Our Aweful Beautiful Life

I can remember growing up, my parents would always tell me that life would just go faster and faster the older I got. I remember thinking they were crazy. The drive to Lafayette would always feel like hours, sometimes Sunday mass would feel the same. The time between one county fair to the next just could. not. go fast enough. Then I had kids. And I got it. I realized that in the blink of an eye, everything changes. You go from two people to three. Three people to four. Now four people to five. I realized that potty training never would get here, turned into how the heck do I not have to invest in diapers anymore? I realized that Holiday's are basically scheduled on top of each other. Perhaps we can thank modern marketing for that....since Valentines day decor is out the day after Christmas. But, the main point here is, Mom & Dad, I get it. Time does just move faster and faster and somehow, though I feel like I just left behind my State Officer year and my own High School day...

When we started at Sacred Heart last fall, Aunt Sarah said you'd be in her CCD class, and that we had perfect timing -- it was a First Communion year! You attended all your classes, went to confession for the first time, and in May, received your First Holy Communion. Colton, we are so proud of you for growing your faith. For stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting new kids, from a different school, in Mommy's hometown.  I'm so thankful that we all took this leap together, and that we all feel "at home" in the Remington Church. My church family meant so much to me growing up, and I hope someday you look back and feel the same way! :)

We have grown up with the Ruemler's. This isn't really news to anyone. Our families have spent a LOT of time together over the years, and while Stacy is my best friend, and while God didn't grant me my own sisters, He knew what he was doing when he paired us with a family of four girls. They gained two brothers in Trent & Matt, and I gained four sisters and a best friend.  Over the course of the last 10 years, you could say we've all been through a lot together. While Joe's battle with Cancer probably stands out as the most defining life event our two families linked arms on and tackled together, we've also shared in plenty of joy....my wedding, Stacy's wedding, Kendra's wedding, Matt's wedding, Jessy's wedding, my kids, Kendra's kids, Stacy's boys, Jessy's baby....and now finally, FINALLY, Maggie's found the man of her dreams, and we got to help her celebrate their marriage. And while we are elated and happy to share with ...

Keaton, I'll let some of these pictures speak for themselves. You can range on any given day from absolutely adorable to total punk, from sweet snuggler to class clown. We've learned in your 2 1/2 years, this is just who God has made you. Your spunk gives us gray hairs, and keeps us on our toes for sure!    Recently, since potty training, your nightly routine now includes declaring you "have to pee" nearly every time I get downstairs from tucking you in, and get myself settled in for the night.  Just Monday, I had big plans to fold the mountains of laundry while watching my TV indulgance, Dancing with the stars.........so I tucked you all in, and like clockwork, Colton HAD to have a drink and you HAD to pee. Fine. Whatever. Pee, get a drink and BACK TO BED. In the mean time, your Dad has come in from working outside, and went upstairs to retuck you in. Nearly 10-15 minutes go by, and I hear shuffling around in the kitchen, someone ...

Keaton, it's weird with you. I mean, it's weird with you in SO. MANY. WAYS.....but what I'm alluding to here, is how when we wrote stories on this blog about Colton when we first started this blog journey. So often it was - "his first smile", or "his first time going to Grandma's house" or "his first tractor ride".....goodness we documented EVERY first with Colton. And with you, Keaton -- I get to record our final go at things. (Emmalyn, sorry babe, this is where the middle child kind of gets ripped off....bear with me though, you're my only girl and there is value in that....trust me and Aunt Jessica on that one). You were our final one to watch roll over, learn to crawl, start to talk and now, our final one to potty train. Hold your horses....we're not 100% there yet. Because,well, you're Keaton. That would be FAR too easy. But I think we've made it to the finish line between the hours of 7am-9pm....which is a feat. An...

Well, it wasn't Florida, and it DID rain most of our first day, but we still had a great time getting away for SB2K16!! We joined up with the Wiese clan are invaded Southern Indiana for a few days of fun! We left in a rain storm Thursday morning of Spring Break, and headed towards Bedford, Indiana to see the Blue Springs Caverns.  Of course, as on any trip with a potty training child, sometimes, you have to do what you have to do to keep moving while accommodating a pee break. Thankfully, Keaton's a boy, and was seated on Dad's side of the van! :) Yes, that's I-65 in the background. Whatever man. We pitstopped in Bloomington to have lunch. Kids were happy campers! We prepped the kids about having to be quiet in the cave, and they were so good. All 6 kids were so intrigued, sat still, and listened to our guide. We were super proud of them, especially after having to wait nearly 45 minutes before the tour started. We did some mining for gems while we waited and ...