The Pearsons

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well, today was Sept 6, 2011 and Lucas and McKenna had their first day of first grade.

The day started of with the kids waking up WAY to early. I mean they don't have to be on the bus 'til 8:59 so I don;t think it is necessary to be up at 6:00. Granted Luke is quite the morning person, but we have rules about not getting up before 7:00. The only problem is that instead of laying in bed being quiet he feels that he needs to wake Kenna since he is awake. In his defense, they brokee their clock a while back and we never replaced it. New clock...check.

Breakfast went over well. Can't go wrong with pancakes on the first day of school! Or ever for that matter.

Then Kenna, being the over dramatic girl she is, (teenage years should be fun) didn't like her leggings and had to change even though they were fine in the store. Then she didn't like her hair so she kept messing with it until the curl from the braid she had the night before started to straighten. Kenna has stick straight hair like her dad and it doesn't hold curl well and since she was complaining about not liking her hair she wouldn't let me spray it until the curl started to fall. Then it wasn't curly enough. Let's see. The next problem was her socks. She doesn't really have any plain white socks, so finding socks that would look ok became an ordeal and she had to change 4 times instead of just putting on the ones I had picked out.

By then I was pushing to get out the door so we could take pictures outside before walking to the bus stop. Now, Kenna does not like having her picture taken (at least not on her terms) so was intentionally being uncooperative. Regardless, we did manage to get some nice pics taken.

Then it was time to walk to the bus. This went okay. We we a little early for the bus like the letter said and then the bus ended up being 10 minutes late. The kids did a quick pose before getting on and of they went. This was a major accomplishment for Kenna. This summer when she went to summer school on the bus it was a battle everyday to get her on that bus. I think it was a great help that Luke was with her and she knew that he had been given strict instructions to sit with her.

Mike and I then spent the morning running some errands and enjoying breakfast out alone. The afternoon was kinda different since this was the first full day or school EVER for Luke and Kenna. We spent some time in silence. I baked the kids some bars for after school and then cut Mikes hair. At about 11:30, Zoe started to get excited about every noise since last school year that was when she got to go for her daily car ride to pick up the kids from school. She seemed kind of comcerned that her kids weren't home when the should be.

About 15 minutes before the kids were due home, we made our way to the bus stop. We were early. It (the bus) was almost exactly on time.

We did what every parent does and asked how their first day was, what they did, who they met. The awnsers were pretty much as expected. Kenna didn't want to talk about it and Luke didn't stop talking. The only thing was Luke was walking a head of me so I only got snippets of what he was saying.

As I said before, their was only one other child in their class from last year and from the sound of things the three of them stuck pretty tight together.

Once we returned home, the kids each had a snack and we headed outside to enjoy some beautiful weather because in this state winter could come next week. You just never know here.

I did eventually get some information.

Kenna:
Doesn;t know the names of anyone in the class except Luke and D.
She didn't do anything in gym because she wanted to go home.
Lunch was good and her teacher helped her enter her pin.
She played by herself at recess (I knew this might be a problem since all her friends from last year are in other classes and she wont approach other kids to play. They do have recess together, but she said they were just playing with the kids from their classes.)
She is looking forward to art tomorrow ... step in the right direction.

Luke:
Also doesn't know any of the names of the chilren in this class except Kenna and D.
Sits in a pod with two girls and one other boy. (They are in separate pods)
His pod is blue. Kenna's is black.
Lunch was good and he's looking forward to hot dogs tomorrow.
He also played by himself at recess. The boy he thinks of as his best friend is in another class and Luke said he played with the kids from his class. D's best friend is in another class so D played with that boy instead of Luke.

I'm praying that McKenna quickly finds things about school that she loves (art and music). I also pray that over the next week or two we start to hear the names of some of they other children in their class from both kids. Kenna usually has a difficult time opening up to new people (including other children) so I would love for her to find just one other little girl who she can really become friends with who will remain her friend for years to come. Luke on the other hand usually makes friends pretty easily, so I'm sure it wont take long before he starts to talk about his "new friend".

SO ... the next chapter has just begun. Ready ... Set ... GO!

Train Bell 2011

2011-08-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

Last week we made our trek to the Brainerd Lakes Area for our stay at the Train Bell Resort. We had a beautiful trip up on Monday and the kids were even able to get some swimming in. They have a wonderful swim beach that is super shallow so the kids aren't forced to stay within 5 feet of land. While there the kids spent a lot of time playing outside with Luke on his scooter and Kenna on the playground and in the sand. In the evenings the kids enjoyed movies nights and the dance party. During the day they were able to sneak in at the end of the minnow races and take a ride on the Train Bell Train. On Tuesday, Mike made a trip to a nearby town with his mom, her husband and his daughter for some antique shopping. Then Wednesday morning we returned for the kids to play on the community's wonderful playground and climb on a statue of a giant serpent. Late Wednesday night we returned home. Friday morning the kids met with their teacher to be evaluated for their reading levels and it was confirmed that Kenna will be in a program called reading recovery to help her get up to pace with her peers. Friday afternoon the class lists went up. Out of 23 children, they only have one other kid in their class from last year. I'm sad that they will be missing some of their friends, BUT there is always recess and the opportunity to make SO many new fiends. We then ended the week with a shopping trip for new tennis shoes.

We now find ourselves a week from the start of school. Luke had an eye check up today and his vision continues to become stronger in his left eye. Tomorrow we'll be shopping for a couple of back to school outfits because ya gotta have that one new outfit for the first day of school. Wednesday afternoon is their open house. This is where they get to take their supplies to school and find their desks and lockers and I get to write checks for things like lunch and yearbooks.

As sad as I am that my kiddos will be entering first grade and school all day for the first time, I look forward to getting back in a routine and seeing them grow and learn.

August already?

2011-08-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that it is August already and that 4 weeks from now McKenna and Lucas will be snoozing away after finishing their first day of first grade, but we'll get to that later.

This month started of on a sad note. Mike's Uncle Terry past away at the age of 53 after suffering brain damage due to a sudden cardiac arrest while on vacation with his wife a three sons. The was a great man and will be missed.

Saturday, I spent the day making a checkerboard cake. I have owned the pans for years and just finally decided to utilize them. I even made my own butter cream. A first for me.

Sunday, the kids and I spent 4 hours at the zoo with my friend Tammy and her son. We all live such busy lives that it's hard to find time to get together. It was great getting to spend some time catching up and watching our kids together.

The past few days have been spent catching up on some housework and trying to get the kids motivated to clean their playroom and bedroom.

Three weeks left in this month and I'm sure we'll find a way to fill them. We have trip to Brainerd planned to spend a few days with Mike's step-family. It's a yearly trip that Mike, Kenna and I missed last year due to Mike's shoulder surgery. Then we meet the kids' first grade teacher, Mrs Tam, so she can do some testing to evaluate where their reading abilities are. The last day of the month will bring us to their open house at school.

Normally people get sad when their child enters kindergarten. I didn't. I think it was because they were only in school half day and they didn't ride that bus. This year my babies are truly off to school ... all day, every day and on the bus. But that's more of a different month.

June and July came and went!

2011-08-09T20:54:00.002-05:00

WOW! June and July have come and gone! June was spent with plenty of time outside as some pretty hot days. The end of the month we headed for our annual trip to ND. It was a wonderful trip. We made the drive out at night and the kids and I slept most of the way. A little more than half way there we hit some pretty heavy rain. Wouldn't know know it? Right in the middle of a pretty good shower off flew the driver's side wind shield wiper, We did stop at a rest stop to try to switch the other one over, but it was about 3 in the morning and neither of us could figure out how to get the good one off. By that time the rain had let up and we said forget it. Things were good from there on until we got about 40 miles from my parents' house and hit fog with almost zero visibility. Do you think we stopped at the next gas station to buy wipers. OF COURSE NOT. Instead we cranked the heat and Mike drove looking out my side of the wind shield. Needless to say, we made it there in one piece.

Shortly after arrival (10 minutes) Mike headed for bed. He was whipped. I, on the other hand, had some breakfast and then headed off to the county fair parade and county fair with my kids, my mom, my sister, her kids, my cousin and her husband and daughter. It was SO much fun to watch the kids (ages 2 - 6) bond.

The next two days were spent hanging with my immediate family, as well at my cousin's family, my dad's sister and her husband, my dad's brother and my Grandma. I love that we were all able to be there to spend that time. Unfortunately, my dad's side of my family is pretty spread around the country and VERY RARELY are about to get together at the same time.

In that time, we also celebrated Mike's 34th birthday. The kids loved helping their aunt to decorate the cupcakes for his big day.

The next couple of days were pretty chill. We did make it up to Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam. We couldn't miss out on seeing the lake at historic levels and the spillway letting out water for the first time ever. It was amazing to see that much water moving that fast! After that I got to try out my Dad's new mower. First time I've mowed lawn in over 10 years!

The weekend before the 4th of July, the made it out to Lake Sakakawea for a second time. Except this time we took Grandpa's boat and went for a ride. The kids loved it! That evening we had our own mini firework show at the farm. Mike was like a little kids. Growing up in MN, he never really got to shoot fireworks so my dad let him have free reign and sat back and enjoyed the show after years of put it on himself. Since this year the 4th fell on a Monday, Hazen held their firework show on the 3rd.

We headed back to MN the morning of the 5th. On the way, we stopped to see two large animals. The giant Holstein in New Salem, ND and the giant Bison in Jamestown, ND.

The next 3 1/2 weeks as Kenna attended summer school and we spent a lot of time just trying to stay cool and temps hit record highs.

Wonderful Weekend

2011-06-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Once in a while I can say we had a wonderful weekend. This weekend was one of those weekend. For starters the weather was gorgeous! Saturday morning the kids did some picking up. We didn't even have any tantrums. The afternoon was spent outside washing, waxing and cleaning up the car show for our fist show of the summer. Then we ran to Menard's for a few things, ate dinner outside and ended the night watching a couple cartoons with the kids before they went to bed.

Today, we spent the day at our first car show of the season. Mike and I both got a little too much sun. He's gonna be hurting tomorrow! The Galaxie was in a class of 15 - 20 cars. It got third! What a way to start car show season. After the show we set up the sprinkler and the kids and dog had a great time. It wore them all out! bedtime came early for the kids tonight.

Busy week ahead. Last week of school and lots of appointments. Then BRING ON SUMMER VACATION! We're ready!

Kidergarten is coming to an end

2011-06-01T16:21:00.001-05:00

Almost 9 months ago my babies started school. Now in only 9 days they will be first graders! With the schoo year coming to an end the kids have had a lot going on. Two weeks ago they got to try eating in the cafeteria (they only go half day right now). Last week they had their end of year concert. This Friday they have their end of year field trip to the Minnesota Children's Museum and picnic. Then next Thursday they will oficially be first graders.

Happy 6th Birthday, McKenna and Lucas!

2011-05-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

Before a person has children it is hard to understand how every year moms can recall every detail leading up to and during the birth of their children. Well, today my babies turned six and I remember every detail of that day. If your interested, you can read about it here.

Today started out with a boom. We woke to a pretty good thunderstorm and even had some weather sirens. Then it was off to school as usual. Every morning the kids' school has a short news program put on by some of the 5th graders (I think). During that news program they recognize the children who have birthdays that day. Today McKenna and Luke were that lucky two. Then, their classmates sang "Happy Birthday". I even got some good news at school today. McKenna has gone from a reading level 1 to a reading level 3.

After school, we headed to Chuck E Cheese. The kids had a great time playing games and riding the little kids rides. Of course we came home with the necessary cheap toys.

Next on the agenda was a visit from their Grandma Judy and Grandpa Vic. They opened a few gifts. Since we had cake for their birthday party, we opted to pick up some cupcakes for today. We sang "Happy Birthday"m had our cupcakes and Grandma and Grandpa headed home. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing with their gift.

I know that every year we comment on where the year has gone and how we can't believe they are growing up so fast. Yes, that is true. The year has gone fast and some days I wish they would stay little forever. On the other hand, it is some much fun to watch them learn and grow. I love being able to have real conversations with them. I love that they have an AWESOME bond and an excited to see where that bond takes them. I love when I can see glimpses the young adults they are going to be someday. I love that some days I am Mom and other days I'm Mama or Mommy. There are so many things I love about this age.

Happy Birthday, Kiddos! I love you.

Spring? Hello? Spring?

2011-05-05T18:20:00.003-05:00

Well, so far spring hasn't started out the way anyone of us has really enjoyed. We got our first snowfall for the 2010-2011 winter WAY back in October. This has made for a VERY long winter. Even for those cold weather loving folks out there. March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb (or so they say). Seems to me it March forgot to transition into a lamb. Then there is the whole "April showers brings May flowers" saying. YES, April has brought is plenty of showers. It also brought us many days below freezing and some snow. Now we are almost a week into may and we are just barely starting to creep up to above freezing temps for a full 24 hours straight. In the past 2 weeks if it hasn't been raining, it has been windy and cool almost every day except, maybe, two.

One of those exceptions was Easter. The three days leading up to Easter were COLD and rainy. Then Easter morning we woke to sun and temps in the 40's. It was so nice in fact, that we decided to drive the Galaxie to Mike's Aunt's for Easter lunch. It was a nice day. We had a good meal, the kids played outside for quite a while and we had a nice car ride.

Yesterday, was nice. We were able to open some windows and get some fresh air in the house. Tomorrow forcast looks pretty good too. Then it seems that we are looking forward to another straight week of rain or showers everyday. On the upside, I wont have to water my new grass seed. Then again, doesn't grass need some sun too. I know we do.

Day Eight - Visit from Grandpa Clyde/ Kids' 6th Birthday Bash

2011-04-12T20:48:00.003-05:00

Day Eight (Saturday) was a big day in our house. We celebrated the kids' 6th Birthday. Their actual birthday isn't until May, but we decided that since May is a busy month in their class and my dad was going to be here now would be a good time to do it. The morning started out with my dad going with me to pick up some balloons and the cakes (one marble, one ice cream). Then we finished setting up the house. At 12:30 the guests started to arrive. There were a total of fourteen 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. I know. At some point I must have lost my mind to have ever thought that was a good idea. We had pizza for lunch. Then the kids played for a bit before we turned to the mass chaos that was gift opening time. After filling the kids with sugary cake we opened a pinata and then headed outside.

In the middle of the madness, Dad said goodbye to the kids and headed out in order miss the huge thunderstorms that were predicted, but never developed anything worse than rain.

It was a great week. A lot was accomplished and fun was had by all. Only 2 1/2 months until we head to North Dakota to visit my family. Unfortunately, mom is being sent to Canada for work all but two days of our visit. Thank goodness for web cams. Hopefully she'll be able to make her own visit to us later this summer.

Days Six and Seven - Visit from Grandpa Clyde

2011-04-12T20:25:00.002-05:00

Info on Days Six and Seven are kinda jumbled. Both days the kids went to school. Thursday I slept before going to work and then coming home again. Friday morning I found out I wasn't going to be working that night either. Some time in those two days Dad and the kids trimmed trees, raked and cleared out some of the "forest" behind our house. In that time Dad and I managed clean the kitchen and dining room floors and well and vacuum and shampoo the whole upper level of our house. AND we even made a trip to the park.

Days Four and Five - Visit from Grandpa Clyde

2011-04-12T20:05:00.003-05:00

Day Four (Tuesday) was another school day. Dad and I ran some more errands while the kids were at school. After school, we had some lunch and then spent some time outside. That was the day Luke decided that he no longer need his training wheels and removed them himself. He continues to get steadier every day.

Day Five (Wednesday) was supposed to be the start of my work week. That means that I try to take a nap. By this time the kids were in need of a nap as well. During that time, my dad did some AWESOME yard work for us.

Days Two and Three - Visit from Grandpa Clyde

2011-04-12T19:39:00.003-05:00

Day two was a "things we need to do" day. Before I even crawled out of bed that morning the kids had Dad up and at 'em and they had already cleaned their room. The rest of the morning was spent trying on all of the kids' clothes to see what they did/didn't need for summer clothes. We moved some things around and found places for the kids' new to us dressers and got the playroom/guest room/Kenna's room reorganized. That afternoon we made a trip to Sam's Club for some stocking up. Gotta love Sundays at Sam's. We ate our fill in samples.

Day three started of like a school day. The kids got up, had some breakfast and got dressed for the day. The afternoon was planned for more fun. After spending the morning running some errands while the kids were at school we picked them up and headed to the Mall of America. We ate at Rainforest Cafe for the first time in a long time and the kids LOVED it. The gorillas and thunder and lightening was a big hit. Then we checked out LEGO Land before heading to Nikelodeon Universe at the MOA to ride some rides. The kids rode just about every ride they could and even got me on a couple. I'm pretty sure Kenna's favorite were the farris wheel and the log chute. Luke wanted to do the log chute again even though he was SOAKED when he got off.

I wish Mike and my mom could have enjoyed it with us.

Day One - Visit from Grandpa Clyde

2011-04-12T19:08:00.003-05:00

Even though he got here April 1, we are going to call Saturday, April 2nd day once since it was his first full day here.

Usually when my dad comes to visit we have so many jobs that "need" to be done around here that we don't have as much fun as I would always like. This time we managed to do a lot of both.

Saturday mornings when I get home from work I usually try to take a nap for a few hours. Well on day one of my dad's visit the weather was predicted to be pretty nice out. It was also the first weekend that the Minnesota Zoo had their zoo babies are. So we used day one as Zoo Day.

First thing we did when we got to the zoo was visit the tropics trail in order to let it warm up a bit before heading outside. Then since it was lunchtime we got something to eat. Next we went to check out the dolphins and were lucky enough to arrive just as they were starting a training session. It was fun to see the new baby dolphin learning all the tricks. Then we headed out to walk the outside trail and head up to the farm. Along the way we saw the baby camel. The tiger was out and about. The bears were having a wrestling match. And the rest or the animals were doing their things. At the farm we saw some three-day old piglets and 2 two-week old calves named Delilah and Penelope. As well as the goats, cows, chickens and rabbits.

After the farm, we finished making our way around outdoor trail and then finished off the day with a trip to Dairy Queen.

Toothy (or tooth-less) grin

2011-04-12T18:35:00.003-05:00

April has already been a busy busy month and it is only half way over. So, I guess we will start before the month even began. Back a few months ago when the kids saw the dentist we were told that Kenna's bottom two front teeth were starting to wiggle. Well, the last week in March she really started to complain about how wiggly it was as was getting super excited for a visit from the tooth fairy. we had even made special little bags for them to hang on their bedposts to put their teeth in so the Tooth Fairy wouldn't have to get under their pillows.

Now for April.

April 1st was an exciting day in our house. We had been looking forward to a visit from my dad (my mom couldn't get away from work) and he showed up at about 2:30. I guest he was excited to get here, too, since he left at 6:00a.m. to get here. That same afternoon Kenna lost one of those wigglers. The tooth fairy was VERY generous and left her 25 gold dollar coins. YEP! $25 dollars for one tooth.

(More posts on grandpa's visit to follow)

Then Saturday night (April 9th) she lost her second tooth. This time $1 was left. Pretty sure the tooth fairy just can't carry around $25 in coins for EVERY lost tooth.

We're still waiting for Luke to get his first wigglers. The tooth fairy is ready for the day that he looses that first big/little tooth.

We Love cars

2011-03-21T13:02:00.004-05:00

Yep. We love cars. We have owned several classic cars over the years. Currently we own a 1962 Ford Galaxie. Over the years we have also owned multiple every day drivers and enjoy looking at what is new on the market. That said, what I'm really talking about is the movie "Cars". Yesterday we decided to take in the Auto Show. We told the kids where we were going, but didn't tell them why. They were so exited to walk in to the Auto Show and see three of the cars from the movie "Cars II". They got to see Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMisslie. They couldn't have been happier.

Spring School Pics - Really?

2011-03-08T10:00:00.001-06:00

I'm a little upset about how my kids' school chose to do spring pics. I didn't really understand why they needed spring pics when they had fall pics, but I thought what the heck? We'll have then taken get a proof and decide if we want to purchase. NOPE. They sent home a whole package of pic to "sample". If you want to keep all, some or none you pay for what you want to keep and send the rest back. DUMB!

The package they sent home is $40 (which is a discounted price for what you get) and it comes with some cool extras, but now I have to tell my 5 year-olds that we probably aren't going to keep the pics. This frustrates me in many ways. 1.... I can't believe the school chose to go this route instead of pre-purchase or seeing a proof and then ordering. 2. I feel like it is Lifetouch's way of tricking people into buying more pictures. 3. The price sheet that came with the pics said it was the prices for reorder not that it is the prices for the package we received. I had to call Lifetouch to find out what to do because... 4. The school didn't give us any instructions on what to do with the pictures either. 5. What do they do with the pics people give back? What a waste of paper and ink.

Looks like I will be scanning the pics which I know is probably not right, but, hey, they gave me the actual prints instead of a proof with a watermark. What do they think people are going to do with them.

Thankful for a wonderful aunt who is willing to help my child when I can't!

2011-01-26T13:03:00.004-06:00

I know as a parent we aren't supposed to compare our children, but I think it is bound to happen anyway. Now, I know my children aren't the same sex. That is pretty evident. Personality wise they are pretty opposite as well. We've always been able to tell that Luke has been more into books and letters and numbers than McKenna. She has always been our more artistic one.

Well, recently we have been becoming more and more concerned that McKenna is really lagging behind at school. We used to think that she had a real perfectionist side and that when she felt like she couldn't do something she just wouldn't try. While that may be partially true, it isn't the whole story. Where Luke is excelling in the classroom setting McKenna seems to really have a tough time learning in a group and needs much more hands on and one-on-one attention. This shouldn't come as a surprise since her had is a very physical, hands on learner and I am as well but not to as extreme a level.

Being a parent, you always wish that you could help your child. Kenna does a much better time working with Mike because he truly understands her and has more patients for helping her. I have never struggled with letters or numbers and have a hard time not pushing to hard when I'm working with her. Ultimately she shuts down on me and nothing gets accomplished.

This morning I had a conversation with their teacher and our fears were confirmed. She really is having a hard time keeping up with her classmates. So much to the point that her teacher is looking at having her evaluated for some extra help. We really need to pin down her learning style. As happy as I am to know that we weren't imagining things, it made me sad to think that I can't give her that help she needs.

As it as been becoming clearer that she is having a hard time at school an idea has been creeping to mind. Mike's aunt is a kindergarten teach in a different school district and I have been toying with the idea of seeing if she would be willing to work with Kenna. After talking to their teacher, I ran the idea past Mike and he wasn't to keen on the idea. BUT, I thought this is the one thing I could do. I can reach out to family and see if she would be willing to give us a hand. What's worst that would happen? She could say she doesn't have time or just doesn't want to. At least then I tried. So against Mike's feeble objection, I gave his aunt a call at school when I knew she would be in between classes. I prefaced my request with "you can say no" and then laid the situation out with my request. ( I hate asking for help and always feel guilty when I do.)

This is where I say that I feel so blessed to have the family we have. Mike's aunt is willing to work with Kenna for 30 - 45 minutes one evening a week or every other week starting next Tuesday. So between some extra help in school and with Mike's aunt I hoping that we find something that works for her and causes learning to become fun so she can reach her full potential.

I know I started out talking about parents comparing their children. I think in my case it isn't so much us comparing Lucas and McKenna as it is the rest of the world. People seen to think that because they are twins the should always be pretty close developmentally. While that may have been the case up to the age of 2, things have changes since then and despite sharing a birthday they are truly individuals. My concern was that she wasn't going to get all the help that she needs and wouldn't move on to First Grade with her brother. What is the big deal some might ask. The big deal is ... Kenna a child who is already hard on herself when she doesn't catch on as fast as her brother. Then, you add in that despite her family working hard to treat her as an individual she still has the identity of a pair. What kind of blow does that give to her self esteem? Right now she still thoroughly enjoys going to school even if it is hard for her. Would that love of school remain? I'm afraid the answer would be no.

So, again, I am so thankful for a teacher who concerned enough about my child to recommend her for the extra help she needs and I am even more thankful to the family member who is willing to give time out of her week to help my child succeed where I can't.

He can see!

2011-01-20T17:20:00.001-06:00

Luke got his new glasses today!

Appointments Appointments Appointments

2011-01-19T09:33:00.002-06:00

There used to be a time when I loved to always be on the go. Since I've gotten older and we had kids I mostly would rather just stay home. It isn't so much that I don't like to go places. I like to take the kids to the zoo, to the park, pretty much anywhere fun. It's the grocery shopping, doctor appointments and other "necessary" running that I don't like to do. Since Mike had surgery back in August and we were dealing with his many appointments and the stress that goes with being off work (even if it is workers comp) I had put off making some of the many appointments we were all due for. So, since we are close to Mike going back to work I decided to make all the appointments.
Over the past couple of weeks and the weeks coming it seems like all we are doing is running.

First, it started out with me having to go to the Dr for strep throat and bronchitis. A week later Kenna ended up with an ear infection and strep throat. That same day Luke and I had eye doctor appointments and Mike had PT. My prescription has remained about the same for about the last 4 years. I have some mild far sightedness and an astigmatism. I'm looking forward to my new glasses so the glare from driving at night and in the sun doesn't bother me quite as much. We found out the Luke, on the other hand, hasn't been using his left eye at all. He is so far sighted in his left eye that his right has compensated to the point that he doesn't use his left at all. So we have started patching his right eye for a while each day to strengthen his left eye. We should get his glasses in either the end of this week of the beginning of next week. His initial prescription will only be a fraction of his end prescription.

Yesterday the kids had dentist appointments. McKenna had a hard time at first, but then settled in and did just fine. Luke doesn't even need me by his side. He does great. Both check ups turned out good. No cavities for either one. Though we will probably be needing to an orthodontist in the next year because Kenna's teeth have a lot of crowding.

Next week Mike has a dentist appointment and McKenna has a speech evaluation with the cleft clinic at Children's hospital on Tuesday. On Wednesday mike has his next follow up with the surgeon. Then hopefully he'll be back to work. We both think he's ready.

A couple of weeks after that Kenna has a follow up with her ENT to check her tube placement and check her hearing again.

The end on February or the beginning of march Luke will see the eye doctor to get his glasses adjusted. Hopefully that will be the end of our run of "necessary" appointments. I really would just be having some fun.

Looking back over the last ten years.

2010-12-31T21:00:00.007-06:00

As we leave 2010 and start a new decade, I decided to take a cue from a friend of mine on Facebook and try to do a quick summation of the last ten years. James is using his status to summarize each of the past 10 years in 5 words or less. I may not be able to keep each year to 5 words, but I will keep it short.

2001 - College Graduation, Moved to MN, 9/11, Met Mike
2002 - Got engaged, Bought house, Scooby, RIP Jim (Mike's dad)
2003 - Got married, Zoe, Mike shoulder surgery #1
2004 - My Sister got married, RIP Grandpa Johnson, Got pregnant
2005 - McKenna and Lucas were born, Mike's mom got remarried
2006 - I changed jobs
2007 - Mike turned 30, My 10-year class reunion, Found out about Kenna's cleft palate
2008 - First vacation since getting married (Vegas), Kenna got ear tubes, I turned 30, Replaced
my 13 year-old Grand Prix, RIP Grandma Pearson, Mike had appendectomy, RIP
Grandpa Zweber
2009 - Mike helped my dad replace our back deck, bought 1962 Galaxie, (pretty uneventful
year)
2010 - Kids turned 5, Kenna got second set of tubes, RIP Scooby, Kids started Kindergarten, Mike had shoulder surgery #2

Now as we are about to enter the new year, we are happy to know that Mike will be returning to work after being off for just over 4 months. The kids a growing by leaps and bounds, loving school and making great friends. We look forward to spending more time with family and friends. It is exciting to see where we started 10 years ago and is amazing to think of who we may be 10 years from now.

I pray that everyone have a very happy and healthy 2011 and that the next 10 years brings everyone as much happiness as we have experienced over the 10 years.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wonderful Christmas Weekend

2010-12-27T08:16:00.005-06:00

It truly was a Wonderful Christmas Weekend! Other than the fact that we all had colds and Mike wasn't able to go to Christmas Eve at his aunts' with us everything was wonderful!

We started the weekend with me getting off work Christmas Eve morning and driving home on snow covered roads after yet ANOTHER snowfall. That may sound like a bad start to the weekend, but there wasn't much traffic on the roads and knew I didn't have to work that night so I didn't mind. After a couple hour nap, I got up and we made the choice to attend the 3:00 Christmas Eve service. We all got cleaned up and dress. For a while Mike even started to think he might feel good enough to go to his aunt's. With that in mind we headed to church. The kids behaved so well in church I was actually able to pay attention to the sermon.

Buy the time church had ended, Mike was starting to feel pretty poorly and decided to was going to stay home after all. Despite that, we decided that the kids and I would still go and he would stay home and try to get a little rest. I put together my veggie pizzas to take and off we went. I'm so glad we did. Normally for Christmas Eve we have appetizers and then exchange white elephant gifts and play some games. This year, since Mike wasn't there we just decided to go to eat. Before eating I got a chance to spend so time having some fun time talking with Mike's cousins and family. The food was great as usual.

When we got home, the kids put out their reindeer food and we crawled into our new jammies, cuddled a bit and then put out cookies and milk for Santa and headed to bed.

Christmas morning came early. This year we actually woke the kids at 6:00 since Mike and I could no longer sleep due to difficult breathing and coughing from our colds. It was the best Christmas morning since they were born! They finally are able to really take their time opening gifts and enjoyed everything they got. Santa brought Luke his remote controlled monster truck and Kenna's remote controlled Barbie car. Luke got LEGOs and hot wheels roads. Kenna got Barbie stuff, littlest pest shop, and tangled stuff. They both got movies, puzzles, books, games, and art stuff. I received a beautiful necklace from the kids that has four hearts on it, which I was told stands for our family. Mike gave me a digital frame. He receive a rechargeable trouble light that he wanted and the kids gave him a new video game. We both received US Mint watches from my parents.

After spending some time at home opening gifts we went over to Mike's mom's house to have brunch and open gift there. We had some yummy food, opened presents and then some of them played a game. The kids both got a pillow pet and Kenna got some Barbie clothes and Luke got a floor puzzle of the USA.

The rest of the day was family time. We kicked back, relaxed, played with the new gifts and watched one of their new movies.

Sunday brought a quiet day. I spent a lot of time helping Luke build with his LEGOS. We worked with their new art kits tracing fairies and cars and decorating them. We played some games and watched a little football. We event found time to fit in another movie. It was a good day.

Now Christmas is over and the tree must come down in the next day or so and we have to get back in the swing of laundry and getting all the toys (old and new) put in their places. Oh yeah, and the kids are chomping at the bit to go spend the gift cards they received so we have to do that too. SO...HERE...WE...GO

Christmas Love

2010-12-21T10:36:00.007-06:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely LOVE Christmas! Growing up preparing for Christmas was a BIG deal on our house. All the Christmas prep had music involved. Whether it was Mom playing the piano and us girls singing Christmas songs or having music blaring from the stereo, there was always Christmas music playing in our house. Putting up the tree was always a family affair. I love to turn off the lights in the house and just have in the Christmas lights. (I actually love it so much that I put up Christmas lights in my dorm room and they were pretty much on all the time unless my roommate and I were both gone.) We would spend a whole day making cookies and treats. One of my favorite memories combines said treats and Mom playing the piano. (If my family reads this, they will know exactly know exactly what I'm referring to.) I love to give gifts. So much that for years I would buys gifts for everyone. As I have gotten older, my love of gift giving hasn't diminished but it has been harder to find something special for everyone I would like to give gifts to. I know. I know. I could always make gifts, but that takes time and involves planning not to mention some creativity. Two on those things I am not so good at. I could find/make the time to make things if I wasn't such a procrastinator. That's where the planning comes in. I cannot plan for Christmas months in advance. (Procrastinator remember?)

This year I am more in the Christmas mood than I have been in years. It could be that we had our fist major snow fall over a months ago and have had more than 30" of snow already this month. As tired as I get of our 5 months of winter, for me, it wouldn't be winter with out the white stuff. I think the thing that is making it feel like Christmas is the fact that the kids are at an age where they truly understand Christmas. McKenna is my spiritual child. Over the years, she has made comments that have shown me that she (at a young age) believes in God and has a relationship with him that many people strive to have. I have even overheard her explaining to a classmate that presents aren't really what Christmas is about.

As always, our Christmas tree went up the weekend after Thanksgiving. A local radio station starts playing only Christmas music about that same time and my car radio has been tuned to that station for the past four weeks. With the kids being in school now, we were able to get all of our Christmas shopping for them done just after Thanksgiving. Last weeks the kids and I bought Mike his gift from them. Today we will be taking them to purchase their gifts for one another. We intentionally put that off so they don't tell each other what they picked out.

The big area where I have fallen short since that kids where born was in the baking department. Up until this year we have NEVER made Christmas cookies. We have always relied on the box of cookies and candy that my Mom sends after she and my sister have their all days baking marathon. we have also never left cookies and milk out for Santa. This year the kids started asking why. So, on Sunday we baked. We made sugar cookies, one other type of cookies and chocolate blobs. They kids had a blast. They enjoyed adding all the ingredients for the chocolate blobs than dropping them to the parchment paper to cool. They did a good job cutting out the cookies. They LOVED frosting and decorating the sugar cookies. I was so proud of them and how they cooperated with no arguments. And they managed to keep things fairly clean in the process.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Already Tired of Winter

2010-12-14T14:24:00.003-06:00

Since my last post we have had not one, not two, but THREE more storms. The most reason one is ranked the 5th worst in state history. The snow started coming down between 9pm and 11pm Friday night and ended sometime Saturday afternoon. We ended up with somewhere in the area of 17 - 18 inches of snow. Not only did we have get a lot of snow, but we had winds up to 50 mph and temps well below zero.

Luckily some of my patients were smart enough to cancel and I was able to stay home instead of trying to make it work. After finding out, Friday afternoon, that I would not have to work I decided to make a list and brave the grocery store. It was a mad house there with everyone trying to stock up before the weekend. If we wouldn't have been out of a number of things I probably would have just skipped it. Then it was home to hang with the family and ride out the storm.

Due to the storm most of the state was shut down. That's saying something because anyone that lives in a state that gets lots of snow knows it take A LOT to stop people from going out when it snows. Not that it stopped everyone. There were plenty of people who braved the streets. Many of which ended up stuck. We were supposed to have Christmas program practice at church, but shortly after I had decided that we were going to skip, it was canceled with practice reschedule to Sunday school hour the next day.

Sunday we did manage to make it out of the garage. Thank goodness we have an SUV with AWD. I think if I would have tried to make it in my car we would have been stuck somewhere along the way. Because the snow did not stop until late Saturday eve and due to the sheer amount of snow many on the roads and intersections had yet to be cleared. When we did get to church, we were told that practice was canceled and the program along with yet. The reschedule date is yet TBD.

Yesterday I shoveled off part of the balcony. We had had a 2 1/2 - 3 foot drift on it and we wanted to get some of the weight off. It's amazing how much that snow weighs even if it isn't the
wet stuff that come with warmer temps. The snow that covered the roof of the Metrodome is estimated to have weighed about 1300 tons and actually caused the roof to collapse.

I'm so glad we were able to get out of our garage because we couldn't open our front door until this afternoon due to the 2 1/2 foot drift against our door. Our snow removal company was finally able to come in and to a more thorough cleaning job. We now have a snow pile next to our house that is well over 10 feet tall. We have tree more months of winter and I have NO IDEA where they are going to put more snow.

Needless to say, I am already tired of winter. I know I grew up with snow and choose to live in a State where it snows, but this is kind of crazy. The one positive is that it has truly gotten me in the Christmas spirit. Tree has been up for weeks, presents are wrapped and stockings are hung.

Winter's here!

2010-11-15T14:25:00.003-06:00

We got our first big snowfall of the year over the weekend. It started during the night on Friday. The drive home Saturday morning was slow going and there were quite a few car accidents. I decided to stop and fill gas before going hoe since I was at just under half a tank. While I was there I stopped home to see if Mike wanted anything and to let him know where I was. A few minutes later I was about a block and a half from home when I saw a tree branch hit a power line and there was a pow and big flash. That knocked our power out. The snow was so heavy that tree branches were coming down. Before I got home a branch had come down in our neighbors driveway. Our Explorer was sitting under that same tree.

So, I cleaned it of and moved it into the garage. About an hour later we headed out to Luke's floor hockey game. That was short lived. The power was out at the school where it is held. When we got home another branch had fallen. This one fell right where that explorer had been sitting.

One more hour went by and we decided to head to Mike's mom's since it was getting cool in the house. I got in a good nap and the kids got to play with Grandma. A few hours later the house was warm and we were home to kick back and hang as a family.

Sunday we stayed home. It was still snowing and I just couldn't bring myself to go out in it again. The kids spent most of the day playing in their playroom Mike and I just had a relaxing day.

Today the roads are clear and the snow is settling, but it looks like winter is here to stay.

Tricks or Treats

2010-11-02T08:05:00.004-05:00

Halloween came and went. Halloween fell on Sunday this year. Because of my work schedule we decided to carve pumpkins the Tuesday before. Well, I thought it would be best to store them in the garage. I thought this would be better that storing them in the house or on our deck. WRONG! They rotted in the garage and we weren't able to put them out for Halloween. Oh well. Carving them was fun and we learned a lesson. Next year we wait until Sunday to carve. (Halloween will be on Monday)

Luke and Kenna had a great time at their school party. Luke went as an Astronaut because he had an Iron Man costume and we got a note from the school stating they were not to wear anything depicting violence. We talked about it an decided that even though Iron Man is a good guy, the movie does have violence and it would be better if he had a different costume for school. Turns out that a couple other boys in their class were Iron Man. We stand by our decision and explained to Luke that he got another costume he can play around the house in out of the deal. He was okay with that.

Trick or treating brought home a haul. We hit up the neighbors in our circle. Then we stopped by the home of some friends and the home of our babysitter and Mike's childhood daycare lady. Our babysitter is the Granddaughter of Mike's childhood day care lady. Then we made our way to Mike's Mom's house. Mike hung out there while the kids and I made our way up and down her street. By 8:00 we had accomplished our goal of getting a "hundred-thousand-billion" pieces of candy and headed home to grab something to eat and get the kids to bed.

Monday was a rough day. The kids had had too much sugar and not enough sleep. We were able to end the day on good terms and I think we all got decent sleep. Now we're off to school, voting and some errands. Very short week for the kids this week due to parent teacher conferences. Then we get to start thinking towards my favorite holidays - Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Should you really give a bunch of 4, 5 and 6 year olds sticks and let them run?

2010-10-23T18:09:00.003-05:00

That was my question when we decided to let Luke play floor hockey. Our family doesn't really follow hockey even though we live in a state that eats, sleep and breathes hockey. He wanted to play, but I just couldn't stomach the idea of the cost and with your work schedules the time commitment isn't doable for us. Oh yeah, and I can't bring myself to left him play a sport where they start ramming each other into walls before they are remotely done growing. That being said, when we got the flyer from the YMCA about fall youth activities we gave Luke the choice. (Kenna doesn't want to play sports) Soccer or floor hoc key? The chose floor hockey. A good compromise on the hockey thing and it's held that the elementary school the kids attend so it's only a mile from home.

Well, today was his first day and it turns out that giving a bunch of 4, 5, and 6 year-olds sticks isn't to bad. No one got seriously injured. They give the children safety goggles to wear so they don't get a stick in the eye. So, aside from some spills from the kids tripping over one another and some accidental hits to the shins everyone walked away virtually unharmed.

Luke's team is actually pretty good. He did really good to his first time. His hand eye coordination is much better that I expected and he handled the puck pretty well. He even scored the first goal of the game. We can't wait to see how things go next week.

Missed a lot

2010-10-18T16:31:00.003-05:00

Just realized that in my last post I missed a lot that has happened in the last two years. It is really hard to summerize two years worth of stuff. We spent a few days in Brainderd with Mike's mom, her husband and Mike's step siblings and their kids. We've made many trips to the zoo. We've taken in parades and fireworks. We turned the family room into the master bedroom and the master bedroom into a playroom/guestroom. That doesn't stop toys from ending up in the living room. We've reconnected with friends. None of this stuff happened in any particular order and I'm sure I've forgotten things. As great as Facebook is for updating others, this walk down memory lane over the past tow years shows me why I need to keep up this blog. My memory isn't whant it used to be.

Wow! Has it been almost 2 years.

2010-10-18T15:05:00.004-05:00

The title says it all. I can't believe that it has really been two years since I posted on here! I have frequently thought "Amy, you really need to update that blog." Then , I just don't. When I first started this blog it was with the intention of having something to keep our friends and family up to date on the goings on in our house hold. Over the past two years, it seems that Facebook have become such a part of keeping in touch with friends and loved ones that I haven't felt the need to update our blog. Well, I think I'm going to give it a go again. Yes, I can (and do) keep everyone updated via Facebook, but I don't always have room to really say all I want without making multiple comments on my own post.

Now to update on the past two years.

Luke and Kenna turned 4 in May 2009 and Amy's parents were able to make it down for it. This was something they had never been able to before so the kids were overjoyed. We signed them both up for soccer. Luke loved it and we wont be signing Kenna up for another sport anty time soon. That summer we made our yearly trip to visit my parents in North Dakota. We got to take part in the baptism of our new nephew Dylon and spend some wonderful time with friends and extended family. During the 2009 - 2010 school year the twins both continued to attend speech therapy twice a week and we attended ECFE classes once a week. In October 2009 we got a new old car. Mike is in love with his 1960 Galaxie. In December of 2009 Amy ended up with a big chunk of time off between Christmas and New Years. We also got a break in the weather, so Amy packed up the kids and made a suprise visit to her parents' for a week.

Kenna got her second set of tubes placed this spring. In May 2010 McKenna and Lucas turned 5. They were nice enough to share their birthday with their mom for Mother's Day. In July, we had to put our beloved Scooby to sleep. There were multiple reasons for our decision and ultimately it was for the best. We again made the trek to ND. We had a great week even though Amy's mom ended up having to work most of the week and the weather made it impossible to go to the lake. We think getting to attend Dylon's (Amy's sister's son) 1st birthday party and watch as the twins got some real bonding time with their cousin Claire made it all worth while. In August, Mike had his second shoulder surgery. (The first was 7 years ago) He is currently going to PT twice a week and doing exercises at home. We are praying for a full recovery and that he regains full usage of his arm with minimal pain. He continues to work for UPS and loves his job. Over the end on August and beginning of September, Amy's parents made their yearly week-long trip to visit. While they were here Amy's dad and mom stained our deck. Her dad also put more insulation in our attic and installed a new front storm door and screen door as well as a few other small fixed around the house. Thanks Clyde and Jackie! Along the way we were able to get to a few car shows with and without the car. (It spent a lot of time in the shop getting some upgrades)

The biggest change in our house was that our babies are no longer babies. They are now full fledged Kindergarteners. They have a nice small class on 14 with 10 boys and 4 girls. They have both made some great friends and are doing well. They have their first break this week because of teachers convention and parent teachers conferences are in a couple of weeks. Amy is helping out in the classroom every Monday morning. She loves getting to know all the children in their class as to have a constant look into what they are learning.

We are experiencing some beautiful fall weather. Halloween is right around the corner. Kenna has a beautiful light-up princess dress that she can't wait to wear and Luke as a pretty cool Iron Man costume with puffy muscles. They are really looking forward to trick or treating. Keep hoping for nice weather!

School Pics

2008-11-17T11:13:00.003-06:00

I promise I'll take some time soon tp get up Halloween pics. Until then, here are the newest pictures of the twins. These are their first school pictures. They were just about 3 1/2 when they were taken.

Surprise Trip

2008-10-06T09:01:00.003-05:00

Have you ever just decided to go surprise someone? Well, on September 26 our niece turned 1. So, Saturday morning after Amy got off work we packed up the kids and Amy drove 500 miles to surprise her family. We attended Claire's birthday party and then headed out to the farm. Sunday, we all went to church and then the kids got to play outside at Grandma's and Grandpa's before heading back to Untie Pammy's in Washburn. Monday morning we left and headed back to the cities. It was a very fast, but very enjoyable if not needed trip. I forgot my camera ... dumb me. So no pics for now.

Dancing Fools and Bakers

2008-09-21T13:36:00.005-05:00

Saturday evening we spent some great time as a family listening to tunes, baking some cookies, and dancing around. Looks like we have some performers in our future.

New Car brings on comforting words from Kenna

2008-09-17T09:50:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend while we were at our friend's wedding we noticed a crack in our windshield. When we went to have it fixed on Monday, we were told that it was unrepairable. The inevitable had happened. We had to get rid of Amy's 13 year old Grand Prix. Well, Amy freaked out. We just weren't looking forward to making 2 car payments. We really wanted to get the Explorer paid off first. When Amy was having her small melt down she began to cry. Kenna wanted to know why mommy was crying. The conversation went some thing like this.

K: Mommy, why you crying?
M: The red car is too broken to fix and mommy is upset about the money it will take to replace it.
K: Mommy, you can have the money in my piggy bank. Then you wont cry anymore.
M: That's ok, Baby, you keep your money.
K: Mommy, it will be ok. We go get a new car and you be happy.

So, on Tuesday we traded in our 1995 Grand Prix for a 2005 Grand Prix. It was kind of a sad day. That car was good to Amy for many years. Luke took it pretty hard. He really loved the red car and asked a few times if we can take the black one back. It is all a little stressful, but we'll get through it. We always do.

Wedding on my brithday

2008-09-17T09:39:00.003-05:00

September 13th Amy celebrated her 30th Birthday. She was happy to share her day wth a good friend of theirs, Tom Laing, and his beautiful bride Rachel. The kids had a blast and danced the night away.

2008-09-10T19:07:00.005-05:00

The quality isn't very good, but I couldn't resist. Kenna was so darn cute singing the ABCs.

Three-year-olds on a bus?

2008-09-03T18:08:00.002-05:00

Yep. This morning Luke and Kenna rode the bus for the first time. As of this morning they are now going to speech twice a week and they ride a school bus. They absolutely loved it. When they got home Kenna even asked if they could go again tomorrow. We are hoping that this love for school will last for about the next 20 years or so.

Swiming at the Train Bell

2008-08-25T19:18:00.002-05:00

On our last day at The Train Bell we spent about 3 hours enjoying their beautiful swim beach. The water only weny up to Mike's knees for a good 100 yards or more and the bottom was super sandy. Perfect for the twins to swim in. The sandy beach was wonderful for making sand castles. Couldn't have asked for better.

FORE!

2008-08-25T19:12:00.001-05:00

While in Brainerd, we played a round on miniature golf. Kenna enjoyed her Bomb Pop much more than the game.

Train Bell

2008-08-25T19:00:00.003-05:00

The resort we stayed at near Brainerd was called the Train Bell Resort. The owner built this little wooden train. They kids really enjoyed crawling on it and playing on the playground.

It was a whopper!!!

2008-08-25T18:49:00.004-05:00

On our first vacation this summer we stopped to show the kids the worlds largest Holstein. So, on our second vacation to Brainerd, we decided we better stop in Garrison, MN and show them the big fish.

Shall we dance?

2008-08-25T18:06:00.001-05:00

Rock Star Sighting

2008-08-25T17:58:00.001-05:00

Car show and big kid beds

2008-07-29T17:59:00.002-05:00

All summer Mike has been working under the hood of our 1960 Studebaker Lark. I'm happy to say that for the time being he is done and it is running great! We even spent this last weekend at The Car Craft Summer Nationals at the Minnesota State Fair grounds showing it off.

Then, on Monday, we spent a few hours cleaning the kids' room and setting up their new "big kid" beds. When Luke found out that their old bed really were leaving for good he had a small panic attack, but ultimately thier first night in their new bed went great. Just another sign that our "babies" are growing up.

Salem Sue - World's Largest Holstein Cow

2008-07-06T19:37:00.003-05:00

When are the fireworks starting?

2008-07-06T19:31:00.001-05:00

S'mores Anyone?

2008-07-06T19:25:00.001-05:00

McKenna's and Luke's First boat ride

2008-07-06T19:18:00.001-05:00

Missouri River Fishing Catch

2008-07-06T19:15:00.001-05:00

2008 ND Trip

2008-07-06T18:50:00.002-05:00

June 28 through July 5 we made our annual week long trip to ND. Here are the start many pictures of our trip.

Memorial or Memorable Weekend

2008-06-02T16:51:00.005-05:00

We had a great memorial weekend with my mom, dad, sister and niece. We were able to make a three hour drive to Morris, MN where we met for my cousin's graduation! We spent two nights is a hotel and had a great time swimming and just enjoying each other's company. Here are some pictures. --- Amy

Luke and Kenna swimming with Grandpa

Kenna and her cousin Claire

Claire

Luke playing with cars at his Great-Aunt Bindy's house

Luke, Claire and McKenna on May 26, 2008

Reconnecting

2008-05-20T20:04:00.002-05:00

Tonight I am a happy girl. Why? Well, I few years ago a really good friend (I'll call her X) and I had somewhat of a falling-out. What happened? That isn't really something I want to rehash here, but I definately learned from the experience. The result? We haven't spoken in 5 years. Though I have thought about her frequently since we stopped speaking.

Well, recently I noticed that she was on face book, so I decided to try once more to put a hand out an see if she would take it. I have to say I was really scared that she wouldn't accept my friend request. She did. We messaged back and forth a few times with the result being me giving her my phone numbers and the option to call me if she wanted. She said she would call me soon. I'm sure she was nervous about calling. I would have been if it would have been the other way around.

Yesterday I got a phone call from an friend of mine who actually stopped speaking to X about the same time that I did. The three of us had been part of the same group of friends when we were in junior high and high school. Anyway, my friend told me that a guy we had all known when we were in high school had been killed in a car accident. She wanted me to get a hold of X and let her know because she had spent a lot of time with the guy. So, I wrote X a message on facebook and told her I had some bad news that she needed to know and that she should call me ASAP.

She called this afternoon and left a message. I called her back to let her know what had happened. We ended up having a very good conversation and plan to get together next week. There is a lot we need to talk about and a lot that couldn't be said over the phone. Death should never come to someone so young (he was only 30 or 31) but, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. If this death caused X and I to reconnect earlier than what would have happened otherwise, then his death may have had a purpose. He will be missed by many.

Pics from Luke's and Kenna's Birthday

2008-05-12T16:41:00.009-05:00

Thought I'd try to get up some pictures from the kids' birthday. Kenna is all girl and LOVES princesses right now, so she had a Cinderella cake and received lots of princess stuff. Luke is typical boy. He loves cars!!! He had a Lightning McQueen cake and he received more cars. (He has over 100 already). He also got a blowup punching back. Mike and I are hoping he'll use it to take out his frustration. Hope you enjoy a small peak of the kids when we celebrated their birthday.

First Good Mother's Day Ever

2008-05-11T19:57:00.004-05:00

I should at least says it's the first good one since I have become a mother.
- My first mother's day was the day before the kids were born. I was on bedrest and Mike was bright enough to utter the words "You aren't a mom yet."
- My second mother's day was spent throwing up. Yep we all got roto-virus and Luke and I went to ER and spent the night in the hospital. The next morning Mike made his trip to ER before bringing us home.
- My third mother's day was last year. I don't remember what happened, but I know last year the thought crossed our minds to celebrate mother's day on a different day because so far they hadn't been good.

This year was good. We talked to my mom in the morning to wish her a Happy Mother's Day. Then for lunch we went to Red Robin at my request. After Red Robin we made a visit to the zoo for a couple of hours and then to the park to play for another hour or so. After we go home the kids each took short naps. Tonight I totally got out of bath time. Mike gave his first full baths ever. He's getting brave! Now it is about 8:00 and we are watching Cinderella II then the kids will be off to bed.

It truly has been a great day. I love days like this. Days with no real plans. Days we play it by ear but spend every minute enjoying family time.

Amy

P.S. I'll try to get up some pics fron the kids' birthday soon

Happy Birthday McKenna and Lucas!

2008-05-09T01:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful children, McKenna and Lucas. Three years ago today, I woke up and got ready to go have my 35 week check up. For some reason that morning I told Mike that he better throw our bag in the car "just in case". See, at this point I had already spent 2 weeks on strict bed rest for premature labor. I was hoping I would go in, the doctor would tell me everything looked good and I would be able to go home because my doctor was out of town and would be back in 2 days. That wasn't what happened.

I walked into the clinic and they took me back to the lab to have my blood pressure checked and get a urine sample. Then I was taken to the room where they hooked me up to the baby monitor to check the babies heart rates and check to make sure I wasn't contracting. After that testing, they moved me to another exam room where I waited to see my doctor's partner. When she came into the room she said my tests showed that I was having pre-eclampsia and it looked like we were probably going to be having babies that day.
So, we were sent over to the hospital where they were going to try for another couple of hours to get my blood pressure down. All attempts to decrease my blood pressure were unsuccessful and at 2:30 pm it was decided that we were going into surgery at 3:00. Mike and I quickly made the phone calls to let my parents and his mom know that we would most likely have babies here by 4:00. Mike's mom immediately left work and my parents began the 500 mile drive to the Twin Cities.

At 3:30pm McKenna was born weighing 4 pounds 10 ounces and 17 inches long. Lucas was born at 3:31 pm weighing 4 pounds 12 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long.

Today they turn three. I know everyone always asks where the time has gone, but today I will be asking myself that same question. I miss the days of them napping in their swings or giving me those toothless grins they once had. But, I thoroughly enjoy watching them grow into the people they are today and will be in the years to come.

Not only am I enjoying the people they are becomming, but I am enjoying they changes they have brought out in me. They are helping me to work on parst of myself that have never been strong points. I have never been much of a patient person, but they remind me on a daily basis that I need to try and be more patient. They have also reminded me of things that are the most important in my life. Faith - their pure belief in things they can't see reminds to have faith as well. Family - having them in my life makes me cherish everyday with them and it makes me appreciate everything my parents went through while raising me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIDS!

- Amy

Day with McKenna

2008-05-02T23:30:00.002-05:00

Wednesday ended up being a busy day for Amy and McKenna.

About a month ago McKenna had her hearing tested because her cleft palate can cause hearing loss. At that time we found out that McKenna has mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears and Amy made an appointment for McKenna to see her ENT.

Wednesday morning McKenna woke up with a cold and complained of a sore throat. That same day she was scheduled to see her ENT. Well, the ENT took one look at McKenna's ears and said "Let's schedule her tubes." Sounds like she has fluid behind her eardrums that cannot drain because of the cleft. So, June 24th McKenna will be having outpatient surgery to have tubes placed in her ears. This is 4 days before we leave town to go visit Amy's parents for a week.

Anyway - Amy and McKenna got home from Kenna's appointment at about 11:30. By 12:30 Kenna had a barky cough and could barely talk. Yep she had croup. So, at 2:15 Kenna saw her pediatrician. She was placed on prednisone. This all happened before Amy had to go to work on Wednesday night. No nap for Amy.

Well, we are now two days later and both kids have colds, but things are looking up.

More Vegas Pictures

2008-04-22T19:19:00.008-05:00

Just thought I'd add a few more pics from our trip.

Our First Vacation

2008-04-11T17:09:00.013-05:00

The last week in February we were fortunate to be able to take our first vacation since we were married and the kids were born. I should say our first vacation alone and our first vacation that wasn't to North Dakota. Amy's parent happily took the week off work and came to the cities to stay with McKenna and Lucas.

We flew to Las Vegas late the evening of Fabruary 24th and returned the afternoon of March 1st (our 5 year anniversary). We had a great time. We spent a couple of days just laying around and a couple of days exploring the strip. We even took in a show one night. We saw the Blue Man Group. It was a great show. Amy had her picture taken with one of them after the show.

On Friday morning, Amy's mom flew down and the three of us attended Amy's cousin's wedding. We were glad to be there as his parents were not able to attend.

It was wonderful to get away, but just as wonderful to return.

Amy with a Blue Man

Mike with Jr's Car

Amy's cousin and his new wife

Some Picutres of the kids

2008-04-09T08:44:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures of McKenna and Lucas from the last 9 months!

In the wagon at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's last summer.

Happy Halloween, 2007!

Decorating the Christmas Tree.

Kenna wanted to see the Care Bear 'til we actually got to the mall and she realized we weren't going to watch a cartoon.

Easter 2008

Welcome to our life

2008-04-05T07:42:00.000-05:00

This blog is ment for us to share the happenings of our family. I hope to try and keep it updated frequently. Enjoy!