Here We Go...

We took Winnie to the vet this morning. She was supposed to have a mass removed from her leg. We had the vet take a look a few months ago. She determined that the mass wasn't cancerous and suggested that we have it removed...to the tune of $400. Needless to say, it has taken us several months to get to a place where we were RELATIVELY comfortable paying for the surgery (we figured it was going to hurt no matter when we did it, so why not?). Couple this with the fact that we noticed the mass was bleeding the other night...but I digress.

Anyway, they did pre-op labs and found that Winnie's blood sugar was off the charts high. So, they diagnosed her with diabetes and said that they weren't going to do the surgery until her sugars were under control. Even though we didn't actually do the surgery, we still got to pay about $200 for insulin, the vet bill, and syringes. Sheesh. Fortunately, if we get things under control, Winnie can still enjoy somewhat of a "normal" life.

The vet tried to console me by telling me that because I'm a nurse, I won't have to bring Winnie into the office as regularly as some other owners would be required to, because I can monitor for signs of hyper or hypoglycemia at home. For that I am grateful.

I was a little surprised when I teared up while talking to the vet. As much as we love to gripe about the responsibilities that having two large dogs brings, I guess I have to admit that they are a part of the family, and that it really does make me sad to think about not having Winnie around. Connor asked about Winnie about a dozen times today while she was gone at the vet. I explained what was happening...and when Brandon got home, Connor informed him that Winnie had "diet peas".

I am going to go and deliver the insulin administration demo to my husband. Who knew that nursing school would come in so handy?

Firsts and Lasts

Hello!

We've had a fun-filled couple weeks around here! Yesterday was an especially big day for us. It was Connor's last day of preschool for the year, and our little girl got her first haircut. :)

Connor's teachers handed out awards to each child in the class. Connor received the "good friend" award, which really warmed our hearts. Of all the traits a child can have, compassion and kindness towards others would be at the top of my list of the most desirable. Mrs. Amy, his teacher, remarked that he truly was a friend to everyone in the class. It's amazing how wonderful our children can be despite us, huh. :) Above is a picture of Connor after receiving his award from his teachers.

It took me about 6 months to get up the nerve to schedule Kylee a haircut, but we finally did it. We took her to see Brooke, a woman that we attend church with, who has two children about the same ages as Connor and Kylee are. Boy, you could tell she knew what she was doing, and she charmed Kylee right into the whole hair cut groove (I am of the opinion that a good stylist that can put children at ease is almost as important as a good nurse midwife or gynecologist in a mother's world). In the end, Kylee got an inch or so trimmed off the back of her hair, and even though it was a small amount of hair, somehow she looks older to me now.

Connor was so inspired that he, too, got up into the chair for a new 'do. Brooke had to repair my latest haircut attempt on our little blonde superhero, and he looked much better when it was all done. It was the first time he sat through a haircut without screaming bloody murder, which made it even more of a banner day in our world. The kids thought it was the best experience ever because they each got to pick out TWO suckers.

I was telling Brandon the other night that I feel like we're entering a new chapter in our lives. Our kids are officially exiting baby and toddler stage, and while some things about it are totally wonderful, some things about it are also hard...realizing that our son has just completed his first year of preschool makes me stop to think about how, from this point forward, our years will be marked by the beginning and end of school instead of by monthly developmental acheivements like crawling, walking, and talking.

Where does the time go?

The Second "Big 30"

My twenties are gone,
It's sad but it's true.
To honor this day,
Here's a rhyme for you.

Today I turn 30,
So what? No big deal.
They say you're only
As old as you feel.

Do I feel older
Than yesterday? No.
Now that I'm 30 -
I'm ready to go!

Reflections on decades,
You won't get from me.
That task is more ambitious
Than I want to be!

After all, it's my birthday,
I just want to relax!
Spend time with loved ones,
Enjoy life, kick back.

Thirty's not bad,
At least not yet.
Feels old, but not quite
Old enough for a 'Vette.

I have to admit,
Some thought I've put in,
To where I'm going
And where I have been.

There are ups and downs,
Without a doubt,
But life can't be better,
Day in and day out.

I am most blessed
By God in this world -
A beautiful wife,
A superhero son, and a dancing princess girl.

Good family, good friends,
Good church and good life
Only add to the joy,
And give it some spice.

Enough introspection,
With that being said.
Now on to more fun -
Let's look ahead!

The kiddos will grow,
And we'll soak up each day,
We'll laugh and we'll cry
And we'll love and we'll pray.

What wonderful times
The future will hold,
We don't know quite yet,
But we'll watch them unfold.

As the next chapter opens
Great new things will be,
So let's get to 'em -
Happy Birthday to me!

BJC
:)

Tea for Two...

I know I just posted yesterday, but I had to share these pictures of our adorable children that I captured today.

It has been a great day!! We stayed in our jammies until noon, and the kids decided to put together their own "tea party" at the kitchen table. The cutest part of this is that I had no part in assembling the "tea" or goodies (Cheez-Its and Scooby Snacks) for the tea party--my only duty was to attend. Here are a couple pictures of the kids and their classy fare.

This afternoon, Kylee offered to fix me dinner. Here she is in her chef garb. It truly did save her life because she was supposed to have been laying down having quiet time at this exact moment. She convinced me to enjoy a plastic grilled cheese and McFlurry with her, effectively delaying naptime.

So precious!!

We're Back!

It's been awhile since I've posted...life has been pretty crazy around here. I have been working many hours up at William Jewell, helping the seniors get prepared for the N-Clex examination that many of them will take later this month or early in June. It has been very stressful trying to balance home and work, and I am so grateful for all of our friends and family who have been so willing to help out as I am away from home more than usual.

Aaron came out a week ago to play with the kids while I worked, and he got to participate in one of Connor's class field trips. The class went and visited the fire station...here are some pictures (I am amazed that in between juggling Kylee and trying to keep up with Connor that he had time to snap these--way to go, Grandpa!). The kids loved having "Carlson Grandpa" (Connor's name for him) here. They also had fun enjoying a picnic in the rain!

My Grandpa paid us a visit last week, too. He was in town to see his lawyer to try to settle his case outside of court. For those of you who don't know, Grandpa has been involved in a lawsuit with a gentleman who purchased his business four years ago, and then decided to stop making payments (enter in the lawsuit). We were so thankful and excited that the case was settled while Grandpa was here, and he is supposed to begin receiving payments again in July after a two-year dry spell and lots of lawyer fees. Thanks to all of you who have offerred your prayers!

William Jewell's graduation is this weekend, and then I will begin gearing up for the summer bunch of students that I will have in Health Assessment on May 18th. Prior to that, we look forward to celebrating Brandon's 30th birthday together on May 11th!!

Grandpa also sent some more pictures of the snowy Easter egg hunt I referrred to in an earlier post, as well as some pics of the kids decorating Easter eggs. Enjoy!