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!

A Snowy Easter

We had a great trip out to Colorado over the Easter weekend. Mother Nature didn't quite get the memo about spring weather (we had snow and highs in the 20's), but that didn't deter us any!

Our trip was a welcome break from the routine around here. Things at work have been busy for both of us--Brandon as he fills last-minute requests within his company and myself as I continue working with senior students as they prepare for a big test that will help determine whether or not they get to graduate in May (no stress there, right?). They will take that test in early May, so I ask for your prayers for these students (and for their faculty) during these stressful weeks.

We left Wednesday evening and drove to Great Bend, where we spent some time with Grandpa and Craig before turning in for the night. We began our drive to Loveland, CO the next morning. The kids were absolute champs on the drive, and we continue to proclaim that the portable DVD player for the car was the best $180 we've ever spent. :)

We then spent Thursday night through Sunday enjoying the change of scenery. The Easter bunny hid eggs in Grandma and Grandpa's yard, and the kids had a great time finding them while all bundled up in their parkas, hats, and gloves. We also took a trip to the mall, where the kids had tons of fun in the play area. We got to go to UNC where to listened to Grandma play the piano for two of her students and also just enjoyed relaxing in a house that wasn't our own. Connor had a blast playing with a Tide box full of legos that once belonged to Uncle Justin and Daddy (True confession: I think Grandpa and Daddy enjoyed playing almost as much as he did), and both the kids enjoyed dying Easter eggs. Thanks, Aaron and Rachel, for showing us such a great time!!

Church on Sunday was very emotional for both Brandon and I. Reflecting on Christ's sacrifice on our behalf...there just aren't words for the feelings that evokes in one's heart. And then to look down the pew and see your two beautiful children...wow (the fact that they were rooting through my purse for gum as we looked at them makes the moment no less special). ;)

We packed up on Sunday after church in Fort Collins and began the 11 hour journey back to Kansas City. We arrived in one piece and were again thankful for our kiddos' good behavior.

We're pretty much recovered, but still looking for some sunshine in the midst of very dreary days. Hope your Easter was happy as well!!

Spring Has Sprung!!

Hello!

We welcomed spring into our lives this weekend by taking the kids to an Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Aunt Sarah and Uncle James' church. There was a great deal of mud due to all the rainfall prior to the event, but that didn't stop us from collecting lots and lots of candy-filled eggs! Connor also enjoyed playing some of the carnival-style games they offered, and both of the kids had a great time playing on the playground and swinging while Grandpa and Uncle Jordan pushed them. Here are some pictures...

Last weekend, we planted a bunch of stuff in our new flowerbed, just off of our deck. I am especially excited about a couple lilac bushes that we planted. I can't wait to smell them as we sit out back enjoying summer evenings together! It has taken us quite some time to make this house truly our own, and we really enjoy getting to personalize it by doing things like planting flowers. There is just something about digging around in the dirt with the sun on your back that makes you slow down and appreciate life just a little bit more...

We've also recently broken out the lawn mower. As some of you know, our backyard is 1/2 acre in size, so mowing is no small task. We finally purchased a riding lawnmower last year after being sick and tired of arguing about when the huge expanse of lawn needed to be mowed--it took 2 hours to do with a push mower (my father-in-law told me that the cost of a riding mower was certainly cheaper than marriage counseling might be)! It is so neat to see the bright green grass and all the spring colors that surround us.

We had another exciting event in our lives this weekend--our very good friends Jason and Dana welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Aleksander Jason, into their family. He is their first-born, and it was thrilling for me to see one of my best friends become a mommy! We went and visited them in the hospital on Saturday, and the kids had a great time oohing and aahing over the new addition. What a blessing new life is!

We will spend the beginning part of this week preparing for our trip out to Colorado for the Easter weekend. The kids are really excited to see Grandpa and Grandma, and Mommy and Daddy are just trying to gear up for the long drive there and back. :) We are really looking forward to the change of scenery for a short while--it's been awhile since we've been able to get away.

We hope this finds you doing well and enjoying some springtime fun of your own!

Knock, Knock!!

Hello!

Things have gone considerably better with our eldest since my last post, so thank you to all of you who have said a prayer for us. We're not 100% yet, but hey, progress is progress!

We had a very quiet weekend here at 509 Cierra Circle. It was nice and much needed. Brandon left Sunday evening for a short trip out to California, so the kids and I are holding down the fort.

Speaking of the kids, one of our new pastimes is telling knock-knock jokes--preschooler and toddler style, of course! For example:

Connor: Okay, here's my joke. Mommy, you start.

Me: Knock-Knock

Connor: Who's there?

Me: I don't know--it's your joke!

Hysterical laughter.

Kylee: Knock-knock

Daddy: Who's there?

Kylee: Apple who?

Daddy: Apple who who?

Hysterical laughter.

It's the simple pleasures, isn't it?

I am almost certain both of our children have inherited their sense of humor from both of their Grandpas. :)

Say a Prayer!!

Well, folks, I have to be honest and say that this week has been a rough one for the Carlson Crew. The kids recovered from a round of the crud just in time for Brandon to get knocked down for the count by it. He hasn't taken a sick day in over a year, but was home on Monday and Tuesday trying to recoop. He had horrible sinus congestion, a terrible headache, and fever. He went back to work yesterday, but still sounds funny, although he says he feels better than he sounds. Now, you Mommies out there all know how hard it can be when the co-President and CEO of the household is sick. No fun.

Another stress in our household as of late has been potty-training. Allow me to vent for a minute here. Long story short: Connor has had some pretty serious bowel issues, which have been a GIGANTIC stumbling block on our effort to get him potty trained. About a year ago, after months of looking for answers, we finally got him on some medicine that seemed to help with the problem, which is great, except for now, one year later, we're still struggling.

For a period of about a week and a half this month, he did GREAT. No accidents, pee and poop in the potty, and he didn't even have to take his medicine. After two years of working hard with him, we were ECSTATIC. We took him to Toys 'R Us to pick out a special toy. The next day, he started having accidents again (hmmmm...). So, after deciding that clearly, we cannot reward him for good progress with anything other than praise, we boxed his toy back up and had him return it to the store. NOT FUN. Although he didn't seem really phased by it, it was so hard to do!! Here we had believed that we were doing better...

Since then, it's been a rough go. Lots of dunking poopy underwear and having to come in from outside for pant-wetting. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING and I am not kidding you when I tell you that we have tried EVERYTHING (two years gives you a lot of time to explore all the options!). I know that ultimately, it is a decision he has to make and I shouldn't stress about it, but any parent that says that probably hasn't worked on it for two years solid.

So, I just ask for your prayers, especially for me. I want so badly to show my children God's love, and I feel like right now, all Connor and I do is dance back and forth about his accidents. I am frustrated because I feel like we got a taste of what life is like for every other potty-trained 4 and 1/2 year old, and now we've regressed. I am raw with emotion and really hope this gets better soon. It's a daily stress for me and I feel like I can't think about anything else. Plus, Connor feels the stress of it, too, I know.

What scares me even more is that technically, I should be thinking about potty-training our daughter. YIKES! We've broached the subject with her, and after talking about it one night, she walked into the bathroom the next day while I was showering and announced "Mommy, I not want to wear big girl pants--EVER".

Oh, boy....

You Can't Take It With You...

Good Morning!

Things here in Liberty have been fairly uneventful as of late. I had a wonderful birthday, we've finally been able to do some playing outside, and the kids are recovering from a brief stent with the "winter crud". It has been wonderful to see the sunshine!

A birthday summary for you:

So many people went all-out to make my 30th birthday special. Thanks to my husband and kiddos, I started my day with my favorite coffee and a box of DELICIOUS chocolate donuts (with 19 grams of fat each, I don't EVER allow myself to buy them at the store, so it was an extra special treat!). Brandon fixed me a special dinner of chicken-noodles and mashed potatoes on the evening of my birthday--my favorite meal that Mom would always fix me on my weekends home from Jewell. I really appreciated the way he pulled my mother into my special day. I received some super-cool presents--a Flip-It (nifty cleaning tool for hardwood and vinyl flooring), purses, sunglasses, some Target jewlrey to wear to work specially selected by my children, and, a sapphire and pearl (Connor and Kylee's birthstones) ring from my husband. Friends took me out for a celebratory dinner, and I appreciated all of you who remembered my day by sending cards. What a great celebration!

We made a trip back to central Kansas last weekend to spend some time with our grandparents and my Uncle. We began the very long process of going through my Grandpa and Grandma's house and deciding what would be done with things. It was sad and overwhelming, but I think we all feel better getting a start on it. There is just so much STUFF, and I am overwhelmed by the lesson about how we can't take it with us. It is crazy to me that life can be reduced to so few things that are TRULY important. When we're gone, the people that we leave behind will sift and sort through all of our possessions and try to decide what's worth keeping and what should be given away--it makes me have a different perspective about what to keep and what to toss (figuratively and literally) during my time on this planet. What I know for sure is that what we leave behind forever are our relationships--by far the best, and most important, investments we make.

A couple weeks ago, I got to go to Connor's school Valentine's party. Here are some pics of the big event, of Connor with his friends Jacie and Truman. There's also a picture of our little princess (our friend Georgia loaned us her beloved Cinderella wedding dress) and a cute shot we got of the kids as they played in the scarf and hat crate that we keep in our front closet. Also featured in this post are some snapshots (I've chosen just a few out of almost 20 that he took) that Connor captured one night when he was especially inspired by the camera. Enjoy!