Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Thursday, May 29

A Great Message

A video production company put together an amazing YouTube film involving the crash that killed my cousin, 2 other teenage girls, and injured 6 more over two years ago. It is not only a reminder to "new" drivers but all drivers that speed limits are in place for a reason. The video contains real emotion, crash simulations, and survivors recounting what they remember from that night. It is powerful, emotional, and meaningful. For me, it wasn't just another story about how "speed kills" but listening to my aunt and uncle talk about how they found out, hearing from families that I went to school with - all brought me back to the day it happened.
Teenage Driver Safety

(Cher, something to show Braden as he gets closer to taking driver's education)

Tuesday, May 20

Mother's Day and Baptism

I have a little catching up to do!

On Mother's Day our sweet nephew Benson was baptized. We pretty  much rolled right out of bed and into the truck and headed an hour north. In the past, it just felt like a no-brainer that we would sit in the "family/small children" room at church but last time Drew treated it like a party - knocking on the window to get any member of the congregation's attention, playing very loudly with toys. It made it impossible for us to participate. Now it could have been age related but they were actually well-behaved during church/baptism. I felt that if they were a part of the service, exposed to the quiet, listening moments and the singing, they might be more respectful. Drew got a little loud with some trains but overall, I was pleased with their behavior. The rest of the day was beautiful and the kids were soaking it up!





(I have DEFINITELY noticed that my lack of a camera has dramatically reduced the number of pictures I've taken. I don't know if I want another camera, what brand/kind/style/function cameras are out there, and really haven't taken the time to research it - if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears!)

This past weekend we celebrated Craig's birthday in Chicago with some friends. The kids had a sleepover at the sitter's and then my mom watched them at our house so they could sleep in their bed Saturday night, since we didn't get home until 10. When Drew woke up Sunday morning, he called for "mommmmmmmmmy". I opened his door and he popped up, looked at me and said, "mom, you came home!" Broke my heart a little but I guess they are at the age where they understand when we leave and are able to verbalize their feelings about it! 

The country club pool opens this weekend and that means Craig begins his summer job. I hope to get the kids outside and start working on the yard. Holiday weekend also means being on-call at work for me. I'm getting it over with early this year and then do not have to worry about the other 2 summer holidays ;)

Wednesday, May 7

Time For A Check-up

I totally forgot that we had the kids appt 2 wks ago!! Since the last couple times we have been to the doctor's office were a total fail as far as behavior, I had low expectations. They are big enough now to stand on a regular scale and while Drew was first in line to get it done, Kelsey had to be coaxed/bribed/physically placed on the scale! She can be so shy, she hangs her head to hide from people and then we couldn't get a good height measurement. Then they ran into the exam room and it was a bit chaotic til we finished. She did a lot more asking Kelsey and Drew questions directly and if Kels was in her mood, she just said, "no" to everything...neat. But overall, everyone came out with a good report. Her only push was for the kids to start using "real" toothpaste with fluoride. We are still using training paste because they still swallow it; and only spit cuz hey, mom and dad are telling us it's okay to spit! So I would prefer to work on spitting appropriately before switching. Kelsey is a whopping 2lbs and 1in bigger than Drew. I had bets that she was heavier because she certainly feels like it!! She is still up there on the height chart for girls at 85% and even though Drew is only slightly shorter, the boy chart is so different that he falls to 50%. The doc filled out our preschool paperwork and we lucked out with no shots this time:)

This past weekend we headed up to Wausau for a combo birthday/confirmation party for Craig's niece and nephew. The kids were having so much fun with their cousins, they didn't go to bed til 11! Which meant they slept like rocks all night and Kelsey crashed in church after 15 min. And then Drew fell asleep within minutes of being strapped in the car seat and proceeded to sleep the entire 3 hour drive home. It was a lot of driving and busy weekend but such a nice, loving time with family.

Craig with his godson/nephew Braden



(We had so much fun playing that I sadly did not get any pictures of the kids with their cousins :( )