MOMMA'S PROUD………..

Tonight was a good night!  We just got home a few minutes ago yet everyone is asleep, except me of course.  It is rare times like this that I have time to actually sit down, just me, with a silent house.  I never like it for long but once in awhile it sure is nice to sit in silence and thank God for the houseful of blessings he has given me.  Raelynn had a Jr. District Horse Show.  She did so well.  It's not about how well she placed, although she did place really well, it is more about watching her achievement and the pride in her face.  She grows so much with each experience.  I get so frustrated when she doesn't do her very best and then there are nights like tonight when she does everything we have asked her to do and I am so proud of her.  There is just so much emotion in me with each of her accomplishments and each of her failures.  I know it is normal to want them to succeed but I had no idea how much I would want that. After her horse show, we were so hungry and so tired yet these are the times we have the best conversations.  She can be so grown up with such great respect and her manners are evident.  As we waited for our shakes from Sonic (we have to have a treat when we worked so hard and yes I mean "we") I felt like I was hanging out with my best friend just chatting away and laughing.  Sometimes I think we just get too busy and I am so concerned about staying on a schedule that I forget how wonderful it can be to just let go.  I love reminders like tonight!

While we busy at the horse show, Terry and Cooper were at baseball practice.  Coop is LOVING baseball.  He is so adorably cute playing.  I don't know what there is about him, but he is just the sweetest most innocent little boy ever.  We have been having some cardiac issues with him lately and his maturity in dealing with it amazes me.  He is so special in so many ways.  I always wonder if others see what I see or if it is just because he is my son?  I really don't know but I know he has shaped me more than anyone ever has in my life.  Everyday I look at him for my strength and he never fails to provide it.

I love my kids, I love my life, I have been given so much!!!  Below is a little picture journal of the last few weeks!

Raelynn goat tying!

Raelynn and her friend, Emma!  These two would rather be dirty and hanging on animals more than anything!

McKenna, Raelynn and Coop visiting Blu (Raelynn's Bunny!) 

June 7th Terry and I's 11th Wedding Anniversary

Raelynn and Happy Haddie!

I am not sure what to say about this!  I guess it is Raelynn's idea of a funny prank on Coop!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

RAELYNN'S GIRL SCOUT CAMP

4H JR DISTRICT HORSE SHOW

I LOVE SUMMER……….

I cannot tell you how much I love summer!  It just seems even with things aren't perfect, they are better when it's warm outside!  I am also a lot more lax on rules in the summer.  The kids are allowed to watch TV during the week which they are not allowed to do during the school year and their bedtime is an hour later.  The only bad part is that makes my night time work start an hour later too!

Last week Raelynn got to pick out her Bunny and tonight, a week later she is finally named.  Introducing Blu!  Blu is one of Raelynn's 4H projects and she is learning how to "show" Blu and what all needs to be known about her.  Her other 4H project is photography.  She wanted to take pictures of Blu and Moon, her pony, and use that for her photography project.  She is really doing great with 4H but I struggle.  It is overwhelming to me and I just cannot grasp it all but I am hoping after this summer I will be much more informed.  The leaders are amazing.  I don't even know how to tell you how amazing they are.  They don't even laugh at me, well at least not much!  The one leader that is housing Raelynn's bunny has 3 daughters and they are teaching Raelynn everything.  We are out 2X a week so we are getting to know them better all the time and they love animals and love 4H.  They just want to expose Raelynn and the other kids to all they can.  They have invited Raelynn to spend the week of fair with them EVERY day ALL day.  I can't even explain how excited Raelynn is.  She loves every second of it.  I love to see her excitement but I was equally excited that I was not expected to spend every day all day at the fair with dirt and animals!!!

Raelynn also finally, after almost 7 years, expressed jealousy of her brother.  It was so sad but so understandable.  She had a rough day and one thing led to another and she broke down and out of the blue started asking why everyone thought Cooper was so cute and so funny and why he got all the attention and then there was Cooper's Cause that was all about him.  It broke my heart but at the same time I always knew she had to feel a little jealousy and wondered if she just kept it buried.  She brought up things that she was jealous about that happened when she was in Kindergarten so it obviously had been building for some time.  I think she was surprised by my reaction as I agreed and told her I completely understood.  I don't know if she thought I was going to be mad but she seemed so happy that I wasn't.  I told her we had tried so hard to give her equal attention and she assured me it wasn't me, it was everyone else.  After she had told me so much of what bothered her we discussed how her brother looked up to her and why he did some of the things he did and why he got so much attention.  I felt so bad for her but it must have needed to be said because she has been perfect every since.  Even tonight she seemed gentle with him as she tried to teach him how to hold her Bunny.  At one point she got short with him and stopped her self and said, "I am sorry Buddy, I just didn't want you to hurt Blu, let me show you again."  I almost fell over!  Anyway, it is just another example of how our family is growing together,  It was another very teachable moment and another instance that I am so happy I had read so many articles about sibling jealousy!

So tomorrow is another crazy busy work day but it will be warm outside just waiting for me to be able to get out and enjoy it.  I cannon wait!

MAYBE WHY MOST HEART MOMS DON'T WORK…….

So if I have ever questioned why most of the heart moms I know do not work, this week would have been all the answers I need!  After a long weekend of family time Tuesday rolled around just in time for chaos.

Since Thursday Coop had been spiking a fever off and on.  It did not slow him down and had it not been for the headache he would get when the fever got up there (103.5) we would not have even known anything was wrong.  Coop has so many temperature control issues that we thought it might be he was just getting over heated.  However, Monday night he mentioned his throat hurt which lead me to think maybe it was more than just temperature issues.  Raelynn and Coop were to spend Tuesday and Wednesday with Steph and considering Haddie is just a month old I decided to get him checked out before taking them over.  So Tuesday morning I take the kids in to Dr. Kelley.  He ran a strep test and it came back negative and said he looked fine.  There were no concerns and he even looked at Raelynn too.  So we headed to Steph's house and they spent the night.  This morning about 9am I receive a call from Steph that Coop was complaining of chest pain and having a hard time breathing.  We have dealt with the chest pain from time to time but after she put Coop on the phone, I knew this was different.  He would hardly speak and was crying.  I could hear him breathing heavy, so I headed to Meriden to get him.  Of course within minutes of being on the road I am stopped for speeding.  The officer asked me if I was in a hurry which of course I explained I was.  He ran my license and came back and asked me if my son was Cooper.  It made me chuckle that he knew.  He let me go on my way with a promise I would slow down and make it there safe.  Within10 miles of that a car in front of me had a tire blow out.  I stopped to see that he was ok and had a phone to call for help and that the tire that flew up and hit me didn't cause any damage.  I was back on the road.  It took FOREVER to get there!  I finally made and actually expected Coop to be doing better but he was not.  His heart was beating so strongly it was frightening.  His heart always beats hard and you can always feel it but this was crazy.  I got on the phone to Dr. Kelley who advised to call cardiology.  Of course his cardiologist was out of town until Monday so I was left to talk to a nurse who said if he wasn't blue and his SAT level was ok, it wasn't a cardiac issue.  Well he wasn't blue and SAT level was fine.  I guess the intense chest pain, shortness of breath, insane heart beat and now vomiting wasn't a cardiac issue.  So Coop and I loaded up to head back to Lawrence why I tried to figure out what to do.  Coop was in much more pain than I had ever seen him and he was throwing up every 15 minutes like clock work.  We got home and I carried him inside and sat down with him.  i got back on the phone with cardiology and why I was talking with him Coop stiffened, grabbed his chest, cringed and then just froze.  He looked at me completely confused and then his body relaxed and he said, "Mommy it doesn't hurt any more."  I asked him what he meant and he said it just went away.  And just like that he was fine.  It was like a light switch and he was back to normal.  After 3 hours of pain, shortness of breath, intensely strong heart beat and vomiting, he was now fine.  I monitored his temperate, heart rate and SAT level the rest of the day but it was like nothing happened.  I do not understand his body and it causes me to question every logical symptom and explanation but what I do know is what happened this morning is not normal and something was wrong.  If it happens again I will push until someone sees him.  I am so tired of the unexplained all though I know it is probably always going to occur with him and I just pray that I don't decide to ignore it the one time it can't be ignored.  But for now, I am just happy I have my sweet energetic boy back!

Coop was super disappointed though because their day with Steph was to include a trip to the zoo.  Raelynn, Hadley, Steph and Karli still went and had a great time.  Coop stayed home with me and continued to beg for us to do something fun since I would not take him back to Steph's.

Raelynn petting the snake at the zoo!

Coop's face as I was showing him the pictures of his Sissy at the zoo.

Raelynn, Aunt Steph and Happy Haddie!

So before all of this nonsense, we celebrated Memorial Day with a trip to Nanny's grave.  It is always nice to visit and remember how wonderful she was and hear Raelynn tell Cooper stories of her Nanny!

Two weeks since my last post and we have done so much and had so much fun!  Here is our recap:

Monday May 12th-Raelynn's bunny is born and she sees him/her for the first time!  Yep, the amazing 4H leader who bred bunnies and agreed to keep Raelynn's at her house while we can come to feed and care for it anytime we like.  They will even teach Raelynn how to "show" the bunny.  Raelynn has decided if it is a boy his name will be Bob or Hoops and if it is a girl it will be Bobette or Hoopina!  Yep that's my daughter.  There were several bunnies born so we are not sure yet which one exactly is hers but she will decide soon.  Raelynn was so excited.  We plan to attend to the Bunny 2X per week now that school is out so it should be an experience.

Tuesday May 13th-This was a crazy busy day.  Raelynn and I were starting to feel a little under the weather but there was no time to be sick.  I started meetings at 4:30 and got home about 10pm that night.  My meetings were Site Council and PTO for the kids school so well worth it and I walked away as the new PTO President.  I know that I probably didn't have time for it but I will find time.  I am excited to have a couple successful years of bringing more interest to PTO.  It will be fun.  Raelynn was excited I was elected too.  I am not sure why, maybe she has her own agenda :)

Wednesday May 14th-Coop had his first Baseball practice and he was so excited.  He loves baseball and I love how excited he gets.  Terry takes him and helps coach so they are super cute together.  Usually I head to riding lessons with Raelynn but we both felt so horrible on Wednesday we did not go.  By this time I was assuming I was getting a sinus infection but I was really hoping it would get better soon!

Friday May 16th-Raelynn had a Girl Scouts dance party and I got ready for Karli's Graduation

Saturday May 17th-My little sister graduated from college.  It is crazy to think how we are all getting older.  We had a great day with Karli, bull of celebration.  I am super proud of her and I hope she stays driven to accomplish many things.

Sunday May 18th-Raelynn's 1st Horse Show of the season.  It was a little over an hour away so Raelynn and I left about 6am and got home around 9pm.  We were exhausted and I truly felt like I could die.  The good news was Raelynn did AMAZING!  She has developed so much as a rider and I am sure happy to see her progress.  Her growing friendships are equally as fun to watch.  

Monday May 19th-I WENT TO THE DOCTOR!  I had a severe sinus infection and fluid settling.  I got some several prescriptions and some over the counter and within just a couple days I was feeling sooooo much better!

Wednesday May 21st-Coop's Aloha to Kindergarten!  We celebrated Coop's transition from Kindergarten to First Grade.  It is so exciting but so sad to see him growing up so quickly.  He is truly such a great spirit.  I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.

Thursday May 22nd-Last day of 3rd Grade and Kindergarten!  I cannot believe the year has came to an end and I now have a 4th grader and a 1st grader.  They are the best kids ever with the best teachers ever.  Saying goodbye to them seemed more difficult this year.  I get very close to their teachers and respect them so much.  I can only hope we continue to be blessed with amazing teachers.  

Friday May 23rd-Rodeo night!!!  Our annual Shriner Rodeo putting.  It was fun and the kids love it!  Terry's family is always there and friends joined us this year so we enjoyed it even a little more.  

TODAY-Another horse show but this time in the rain!  It was a wet day and Raelynn didn't do quite as good as last week but it was still a good day.  Raelynn's bestie joined us which made her day fun.  

All in all the last 2 weeks of school have been fantastic and now for the first 2 weeks of summer!  Let the fun begin!

Wonderful Mother's Day Weekend!

What a great weekend! We started Saturday off with the CCF Horse Poker Run. It was scheduled last October but had to be postponed due to the government close which in turn closed the park and trails the ride was to be held in. Saturday was beautiful. It was a little windy but given what it could have been like I will take wind and 85 degrees. The event went perfectly and raised over $800! We were very pleased. Always the best part was that everyone had a great time!  Bonnie organized this event and did a great job. We are so thankful for her involvement in the foundation. 

After that we headed home and Steph and Hadley came over to visit why Cody was at work. We grilled and just hung out. I love it when they drop by for a visit!

Sunday morning I woke up to Raelynn making noise in the kitchen and Terru supervising. When I was finally allowed out of bed and in the kitchen I had breakfast waiting and a few surprises. At the Poker Run there was also a silent auction which had this great wine basket. I didn't win the bid on it but apparently Terry did! So there waiting for me was my wine basket and cooler along with Gift Certificated and cards made by Raelynn. The best part is that Terru was not consulted on the GC and there was one for $15 to the Cheesecake Factory and $50 to White House Black Market. When I found out Terry didn't know about that financial commitment I couldn't quit laufhig! I love that girl. The other was a GC stating they would do whatever I wanted all day! Woot woot! I went easy on them though. So we then went back to bed and watched movies all morning. It was awesome! I felt a little guilty not getting up to go to church but loved snuggling all morning. After lunch Raelynn and I headed to Leawoos to get her iPod fixed. Of course while we were there we had to do a little shopping. Raelynn is the best shopper ever so it was a great time. Then it was back home to spend the rest of the evening lounging again! So you can see why it was a day I wish never ended.

 I love being a Mom, it's my favorite thing in the world. I love recognizing all the great things my Mom has done for me and my family, I love knowing my sister now gets to feel the unbelievable love of being a Mom. It's all perfect!

On Friday the kids had Field Day. Their PE teacher does an amazing job of setting up various stations for the kids to have fun!  I was not able to be there but had some great friends that kept me posted on the fun by sending pics throughout the day!

I did get to sneak away for lunch though and had a very special date!