless what he is saying it takes all I have to stay focused and not just sweep him up and squeeze him because he is just so darling talking so big!  He is also very funny.  Tonight when he got out of the bath we were in his room getting dressed.  He was standing in front of the mirror just in his pull up and he says, "My ears are big!"  I laughed because this is an observation we have all made.  Then he looks at himself in the mirror and in a real low voice says, "Well hello big ears!" I started to laugh and so did he. 

In addition to keeps new conversation skills, his understanding for things is also growing.  I may have mentioned this before but Coop is recognizing that Cooper's Cause is named after him.  As Terry and I were talking about something with the foundation Coop turns to me and says, "My Foundation?" I nodded. Later he asked me if his foundation was because of his heart.  I know he can't really figure it all out yet, and I know the idea of the foundation is too abstract for him to really understand but I also know that he is starting to relate it all and before we know it he will understand it all.  Raelynn has started to have big ideas for the foundation and has came up with some fundraising ideas for Raelynn's Rock  Stars.  She also gave up her allowance to pay for the design and production of t-shirts for Raelynn's Rock Stars.  It is awesome to see them grow and understand and love what the foundation is all about.

Well off to my next project.  Thank goodness I caught my second wind, I should be good for a few more hours, :)

IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER.............

 This past week was full of fun and good news.  Early in the week we found out that Cooper's Cause Foundation was selected as one of the beneficiaries for the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade.  This is a really great honor and we are so excited to be a part of it.  The Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade is an organization that raises money to provide funding for other organizations that provide assistance to children.  The funding is substantial and the exposure for Cooper's Cause Foundation is priceless.  We are very happy to have been chosen.  The rest of the week was great as well.  Raelynn had her last soccer practice on Tuesday and her last game on Saturday.  She really enjoyed soccer and is ready to sign up again as long as she has the same coach :).  I am pretty sure we will get that worked out.

Thursday was picture retakes at school.  Raelynn's first pics were horrible so we selected to do retakes. I decided to curl her hair and got out an actual curling iron as oppose to the straightener we always use.  I curled it all, making it super cute.  I turned Raelynn around to the mirror and asked her what she thought.  She laughed and said "I look like I have ear muffs!"  I asked if she liked it and with a laugh she said, "whatever Mom the pictures are for you so if you like it it's fine."  When I picked her up from school I asked her if anyone said anything about her hair.  She says, "Avery said my hair was all crazy and I told her I know, my Mom did it."  And that was that......guess we will keep the curling iron hidden away for another 5 years!

Sunday was Aunt Bonnie's Birthday so Raelynn and I decided to make her favorite, Red Velvet Cake.  The cake mix box did not say anything about the mess red velvet cake can make with the help of a 5 year old.  They definitely need to add a warning to their label!

Sunday was also my birthday.  The day was no different than any other Sunday but I did get some good treats and beautiful flowers.  Besides, below shows the best birthday presents ever!

 

PUMPKIN PATCH 2010

This weekend was our annual visit to Schaake's Pumpkin Patch and Birthday Celebration.  We always have so much fun.  Saturday morning we went to Raelynn's soccer game bright and early.  It was a very special game for her because everyone in the family was there including Mary Beth and Grandma Karen!  Raelynn did a good job of staying focused on her game though.  Then Saturday afternoon we headed to the pumpkin patch.  It is always a great time and this year was no different. 

The Keefer's

The Hornboste's

The Whole Bunch of Us!

FIRST VISIT TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH.........

Raelynn and Daddy got to visit the pumpkin patch on Thursday for Raelynn's first field trip.  They had a great time and Raelynn even got to eat lunch with Daddy and where else besides McDonalds!

Tonight for our special Friday Night out we went downtown to Sylas & Maddy's.  They make every kind of homemade ice cream imaginable.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!

So now on to some more fun.  My family gets in tonight and then off to the pumpkin patch again tomorrow!

DID WE HAVE A WEEKEND............

Wow, that was an exceptionally quick weekend!

A little Coop update.....we took Coop in for a weight check on Thursday and he had gained almost an entire pound.  He now weights 26lbs.  I was so excited as was everyone else.  I dropped Coop back off at Mary Beth's and all the kids were eating.  I sat Coop down and Karen placed his plate in front of him.  I looked at the plate with as much food as the other kids.  I asked if he eats all that?  They said he did and does so without hesitation and eats about as quickly as the other kids.  I was super happy he ate there but a little frustrated that they can get him to eat all that yet at home he eats about half that as long as I am bribing him with his "Puppy Cheetos".  So Friday night we got home after having a wonderful night out together having a little cookie treat at Colossal Cookies and they fun at the Toy Store.  I got the kids dinner ready and as always Coop states that he wants "Puppy Cheetos".  I let him know we are not having Cheetos and he needs to eat.  As always he tells me, "me not eat, I want puppy Cheetos!"  Well let's see, for months I have been too scared that Coop may loose an ounce if I deny him anything and therefore he has gotten away with deciding when, how and what he ate, but not anymore.  Now I know how much he eats during the day and I know that he is gaining weight so now I take the control back!  I looked right at him and said, "Coop, I know you eat and Mary Beth's and you are getting bigger now so we play by my rules now, you eat what is set before you or you don't eat, it's that simple."  Coop began to pout and said he was done.  Raelynn simply said, "Uh oh Cooper." So Friday night Coop ate nothing and for the first time was denied a bedtime snack.  Then Saturday rolled around.  We sat down to eat lunch and Cooper ate 8 chicken fingers (kind of like chicken nuggets) this was 4 more than Raelynn ate. He did not once ask for a "puppy Cheetos" and never once complained.  He has ate and ate and ate since then.  So I guess my little boy is not quite at stubborn as he wanted me to think he was.  Thank Goodness!  Honestly, had he held out I would have probably given in but that is my little secret!

Our weekend was full of birthday parties. Raelynn had friends birthdays on Saturday and then our good friends and neighbors party today.  It was definitely a lot of fun.

(I have no idea why these are sideways)

Terry was gone this weekend and is finally back home so everything is back to normal and ready to start another week!

THERE IS ONLY ONE OF ME.................

I am walking into Raelynn's room this evening as she is turning down her bed.  Constantly there are hundreds of thoughts in my head at one time and I say to Raelynn as she is turning down her bed and getting ready for her bedtime story, "Please lay out your clothes tomorrow." She says, "I will". She barely gets that out of her mouth and I say "What do you want for breakfast in the morning? Remember you need eat faster in morning than you did today, did you get your papers out of your backpack?"  Raelynn looks at me in disgust, "Jeez Mom there is only one of me!"  Classic! I say this to her and Cooper quite often.  I laughed hard and told her she was right I would let her answer one question at a time.  She then says without missing a beat....."eggs, sausage and water....I will.....and yes". (Reference my long list of questions above)

Equally cute as Raelynn was Cooper.  We had ran errands after work and got home a little late.  We were rushing around to get dinner and bathes.  Coop was bathed and getting ready to watch Berenstain Bears as they did every night before bed.  I was cleaning up the kitchen and trying to get things put away and straitened up.  Coop runs into the kitchen and says, "Mommy you watch bears with me!"  My heart melted because generally from 8 to 8:30 regardless what needs done Terry and I stop to sit and watch the Bears with the kids.  To recognize that it really meant something to Cooper was awesome.  Thank goodness my Mom has reminded me many times to appreciate the time with them and remember the mess or other things we have to do will be there when we get to them.  I dropped everything and swooped Coop up in my arms and spent the next half hour cuddling with him and watching Bears, definitely the best 30 minutes of my day!

CANCER ACCORDING TO A 5 YEAR OLD............

Sunday we were eating dinner and talking about our day and the week to come.  Terry had went to a visitation for a friend's father that had passed earlier in the day.  We were talking about it and Raelynn asked if he was old.  Terry said he was and our conversation went on to recognize those in our family that had passed away.  Raelynn then says, "Aunt Sherri will die before you because she is older."  I said, "yes maybe but anyone can die anytime regardless how old they are.  People die from accidents and diseases and lots of things."  "Like Cancer." Raelynn replies.  "Yes, like cancer." I confirm.  Then my 5 year old explains, "Well you know our bodies are like a flower garden with lots of flowers and the cancer is like weeds.  Weeds are really hard to get rid of and sometimes the weeds take over the pretty flower garden."  In complete awe Terry and I just look at each other and then at her.  "That is a perfect analogy Raelynn."  To which she replies, "yea I saw it on Arthur, it helps kids understand things a little better."  As Terry said, I think Arthur could help some adults understand things a little better too.  Anyway, yesterday when I picked her up from school she asks if I remember Marty's Dad, a friend of ours who had died from cancer.  "Of course I remember him" I replied.  "Well do you think Marty has watched Arthur and knows about the flower garden?"  "I don't know Raelynn but I am sure that he understands his Dad had cancer."  "I know he is bigger so he knows about that stuff but he needs to know his Dad was a beautiful flower garden and it was just the weeds he couldn't help it."  I told her I thought he knew but part of me almost wanted to let her tell him on the slim chance that he did blame his Dad just a little for leaving.  Once again her perspective on things amazes me.  I continue to learn from her and with her.

In addition to an enlightening conversation at dinner, we also discovered Coop loves meatloaf.  He just ate and ate and ate it.  Of course dipped in ketchup but he thought it was Yummy!  Terry said he thought we might be eating a lot more meatloaf and I think he is right!

Coop will go in for a weight check on Thursday, we are very anxious to see if he has gained but at this point I am not worried at all.  He is eating at Mary Beth's like crazy and here he eats well too other than he knows we have Puppy Cheetos (Puffy Cheetos) and would rather eat them then anything else.  Luckily we ran out tonight and I don't think they will be going on the shopping list anytime too soon!