Koen's 1st Fish!

We went to Pine Valley (to fish in their puddle) and Koen caught his first fish! I'm not sure who was more excited, Chris or Koen. It was fun!

Selective Documentation

Growing up I knew that I had always been the perfect child. I would look through my scrapbook at all of the pictures of me smiling for the camera, being cute, blowing out candles, giving kisses and always with perfectly clean clothes and curled and primped hair. My parents couldn't have told me I wasn't perfect, there was just no proof.

Well, now that I'm a parent I realize that we only take pictures when our kids are being adorable and I wonder, Why is that? Are we encouraging selective memory? Sure, we want to remember the fun, happy times. But I also want my kids to know they weren't always perfect and that they owe me big time for not shipping them off to live with monkeys.

Why not take pictures when the kids are fighting, writing on the wall, flushing keys down the toilet or sticking pennies in our car CD player (really happened)? Let's not forget: chucking rocks at the neighbor kids, sticking peas up their nose, managing to get their diaper off and peeing on the floor or waking me up at 3 am to watch TV. Why not cherish the memory of your child on the floor throwing a tantrum in the store/restaurant/church (all of the above)?

That way, when they come to me at 16, and want to know why I won't give them $70, haven't bought them a car yet or still make them do chores, I can pull out my photo album and they will thank me for keeping them and loving them still.

Our kids should know how much we love them, but it can't hurt to let them in on what a pain in the ass they were sometimes as well. (sorry mom, I'm getting the soap right now)

Easter Duds

We were all well enough to go to church on Easter, and it's a good thing too because the kids had cute new church clothes to wear.

Our Latest Projects

My husband sure is handy. Just wanted to show off some of his latest work.
He built Koen this bed so he could have more room to play. Isn't it awesome?! Koen hasn't fallen off of it yet, but it sure is hard to tuck him in at night.
Our patio has been an eyesore for a while,so we decided to tile it. (OK he had some help laying the tile, but he did an awesome job grouting it!)

No gifts please

While Chris and I were on a date a while ago, our friends were watching the kids. Koen loves playing with their girls and Morgan is even okay there most of the time.
But this time was special...

Apparently Koen and Kelsee got married.We were sad we couldn't be there, but at least they took a picture for us.

I really need to find him some boys to play with. :)

Nice Moves

Morgan has decided that dancing simply involves shrugging her shoulders. I'm not sure where she got it from, but it wasn't me! (she dances much better than I do)
Go Wiggles!

False Alarm

It seems I do not have anything to worry about...for now (besides high blood pressure). But the health scare I just experienced has made me acutely aware of the possibility of losing everyone and everything I hold dear. And so, that much more appreciative of everything I do have. I am so blessed.
I want to thank all of you who helped me get through the last week. Thanks for checking on me, for trying to make me laugh and for keeping me from going crazy. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. In case I haven't told you lately- I love you!

I love you Chris, Koen and Morgan.

My heart goes out to those who have dealt with and are currently dealing with cancer. I can't even imagine how one would get through that and have the strength to fight.