Our Aweful Beautiful Life

I was a totally AWESOME parent, before I had kids. I mean that...I had visions of how things would go, how in control I would be, how organized I'd keep our little brood. How they'd always go to bed on time, after I read them just one more night time story. How they'd grow up slowly and would aspire to show pigs in 4-H, play football, volleyball, baseball,  be farmers, and eventually, of course, State FFA Officers. Because, duh. We were their parents, and SURELY these children would adore us the way we adore and admire our parents and would want to be just like us, right? Surely they would listen to our every word, and do what we asked, the first time we asked and pick up after themselves and use awesome manners and be the absolutely joy of our lives, right? Except, I forgot one little minuscule detail, maybe two. One being, I probably didn't really adore/admire/want to be just like my parents....until I had kids of my own. And two...I didn't yet have kids. Now...

Emmalyn -- you never cease to amaze us with your outgoing nature. You have a slew of little girlfriends that you speak of, and we enjoy watching you interact. You also like to mimic your momma-- and we're finding out the twinning days are kind of fun!   2017 Cheer Camp Emmalyn -- I have to recall this story here, because if not, I know we will quickly forget. On the night of your Cheer Clinic, Grandma & Grandpa had come by early to hang out pre-game and I'd braided your hair. We shipped you off with your group once we got there, and found our seats up top in the gym. When your group was called out, I searched, and searched, and searched for you. Grandma couldn't find you either, and I was just CERTAIN you'd gone to the bathroom at the worst possible time. Here we were, there to watch you and you'd missed your show. It was laughable. It was like "Where's Waldo...all these girls, but no Emmalyn".....  Then they started t...

We finally found the time to squeeze in some one on one with Colton! We took you out for your birthday date on Sunday, February 18th. Not too shabby, considering how busy life has been lately! This is a newer tradition for us, but one that we so enjoy. We value the one on one time, and I think you kids enjoy it too. It's one night/day where it's ALL. ABOUT. YOU. And in a circus of three, that's certainly worth something! Colton - your date this year was a trip to Tractor Supply and Rural King to buy show supplies for the 4-H calves. That was pretty much a bust, so I finally, for the first time in 9 years convinced you to go into a toy store! SAY WHAT!?!? My child who has never played with toys...beyond a few short stints with tractors? We walked nearly ever aisle, a few of them twice, and teetered between a drone and a baseball throwback. We landed on a couple of balls and the baseball throwback, as you get excited for baseball season coming up. Yes, you were mad that you...

I will never forget the hours leading up to your grand arrival. We were young. We were clueless. We were EXCITED. Perhaps we should have seen it coming -- that as crazy and chaotic as the weather was on the night/day you were born, that this roller coaster of life with you would have been equally as chaotic. I'm sure we've written it here before -- but Colton, we are sorry. God gave us you first, so therefore, you're a trial and error kid. You are the one we promise to be strict with, then back down and lose our backbone when we see that toothy grin. You're the one we ARE hard on, over the silliest of things...when we should learn to choose our battles. We screw up with you on a daily basis.  We pray each night that we aren't screwing you up, and that our love for you shines through all of our mistakes. Then we see you shine. We see you being a great big brother. A kind teammate. A hard worker. A determined little cuss. An even ornerier one. We see you being ...

Emmalyn's had about 4 loose teeth since Christmas time, and wanted so badly to pull them in time for Trent & Stef's wedding. Grandma begged her not to, until after the wedding, and despite Emmalyn's best wiggling...Grandma's vote won. But not long after the wedding, Emmalyn lost her first tooth. And then another. And another. And soon, that last tooth is going to come out, and all 4 front teeth will be missing/growing back in. This sweet girl was one happy 6 year old, the morning she found her tooth fairy money! At the rate she's going, the TF might need a loan to keep up with all these missing teeth!

As you kids entered school, I always knew since I was a working mom who couldn't be in the classroom as much, I wanted to be able to help out in other ways. Then came the idea for the PTO to host an event called Pancakes & Pajamas. We'd team it up with a Title 1 Reading night and a FES Student Council game night, and we'd be lucky if a hundred or so people showed up. I made a flyer for the event, which happened to fall the Thursday after the wedding. It turned out nice, and we put it up on the Facebook page, and sent one home with the kids. And then the RSVP's started rolling in. And we passed a hundred. Then two. Until we had to plan for nearly 400 people! Dually noted that the next time I sign up to help out with an event, take a helper role, and not a leader role. Planning a pancake dinner for 400 people, three days after your brother gets married wasn't exactly ideal..............but we did it. And it was fun. Special shout out to Grandpa Kent for being ...

What a year we've had -- first Uncle Jacob & Aunt Makayla, and now Uncle Trent & Aunt Stef. This, as you might assume, can be a bit confusing for a 3 year old who's the ring bearer in both events. Which aunt & uncle? Which venue? Which tux? One evening, while reviewing Uncle Trent & Aunt Stef's invitation, the confusion hit a max.... So, confusion aside -- all 5 of us were blessed to play a part in a beautiful day. Emmalyn and I got made over like princesses, the boys all looked so dapper in their tuxes and most importantly, Uncle Trent didn't stop smiling all day, and married a wonderful woman. We could not be happier for the two of you, and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day. Cheers to many, many happy years!  Rehearsal Dinner: Pre-Wedding Fun: Post Wedding Ride to Brandywine: Reception Fun: Gift Opening Party: Thank you so much for a fun day -- we loved e...