Goodbye Karen.

I watched today as a friend was laid to rest.  I watched something I hope and pray I never have to experience, parents attending the funeral of a child.  It was heartbreaking.  It is still shocking.  It was terrible.  Karen was so full of life and always had a smile on her face.  I did not see her that often but when I did she always had that big smile on her face.

I experience families dealing with death every day.  I help dying people make sure their final wishes will be carried out.  But when a 26 year old is called home, it is so very different.  It makes me look at my job differently.  It makes me look at life differently.  On Friday, Karen posted on her Facebook account that she was going to the zoo.  On Saturday, the car she was riding in stuck a semi and she was gone.  Please take a moment from your busy lives and be thankful for not what you have but who you have in your life and make that hug last just a little longer.  

So as the Father said, Karen, fly with the angels and sing in the choir of all choirs.  

My babies

Yesterday Madison started first grade.  She loves going to school and was ready for the full day of new experiences.  When I asked her about the best part of her first day - lunch.  Yup, lunch.  I know she enjoyed the rest of the day as well but she was so excited to eat lunch at school and ride the bus home.  

Then today when I went to pick up Reagan, he was not in his room.  He had been moved to the Preschool Room!  I was a little sad, I guess I just wasn't ready for that although I am excited for the new learning experiences for Reagan.

So there you have it, my babies are officially no longer babies.  (Although I have known that for quite some time)

15 minutes and counting...

My how time creeps by as you sit on the floor while your toddler bonds with the toilet.  Last night during bath time Reagan said potty and climbed out of the tub and onto the toilet.  Nothing happened but it's a start.  Today we bought a little insert for the big seat so he doesn't fall in.  It has Elmo on it so that made his day.  Today we sat for 15 minutes, nothing happened but we'll get there.  I don't know if we're ready for this!!!

Today Madison gets to meet her teacher and bring her supplies to school.  She is pretty excited.  Monday will be here before we know it!  

Clarification

Ok, some clarification.  The vacation itself was fine although we missed Ben's mom.  My son just did not cooperate and when he is like that for more than 24 hours, it is just easier to be at home.  My head starts to ache and I find myself getting short with the kids.  Madison is in a mommy phase right now so she didn't want to stay behind and fish and play games.  

He has been much better since we have been home.  I think the hardest part is that he can't run around outside like he wants to.  The cabin is between a highway and a steep hill to the lake.  Hopefully next year will be a little easier.  He was back to daycare today and seems to be getting back into his routine.

Today we picked up a basketball hoop (Reagan size) so he is starting his Olympic dreams.  Madison and I are bypassing the Olympics are are trying our hand at the game Sequence.  Aunt Becky taught her how to play and she loves it.  Her favorite is knocking your piece off the board right before you are about to win.  

What in the world was I thinking?

Taking a 2 year old on a vacation, even a short, family vacation one hour from our house...I should be committed to the state mental institution.  

I would share more details but I need a shower, some aspirin and some peace and quiet.  

School time!

Madison and I completed her registration today for first grade.  She is really excited.  We got to meet the cook at her school who gave us a tour and also her bus driver.  She was a little apprehensive about riding the bus so I think this helped a lot.  Less than two weeks to go and we'll be waiting for the bus each morning.  Exciting!  (As long as we get out of bed on time!)

Reagan is still in his same routine at daycare.  The big 2 year old.  Today I picked him up and he gave himself hickies all over his forearms and hands.  I don't remember Madison going through that stage.  If I have learned anything about having a son, it's that this time around is completely different than with Madison!  

Big excitement for the day other than registering for school - going to the chiropractor and getting my new car washed for the first time.  

We bought Reagan a pretty cute shirt for his birthday and he's wearing it now.  It says "I still live with my parents."  Hopefully that will deter the girls for awhile.  

August 10, 2006

What a day that was!  After 10 weeks of bedrest and many episodes where Reagan almost joined us way too early, he was finally born at 11:15 am on August 10, 2006.  That day was such a whirlwind and a mix of emotions.  We were so excited to finally meet the little guy who had been taunting us the prior 10 weeks.  I was so excited he was finally here.  We were scared when they took him to the NICU.  We were excited our family was complete.  We were nervous about how we would handle two kids. 

In the end, it's been great.  He's been in his terrible twos for awhile now so that is nothing new.  He is such a talker and loves playing with his sister.  Mommy's favorite is that he is a cuddle bug. 

Happy Birthday Reagan!  

Surprise!

Ok, I love a good surprise.  Although when it comes with a near heart attack, it's a little more memorable.

So, Ben bought a new truck a few weeks ago.  At the same time I was looking at a different vehicle but it didn't work out.  Yesterday after work I was at the grocery store.  I was talking to Ben and he had asked me what I was doing, I told him shopping and I'd see him at home.  I came out of the store and put the groceries in the back of my car.  I put the cart away and then went to get in the car.  When I unlocked and opened the door I noticed a piece of paper on my seat that I knew I didn't put there.  It scared the crap out of me and I stepped back and looked to see if someone was in my car.  Nope, just me.  Then I thought that I put the groceries in someone else's car.  Nope, mine.  By that time I gained enough courage to see what the paper said.  It was a sale tag from a car like the one we were looking at.  I turned around and Ben was sitting in the car in the aisle behind me with a big grin on his face.  

Long story short, I got a Chrysler Pacifica and said goodbye to my Trailblazer.  It was a good car but I was looking for something a little newer and that was a little easier on gas.  It will take a bit to get used to as it's more like a car.  The kids like it, it still has a DVD player and sunroof.  My favorite part is the automatic lift gate.  

So the bad news, when I was test driving it yesterday I went to the mall.  We realized this morning that sometime when I was there someone but a nice big gouge in the front fender.  May the same happen to them!  

What I have learned this week

1. Reagan likes to hide when he goes poo poo, just like his big sister.  When we were in Indiana with Ben's family we actually lost Madison in a JC Penny store because she hid under a clothing rack to go number 2.  The store security was in the process of shutting off all exits to look for her, it was very scary but we found her after a few minutes.

2. I don't like dogs but I need one.  Reagan graduated out of his highchair this past week because he was using it to climb up on the counters.  For some reason he thinks it's fun to put food on the floor while eating.  But, I would rather sweep up food than clean up after a dog.

3. If you give a child a pacifier, they don't want to give it up.  Madison loved her "mi" as she called it.  We had a very long weekend when we threw them all away.  Reagan loves his "paci" and more so loves having three or four of them in his hands at the same time.  I am not yet ready for that long weekend but I know we need to get rid of them.

4. Winter in North Dakota might not be a bad thing.  Every possible road to get to our house is under construction, most of it pretty major work.  You drive slow, your car gets filthy and there is a new detour each day.  

5. Chuck E Cheese stinks.  Literally.  And it is dirty, their food is not good and the people are rude.  But the kids love it so we endure it.  

6. Something is wrong with my watch.  My baby girl is going to start first grade in three weeks.  My little boy is going to be two in one week.  You blink and a week has gone by.  

7.  We need a vacation.  We had a fantastic time in Orlando with Madison last February but Ben and I realized the other night we need a vacation, just us.  I was thinking South Carolina, Washington DC and Ben comes in with Mexico.  Ok, he can win this one.  We are working on booking something in October.  (Yes it's still hurricane season)  Then he has his builders show in Las Vegas in January.  In three years the builders show is back in Orlando and then both of the kids can come with.  

It's here.

Ok, almost here.  Actually, one week away.  But we had our first party for Reagan today with great grandpa and great grandma and it is making the fact that Reagan is turning two quite real.  He was quite content with dumping the gift bags on the floor, tossing the clothes on the couch and going after his tonka trucks.  He fell asleep before the turquoise cupcakes were served but he can have his tomorrow.  Chuck E Cheese and only a 20 minute nap were no match for his tired little self at 6:30 tonight.  

Madison does well with her little brother's birthdays.  No questioning where her gifts are or how much longer until her birthday so that is nice.  I think she enjoys watching him open gifts because she knows that his toys are community property and are under her watchful eye.  

Take an extra moment to hug and kiss your kiddos this evening.  I have been praying for a mom whose unborn son is extremely critical due to a heart condition.  It is easy to take our children for granted and forget there are little ones who need prayer and God's healing.  Reading their story brings back so many memories and reminds me how quickly those we love could be in situations completely beyond our control.