THE BIRTHDAY BOY.........

Yesterday was Cooper's 4th Birthday!  It is incredible to look at him and know what he has been through in 4 years and how far he has come.  He is truly a miracle and we are so blessed to have him in our lives!  Sometimes I find myself just staring at him in disbelief at who he is today.  Looking back over the first 3 years of his life it was just see a whirlwind.  We have tried so hard to keep things "normal" in our household even with the multiple doctor appointments and lengthy stays at the hospital.  Sometimes I wonder if we have missed any of the normal achievements in his life because they were overshadowed by his condition but I can honestly say I think his heart condition has made me even more aware of the little achievements in his life.  He has given our family so much strength it is incredible.  He has given us a purpose and a focus and so much love it is sometimes hard to grasp it all.  Cooper has brought more to this world in 4 years than I have brought in my lifetime.  I am one of the most fortunate Mother's because he has taught me more than I will ever teach him.  Every night when I kiss him goodnight I thank God for giving him to us and every morning when I kiss him awake I thank God for letting him stay with us. Our blessings are plentiful and celebrating his 4th Birthday when we didn't even know if there would be a 1st is magical.

His birthday celebration began as soon as he woke yesterday.  We all greeted him with birthday wishes and even got to open 1 present from Sissy before we left for the day.  He started his day on the morning radio station during a short interview.  He actually talked to and answered questions, it was pretty sweet.  He then was off to preschool and celebrated with his friends with Chocolate Cupcakes.  After preschool he got to celebrate again at Mary Beth's and treated all his friends to a balloon.  Aunt Steph picked him up early and off to Orange Leaf they went.  (Sis was not pleased when she heard about this.)  When Terry and I got off work we joined family and friends at Longhorn Steak House where we were having a fundraiser for the foundation.  It is called Cooper's Birthday Bash and there were 6 participating restaurants that gave a portion of their proceeds to the foundation yesterday.  Of course Orange Leaf and Longhorn's were 2 of those restaurants!  It was great to see everyone and Coop received lots of attention.  Then we headed home for some presents.  He had a great birthday and as we tucked him in to bed and kissed him goodnight he said, "My birthday's over?"  "Yes until next year", I replied.  "I'm a big boy now and have a lot of new toys!"  I guess that made for a successful birthday in his eyes!

Cooper~
I love you with all my heart!  You are wonderfully amazing and we will celebrate many, many birthdays to come!  Thank you for your wonderful ornery smile that brightens everyday.  You are my inspiration, motivation and courage.  I love you more and more every day!  Happy 4th Birthday!

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR.................

What an wonderful Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Break!  The holiday started out with our Wednesday night cooking.  I had several things to make but the most challenging was the lemon meringue pie!  The first attempt was a complete failure but after a few hours of sleep I tried again Thursday morning and it was a success!

Thanksgiving Day we went to Bonnie's to be with family.  The kids had a blast!  It seems that instead of football when were together its baseball which Coop loves!

Raelynn always helps make the Deviled Eggs.  I think we would have many more if she didn't help but she has fun doing it.  I am always surprised she does not end up with a tummy ache!  I think she had 6 or 7 before dinner even began!

We have so much to be thankful for it is hard to even put into words.  Both our kids are miracles and are the most amazing things in my life!  I would not be the same person without them and wouldn't want my life to be any different than it is right now.  I am thankful for a wonderful, loving family!  I am thankful for incredible friends!  I am thankful for God being a part of my life!  I am thankful everyday for every second given to me!  Thanksgiving is a time to acknowledge what we are thankful for but every day I think about what I am thankful for, especially as I kiss my kids the last time each day before they drift off to sleep.

After much family time we headed home and started gearing up for Black Friday shopping.  This year it started Thursday night.  I had a game plan and certain items we were after.  I headed out about 9:30pm to hit Walmart at 10pm.  We had a electric car on the list for Cooper.  I got to the cars at 10:02pm and they were sold out!  Strike 1!  My next stop was Best Buy.  There we had 3 items on the list.  I stood in line for an hour and a half.  I ended up in line behind 2 guys who were not there to buy a single thing but rather to be a part of the "Black Friday Madness".  They had lawn chairs, blankets and a cool and the cool was definitely not filled with bottles of water.  They were absolutely hilarious and kept things entertaining.  Once in Best Buy I ended up with 1 or my 3 items.  I stood in line for another hour and half to check out and then headed to Kohl's.  It was around 2am by this time and I was exhausted.  I almost fell asleep checking out!  I headed home with hardly any of my shopping done.  The real bummer was that Terry went out around 11am on Friday morning after a good nights sleep and ended up with 2 of the things that were "sold out" when I was out.  That just didn't seem right!

After almost 4 hours of sleep Coop woke me up and then Raelynn followed stating that they didn't want the same old thing for breakfast and wanted me to make them something.  So up I was make blueberry pancakes.  We spent all day decorating for Christmas and then headed downtown for Santa's arrival.  This is an annual tradition and so much fun.  We never get tired of the magic of Chtristmas.  This year we were not sure what Coop was going to ask for so after he chatted with Santa I followed and had my own little chat with Santa to find out that Coop asked for Walkie Talkies!  Raelynn's was no secret, a voice journal and texters!  So then we were off for another tradition, the kids get to pick out a new Christmas ornament.  This year Raelynn chose an ice skate and Coop another motorcycle.

Daddy and Cooper watching as Santa is rescued from the roof of Weavers!

Daddy and Raelynn being silly as we wait for Santa!

My favorite kiss!

Raelynn explains to Santa exactly what she wants and how she wants it!

Cooper and Santa

Mom and Karli came Friday night and Cassidy and Chandler came in Saturday to start the birthday weekend for Coop.  His birthday is tomorrow but he had his friend's birthday party on Saturday.  It was a huge success!  It was probably one of the easiest parties I have ever done and the kids had so much fun.  The day was a little hectic as we had to do some more baking in the morning, Soccer at 11am and then get ready for the party at 3pm.  It was at the indoor aquatic center and with some decorated cookies from Eileen's it was awesome!  It is just amazing to see Coop just like all the other kids and afraid of nothing!  I just smile every time I look at him.  He had so much fun with his friends and we had fun watching him.

After that we came home and he had some more birthday fun opening presents from the family.  Cooper loved all his boy toys and has played non stop all weekend.  He got a flipper car from Aunt Sherri that was a huge success and a space rocket from his friends that was also a big hit!  I don't think he will be bored for days!

 Tomorrow is his actually birthday when he will celebrate with our gifts.  We go out to eat to participate in a Cooper's Cause fundraiser every year at various restaurants in Lawrence.  In addition to our fundraiser tomorrow Cooper's Cause Foundation always donates a tree to the Festival of Trees.  We spent this afternoon setting it up and it looks great!  The auction is on Tuesday and is so fun to attend!

I would like to say that the craziness is over for a bit but really from now until after Christmas we are non stop.  I always have to remember this time of year to stop and breathe and enjoy things a little along the way. I wish we could freeze time once in awhile because I know these times will be gone much too soon!

STORY TIME................

Terry and I read to Raelynn and Cooper every night before bedtime.  Tonight as we started our bedtime routine Raelynn ran to her book bag and returned with a library book for Cooper and one for her, a book mark she had made for each of them and a blank piece of paper for each.  She explained to Coop that after he and Daddy read they needed to write down one thing he liked about what they read and one thing that he didn't like and she would do the same.  This would help her pick more appropriate books for them, an yes she did use the word "appropriate".  So off to bed we all went with our books, bookmark and paper.  After Raelynn and I finished reading, I asked her, "Ok, what is one thing you didn't like about the book?"  She says, "Well I didn't like how you didn't express the words with your voice as you read, you have to look at the punctuation!"  I just looked at her, speechless, and then burst out laughing.  Who knew she was such a critic.  I told her I would try harder tomorrow :) Story time used to be one of the easiest things I did each day but now I guess I am going to have to step it up a bit!

A few weeks ago the Salvation Army was out ringing the bell for donations and giving out tootsie rolls.  Tonight as we went into HyVee they were there again ringing the bell.  Both the kids turned to me and asked for some change.  I told them we would do that on our way out and on we went to get groceries.  When it came time to leave we stopped in the foyer area and I got some change out for both kids.  As we left Raelynn dropped hers in the container and then Coop did the same.  After he did he just stood there looking at the man ringing the bell.  I said, "Come on Coop!"  He looks at the man again and says, "Hey!  Where's my tootsie roll?!"  It was so funny I couldn't even apologize for his rudeness.  Raelynn cracks up and grabs his hand as we walked away laughing.  Coop found no humor in this and says, "That guy didn't give me a tootsie roll!"  When I finally finished laughing I explained that we donate the money to help others and no for the tootsie roll but I don't think he really liked the idea. 

ON A ROLL...........

It is approaching midnight and I know when my alarm goes off at 4am I will hate myself, but I am on a roll so why stop now!  I am facing deadlines everywhere with church, the foundation, Coop's birthday party, Thanksgiving....it just keeps going and going.  I know this is no different than anyone else but there are times I really wonder how other people manage it all and wish I could take lessons from them.  The truth is that Coop and Raelynn keep me going and their humor makes it all worth it.  Last night as I was putting Raelynn to bed she was giving me a hard time about something, honestly I don't even remember what, but in a joking manner I told her I was not snuggling because she was being mean and acted as if I was leaving her room.  She giggles and says, "Oh Mom, 'ya know I'm only messin' with you!"  Sometimes her comments just catch me off guard because they are so much like a comment a friend would make to me.

Tonight on our way to visit Aunt Karli in Topeka Raelynn says, "Mom, can we have another shopping trip? That was really fun!"  It was so much fun but unfortunately too many shopping trips with Raelynn and I and none of us will eat!!!  The truth is it is Coop who needs a little Mommy time.  Yesterday I picked him up from Preschool and headed to Mary Beth's.  Coop says to me, "Mommy sometimes I like to go to Mary Beth's but sometimes I just want to go home with you.  Could we just go home this one time?"  If that doesn't tear your heart out nothing will!  The past week or so he has asked me to hold him or snuggle with him or play with him, just him not Sissy.  So I know it is time we get some alone time and plan to make time just for that this weekend!  As if that wasn't enough to tear at my heart, Coop also broke down in tears that his Grandpa couldn't come to school with him.  Tomorrow is Dad's Day but his teacher had said in class that they could invite their Grandpa's or their Dad's.  After I picked him up he says, "We need to call Grandpa and invite him to my school."  I told him I would love to but Grandpa lives too far away to come to school.  Coop replies, "But Grandpa's never seen my school."  I looked at him to tell him again that Grandpa would love to but was just too far away and the face I saw was a sad one and the tears streamed down his cheeks.  I had not realized how much it meant to him and I thought I might cry to.  Coop really identifies with the males in our family but yet doesn't get to see them that often and I really felt for him.  He finally agreed that is was fine that Dad just come to Dad's Day instead of Grandpa but said he hopes he gets to see Grandpa at his birthday.  It was just so sweet!

Terry spent the day at Raelynn's school as a Watch Dog today.  This is always an exciting and special day to Raelynn and I think Terry really enjoys it as well.  He is great with the kids and Raelynn loves having him there.

We also got to take some pictures of Coop trying to get one good one since his school pics weren't so great. These were just a couple of the snaps I took but dang he is cute!  (I am not biased or anything :) )

Well I guess my break is over and back to work for me but looking forward to another day just wish it wouldn't come quite so quickly!

A WEEK IN REVIEW...........

Another Amazing Week.......

Monday:
Happy Birthday Terry!  Monday was Terry's Birthday!  Raelynn wished him a Happy Birthday immediately as she woke up.  We cracked several "old guy" jokes which I am sure made the day special for him.  :)  We took him out for dinner and I think, besides being a Monday, his day went well. 

Tuesday:
The second Tuesday of every month is a crazy one.  I have site council and PTO and this past Tuesday I had to get cookies made for the following day as well for teacher conferences.  I think these are the times I am suppose to give in to the pressures of time management and buy the cookies but I just can't let me self do it.  It just seems like giving in to the fact that I can't "do it all" and well, I am not yet willing to do that!

Wednesday:
On Wednesday we had teacher conferences.  Our friend, Stephanie, came over to watch the kids while we went to conferences.  I love conferences because it is really the only time we get to talk with the teachers that the kids are not right there.  Raelynn is old enough now that I consult with her the night before we go.  I asked her what she would like me to talk with her teacher about, what she really likes, what she would like to see changed and so on.  I did this last year as well but got little real feedback.  This year however, Raelynn sent me with a list.  It was really awesome to hear the things that concern her and the things she loves.  We talk all the time but I found out a couple things I didn't already know.  So armed with the list Terry and I went to conferences.  I always leave such a proud parent as she is doing wonderful!  Her teacher is fantastic as well and the 2 little concerns Raelynn had she discussed them as if they were of the utmost importance even though they really weren't.  Anyway, conferences went great and Raelynn was eager to hear the report when we returned.  Unfortunately, all though Raelynn is doing great in school, she hasn't been doing so great with her "babysitter".  The last 2 times we have had to leave her for a short time with a sitter she has been a little challenging.  She pushes the limits as far as she can.  It frustrates me that she does this because generally speaking she is really good.  I hope it is just a phase but of course she went without TV or bedtime snack that night even though her conferences were perfect.  I was disappointed because I like to reward her for a good report but the good report was over shadowed by the bad :(

Thursday:
The kids didn't have school on Thursday or Friday so Raelynn went to Boys & Girls Club.  Usually this is held on site at her school but when school is out they have to go to the main site.  Raelynn is always a little hesitant because it is an unfamiliar place and unfamiliar people.  On Thursday we got there around 8am and there were several people waiting in line to check in.  Raelynn and I were in the back of the line not far from the door.  All of a sudden the door opened, a lady shoved a little boy in the door and yelled at him, "Go!"  The little boy could not have been any older than Raelynn and there he stood crying.  The lady turned and walked away.  I could not let the little boy stand there crying so I walked over to him and knelt down to talk to him  with Raelynn glued to my side.  As I asked him if he was ok, the door opened and again and now the lady was yelling at me, "He is fine!" "Ok." I replied but I didn't move nor did the little boy or Raelynn.  She repeated herself a couple times and I continued to just say "Ok".  Finally she left again and I took the little boys hand and moved him into line with Raelynn and I.  The director came over to inquire about what was going on and the lady would return once again and insisted the boy was fine and just needed to get to class.  The director told her that was fine but she would get him checked in first.  The lady finally left for good and I continued to squeeze the little boys hand.  I filled her in on what I had witnessed and then she said she would take him down to his classroom.  The boy looked at me completely scared.  I knelt down again and told him that she was a friend of mine and was very nice and would take him to his class.  In this little tiny voice he says, "she's a friend of yours?"  As tears swelled in my eyes I told him yes and slid his little hand from mine into hers.  They took a couple steps and then the little boy turned back around, ran over to me and gave me a tight hug.  The tears just ran down my face.  This sweet little boy was so obviously mistreated and all I wanted to do was swoop him up and take him home with us........this is why I got out of social work!  Anyway, he went off to class and there I stood with Raelynn glued to my leg.  I had almost forgotten about her.  I looked at her and told her now she could see why we are so lucky to have one another.  Raelynn gave me a hug and told me she loved me!  It was a little hard leaving as she didn't really want me to go but I did and that was that.  After work when I picked her up we barely made it to the car before Raelynn filled me in on the rest of the story.  The little boy was in first grade and therefore was with Raelynn's group often.  I guess he never could stop crying and so one of the leaders eventually told him they were going to have to call his parents to come get him.  Well Raelynn heard this and was not going to let them call his Mom thinking that it was his Mom who dropped him off earlier that morning.  She asked the leader if she could talk to him.  He told her he would talk to her in a minute but that he needed to take care of this boy first.  Raelynn insisted apparently with tears in her eyes.  The leader works at our school and knows Raelynn well and knew this was completely out of character so agreed to talk to her.  In the hall Raelynn filled the leader in on what had happened this morning and how the "lady" who she assumed was his Mom had treated him and begged the leader not to call her.  The leader assured her he would take care of the little boy.  Well come to find out the lady from that morning was the little boys much older sister and the boys Mom did come and get him and they let her know what had happened.  As Raelynn finished telling me the story she says, "I knew that couldn't be his Mom because Mom's don't wear tights and they never treat their kids like that!"  As I drove I just grinned and said, "I think you are right."  It was an emotional day for us both and made me again realize how lucky we are!

After all that we were at home separating Girl Scout Cookies into orders and getting ready for delivery.  As we got to one order from a friend who had bought some to support Raelynn but didn't want the cookies, I asked Raelynn what she thought we should do with them.  I suggested we give them to the homeless shelter or food bank.  Raelynn says instead, "I want to donate them to the rest home."  I told her that was a great idea and asked her what rest home she would like to donate them to.  I expected her to say the one my Mom works at but instead she put much more thought into it.  Our friend who had bought the cookies had recently put her Grandparents into a home and Raelynn said she wanted to donate them to the rest home that her Grandma was in.  It was the perfect idea and that is just what we did!

Friday:
Finally Friday!  Friday night we went and picked out Coop's party supplies.  He is having a fireman birthday and is very excited about it.  After that we went to Target and picked out his new Soccer Ball he had to have for his first Soccer practice the next morning.  We also bought our gifts for our shoe boxes we fill for church each year.  It is for the Samaritan's Purse.  We fill a shoe box with gifts for a girl and a boy.  The kids get to choose the gifts with a little direction but we always have a great time!!!

Saturday:

Saturday was awesome!  We went to Coop's first soccer practice which was sooo cute.  He is such a runner and was just happy to be there.  He scored a goal and when he was recounting it after the game he said, "and I scored a goal, my friends helped me score a goal!"  It was adorable and he loved it.  We get to play every Saturday from now until December 17th. 

After soccer we headed to the rest home to deliver the cookies.  When we got there we could not find anyone except those who lived there.  Raelynn and I approached a couple people but one just stared at us and the other told us in graphic detail about how she probably could not have the cookies because she had digestive problems.  Raelynn looks at me and says, "This isn't working!"  We decided to leave and we would return later when a nurse walked up.  Raelynn handed her the bag and told her she would like to donate these cookies because her friend bought them and her Grandma and Grandpa lived there. She told the nurse our friend's name and the nurse thanked her.  We would later learn that at least one of the boxes of cookies did end up with our friend's Grandma which made Raelynn very happy!

After that we headed to Crown Center for a little ice skating.  We have tried to do this for the past couple years but just never get to it so this year I was going to make sure we did.  I had no idea how much fun we were going to have.  We all went including Aunt Karli and we were there for 3 full hours.  Raelynn took to it in minutes and Coop even mastered it by the time we were done.  The kids are still talking about how much fun they had and so did we.  It was an awesome family day!

Sunday:

The past few days we had seen short glimpses of a less then polite/obedient Raelynn so after a little episode on the way home from ice skating, Raelynn lost all priveleges on Sunday.  I expected Sunday to be the longest day of our lives but instead it was awesome.  When she woke up Sunday morning Coop was watching a movie which of course she had lost all TV time.  She walked right through the living room without even stopping and asked if she could help me with her breakfast.  The whole day was like that, she worked and did chores and never once even mentioned TV, her DSi, MP3 player or anything else.  By the end of the day I was so pleased with her behaviour I went into her room where she was sitting on her bed reading and told her how proud of her I was.  I reminded her that if she had been like this to begin with she would never have lost her priveliges. I then told her she was welcome to watch Good Luck Charlie before bed.  She jumped up and said, "Yes, I knew I could earn my TV back!!!!"  I couldn't help but laugh.  Anyway, we have not had one glimpse of bad behaviour since so I am enjoying it why it lasts!

HALLOWEEN FUN AND MUCH MORE............

Oh where do I even start!  The last week and half has been a fun one!  Let's start off with the laughs.....Raelynn's school had spirit week last week and Friday was crazy hair day.  We had a blast with this one!

They have an '80's day coming up and I think we will do the hair much the same way :)

Last Saturday we were invited to a Trail Ride.  Coop and Terry have been to one before but Raelynn and I never had.  We rode in a wagon pulled by 2 beautiful large horses.  The kids had a blast and it really was a fun morning.

This is just a few of the amazing animals we saw.  The ride was just South of Baldwin.  I was amazed at the wildlife we saw as well. 

After the trail ride we headed home to clean up and then meet the family out to celebrate Aunt Bonnie's Birthday.  Another fun family time.

Believe it or not, after all that we came home and Terry and the kids carved pumpkins. 

The kids love doing this with there Dad and I am so grateful because it is one of the least exciting things I can think of so I am happy that my job is simply to take the pics.

Finally Monday arrived and the excitement was almost too much!  Coop was able to wear his costume to school and Terry stayed to watch his adorable singing program.  I went to Raelynn's class party later in the afternoon.  Both seemed to go great.  Aunt Karli helped me manage to get everything together and met us up at the school.  I stayed at the party for my lunch hour but had to get back to work before it was over.  Luckily, Aunt Karli stayed and stepped right in as Mommy.  I was so thankful to have her so I could shuffle between being with my little girl and being a reliable employee. 

It made for a fun day!

As soon as Terry and I got off work we headed home and out trick or treating.  We had a great time again this year and the kids never tired this year.  The weather was perfect!  After we got home the kids eagerly separated their candy and kept a few and set the rest out for the Witch Fairy.  I love the Witch Fairy for taking away all the candy!  This year she left the kids Halloween Pajama Pants which they loved!  The Witch Fairy is so good!

The fun didn't stop there.  On Wednesday we hosted a wine tasting at Holy-Field Winery in Basehor.  Last year at the St. Patrick's Day Parade Auction Terry bought a Wine Tasting for a party of 20.  We finally got around to booking it and so we were off right after work.  It was so much fun!  I had never done anything like that before and I found it so interesting.  I learned amazing things about the wine process that I never even thought about.  The whole evening was wonderful with friends and family in spite of ther cold rainy weather. 

Before we were able to enjoy our evening on Wednesday, I came home to 6 year old drama.  Raelynn was being snippy about things.  I had ran home long enough to change my shirt and brush my teeth but as I walked by her I stopped and asked her what was going on she seemed grumpy.  She replies, "I just didn't have a very good day."  I stopped immediately and knelt down and asked her what happened.  The next thing I knew she was in tears and gushing that her best friend had told her she was just her second best friend now.  She went on to explain how she didn't let her share the computer with her and disclosed their secret hand shake to her new best friend.  Raelynn was devastated and I was almost in tears myself.  I have talked to so many friends about these times with their daughters and read so much about how to properly console your child while still using it as a time of teaching; teaching how to use appropriate words to express your feelings and teaching how to deal with life's disappointments.  Unfortunately they failed to mention how to keep your own tears in check and how to handle an EXTREMELY sensitive child who already expresses her feelings better than most adults.  I applied everything I had been told and everything I had read and I just hoped it was enough.  The worse part was that once the crying stopped and she seemed ok, I had to leave to go to the wine tasting.  I just hoped I had said all the right things.  Anyway, I text Karli a few times throughout the evening and everything seemed to be fine.  We got home a little after 9pm but she was already fast asleep.  The next morning she woke up happy as usual and all seemed fine.  We got to school and got sat down in the gym but were a little early and there weren't any kids there yet.  Raelynn crawled up on my lap and said, "Mommy, I love you and talking to you makes everything better."  She hugged me and said again she loved me.  I took a big sigh knowing that what I said last night must have been the right thing.  The kids started coming in and I started reading.  The gym was pretty full when Raelynn's best friend walked in.  I should say that I absolutely love her best friend and know that they will have their little fights but I will always adore her.  Anyway, she walked right through all the kids over to Raelynn and handed her a picture.  I would later that night learn that the picture said at the top, "You will always be my BFF!"  Raelynn's face brightened immediately and her first girl fight was over.  Hopefully she learned a little something and I know I did; The next 10 to 15 years are going to be a challenge and that the previous 6 have been nothing compared to what's next!!!!

Last night was our first Baker game of the year.  We always have a great time and last night was no exception.  They are 2-0, good start for another fun season!

Tonight we went to the Topeka Steak House for PoPo's (Terry's Dad) birthday.  His birthday was actually a few months back but he had been sick and then out of town so we were just now getting together to celebrate.  Tonight there was this amazing balloon guy there.  He could make anything!  He made Raelynn a rocking horse, Cooper a dog, a flower for Karli and I, a swan for Aunt Bonnie, a snail for Aunt Carol and a monkey in a palm tree for Popo.  He was awesome.  It made for an entertaining dinner!

From now until January we are booked it seems like every second of every day.  Cooper is starting in a winter Soccer League which should be a lot of fun.  Raelynn will continuing with swimming but has taken a winter break from soccer and other sports for now.  It is such an exciting time of year though that no one seems to mind the business around here :)



Cute Boy!  This is just a proof of his school pics.....those stupid glasses never stay up!