The Keefer Family

RAELYNN'S PRAYER........

2012-01-23T21:18:00.000-06:00

Raelynn and I have been discussing what makes a good prayer and how to pray from her heart and not just a memorized prayer she has learned. Tonight, her prayer before dinner came from the heart.....

Dear God, thank you for this wonderful dinner. Thank you for Mom for making this meal for us. Thank you for the water that came from the stream, thank you for the salmon that came from the seas, thank you for the rice that we harvested, thank you for the yogurt that came from...............(long pause)..........the grocery store and thank you for the Ranch Dressing that came from the bottle. We love you God, Amen.

I held my laughter and thought about telling her where yogurt comes from but she had put so much effort forth to make a good and meaningful prayer I decided it was just fine for yogurt to just come from the grocery store and Ranch Dressing to come from the bottle!

OUTSTANDING WEEKEND.......

2012-01-22T21:41:00.000-06:00

This weekend was great! There was nothing special about it but things just seemed to go well and I loved every second of it. Saturday Coop did great at soccer. He played hard and celebrated when his team scored even if he wasn't the one to score! It really is amazing to watch these boys play. It is hard to believe they are only 4/5 year olds. While I had Coop at soccer, Aunt Karli took Raelynn to cheer. I really think we may have found her interest. She loves it and comes home smiling every time. She is learning some basics but really seems to like it. I promised her next week I would take her since I have missed it the past 2 weeks. After we all got home and had some lunch I started cleaning and Karli started cleaning up and recreating the entire Cooper's Cause Foundation contact list. I could not get them to transfer over from my old computer to the new one so it was quite an on taking. She worked all day and managed to get it done. She is such a huge help!!!!

Today we had church, birthday party, Girl Scout Cookie sales and swim practice so needless to say it was a little crazy. We were home by 5:30pm though and had a good evening together before we start another week. This week the Board of Directors will select the families to receive funding this year from Cooper's Cause Foundation. This is so exciting and I am fortunate enough to be the one that gets to contact the families which is the best ever. I can hardly wait!

Tonight I was watching the kids play and was just thinking how blessed we are. I would have never imagined the twists and turns our lives have taken but I also could not have imagined how wonderful it could be to have the family I have. I sometimes have to remind myself how lucky I am with a great husband and two amazing kids. It really is hard to not wonder what our future has in store for us, but what I do know is that I have all the tools to celebrate or overcome whatever it is!

THINGS ARE COASTING ALONE.............

2012-01-18T23:33:00.000-06:00

2012 has started pretty laid back for us which is fantastic! The kids seem to have less activities going on right now but it is really just a rearrangement of activities. I used to like to try to get all extracurricular activities done during the week so we had our weekends but I am finding out that having them on the weekends is so much easier and makes our weekdays a lot more low key.

Coop has been playing soccer since September and loves it. He is a good little player (I know, all parents think this :) ) and so competitive. It might be the difference between and girls and boys or maybe just the difference between Raelynn and Cooper but Coop is so much easier to watch play. He is constantly in the mix and working to get the ball and loves to score of course. Well this semester they have moved him up and he is now playing with the 5 year olds. They thought he needed the challenge. Saturday was his first practice and he was super excited. He was doing awesome, holding his own and even scored a goal. Remember these other kids are a year older than Coop and tower him. Well Coop didn't like that he wasn't scoring constantly and before I knew it he came running over to me crying because he wasn't getting the ball. I was so shocked because he is such a laid back kid I had never experienced anything like this with him. Besides that, I thought he was doing fantastic. The practice was much harder than he had last semester and all the kids were good but he was too. I found myself a little lost for words as his actions were so unexpected. I told him to get back out there and play as a team, it did not matter who scored it was a team sport! One of the coaches was right on it as well and came over scooping Coop up and taking him back out on the court. The rest of the practice/scrimmage Coop was half crying but never stopped playing. It was hilarious, he was sniffling and had a pouty lip out but continued to push himself through all the other boys to get to the ball. Needless to say we have talked a lot about team play and doing your best and working hard over the past few days. He seems to better understand but I can only hope we do not have the same reaction this week. On the way home I told him I didn't understand why he was so upset because he was playing amazingly. He responded, "I didn't win!" Knowing that his team did win even though we are not suppose to keep score I said, "Coop your team did win!" He said, "Well I didn't know that!" I think I might have a competitor on my hands!

So while Coop was playing soccer, Raelynn was at Cheer. Now this was a new experience for me and one I didn't like. See Raelynn had Cheer and noon on one side of town and Coop had soccer on the opposite side of town at the same time. Therefore, I dropped Raelynn off at her class 15 minutes early and then left to take Coop. I did not like leaving her one little bit. I was sick to my stomach. I left her with a cell phone and we went over all the rules and scenarios you could ever imagine. Raelynn was perfectly fine with it but I was struggling. Because of everything that happened at soccer, they ran a little late and then I had to talk to the coaches for a second so I was 20 minutes late picking Raelynn up. I had told her I would be about 15 minutes late. We were just getting in the car when my phone rang. It was Raelynn and she said, "Hi Mom!" "Are you doing ok sweetie, I'm on my way." "Oh yea, I'm fine there is just a guy here who thought I should call you." Yep that's me, "Mother of the Year!" I felt horrible! I guess one of the other parents asked Raelynn if she had a phone, she told him she did and he suggested she call me. She said she knew I was going to be late but just called to make the guy feel better. We talked the entire way until I got there. I hugged her forever to which she replied, "Mom, I'm 6, I can sit and wait for you for a few minutes!" She is getting so big and so grown up but I still told Terry that he was going to have to take an hour off on Saturdays to run one of the kids because I couldn't do all that again. When I initially enrolled Raelynn in this class Coop played soccer at 11am and I knew I could make it all work, but when they bumped him up to noon as well I knew I was in trouble. Anyway, all in all it worked out but for my own peace of mind I think we will not be doing that again!

Sunday Coop attended his best friends birthday party and had so much fun. It is just so crazy to me how fast he is growing up. There are parts that seem like a century ago but there are also so many things that seem like just yesterday. Coop and his buddy get along so well and had a blast bowling!

Other than that life has been pretty basic which I am enjoying. I have been spending much of my time setting up my new MacBookMacBook". I didn't really understand and just dismissed it until I received another email regarding "my purchase". The thought popped into my mind that maybe he ordered it but them I just felt bad for even thinking it. I couldn't quit thinking about it though and then started to get excited. I was trying not to be because I felt so selfish. I called Karli and asked her and when she told me she didn't know I could tell she was lying!!! Minutes later she text me a picture of it and told me to call Dad I was so shocked and excited I cried. It is an unbelievable gift! I am not sure he understands what a big deal it was to me but I know he knows I appreciate it. It is absolutely wonderful and super fast!

The other excitement this week has been that Raelynn convinced Coop to take showers instead of baths and now he showers without help. This makes bath/shower time so much quicker but another sign of how big my little boy is getting. The other is that Coop loves doing laundry. He is a master sorter and now puts the clothes in the washer. Sunday he even worked on getting them in the dryer.....we are still working on just putting clothes in the dryer!

DOES IT GET ANY CUTER THAN THIS????

2012-01-12T22:18:00.000-06:00

COOP AND ONE OF HIS BUDDIES AT PRESCHOOL!

AN EASY PEASY LEMMON SQUEEZY WEEK......

2012-01-12T08:56:00.000-06:00

This week has been sooooo easy. We haven't had too much going on and the kids have been wonderful. Last night Raelynn did EVERYTHING and wasn't asked to do any of it. The kids have been so helpful that we have had some time before bed to just snuggle or play a game and I think they are enjoying that. It may even be motivation to continue! Wouldn't that be great?!!

Saturday Raelynn had her first Cheer class and loved it! It seems that Raelynn hasn't really found anything that she really loved as far as extra curricular type things. She lives for the summer when she can do the horse shows and we swim year round but other sports she just hasn't really embraced. She has been asking to take dance for a couple years but I just haven't really done it because, one, it is very expensive and two, the girl has no rhythm :). Anyway, about 8 months ago she starting asking to take a cheer class. I hadn't pursued it too much until recently when she started really talking about it. So anyway, we went to a class on Saturday to see what she thought. She was in a class of kids about a year or more younger than her but it was the only beginner class there was. I was concerned about this as the social aspect is always a big deal to her. She came running out of the class saying, "Yes, Mom, I love it can I keep taking class?" So we are signed up and taking classes. It is a whole different world and much more on the side of dance. I had to laugh as I listened to some of the veteran parents talk about the outfits, hair, make up and competitions. So needless to say this could be interesting if her interest continues.

Sunday Raelynn's swim coach started a new class where the parents could participate in team practice along with the kids. I love this idea and I always want to get back into swimming but can never find the time. So now on Sunday afternoons Raelynn and I have swim team practice together. It was a great workout and Raelynn loved having me in the water too. Sometimes we are doing drills with the kids and sometimes the adults and kids are split. I think we are really going to enjoy it. It also gives me a chance to be in the water when Raelynn needs a little bit of encouragement to finish a drill.

Coop will start soccer back up this weekend. He has been moved up with the bigger kids and I am excited to see how he does. He's such a "go getter"! It will be fun to watch him progress and I can only hope he gets to continue playing.

Terry's sister brought this picture to me this week. This is the first "baby" picture of Terry we have every seen. I guess being the 4th child and an accident has it's disadvantages, heeheehee. Anyway, I about fell over when I saw the resemblance between he and Coop. I knew they looked alike but I had no idea how much until a I saw this.

Irene Miskimen, Jay Baker, Ronnie Lineberry, Cliff Lineberry, John Newman holding Terry Keefer

MY KIDS ARE HILARIOUS...........

2012-01-04T22:07:00.000-06:00

Conversation on the way home..........

I was complaining to the kids about how cold it got when the sun went down. Raelynn responds, "Man up Mom! It's not even cold!" This isn't the first time she has told me to "Man up" and if that wasn't funny enough Coop immediately says, "That is not cool Sissy, you shouldn't talk to Mommy like that!" We all cracked up! I love that my baby boy is already looking out for his Mommy!

On Monday we were at the grocery store. I guess the kids had been at home a few too many days because they were being crazy wild at the store which is something I do not allow. After I had "redirected" Cooper several times I was done. When I get really frustrated with the kids I kneel down, look at them face to face and scold them in nearly a whisper. This keeps us from making a scene in public and the kids have came to learn that this is when it is time to calm down. As I was face to face with Cooper scolding him I noticed that he was doing everything he could to keep from smiling. He was biting his bottom lip, putting his hands in his pockets and looking down which I do not allow, I make them look at me eye to eye. The harder he tried not to smile the faster the smile began to spread across his face and the next thing I knew I was doing everything I could not to smile. It didn't take long before we were both laughing. Trying so very hard to control my laughter, I continue to tell Cooper "This is not funny!" With his adorable little smirk and cute voice he says, "Then why are you laughing Mommy?" I told him I didn't know why I was laughing but they had to calm down and then I proceeded to set him in the cart where he had no choice but to be good. As Raelynn walked by Coop she throws him a glance and says, "Who's laughing now!" I tell 'ya, between Coop's humor and Raelynn's wittiness it is going to be a miracle if I can continue to raise them to be good, polite children!

So we started back to school this morning and both Raelynn and I and Terry and Coop made it to school early which is short of a miracle! Both kids were exhausted tonight which made for a easy bedtime. Luckily we have a pretty easy finish to the week and then more fun for the weekend.

BEST WEEKEND EVER..............

2011-12-31T11:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I took Coop to see the amazing Dr. Kelley for his 4 year well check. I call him the amazing Dr. Kelley because we truly love the man. I contribute both my kids health to him! We were scheduled to see him on Wednesday but Dr. Kelley was sick so they rescheduled us to Thursday and then after he still being sick we waited until Friday. After 2 days of being sick, he was still the sweet wonderful doctor he always is. Coop loves to see him and looks forward to completely disassembling his otoscope and then putting it back together which Dr. Kelley allows him to do each visit. Coop's check up was great. He weighs a big 30lbs and is 38.5 in tall!!! Even though he has only gained 2lbs in the past year he has made huge strides. Dr. Kelley was pleased and assured me our goal is for Coop to maintain his weight and we will worry about "beefing" him up when we get closer to his next surgery. As I ran this morning I was thinking about our past year and could not help but be amazed by how things have changed for us. I was thinking back to Coop's first 2 1/2 years when we were consumed by every little illness Coop got and with every surgery he had. We spent countless sleepless hours giving him feedings through NG tubes and medications and just trying to keep him comfortable. While we were doing that we were trying to keep things normal for Raelynn, keep our jobs and run normal lives. But now, now everything is so "normal". Coop doesn't seem so fragile and both the kids just seem like kids. I tell you it is wonderful!!! I have the greatest family ever and the truth is none of us would be who we are if we hadn't been through everything we have so I am greatly for it all!!!

After Coop's visit with Dr. Kelley we had to stop at the pharmacy to pick up some medicine. Our pharmacy is wonderful as well. Our pharmacist, Marvin, had purchased the tree that Cooper's Cause had made for the Festival of Trees. Marvin wanted to have a picture with Coop in front of his tree! My little celebrity!

So today we are doing nothing and everything together which is going to be a great day!!!! So far I have slept in (6am :) ) then went for a run and now have just finished watching Cars 2! I guess it's about time for a snack and more doing nothing and everything with my kids! This should be the perfect end to 2011 and a great start to 2012!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2011-12-28T23:41:00.000-06:00

We have had so much fun the past week or two it is hard to recap it all! Christmas was wonderful as always. We headed out to Scott City on Thursday night after Coop's Christmas Program. It was his first "Christmas Sing" and Terry was sure he would not sing at all. Boy did he prove him wrong. He not only sang but also had full actions going. It was adorable and we were very happy we waited til after his program to leave for Christmas.

Before the concert though, the kids had a little Christmas fun with Poho and each other!

Our trip out to Scott City was pretty good other than about 45 miles of black ice. We are getting pretty used to that though and this year stayed on the road :). They had a lot of snow though so the kids, mainly Coop, had a blast playing in the snow for the first time this year! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were wonderful. We ate way too much and the kids received a riduculous amount of gifts all of which were awesome! Terry and I did very well ourselves too :) I asked the kids after Christmas what their favorite part of Christmas was. They both of course said presents but they both also said being with our family and Christmas Eve Church Service. It made me very happy that they see more than just a time of presents.

We headed back home on Monday and I had the luxury of having Tuesday and Wednesday off too. On Tuesday as the kids played with all their new toys, Raelynn said "Mom, I love you! Thank you so much for taking today off from work. We love being home!" I felt so good to have the day with them. Tomorrow though is back to reality. Karli is here to watch the kids for the next couple days and then more family fun time with New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

'TIS THE SEASON............

2011-12-16T13:54:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we attended Cody's college graduation at K-State. Besides being at K-State, it was a great day! It is amazing that he and Steph are grown up and starting their lives as adults. Cody's family is wonderful and when we are all together it is just like we are all family and always have been. It was almost odd to me how "easy" it all was. I think we are all so lucky to have gained more family on both sides! I am also very proud of Cody for already having a good job to start in January.

Can you tell my kids LOVE Cody!

Christmas is quickly approaching and we have a long list of Christmas Traditions in our family. When Raelynn was first born I was determined to start some traditions of our own while also maintaining those I had a child. I have successfully done that and now am wondering what I was thinking! Raelynn is now adding some of her own as well. Our traditions begin the day after Thanksgiving. Each of the kids get to go shopping for the year's Christmas ornament, we decorate the house and then we go downtown to watch the arrival of Santa Claus. Another tradition is our Elf on the Shelf. Most people are familiar with this, but to sum it up it is this little Elf doll that, according to the story, watches the children during the day and then reports to Santa at night. He is full of magic but if the children ever touch him he will loose his magic. The fun for the parents is where the Elf will be when the children awake the next morning;. It is definitely a challenge but this year it is almost a competition. With facebook documenting the creativity of parents and Pinterest overflowing with ideas, it has become a very big part of our late nights. The kids jump out of bed in the mornings to see where the Elf is and this year he is ornery. We have found him hanging from fans, making snow angels in sugar on the counters, sitting on the floor looking at the kids scrapbooks, in cupboards, hanging from the microwave, peaking out of drawers with the contents of the drawer all over the floor and who knows where else. The Elf appears December 1st and then magically disappears the night of Christmas Eve when he makes his last report to Santa. We also do the 12 Days of Christmas. Starting 12 days before Christmas, the kids get a surprise in their stockings each day. This is big project for me because the gifts start out small and get bigger as we get closer to Christmas. It is so hard for me because the gifts have to be equal, not too big/expensive and not all candy or sweets. It is another part of our exciting mornings. Raelynn is really into Christmas. It is all wonderful to her and her favorite holiday by far. Coop, however, just keeps referring to it as Halloween so I am not sure but I am thinking Halloween makes a bigger impact on him. Anyway, last year right before Christmas Raelynn said she wanted to adopt a family for Christmas. I don't remember where she had gotten the idea but I just remember it was too close to Christmas for us to get it all together. I told her last year if she saved money all year I would let her adopt a family this year. Well she never forgot and in November we adopted a family. There are specific items you are required to purchase; an outfit for each family member, a gift from their list and a GC to a grocery store for their Christmas dinner. So we chose our family and Raelynn began shopping. She did a great job and had fun doing it. I loved that she has chosen to do this and she said it was going to be her tradition. This week we delivered the gifts to the organization that we adopted the family through. I had spoke with Raelynn's teacher and she had agreed to let Raelynn miss the first few minutes of school so she could deliver her gifts. I thought this would be such a great learning experience for her but with my sensitive daughter it did not turn out as well as I had thought. We went to the organization and Raelynn got to see some of the children that benefited from this organization as they came in. Unfortunately, after actually seeing these kids she became very sad. As we left she asked if we could go get them some more presents and if they could come to our Christmas. It was so touching but also I think a little disturbing to her. Every since then, when she asks for something or we are at the store and she requests to buy something she also asked the price and if it is too expensive. She has offered to pay half of some things with her money and has said on multiple occasions she loves our home and just never wants to move or have to leave. Although this all may seem sweet and great that she is learning that we have to be grateful for everything we have, it is also disturbing to me that my 6 year old is so concerned with our financial well being. I worry about that enough for the whole family! I am just hopeful that teaching her this lesson does not cause her ulcers in the long run!!! Everyday I realize my daughter is me exactly wrapped up in a 6 year old's body!

So as I have one learning life's lessons, the other is just plain learning! We were headed home on Tuesday night when Coop saw a semi. He saids, "That's a Milk Truck! It takes milk to the grocery store." I glanced over and sure enough it was. I ask him, "How does the milk get on the truck?" "The worker guys load it on the truck" he replies. "Ok, but where do the worker guys get the milk?" I asked smiling from his last answer. "They get it from the store Mom!" I laugh and say, "No they take it to the store but the milk really comes from cows." Coop looks at me completely confused, "Cows can't stir and some of that milk is chocolate milk!!!" Of course I laughed and we discussed it a little further. Later that evening I am telling Raelynn and Terry about it and Coop asks, "how do they get the milk out of the cow?" Raelynn replies with little hesitation, "out of those little wiener things". Terry and I laughed and Terry explained the proper terms. Oh my kids are such city kids!!!!

So we are on the home stretch to Christmas. We have to finish out this week and half of next and then back to Scott City for Christmas. It will be so nice to have a break because literally we do nothing why we are there except eat :)! It is awesome. We cannot wait for some great family time!!!

DECEMBER CRAZINESS!

2011-12-08T22:25:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love this time of year. Regardless that it is absolutely packed with things to do, it is awesome. Having kids just makes it that much more fun!

Sunday, Cooper and Raelynn had their Horse Show Awards Banquet. They both placed and received some awesome prizes including spurs for Raelynn. I think I am going to have to accept that these horse competitions are going to be a part of our life because the kids are so into it. They have a Junior club within the circuit that is ran by the youth with just a couple adult sponsors to watch over them. On Sunday night at the banquet they announced that the youth were meeting over on the side to elect their officers. Raelynn got right up and headed over there. Now we have never done anything with this group and I didn't even know what it was about so I followed her over. Raelynn has seen how meetings are conducted from time to time just because of Cooper's Cause but the girl just jump right in. She nominated her cousin for one position and then when they asked for a representative for the 9 and under, she nominated herself. It was pretty funny. So she and this older girl were who were being voted on and she only lost by 1 vote which is just crazy since she is just new to all of this and the other girl was much older. Anyway, she was disappointed but I assured her I was just proud that she wanted to be involved. She was really disappointed when she found out her own brother chose not to vote and if he had it would have been a tie and then they would have given a speech and she was convinced she would have won them over! So the elections continued and for VP Raelynn didn't vote and it was a tie. They had the girls give a short speech and the Raelynn placed her vote. In my opinion she chose the right one as she was well spoken and had ideas and plans to carry out throughout the year. When we were headed home I expressed to Raelynn that I was impressed with her choice as I too thought the girl she chose what the best choice. Raelynn responds, "Yea she was the tallest, that is why I chose her. I really had no idea what she was talking about but I had to choose one so I picked the tallest!" My pride was crushed but laughter filled its placed and just reminded me that she is only 6.

Tuesday night was Raelynn's Winter Music Program. Last year she barely sang and I expected the same this year but I was pleasantly surprised. The girl sang the whole time and was soooo animated! Hopefully you can see some of it in the videos and pics below! Oh and by the way, we had quite the entertainment before the show too............

Photo Book

2011-12-04T23:08:00.001-06:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARLI!!!!!!!

2011-12-01T01:57:00.000-06:00

Tonight we went over to Topeka to celebrate Karli's 19th Birthday! Oh what I would give to be 19 again :) We had a good time and great food. Karli is an unbelievable person and deserves the very best of everything. There are few poeple I know that are as good and caring as she is. She has certainly made me proud to watch her grow into the amazing person she is now. We love you Karli and cannot thank you enough for all the help you give us!

Last night was the Festival of Trees Auction. Cooper's Cause Foundation has made a tree for the auction for the past couple years and we have had a lot of fun with it. This year our tree went for $550! We are so happy to help raise money for another worthy cause!

I wanted to post some pics from Coop's Bithday celebrations over the weekend!!!

Coop and Aunt Steph

Coop and Aunt Karli

Can you see the love???

Coop and Karli's roommate, Yung

He is kind of a comedian!

I am pulling an "all nighter" tonight to get caught up. I am going strong so far but still have a couple projects to complete. By tomorrow night I should be ready sleep, sleep and sleep. As for tonight....sleep will have to wait!

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

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000-06:00

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.................

2011-11-27T19:30:00.000-06:00

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................

2011-11-17T21:38:00.001-06:00

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...........

2011-11-16T00:05:00.000-06:00

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...........

2011-11-14T22:17:00.000-06:00

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............

2011-11-05T21:34:00.000-05:00

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!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME..........

2011-10-24T22:01:00.000-05:00

I won't disclose my age, but regardless how I pictured my life at this age, it is better than I could have ever dreamed. I have an amazing family and that is all anyone could ever want. My day started out just as usual. I got to work and Tom and Valerie had some birthday surprises for me. Tom bought me a box of cheerios for my breakfast treat and a box of doughnut holes for them to celebrate my birthday with. It was pretty funny considering it was right on target as he knew I would never eat the doughnuts. I received my favorite perfume from Valerie which I told her she might regret tomorrow as it has been awhile since I had it so I might get a little carried away with it tomorrow :) The best part of the day though was when I got home. Karli had came and was cooking me an incredible dinner. Steph also came which was a wonderful surprise. So the evening was spent with my terrific husband, amazing kids and fabulous sisters.....it was perfect! Dinner was delicious and I am pretty sure I ate enough for 5 people! The entertainment was pretty good too.................

Needless to say, we were laughing most of the night. What I didn't catch on video that was equally as funny was Coop imitating Steph! Anyway, it was an awesome night. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's 29th birthday a memorable one. I think this has been my favorite 29th birthday yet!

Really??? Why does it do this??? Oh well, my wonderful family!

ONE LAST BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND..........

2011-10-23T21:34:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful weekend! The weather has been amazing! It is hard to believe I spent last week freezing in sweaters. Friday night we went to the LHS Football Game to watch Raelynn cheer/dance. I have to say......I am not sure that cheering or dancing is in her future but you can judge for yourself!

So as you can see it gave us a few good laughs but Raelynn had so much fun. It is a fun thing for the kids to do.

Coop happy to watch his sis cheer! (Truth is happy to be watching football!)

Saturday was a crazy busy day but I managed to get the house clean which was on the top of my list. I started the day with a run on the treadmill in our new workout room. We are finishing our basement slowly one room at a time but the workout room is finished! Thanks Terry! We had a PSA recording for the foundation at 9am and then home to get ready for soccer at noon. That was a little frustrating much as the entire season has been. I suppose it is the age but it is hard to watch. Raelynn has a blast and loves it but I don't feel like she puts forward much effort or really cares whether she wins or looses. Anyway, to a competitive Mom like me, it is like slow torture. Anyway, we have the winter to regroup and we will see if she still chooses to play in the spring. After soccer we headed to a play date with friends, Ian and Henry. The kids had a great time and their Mom and I got to chat as well which was really nice. I sometimes forget what it's like to just sit and chat with another Mom and share ideas. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. We washed and vacuumed the car after that and then headed home for some hard core cleaning. The kids were fantastic all day.

Today we slept in until 7:30am or so. We got up and I started making some fun breakfast cinnamon rolls. Today could not have began any better as Raelynn was in the living room watching cartoons. As I was putting the rolls in the oven she says, "Mom, when you get breakfast started could you snuggle with me for a couple minutes?" She didn't have to ask twice and that is pretty much how the whole day went. After breakfast we got ready and headed to church. The weather was incredible. We took a trip to the park and rode bikes and scooters this afternoon. Aunt Karli was here as well so we shared some good laughs and quality time together. It really was what weekends are suppose to be all about. I just wish I had just one more day to do it all over again.

KEEPING UP............

2011-10-19T22:42:00.001-05:00

It seems to be getting harder and harder to keep this blog up! What really makes me sad is that I use this as a journal for the kids to have when they get older and I am afraid I am going to miss something important that I want them always to remember. However, maybe they will know or remember anyway :)

Last week was an average week. Coop had school pics on Wednesday which of course were his first school pics. I got him up a little earlier so I could fix his hair before I left to read at Raelynn's school. As I finished I told Coop to smile like he was going to for pictures and this is what I got..........

His teacher promises me he smiled perfectly but we'll see!

Friday we took Coop in to see Dr. Kelley. We were getting a little concerned about how skinny he was looking and a few other unusual things we were noticing. Luckily the check up was great and Coop is just fine. He weighed in at 30lbs which is just 2lbs more than a year ago but still a gain. On the other side he grew 1 3/4 "which is great. His height is actually average which explains why he is looking so thin as he spreads what little meat he has on his bones even further. All in all, with a few adjustments he is doing fantastic!

Over the weekend the family was here for our annual pumpkin patch trip which is always fun! The kids had fun and I loved all the homemade goodies. They have the most amazing cookies ever!!!

Sunday Raelynn had a cheer clinic and then will be performing at the LHS game this Friday night. She had a wonderful time and when she got home and we were all ready for bed, she wanted to teach her brother what she had learned and show me the cheers and dance. However, Coop had his own agenda as always and he did what he could to steal the stage. (Don't forget to scroll to the bottom and pause the music on the blog so you can hear the video)

I cannot help but laugh! He is hilarious and Raelynn tries so hard to be patient....most of the time!

Today Raelynn invited me to join her for lunch at school. She had earned 10 Gold Slips so we got to eat in her classroom. It was awesome. There were a handful of other kids that ate with us and we just chatted away. It was really great and I love getting to see a part of her day I usually don't get to. The kids were awesome too. Since I read to the kids in the mornings, there are several I am getting to know and as I walk down the hall they all are eager to say Hi and wave which brings a smile to my face every time. I just love being involved with the school and kids!

Tonight was a fantastic night at home. We had nothing after school and work so we were able to come straight home. We rode bikes and did homework and made dinner together. I don't think I said "hurry" one time which is nice. The kids love being home together too and their conversations and play are more entertaining than any TV show could be. I am just so blessed to have such an amazing family!

FALL IS IN THE AIR..................

2011-10-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend fall was all around us. The trees are changing and the winds are blowing. The only crazy thing is that it is still super warm which I love!!! I usually am not a big fan of fall but this year we have all the good parts without the cold. I decorated the house last weekend and lit some fall scented candles so it is all starting to get cozy around here!

On Friday I got to go to the pumpkin patch with Coop for preschool. It was so windy and dusty that we got disgustingly dirty but had a blast. He picked out the perfect pumpkin, one he could carry by himself. We played hard and I finally got to meet some of the kids he talks about. He is just growing by leaps and bounds not only in size but in maturity as well.

Tonight I reminded him he had school pictures Wednesday and said we would have to find him something cute to wear. He said, "maybe I should wear my tie!" He is such a cutie! Tonight we were at swimming lessons and after his lesson he says, "watch Mommy I can swim by myself." He jumps in the pool and swims from the side across the lane to the rope. I cheered and congratulated him. Then he attempted to swim back. He got half way and decided it was too far and turned back around to the rope but the rope looked too far too and he turned back around to the side. He started to panicked and inside so did I but I encouraged him to go back to the rope which he did but he scared himself. He held tight to the rope and cried like crazy. I had yanked my jacket off and was getting pretty close to going in to get him when one of the instructors came over to help. We got him out of the pool and he held on so tight. I wanted to just hold him and console him but I also knew I didn't want him scared so I loosened his grip and with a big smile told him how proud I was of him. I had him look out at the pool and see how far he swam by himself. He eventually smiled and hopefully won't be too spooked next time.

Raelynn is doing great in school and I am amazed at what she is learning. She knows addition, subtraction and is working on multiplication; she knows prepositions and what quotations are used for. I ask her often if she is learning all this in school and sometimes she says yes and sometimes she says at Boys and Girls Club and sometimes she says from older kids. What I do know is she is like a sponge and absorbs everything! I know for a fact I did not know the things she knows at 6! Tonight she informed me she was publishing a book! She followed it up by, "well not with a professional publisher but Mrs. Shireman is helping us publish our books.........Mom I don't know what I want to be when I grow up." I assured her she had time and would probably change her mind several times until she settled on a career. She asked what if she never decides and I said, "Well then I guess it is a good thing Dad is finishing the basement so you can live down there." We both laughed! A few nights ago after we read her story and we were laying in bed talking and she says, "Mom you know people that are special are the nicest?" "What do you mean?" "You know, people that are special like "Susie" (a girl at her school who is in a wheelchair) she is special and she is so nice, and you know "Jenny" (another girl from her school with cerebral palsy) she is special and she's really nice too, and I am nice and I am special because I am really good at math." I chuckled and said "well I don't think being good at math makes you special." Raelynn is very serious and says, "I know, having a special brother like Cooper is what makes me special and that's why I am nice." I assured her there were many reasons she was special and being nice was just one of those. I sometimes wish I could crawl in her mind and see her every thought because the thoughts that come out amaze me and I can only imagine those that don't!

Last week I joined the Daisy Troop on a trip to the zoo and we had a blast!

Today is my parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary! That is an incredibly long time and to survive 4 daughters makes it that much more amazing! I love them both very much and am extremely fortunate to have grown up with them both!!!!

OUR LITTLE COMPUTER GEEK!!!

2011-09-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Coop just gets cuter and cuter everyday. Aunt Karli and I were in the kitchen talking away and Coop much have decided he needed some computer time because he snatched Aunt Karli's and kept himself busy!

THE CALM AFTER THE STORM..............

2011-09-27T22:37:00.000-05:00

So the Cooper's Cause Foundation 4th Annual 5K has passed and it was a great success! We had an increase in participants, sponsorship and fun! When I sit back and think about what the foundation is doing and how many people are helping, I can hardly believe it. It is absolutely amazing to me what it has become. I sometimes think about what Cooper will think of the foundation and whether he will find it as wonderful as we do. Watching Raelynn and her will to do charitable acts gives me hope that Cooper too will see how important it is to give back to those who helped us and to give to those who are not as fortunate as we are. Raelynn recently opened her own charitable account at the bank and named it, Raelynn Cares. She saved up $100 and opened the account. She is saving to adopt a family for Christmas which was entirely her idea. She heard about it last Christmas and insisted that she wanted to save for this year. So save she has. Anyway, I want my kids to understand and cherish the importance of doing things for others. I used to think it was important to do for others with no benefit to yourself but I have found that those two concepts are impossibly connected because when you do for others there is no possible way to not benefit yourself. That was never our intention, to benefit ourselves, but when I see families we have helped or see families that have been affected by little ones with heart defects I cannot help but feel proud and happy and love so I benefit without even intending too. Anyway, every event just re-energizes me to push harder and raise more money. I always stop after every large project and set new goals that focus on what I could do better for the next project in life whether that project be a small one or another large one. I focus my goals on family, faith and professional. So with new goals set, I am on to the next project which encompasses October through January. It should be another exciting quarter!

Coop got a little bashful as everyone cheered him on in the Raelynn's Rock Star Run

Who knew Raelynn could run!

The kids are doing great. They both LOVE school which makes our lives super easy. Each night I have both Raelynn and Coop sit and work on homework for 15 to 20 minutes. If they don't have any we take some out of some workbooks I had picked up at Sam's Club for preschool and K-2nd Grade. The idea is just to develop good study habits. It is funny to watch them as they are such a distraction to one another. Raelynn is constantly trying to tell Coop how to do his homework and Coop is constantly trying to write on Raelynn's homework. I know I shouldn't enjoy watching them pick on each other but I love it. They generally get along so well that when they don't I find it a little fun. Last night we had nothing going on so we came home right after work which we don't get to do very often. The kids played on their scooters for awhile and then we came inside. The kids took their shoes off and headed back to their rooms to put them away. Raelynn was slightly in front of Coop. Raelynn said something and Coop copied her. "Cooper quit copying me!" Raelynn replied to which Coop of course said, "Cooper Quit copying me!" Raelynn gave one last shout, "Cooper I said to stop copying me!" With a giggle Coop mimicked, "Cooper I said to stop copying me!" Then I hear both pairs of shoes hit the floor and Coop scream as Raelynn turned around to chase him. She chased him all around the house while the two of them giggled so hard. Terry and I were laughing as well. Terry said they reminded him so much of he and Gary and I too could relate. We cheered them on until they were both exhausted. It was an all around fun, relaxing and wonderful evening at home.

This week seems so low key compared to the past month or two so I plan to do some catch up work and hopefully soon feel like I am back on top of everything just in time to start the holiday craziness if that is even possible already!!!!

FUN TIMES............

2011-09-18T22:29:00.000-05:00

It seems like it has been so long since my last post! Last Saturday was a crazy busy day but a lot of fun. We started the morning with Raelynn's Soccer Game. She loves soccer but this year they plan on a much bigger field and well, my daughter is not in very good shape :) The girls are exhausted by the end of the game. After that some friends and Aunt Karli joined us and we headed down town for the Band Day Parade.

It was pretty fun but the highlight was definitely visiting 3 Spoons afterwards! Then it was back home to eat a bite and then off to the football game. We try to get the kids to a couple games of each sport every year. The older the kids get the more fun it is. We were kind of split up this time with Raelynn and I a few rows in front of Karli and Coop and then a few more rows from Terry. It was no big deal to be split up but it really turned out to be pretty fun. Raelynn and I talked a lot about the rules of the game and what was going on. I know the fact that I was educating our daughter on football terrifies Terry but we had this wonderful older couple next to us who filled in all the gaps. The kids were absolutely exhausted when we got home but had a great time!

Sunday was the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 of course. On the way to church I talked to Raelynn and Cooper about what 9/11 was and what it means today. As I began to describe what happened on 9/11 Raelynn took over and explained to Coop what happened. As she finished up what she knew I asked her if they had been talking about it at school because she seemed to know much more than I thought she would. She replied, "No , I saw it this morning on CNN." CNN at age 6? I am not sure how I feel about that but at that particular time I was really pretty proud of what she knew.

The rest of the week flew by. On Thursday morning Raelynn left with Aunt Bonnie to the State Fair. I cried for 30 minutes after dropping her off! I knew she would be fine but it still tugs at my heart. She had an amazing time! She returned Saturday night and was all smiles. Other than being a little cold, she had a great time. Besides the excitement of Raelynn returning on Saturday we also had so much fun wedding dress shopping with Steph. The bridesmaids and mothers joined Steph in KC for some shopping. She found a BEAUTIFUL dress and had a great time. We also got the bridesmaids dresses so it turned out to be a very successful day. It is so much fun watching her prepare for her wedding. I get so excited thinking about this next stage of life because I know how great it can be. I can't wait for her to experience it too.

Next weekend is the CCF 5K! I hope anyone in the area can make it. We have some sort of media coverage everyday this week except Wednesday. I hope this gets the word out for participants as well as letting people know we will begin taking applications for funding next month. This is all so exciting and so unbelievably rewarding! I don't know that I could be any more fortunate than I already am being given the opportunity to help so families just like ours!

I HAVE A BORING JOB AND I AM A BAD COOK :)..............

2011-09-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

Every year Terry's niece, Wendi, and her husband have a huge party with wonderful food and fun bands. So Sunday night we all headed out to their farm in Oskaloosa. We had to drag the kids away as they were having too much fun dancing to the band. The pics are pretty dark but I think you will get the idea! They both dance better than either Terry or I!

My 6 year old has a HUGE sense of humor and thank goodness so do I. On Tuesday Raelynn did not have school nor did they have Boys and Girls Club so Raelynn spent the morning with me at work until Aunt Karli finished classes at college and then she came and picked her up around 11am. Raelynn did fantastic at work. She wrote in her journal and played her DSi and was just fantastic letting me work which was good because I was swamped. Anyway, the phone was literally ringing non stop. At one point I had just hung up the phone and it rang again. Raelynn says, "Jeez People! Give my Mom a break!" I giggled as I answered the phone. Once I was finished with the call Raelynn says, I swear this is exactly what she said, "Is this what you do all day, listen to people and take care of their needs?" "Well pretty much!" I responded. She decided being in the insurance business was not really for her! After a bit she says, "Mom are you bored?" "No, why, are you?" "Uh yea like 2 hours ago!" Good thing Aunt Karli was on her way! I actually really enjoyed having her there for a few little chuckles throughout an insane morning.

The rest of the week went as most weeks do, fun but busy. Then last night Raelynn decided to inform me that I am a bad cook. She has gotten to be a pretty picky eater and does not care for meat of any kind. Every night I cook a homemade meal for us all to sit and eat together. Last night we are eating and Terry or I commented that Coop was a good eater and that Raelynn used to be. Terry says to her that she used to try everything. Raelynn responds that she always tried everything at Mary Beth's. That started a whole conversation about how Grandma Karen at Mary Beth's is a good cook and makes everything from scratch. When I pointed out that I too made things from scratch Raelynn responds, "No you use a recipe, Grandma Karen doesn't need a recipe she just knows how to make things!" So basically my daughter let me know that my cooking stinks and considering I don't really like cooking but do it almost every single night, I took the comments pretty hard. I am only kidding, it was all in good fun and Raelynn knew exactly what buttons she was pushing! I shared the story with Karen this morning when I dropped Coop off and she could only laugh and remind me that she has had many years of practice! However, I am pretty sure I will never compare no matter how many years I pactice! :)

There are so many things that we try to teach the kids and set good examples but you always wonder if it is really sinking in. Last night on our way home from school Raelynn says, "Mom, John (I changed the kids name :) ) doesn't believe in God, can you imagine not believing in God?!" I let her know that there were always going to be people that don't believe the same things she does but she needed to just stand strong in her beliefs. She responds, "Well I told him he should believe in God because God believed in him and he just needed to have faith." I was a little taken back by this very mature response so I asked her if she knew what it meant to have faith. She says, "yea it means you believe it in your heart and you can't really see it but you can feel it and so you know its real." I told her I was very proud of her and God would be proud too. Then she says, "Mom what will happen to John when he dies if he doesn't believe in God". Oh boy, I wasn't really ready for that one so I took a deep breath and I said, "well honey, those that don't believe in God spend eternity which means forever even after they die with the devil in a very sad place." Raelynn looks at me with her big brown eyes filled with tears and says, "that's awful, I will talk to John tomorrow, can you imagine never getting be in heaven!" By this time there are tears in my eyes and all I can do is look at her in awe, I cannot imagine having the maturity and confidence that she has at 6.

So we started our weekend out right just chillin' at home tonight. The kids started playing Mario Cart on the Wii and got in full gear for their race. Lots more fun to come.....

ALL SCHOOL PARK DAY FOR COOP!

2011-09-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

Today was all school park day at Coop's Preschool. This is a day that the entire preschool gets to spend the morning at the park with their parents. It is a time meant to let the families get to know each other. I never got to go when Raelynn was in school and it was no different with Coop. Fortunately Terry worked things out so he could take him. It is a fun day for them and Terry was able to meet a couple of the parents I have been looking forward to meeting :)

Both of the kids were pretty tired this morning after spending Thursday evening with friends at the KU Pep Rally. We have such awesome friends to take the kids to the Pep Rally, McDonald's and then to their house to play while Terry and I attended curriculum night at Raelynn's school. When I was putting Coop to bed I asked him if he had fun. He responded, "Oh we had sooo much fun we almost exploded!" Now that's some fun! Anyway, while the kids were having a fantastic time Terry and I got to hear from Raelynn's teacher about her plans for the year. I am more than pleased with her focus on reading and math and cannot wait to watch Raelynn develop. We are only a few weeks into school and Raelynn is already reading more than I have ever seen her and she writes me messages and notes everywhere. They are not often spelled correctly but phonetically she is doing amazing. She is also understanding math better than I ever did at her age and I really liked math. She is teaching Coop as well. Tonight As I was making dinner they were having a little snack of veggie sticks. As they ate Raelynn asked Coop, "Ok if you have 6 veggie sticks and I take 2 away how many do you have?" Coop did not even pause and responded "4!" Then he says to Raelynn, "If I have 8 veggie sticks and I eat 3"......he precedes to eat 3 of Raelynn's veggie sticks......"how many are left?" Raelynn turns to me, "Mom! Coop ate my veggie sticks!" Coop defends himself by saying, "well I was just helping her learn math!" Never mind the big smile he has on his face!!! I couldn't help but laugh and neither could Raelynn. So she reaches over and takes Coop's bowl with his veggie sticks and says, "Well I am just helping you learn discipline!" As I laughed I decided enough was enough and took everyone's veggie sticks and even though they were frustrated I was cracking up inside!

So the perfect start to a perfectly wonderful long weekend!

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

2011-08-29T23:21:00.000-05:00

After Terry being gone for a few days you would have thought the weekend would have been a little calmer when he returned but instead we were just getting warmed up! Terry left early Thursday morning for a golf tournament. We did great getting ready and getting everyone where they needed to be and then had a fun evening. When it came to going to bed though Coop missed his Daddy! Terry always puts Coop to bed and the tears just ran as he held on to me telling me in a meek quiet voice that he missed Daddy and wanted to know why he wasn't home. It was so heartbreaking and cute at the same time. We managed to cuddle enough that Coop finally fell asleep and all was fine when he awoke Friday. Terry got back Friday night and had a good time. Karli and her college roommate, Yung, came up Friday night as well and spent the weekend. I was a little cautious about the kids reaction to Yung as she speaks little English and I wasn't sure how the kids would react. Well I guess I was worried about nothing because they talked to her and communicated better than Karli or I. Coop really latched on to her and she seemed to understand him really well. He made her play ALL weekend and it may be that she will never want to come back but she seemed to enjoy herself.

Raelynn had her first soccer game of the season and they got smashed. The field is twice as big and they have goalies this year. Raelynn was exhausted from running the field. Hayden spent the rest of the day and night with us so we did a lot of playing including time outdoors.

Karli can be prety silly sometimes which makes for a fun afternoon.

We also had some indoor fun making sugar cookies and then pizzas for dinner.

Raelynn and Cooper introducing Yung to Disney Channel

Hayden, Raelynn, Yung, Coop and Aunt Karli's arm making Cookies

Our evening ended with a Justin Beiber movie, of course Sunday we ha church, 2 meetings and a birthday party so there was no time for rest. But who would want to rest when you are having so much fun!

Tonight the kids were great. On the way home from swimming lessons Coop informs me that he wants a new family. When I asked why he wanted a new family he said, "Because you and Daddy are old." Raelynn piped in immediately saying,"Mommy's not old, just Daddy." As soon as I got done laughing I asked Coop why he wanted a new family and who he would like me to talk to to see if they would be his new family. He said he wanted Terry and Kristi. I explained Daddy and I were Terry and Krsti. He said, "No we pretend you are Terry and Kristi, they are the new family and you nd Daddy are the old family. In fear that I was going to get really confused, I turned to Raelynn and asked her if she wanted a new family too. She responded, "Sure I would take a new family but only for a a little while, remember I don't like to get rid of anything old!" How true that is. For the time being Coop and Raelynn are both letting us stay :)

Raelynn pulled her 2nd tooth tonight, finally! I will never be able to explain how I can insert a feeding tube, assist in changing an arterial line, drain blood after open heart surgery, hold my kids down while getting stitches with no anthestetics.........but pulling a tooth wigs me out!!! Raelynn has to pull her own teeth and this one was holding on a little long. But tonight as she sat on the counter in front of the mirror, we were uploading pics to facebook when she says, "Mom I got it." It was so matter a fact like and then she just cracked up and started running around. Now I just hope Raelynn can take the tooth fairy's credit card because the tooth fairy never seems to have cash these days!!!! We are waiting for the money fairy to get home and hopefully he can save the tooth fairy :)

THEY ARE JUST WHAT I NEED..........

2011-08-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days, nothing was really wrong but it just wasn't a great day. Some things are bothering me, nothing that is a huge deal but you know one of those days. I call these my "Fat Days". I had an old friend who termed days like these "Fat Days" for us because you just don't feel good about anything. Sometimes there is a reason, other times there are so many you can't pin point just one. Anyway, that was today for me, that is until I picked up the kids. It is a mad rush for me now after I get off work at 5 I have both kids at different places and they both have to be picked up by 5:30. This is turning out to be a daily challenge. So I am rushing to get Raelynn, I run in and she comes walking down the hall with this huge smile and a picture she had drawn in her hand. She instantly yells for me and comes running to give me a hug. She is instantly joking around and chattering about this and that. I am already smiling. As we sign her out and rush out to the car to head of to get Coop she says "Mom, look at my picture and I have a story to go with it." The one thing I have been working really hard on and even told the kids I was working on it is to stop when I am rushing if the kids need my attention. So I took a deep breath and as I am buckling up and starting the car I have her hand me her pic. I take a look at it and then let her know I have it in my mind so now she can tell me the story as we drive to get Coop. The story went like this.......

This is me in a wedding dress and this in Justin Beiber in a tuxedo. We are getting married. This is Daddy and he is a monster coming after us (she says with a big giggle) He brings me back home. Then Justin Beiber comes and gets me again and this monster is you (she laughs again) You bring me back home again. Then Justin Beiber comes and lives with us because you won't let me leave and he kisses me.

She is laughing so hard by this time and I am laughing too. Then she says, "You know Mom I am going to grow up and marry Justin Beiber." "I almost guarantee you will not marry Justin Beiber", I tell her. "I know but you know I will have to leave and get married to someone but don't worry if you don't get rid of the stuff in my room we will come and stay with you too." "Ok but can we wait awhile before we talk about that and can you just be 6?" I ask her. Raelynn responds with laughter in her voice, "Oh Mom you're so silly, I love you and Dad and I will always need you and I will have to grow up and leave but I won't go far I promise."

So by the time we get to Mary Beth's we are both laughing and I had forgot all about my "Fat Day". Then Coop comes running.....Mommy! I get the biggest hug! He jumps in the car and give Raelynn a huge hug. As I buckle him in Raelynn asks how his day was and how school went. He tells her the A/C wasn't working but it was fun. He then asked her how her school was and she starts telling him her story about she and Justin Beiber. When she gets to the end and tells him about them kissing, Coop covers his face and says "Oh Brother!" It was hilarious!

The rest of the evening was just as great! Thank you Raelynn and Coop for ending my Fat Day!

COOPER'S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL.....

2011-08-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today was Coop's first day of preschool. I cannot even explain to you how I feel about him at this point. I guess, unless you have been on the journey with us, it is hard to explain. For 2 1/2 years we were concerned if we gave his meds at Q8 or Q12 and that each of his 13 meds were given with or without food. We were concerned with how he was going to learn to eat and whether or not a G-tube would have to be inserted. We fought with him pulling out the NG Tube. We operated on little sleep with less than 3hours between feedings and meds and any given time within a 24 hour day. We were concerned with his color and his O2 level. We were concerned with the viruses he was exposed to with his weak immune system. Then there was the scare with seizures and when his next surgery would be and if it would be as horrible as his second surgery and if we would loose him. During these 2 1/2 years it really didn't seem that bad and it was just what we had to do for Coop. But over the last year that has all changed. Cooper is eating and off meds. He is energetic and a pale pink most of the time. He is ornery and smart and so very "normal". I guess it just seems that we have not had 3 1/2 years to watch him grow and enjoy all the little things but instead we have had 1 year and it has been an amazing year. So in one short year Cooper has completely changed and it just seems that he has done 3 1/2 years of growing in 1 short whirlwind of a year. I guess that is what made today a little more emotional for me.

Today was a short introductory day at preschool. The parents stayed and they were there just an hour. I met Terry and Coop there to see him in on his first day and then I headed to work, but before I did I just stood at the door and watched. I watched Coop sit there with Terry and do what all the other kids did and do it well. Tears swelled in my eyes partly out of pride but mostly out of pure love and thankfulness. I remember early on before even Coop's 2nd surgery I used to pray to God that that if he was going to take Coop that he would do it quickly before I got too attached. Now I pray that if he is going to take Coop, just to give me one more day, one more second, one more breath! I love him so much and it just grows stronger day by day. I am so excited to watch him develop even more throughout this year.

He was absolutely adorable this morning and loved preschool. I asked him on the way home if he was excited to go back to preschool on Wednesday, he said with a big smile, "Yep!" Then tonight as I lay with him at bedtime he held up his hand and said, "I have 5 fingers" and preceded to count them. He then held up the other hand and said "I have 5 more." I asked him how many fingers he had all together? He held up his fingers and counted them to 10, he turns to me and says, "I have 10 fingers! I wonder if my teacher knows that?! I will tell her on Wednesday!" It was so cute! Who knows what he will be telling them by the end of the year!

Proud Sister!

1st Day of Preschool!

Big Boy!

Mommy and Cooper

Daddy and Cooper

HERE WE GO AGAIN..........

2011-08-21T23:37:00.000-05:00

Time is once again flying by. Last week was basically a blur. I took Monday and Tuesday off because I did not have anyone to watch Raelynn and it was awesome having 2 days with them before school started. Well I guess I should say Tuesday was awesome but Monday was a little rough. Raelynn had not been home for some time with all her visiting the family and I think she forgot some of our expectations. This is a nice way of saying she acted terrible all day. I even sat her in timeout for her constant complaining and whining. I must have gotten through to her though because Tuesday was back to normal and we had a great day.

Some time ago I had promised Raelynn that if she stopped putting her fingers in her mouth (nasty, germy habit) I would take her to Build-a-Bear. We had never been and Raelynn had been asking to for some time. Well she did stop putting her fingers in her mouth so we decided Tuesday after her school physical we would head to KC. Her physical went great and Dr. Kelley confirmed she is growing by leaps and bounds. She weighs 48 pounds and is 44 inches tall!!! Coop disassembled Dr. Kelley's "tools" while waiting which gave us all a good laugh too. After that we were off to Build a Bear. We had so much fun and ended up with Heartlynn and Snuggles!

Wednesday was back to school for Raelynn and back to work for me. I can hardly believe Raelynn is in the 1st Grade!!!! She did great that morning and we took lots of pictures. I just look at her and the tears roll. I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch her grow and mature but I am equally miserable thinking of the day I will move her out of our house and on to her next chapter of life.

Thursday was my first day of volunteering at Raelynn's school. I am reading to the K-3rd grade before school begins. Thursday was a little rough as I had no idea what to expect but I have to say Friday went very well and I am super happy I chose to do this. The kids are great and it gives me an extra 30 minutes a day to be with Raelynn!!!

Then Friday came along and we headed to Topeka to check out Karli's new dorm. This is the one that is killing me right now. Karli was 9 months old when I left for college and now she is in college. This terrifies me knowing how quickly this all happened. I know Karli will do great at school, she is an amazing woman. The fun thing for us is she is coming here every Sunday to go to church with us, do laundry and eat. We are thrilled that we will see her so often. Tomorrow is her first day of classes and I cannot wait to hear how it goes.

Tomorrow is also Coop's first day of pre-school. I will save my feelings on this until tomorrow because I am afraid I will get my self all upset if I start talking about it tonight. He has really done all his growing and maturing in the past year and I am so thankful, proud, amazed and happy that he is more than ready to be in preschool. Cooper has really been an amazing little boy and he doesn't even know it. I love him so much and every second with him I just want to hold onto every sound, smell and thought he has! I am sure he will keep his teachers hopping but always with a smile. Tonight I layed out his clothes and he said, "That is what I wearing to my first day of preschool." "Well that's boring!" And here I thought I would only have the clothes issues with Raelynn!

Last Tuesday morning Coop decided Raelynn's bed looked pretty cozy!

WE ARE ALL FINALLY BACK TOGETHER......WELL SORT OF....

2011-08-13T23:40:00.000-05:00

Last week Raelynn spent the week with Steph and it was definitely a long week. I missed her so much. It does give Coop and I some special time together though. He is just too funny and is so easy to care for. He is pretty laid back just like his Dad and just kind of goes along with whatever. Monday night Terry's Dad ended up in the hospital for pneumonia so we went to KC to visit him. He is doing better but still having a little trouble. Tuesday we came home and played "tackle". It is his favorite game! I just never have the heart to tell him he is never going to really play football. Maybe if we keep playing "tackle" he will be tired of it by the time he is old enough to really be able to play. Wednesday is was off to swimming, Thursday hair cuts and Friday we picked up Raelynn! The week went much quicker than I thought it would but still was too long.

Raelynn had a great time visiting Aunt Steph. She always gets to visit Cody's Dad's farm which she loves. This year while on the farm she got her first driving lesson. I about had a heart attach but they said she is a better driver than I am!

They also kept her well sugared up with soda and homemade ice cream sandwiches. You can see now why she loves it there!

I have to thank my family greatly for helping us care for my kids with a month without daycare. Karli spent a week here babysitting, then a week with Coop at Steph's, a week with both of them at Mom's and then a week with Raelynn at Steph's. The kids loved every minute, I of course despised every minute but I knew they were being loved which is everything!

So finally we are all back home....except that Raelynn is at a sleep over tonight. I hardly could let her go but it had been planned for well over a month and she had been looking forward to it longer than that. I told her after tonight, she was all mine and I wasn't ever letting her go again. Oh how I wish that were true. School will be starting soon and our hectic lives will resume. I love the chaos we live in but the summer days seem to give us just a little more time together and I will miss that over the winter.

The next week is filled with madness! We have an event of some sort every night and on some nights we have two. Raelynn starts school on Wednesday and then Cooper the following Monday. I am so excited for them both and cannot wait to hear about the new teachers, friends, etc. Wow I love being a Mom! I had almost forgotten how much until today. Not having both of them pulling me different directions for the past month, I had forgotten how good it felt. Today I had a million things to get done and almost got half of them done. That is a successful day in my eyes because I know while I wasn't getting the other half done, I was laughing, playing or snuggling with the two best kids in the world!

2 SHORT DAYS WITH THE KIDS.........

2011-08-08T22:54:00.000-05:00

The kids made it back on Friday night and it was better than GREAT to see them. They ran and hugged us so hard and held on forever which was perfect! We enjoyed some time together over the weekend but it was way too short. The kids had a horse show on Saturday and both did great. Then we headed back to Lawrence for the fair. It was fun but maybe not as fun as in the past. We usually attend on "Family Night" where the rides are discounted. This year the kids were gone so we went Saturday night and let me tell you, you can drop a lot of money really fast. That kind of thing makes me crazy because I feel like I am just tossing money out the window. They did have some fun though. They always enjoy the petting zoo. They also wanted to ride the horses even though they had just spent all morning riding horses :)

Sunday Raelynn headed to Aunt Steph's house for the week. Yep, you got it, she was home for 2 days then gone again. She and I both cried when she left. I wish I did not miss her so much. This week is a little easier because at least Coop is here. He is enjoying a little more attention and has been great even giving me a few extra hugs. Raelynn is having a great time in Manhattan. Today they headed out to Cody's Dad's farm. Raelynn loves it there because they have a garden and lots of fun things for her to do. Today was no different. First, Aunt Steph let her have a soda on the way out which that itself is a huge treat.

Then after a fun time there, Uncle Cody gave Raelynn her first driving lesson. Everyone will be happy to know she drove great, nothing like her Mother :)

I asked her if she told Uncle Cody she did not have her driver's license. There was a long pause and then she giggled and said no like she had just gotten away with something she shouldn't have. As I looked at the picture of her it made me think back to when I was her age and driving on my Dad's lap. Oh the memories both my old ones and Raelynn's new ones. We are so fortunate to have family!!!

LAKE BAPTISM, A VERY SPECIAL DAY..................

2011-08-07T17:29:00.002-05:00

This morning in church they played the part of the Lake Baptism. It was an awesome day for Raelynn and I.

MY BABIES ARE ON THIER WAY HOME.............

2011-08-05T21:09:00.000-05:00

Well after a very long week Raelynn and Cooper are finally on their way home. I have gotten so much accomplished why they have been gone but I feel like I have missed so much too. Everyday I spend without them I fill like I have missed special time with them. I have missed their laughter and questions and I have even missed Cooper's constant, "Mommy I want you." The house has been so quiet. It was nice to go out to dinner with Terry and it was nice run errands after work and it was nice to get every cupboard and closet in the entire house cleaned out but it was not as awesome as hearing them giggle or listening to their stories or hearing them argue about what to play. It is quite amazing how they have changed our lives!!!

They have had a great time though. I don't know if Coop even noticed we weren't around but I think Raelynn missed us a just a bit. Last night I was trying to call her when they called me so it went straight to my voicemail. By the time they hung up and called me back and I answered Raelynn was crying. It freaked her out that we wouldn't be there when she called. I felt bad for her but a tiny piece of me also felt relieved that she cared so much that we were just sitting there waiting for her call. Someday when she has kids she will realize that even when she is sitting right next to me I am just sitting there waiting for her call!

Raelynn right before leaving for Grandma's House

Coop right before leaving for Grandma's House

Chandler, Coop, Cassidy and Raelynn having fun running through sprinklers!

No appropriate movies at the theater so Aunt Karli brings the movie theater home!

The Zoo!

Can we have one Mom!
(NO!)

Raelynn, Coop and Karita (Karli's Best Friend)

Raelynn and her first fish!

Cassidy teaching Raelynn not so nice gestures :)

Coop and Raelynn with their new fishing poles

Photo Book

2011-08-02T21:31:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

COOPER'S CAUSE FOUNDATION 4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY.......

2011-08-01T23:17:00.001-05:00

Friday was the 4th Annual Cooper's Cause Foundation Golf Tourney. We sure lucked out when it came to the weather. It was in the low 90's with a breeze! We could not have asked for more. It was an awesome day and fun as always. This is my favorite event because I actually get to enjoy it and have little to do on the day of the event. We had a great turn out and sounds like we made another chuck of money. I cannot wait to provide funding to more families in need. Raelynn, Cooper and thier friends; Kaden, Brooks, Kiyana and Cayman all ran a lemonade stand at the golf tounrey. The absolutely love this and although it was a long day for them, they seemed to have a great time. They reaised $183 this year!!! Wow, at a $1 a glass that is pretty impresive!!!

I guess as they day went on, Coop got to drive virtually every golf cart on the course! Who can say no to a face like that? :)

As you know last week Coop was with Steph. He had a great time and didn't seem to mind being away from home much at all. Every day Steph would send me pics of him so I knew what they were up to. It made a wold of difference and helped me to not feel like I hadn't seen him for so long. Here is how it went........

1st day there they ate out at Arby's!

Then it was off to the zoo! Coop loved the Otters!

Waking up from naps was the hardest. Thank goodness Uncle Cody was there!

Look Mom! I am wearing a K-State hat! Can you please come and get me!

So I barely had Coop back and now they are both off for a weekend at Grandma's. I cried when they left and I really tried not to but I just couldn't help it!!! I miss them horribly. I did get both their rooms and their bathroom cleaned tonight after I got home from work so maybe a few things will get done! I hear they are having a great time and we have Skyped every night which helps tremendously. All the same, I cannot wait until their return Friday night.

Chandler, Cooper, Cassidy and Raelynn

I took a couple pics before the kids left so I could look at them often and they just made me even sadder!

Come on Friday!!!

THE OZARKS............

2011-07-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

Finally I am back for another post. Our annual vacation to the Ozarks was the best yet. We love this vacation! Tom and Jan are kind enough to let us stay at their house while we are there. We left Wednesday night after work. Thursday morning we headed to Big Surf Water Park. We go there every year and I really wasn't looking forward to it because Coop doesn't really enjoy it and we can't all go do stuff at the same time because someone always has to stay with Coop and our stuff but Raelynn insisted on going and Coop agreed but I think just to be agreeing with Raelynn. Anyway, we got there right around noon and boy what a difference a year makes. We had so much fun and before we knew it they were announcing that the Park was closing in 30 minutes! Coop loved it this year and we even were sending him down some rapids on a tube by himself. It was so much fun. Terry, Karli and I went on some of the slides we had hesitated going on in the years past and were glad we did. It was all a blast!!!

We got back to the house Thursday night and it seemed pretty warm but we had been out in the sun all day. We ate, bathed and put the kids to bed. By the time I headed to bed I was just so hot. Around midnight or so Terry wakes me up to tell me the AC was froze over and he had to shut it off.....it was 91 degrees in the house. It was a long night but early the next morning Tom had someone there to fix it. We just had to laugh because as long as we can remember, we always break something of Tom and Jan's when we are there. Thursday we did some shopping and stopped by a new attraction called Miner Mike's. It turns out it is this huge amusement center with a roller coaster, bumper cars, maze, ferris wheel and thousands of arcade games. We spent the rest of the day in the air conditioned fun center. Once again, the kids had a blast!!! Karli and I enjoyed the shopping a little more than the fun center but it was still great to watch the kids having such a wonderful time.

Friday night Tom and Jan came down to meet us and then Saturday we spent the day on the lake. Raelynn said this was the best day of the vacation. I love this day and had planned to spend most of it jet skiing that is until we broke that too. Karli and I flipped it hard and we loaded it will water. It did eventually dry out and was fine but of course we never heard the end of it :)

While we were playing crazy on the jet ski, Tom had the kids fishing.

After the jet ski mishap we went tubing.....well we broke that too! Seriously, if we are ever invited back it will be a miracle.

I have to say even though it sounded like everything went wrong, the day could not have been more perfect! We laughed a lot and Coop got to drive the boat which is all he has talked about for months.

Saturday night after dinner out we returned to a night venture on the boat and watched some fireworks. The day ended too soon as did the entire vacation. It was a wonderful 4 days spent with the family......THANK YOU TOM AND JAN!

All too soon it was Monday and we were back to the real world. I always like to get back to the routine but this time it was missing something. Cooper went to Manhattan on Monday morning to spend 4 days with Aunt Steph and Uncle Cody. It has been a very long 4 days!!!!! Raelynn and I have done some fun things that we usually aren't able to do but it sure has been quiet. Raelynn acts even more mature when Coop is gone so she and I have really had some fun and some laughs but it is just not the same. As she said tonight, "I miss his orneriness, he is our entertainment!" She could not have said it better. Tonight we talked to him using Face Time so we could see him. After we hung up Raelynn started to cry a little and said she missed him, I felt the same. Coop however seems to be doing just fine. Steph said he has been great and not shed a single tear which I am thankful for. He returns tomorrow as my Mom heads down and stops in Manhattan to pick him up. Then we have the 4th Annual Golf Tourney on Friday and then both the kids head back to Western Ks with my Mom and Karli on Sunday. Next week is going to be torture on me!!!

CATCHING UP.................

2011-07-24T23:37:00.000-05:00

So if all goes well, I will get you caught up on the Keefer Family right up to our wonderful annual vacation to the Ozarks and maybe tomorrow night you will get to hear all about that!

So the week before last I left off with the kids at VBS every evening with their Aunt Bonnie. They had a wonderful time and I survived the quiet evenings. Coop is just growing up so much, it is so crazy to see him in VBS and doing all the "big boy" things that he is!!!

After a busy week for the kids we ended it with the Cooper's Cause Benefit Horse Show. It went amazingly well considering the extreme heat!!! Terry's sister, Bonnie, handled the whole thing and did a fantastic job. It was fun for us all to see all the ins and outs of the shows. We had never stayed through a whole show so it was really fun for us all.

Paige and Raelynn
Paige came to watch Raelynn and that was very special to Raelynn!

Monday night was Raelynn's last Tball game. I would say her last game for the season but I really think it was genuinely her last game, she was not a big fan :) !

Last week Karli was with us which is always awesome! Not only is she wonderfully helpful she is great company. She came down to help us with the horse show and to watch Coop since Mary Beth was closed. She made it possible for the kids to have a great time and for me to even surprise them by joining them at the park for lunch one day!

It was a fun week and then we headed to our annual vacation to the Ozarks!!!

MY MOM'S AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN..........

2011-07-12T18:51:00.001-05:00

Boy is it quiet around here. Coop and Raelynn are attending VBS with Aunt Bonnie in Perry. She picks them up every day and then we pick them up around 8pm. You would think this would be a great time to get things done or do things I usually can't like go to the driving range or Dog Days. But noooooo, instead I come home in a quiet car, eat dinner quietly alone and then start working because I don't know what else to do. What is it about not having the kids around that makes me so sad???? I really wish I could enjoy this time but I really really don't. Anyway, things will be back to the chaoticness soon and I will feel much better.

We had another great but short weekend. Raelynn had informed me last week that she needed some new books that were more appropriate for her age. Not that we don't already have a million books that are quite appropriate but apparently she had read them billions of times. So we decided it was time to visit the public library. Saturday morning Raelynn, Cooper and 2 of Raelynn's friends all went to the library. Raelynn got her own library card which she was very proud of and each of them chose 2 books to keep us busy for a night or two. Then we ran some errands and headed back home. Later that afternoon we visited some friend's pool and the kids had a great time. They swam until almost 9pm when we drug them out. We got home and got them to bed but within an hour or so Coop started having nightmares. He fell out of bed twice right in a row so I decided to lay down with him to see what was going on. Minutes after he would start to doze off he would jerk and then would just jump up and cling to me like he was terrified. He finally told me he kept dreaming he was falling in the pool and drowning. I have no idea what brought this on because he had a great time and was jumping in and playing like crazy. Luckily it only lasted this one night but I felt terrible for him!

Sunday I taught Sunday School and let Raelynn stay in my room as my special helper. I teach the 5 year olds and it is always a surprise what the kids say but on this day it was more of a surprise what I said. We had a little activity where on a large white banner I wrote the words "THANK YOU GOD!" I then asked the kids to write or draw all over the banner things they were thankful for. The banner was spread out on the floor and we all were seated around it. I gave the kids examples by saying, "You might be thankful for the sun or the trees or our Moms and Dads......." when I had finished this adorable little blond girl with a pretty little bow in her hair who sat right next to me looked up at me and said "My Mom died." In my head I was sad and I began to say, "Oh sweetie I am so sorry", but to my surprise as I spoke I had a smile on my face and what came out was, "Oh sweetie, that is awesome!" I really can't tell you how confused I was that I said this but once i said it, it seemed like I just had to go with it. I continued to talk, "so your Mom has already met God?!" The look on her face was amazing. She looked at me with this huge smile and shook her head yes. We continued to talk and she was so excited that I was excited. She then said, "I am going to draw my Mom with wings on the banner." We finished drawing and then all went around sharing what we had drawn and why. When it came to this little girl she says, "I drew my Mom because she is an angel up in Heaven with God." She then pointed to another image she had drawn and looked at me and said, "and this is you because you are not sad for us, we are happy Mom's in heaven with God". All I could say was, "thank you". After class was over and we were headed home Raelynn said, "Mom, you know that girl whose Mom died, do you think she misses her?" "Absolutely!" I responded, "but God knew she and her Dad would be ok without her and he needed her in Heaven." Raelynn responded, "I sure hope God doesn't need you in heaven." I wiped my tears away without her seeing, "God has plans for us here and when we are done here than we will visit him in heaven." Raelynn laughed a little and said, "Well I hope he keeps us busy for awhile." You just never know who or what may touch your lives on any given day!!!

The rest of Sunday was filled with cleaning from the house to the car. The kids and I washed the car but I think Coop did more "washing" of Raelynn and I than he did anything else. As always Monday morning came too soon but then again we wouldn't enjoy the weekends so much if it weren't for the weekdays!

Here are some pics that I didn't get posted on the 4th!

Raelynn and Coop danced in the wagon!

Then Coop lay in the wagon.....wouldn't it be so nice to be so small!

THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY........

2011-07-05T22:07:00.000-05:00

So I had mentioned that I had the perfect birthday planned for Raelynn last Friday and it went perfectly. She was so sweet this year and made all our efforts so worth it. She told me more than once what a perfect day she had and thanked me for everything. It was awesome!!! Saturday we spent the day getting ready for family to come over and do a little more celebrating which was fun as well. We surprised Cassidy with including her on the cake and a few presents which was all Raelynn's idea. Cassidy's birthday is on the 7th and Raelynn did not want her to feel left out. Cassidy was a doll and thanked Raelynn for "surprising" her.

Raelynn wakes up to her favorite cereal on her birthday!

New birthday outfit!

Lunch out with Mom at Raelynn's Favorite Restaurant, McDonalds

Mani and Pedi after lunch!

Add caption

The 4th of July was a little less exciting with all our weekend celebrating but it was pretty fun. We went down to the park to watch the display. Unfortunately Coop and Raelynn were exhausted and asking to go home before the fireworks even started. We did make it for most of them but left a little early. This morning was a little rough waking up but we did make it and everyone was in bed early tonight! Overall it was a fantastic weekend with family, my favorite kind of weekend!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETPEA!!!

2011-06-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

In just a little over an hour from now Raelynn will turn 6 years old. Tears run down my face just thinking about it. I have no idea why other than the fact that she has grabbed hold of every part of my heart and soul and made every part of me a part of her and every part of her a part of me. Raelynn came into this world with us terrified, worried and not having any idea what to expect and in the past 6 years nothing has changed except now this "thing" that leaves us terrified, worried and clueless is my life, my air.....my daughter.

Raelynn~
I love you sweet pea! You are the most amazing daughter. You bring so much joy and laughter to our family! Today as I watch you help me in the kitchen, or get your shower taken without any help, or read words or simply listen to you talk with such perfect grammar or laugh at your witty sarcasm it is hard for me to believe that just 6 years ago you were a small 4lbs 13 oz and were completely helpless. You have grown into such a beautiful little girl both inside and out. You have taught me to see and experience so many things I just took for granted before. I cannot imagine what our lives would have been without you! You are truly my Sunshine! I will always love you more than words can say or actions can show. I am here for you always and forever!

Birthdays are pretty special around here and I have been preparing for the big day for a couple weeks now. Her morning will begin with Birthday greetings as we all wake her up. Then after breakfast she will find a new outfit on her bed for a perfect start to a perfect day. I will pick her up for lunch out which is sure to be her favorite....McDonalds. Then we will enjoy pedicures together. I just finished cupcakes for her to have for snack at Boys and Girls Club with her friends. After work we will visit a park of her choice and then head home for her special Birthday Dinner. This is a tradition my Mom started with us. Your Birthday Dinner can be absolutely anything you want. This year Raelynn has chosen sausage, mac n cheese, pasta salad and root beer floats. (I know but it was her choice!) Then of course will be present time. Mom, Karli, Cassidy and Chandler will get in late Friday to celebrate with a family gathering on Saturday. By the time Saturday wraps up she should feel pretty special to be 6!

Last Saturday Raelynn had a "Friends Party" at LGA. She said it was the best and loved it! Her best friend from preschool was able to spend the night as well and they made it until midnight watching movies!!! It was fun for us all.

2011-06-23T23:25:00.001-05:00

Tonight was full of sweetness and laughs......Coop and I were playing catch while Raelynn was practicing with her T-Ball team. Every once in awhile I would be watching Raelynn when Coop would throw the ball at me. I got tired of getting hit with the ball so I told Coop, "Coop, say my name before you throw the ball so I am ready!" He looked at me kind of funny, I said "Ok?" "Ok" he said. A few minutes later I was watching Raelynn again and I hear Coop yell, "Kristi!" I cracked up, "You can say Mommy Coop!" "Oh! Ok!" It was pretty funny.

Then we got home from T-Ball and our new neighbors were moving a few things in. As soon as we drove into the driveway Coop says, "Our new neighbors are here, let's go see them." Raelynn chimes in, "We'll go introduce ourselves, should be take them dinner?" I told them to take a deep breath and if they came out we would say hi. Well just as the kids got out of the car they walked out. I thought Coop and Raelynn were going to explode. They went running across the yard to introduce themselves. Thankfully the couple seem absolutely wonderful and they have an adorable 14 month old daughter. As I was chatting with them the kids were riding their scooters like crazies. Coop took quite a spill but shed no tears. A few minutes later Raelynn and Coop walk up to me as I am talking to our new neighbors and Raelynn says, "Excuse me Mom, Cooper is bleeding." He had scraped up his elbow pretty good and it was definitely bleeding but I assured him he would be fine and I would get a band aid on in just a moment. Then Raelynn and Coop were off again. I went inside after chatting and Raelynn was sitting Coop up on the couch. She had reclined him, taken off his shoes and gotten him his milk. The whole time she is talking to him in this adorable "Mom" voice asking him if he was doing better and if still hurt. Come to find out Raelynn had brought Coop inside, peroxided the wound, put antiseptic cream on it and a band aid. She took better care of him then I would have! When they saw me Raelynn turns to me and says, "I am sorry we did not stay out there to talk to our new neighbors but Coop's elbow really hurt and I needed to get it taken care of." I often forget who the adult is! I thanked her for being so caring and taking care of her brother. We carried on with out evening.

Then as I put the kids to be, I lay with Cooper talking. He tells me that he has a wonderful family and that he has a Mom and a Dad and a Sister and an Aunt Karli and a Granny and an Aunt Steph and an Uncle Cody. Then he says, "Every family should have an Uncle Cody, they are fun, he tickles me all the time. Uncle Cody is a cool guy!" It was all too cute. Then he says, "Mommy, I love you." "I love you too Boo", I replied. "No Mommy I love you ALL the time! Little boys like me like having Mommies like you, that's why I love you!" Seriously the best compliment I have ever received. I gave him and extra squeeze and let him know I was the luckiest Mommy ever!

SUMMER IS FLYING BY......

2011-06-22T23:05:00.001-05:00

So it makes me crazy when I don't update this blog for so long because I have too much to recap and I forget all the really funny things the kids say!!! We are on the go all the time but I am not complaining, for the most part I love it! I have to say though, last night was the first night is over 3 weeks that we were able to just come home after work and it felt great!!! I let the kids have a carpet picnic for dinner and we played and even made it to bed on time!

Last week we went to the Round Ball Classic, a charity event, where some of the past KU Bball players play a game against each other. They have things for the kids and a silent auction and some raffles. We had never been in the past but it was super fun and I am sure we will make it to all of them in the future. Raelynn stood in line FOREVER to get her face painted which she loved. However, 3 hours later when we were trying to wash it off, it was not quite so much fun.

The long wait in line was well deserved though as Raelynn was amazing last week. On Wednesday night as we sat and ate dinner Raelynn looks at me and says, "Mom can I clean up the kitchen tonight?" She was so exhausted and I told her it was ok I would get it done and she could just go relax after dinner. She insists by saying, "why don't I clean up the kitchen why you give Boo a bath and then we can all relax and watch TV together." It was so sweet so I agreed. After dinner I gave Coop a bath and when we got done and I got back out to the kitchen, I found that Raelynn had done everything perfectly and had not even put the dishes in the dishwasher but washed, dried and put them all away. She had Windex the table and everything looked fantastic. She was so proud and so was I. She is such a huge help!

Friday night Mom, Karli and Chandler came up for Raelynn and I's baptism on Sunday. We had a great weekend. On Sunday Raelynn got up extra early to make breakfast for Terry for Father's Day. She was so excited and made it all by herself. The day was kind of over shadowed by other events but there is no doubt it was a special day to Raelynn. Cooper and Raelynn are so lucky to have such a great Dad. I love my Dad very much and cannot imagine not having a relationship with him. I am so relieved my kids will feel the same. Coop is still a little young to really understand Father's Day but he is such a Daddy's boy Terry should and does feel appreciated by him every day.

It wasn't long after breakfast we were off to a horse show and then Sunday evening Raelynn and I were baptised at a lake baptism at our church. This was so awesome as it was something I had been wanting to do for some time and when Raelynn brought it up to me that she would like to be baptised I couldn't think of a better time or place to do it. I am so thankful for my relationship with God and my church and family that I have to share it with. I truly am so fortunate and have so much filling my life with happiness! Cooper sat with my Mom while Raelynn and I were baptised and he told my Mom, "When I get big, I going to do that with my Dad!" It was so sweet!

This week has been pretty quiet in comparison to others with a TBall game on Monday, riding lessons this evening, TBall practice tomorrow and Adventure Night Friday (we visit somewhere new after I get off work whether it be a new park, store, snack shop, hiking trail....just something we have never done before). Then we start the weekend fun! I love summer! I love my family! I love our crazy busy lives!

MOMMA GOT A NEW TOY.................

2011-06-11T22:55:00.001-05:00

So this post let's start out talking about me! I got a new toy this week, partly by choice and partly because we were forced into making a change. We had actually been researching and negotiating price on this very vehicle for almost 2 months but had not really reached a price I could stomach. Then on Tuesday night as I was driving to pick up the kids I noticed my temperature gauge was reading a little warmer than normal. I shut off the air conditioner and continued on my way. When I picked up Raelynn I explained why we weren't running the A/C. We pulled into our driveway and Raelynn got out of the car and headed inside as I gathered things from the car. She says, "Oh Mom, I know why the A/C isn't working." "You do?" I replied. "Yea, come look." And there, gushing out of my car, was green liquid. It ran out forever and I new it wasn't good. It ended up being my water pump, radiator and a timing belt needing replaced. The next day we headed to the Ford dealership knowing we would either be leaving repairing my car or with a new Explorer. Luckily for me it was the latter. I had never really liked my old car and for 6 1/2 years I dreamt of a new one. This one is awesomely amazing and finally I don't mind driving!! Coop was super excited about the new car too which was cute. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Raelynn. She is so sentimental and can't stand to get rid of anything. She cried and cried about getting rid of our old car. Finally though I think she is coming to terms with it and actually said she thought she might like it just a little bit!

2011 Ford Explorer

Another heart Mom and I are starting a chapter of the Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Support Group here locally. She had contacted me some time ago and we have been working on it. Last Saturday we had a little BBQ to get to know those that would be interested. It was a lot of fun and we met some more wonderfully amazing people. Coop also made some new friends including a Hamster. Fortunately he has yet to ask me if he could have one of his own!

The same night we had the CHD Meeting, Raelynn had her very first sleep over. We have had kids stay with us several times but I just have not felt comfortable letting he stay somewhere else. He best friend from school invited her to stay and since we know the family very well and they literally live right behind us, we felt like it was as good of a time as any to let her. She had a fantastic time and the Mom kept me in the loop on the nights happenings with text pictures. The entire night was a success!!!

Raelynn also started Boys and Girls Club this week which has been amazing. They do so many fun and exciting things each week. We are so blessed to have such an outstanding program. They are very structured but yet fun with the kids. They get to swim, do tumbling, cook, work on computers, study math and writing and visit the public library, go to the movie theater and so much more. I have been absolutely pleasantly surprised by how wonderful it is. Raelynn is really enjoying it and has a new and exciting story to tell us every night as we drive home.

Today was a long but enjoyable day. We went to Oskaloosa where Terry's family was holding a garage sale and we had put some things in to sale. Garage Sales are not my idea of a fun Saturday but I felt we should help. As we got ready this morning I sent Coop in to do his hair. He returned with well brushed hair and a pretty bow headband. He thought he was pretty hilarious and I must admit Raelynn and I agreed!

Then tonight when we returned home Raelynn and Cooper took off playing as they love to do together. The next thing I know they tell me they are headed to a concert and I shouldn't wait up for them. I wasn't concerned in "Imaginary Land" whether they would be home in time or not, but rather looking at Raelynn's outfit I realized that our talks about appropriate and inappropriate clothing would have to begin long before I thought they would!

Then I was informed that they were not just going to the concert but rather they were the band performing at the concert. I told Raelynn, "Ooooooh, then what you have on would be just perfect!"

As I made dinner this evening Coop came in the kitchen and said he wanted to watch me. I asked him why he wanted to watch me and he responded, "because you're the best Mommy ever!" "Awe thanks Boo that makes Mommy feel good inside", I responded. "It makes you feel good in your heart?" Coop then asked. "Yes, it makes me feel good in my heart, can I have a hug?" I asked him. Coop hops off his chair and runs to give me a hug and then says, "I knew it make you feel good in your heart and then I would get a hug and you hold me!" I couldn't decide if this was super sweet or if I just have a really manipulative son since he had been asking to be held for the past 10 minutes! Either way I got a hug and a little Cooper and Mommy time!

This is just a miscellaneous picture from Raelynn's 1st Tball game. She is doing pretty good but has already told me that next year she was just going to stick with soccer so I am not so sure she finds Tball too exciting.

So I don't know if anyone remembers a post I made back in April about the lady at Raelynn's school who reads to the kids every day and then greets them as they come in. Well this amazing lady decided this was the last year she was going to do it which made me very sad. Word got around about my April post about her and how I was taken back at her interaction with the kids. She actually read the post and thanked me for what I had said. So I continued to think about how yucky the mornings were going to be without her there and how much of an impact she made on these kids' days. I thought so much about it I found myself at the school office on the last day of school inquiring about the now "available position". Anyway, one thing led to another and now I am the new story reader and greeter in the mornings. I think it will be fun and a good way to start each morning. I can't think of more rewarding volunteer work than putting a smile on the face of children. I know I won't replace the extraordinary lady who did this for so many years but I am hopeful that I will find a way to touch each of the kids in my own way!

MY LITTLE COMICS!...............

2011-06-02T23:36:00.001-05:00

This week has been a long and difficult week at work. I know in days it has been a short week but I can honestly say I really did not think Friday would ever get here! It is funny though how when one area of your life is overwhelming another is perfectly wonderful.

Raelynn and Cooper have been nothing but laughs this week. Everyday after I pick them up from daycare I just cannot get enough of them. It started out Monday night when Coop and Raelynn were in the bathroom brushing their teeth before bed. I hear Raelynn yell for me and as I headed down the hall I notice the light is turned out in the bathroom and they have a flashlight on instead. Raelynn says, "Mom, we're going green! We turned out the lights to save energy and are using our flashlights." "Good job guys", I reply with a huge smile.......what a sign of our times! When I was 5 I would have never even heard of the term "going green"!

Tuesday night I put Raelynn to bed and then laid down with her as I always do for a few minutes. This is when we usually have out best conversations and this night was no different. We lay quiet for a bit and then Raelynn says, "Mom, some of the kids sometimes say really bad words." I acknowledge that they do and let her know that she will always hear bad words and will probably learn more but that we choose the words we use and the words we use are a direct reflection of who we are. She says she knows but she just doesn't know why the kids use such bad words. She then says, "Mom they said the "S" and the "Sh" word." We carried on our conversation for awhile and I assumed the words we were referring to were "Stupid" and "Shit". I have always kept my kids from using the word Stupid so we refer to it as a bad word. At one point Raelynn said she sometimes hears grown ups tell kids the "Sh" word and that it was hurtful to say that. This comment made me wonder whether we were talking about the same "Sh" word so I asked Raelynn to tell me the word she was talking about. She replies, "Oh no Mom, I don't want to say it." I let her know I just wanted to make sure we were talking about the same thing. She crunches way down in her covers and whispers, "Shut Up". "Shut up" ????? That was the "Sh" word????????? ran through my mind but I instead reaffirmed that those words were not kind words and she was right to choose not to use them. As I left her room that night I smiled to myself loving the fact that she was still innocent enough to be offended by the words "shut up" and not to even recognize that their could be another "Sh" word that was more offensive!

As I have mentioned, Raelynn is growing up and maturing by leaps and bounds right now. She is a very witty little thing and although I find her wit and sarcasm hilarious right now I am sure there will be a time all too soon that her wit and sarcasm with land her in trouble but for now I can't help but love it. We had T-Ball practice last Friday evening. Her team has 2 coaches, one is a male and seems to really know what he is doing and is good with the kids. The other is a female and does most of the organizing and paperwork. She is a very outspoken person and does not try to hide that she is "in charge". She talks non stop and as politely as I can say it, she is quite annoying. Friday at practice the male coach was gone for the holiday weekend and it was just the female coach there. Practice is just beginning and Raelynn is in the outfield. She yells to the female coach asking where Coach is at. The female coach replies, "Well what do you think I am?" Raelynn, without even a pause, replies, "Hmmm I don't know, the one that does all the talking?" I literally spit out the water I had just drank and laughed loudly. The few others that heard her let me know that not only was Raelynn witty but also very observant! Luckily the female coach just laughed but I had a hard time making eye contact with her after that. They were to have their 1st T-Ball game last night but unfortunately it got rained out so we are still waiting for our first T-Ball experience.

Cooper has been equally as funny but the difference between he and Raelynn is that Coop is a constant comedian. He never lets up! He is still telling stories and making us laugh when we tuck him in at night. This past weekend I walked in the living room to find Coop standing in front of the TV completely engrossed in what they were saying with his hand cupping his the outside of his shorts. Immediately I ask him if he has to go potty. He replies, "No" barely taking his eyes off the TV. I said a little louder, "Coop, then why are you holding your penis?" He looks down as though he didn't even know he was doing it and looks right back up at me, without moving his hand, and replies, "Hmm I don't know, nuttin else to do!" Who would have known that this behaviour is instinctively natural for boys and Coop was so blatantly honest!!!

We also made our first visit to the pool for the summer on Monday. It was super windy which made it a little chilly but the kids had a great time and Coop has no fear this year. He and Raelynn just played and played. It was the first time in nearly 6 years that I visited a pool and actually got to relax in the sun. I am pretty sure we will visit the pool often this year.

Raelynn and Coop had their first horse show of the season as well. They both did great and Raelynn is competing in 3 classes this year which have much more responsibility. She may have been a little overwhelmed at first but she is really liking it this year. It really is a great sport to teach discipline and responsibility and it is fun to watch how much more of both she is displaying this year over last.

As I mentioned in the beginning, this has been a pretty long week for me and I have gotten less sleep than usual. I really don't require much sleep but I do need more than the 3 to 4 I have been getting this week. Last night when I finally made it into bed I prayed that God would give me the strength to continue to do the things I am doing and to continue to do them well. I also prayed that he would help me to find more time for rest or allow me to get by with the amount I am getting. That was really the last thing I remember before dozing off. I woke up to my alarm this morning and could not help but laugh. I had the best dream ever. I was face to face with God in Heaven and he was telling me that I was being rewarded and I was going to get to sleep or rest as much as I wanted and he had all my favorite things ready for me. There in my dream was this amazingly wonderful and huge bed made of feathers. It was sooooo comfortable and warm. There was a huge TV land all sorts of snacks and drinks. Also in this wonderful dream were Coop and Raelynn there in the comfy bed and they were in the perfect state where they just lay with me cuddling and didn't have their feet all over me and weren't moving all over but were just laying there. But what was so funny in this perfectly wonderful dream was what was playing on TV. In MY perfect dream, on TV, we were watching Shake It Up on Disney! I guess in even the most perfect of perfect dreams, a little reality has to sneak in!

MEMORIAL DAY.............

2011-05-30T22:50:00.000-05:00

There is so much to share when we have a long weekend and extra time spent together. However, I think the most important thing is to acknowledge a day like today. I cannot tell you how important I think it is for each of us to stop and really think about all of those who sacrificed their lives just so that I can have freedoms like keeping a blog! It is truly amazing what our soldiers do and have done, thank you! I also think it is such an important day to remember those who are no longer with us and I am trying hard to teach my children the same. Yesterday we visited Terry's Mom's grave and Raelynn was so excited to go see Nanny at her grave. It makes me so proud at watch her at the cemetery as she does not fear death at all but rather embraces it, talks about it and seems to understand it better than most. Our visit with Nanny was good and visiting her keeps her memory alive which is what I want most for Raelynn and Cooper.

I will post again tomorrow with the many, many funny stories I have to share!

A WEEK OF LASTS...........

2011-05-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

Saturday was Raelynn's last soccer game for the season. She did so much better this season than last and loved it. It doesn't hurt that she has this great coach and her best little friend plays too. They ended up winning their last game which made it even sweeter (although we don't keep score of course :) ) Tuesday night their coach took them out for Orange Leaf and because of meetings neither Terry or I could go. Raelynn let us know we were the only parents not there. I felt horrible but I think it is the first thing neither Terry or I didn't make so I think we are doing ok.

Coach Beard and the Deerfield Dash!
(The kids nicknamed Greg, Coach Beard, last season and it's stuck!)

With soccer over we now move on to T-Ball. This is our first experience with T-Ball and at the first practice they "reminded" us that the kids would need a bat, ball, mitt, helmet, bat bag, team shirt and maybe even consider ball pants! What? Really? Do they remember she is 5 and it is T-Ball?! But of course we visited Target afterwards and she is set up minus the ball pants because neither Raelynn nor I thought they were very cute or stylish, hahaha!

Tuesday was Raelynn's last day of Kindergarten! This was so hard to accept because just yesterday was her first day of Kindergarten. As I look back over the year, it has been amazing. Raelynn has grown and matured so much and I love our relationship. I hope I can look back over each year and feel this way. She is an amazing daughter and I am soooo fortunate to have her. She makes me a better person and gives me so much to look forward to each and everyday as does Coop too.

Raelynn and her teacher, Mrs. Moring and her best friend, Hayden

Raelynn's 1st Day of School August 2010

Raelynn's Last Day of School May 2011

Saturday night we went to our friend, Jana's, graduation party. She just graduated nursing school and we are all so proud of her!!! The party was so much fun and as you can see, Coop loved it. Not only did he find himself some girlfriends, he also ate 5 hot dogs! Tom was the cook so I told him he was going to have to come and grill for us every night. At the rate of 5 hot dogs a night, Coop should fatten up quickly!!!

Yesterday we took Coop in for his check up with Dr. Kaine, his cardiologist. While we were there they had a Code Grey (Tornado Threat) We spent well over an hour on the lowest floor in a stair well. It kept things interesting :) However, Coop is doing amazing. He weighs over 27Lbs now and is 3" 1" tall. We do not even have to go back for a check up for an entire year! I don't think Terry and I nor his doctors thought we would ever get to this point. Just to think, a little less than a year ago Coop was taking 6 medications, not very active and did not eat solid food let alone the way he was 2 years ago with feeding tubes and over 13 medications! We have an amazingly strong boy and I am so thankful for him each and every day. He adds so much laughter to our home and I can't help but hug him and tell him how much I love him often! God gave us the best children ever!!!

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE...............

2011-05-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

Summer is so quickly approaching and it is shaping up to be a fun one!!!! Last weekend we went out West again for my niece, Cassidy's, 8th Grade Promotion and Kali's High School Graduation. I am so proud of both of them and they looked beautiful. Friday was Cassidy's and then they had a nice gathering at the house afterwards.

Saturday was Karli's and then a reception at the house. It was a lot of fun and although I am so proud of Karli and the person she has become, it only reminded me how quickly time goes by. When I graduated from HS Karli was only about 6 months old. It was so hard going off to college and leaving both Karli and Steph. I missed them so much. Now all I can think about is in 12 short years it will be Raelynn going off to college. I have no idea how I will ever adjust. When I look at my Mom with a proud smile on her face I know inside she is doing everything she can to fight back the tears. I know you have to let your kids go and deep down we know this is their next step and it is wonderful who they have become but really, how do you ever let them go. I think about my Mom who has had kids in the house for over 38 years and how do you ever adjust to the quiet after that! I know she will be fine and I am glad Sherri and the girls live back there now too, but just knowing how I feel thinking about it 12 years from now, I really feel for her. As for Karli, she is both scared and excited which is the perfect combination. I have no worries about her as she is the most level headed and responsible one out of us all. I am super excited to have her closer as she is attending Washburn University. It will be nice having her just a few minutes away right in between Steph and I. I know we will see more of her now and probably more of Mom too :)

Shanea and Karli

This week seems to be the start of summer plans. Raelynn had her first T-Ball practice last night which was interestingly fun. Before practice she told me she thought she might not like T-Ball because she is "kind of a soccer type of girl". Then after some thought she rationalized that in T-Ball there is not much running, much less than in soccer, and therefore she might be a TBall kind of girl after all! She had a blast at T-Ball. The schedule will be a little hectic with practice 2X per week and games on Wednesday and Thursday Nights. As I cringed at the schedule thinking about the fact that we have Swim Team practice and Horse Riding and Shows in there too, my friend (who has older kids already in sports) laughed and said "Welcome to sports my friend!" I had to laugh too, this is the craziness I have been hearing about for the past 5 years and I thought things were already crazy!!! As it was pointed out, Coop hasn't even started! We love it and are having fun but I also want to make sure the kids have some down time and family time together which I know will just get harder and harder to do but very important. School is winding down too, just 3 more days left. Raelynn has really enjoyed school this year but is always a little nervous for what's ahead. This summer, for the first time, Coop and Raelynn will be at different places all day. Coop of course is still at Mary Beth's but Raelynn will start at Boys and Girls Club. She is super excited but always mentions that she hopes Coop will be ok without her. I don't know if Coop fully understands because he does not seemed bothered by it at all. My Mom, Karli and Steph all want to take Coop and Raelynn for a week this summer. When I asked Coop if he wanted to go by himself or with Sissy he said, " I go by myself, I be ok." Then when I asked Raelynn later she says, "I think we better go together because you know Coop has never really been away from us by himself." The real question is whether I can handle them being away a week at a time!!! The house always seems way too quiet and I always feel like I am forgetting something or something is missing.....it's horrible! We will see what we get worked out.

Today they sent home a picture of Terry and Raelynn when Terry was at her school during the Watch Dog Program. I love this picture!

Today was a very special day! After I got off work I picked Raelynn up and we met with the Pastor of Children's Ministries at our church. This summer they are holding a Lake Baptism and last week Raelynn expressed some interest to me about being baptised. I firmly believe that kids should be baptised only when they understand what it symbolizes so I called Pastor Carolyn and set up a meeting. Raelynn was very nervous at first but Carolyn was amazing with her and there was no question she understood and was ready to be baptised. The surprise though was that I had told Carolyn that if Raelynn did choose to be baptised and was ready I would like to get baptised with her as I never was. So once it was confirmed that Raelynn was going to be baptised I let her know I was going to do it with her. It was really cool and she was super excited as was I. It is amazing to experience such an important thing with her and it be the first time for us both. We are truly looking forward to it!!!

Well I guess I better move on to some work and then bed. Tomorrow starts another exciting and busy day. I can't wait!!!

ROLLING OF THE EYES HAS BEGAN..............

2011-05-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

Me: Did you just roll your eyes at me?

Raelynn: No I was just pretending to be a Cheetah and looking all around me to see my surroundings and looking out for danger.

Me: Well if you roll your eyes at me again there will be no need to look around for danger as I am right here!

Raelynn: Ok but I am not, just pretending to be a Cheetah.

Oh and this is just the beginning!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-08T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today is Mother's Day and I am not really even sure where to begin with that. Mother's Day has taken on a whole new meaning as the years have past. As most of you know, being a Mother is the best thing I do every day! It is the one thing that I never wish I didn't have to do. I love everything about being a Mother and more so every day. It is the most challenging and changing "job" I have ever had. There are no words that can describe how it feels to be a Mother; if you are not one you simply cannot understand it. However, if you are a Mother, I truly hope you do understand and feel "it" because "it "does not get any better. I often thank God not for making me a Mother but rather for giving me the ability to enjoy it and embrace it. My love for Motherhood is undescribably wonderful! Equally magnificent is having a Mother. I have a wonderful Mother who taught me so much about being a Mother myself. Some of her teaching was through what she did do and some was through what she did not do, each of which were equally important. She taught me to love and laugh and to be strong. She taught me to be supportive and encouraging. I learned to be open and honest. Recently my Mom went through more than a trying and stressful time at work and to listen to her describe what was going on and how she handled it left me in awe. She held her head high, she smiled and she continued being the best person she could be and accepted that the outcome would be what it was meant to be whether at the time it was what she wanted it to be. What a true testomony to putting your life in God's hands. This morning in church we discussed how God is the Light and if you focus on the light/the good then you will "be in the light" with God and darkness will not be a concern. Focus on the light, the postive not the darkness and you shall always walk on the side of good. I love this and it just makes "doing the right things" seem so much easier! There is no need to worry about what you shouldn't do as long as you focus on what you should. Ths is exactlty what my Mom did and taught me, or reminded me, through her actions how to live. Being a Mother never ends as my Mother has shown, she is still teaching me. I love you Mom, and thank you for teaching me lifes most valuable lessons and continue to remind me through your actions! You are extraordinary!

A Week in Review

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week which is a great celebration. Our school does a wonderful job of celebrating teachers and we had the opportunity to take Raelynn's teachers flowers and bake goodies for them throughout the week. It was a lot of fun. In addition I visited the school library with Raelynn. They have this wonderful program where for a small donation you can purchase a book for the library from a selection they have in honor of your child's birthday. The book is put on display and a sticker goes on the inside of the book stating who dedicated it and in honor of what. So Raelynn got to pick out a book and we bought it in honor of her 6th Birthday in July. She thought it was awesome! Raelynn also had Transition Day which is a day they get to go to the next grade and spend some time. Raelynn thought it was pretty fun and already knows which teacher she hopes to get. Tuesday she had her final Daisy meeting for the year which was a family picnic. It was a lot of fun. Daisy's has turned out to be a wonderful thing and we will definitely participate again next year.

Friday night Raelynn says at dinner, "Mom do you think next summer the Daisy's could plant some vegetables in a garden and donate them to the Food Pantry?" I commended her on a wonderful idea and told her we would try to get that worked out. Luckily Lawrence has some public gardens so we should be able to make it work without digging up any of our lawn :). I was just proud that she is understanding the desire to help others. Friday Raelynn had her schoold field trip to the Topeka Zoo. Terry got to take the trip with her and they had so much fun!

Coop had kind of a long week. First there is his new terror of something crawling on him. We have no idea what is going on but occasionally he will completely freak out that something is crawling on him. The first time it happened we stripped him down naked looking for something but found nothing. It has happened several times since and he is uncontrollable terrified. We have considered the idea that he is having tingling in his arms and legs but are hopefully that this is not the case as that would be an indicator that he has some circulation issues which would relate back to his heart. Anyway, for now we are just watching him closely. We have also cut back his nap time as he was not sleeping at night well at all. It has helped so much but now we just have a winy tired boy after work. We will find a happy medium soon. Today however was a big day for Coop. He now has a big boy bed! Terry worked so hard this weekend to get his room painted and furniture put together. It looks good but we are desparately in need of some decorations.

My Mother's Day was filled with working working working as we cleaned and got Coop's room put together. It was busy being a Mom so it was perfect! The kids made me some cute gifts as well!

A WHOLE WEEK OF FIRSTS..............

2011-05-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

This week has been quite the adventure. Early this week I got a text from our neighbor that in her decorative wreath on her door a bird had made a nest and there were 4 eggs inside. Throughout the week we checked on them and there are now 4 little birds in the nest. It was fun watching them hatch. It went right along with the eggs Raelynn has in her classroom that are also hatching. It is such a wonderful thing for the kids to watch! Both Raelynn and Cooper loved to watch them and Raelynn learned so much about the process at school!

Both Raelynn and Coop had dentist appointments on Monday. This was Coop's first appointment but Sissy made sure he knew how much fun it was. By the time we got there I think Cooper was expecting a kids play land from the way Raelynn made it sound. They both had glowing reports which was a relief in regards to Cooper. With all the medicine, throwing up and milk that have crossed over his gums we were not sure what it would be like. Luckily it does not appear it all has caused any damage.

The funniest part of the whole visit was when the assistant said to Cooper "Ok, we are going to go take some pictures of your teeth." As they walk to the x-ray room Coop says, "Oh you take x-rays of my teeth, do you have tat ting that you put over me so the x-rays don't get in my body?" I thought the assistant was going to crack up. Obviously my son has had a few x-rays. :)

Thursday we started horse riding lessons back up for the summer. Raelynn and Cooper were both so excited to ride. Raelynn is getting much more responsibility in regards to the horse which she loves. She will be doing lead line, showmanship and another class where she will walk and trot the horse (I can't remember what it is called :) ) Cooper will still just do lead line but he seems perfectly happy with that!

Coop got to help feed the horses too!

On Friday morning the kids were getting dressed. Raelynn was doing her hair and "putting on make up" (this consists of some brushes being swept across the face and a very pale pink eye shadow but makes her feel a little special once in awhile). It was one of those days Raelynn was acting 14 and we were chatting away as if she were. Then Coop walks into the bathroom; underwear on his head and t shirt around his waist as if they were pants. With a little grin he announces he is dressed and ready to go. Our little "class clown"! I looked at the two of them and was reminded how very different they are but how much I loved them both. We laughed and sent Coop back to try again. Then Raelynn says, "Mom, I think I am going to walk into school by myself today." Although it killed me I let her know I thought that was a great idea. It makes me so proud to watch her grow and mature but it also tears at my heart to know she is becoming less and less dependant on me. We got to school and she walked in alone. I gave her a hug and a kiss and she was off with a proud smile on her face. I wonder everyday what tomorrow will bring but secretly wish I could just hold every day still in time and never forget a single minute of it!

This weekend Mom, Karli and Chandler were up for the March for Babies. We had a lot of fun and managed to get flowers planted and rock beds refreshed thanks to all their help. Coop helped Granny plant the flowers and loved being outside!

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-24T22:25:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful family weekend! We did not have a moments rest and I cannot believe it is back to work already but boy did we squeeze as much as possible into this Easter weekend. Our weekend started off with a jewelry party Friday evening. Raelynn and I hosted a Premier Jewelry Party to help out our sweet neighbor who was just getting started. The party was a lot of fun of course and it was nice to just hang out and talk to friends. Since it was a "girl thing" Terry, Coop and Popo all went out for dinner. From what I hear, Coop drew a lot of attention from the ladies :) It was a fun but hectic evening for all of us. The party finally wrapped up around 8 or 8:30pm and we scooted the kids to bed. As I was tucking Raelynn into bed she says to me, "Mom when I wake up in the morning will our house be all cleaned up?" "Of course" I told her. "Do you not like it messy?" I asked. "No I just like it the way it usually is". Awe I love that girl. So I hustled around and got the house back to the spotless way we like it. I finished up and was absolutely exhausted. I sat down on the couch only to spring back up remembering that we would want to decorate Easter Eggs on Saturday and I needed to get the eggs on to boil. I got them started and then went back in to sit down. I was soooo tired. I decided to go to bed instead of staying up to work.....not giving another thought to the eggs that were boiling on the stove. Around 12:30am I was awaken by Terry reminding me of the eggs I had left on the stove which he had been awaken by as all 12 of them exploded all over our kitchen! The house was filled with smoke and smelled horrible. We spent the next hour cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. Terry and I always ponder how long one should boil eggs before they are hard but Terry decided Saturday night that 2 1/2 hours was a little too long. It could have been much worse but it is Sunday and I can still smell burnt eggs!!!!

Raelynn and Tenley Eck at the Jewelry Party

So after a long night the alarm came way too early at 5:15am. I literally drug myself out of bed and headed to the gym. By the time I made it back home I was feeling a little bit better and it was time to wake the troops and head to soccer. Raelynn played well again but they got killed! From Soccer we ran some errands, headed home to decorate eggs, ate lunch, bathed, attended a birthday party and then rushed to Aunt Bonnie's to celebrate Easter. We had the busiest day ever but it was so fun! The kids were great all day and we had so many laughs.

Today the fun continued, of course the Easter Bunny visited over night so we had eggs hid all over the house and then a basket full of goodies. We went to church and then dinner and then a movie, African Cats, that Raelynn had been asking to see for weeks. I was a little nervous as to whether either of the kids would like it but they really did and watched it well. By the time we got home we were all ready to be home. The kids played and played and Terry and I got a few weekend chores done.

Raelynn understands the meaning of Easter and today we asked Cooper if he did. His response was it was a day about getting Easter Eggs, so Raelynn explained the real meaning to him. It is great to listen to her explain it as she doesn't leave out a detail. I am not sure that Coop fully grasped the concept as his response was simply, "Oh." He also humored us today as his new thing is to rub his chin and say "Let me think" every time we ask him a question. It is truly funny and even though it can be ever so annoying when you are just needing a quick answer but I still can't help but crack up! We are finding out that Coop is really good at making people laugh and it has led he and Raelynn to "time out" a few times already. Terry is much better at disciplining the constant laughing at that dinner table. Somehow it is just hard to correct them when you yourself are cracking up! As Raelynn says, "He is going to get himself in so much trouble for being so silly!" However he may just escape trouble with that smile of his!

SPECIAL PEOPLE..........

2011-04-17T22:51:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile I meet someone who intrigues me. It doesn't happen often but when I do I think about them often and try to decide what it is that intrigues me. Every since Raelynn started school there has been this lady who reads to the kids in the gym before school starts and then stands by the front door and greets all the kids that come in. From day one this lady has intrigued me. I was not sure what about her or why she caught my interest........that is until this week. Every day this lady arrives as school around 7:30 a.m. and spends 20 to 25 minutes sitting in a gym full of kids that arrive to school early and reads them stories. They all sit there listening intently. Then as soon as the first bell rings she walks amongst the kids chatting with them and focused on their every word until she reaches the front doors where she stops and greets the kids still coming in. This is where Raelynn and I see her every morning either walking in or as I walk out. I think this is what caught my eye about her, although she always smiles and responds as I tell her to have a great day, her focus is not me in any way. She is focused on those kids walking in the door, stopping them for a morning hug, or asking them something relevant to their lives. She always calls them by name and it seems that those she acknowledges the most are those that might not receive acknowledgement elsewhere. This week I learned that she is not a teacher at the school or really anything else. She started doing this when her kids were going to school there and now that her kids are no longer at the elementary school, she continues her role before she goes on to work. There is no doubt why I found her interesting and now I just find her amazing. To think the impact she has made on some of the most needing children is more than honorable. To watch her interact with the kids and now to know she does it "just because" gives me more than encouragement to better myself. She is a role model not only for the kids but for every parent that encounters her and her actions. To the wonderful woman who greets our children every morning, thank you and thank you for giving me higher standards to reach for!

Cooper is on the way to recovery but this has all been much more difficult than I expected. Towards the end of last week we were teetering on calling Dr. Kelley because we had some significant bleeding and much pain. However he is finally improving and we have actually been able to give him a regular bath without him screaming in pain the last couple days. He told me tonight, "My peepee is better but not much! It get better soon so I go swimming?" I assured him it would get better but might be another week or so before he could swim. He has really been a trooper through it all but I think we will all be happy when he is healed.

Raelynn is becoming so sentimental on us. As we are finishing the basement we are also going through some old things that we have held on to a little too long. We are also trying to get Coop a new bedroom set since he is outgrowing his toddler bed. Everything we try to part with Raelynn goes into a dramatic plea about how we need to keep it because is was her first so and so and she wants to keep it for her kids and on and on and on. We picked out a new bedspread for Coop and when we got home Raelynn asked what we were doing with his Baby Snoopy bedspread. I told her we would probably put all the baby snoopy decor in the garage sale we are having in June. You would have thought I had burned her baby book right in front of her. She plead with me to keep it and save it so her daughter could use it in her room. It was crazy ridiculous! The problem is I am the complete opposite so I have to constantly remind myself to be gentle and sympathetic to her feelings but it is hard! On the flip side, today her sensitivity brought tears to my eyes. In going through some things Terry had received after his Mom passed away, there was an old glass tea set in its original box. It was very old. Terry and I decided to give it to Raelynn. As I showed her and explained it was Nanny's her face was serious yet sad. She asked me if I thought Nanny played with it and I let her know I think she probably did. Raelynn was in awe about it. He disposition changed to that of a 10 or 12 year old and she began reminiscing about Nanny and then telling Cooper special things about her. Coop says he does not remember her so Raelynn was intent on letting him know how special she was. The conversation brought tears to my eyes and to see what that tea set meant to her was so touching. As we pulled the set out to clean it one of the dishes had been broken and glued back together. I was worried Raelynn was going to be upset but instead a soft smile spread across her face and she took confirmation in that broken dish that Nanny did play with it. It was all very heart warming and made me realize that I just have a very sentimental little girl and the things that do not seem important to me feel like this to her. It was more than enough to make me a little less aggressive about getting rid of "old" stuff. Raelynn also informed me this week that she needed to learn to write more words. "Ok, but why?" I asked her. "Because I have all these songs in my head and I need to write them down so I don't forget but I don't know how to write them all." I asked her to sing a few to me and although a couple were a little silly, a couple were scarily good. She is always asking me who sings what and who wrote their songs and I have become an expert at googling singers and who writes for them, maybe she has a future in songwriting :)

We had another great weekend and got a lot of projects complete. The kids enjoyed some fun time together here at home which they love. Today, as Terry and I were working on the basement, the Kid's Rock Fest came down to entertain us.

Looking forward to another fun adventurous week!

WARM WEATHER MAKES EVERYTHING MORE FUN.........

2011-04-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

We had wonderfully warm weather this past weekend and it was good thing we did as the weekend was packed with outdoor activities. Friday Aunt Steph was in Lawrence and picked Raelynn up early from Mary Beth's and treated her to a pedicure. That had a wonderful time! Steph was able to stay and eat dinner with us so it made for a fun evening.

Saturday morning we headed to the first soccer game of the year and wow what a year does for the kids. Raelynn played an awesome game and her team won for the first time ever. Raelynn contributed with 3 or 4 goals and she was beaming with pride. It was so fun to watch her feel the pride and satisfaction. We spent the rest of the day working in the yard and washing the car. Sunday we headed to the KU Baseball game compliments of our church. We had a great time there and Coop loved that they hit 2 home runs!

Then it was back home for a little more work and fun! All in all it was a great weekend but poor little Coop is really sore from his surgery. He screams when he potty's or when I have to bath him. I cannot wait until he heals because I feel horrible for him.

Today was a special day too; today is Mom's Birthday!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! We love you and hope you had a great day!!!

WHAT A DAY.............

2011-04-07T23:08:00.000-05:00

Coop woke up around 2 a.m. this morning whimpering and crying and progressively got worse. I gave him some of his pain meds and he eased back to sleep. He woke up normal time this morning and seemed to be feeling pretty good. We still put Coop in a pull up at night just in case. So as we went to the bathroom this morning and pulled down his pull up, it had stuck. I had to pull it off which caused bleeding, screaming and crying.....all from Cooper and the latter from me! It was awful! I felt so bad and he was adamant that he could wear undies to bed and he wouldn't wet the bed. Needless to say we are giving it a try. Had we even attempted to put a pull up on him tonight I think he would have went nuts and for good reason. Anyway, we will see if we make it through the night dry. Most of the day he did really well and you would not have even known he had surgery. However he was still sore and after one run in with a dump truck he tried to jump on after pushing he was reminded that it is still tender. Unfortunately I also think our little boy remembers all too well how nice Roxy Codone makes one feel. We had been giving it to him every 6 hours and then giving him Ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours. This afternoon I figured it was time to start backing off a little but after his bath he was hurting pretty bad. We went to the kitchen and I grabbed the Ibuprofen to give him. He tells me, "No not that one I want that one!" and points to the Roxy Codone. That sealed the deal for me and I put the Roxy Codone away. We fought drug withdraw hard for 2 weeks after his second surgery and I am not doing that again. I told him he would be fine with the Ibuprofen and there would be no more of the other that we could only take it in the beginning. He didn't argue and that was that but all the same it brought back awful memories.

Just to give you an idea of how "ok" he is..... today as we went to pick up Raelynn at school, I opened the door to the garage and then opened the garage door. Coop was out the door and I had stopped in the door way to make sure I had my cell and keys. As I look up I hear Coop say "Mommy Look!" There Cooper was dangling from the garage door as it rose up. He had grabbed on and took a little ride. He was laughing and saying "Look at Me!" Oh that boy and his adventurousness!

We had another amazing surprise today.........we were called to a press release for the St. Patrick's Day Parade funding late this afternoon. To our surprise Cooper's Cause Foundation was awarded $22,000!!!! This was incredible news and will go so far in awarding funds to families in need. Bring on the application for 2011!!! I have to say that this experience with the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade has been demanding and sometimes a little difficult but they are an amazingly generous and fun group of people. I vowed to be back next year to help the next round of deserving charities. Thank you to all of those involved in the Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade, you all have so much to be proud of and we will be forever grateful!!!

COOP IS WELL ON HIS WAY TO RECOVERY..........

2011-04-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

Cooper's surgery went great! He is just so strong! We spent most of the day on the couch together watching TV as he needed to rest and didn't want to sit alone. What a rough day huh? The poor boy had to go potty so bad but every time we would go he would just start and then start crying and would hold it. After talking to Grandma Karen she suggested I bribe him with M&Ms and it worked like a charm. It is still hurting him a little but he went potty all afternoon. By 4 o'clock he was up running around. I think he is going to be just fine. I am staying on top of the pain med by giving them to him just when they are due not really "as needed". I will do this until tomorrow night and then we will back off. This should help keep him comfortable. I love the little tricks we have learned along the way :)

IS IT REALLY ONLY WEDNESDAY...........

2011-04-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

This week has been.......well long! That is my way of saying "not so good". We started bright and early Monday morning standing in line at 6am for an hour to get Raelynn enrolled in a summer program. It is first come first serve and they were only accepting 67 kids. I was the 2nd person in line so we were set..........we thought. I left the enrollment center and they said that was that and she was in. Then yesterday we receive an email from the program saying she was not in because we were not enrolled during the school year. Never was this mentioned before in my correspondence with them or in the paperwork. She was not eligible during the school year because she was in morning kindergarten and they only offer it to afternoon kindergarten. We were so upset because she was looking forward to it. So I call Mary Beth to see if she had filled her place at daycare and of course they had so now they are checking their numbers and I am panicking. What a great start to the summer. Then I took my car in for a service and found out it needs $700 worth of work.....yeah for us! Yesterday we spent the afternoon at CMH for preop for Coop which luckily went well. Then we hurried home, picked Raelynn up, went to soccer, then picked up cookie dough for her school's fundraiser, headed to Daisy's and then me off to the last St. Patrick's Day Parade meeting. When I finally got home I felt like I had been run over by a truck!

This morning we awoke bright and early and headed back to CMH for Coop's surgery. Our great friends let us drop Raelynn off at their house at 6:15am and then they dropped her off at school. Yesterday Raelynn had been pretty apprehensive of us taking Coop to CMH and even shed some tears and asked me "what if he starts to bleed a lot?" It is always a little sad when she shows her concern, but this morning she was great! We arrived at the hospital and Coop did great until it was time to separate. They forgot to give him his "happy medicine" so he wasn't off in lala land when we left him and he started crying and yelling for us. From now on I will always halt everything and insist they give him the Versed because it was way too sad. He is in surgery right now and it shouldn't take too long.

Ok so now typing about Coop in surgery and looking at these pics......who cares about the car and we'll figure something out about Raelynn and this summer. What's important is that I am blessed with the most amazing family!

By the way, Coop weighed in at 26lbs and 3 ft tall.........way to go Boo!

RAELYNN'S FIRST LOST TOOTH............

2011-04-03T22:05:00.000-05:00

Wow some great things happened at the end of last week. The first is Terry has finished our storage room in the basement!!! We are finishing the basement basically room by room and it is the first to be completed. So now my fun starts and I get to clean out all our unneeded stuff and organize the storage room. As sick as it, reorganizing is truly one of my favorite things to do!!!

Even more exciting than the completion of the storage room is what happened Friday while Raelynn was at Mary Beth’s!

Her tooth has been loose for some time and she just couldn’t wait for it to come out. I refused to pull it or let Terry pull it because my Dad always pulled ours and it HURT! The very thought of it made me a little nauseous. I guess after lunch on Friday she was showing Mary Beth and she told her that her daughter always just got a tissue and twisted it a little and pulled it out herself. Raelynn wanted to try to Mary Beth gave her a tissue and TADAH! She pulled it herself; it didn’t hurt and barely bleed so it was successful! They sent me a pic and text and I called her right away. It was so cute she told me all about it and said, “I’m still shaking Mom I am so excited!” It was so awesome, like another passage to growing up. Friday night we headed out to Western KS to my parents so the tooth followed. I checked with a couple friends on the going rate for the first tooth and then called the bank to get the newest $5 bill they had. I was actually a little nervous that I wouldn’t pull it off as Raelynn insisted the tooth had to go under her pillow. We got to my parents around 12:30am and Raelynn was happy to go to bed so the tooth fairy could come. Luckily she was so tired it was a piece of cake. Saturday morning she was so excited to show everyone and of course everyone was great about making a big deal about it. So…..mission accomplished!

Our trip to Scott City was a quick one and we are headed back now. We did get to see my beautiful sister at her prom though which was a nice little extra.

We hope to get the yard cleaned up a little this afternoon before more cold weather rolls in! Next week should be an adventure. Coop has his circumcision so I will just hope by the end of the week he will still love us!

THE END TO MARCH MADNESS..........

2011-03-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

What a weekend of Basketball. I cannot tell you how disappointed we were to end the fun of March Madness but I guess it has to end sometime. I dread when basketball season is over because it is really the only sport I don't mind being on TV all the time. Now starts golf, talk about putting a person to sleep. Just their broadcasters and their quiet warm voices are like a bedtime story!!! Anyway, this weekend was filled with more laughs from the kids even though the NCAA Tourney left us sad. During Sundays game, in the first half when Terry was yelling at the TV and Coop was just staring at him, Coop turns to me and says, "I think they just need a little Pixie Dust Mom.". I wish it were only that simple! Coop is big on imitating things right now and acts out scenes from TV shows all the time. It is usually hilarious. Since I work at Farmers Insurance and they had multiple ads on during the Tourney Coop began singing the little Farmers Jingle.

If you have never seen our ads this won't be near as funny but if you have, it's pretty cute.

Friday night as we rushed home to get dinner and watch the first game of the weekend, Raelynn decides I am working too hard. She gets the couch set up with a pillow, blanket, bottle of water and then calls me into the living room. She tells me to lay day and rest why she proceeds to give me a foot massage and Coop massages my head. It was awesome, she had foot lotion and the whole thing. It did not last near long enough but was awesome all the same.

Saturday was house cleaning day and I confined the kids to Coop's room and told them it was the only place they could make a mess. Some how they convinced me to let them have a carpet picnic in his room for lunch and make their own lunch. Amazingly they did incredible. They made sandwiches and had yogurt and fruit and they made the whole thing. Of course they voted that I clean up after they were done but it was still nice of them to feed themselves.

Oh and you might wonder what's with their outfits? Well apparently Coop was the prince and Raelynn the princess and these outfits seemed appropriate for that. They did that on their own as well :) I guess they are cowgirl princess and cowboy prince!

Raelynn headed back to school this week and luckily we fell back into the schedule quite well after having a week off. This week has been pleasantly "normal". Soccer is starting for Raelynn on Tuesdays now but my Tuesday night meetings are over so that should be an easy transition. Now we are just holding out for our Spring/Summer weather. Come on Mother Nature!!!!

RAELYNN IS HOME AND EVERYTHING IS AGAIN PERFECT............

2011-03-24T22:51:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night Raelynn got home.....finally! There is nothing better than the HUGE hug she gives me when she returns home after being gone for awhile. She is always smiling so big too, it is awesome. She got home while Coop was in the bath and after we had given our hugs she quickly went in to see Coop. It was incredible to watch them. She sat and talked to him for 10 minutes telling him what she had done and he asked her questions about the stories she was sharing. I just stood in the hallway in awe. To hear them carry on such a conversation was outstanding. As I went to bed last night and walked by her room it felt so good to know that both the kids rooms were filled and no one's bed was empty!

Today Raelynn got to visit her good friend, Paige. They played all day. I took a late lunch and picked her up at 3pm. We shared some ice cream and then she hung out at my office for the rest of the day. I think she has had a fun spring break but I also think she looks forward to a relaxing day at Mary Beth's tomorrow. Tonight we made KU cupcakes for the game tomorrow which was fun. The kids help make them and then frosted them themselves with a KU theme so you can imagine mess and the fun!

Tonight I went in to tell Coop goodnight after Terry had put him to bed. As I lay my head down beside him he says "Mommy I want you to rock me." "How do I rock you we don't have a rocking chair in here?" I asked. Coop positioned her arms just as you would if I were holding him with one arm under his bottom and then other holding him close across his back, "Like this Mommy and I put my head on your shoulder where it fits" he whispered. To see his small arms and hands showing me how to hold him and then he saying he lays his head on my should where it fits really touched me because I love to "rock" him like this and he is right.....his head fits just right on my shoulder. I swooped him up and held him just as he asked and swayed back and forth. As I held him tight against me and felt his deformed chest and his unusual heart beat tears came to my eyes. Every once in awhile when I am least expecting it, I am reminded of how lucky we are to have him and how special he really is and what amazingly good things he has brought to our lives. I wanted to hold him forever but knew I couldn't. I lay him down and he says, "Mommy I really like you." "I love you, Cooper." "I know but I really LIKE you!" I think we tell each other we "love" each other so much that he thought telling me he "liked" me was a little more special. Like or Love, either way there is no doubt I feel like the luckiest Mom alive!

MISSING MY SWEET PEA......

2011-03-21T22:04:00.000-05:00

We made it back from Scott City in time to watch the Hawks which was our goal. Chandler's birthday was good and I think she had a good time. As you can see below Coop was having a good time and Dad......well Dad maybe was a little bored.

Chandler and her American Girl Doll from her Aunts

Wake up Dad, you are suppose to be acting like you care!

Cooper and Grandma had way too much fun with the wrapping!

Because Raelynn is on spring break this week she stayed in Scott City for a couple extra days. I know this is good for her and me but I miss her soooooooo nuch! She seems to be having a great time and it is giving us a little more one on one with Coop but I still can't wait for her to be back. Coop is missing her too and they talked tonight on the phone which was pretty cute. Coop was not happy when we left her in Scott either. He wanted to stay too but there was no way I could do without them both.

Raelynn and Steph text me this picture tonight while they were having dinner!

Although I am missing Raelynn terribly, Coop is keeping us well entertained. He is helping me out a lot since Sissy is gone. Tonight I gave him a whole package of toilet paper and asked him to go put it away. After not hearing from him for a few minutes I decided to see how things were going. He did eventually get the toilet paper put away!

This weekend during our travels Coop decided standing up to go potty was definitely the way to go in the public restrooms which I have to say I would agree. At one stop, after pottying, I ask him if he is done. He says he is, I ask if he wiped his peepee, he says

"No big boys don't wipe they shake it off."

"What?! Who told you that?"

"Mary Beth says you just shake it off."

"Ok for now but we are going to check this out with your Dad and I will make a decision then."

Well come to find, after checking with Terry, he is right so I let Coop know he was allowed to "shake it off" but he still had to use the toilet paper to wipe the toilet if he gets any potty on it. He agreed and so that is now our bathroom routine. I am telling you.....everyone needs to have a brother growing up because coming from a family of girls there are definitely some things I missed!!!

SUPER FUN ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!

2011-03-20T20:54:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a blast! We had our annual float in the St Pat's Day Parade and it was a beautiful day! We have fun every year but this year Terry and I handed out candy instead of riding and we had an awesome group of kids! It is amazing how many people fill downtown! Terry made a set of benches for our float this year which was fantastic. He did a great job! After the parade we hit Penny Annie's for ice cream which was the perfect end to the day!

Now we are headed to Scott City for Chandler's birthday! It will be a quick trip but happy to celebrate with her!

TOO MANY LAUGHS.............

2011-03-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

I only have a minute to post but Raelynn and Coop have said some pretty funny things in the past couple days. Monday night we had swimming as usual. After Raelynn got done with practice we went into the Ladies Locker Room to change. Obviously Coop is still too little to leave alone so he comes into the locker with us. There was another boy in there as well but he looked MUCH older to the point I am not sure that it was appropriate that he still be in the Ladies Locker Room. Raelynn got her stuff out of the locker and then I asked her to go into one of the bathroom stalls to change because I did not think it was appropriate for her to change in front of this boy that was in there. She didn't even ask why and just headed in to change. Cooper on the other had says, "Does Sissy have to go in there to change so I won't see her boobs?" The entire locker room cracked up. I told him I just thought she should change in there and not in front of everyone out here. Coop replies, "Oh I was going to tell you I have seen her boobs before and they are just small like mine but they will get big like yours when she gets bigger." I am so glad he is already tuned into the whole breast thing! However, I did appreciate that he referred to mine as "big" :)!

Yesterday after school Raelynn, out of the blue, states "Mom, we have been so busy and Cooper will be starting preschool soon and I haven't had time to train him." I couldn't resist, I had to ask, "Train him to do what?" "I have to train him not to be so ornery Mom! He is going to have a lot of problems if he doesn't learn to be not so ornery." I agreed and and then she says, "I think maybe we will set aside some time each night to work on it why I do my homework. Do you think we will have enough time before he goes to school?" She is already looking after her little brother. I just hope he is not as much of a problem as she seems to think he is!

Last night was Raelynn's first Music Program. It was awesome. My wonderful friend/coworker, Valerie came to watch as well since Raelynn requested that someone "special" come to watch. I guess Mom, Dad and Coop are just not "special" enough! It was great and she did a wonderful job!!!

Mrs. Moring (taken by Raelynn)

Raelynn and her best friend Hayden

I NOW KNOW WHY PEOPLE ARE PAID TO PAINT.........

2011-03-13T22:17:00.001-05:00

There was a time in my life that I could not understand why you would pay someone to do something you were perfectly able to do yourself, such as painting. Now after 2 kids, a dog, 2 sisters and a no time........I totally get it! We had an event filled weekend but my one project I wanted to get done was painting the kids bathroom. It was some time ago Raelynn decided she wanted to do their bathroom in sunflowers. I was fine with this because their bathroom could use a new look. So we picked out a yellow paint and some decorations and were good to go. However, we have been so swamped it has just been put aside for many weekends now. Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and I got everything taken down from the bathroom and it all taped off. Then we were off to the St. Patrick's Day Parade Poker Run. The kids and I did not participate in this one but Terry and his brother did and Raelynn, Cooper and I went out to see them off. I wasn't sure if all the motorcycles would scare the kids but I thought seeing that many bikes at once would be fun. There were over 100 bikes and let me tell you when they all headed out it was crazy loud!!! After they were off and the kids and I were leaving both Coop and Raelynn would not stop talking about how they wanted a bike when they got bigger. Raelynn's was either going to be a Batgirl Bike or pink and Coop's was orange of course!

After all that excitement we ran numerous errands and then back home in time to get ready for dinner at a friend's house. Terry got back home shortly before 5pm and we headed over to our friend's for dinner and the game. It was a great evening. We have known this couple forever but don't really do much with them. They have 2 wonderful girls who are 4 and 2. Needless to say, Coop and Raelynn and a wonderful time as well. The Hawks won and so everyone was happy! It was really a relaxing and much needed evening.

Sunday morning came way to soon and back to work we went. I started painting the bathroom after getting a few other things done. I soon realized that it was going to take a ton of the bright yellow paint cover the melon/peach color we had before. The next thing I realized is the Poho, our very white Jack Russel, had came into the bathroom and sat right on the paint lid and now had a very bright yellow back end! I sent the kids running to get Terry who was trying so hard to complete a project downstairs. So into the bathtub he went with Poho. Next was the kids wanting to paint, and show me their dress up clothes, and asking for a snack then lunch and on and on and on. Then there was a call from Steph.......and then a call from Karli.......and then I had to apply 3 coats to get it all covered. I was so done and the worse part........the yellow is so bright I think I don't think like it. However, Raelynn loves it and that part makes me happy but the decorations are really going to have to tone it down or I think we may be painting again and let me tell you......I don't want to paint again!!!!! We'll see how it all comes together in the next couple days.

Tonight we had the St. Patrick's Day Parade Coronation where we vote on the Queen Candidates. It was a fun evening and the kids were great. They loved getting all dressed up and were such a Prince and Princess!

Our St. Patrick's Day Parade events are wrapping up. Thursday is the big parade and that is always so much fun. Karli is coming to visit this week too so much to look forward too!

CONVERSATION OF THE DAY...............

2011-03-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

I truly believe that our initial reaction to our kids questions and comments are just as important if not more important than our answer or well thought out response. Let me assure you that this theory has been tested multiple times with Raelynn and yet today was another case in point.

Raelynn, very matter of factly: "Mom, why can't we talk about our gaginas and penises like we talk about our arms and legs?

Me, equally as matter of factly: "Well first is is Vagina not Gagina and I suppose it is because they are considered our "private parts" and we don't show them to everyone like we show them our arms and legs. Therefore, we don't discuss them with everyone either."

Raelynn, in thought: "So we can talk about them to you because you give us a bath?"

Me: "Sure if you want to talk about Vaginas and Penises you can talk to me about them. Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Raelynn: "Well no, not much to talk about I was just wondering."

Me: "Ok, well just let me know if you do. How was your day?"

Who would have ever thought I could have such a casual conversation about vaginas and penises with my 5 year old! I love being a Mom!