FIRST CRAZY WEEKEND DONE.....

From now until Steph's wedding is booked solid.  We had a great time this weekend and look forward to the next 5!  Last night we had the Couple's Shower in Manhattan.  I think everyone had a great time.  We made it back to Lawrence about 2am and then were up bright and early to pick up the kids from Aunt Bonnie's.  They had a great time as well which I soooo appreciated.  It is so hard to be without them and I was thrilled to have them home.

Today we had the CCF 4th Annual Bowl-a-thon.  The kids have so much fun at this event and we even made some money which is like a double bonus :)

By the time we made it home and got everything done, we were exhausted.  The kids went to bed early and I think I am even going to try to make it there soon!



Over the past couple weeks I have missed out on posting about a couple things and that is why I get so frustrated when I don't update on a regular basis.  But out of the things I have not posted about, I have one funny and one serious notes to post.......

Friday the kids were with Karli as they did not have school.  About mid day Karli calls me with laughing.  I guess Raelynn and Cooper were playing girlfriend and boyfriend.  Raelynn says to Coop, "you're my boyfriend and you bought me this jacket because that's what boyfriends do."  Karli thought it was hilarious and I was just proud....I am teaching her so well!!!  LOL

I often wonder how you know when it is the right time to talk to your kids about drugs, drinking, sex, etc.  You see commercials all the time saying not to wait and to talk to your kids early and often but of course mine are still young but how does one know when they are old enough.  Last weekend Terry was watching Dateline.  They were doing a special on underage drinking.  They had these groups of kids that were being videoed and their parents were watching.  They set the kids up so circumstances were that the kids were asked to get in a car with a drunk driver and then the idea was to see if they would do it or would refuse as everyone hoped they would.  They had about 6 groups with slightly different scenarios but all the same idea.  I was walking through the living room and the show caught my interest and I sat down to watch a little bit.  Raelynn and Cooper were playing downstairs.  Raelynn came up for something and she too sat down to watch.  She was watching so intently and asking such relevant questions.  She would tell the kids on the TV not to get in the vehicle.  I was simply amazed by the amount of knowledge she already had about drinking and drinking and driving.  The show led us to have quite a conversation about drinking and drugs.  I felt like I was talking to a 12 year old not a 6 year old.  Our conversations was of course appropriate for a 6 year old but the content is just something I would not have thought to already be discussing but obviously she is ready.  I guess this is how one realizes when their kids are ready for such discussions!  I am so proud of how mature Raelynn can be and hope that our open communication can last throughout her teen years!

DIRTY UNDIES AND NO PANTS.........

I often question what is appropriate to post here and what is not but remember, I use this blog as a journal for the kids.  I think when they are my age they will love looking back on the funny things they said and did.  Therefore, if you feel the following story is borderline, please remember how funny it will be for Coop to read it when he is raising his own kids!

Last night we had swimming lessons just like we do every Monday night.  Coop takes his swim bag and changes at Mary Beth’s before I pick him up.  Not very often, but once in a great while he leaves something behind at Mary Beth’s and this is what happened last night.  The kids got done swimming and we were in the locker room changing out of their wet suits.  Raelynn had already changed and was just waiting for Coop who I was helping.  I emptied his swim bag and his shorts he had worn that day were not there.  I told him he must have forgotten his shorts at Mary Beth’s.  He instantly looked completely upset.  I handed him his undies and told him to get them on.  He started to put them on and then stopped and handed them back to me and whispers, “I must not have wiped very good.”  I looked at his undies and there were 2 small poo stains.  I confirmed he must not have and then reviewed the importance of wiping well.  I handed the undies back to him and again asked him to put them on.  His eyes swelled with tears and he refused.  I told him he had no option, he had no clean undies and no pants so he had to put them on.  As he is crying and slowly putting them on he says to me….”This is hoomilating (humiliating)!  I cracked up and told him no one would know.  He put on the T-shirt he had worn that day, I collected everything and headed out the door of the locker room.  Cooper didn’t move.  I looked at him and said, “Come on Coop.”  He just stood there, tears running down his face and refused to leave because he didn’t have any pants on and dirty undies.  I squatted down face to face with him and explained his T-shirt covered his bottom, he was 4 and no one would notice.  He refused.  I asked him if he wanted me to tie my sweatshirt around him and carry him out.  He shook his head yes.  As I am putting the sweatshirt on him he says in a quivering pathetic voice, “this is the most hoomilating thing that ever happened to me!”  Now as most of you know I am not the most sensitive and sympathetic Mother and this was no exception.  I started laughing so hard I was crying!!!  Raelynn is literally bent over about to pee her pants!  Poor Coop just looks “humiliated” as he keeps trying to tell me!  We finally gather ourselves and I picked him up and headed out of the locker room.  On our way out to the car I ran into someone I knew and we stopped to exchange greetings.  As we are talking Coop so very politely whispers in my ear, “Mommy, remember my undies, we have to go!”  We get out to the car and I take my sweatshirt off of him and sit him in his car seat.  He arches his back and braces himself and says he isn’t sitting on his car seat with his dirty undies and no pants!  He insists that I put my sweatshirt on his car seat.  I guess it was ok to sit on my sweatshirt in his dirty undies and no pants!  We finally made it home and he ran to the shower! It was all way too funny not document somewhere :).  One thing I am sure of, Coop will wipe his bottom side much better from now on!  Another fun day being a Mom! 

LOVING THE SUMMER WEATHER.....

What a Monday!  I know why everyone dreads Monday's, because the weekends rock and then everything gets all crazy on Monday's!  However if every day was like the weekend we wouldn't have anything to look forward to so I guess it is all the way it should be.  This past weekend was awesome!  We had so much to do but we had a great time doing it.  Friday night Raelynn and Cooper both had friends join them for a movie night.  Our church hosted the movie Dolphin Tail for the kids.  We had Cici's before hand and it was a good night.  Saturday we had the usual soccer.........

Coop makes player of the week!

and cheer and then we headed to my office to start moving a few things to our new office.  The kids were great and they even had a good time.  Raelynn, however, got a little worked up when she saw me throwing a large amount of old flyer's away.  She instantly started in on me, "Mom does Tom know you are throwing this stuff away because if I were him I would not be very happy about that.  You better think about your job, this isn't your house 'ya know!"  I am sure she is going to be a hoarder when she grows up!

After we finished that job we headed home where we found Terry mowing the yard.  After he was done he took he role of the best Dad ever.  Both Raelynn and Cooper had new (used) bikes and they both thought they were ready for them.  Raelynn's new BIG bike I figured was more than she could handle and Coop's bike was his first real bike and it didn't have training wheels.  Therefore, I thought he too was a little over his head.  Well they both proved me wrong and I couldn't be prouder.  I couldn't believe how well they rode and for Coop's first time on a bike, I was shocked at his success.

Coop already giving the neighbor ladies a ride!

Raelynn and her new big bike!

Prior to our wonderful weekend, things were a little crazy last week.  Monday morning I had barely made it to work when they school called and Raelynn had thrown up.  She had been fine that morning so I was surprised to get the call.  When I got to the school she seemed fine.  We went home for an hour or two and she was talking and playing and bopping all around so I loaded her up and she spent the day at the office with me.  She did fantastic, but this stomach problem is starting to become an issue.  We have been dealing with occasional on and off stomach aches for a month or so now but they seem to be getting worse and more often soooooo Wednesday we will visit Dr. Kelley and see what is going on.  I also got to eat lunch with Raelynn last week which I always love.  I felled so honor that she wants me to eat with her and that she will spend 10 gold slips in order for me to eat with her.  I know that won't last forever!

So another fun week ahead an really am just looking towards Wednesday to determine the cause of Raelynn's stomach aches as tonight was a long and painful for her.  We are also getting ready for the first of Steph's wedding celebrations with a Couple's Shower in Manhattan on Saturday.  I can hardly wait!

THE HEART OF A 14 YEAR OLD........

As co-founder of a non-profit foundation that benefits families with kids born with heart defects we are often touched by the stories and generosity we encounter. Yesterday however my heart was touched not only from the aspect of the foundation but also as a mother. I received a call from a woman who explained to me that her son had found $300 in a parking lot of a store. He and his father turned the money into the store as anyone should. Recently the store called and said that no one had claimed the money and it was her sons to come in and pickup. Over the next few days her son, who I might add is 14 years old, informed his parents that he wanted to donate half of the money to charity. Being the amazing parents that these people must be they told there son that they thought that was a great idea and that he should do some research and chose 3-5 charities to donate to. To make a long wonderful story short, in stages this young man did his research and ended up choosing CCF as the sole recipient of the funds and not only that but decided to donate all $300 because in his words he would just buy a bunch of crap with his half. He had also done enough research to determine he wanted to donate $150 to Coopers Cause and $150 to Raelynn's Rock Stars! If that wasn't enough, he also decided that his friends at schools should also donate enough money to match his donation. He asked his principal and was told he could present the idea to the student council and it could be voted on. This was the reason for the phone call to me because he wanted some fliers regarding CCF to hand out at his presentation. I was greatful for the donation but I was just so proud of this young man!!!! As a parent this is what you dream of. We are so fortunate to get to experience so any amazing things. We have to be the most fortunate family ever!!!!!

ANOTHER WEEKEND HERE AND GONE...........

We finally were home for a weekend and it was great but as always could have been longer.  Saturday Steph and Cody came up so we could get Coop's new black boots for the wedding.  We were successful but after soccer and cheer and cleaning the house, it was a long day.  The good news is, Coop played soccer today and had a great time.  We started the spring session which is held outside instead of in the gym.  The first week, which was right before Easter weekend, we arrived at soccer and Coop was having no part in it.  He cried and didn't play at all.  I made him stay and watch his team play.  When we got in the car he informed me that he was just not prepared for it to be outside and yes, he did use the word "prepared".  Anyway, I was a little worried about what this week would hold but he not only played for he was named the player of the week!  This is big stuff in a 4 year old's world!  I was just thrilled he played willingly.

Today we went to church, finished cleaning the house and then finally got some time to have fun together.
Mid afternoon the kids and I headed outside.  We started off playing tennis but with the crazy wind we weren't doing so well.  We then turned to baseball, of course.  It was so funny to watch Coop and Raelynn play.  They were competing for a piece of candy of all things.  I would pitch, one would hit and the other would try to catch it and get them out.  It was hilarious because they would get to laughing and then no one could do anything.  When Raelynn would hit the ball Coop would get it and then take off as hard as he could and instead of just touching her out, he would tackle her.  When it was Raelynn's turn to get Coop out, Coop would run and dive into home base.  We all had a great time.  Then it was in to for movie time.  Snacks and Dolphin Tale was a perfect end to the day.  Coop and Raelynn had already had a snack and were watching the movie.  I finished up some laundry and a few things and then got myself a little snack.  Coop comes in the kitchen while I was getting it and he says, "Mmmmm can I have some?"  I told him he had his snack already and this was mine.  A few seconds later he says, "Mom are you going to eat that in the living room?"  "Yes", I replied.  "Can I snuggle with you" he said in the sweetest voice but I knew the real translation was, "then can I sit on your lap so I can take a little of your snack from time to time!"  Regardless, I wasn't going to pass up the time with my adorably sweet boy!

Well another week in front of us and then another weekend we will be home before 5 in a row that we will be gone :(  I love our time at home!  I love my time with my kids!

MEDS WOULD HELP :)

Anyone that knows me knows that I struggle with never being able to relax.  The problem is my mind never stops.  If everything isn't completely finished and done the way I want it to be I am mess.  So when I have weeks like this, when my house needs cleaned, I have a million things on my to do list, my desk at work is filled with papers, our schedule is booked and everything else that is involved in a normal day, I get a little overwhelmed.  It wouldn't be so bad if I could just be "ok" if something wasn't completely done but if I don't complete my "to do" list every day I just get so frustrated.  It is nothing a little medication couldn't fix but who has time to go to the doctor to get the medication!!!  (Just a little joke!)  Anyway, this is me in a nutshell and I guess I really wouldn't want it any other way but sometimes I just really wish I had a day to catch up.  This morning there was so much going on in my mind both with things that needed to get done and with some other stuff that has been bothering me, I was just really feeling stressed.  I had not even spoke to Karli this morning and yet this is the text she sends me out of the blue......

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life...." "but seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:27 & 33-34

Love you bunches and have a fantastic day!

I am thankful to have such a loving and supportive Sister and God in my life!!!  I read this passage about 30 times today.  :)

Tonight, at dinner, the kids and I were talking when I said something (I don't even remember what now) and Raelynn says, "I know, right?  Who would have thought?"  She said it just like a teenager, even in a more grown up voice.  It just came right out of her.  I smiled and continued my discussion with her but in side my heart sank because it was just another glimpse of the future and confirmation that my little girl is growing up WAY too fast!

I had a PTO meeting tonight so the kids came with me until Terry was able to pick them up.  They have people available to watch kids in the gym while parents' are at the meeting.  After I got home and was putting the kids to bed, Coop said, "none of the kids in the gym would play with me."  I asked him why they wouldn't play with him.  He responds, "because I asked this big boy who had a yellow and blue shirt on if I could play with him because he had a ball.  He said I could play with him and I was balling with him and Sissy came over and said I was suppose to play with her."  I explained to him that Sis was just looking out for him because she loved him but that I would talk to her and let her know that he was big enough to play with others without her.  Coop says, "Good, because don't tell her but she is boring!"  I laughed and told him I understood.  He says, "When you were a little girl did you think Aunt Steph was boring?'  I explained I didn't because Aunt Steph wasn't born until I was a big girl and Coop said, "Oh, you are lucky!"  I just couldn't quit laughing.  I reminded him that his Sister just really loved him and I knew he loved her too.  He agreed and we ended the conversation there.  It is so cute to watch him grow and form his own opinions and even more cute to hear him vocalize them.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

It is a long trip out to Western KS, but worth it!  The kids had a blast as they decorated Easter Eggs and played with their cousins.  Yesterday was a pretty laid back day.... I did a little shopping, celebrated Mom's Bday a little early, addressed some wedding invitations all while spending time with the family.  The kids decorated Easter Eggs which was awesome because this is one of my least favorite things to do so this year I just got to watch and take pics while they all decorated eggs.  Grandma's are great!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

New GPS Woot Woot!

Easter Egg Deorating!

Wedding Ivitation Stuffing and Addressing!

This morning the kids woke up to a note from the Easter Bunny explaining the scavenger hunt he had left for them.  It was awesome!!!  Raelynn was able to read the clues and the kids both worked together to find the next clue which ultimately led them to their baskets.  We then went to church and then had a delicious lunch before heading home.

THE LORD IS RISEN!  HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

LIFE IS FULL.......

There has been so much going on I can hardly keep up, that is why it has been so long since I updated.  I have to get back to posting regularly because I am missing so much.  Raelynn and Coop are awesome!  Raelynn is working so hard on controlling her emotions and verbalizes everything she is feeling in such a mature manner it makes me laugh.  It does seem to be getting a little better though which is nice.  Coop just continues to get sweeter by the day.  He rough houses with Terry like crazy and growls and wrestles and then seconds later is kissing my cheek and telling me I look "cute" in my outfit.  He is going to make someone an amazing husband.  Oh yea, he is only 4 and I am not even close to being ready to share his love :).

Since my last post we have been out to Scott City for Chandler's birthday and are currently on our way out there yet again for a fundraiser.  Then starts are trips out for Steph's wedding related events.  I think we will be more than ready by the time June gets here and we are done with out every other weekend trips to Scott.  Chandler's birthday weekend was pretty fun.  I took her on a shopping spree and spent some one on one time with her which we haven't done since she was little.

CHANDLER ON HER SHOPPING SPREE!

CASSIDY AND COOP

COOP AND AUNT STEPH

CHANDLER AND RAELYNN

Then we moved into March Madness fun.  Way to go KU!  It is so exciting this time of year and we had a lot of fun cheering them on.  The basketball excitement continued she we found out that our good friends, The Ballards, would be moving to Tulsa as Brett had taken an Assistant Coaching job with Tulsa.  We are sooooo proud of him and so happy for the whole family.  I will miss Kelly so much though!!!  Their son, Kaden is one of Coop's best friends and I know he is going to miss him as well.  Almost daily Coop asks when he can have Kaden come for a sleep over before he moves away.  It is so sweet!

COOP BEING ORNERY

GO KU!

Last weekend we celebrated an early Easter with the Keefer's.  We always have a great time at Aunt Bonnie's and the kids had a blast!  Family time is always so much fun and the kids just love it out on their farm.

JAXON, COOP AND RAELYNN

AUNT CAROL AND COOP

We also got the honor of attending an induction ceremony into an honors organization.  We are so proud of her!!!

WOW, 'YA THINK THEY'RE RELATED???

WE LOVE OUR AUNT KARLI

Now we are headed to Scott City for a fundraiser on Saturday and then Easter on Sunday.  Then it is back to grind on Monday.  Fun, fun, fun!  My goal now is lot make regular posts again so I can remember all the adorable, funny and sometimes not so funny things the kids do.  Wish me luck!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!