Our Family is Expanding

I wanted to share with you all some exciting news. Our family is growing!  Do you see these beautiful people?

This is N's younger sister and her family.  For years they struggled to have a child.  Then they were blessed with that adorable girl, H-J.  I can tell you from first hand knowledge that she's all personality, smiles and drooly kisses.  Even though she was only 8 months, I'm positive she said, "love you Aunt Kelly."  Memories, they are funny things aren't they. 

She's going to be a big sister!  To these two:

That's right folks, there are two.  I'm so excited for them.  Not only because I get to be an Aunt that loves on them and spoils them rotten, I'm also excited because I know Amanda and Brian will be amazing parents to twins.  Actually, when these two arrive, they'll have three kids under age 2. 

In all honesty, that kind of math is like trying to write the number infinity.

I'll also be doing much praying and sending of Starbucks gift cards to Amanda and Brian. 

Congratulations Amanda and Brian!  I've watched you from newlyweds to becoming parents.  You've kept your humor and wit and yet turned into such an amazing couple.  N and I are so thrilled for you.  We know God has given you this overwhelming blessing because of the parents you are to H-J.  He has heard the desires of your heart and answered in multitude!  We can't wait to celebrate with you.  Not to mention let you catch a couple naps while you're here.  We think you're going to need to store some of that rest.

We will be praying for you on this journey to becoming a family of 5.  You've finally caught up with us, at warp speed.  We love all 5 of you. 

Our First Year of School is Over

Yesterday Zoe and I went to her final preschool class.  They had a luau for the kids.  Zoe wore a floral skort, orange shirt and purple flower in her hair.  The teachers wore grass skirts!  It was such a fun time.

As I watched Zoe go from hitting the pinata, to finding treasure in the rice table and then listening to a story, my heart filled with pride.  I think as a parent you tend to forget how far they've come.  There are times when I'm doing something for Zoe that I forget how old she really is and how far she has come.

I can guarantee 4 years ago if you would've told me she'd be having her last day of preschool I wouldn't have believed you.  We were still measuring her actual age vs her corrected age, her height and weight were so little they didn't fit on the chart and she was still struggling to thrive.

Now she's very verbal, one of the taller kids in her class, incredibly social and witty.  As I watched her interact with her friends, I saw her as the little girl she is.  The girl who is learning her independence and is slowly getting smarter than her mamma.  If I'm being honest, she's already smarter with electronics then I am.

We've closed the chapter on her first year of school.  We've dealt with mean girls and leaving mom.  We have come through with flying colors.  I'm so proud of the girl she's growing up to be.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.  I know she will exceed any dreams I had for her because, at age 4, she's already exceeded anything I could've imagined.

The Tween Years Have Begun

D is set to graduate from the sixth grade in exactly 22 days.  It's a milestone that is both a welcomed celebration and, quite frankly, scary.  When N and I started dating, she was the same age Zoe is now.  I'm pretty sure it hasn't been 7 years that have flown by.  It can't be!  I'm pretty sure I'm still 25.

When I look at D, she no longer has baby teeth, so something must've happened.  Last night proved that things will never be the same. 

Around 6:00 N got a text message that said, "I finally got my phone!" 

D finally, finally, FINALLY got a phone. 

We are finally, finally, FINALLY going to be doing most of our communication with D via text.  I'm not sure I'm prepared for that. 

I guess I btr get used 2 writing like this.  I thought today would be a Text Lingo 101 for parents of tweens!

LTHTT = Laughing Too Hard To Type
LUSM = Love yoU So Much
BRB = Be Right Back
N = No (because the extra letter is too troubling to include)
N-A-Y-L = in awhile
N/M = Nothing Much
N2MJCHBU = Not too much, just chilling.  How about you?
ne = Any
ne-wayz = Anyways
L8R = Later
LOLA = Laugh Out Loud Again
TYVM = Thank You Very Much

I know there are probably a million more that I don't know or don't want to know about.  We are very fortunate to have a daughter who makes good choices.  Even though we will now begin to speak in a totally different language to each other, I know the heart of our girl.  Her heart is gr8.

TTYL = Talk to you later!

Wickedly Phenomenal

My mom's favorite movie, for as long as I've known her, is the Wizard of Oz.  My nickname was even munchkin.  Every now and then I'll find something that is from the movie and have to get it for her.  Recently there was a line of fabric that was from the movie, so she planned on making a quilt.   

In the spring of 2010 it was announced that as part of the Best of Broadway package coming to Spokane, Wicked would be in the line-up. 

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest with excitement.  I knew I had to get tickets to see this show for my mom and I.  Not only is Broadway one of her favorite things, but to combine that with the Land of Oz, is perfection.  Tickets didn't go on sale for a year.  As a sign, they went on sale the day before her birthday.  I got two seats in the second the last row on the floor.  They were the best available 10 minutes after the ticket booth opened!  I made up a poem and gave that to her on her actual birthday.  We've been excited ever since.

One of the things about my mom is that life never really goes the way she has planned.  She always picks the longest line at the grocery store, always gets people talking to her about their life story when she's just trying to grab that carton of yogurt, etc.  Her life always has twists.  We decided to get there very early to ensure that nothing went wrong. 

As we walked in the door to the auditorium, we were led to row AA.  Two people were sitting on the end, but beyond that the row was empty.  As I started looking at the numbers I realized the two people in the row were actually in our seats.  I knew it was my mom's fortune!  I went up to the nice couple with the biggest smile I could muster and said, "Um, I think you're in our seats."

The lady looked at me and said, "we planned that."  I wasn't sure how to respond, so she continued, "you see, I have a digestive problem and I need to be close to this exit.  We have two tickets in row Q, near the middle, would you be willing to switch with us?  Are you okay with that?" 

"OF COURSE!" was our response.  They seemed genuinely concerned that we'd be upset.  We switched tickets and ran before they changed their minds!  We moved up 10 rows and from the outside of the auditorium to the middle.  I've never been more pleased to hear of someone else's digestive issues.  See how happy we were?

I know it's a bit blurry, but you see that gold looking blur in the back?  That's the row we were supposed to be in.  It was like my mom's birthday came twice this year!

We were not disappointed!  Natalie Daradich and Anne Brummel did an amazing job. 

It was funny, clever, sweet and absolutely not what we expected.  Who knew Wicked was a story of friendship.  The set was unbelievable.  Normally productions come in two days prior to the start of the show's run.  Wicked came in 10 days prior.  It was amazing to see all the set changes and all the props.  If you get the chance, please go.  You won't regret it.  Maybe you'll even get a lady with digestive issues that will upgrade your seats too!

It was the perfect night, with the perfect companion.  Thanks Mom for being born and loving Wizard of Oz.  We now have a new favorite musical. 

Her Heart

One thing that is important to me is ensuring that my children have a firm foundation in Jesus. I grew up in a home that was centered on Christ. My best friends weren’t in high school, they were in youth group. If I wasn’t home, it was very likely I was at church either volunteering for some ministry or participating in one.

Don’t misunderstand, I had moments growing up where I questioned what I believed and eventually made my faith my own. However, without the foundation my home provided, I’m not sure where I would be today.

Not only are church and the ministries there important to us, so is having Christ present in everything we do. I see the struggles D and E face through school, I hear about all the ways they take Christ out of school and having Zoe go to a Christian school was paramount to both N and me. We’d love for D & E to go to one too, but at this point there are many hurdles to cross before that can happen.

I don’t believe that going to a Christian school will eliminate any struggles she will face. There will always be mean girls, peer pressure and all the things kids face today. What I love is that they put their foundation in the same Jesus we do. I hear about all the pressures of the world and I’m unsure how children face things without Jesus. Actually I’m unsure how anyone can face life’s struggles without Jesus.

Already, at age 4, she’s facing some of those pressures. There are cliques in preschool. There are already mean girls. At almost every class one of these girls seeks Zoe out to tell her that she’s no t that girl’s friend. My girl wears her heart on her sleeve. These things hurt her and they certainly hurt this mamma too. I will never understand mean girls. I will never understand ceasing a friendship for no reason. I’ve been on the receiving end and it’s a wound that really never goes away.

Here’s where I see how awesome my Zoe is. She is hurt by their words and she tells me about it. Then she finds another friend to play with or she makes a new friend. All is forgotten because she continues to love with her whole heart. She continues because that’s who she is. She doesn’t let the mean girls stop her.

At night, she prays for her friends. All of them. Even the ones that tell her they aren’t her friend. Because she continues to care and continues to love. In that moment, I see Jesus in her. I know the foundation she has will carry her through life, even with the mean girls. As I hold her close, I pray for her heart. Not only is Jesus working in her, but He’s using her in my life as well.

Thirteen

In May 1998 I was home from college, applying for a summer job with a local university and awaiting the arrival of my nephew.  My sister was pregnant and she timed it perfectly so I could be home for the birth.

On the evening of May 18th we were put on alert that she was having contractions.  By midnight, my sister and brother-in-law were at the hospital.  The family gathered around as the first grandson/nephew was to arrive. 

It was an electric time.  One of the few nights I remember very vividly.  As we approched morning on May 19th, he made his arrival. 

MJ was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.  I was at my sister's house constantly to visit with him, to love on him and to soak him in before I went back to college.

I've been able to love MJ freely and I couldn't be more proud of him.  From before he could talk, hockey has been his interest.  We would go to games and he would sit and cheer with me.  When he started playing, there's been no stopping him. 

I've traveled to Canada to watch him play.  I've watched his hair go from brown to platinum blonde as his teams have made it to nationals.  I've been excited as he's been recruited by a team in Canada. 

I've watched him mature into an amazing, young man.

MJ,

You brighten a room even before you enter it.  Your heart and your character shine through as I watch you interact with friends, your brothers, your cousins and crazy kids at VBS.  You are a unique blend of coolness and compassion.  I am so blessed to call you nephew.  You brighten my life in ways that I never could have imagined.  You've also puked on me more times than I can remember. 

Happy 13th birthday!  You're almost taller than me, you're definitely blonder than me and you continue to bring a smile to my heart.  I can't wait to see what God has planned for you, not only with your hockey, but with your life.  Your future has endless possibilities, but I know God has destined for you great things because you, MJ, are great.

I love you,
Aunt Kelly

Naked

Saturday was a busy, sunny day in our house.  I ran my last long run of the training season and came home to an antsy bunch of people.  I bribed N with some time in the hot tub if he agreed to go to the YMCA with us.  I knew he couldn't say no to the offer.  So when we arrived at the YMCA I told him it also included hot tub time for me too. 

D is a fish.  The girl will spend all her time doing sommersaults, hand stands and diving into the pool.  One of her favorite things is to go to the lap pool and do laps with me.  I got out of the 100 degree hot tub and entered the 69 degree lap pool.  It was like hot and cold therapy for my legs.  I think it actually worked, I wasn't too sore after the 10 mile run that morning!

While we were going from the glorious hot tub to the artic lap pool, N was taking Zoe around the kid's pool.  If D's a fish, Zoe's a mermaid.  She loves to be held as she swims around the pool and likes to blow bubbles.  Zoe usually gets on N's back, like a piggy back ride and then bounce all around the pool. 

Yesterday Zoe asked Grandma if they could go to the YMCA pool.  Grandma told her that she didn't have a card to get in.  Zoe was pretty sure that I would share mine with Grandma.  Grandma then told her that she didn't have a swimming suit to wear.

Zoe told her, "just go naked like daddy." 

Apparently going shirtless is going naked and it's okay for everyone.  I'm sure N appreciates Zoe's rendition of his swimming attire.

My Mommy Feathers Are All Perked Up

There are times in my life where I almost feel as though my heart might burst because of things that I see my children and husband do.  Last night was one of those nights.  I sat in the front row of our church, surrounded by 24 of my Sparkies and watched N, Zoe and D go up on stage.  I was so completely proud of all of them that my heart felt like it might come out of my chest. 

Last night was our AWANA awards night.  We can fit about 250 people comfortably in our church's sanctuary.  We were at capacity last night.  For an hour we watched child after child receive awards for all the hard work they did.  Zoe finished her first AWANA book and received a Cubbie bear to go on her vest.  She had the idea that she would also be getting a ribbon that was purple.  Fortunately I found a ribbon that was purple and also a button. 

D finished her book too.  Because she's older, her book is harder.  It's not just saying a verse or the books of the Bible.  It's saying a verse, answering a question, reciting a past verse and doing some Bible work 60 times.  Not only that, but she also received a camp scholarship because of her character.  The scholarships are given out based upon the type of person you are rather than how far you've gotten in your book.  It was a huge compliment to D.

E, even though she didn't receive any awards, encouraged and congratulated her friends.  Instead of jealousy or envy, she was truly glad for her friends and sisters.  I love seeing her heart like that.  It makes me smile from deep in my soul.

Then there's N.  This year he was a leader in the boy's group.  Last night I witnessed the impact he made on those boys.  I can't adequately describe the connection he has with the boy's in our AWANA program other than saying N is loved deeply.  Several of the boy's came up and told him they'd miss him next year, as well as their parents.  He's impacted those boys just by being who he is.

I'm so proud of my family.  God is doing a mighty work in the 5 of us.  I love seeing His handiwork.  It far surpasses anything I could imagine for us.  Thank you God for N, D, E and Zoe.  I am completely blessed by You and them. 

Like Father, Like Daughter

We had to go to Home Depot last night to get some things for the sprinkler system.  While I love all things Home Depot, it's N and Zoe who love to look around, try things out and spend hours on their home improvement adventure.

N is always looking at all the new things we'll need for the future:  bigger BBQ's, patio sets, ceiling fans, track lighting, new carpet, cabinets, riding lawn mowers and the list could go on forever.

I was looking at weed killers and turned around to this:

and this:

They've got plans to mow the yard together on their riding lawn mower.

That N's a smart one.  He's found his marketing ploy to get me to see the value of a riding lawn mower.  Not to mention getting her to smile that very contageous smile.  That DNA is pretty powerful stuff. 

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was very special.  It wasn't just a day, but a weekend long event.  Zoe made me a bucket at school with her finger prints on it and a petunia planted in it.  She made sure it was put between the blinds and the window so it would get lots of sunshine.

N took me to a fancy dinner.  We had delicious steaks and even got free dessert.  Apparently I'm used to eating fast and while it's hot because I inhaled my food.  The server was quite impressed at how quickly we ate.  When you have kids and a dog, you eat while it's hot.  No talking, no funny business, just eating!  

If inhaling 5-star food wasn't enough, he took me to my first 3D movie.  I was a little nervous about things flying out of the screen at me and screaming out loud, but nothing like that happened....thankfully.

On Sunday I got to sleep in, went to church and came home to flowers and a card that sang me a song about being a Super Mom!  Zoe and my mom got me some pansies to plant in our backyard and N got me this beautiful orchid.

What's even cooler, it doesn't sound like I'll be able to kill this plant very easily.  Can I get an amen?

It was a great weekend with my two loves.  I'm so blessed to be a wife to N and a mommy to Zoe.  God has truly blessed me beyond measure.  Thank you for making me feel so special.

Measles

I am putting together a slideshow for our awards night at AWANA.  I love doing the slideshow.  It's a fun way to recap the entire year.  I also love doing the slideshow for a much different reason.  I have control over which pictures of me make it into the final show.  As I've looked through the pictures I've received, I'm pleasantly surprised that there aren't a ton of double chins or half-asleep shots.  Although I know those are the ones the kids love!

I found one that made my heart smile.  It was taken just last week and it includes a bad case of the measles for both Zoe and me.

All those happy faces don't compare to my heart when it comes to that girl.

Easter

I realize I'm behind on this here blog by at least three weeks.  In an effort to catch-up, I thought I'd post about Easter because this will contain one of my new, favorite pictures of Zoe.

Easter morning she got ready at Grandma's house as she had a slumber party the night before.  We picked out a beautiful dress her Uncle Mike bought her at Thanksgiving and her school shoes to wear for the big day.  She looked adorable. 

She helped Grandma put out cookies for church that morning and decided to be in the nursery because it wasn't a day for children's church. 

After church we went to lunch at Red Robin with Grandma Kathy.  There were lots of laughs, too many french fries and even a scoop of ice cream.  Daddy snuck off to head home and make sure the Easter bunny had hidden the eggs.

While he went off, Zoe, Grandma and I went outside to get some pictures.  Zoe hopped up on the bench and did this:

Apparently she's ready for her close-up.

Just Dance

Two weekends ago we had the opportunity to watch Zoe perform her tap routine at the mall.  She was SO excited to be "on stage" at the food court.  Really, the best place to dance is around all the food. 

All her classmates were there, dressed and ready to perform.  I was a bit nervous about it because every other performance I got to see in the studio included Zoe running to me crying.  Her attitude was cheery and happy, so I felt we had a chance for success.

Loads of family came.  She had one of the biggest cheering sections that day, 12 of us total.  Her time came and I gave N the camera and found a lovely pillar to stand behind.  I peeked around to watch her.  She was focused on daddy, smiling, waving and eager.

She did it.  She actually made it through the whole routine without crying.  Actually she smiled for most of it and even enjoyed herself.

Of course the second she came off the "stage" she was ready for a cinnamon roll and some water because "that was a lot of work!" 

I'm so proud of our tapper.  She'll do great on the actual stage in June.

We Logged Some Miles

This weekend is a big running weekend here.  The first Sunday of every May is Bloomsday.  It's a 12K road race that draws in the crowds.  This year I ran with 56,639 other people.  This was the view from where I stood.

All those people were in front of me.  I had at least that behind me too.

It's a great event that brings out the community.  D & E joined their aunt in handing out water on the biggest hill of the course, Doomsday.  It was great to see them even though I'm pretty sure they were a little taken aback as I stormed up to them and grabbed water!  It took them a minute to realize who I was. 

People all along the course are cheering you on, playing music and some even hand out popsicles.  There are children that line the streets giving out high 5's.  Churches along the course hand out food or play music to get you going.  It is one of my favorite events.  This year was the 35th anniversary.  I got a medal that Zoe calls her own.

In addition to Bloomsday, they also have the Marmot March.  It's a 1.2 mile walk through the park for children 8 and under.  This is Zoe's 2nd year participating and she LOVED it.  They have cheerleaders and mascots along the route.  This year even daddy came to participate, along with Grandma Kathy, D & E.  It was a family affair.  Each of the girls got a ribbon and a small loaf a bread.  It was a toss up as to which was move coveted. 

I love getting out as a family, in the sunshine, exercising and having fun together.  It was a truly blessed weekend.