Room Upgrade

It was about time for Larissa to get a room upgrade. We kept the toddler bed longer than usual because of the unique bedroom floor plan.

February Frost walls.

One happy little girl.

Happy Birthday, Ethan

Today, Ethan grew up! This was the first day he came up stairs dressed and ready to go. He even said, "I feel taller today. But not on the inside. That's still the same and wiggley."

He shared and loved, and I was so excited to see his light today.

Happy birthday!

Just for fun... visit last year .

2011-- year in review

This year, Grant and I finally got away! Most significantly we celebrated our 10 year anniversary in Peru. Our type of vacation was spent hiking through Machu Picchu and learning about the Incans. We also returned to Ripon College in Wisconsin to celebrate ten years post college graduation. We completed our first 5K together, and I was the second female. (No one needs to know that there was not a lot of women running.)

Grant is still the department chair for social studies and has been at the same school since we got married. He received a federal grant that allowed him to have multiple vacations business trips this year. He studied at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut. He also studied witchcraft, Colonialism, and Puritanism in Massachusetts. The summer trip allowed him to visit a long distance cousin. Most recently, he returned from Washington D.C. With all the pictures that he brought home, you could tell the history buff felt right at home. I am also happy to report that this was Grant's first winning season in 7 years, and all 5 of his lineman starters were state recognized.

I graduated with my post-master's certificate as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in May. After three degrees after my bachelor's degree, I am done... for now. I am been practicing as nurse practitioner in neurosurgery for the past six months. I have been trying to balance work and home, and I am so grateful for changes within my department which has allowed me to be home for the past 2 weeks. I am currently serving in children ministry/ primary in my church. I have received the Banner Health Community Service award for 2 years in a row.

Raea is in fourth grade. She is now playing the viola. This was Raea's first year in competitive, year round soccer. She has enjoyed multiple tournaments all over the valley, which reminds me too much of my days playing club. She is amazing, mature, and loving. She makes our house more peaceful.

Ethan is in first grade. We have been blessed to realize he is a genius with a mind that never stops. (My first suspicion was when he was reading at four, and it wasn't because of me teaching him.) He is a member of the after school chess team and lego team. It was amazing to see his growth on the soccer field. He just started his basketball season. He is growing both mentally and physically. He also has the biggest heart and adds patience and out of the box thinking to our house.

Larissa is in Kindergarten. It is so great to have the same great Kindergarten teacher for everyone so far. She is one of the youngest and tallest in her class. She finished another soccer season. When people say "natural born athlete", I think they are referring to her. Ethan and Larissa are actually on the same baskebtall team. She loves fashion and changes her jewelry and clothes all day long. All she wanted for Christmas was a jewelry box. She adds love, loyalty, and fashion to our house.

Herston is in preschool. When Herston turned three, all his state therapies, like speech and PT, he was receiving ended. The good news is that he no longer qualifies for them. We still have challenges with swallowing, but he hasn't been in the ICU for over a year. He looks like a typical, rowdy three year old. I am blessed everytime he has a tantrum because I almost missed them all. He also can make anyone smile in his attempt not to smile. He adds laughter and humor to our house.

With the ups and downs of the year, we ended it just how we wanted. Thank you.

A Very Merry Christmas

We hope your day was exciting, fun, and full of love.

2011 Christmas Card

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

First Tooth

In first grade, Ms. Knowles had a tooth tree for kids that lost any teeth that year. I lost my first tooth in second grade. By that time, it was no longer a novelty.

Larissa is a young kindergarten and is a Young descendant. I warned her that her friends would lose their teeth, but she would have to wait.

But she was motivated.

I should have picked up on the new found interest in apples and carrots, but I didn't.

While doing her daily wiggle check, she felt one move. Maybe if I closed my eyes and concentrated, I could tell it moved. But it wasn't ready.

So I gave her the news.

Tears in her eyes; she wanted it out.

"Call Grandpa. He can do it."

"Larissa, it's not ready. It will hurt."

We called Grandpa, set up an appointment, and I warned him it wasn't ready.

He made no attempts without her permission.

I was barely aware of what was happening. No tears, no distress.

Then they handed me the tooth... that never wiggled. Two months after her older brother lost his first tooth.

When you are determined and have the right people in your corner, you can do anything.

Fathers and Daughers

This was the first year that Grant was able to take the girls to Fathers and Daughters' campout since it falls during football season.  It was a huge sacrifice as a football coach, but a huge accomplishment as a father.  Raea and Larissa were begging to go... and as fast as time goes, that may not always be the case.

(Just found this picture, now I finally know what the fort looks like that the girls kept describing.)

How did I get here? Part I

I was NOT one of those girls who couldn't wait to get married and have babies. In fact, I was the complete opposite. I couldn't allow any interference in my attempt to take over the world.

Until.

I met him.

I wasn't excited when he proposed. I knew what it meant. However, after I accepted the deal... I mean really accepted the deal, I was baby hungry.

And he made me wait.

I was 22 and a recent college grad. I was a successful project manager in an indoor air quality laboratory when the big "black mold" and anthrax scare happened. I was getting weekly gifts from clients. I knew I was on my way to take over the world when I got a company cell phone. My first cell phone.

Then Grant gave me the news.

After a long six months of waiting (and marriage), he said we could start trying. Two weeks later, I was pregnant. Maybe it was the hormones, but it didn't take me long to realize that my high profile job would not be compatible with a newborn.

And thus it began.

The long debate between financial security, professional respect, and being a "good mom".

So... I went back to the drawing board.

An extraordinary day

Growing up I loved doing my little sister's hair. I loved to sit back and look at the magic I just created. Having two girls I thought I would have lots of opportunities to view my work. Unfortunately, both of my girls are so independent, they won't let me touch their hair.

Last night was like any other night. Larissa visited me on her way back to the bathroom. We hugged and cuddled and kissed until she walked back to her room about 2 hours later. It was an ordinary night... after an extraordinary day.

Yesterday, Larissa and I joyfully cleaned out her closets. We hugged and giggled as we discovered how much she had grown. I whispered to her that she was my favorite. (I tell everyone they are my favorite when we have alone time.) And she told me I was her best friend. Even though those words are used frequently in my house, it was different this time. Right then, no one else in the world could compete with us.

So, imagine my frustration when 10 minutes after I turn on her bedroom light to indicate it was time to start waking up when I hear crying. UGHH!! Another ordinary day. Tears.

I walked into her room, and through her tears she said, "I don't want to go to school." I was dumbfounded. I said nothing.

"And I don't want to go to gymnastics." She has never indicated that she didn't like gymnastics. On the contrary. She loves it.

I was silent.

"I am going to miss you soooo much."

Touched, I sat down with her, went through our calendar, and picked a day for our next date. It was perfect we have Veteran's day off together this week. I think she felt better, so I started to get up to leave.

And then the tears really came. OH MY GOODNESS. Crying kills a part of my soul. She was trying to speak, but I couldn't understand through the wails.

"Calm down, sweetheart." It was not as genuine as it could have been.

"Mom... you. can. do. my. hair. today."

It was her ultimate gift to me. It was a gift of herself.

I think her exterior is so hard to protect the delicate pieces inside.

If you don't know her, you are missing out.

Just One Day

I was surprised with tickets to Time Out for Women. I was so blessed that Grant and Bridgette were able to find a ticket, Grandma Marci was able to babysit, and Grandma Rae could take Raea to her soccer game. Multiple blessings took place for me to be there, and it was just what I needed.

When I was a teenager, I would enjoy going to EFY every summer. I loved the way it made me feel; I loved the new focus. My little sister and I referred to it as "the EFY high." TOFW is like EFY for mommies. And today was just one day... on the high.

One experienced mother so eloquently said, "I didn't plan to be a witch." It is easy to lose focus when you are putting your kid to bed for the third time, dealing with fighting children, or re-pouring the milk because they "want it big". Why is motherhood so demanding and unromantic at times?

Today was just one day, but it was different. I was able to stop an allergy meltdown that is usually unstoppable with cold compresses, hugging, and talking. Who knew a five year old would be so interested in talking about her grandpa in the military?

At one point, I heard the frustration in my husband's voice as he reminded another child to stop screaming for the fourth time. It wasn't working; the child was oblivious to the torture he was inflicting on the others. I then asked the child to show me one of his new library books. I didn't have to discipline. I had no clue that every member of the family would climb onto the couch waiting for this child to present his story. One child even asked to say the prayer since we had all gathered together. How did this happen?

I even reached the youngest, who has entered such a terrible stage in the life cycle, which unfortunately I have seen before, and I know it doesn't last forever. I changed my thoughts. I changed his name. Somehow he like being called "Helping Herston" running down stairs to get his sister's blanket or running to turn off the lights.

One of my favorite quotes was from a story about a man bragging about his wonderful children, to which a friend told him, "God must not trust you sending you easy children." Parenting hasn't been easy, but I have always tried with all my heart. The quote brought a smile to my face and confidence to my soul. God has trusted me with some powerful angels.

The tank must be continually replenished, but for today, it is filled. Today, I made the perfect decisions for my children. Today, I know the Lord loves me, and He will not leave me comfortless.

Suffering can make saints out of people.