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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDS WOULD HELP :)

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

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

Love you bunches and have a fantastic day!

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

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

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

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

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

Happy Birthday Mom!

New GPS Woot Woot!

Easter Egg Deorating!

Wedding Ivitation Stuffing and Addressing!

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

THE LORD IS RISEN!  HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

LIFE IS FULL.......

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

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

CHANDLER ON HER SHOPPING SPREE!

CASSIDY AND COOP

COOP AND AUNT STEPH

CHANDLER AND RAELYNN

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

COOP BEING ORNERY

GO KU!

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

JAXON, COOP AND RAELYNN

AUNT CAROL AND COOP

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

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

WE LOVE OUR AUNT KARLI

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

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!