Family Faces & Magic Mirror

Snow has fallen... Daybook

2012-01-23T11:42:00.002-06:00

Outside my Window:The snow is finally here! I love snow, I love winter, if it is cold there should be snow. There is only an inch or two on the ground, but it looks nicer than the brown grass!

I am thinking:About how my classes will go this week. I am in the middle of teaching WWII and also have a few student presentations this week.

I am thankful for:My mother in law giving DH and I the opportunity to have dinner a couple of times a month without children. We went to Axel's this week,and it was so good, we also headed to Caribou and Best Buy after dinner before returning home.

I am reading: Heaven is For Real. I have about 50 pages left, and I think I have cried for over half of it. It has many connections to my family life as a mom.

I am hoping: This week goes by quickly, though I hate wishing away time (I want my babies to stay babies) I can't wait for uninterrupted time with them, and that comes on the weekends.

On my mind:Making sure that I stay up on grading, I have done pretty well with this so far since returning to work but I want to maximize time at home!

We're learning: How to build on foundations.

Noticing that: My children love each other, truly unconditionally love each other. They want to be together, they watch each other and there is true joy in their eyes when they look at one another.

A few plans for the week: The early part of the week is quiet, but Thursday there is swimming, Friday there is piano, Saturday dance and dinner with friends, Sunday church.

From the kitchen: Baked Ham and potatoes tonight, tomorrow a pork roast in the crock-pot, Wednesday steak, Thursday pesto and chicken pasta, Friday pork chops. Saturday is yet to be determined as we need to chat with our friends to see what they would like :-)

Around the house:Organized chaos. Things are clean just not all put away :-)

One of my favorite things:Snuggle time with both my kids :-)

A picture or two to share:

Sitting like a big boy

Dance outfit and Happy!

Daybook Returns...

2012-01-18T14:04:00.002-06:00

Outside my Window: I see grass that remains brown, bare trees and small hints that show we should have snow.

I am thinking: About how hectic it can be during short weeks of school. We only have students three days this week, and though its often a blessing its also a curse when you have days filled to the brim with things going on, especially a week with parent teacher conferences!
I am thankful for: So many things, my husband, my children, my family, my friends.
I am reading: Heaven is For Real, well actually I am going to run to get it shortly :-) I am excited to read it as I have been told its a must read!
I am hoping: That my little man is headed in the right direction health wise. He has been battling a cold for three weeks, but I think he may be in the tail end of it. I would love a full nights rest!
On my mind: Thinking ahead to next year! School year that is, that's how I think. Bel will be in kindergarten and we have decided to send her to private school.
We're learning: still learning to get 4 bodies out the door in the morning on time. This is hard, especially with how cold it has started to be. DH's biggest pet peeve is our inability to get anywhere on time. Well what can I say, that isn't me!
Noticing that: I am feeling more organized now that all of the Christmas decoration have been put away. I love my Christmas decorations, but they take up more space, add more to clean and frankly I needed them gone! Now I am feeling better :-)
A few plans for the week: Well as it s already midweek we are in the day of long work... I have conferences until 7 pm, that's a 12 hour day without my family. Tomorrow is swimming lessons, Friday is piano, Saturday we are headed to one of DH's new clients and Sunday is church!
From the kitchen: I have been out of the kitchen this week, believe it or not I found joy in providing meals for my family while on leave. Since going back to work I have tried to remain in this role, but its also been difficult depending on what else is going on. Because of dietary restrictions while nursing, I have to keep dairy and soy out of my system. This is difficult as these ingredients are in everything! But my little guy is worth it!
Around the house: Clean...clean... house! Love!

One of my favorite things: Watching my children together, there is absolutely nothing better than watching them. God has blessed us with two precious gifts and I wouldn't be more happy!

A picture to share:

Best Christmas Gift

Gutherie Night

My Two Favorite Men

A Boy and His Toes

Sweet Girl Making Treats

XMAS 2011

2011-12-24T11:24:00.001-06:00

Still Believing Religious

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So slow, yet so fast.

2011-12-08T14:40:00.001-06:00

It is December! I can't even begin to explain how this makes me feel! Our boy joined our family in July and I think I have done two posts since his birth, this is so horrible so here I am trying to play catch up! We have had such an amazing 4 months since he was born, trips, milestones and wonderful family moments.

Bel is such an amazing sister, she works so hard to entertain him, care for him and love him. I think back to her wanting a sister and though I understand where she is coming from I am so grateful that her younger sibling is a boy. Seeing them together is so wonderful, their similarities and their differences. He is for sure his father and she is me which is fun to watch. She is growing leaps and bounds both physically and as a person. She loves her friends at daycare and looks forward to playing dolly's on a daily basis while she is there. She also learned how to do a somersault recently and enjoys doing them at home. Bel also started learning how to play the piano, she has lessons once a week with "Auntie" Diana, DH's cousin, and her enthusiasm is wonderful I just hope those feelings continue! She also is swimming once a week and is doing freestyle and backstroke, I hope the other strokes will be as wonderful and let me tell you how proud this momma feels watching her swim! She has started her second year in faith formation at our parish and she loves it, projects, games, songs and talking and learning more about God! We are excited to watch her grow in her faith, she loves to ask questions as well as explain Him in her own way. One question we often ask at dinner is where did you see God today? Though she struggles sometimes she knows that he is ever present in her life.

The little man is such a wonderful addition to our family, he makes all the suffering of another loss worth it! Both of our children have followed losses of our angel babies and its amazing to know that through all that you encounter the minute you hear that first cry it is eased. He smiles can melt the hardest of hearts and his snuggles are also amazing! He roles, has roles and loves to play! His favorite thing besides eating would be watching every move his big sister makes and every word that she says he pays great attention to. He recently learned of his toes and has endless amounts of entertainment time built into them! His favorite toys are Sophie his giraffe teether and Neptune the turtle from Baby Einstein. He also is a future water baby, he has gone swimming a couple of times some while we were at the Log Home Retreat and while we went to California. He started daycare with Bel this week and seems to be doing well, he does what babies do and I can't ask for more than that!

The husband has continued to be the strength of our family, especially while I have been off of work. He has had an amazing year and he and his partner are pleased with the year end results, the company has grown and he continues to make a wonderful contact for his clients. We have been fortunate to be apart of his clients growth and celebrate with them as they see success. On top of working he is always home for dinner and as we sit all together each night it is wonderful to hear about each others days even with sassy running around or not eating. He is looking forward to picking up some workout time and maybe some racquetball this winter with his cousins hubby Joe (Baby boys' Godfather).

Then there is me. Well Going from a complicated pregnancy to a healthy baby has been wonderful! I fully recovered from my c-section (a couple of set backs at the beginning) and I am able to play with Bel again, lift her and not worry about all the rotten things that can go wrong while in a high risk pregnancy and recovering. I was blessed with an extended leave from work and have just returned this week. I enjoyed every minute of being home, loving on my boy the same as I was able to with Bel, cooking for my family, enjoying my favorite cleaning and laundry! Now back to work I am struggling, mentally I am trying to jump back into my job (I have been off since June!) and emotionally dealing with being away from the boy. Its draining even the second time around. I can' t complain too much though because he sleeps through the night :-) I love my job and my coworkers so in time I will be fine, but I miss my kids which I have every right to!

I hope our pictures fill in the blanks of the last four months, I suppose I will need to keep up a tad bit more!

Summer's End

2011-09-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

Summer has come to an end, not technically but as all Minnesotans know The Great Minnesota Get Together marks the end of freedom for kids and summer outings for families and Labor Day marks the end of summer cabin fun...even though we can continue after the weather cools down.

Up high at the State Fair

Full from the State Fair ;-)

With such a quiet beginning of the summer waiting in anticipation for our boy to arrive we tried to get some fun in while the summer was ending. We have had a couple of cabin trips where we get to watch Bel and her cousins fall in love with cabin life, a State Fair adventure with lots of yummy food and a belated friends birthday party for Bel and her friends, and with that summer is ending! Doing these things as a family of four is so different than what it was with just one, we have to have more time to get ready to go out, we have to find quick stops in order for me to nurse little one and even more daunting than that we need to find lots of things to keep Bel busy as baby boy is having his needs met. I am so blessed to have the partner in life that I have because without him these things would be almost impossible tasks!

Snuggle with Mason at the Cabin

With Griffin at Pump It Up

Birthday Party with Griffin, Grayson, Emmalee and Addie!

We have discovered early in our son's life that he is an outdoor kid already, this weekend at the cabin any time he was upset just taking him out to the waterfall or even just rocking on the deck he would calm right down and fall asleep. Bel too loves the outdoors and she too kept busy by playing in the water and sand with her cousins, had s'mores and ice cream... there isn't anything better than cabin life!

It doesn't get any better than this!

Beyond our adventures this is the second time in my teaching career that I will not be headed back to school with all of my co-workers, I have taken an extended maternity leave through early December. I am looking forward to the quality time I will have at home with my little guy and on occasion keeping his big sister home too have some fun too! We are also looking forward to other adventures soon like heading to the North Shore with Uncle Andy as well as heading out to California with little Grandpa and Grandma. And of course more time at the Cabin with Big Grandpa and Grandma! Life is wonderful!

New Life...It's So Beautiful

2011-08-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

What do you say about a child you wondered about, one that you never thought was going to be. Words cannot explain what it has been like over the last two years wanting another baby, the heart ache that goes with a loss, and the joy that comes with a simple sign on a stick. This journey has brought us through an amazing roller coaster of emotions and physical challenges... but in the end, we received an amazing miracle, our son.

We knew that he would arrive near his sisters birthday, but his birth story is one that I didn't see happening to us. Our original due date was August 8th, but because of a number of complications that were a possibility along with having a previous c-section we were scheduled to have him about a week earlier. He however had other plans. Early in the morning on the 28th of July I wasn't sleeping as well as I had been,which wasn't all that great to begin with. Around 3:15am I woke up to an uncomfortable feeling, but I chalked it up to being 9 months pregnant and feeling exhausted so I fell back asleep. I woke up again around 4:20am to something I heard in my sleep but also felt, it was my water breaking! This all on Bel's 4th birthday! I woke DH up about a minute later when I was sure what had happened, he quickly got ready and we woke Bel up and started dialing the phone. This was all happening a week earlier than anticipated so our plans for who would have her during delivery and who would be at the hospital were all not going as planed. I got a hold of my parents and they met us at the hospital about 45 min. after my water broke. In the mean time I called our clinic who got a hold of our Dr., she called me back and met us at the hospital. Less than an hour and a half after my water broke we were in the OR waiting for our son to arrive. He was born at 6:31am, July 28th weighing in at 8lbs 6oz. and he was 20". Only 2 weeks early, 1 week earlier than planned, and sharing a birthday with his big sister... which runs in the family as DH was born on his oldest brother's birthday also.

The rest is standard, we stayed in the hospital for 3 days, came home and have now begun our lives as a family of 4... or 5 if you ask Bel because you cannot forget about the dog :-) We are feeling truly blessed by all events. About a month ago after a standard appt., one that covered all the complications that were being anticipated, after being told about the who the 2nd surgeon would be, and how fast they would have to work we stayed in the room for a couple of minutes to talk, just DH and I. We handed our fears, our anticipation and anxieties over to God, because without him, we wouldn't have been expecting at all. All complications were avoided, our Dr. delivered our son, and we are all happy and healthy.

Summer Already...

2011-06-21T21:27:00.010-05:00

I have no idea where the time has gone! The last post I did was after our last major hospital visit in February! Well I need to be better about keeping up with posting, as soon enough we will be welcoming our baby boy into the world! As you can see from the countdown at the top of the page we are really in the home stretch! Our next appt. will be an exciting/informational appt. in which we will pick a day an learn what if any complications can be predicted. I am growing, which means he is growing... for those that want a good laugh and know us well, this baby is predicted to be bigger than our beautiful Bel was at birth... Lord have mercy on me!

Outside of the anticipation of our son coming into the world we have been keeping very busy. My wonderful husband as always continues to work and provide for our family, be home every night for dinner and spends endless hours playing with Bel. As for myself, I have just finished my 7th school year teaching (which I have no idea how it has already been 7 years) and I still love my job as much today as I did when I was first hired! I will not be returning to work until this winter and I am excited about the opportunity to be home for an extended period of time.

As for Miss Bel she is becoming even more independent by the day and yet still enjoying being a little girl. We lost our beloved daycare in February and had to make a transition to a new home. Thank GOD this went well and Bel seems to feel at home there and is thriving in the care of her new daycare mom. The little brother will join her there this winter. Bel has also began new adventures and continues with old passions. She started playing soccer this spring... she isn't thrilled, but she tried it... has started preschool and continues to swim one night a week. She even got her ears pierced! She loves being at the cabin, fishing with her daddy, playing in the sand with Grandma and helping Grandpa in whatever way she possibly can! We are looking forward to her 4th birthday coming up next month and all the new adventures she will have!

Life is wonderful, what can I say.

The News

2011-02-07T12:36:00.011-06:00

Well of course our family and friends know, but we are excited and blessed to be expecting a baby this summer. For those whom we spend lots of time with we shared the news early, but because of past experiences we waited for the "special" week 13 marker set by our Dr. to share with everyone our news. Not long after the anniversary of our last miscarriage we were blessed with a new life. In true form of all of my pregnancies nothing has come without incident, with a couple of trips to the hospital under our belts already and appointments with our OB every two weeks we are well on our way to feeling further along, but in reality we are 14-15 weeks. High risk pregnancy is our way of life and right now I am currently serving the 3rd day of my 4 day "bed rest" that my Dr. has asked for after the latest trip to the Dr/hospital this weekend. The results of everything this weekend are all fine with both baby and I, but our Dr. said I needed to give myself some rest. For those that know me very well as you can imagine this is hard. I am not to lift much or even move much so this has taken away some of my household loves of cleaning and laundry. For those that do not know me as well, this is very difficult and not a joke, I described this to my mom as feeling useless. Logically I know that there is nothing more important than listening to the Dr. to protect myself and our child, but for the type A that I am it is difficult. For our Bel learning the news of being a big sister with a new baby joining our family she is over the moon excited... though we will see what happens when the new baby joins us. DH and I are filled with joy and anticipation and taking this new journey one day at a time.

2010 Christmas Card

2010-12-04T10:25:00.001-06:00

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His Plan

2010-11-13T09:51:00.011-06:00

Today marks one year after finding out we had lost another baby to our Lords arms. Today brings back emotions of fear, depression, anger and many that I did not understand and still do not till this day. It was a day of anticipation, waiting to see what the screen would reveal, instead it showed us what I feared and pushed me into a period of time that I never want to experience again. This loss had been different than the first, we were supposed to be in the "clear", at a time of sharing our glorious news with those we love. Instead it was retracting our news, saying goodbye to what we wanted to hold and love. The past year has brought about more trips to the Dr. than I would ever like to recount, blood draws that happen every 6weeks to this day. And an unknown future of bringing another life into the world or understanding that we were given a miracle when Bel was born.

No matter how angry I have been or how understanding I can be, there is nothing that takes away that spot in your family where the children you have lost should have been. You move on, but dates like today are ones that remind me to trust in God's plan, whatever it might be. As I look out the window today I marvel at the snow, a creation of purity, white and beautiful. I know that life is unpredictable and glorious, that His plan for our family whatever it may be is like the snow, pure and beautiful.

Chilly Daybook

2010-10-21T09:20:00.008-05:00

Outside my Window: The wind is blowing so much that the political signs are horizontal and the trees that were trying to hold their leaves are running an up hill race! The rain however is not snow, so for now it is just fine!

I am thinking: "Be patient and leave it in the hands of God... In every event the best we can do is leave ourselves in the hands of God." -St Teresa of Avila - This quote is embodies what I struggle with most in that my life is not only controlled by my own decisions but that if I hand the hard things over that it is what is meant to be.

I am thankful for: A wonderful weekend with family. We were able to spend MEA break with DH's family in IL and it was a relaxing weekend of eating, talking and prayer. I have said it before and I will say it again, marrying my husband has given me an amazing family lots of aunties, uncles and cousins... not second or third cousins and not great uncles and aunts, but amazing family.

I am reading: Small Steps for Catholic Moms By Danielle Bean & Elizabeth Foss

I am hoping: That the weather takes a better turn this weekend so that Trick or Treating is not too cold and wet!

On my mind: Part of DH's grad program is too look at self but also relationships, one thing that was asked of him is what do you and your wife do together... well, besides living our daily life. So we have be thinking about what can we do just for us.

We're learning: A new balance in life with DH's grad school. With mine it was all work oriented using lesson plans and creating new one's. So his homework is done at home and we are leaning new balance.

Noticing that: Bel is beginning to control her tantrums a little better, so thankful because she has this only child thing figured out and it worries me as to what will come in 13 years :-)

A few plans for the week: Well we are almost at the halfway mark, but work, daycare, swim lessons and dinner at my parents (spaghetti...my dad's... my favorite) with the girls in their costumes on Saturday!

From the kitchen: Tonight it will be homemade fettuccine sauce, pasta and chicken!

Around the house: Halloween decorations, Bel and DH dug them out a couple of weekends ago and they are the current decor in our home.

One of my favorite things: Being able to use the fireplace again, though winter is not yet here it is knocking at the door and with it comes many of my favorite things!

A picture to share: Many from our trip to see family.

A story

2010-10-02T10:07:00.005-05:00

I sometimes struggle with what is too much to write and what is not enough. To most people I am an outwardly open person with just about everything in my life. However I am finding that as time goes on, and I get older that maybe some things about me are only open in my head. I love to talk with people and hear their stories, I love to people watch and make up my own stories for them, but when it comes to me well what is my story these days.

Our family story changes day to day, week to week, month to month and year to year. Despite changes it is also amazing to see the steadiness of what is our life. We have taken some trips this year, some for fun,some to celebrate, and others to say goodbye. We are continuing education, DH in his MBA program, my self as a teacher, and Bel at church. We have made a large leap of faith and have found a new parish up in the northern burbs and look forward to being a part of this new community. Spending time with friends and family are always a priority, but also making sure we have down time for just us.

DH is now fully in his classes for his MBA, working hard at his class work and as always working hard to be an amazing provider for our family, an over the top amazing daddy and the most amazing husband I could have ever been blessed with. I am so proud of him in everything he does but I do not tell him often enough. He is seeing a new side to balancing life, but if anyone is able to do this well, it is him.

Miss Bel is as always keeping us on our toes. She is a very grown up 3 year old! She loves to play, is very intrigued by movies and is a social butterfly (of course I have no idea where she gets that). She amazes us with each day and all the new things she learns and shares with us and others around her. Her swimming lessons are both a source of entertainment and hard work, she is having a blast in her new class especially because she is the only girl. She is starting Faith Formation at our new parish this weekend and is very excited! Bel is our everything and we are so grateful for her!

Me, well I am here. Work has been an adjustment this year with lots of new things going on in our building and district. New challenges and old, but the people are what makes it amazing. I love my students and colleagues, and well, the combination always makes it worth coming back for more! Being done with my own masters and supporting DH in his has given me new time with Bel, some of it a struggle with listening, but all of it amazing. I am finally "evened" out on all my hormonal levels (TMI, Sorry) but still struggling with what the future holds for our family. Being patient with Dr.'s and praying that we can expand our family. Life is always complicated in some ways and simple in others. I am using a new book for daily reflection called Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Think. Pray. Act. Every Day. By Danielle Bean & Elizabeth Foss. I love this book and have found that the simplest of acts can bring my head and heart right where they belong.

North Shore

2010-09-20T21:18:00.007-05:00

This past weekend we ventured back to the North Shore. We have not been up since before Bel was born, and now that she is old enough to climb and hike on her own we thought it would be a wonderful getaway. We were fortunate to stay and Larry & Lisa's Log Home Retreat for the weekend and loved every minute of it. It was perfect fall weather for the perfect fall weekend!

A Meaningful Life

2010-09-08T10:24:00.022-05:00

Have you ever read the book Tuesday's With Morrie? I love this book and many others written by author Mitch Albom, the book is about a second chance for Mitch and one of his college professors who was dieing of ALS or Lou Gherig's disease. Within the chapters of this book Morrie and Mitch walk through life, the ups, the downs and everything in between. Our family has gone through many of the typical ups and downs of life, and some that are not typical.

I believe that in everyone's life at somepoint you go through all the things that you think will make you happy...items you want, the ideal job to hold, the perfect house, what your wedding will look like, the 2.5 kids that society says is appropriate and a dog. I was no exception to these thoughts once upon a time. I was blessed to find the love of my life while in my teens, actually meeting DH when we were 13, we graduated from college, bought our first house, had great jobs and our dog. We decided far before we were married that we wanted God to be a constant in our relationship, we valued each others hard work. DH and I have had to say goodbye to babies before we met them but have also been blessed with our beautiful 3 year old Bel, there is nothing more meaningful to us than being married and having our daughter. We like many others have questioned our faith at times but with the strength of our family and friends our meaningful life continues to move forward.

In the past week we have been blessed by an addition to our extended family - our dear friends Justin and Erin have welcomed a beautiful little girl Mareena Grace into this world and her arrival has been nothing short of amazing. We are so blessed to have this family in our lives and consider them our family not just friends. Watching her in her parents arms and being able to celebrate with them in their joy has been a true gift. We have enjoyed our own snuggles with the baby and I happen to love kissing her soft chubby cheeks. DH gloats because he beat me to holding her before me each time with have been with them, but it is just an example of how much we love this little person. Our Bel has fallen in love with Mareena, she is so excited to hold her, touch her soft hair, kiss her and talks all about the things she looks forward to teaching her. A celebration of life and the true existence of God does not get any better than this!

Looking to the opposite spectrum of life we are grieving the loss of someone who we truly enjoyed getting to know. DH's cousin Jen died yesterday from complications of Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that takes loved ones too early, Jen was 31, and yet we can't help but be in awe of the life she lived. My husband and I have been together for almost 12 years and I have been so fortunate to marry in to a family that has many aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have enjoyed trips to visit family, look forward to their visits and love that this family has always excepted me as one of their own. Growing up in a very small family that has since gone in different directions seems to give me a different view as to how valuable those you consider family to be. I have enjoyed getting to know all the cousins through family gatherings, emails and Facebook, and Jen was no exception. We would chat online and email about our children and just life in general and when we would be at the same family gathering talking and watching our girls together was always a highlight. I will miss her smile which was ever present, her laugh at the little things and the times when her hands were full of all of her twin girls gear that I was able to help. Jen would be my definition of strength and bravery. I never heard her complain, never saw her in a bad mood, but always taking in life, and showing the grace of God. Jen was so full of courage as she decided that it was time to move beyond the suffering and onto a life of breathing easily and looking down from above on those she cared for. She will be missed, but will continue to live through her children and will be remembered by all who met her.

These two recent family events one on each side of God's creation really make me stand back to look at what is a meaningful life.
My husband and I clung to each other at the end of our work day yesterday, with the news of Jen's death we are praying for her husband Dan to have strength to get through the difficult times especially when he is faced with raising his girls, thinking of her girls and praying that everyone around them will be able to share with them about Jennifer and what an amazing woman she was. I can stand back and thank God for every day I have with my family, even falling asleep with Bel last night just to be close to her.
To celebrate the birth of Mareena and know how much she is loved by so many. To be fortunate enough to have a relationship with her parents that will allow us to watch her grow and become an amazing person brings joy to our family A child is always a gift and being able to support a child as they grow and to walk with their parents through the process is a wonderful gift of friendship and love.

A meaningful life for us is simply stated as family and friends... there is nothing more important and the rest is just icing on the cake.

End of Summer

2010-08-29T13:37:00.003-05:00

It has come to the time of year that every teacher feels both excitement and sadness... Workshop week. The excitement of the new school year brings me back to my own years as a student. I love going back to see my colleges whom I have only seen a handful of all summer, I get excited to run my copies, get books out and have my room ready to go. Sadness also looms overhead as I realize that my time at home with Bel has come to an end for the summer, though this year she is so excited to return to Mary's that she cannot contain herself! So it is bittersweet that we get ready for a new school year.

She's 3!!!

2010-07-28T22:39:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Beautiful Baby! Today she is 3... then it will be 4 and then 5. At least thats what she tells everyone who asks her how old she is! She is ready to grow up, for me on the other hand I am not ready! She is potty training, sleeping in a big girl bed, rides a bike, plays with friends and loves to act older than she is! Our little girl is growing fast, but we are enjoying every minute of it!

Summer in Slides

2010-07-28T22:38:00.005-05:00

It has been a long time since I last posted anything about our little family! Since we returned from Florida we have been busy doing summer things! Having lunch, coffee, playdates of all sorts keeps Bel and I busy when the husband is hard at work. When he gets home it is always nice to have a nice dinner and lots of family time outside! He has also been very busy outside of work with continuing education classes as well as starting his MBA through Bethel University. We are very proud of all he is doing to advance his education, this is an amazing thing for our family as education couldn't be more important to us! So the rest is just pictures!

M-I-C-K-E-Y---- M-O-U-S-E

2010-06-16T22:09:00.009-05:00

Everyone who knows Bel knows how much she loves Mickey! So to kick off our summer vacation (YES SCHOOLS OUT!) the Husband, Bel, myself, Uncle Doug, Auntie Stacey, Grandpa George and Grandma Sandie headed to Orlando. So far its been an amazing trip, record setting heat, and tons of fun! I am missing pictures from our day at Hollywood Studios, but will get them from Sandie's camera soon and add them to the mix. Still more time left here at "Mickey's house" so more pictures will come from the rest of our trip too! Enjoy!

Memorial Weekend

2010-05-29T21:54:00.004-05:00

CABIN... Enough Said!

Graduation & Greatfulness Daybook

2010-05-10T15:12:00.010-05:00

Outside my window … Rain an gloom, but this weekend looks much better!

I am thinking … I can't believe that I am done with my Master's program, graduation and all! Holy crazy!

I am thankful for … my friends, especially Sandra, a friend that came into my life by pure luck, but God knew what he was doing when he brought the Dunigan's into our lives!

I am reading … The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, a new book for one of my classes and I am really enjoying the practical outlook it has.

I am hoping … that conferences will go quickly this week :-)

On my mind … lots of crazy little things, but mostly about our upcoming trip to as Bel says... Mickey's House.

We’re learning … to take deep breaths, or maybe that's just me.

Noticing that … Bel loves to garden, she and the Husband planted her veggie garden last Sunday morning, she also has purple cone flowers growing and a Veggie Tales greenhouse of snap dragons (Which happen to be my favorite summer garden flower.) They remind me of my grandfather, and how much I miss him every day, wishing he could have met my baby.

Pondering these words … give her pills... really because the poor dog does not want anyone near her mouth, so how are we supposed to do that

A few plans for the week … Conferences and taking care of Karamia.

From the kitchen … Its a take out kind of a week!

Around the house … lots of cards, mothers day and graduation.

One of my favorite things … watching my little girl sleeping, so peaceful, so beautiful.
A Picture or more that I am sharing...

Busy Little Bee

2010-05-02T19:50:00.008-05:00

We have been very busy lately and it amazes me that we remember to have a camera with at all times. Though not much is new, pictures are always fun to share.

Outside Daybook

2010-04-22T14:08:00.008-05:00

Outside my window … Its sunny and warm, I can't wait to get home to play outside with Bel.

I am thinking … how long this week has felt, we are busy these days with swimming, husbands class, golf and my finishing of Grad school. We also have been to see husbands family in IL twice in the last two and a half weeks!

I am thankful for … time, you can take this however you want, but I often feel that time is a gift in so many aspects of life. Time with family, time to relax, time to be busy, time to find a "fix" for fertility problems, time to be outside, time to just be.

I am reading … Nothing... I finally finished the Late Homecomer (which was amazing by the way!)

I am hoping … that I can plant flowers soon. I love how our home looks with flowers outside.

On my mind … planing our grad party, I say ours because Stacey (sister in law) is graduating from her grad program the same day I do and we are hoping to have our families all together at our home on Mother's Day to celebrate.

We’re learning … that it is true what we have heard. The closer Bel gets to 3 the worse the tantrums are getting, more specifically in the mornings.

Noticing that … we are an outside family. Not the camping type (that will NEVER be me) but we love to be outside! On bikes, caring for our yard, swing set playing and yard games.

Pondering these words … mom this juice feels bad on my tongue.

A few plans for the week … Since the week is actually coming to an end, we have done a lot! However we are still looking forward to many things! Husband starts his golf league with the neighbor guys, neighborhood bonfire to celebrate the hard work of our neighbors, their family the former owners of our home for The Pageant of Hope, my final class and Church!

From the kitchen … PB & J, husband has golf tonight... we all know he did not marry me for my cooking! :-)

Around the house … Sleeping with open windows, clean floors, laundry going, Karamia hunting bunnies, Bel getting into everything, and much more that I can't think of.

One of my favorite things … Painting my toenails, its something little, but it always makes me feel better.

Fun Pictures

2010-04-11T11:05:00.002-05:00

Some spring & Easter shots!

It's Spring - Daybook

2010-03-22T10:23:00.011-05:00

In reading one of my favorite blogs, Danielle Bean, I have come to love a little thing called Daybook. This is supposed to be a weekly reflection on life and a way to get going for the week.

Outside my window … The day looks beautiful, but being Monday I am in my classroom that actually has NO windows. Some day I may ask for a skylight, but I am pretty sure that day will never come.

I am thinking … about how good it feels to almost be done with Grad school. In a month I will be done and then it will just be waiting for graduation. So exciting!

I am thankful for … my friends! My SAGA group (subject alike, grade alike) that I work with every weekend of class are an amazing group of people. They have pushed me and I them and in turn we have become great friends and are looking forward to pushing each other through the rest of the credits to be MA+60 at some point in the next 2-3 years.

I am reading … about the healthcare reform bill... this is something that matches great government bills and laws of the past however on a personal note there are parts that make me nervous!

I am hoping … to find the tricycle for Bel! She loves being outside and playing, but needs a bike to fit her! She test rode a couple this weekend and we are hoping to find one that's just right for her!

On my mind … Swim lessons tonight!

We’re learning … or relearning about our faith. The husband has taken on the reading and we are talking almost nightly about things we have forgotten and those we are learning for the first time. Its been a nice thing to share and has given him ideas of books for Bel.

Noticing that … the school year is quickly coming to an end and my seniors have the itch... each year I swear the senior slide hits earlier and earlier!

Pondering these words … Mrs. S will you do my work for me? Really people... really!

A few plans for the week … work, swimming, and I hope lots of outside time!

From the kitchen … whatever the husband cooks.

Around the house … spring! Humidifiers are put away, doors are opened and sun is streaming in!

One of my favorite things … watching the husband and child play in the backyard.

My First Daybook...

2010-03-08T18:47:00.010-06:00

In reading one of my favorite blogs, Danielle Bean, I have come to love a little thing called Daybook. This is supposed to be a weekly reflection on life and a way to get going for the week. So here goes nothing!

Outside my window … The snow is finally melting away, I love when the snow is clean and white but there comes a point in our frozen winters that the sand and salt have changed it to a very dirty snow, one that I have to remind Bel not to eat.

I am thinking … about how quickly time goes by. With seasons about to change it amazes me that the world goes by so fast and I have to be so careful not miss a thing.

I am thankful for … my amazing husband and my beautiful little girl, I have been blessed!

I am reading … The Late Homecoming, which is taking me forever as I am trying to fit it in during the rest of my life.

I am hoping … to finish the rest of the items needed for my masters presentation. Once I feel like its done there is always something to change.

On my mind … bedtime.

We’re learning … that teaching your child about God and his love is key to the words I am pondering.

Noticing that … since our last dr. appointment I am feeling better about not being able to sustain a pregnancy. Our dr. has given me more hope that with the right meds things may work out the way we want, its all in God's plan.

Pondering these words … a guest priest shared a couple of weeks ago. We may know God in our heads, but how well do you know him in your deepest being?

A few plans for the week … work, swimming lessons, Diana's show, Grayson's birthday party and Church.

From the kitchen … We had leftovers, the best kind, Buca!

Around the house … everything is clean, except the kitchen floor... no good!

One of my favorite things … is reading to Bel our three favorite books: Guess How Much I Love you, God Gave Us You, and How Big is God.
A picture I am sharing … many... too many not to share!

January

2010-01-30T20:44:00.008-06:00

The end of January is upon us and we have a 2 1/2 year old who is keeping us busy. This past month has been lots of fun while spending time with friends and family. We celebrated Ella and Laurens birthdays and the girls had a blast as always playing together. We have also started swim lessons where Bel and I are in the water together in a small group as she learns to go under and do many other fun things in the water. DH has made it through another busy season and I am looking forward to another semester and finishing my masters in four months! Our sister in law Stacey is also finishing up this spring as well, we even graduate on the same day! Last but really fun is that we have many close friends that are joining us in the ranks of parenthood this coming summer and early fall. Words cannot express our joy for them and how excited we are to have more friends with little ones, there is even a picture of Bel with her Aunie Erin and I am pretty sure she is pointing to the baby in the picture :-)

What a year!

2010-01-18T13:32:00.015-06:00

Today marks one year since Bel had her first "episode." For those of you that don't know or do not remember last year on MLK Jr. Day I was home with our princess for a day off when one of the most unforgettable days in my life happened. I can tell you every part of that day from beginning to end because it all happened in slow motion.The day was starting later than normal which I didn't think anything of because she had spent the weekend playing with her cousins. An 8am wake up was kind of nice, or so I thought. After I got her out of bed she didn't want to eat right away so I didn't think twice about snuggling on the couch to read a book. That should have been my first hint as our then 18 month old little girl was always on the move, but I had been in school all weekend and just took it all in. About ten pages into our book Bel fell asleep on me so I laid her back down in bed and showered. When I was done she wanted out of bed, perfect timing. I brought her in to be changed and to get her dressed and that's when the "episode" began or actually that I finally knew something was wrong. Her eyes rolled back and she wouldn't respond to me.
Panic had set in and I called DH at work and then 911. The first responders were amazing, one happened to be a dad of a student and swimmer of mine and it was by the grace of God that I had someone there with me that I knew. We were brought by ambulance to the hospital, and bringing your unresponsive child to the hospital is a horrible experience,one that I hope none of my friends or family ever have to go through. When there even the doctors were unable to tell us what was wrong because even they didn't know. Through all of the panic and pain of watching all of this happen in slow motion, God was ever present even though we were unaware, he was there. Her temp was dropping and her blood sugar was in the low 40s and dropping, thankfully she was awake enough at different periods of time to drink some juice. Flash forward many, many hours she was awake, not her self, but awake with lots of tests to come. Two days later we left to go home with still no answers, the doctors told us to basically cross our fingers that this would never happen again, that it was a fluke.
6 months later almost to the day it happened again... it felt like a joke on us as DH and I had been talking about it the night before while sitting outside. From then the move to what this "episode" was went quickly and we were finally given answers(Post from June), ones that were relatively easy to live with.

This post was not so much one to relive the day, but to be thankful for the ones we have had since with our healthy now 2 1/2 year old little girl.

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

- Mother Teresa

Happy little moments

2009-12-08T18:52:00.011-06:00

Happy Moments & Christmas Cheer
God Bless Everyone During this Amazing Time of Year!

Where do we go from here?

2009-11-17T13:38:00.012-06:00

My silence went to anger, which is now followed by many questions, almost all of which begin with Why. I believe this is a fair step in the journey we are on. I am not a fan of having people tell me it will be okay, but need to experience it for myself… again. We are blessed as a family to have the love and support of family and friends helping us to heal, but the process may never be over, the healing may never fully take place. We know we can survive and have a positive outcome as we have our beautiful daughter to remind us of the survival and miracles that can happen if you hand yourself over to God. If you are willing to place yourself, your hurting, your anger, and your longing in his hands you can see there will be healing. This in no way diminishes how we feel, but by his grace will help us be stronger as a couple, as a family, and as believers. The loss of a child at any stage in life is painful, heartbreaking and leaves a hole in your family where they could have been. Our wish like many would have been to hold them, to know them and to teach them, but because we loved them we did get something that will always be with us. Through our loss we hope to have gains, gains that last our lifetime. The physical healing will come first with a wonderful Dr.'s help... and well... the rest will come in time.

The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
-Isaiah 49:1

Not Me! Monday

2009-11-16T12:44:00.007-06:00

With a lifetime of a weekend behind me, it is not me who let my 2 year old roll in shredded paper in just a diaper all over the basement. It is certainly not me who let our Bel crawl into bed with me and allowed her to watch Disney for an hour and a half. I did not have to run after my child while she screamed she needed to be naked as our friends were coming for lunch, no not me. It is important to us to use manners and have our child use them at all times, so it is certainly not me who allowed her to walk around the kitchen to eat lunch and dinner on Sunday. My daughter certainly did not put herself in the dog kennel and proceed to say she was going to sleep. It is not me who has completely lost her mind and can only imagine her students doing FUN projects on a Monday as she blogs, no most certainly not me.

Fall Fun

2009-11-11T18:46:00.008-06:00

I have not been very good about updating at all this fall. So I went through photos over the past two and a half months and put together a slide show. We have been as busy as ever and have traveled to weddings out of state twice in the last month for DM's cousins, one in IL and one in IA. We have been enjoying our little girl who is getting to be even more independent by the day (we didn't think this was possible). I also have continued to be busy with school and teaching and DM is working hard as always. We are a very blessed family! One thing that we are extremely proud of with Bel is that she is learning to sign herself before meals, and is very cute about her Amen's! I hope to remember to update more often as I am looking forward to having more time with at home as I enjoy my first winter away from swimming in a very...very long time. Enjoy!

Lost Summer Fun

2009-09-25T13:42:00.010-05:00

I had forgotten about these pictures since they were taken with my phone, but had to share them when I found them. Bel visiting the beautiful campus of the University of St. Thomas. Do we have a future Tommie on our hands... God willing she will remain somewhat close to home and venture to that wonderful place.

The end of summer fun

2009-09-12T11:02:00.013-05:00

Though the weather is actually better than it has been for a majority of the summer our little vacation has come to an end with my heading back to work. Before doing so we were able to spend a long weekend at the cabin with everyone up and the girls had a blast. It was nice to have one weekend where work wasn't on the brain.

After the weekend had come to an end we headed home so that we could visit the fair on its last day. Since this was Bel's first trip to the fair we focused on what she would enjoy. We were joined by our wonderful friends the Kelly's and spent the earlier part of the day taking it all in... literally! Bel enjoyed the rides and being a little farmer while we were there and watching her is always the best part... close second was the deep fried snickers bar! All in all it was a nice ending to our summer at home.

Summer Fun with Cousins

2009-08-17T19:31:00.002-05:00

Family Vacation

2009-08-12T14:49:00.009-05:00

As keeping with tradition we took our family vacation up at the cabin. We get to relax, swim, read, nap, boat rides, enjoy dinners out and in, and most of all just enjoy the peacefulness of where we are. It is amazing to get to spend time together all day and night, I feel blessed to be able to spend my entire summer with Bel, but having that one week as a family is wonderful. DM has been working very hard as always and it was nice to have him around to enjoy the little daily activities that Bel and I delight in every day. Enjoy the pictures... as there are a lot of them!

2 Years Old... Already!

2009-07-28T10:24:00.007-05:00

Where does the time go? I'm sure this is a question that most parents find themselves asking often whether their child is 1 or 20. DM and I are constantly asking when she got so big, when did she start talking like a "big" kid. Its amazing the things she learns on a daily basis from turning on lights to helping me with putting away clothes. She has one "chore" that she is in charge of which is feeding the dog and she has begun to do this with out being prompted most mornings. She is an amazing little person who is strong willed, smart and beautiful, and for anyone who may not believe in God, children are certainly a prime example of who he is and the gifts he has given.

A Hard Good Bye

2009-07-23T21:57:00.008-05:00

This past Monday was a hard day for our family as it was time to say good bye to Libby. We brought Libby home for the first time 16 years ago, the summer after I finish 6th grade. She was full of spunk with a big black patch over her eye (which is mostly faded in the digital pictures I have). She was a good girl even through the end when her body had failed her. I know many people who read this may not understand counting a dog as a part of your family, but for us they are and because of that it is with heavy hearts that we all had to let her go to a better place.

As Isabel says, BooBoo's at Jesus house.

Summer with our "Big Girl"

2009-07-23T21:39:00.012-05:00

Her beloved Swing Set

At her 1st Rodeo Running with her BF Griffin

Bowling with Mommy & Daddy

(She has gone with her MeMe and her kids before too and loves it!)

Jet Skiing with Daddy, Uncle and Ella, helping Grandma win at ring toss and driving the boat with Grandpa.

4th of July Cakes and visiting her friend Kendall at her Grandparents who also go to Cross Lake

Being Daddy's helper and a cute picture too!

Health Update!

2009-06-25T16:46:00.005-05:00

So here it is...
We had our appointment today at Children's Hospital (wonderful by the way.) We met with Bel's endocrinologist today and actually were given answers to her "episodes." I never imagined that this would go so smoothly so I pray that we have found an answer & treatment to what is going on.

Bel has been diagnosed as a Ketotic Hypoglycemic... what does that mean in normal people language. Well a normal functioning liver is able to convert our foods into starches and stores them and slowly releases them into our bodies to carry us through the periods of time in which we are not eating. Bel's liver does not do this, more specifically it doesn't do this at night, which is the reason for her "episodes" to be happening early in the morning. Her liver runs into an actual empty stage at night because of the long stretch of time without eating (dinner- breakfast). This means she is lacking the "fuel" to function normally in the morning. Her blood glucose level was measured at a 48 back in January when she was in the hospital, and had we measured two weeks ago it would have been close to that with how she was acting.

So from here we have a couple of modifications to our normal life. Shockingly they are really simple! She will need a protein rich snack before she heads to bed so that her body will slowly break down the food and the liver will be able to retain the converted starches. Then the same thing in the morning with a glass of milk or other protein rich food to get her day started. Her Dr. says this should take care of the "problem" and will help her body to maintain a normal blood glucose level (which is different for everyone).

IF we have any other "episodes" we have a blood glucose monitor (like type I diabetes) to check her levels as the episode is going on. If they drop we will take the next step at Children's Hospital. We are hopeful that we will not go this direction and most children outgrow the problem by age 5 so I will leave this very long update at that.

On a much different note the Swing set is here! And she is in love with it!

Teach her to fish...

2009-06-24T18:39:00.005-05:00

Summer... Sweet Summer!

2009-06-22T13:18:00.009-05:00

Silly Blue Eyed Girl
(Painting "Anie Erin" and "Uncle Jusin's" nails)
1st boat ride of the year
Other Cabin Favorites

Well it is finally summer here and thank goodness! Bel and I are ready for our summer fun even though I still have two more weeks with summer classes and training scattered throughout. The update is mostly pictures, but I also felt the need to update you all on Bel's "episode's" yup... plural. The same incident that happened in January happened again just a little over a week ago. So... what does all of this mean? Well we are not sure exactly outside of the fact that Dr. Mark feels that it is blood sugar related, so our good Dr. has begun the next steps for us and we will be headed to meet with an Endocrinologist at Children's in July to explore what is going on a little more. Please pray that these wonderful Dr.'s are able to help us in this journey. We promise to keep you all updated once we know more.

A Fun Day at The Park

2009-06-14T21:57:00.003-05:00

While I was off at a short day of school Bel and DM headed down to visit with Uncle Doug and Auntie Stacey. They had a wonderful day at the park... Bel as always had a blast!

Memorial Weekend Past Due

2009-06-08T16:43:00.011-05:00

I thought I had lost our camera after the Memorial weekend holiday, but in a last ditch effort to see the pictures of that weekend I found it in my school bag! Enjoy!

2009-06-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we attended our nieces first dance recital. She did an amazing job and looked beautiful in her outfit. We are so proud of her! Way to go Pooky!!!

May Her Days Always BeThis Fun

2009-05-20T08:51:00.012-05:00

May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:51:00.005-05:00

There are two people in my life that are the reason I get to celebrate Mother's Day... my wonderful husband and our beautiful 21 month old daughter. Being a mother is the best God given gift I have ever received.

I know this quote is on the blog every day, but it is by far my favorite. To all mom's enjoy the day may it be filled with happy memories of past days with your children and may you create many more.

A mother is the most important person on earth. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral -- a dwelling for an immortal soul,the tiny perfection of her baby's body.
-- Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

Cousin's Make the Best Friends

2009-05-05T21:47:00.006-05:00

Handy Daddy

2009-04-26T18:49:00.004-05:00

One of Bel's favorite shows of the 3 she watches at home is Handy Manny on Playhouse Disney. Well Handy Manny has evolved in our house into Handy Daddy. We have gone from regular light fixtures in our bedroom and Bel's room to wonderful fans installed by the one and only Handy Daddy. DM did a wonderful job doing his biggest to date home improvement.

More Spring Time Fun

2009-04-25T14:07:00.005-05:00

We are almost always outside these days...with the exception of eating and one Mickey Mouse show a day.

Easter

2009-04-13T10:52:00.009-05:00

The Sacred Triduum is an experience like no other I could ever explain. The journey and meaning behind our faith is based on Christs' experiences before his death and Resurrection in which we as God's people have the opportunity to experience during Holy week. The Triduum started on Holy Thursday with the celebration of The Last Super and foot washing, on Good Friday we experience the Passion of our Lord and Saturday at Easter Vigil the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and the entrance of the newly converted into full communion with the Church. With all of this said this is an important time for DM and I to reflect together on our faith and what we have been blessed with. With Bel being so young we decided to take the opportunity to leave her with Grandpa David and Grandma Judy on all 3 nights and she had a blast. Before we brought her there on Saturday we had dinner with Grandma Sandie, Grandpa George, Uncle Doug and Auntie Stacey where she had a blast finding eggs with Grandpa, helping Grandma in the kitchen and playing with two of her most treasured playmates... Auntie and Uncle. Then she was off to a fun night with her cousins Ella and Lauren at Grandma Judy's and Grandpa Davids.

We rounded out our Easter weekend with looking for Bel's basket from the Easter Bunny at home and then headed down for a fun Easter Sunday hunting eggs, opening baskets, visiting with Great-Grandma and eating too many yummy things. Bel was in her element with her cousins, it truly was a wonderful weekend!

Some New Favorites

2009-04-13T10:46:00.002-05:00

Bel LOVES her "Colors" as she calls them. Grandma J bought her her first coloring book and it hasn't lost the magic in a month, maybe we have a little artist!

She also loves to be a big girl and sit at the table on a chair (which she pushes back in after she is done sitting on it) this is a fun new adventure that her Texas friend Olivia taught her around Christmas time. She also loves her Minnie... in any size, color, in a book, on TV and in her colors.

Good Times!

2009-03-23T19:27:00.013-05:00

Wherever Karamia is Bel can be found too!

A fun visit with her cousins Lauren and Ella!

(Hey Karamia are you inside?)

Fun times with her out of town cousin Alyssa!

Bel loves her!

Spring Break With Out The Spring?

2009-03-03T11:32:00.006-06:00

(Just like her mommy! )

Yup its true we are on break this week. Its a little cold and still plenty of snow on the ground but we are making the best of our little vacation.

The break started off with my team making state in a couple of events which we will be headed down to the U for later this week. On Sunday we got together with Grandpa D and Grandma JJ to celebrate Auntie Jen's b-day as well as mine which happened to actually be on Sunday. We had a wonderful dinner and yummy cake and ice cream cake after and the girls all had a blast playing together at Grandma and Grandpa's.

So far we have had a blast spending time at home with Bel and have actually gotten a head start on the "spring" cleaning. So as another quick update here are some photos.

My Baby...My Big Girl

2009-02-16T20:26:00.014-06:00

Where does the time go? I find myself pondering this question often, sometimes too often. Bel is almost 19months old and seems to be a big girl, no longer my little baby (yes I know she wasn't a little baby, but you know what I mean). On Sunday while DH and I attend Mass, Bel plays in the nursery with many other toddlers and has a blast. After Mass Grandpa D picked me (mommy) up from SJN and we headed off to meet my mom and sister to finish cleaning out my Grandma's apartment as she has moved into assisted living. DH and Bel headed down to Grandpa G and Grandma S's for lunch and fun, and with Bel's approval Auntie Stacey and Uncle Doug joined them. This is a little girl with a busy schedule! She is becoming more adventurous and showing us so many new things through her eyes. Bel runs where ever she goes without hesitation, she brushes her teeth, feeds herself, uses a napkin, dances like no one is watching and as any future swimmer has realized there really is no need for pants! We also had a wonderful play date with Griffin today to allow his mommy Sandra a little rest as she prepares to bring another beautiful life into the world. So to give you a glimpse into this busy life of ours and because its easiest and many of you don't get to see her often here is a ton of pictures to keep you up to speed.

Winter Update '09

2009-02-02T21:48:00.007-06:00

Well where do we begin...
It's been a while since there was a Bel update so I figured I would wait until things settled down just a little. As most of you who read this know we had a health scare two weeks ago. Bel wouldn't move or look at me longer than a blink of an eye and the long and short of it I had to call 911. With low blood sugar, low body temp, and dehydration our little girl was not moving or responding even for the Dr.'s. So we waited, they tested, we waited some more and she really did perplex the hospital staff... so much so that they contacted Fairview Riverside and they in turn contacted the Mayo Clinic for the remainder of the tests that would be run. All in all everything came out fine with our little princess as all tests came back negative which we are told by our good Dr. that is a good sign. We may never know what happened or why according to the Dr.'s involved and there is no guarantee that it wouldn't happen again. But by the grace of God she is happy and healthy and being her.
Other than that one BIG thing life around here has been pretty low key. I continue to teach, coach and go to school myself and am looking forward to the end of a season for some much needed family time. DH is working hard as always and being the most amazing nightly at home dad 6 days/nights a week while I coach. All in all life is good.

The Winter Girls

2009-01-14T12:54:00.008-06:00

This past Sunday the 11th, baby LoLo turned 1, she enjoyed her birthday cake very much and had fun nuzzling her new hippo. Ella will be turning 4 on Friday the 16th and she too had fun digging into her Little Mermaid cake and playing with her cousins and new toys.
Happy Birthday Winter Babies, We Love You!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2009-01-04T20:35:00.005-06:00

"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,praising God and saying:“Glory to God in the highestand on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” -Luke 2:11-14

Love and Marriage

2008-11-27T12:16:00.006-06:00

Today on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day

we are celebrating four years of marriage.

The Lord has blessed us!

Being Thankful

2008-11-21T12:12:00.003-06:00

As the week of Thanksgiving draws near is it too much to ask yourself what it really is you are thankful for?

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Good Times in AZ

2008-11-08T10:08:00.003-06:00

Warm Arizona!

2008-11-02T15:16:00.005-06:00

We made it here to sunny, warm Arizona with Grandpa George and Grandma Sandie. Bel did a wonderful job yesterday on the Airplane (slept most of the trip), played in the car rental terminal and was a good girl at lunch. We checked into the resort around 3:00pm AZ time and boy oh boy was our LO tired, but full of energy all at the same time. This morning we woke at 6:00am AZ time and we were ready to start the day. LO, DM and myself took a walk to get coffee at the resort office and stopped to watch a bunny eat its breakfast in the cacti. We took a nap while Grandma and Grandpa took a walk and headed to the pool where they were waiting for us. Much of the late morning and early afternoon were spent splashing and "drinking/licking" the pool water. Its been a great day so far! We are off to an art show and wine tasting tonight and are looking forward to spending some time with DM's cousins!

Halloween!!!

2008-11-02T14:47:00.005-06:00

As many of you know Bel LOVE's doggies! Since Grandpa D and Grandma J have 3 Dalmatians we found it appropriate that for her 2nd Halloween she would dress up as one. Though many thought the costume to be a cow, we thought she looked like a cute little puppy. This year we ventured out into the neighborhood with Sandra, Brandon & Griffin (her BF) and got some candy! She did a great job walking and taking the candy and putting it in her bag. It was a very fun night!

Tis the season for apples & pumpkins

2008-10-18T15:12:00.002-05:00

When Bel was just shy of 3 months old we ventured out to the apple orchard to pick some MN grown apples and to pick out our family pumpkins and it was a blast. This year we did the same but went to a different place (which will remain nameless) and it was not as good. We couldn't pick our own as they had advertised and even though the were listed on the MN grown site as having pumpkins they didn't have those either. But after many complaints, we moved on with our day and enjoyed the time with Auntie Stacey and Uncle Doug.

So we "picked" our apples from the crates, took pictures, looked at the animals and got some yummy fall treats. We then headed to a different location for our pumpkins and headed out to lunch. All in all the day was beautiful with temps. in the mid 50's a little wind and lots of sunshine. It was a wonderful MN fall day!

Fall Update

2008-10-18T10:42:00.007-05:00

As you may recall I said I would try to stay up to date on the blog... well I have not done a very good job, or at least that's what many of my sources have been telling me lately! So a quick run down of life in our world is as follows... DM went to Texas for work and the Bel and I were here at home trying to get along with out him. DM came home and magically we have a cuddly baby again (gee, all it took was daddy being 1700 miles away and him coming home for it to come back).

We thankfully have all been healthy and happy outside of the burn I gave my self from burning hot olive oil. We bought a piano that Bel and her daddy love, and Grandpa George and Grandma Sandie gave us their washer and dryer which has been fantastic (no more worries about a fire starting in our basement, yes our old ones were that bad!) Outside of work and daycare we are enjoying our family time at home with our LO and furry baby too. I have started my Master's Degree and am now facing a new balancing act mixed in with everything else. We went north to see Grandma Leann and Joe at their new home and had a wonderful weekend there and Bel enjoyed playing with all the toys that were her daddy's and auntie and uncles when they were little. We are currently looking forward to Halloween and a trip to AZ at the beginning of November with Grandpa & Grandma. We hope you enjoy the whole lot of pictures we are posting this time... sorry no captions!

Back to School...back to school

2008-10-12T13:09:00.005-05:00

In my head I can picture Adam Sandler as Billy Madison singing "back to school." Well here I am on day two of my Masters Classes and loving it! It took a long time or so it seems to get here. After finishing undergrad in 2004 I always knew that I would go back it was just a matter of where and when. Well it can't get any better then one to two weekends a month 10 minutes from our house. Hands on work and a Catholic philosophy behind it, this 20 month program will allow me to better myself as a classroom teacher and give me additional resources to use on a daily basis. Well with lots of support from DM here I am, in it, listening, working and enjoying every last part of it. I will post pictures later that DM and Bel took as I was leaving for my day yesterday.

Goodnight Daddy...Goodnight Texas

2008-09-25T20:01:00.002-05:00

Since you are 1,267 miles away and Bel was already in bed when you called I felt the need to go in a take a couple of pictures of her sleeping... when I went in she was not yet asleep but awake and smiled when I asked her to for a picture for you. When I was done taking the 2nd picture she said "Dada" and put her hand to her ear to talk to you.

Goodnight Daddy. "Goodnight stars, Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere."

Quick Cute Pics.

2008-09-20T20:16:00.005-05:00

This is why every parent should keep a digital camera with them at all times! You never know when or where you will capture some of your favorite moments!

A girl and her puppy

2008-09-20T19:46:00.004-05:00

My daughter loves dogs and puppies. She could lay with them, hug them, kiss them, chase them and throw a ball or beloved toy to them all day long! So I thought I would share some recent pictures of Bel and Karamia. Enjoy!

2008-09-11T10:21:00.005-05:00

(Lauren 8 months, Jen, Nate & Ella 3 1/2 years old)

The "big cousin" is off to preschool for the first time today. She was so excited to go to school! I called her this morning at 7:15 and she had already packed and repacked her backpack and was dressed and ready to go. The bus will pick her up from daycare and drop her back off just in time for lunch! The picture to the left has them all waiting for the bus with Ella at daycare.
I am in a bit of a state that I can not even begin to imagine her old enough to go to school. I was even a little emotional through the smiles while on the phone with her that she is in fact a big girl at 3 1/2 and that preschool is just the beginning.

Others are important too!

2008-08-31T16:02:00.004-05:00

(Cullen, Justin, DM, Tony)

Obviously the main point of the blog is the baby but other people are important too! So any weekend that is not spent at the cabin is spent with some of the most wonderful people in the world... Our friends and this past Friday was no exception. Though the picture doesn't have my self or Erin in it or the boys faces for that matter I thought it was a good picture of the boys playing bocce in the backyard... good thing DM cleaned up after the dog :-)

Fun random pictures from the last couple of weeks!

2008-08-29T09:58:00.004-05:00

1st Hair cut!!!

2008-08-24T16:15:00.006-05:00

Yes it is true, DM finally got me to take Bel to get her hair cut. As you all know she was born with a full head of black hair which was naturally "frosted" on the tips. As time continued her hair started changing from daddy's color to mommy's color and with that came unevenness all the way around. Much of the unevenness of her hair was easily hidden with pig tails, pony tails, headbands and barretts, but when she had it down all alone it was beginning to look a little ragged. So we headed to Kids Hair to have her first hair cut on the recommendations from Griffin's mommy and Auntie Jen.

Walking Girl

2008-08-14T13:44:00.001-05:00

Yes its true... She is walking (when she wants to)! She took her first steps at the cabin, but I don't know how to post the video so we will have to wait for DM to do it.

Two Peas in a Pod!

2008-08-14T13:39:00.004-05:00

People have told me that picking a husband for Bel is a little strange, but seriously HOW CUTE ARE THEY!

Summer Vacation Part II

2008-08-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

(Bel & DM headed down to the dock in Cotton)
As our week of vacation came to an end we headed further north to pick up Karamia from Cotton, MN where she had been all week with Grandma, Joe and Audry. Leann has recently sold her home in Cotton and purchased a beautiful home in Wadena which happens to be closer to the cabin.
(Bel & Grandma on the dock in Cotton)
This was Bel's first and last visit to the little lake in the iron range and possibly Kara's last of a long run of freedom in the north woods.
(Karamia running free in Cotton)

Summer Vacation

2008-08-13T16:45:00.005-05:00

Each year during summer vacation since the year we got engaged (2002) we have taken a week plus vacation up at the cabin. This year was no exception with our 9 day vacation up north. Though we didn't get on the boats this year we used the jet ski's and beach a ton!

Bel loves to be outside and in the water (I know I have done something right!) And loves to play on the beach with her daddy.

She had a great week and shared weekend fun on both ends of the vacation with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Nate,Auntie Jen, Big cousin Ella and little cousin Lauren.

A year in the life of Bel

2008-07-28T21:54:00.002-05:00

Since the beginning of our blog last December it has been our goal for you our family and friends to stay up to date on our LO's latest and greatest with a little bit of info on DM and myself mixed in. When the blog first started Bel was all of 5 months old and had just learned to sit up on her own and now she is officially 1 year old. Every time we look at our little angel it reminds us how fast time really goes. We thank God every day she has been in our lives, from the first day we saw her on the ultrasound at 7 weeks and now when she wakes up calling to us with a smile. We are so blessed that she has each and every one of you in her life

Below is a recap of our baby from 20 weeks gestation until her 1st birthday party.
Enjoy!

A nice long weekend

2008-07-21T15:21:00.011-05:00

Bel and I went up north with Grandpa D on Wednesday night to extend our weekend at the cabin. Grandma JJ was already there with the dalmatians on their week vacation. DM came up on Friday night after work and meeting Grandma Leann and Joe to hand over our furry creature for the week.

The LO loves many things in life, and in these pictures are a few of her very favorites (playing in the water, puppies, nums, and family).

Ouch!

2008-07-21T15:11:00.003-05:00

The pictures speak for themselves. Bel hit the pavement (no not walking) literally. We were talking with neighbors in their driveway last Tuesday night when she wanted to stand. So I put her down and she did really well for a while. As her little self got tired there was no where for her little toes to dig into and splat... there she went. Thinking it was just a little road rash I tried to calm her down until DM saw the blood in her mouth. We went home to clean her up and there we saw her little tooth had been pushed into the gum a little (this is the tooth that has been taking forever to come in) and the blood on the gums was a little scary. So on top of the week we had already had with the eye Dr. for me after she scratched my eye we now need to head to the dentist. So Wednesday morning off to Dr. Kris for a mommy and baby dentist visit. All this before she is one! What on earth will the next year of her life bring us?

Out of Towners

2008-07-13T20:35:00.007-05:00

In town for the wedding were a number of family members that we don't get to see that often (maybe twice a year if we are lucky). It just so happens that DM's Aunt JoAnn, Uncle Pat and Aunt Charlotte were here for Becky's wedding and we were able to spend a little bit of time with them on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday we went to watch DM's cousin Diana who is a local singer around the cities and met the aunts and uncle at the cafe where she would be performing. It was a wonderful show as always, but more importantly it gave Bel a chance to visit with her "Greats". This weekend was the first chance that they have been able to see her since she was two weeks old and it was a fantastic time. Today (Sunday) Pat, JoAnn, Charlotte, Diana, Joe and Grandma Sandie joined DM, Bel, Grandpa George and myself for mass and we followed with lunch before the IL group headed back home. It was a wonderful weekend spent with family, and it will be a crazy couple of days as the LO catches up on her rest!

The last of the four

2008-07-13T20:10:00.004-05:00

This past Friday (7/11) the last of DM's siblings got married. Becky and Eric were married at 4:00 in the afternoon on the hottest day of the year. A quick but very nice ceremony followed by a very fun reception made the day! I forgot I had the camera until right before Bel left with my parents so a quick candid shot of Becky will have to do along with a couple of pics of DM, Bel and myself.

Summer Adventures

2008-07-10T08:38:00.010-05:00

(Brandon on the left with Griffin & Rob on the right with Bel)

Summer vacation... how sweet it is to be a teacher! Since our summer has started it has been so much fun to be at home. Bel is constantly discovering new things and becoming more independent by the minute. Time has gone by so quickly that its hard to believe that she will be one in only a couple of weeks.

(Kiss for Bel)

In trying to keep up with her constant need to explore new things DM and I have ventured out into the big world of family oriented places; parks, zoo's, museums and at the end of next week the water park. We will also be attending our upcoming parish picnic that will have many fun things to do as well (Father Charlie in a dunk tank???)!

(A ride in Cinderella's carriage)

We have had a blast at these places and continue to enjoy the fun that we are living not only through ourselves but also through our LO. We recently have been spending more time with good friends Sandra and Brandon and their LO Griffin (who many of you may know as our future SIL, or her boyfriend). Bel and her BF are two weeks shy of being a year apart and it is so much fun to watch them together and listen to their style of communication!

(Bel's mommy was a swimmer and Griffin's mommy was a diver... playing in the water is what they know best!)

(Driving together!)

Summer Vacation

2008-06-30T09:46:00.003-05:00

Summer vacation is one of the best parts of being a teacher. I used to look forward to sleeping in until 10 and getting up to watch "trash" TV, but for obvious reasons my summer vacations have changed forever! Bel is usually awake sometime between 6:30 and 7:15 a harsh change from summers past. Though I miss those days of sleeping in there is something about waking up and starting the day with my little girl and watching her explore the world.

Her strong personality is growing by the day as she learns to ask for things she wants and needs (naps, food and to go outside) along with many others. She is making connections between pictures in her books to items in her everyday life like ball and dog. Her love for animals and play time are so much fun to be apart of that it makes me wonder constantly as to what she will do next. She is making her way to the walking world as she uses a push behind toy to walk and has learned to ride on a little "bike" at the cabin pictured below and has a little ride on "car" that our neighbors gave her here at home. So much learning and achieving in her little body and to think that she is only going to be 1 next month!

Our Little Artist

2008-06-25T10:11:00.003-05:00

Really I can get dirty! So much fun!

I have finished my first work of art!

Zoophabet ABC

2008-06-25T09:55:00.004-05:00

Daddy & Bel Pretty Girl
Nuzzle the Goat! Kiss for Big Cousin Sleeping Lauren

One of Bel's favorite books to read with her daddy is call Zoophabet ABC. Its a book from Auntie Pam that is about starting a zoo. Well Bell had her first trip to the MN Zoo this past weekend and loved it. For Christmas Auntie Jen and Uncle Nate gave us a family pass to the zoo and we couldn't wait to go and finally we had our first chance. This past Saturday we met Jen, Nate and the girls for a beautiful day at the zoo and Ella and Bel had a wonderful time (Lauren was sleepy and was snuggled in for most of the time we were there.

No longer "new".

2008-06-25T09:28:00.006-05:00

When we moved to our house almost two years ago we were looking for a neighborhood that would provide us with neighbors that we could talk to and have fun with. Well we definitely have that! We have still fallen in the "new" category of the neighborhood since most of the homes around us are still owned by the people who built them. We have been told that the BBQ we attended has taken us from the "new" category and put us in a boat with them. Bel is sitting with her favorite neighbor Shantell and next to Hannah. Hannah is the little girl of the folks we bought the house from (she loves Bel) and Bel loves to chat with her!

Swimming fool!!

2008-06-17T09:26:00.002-05:00

Sunday after church we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for a little swim. Between trying to drink the water and kicking her legs she also found a little time to eat the rubber ducky!

Long time no post...

2008-06-13T21:52:00.003-05:00

It has been well over a month since the last time I have posted to our blog! Well as many of you know LO's tend to have lots of changes in very little time. Bel is now 10 and 1/2 months old and she is turning into such a big girl! As you can see from the last post on May 7th that moving is now in the cards, but in that video as her Uncle Doug said if you were to add the sounds of the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park to the video it would be fitting :-) Currently you would have to fast forward that sound for it to fit how quick that little baby moves. Bel also loves to pull herself up on the couch and walk along side it. She also likes to hold on to various items with one hand and bend to touch with the other.

Mama, dada, baba, nono, ball and yes woof are her current vocabulary. She is certainly part Jackson as when you tell her no she looks at you smiles and continues doing whatever it is that you have asked her not to do. As the last word of her vocabulary shows dogs/puppy's are at the top of her loves. She crawls up on Kara and lays down to snuggle on her, pets her and kisses her. She has two puppies at Mary's (daycare) who she also loves to see every morning and Grandma and Grandpa's dalmatians she is pretty fond of too.

She now has 4 teeth, two on top and two on bottom and she loves trying big people food, which Grandpa David loves to feed her (which includes chocolate milk). She also likes to use her new teeth to mark furniture with her own little two teeth mark.

As for DM and myself we have been keeping busy working hard on the outside of the house. We have made some major changes to the landscape which was much needed and continue to enjoy the yard that we so desperately wanted. Dm is still working hard at work and I thank the Lord I am on summer vacation and promise to update more often.

Below you will find a number of different photos that have taken place from the last month since I posted. Hope you enjoy!

Oh the sweet life at the cabin

2008-06-13T21:42:00.004-05:00

Bel and Karamia

2008-06-13T21:37:00.001-05:00

The art of bed time. ? . ? .

2008-06-13T21:30:00.001-05:00

Tag You're It!

2008-05-07T20:20:00.003-05:00

Going to the park is so much fun!!!

2008-05-05T20:38:00.004-05:00

With the weather finally being nice we have been able to enjoy it by taking walks to the park. Bel loves going for rides in her stroller and claps her hands as we walk. Karamia also loves the walks as she can sniff out other furry creatures to hunt. We have two wonderful parks near our house that we hopefully will spend lots of time at in the months to come. Bel has mastered the swing, but is still unsure of slides (don't worry she isn't going down them herself). Also if we haven't talked to you in the last week our little girl has made another move towards being a little person... she is officially crawling! Yup those thighs might slim down!

Oh how cute she is!

2008-04-26T18:53:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of new pictures of Bel, hope you enjoy!

Sleep... Whats that?

2008-04-24T09:58:00.003-05:00

Many people have said that you are lucky if you have a big baby, there are so many benefits. So yes we were blessed with a "big" girl, if you consider a 5 inch scar across your abdomen lucky, lucky if you see the arm strength we have gained. But why is it that people you talk to and books you read say that my big baby should have been sleeping through the night already. Well in our visit with the good Dr. last week I was told that Bel should not be eating in the middle of the night any more, not only that but she should be sleeping soundly all night.

Well we are on our way! I am no longer holding my princess until she falls asleep, we are putting her to bed and letting her fall asleep on her own. I am no longer getting up with my baby in the middle of the night, DM has taken on that task. First night was horrible! That is the most polite way to put it as DM ended up sleeping on her bedroom floor because she was waking up every hour. Last night was 1 million times better as she only woke up twice. It is hard to give up one of my most treasured parts about my relationship with my daughter. Those middle of the night meetings were just for us and now they are gone. I know that it is just part of her growing and becoming her own little person just like so many other things she has learned recently but it doesn't make it any easier.

On the bright side staying in bed for an entire night seems so new to me. I do not think I have stayed in bed all night since January of '07. What a difference it is to have a full nights rest! DM is helping her settle back in when she wakes so he now is learning why I love the snooze!