This time of year I have Christmas music on 99% of the time. Between stations that only play it to my CD case that only hold Christmas CD's I am getting my fill. One of my most favorite CD's is the soundtrack for The Preacher's Wife, also one of my most favorite movies.
A song from that movie that I love is "Who Could Imagine?". When I was putting some of my favorite Christmas songs on my playlist for this blog I tried to put that one on, however, I could only find 30 second versions on the site. That wouldn't do, but it still deserved a post.
For you see to me it's a song about hope, about seeing the obvious but realizing the big picture. For realizing that He is in control. Who could imagine how blessed I would be? Who could imagine I would marry my high school sweetheart and best friend and have 2 beautiful girls? He could and He provided me with those blessings. This time of year we are forever reflecting on our blessings.
When my girls were babies I used to sing it to them before bed, while I rocked them. In the last line I would insert their name, Who would imagine...Kaylee (or Ainsley).
Even still to this day there are nights when I'm putting Ainsley to bed and she will ask me to sing her song.
If you have never heard it I encourage you to find it and listen. Here is what it says:
Mommies and daddys always believe
That their little angels are special indeed
And you could grow up to be anything
But who would imagine a king
A shepherd or teacher is what you could be
Or maybe a fisherman out on the sea
Or maybe a carpenter building things
But who would imagine a king
It was so clear when the wise men arrived
And the angels were singing your name
That the world would be different cuz you were alive
That's what heaven stood to proclaim
One day an angel said quietly
That soon he would bring something special to me
And of all those wonderful gifts he bring
Who would imagine, who could imagine
Who would imagine a king (or insert child's name:))
While it's a Christmas song it's one we obviously like to sing year round. Often it's a reminder of things we should realize year round too.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Story of Belle
Warning: This is a long story!
As many of you know we recently got a new puppy. Brad and I started talking over the summer about getting another dog. Abby will be 10 in February and we thought it would be nice to have some overlapping time with the dogs. We got Abby in the spring and figured that would be about the time we would get the new one. Wrong!
My mom knows a lady from work who breeds labs. They have 2 females and 1 male they use to breed. They just happen to have 2 litters back-to-back. First litter available 11/26 and the other 12/3. We had some discussions on if we wanted to act now or wait until next fall when the breeder anticipated their next litter.
We decided to get one now. We didn't tell the girls anything about it. My mom came to stay with the girls, I picked Brad up from work and we were on our way. Picked her up and brought her home. Walked in, set the cage down and the girls realized we were adding to our family.
They were super excited!!! Ainsley was especially happy for Abby because now she could be a twin since the new puppy was just like her. Later that night Belle got sick and threw up all her food. We assumed that it was a combination of eating too much, the car ride, excitement, etc.
The next morning she ate with no problems.
Later I came home from work, was trying to hold her and put her leasch on her to take her outside. I couldn't get it on her while holding her so I put her down. She layed on her side, her back was stiff, she was non-responsive and there was drool coming out of her mouth. I picked her back up and talked to her, put her back down and she was still having trouble standing so I picked her up again. I kept petting and talking to her and finally she seem to snap out of what had happened, went out and pottied right away and seem to be fine. I called the vet because whatever had happened wasn't something that seemed normal. The vet's office said to bring her in.
We got to the vet and he checked her out and said she looked great. Took her back to check her blood sugar because he said if it was low that could cause that and he also wanted to get a stool sample. He brought her back in and said blood sugar was normal, temp was normal but while getting a stool sample she had another seizure, a Grand Mal, which is a full-blown seizure.
He started to tell me all of the possibilities and testing that would need to be done to find answers. I was having an out of body experience. I couldn't believe this was going on. We hadn't even had this little one 24 hours and here I am in the vets with options that aren't great and 2 little girls who are growing more and more upset while asking if we are going to have to take her back.
I called Brad at work and we decided we would get in touch with the breeder, explain the situation and take her back. I told the vet our plan. I felt horrible. I told the vet I don't want anything bad to happen to this puppy but I can't justify all these medical costs, for a puppy, that we just got, especially with the girls and this poor puppy having seizures. The vet completely understood and felt our choice was the correct choice. He wrote a report up for me so we could give it to the breeder.
In the meantime Brad got a hold of the breeder who was mortified. She felt bad for us, the dog, the whole situation. She told Brad she had another female from the other litter that she would swap us or just give us our money back. So Brad went and met her last night and swapped the dogs. The breeder had been in contact with her vet and they were going to work together to find the answers. The breeder said it wasn't anything we should have to deal with.
Brad brought the new Belle home, yes we are keeping the same name. I keep thinking about the first one and am anxious to hear from the breeder on Monday to see if they have found anything out. I felt horrible even though I know the breeder and her vet will do all they can.
So that's our LONG story about Belle.
The short story is we have added a new addition to our family. Brad told me since I can't physically have anymore children I could still have a baby by getting a new puppy every 10 years. I'll take that:)
The girls are loving her and Kaylee is always reminding us to give extra love to Abby, which we are. Abby is doing great with Belle. I knew she would because she is the sweetest most gentle dog I have ever known.
We know have 2 fur babies 9 1/2 years and 8 weeks, and 2 people kiddos that are 5 and 3. I guess we just like to keep our house a little on the crazy side:)
As many of you know we recently got a new puppy. Brad and I started talking over the summer about getting another dog. Abby will be 10 in February and we thought it would be nice to have some overlapping time with the dogs. We got Abby in the spring and figured that would be about the time we would get the new one. Wrong!
My mom knows a lady from work who breeds labs. They have 2 females and 1 male they use to breed. They just happen to have 2 litters back-to-back. First litter available 11/26 and the other 12/3. We had some discussions on if we wanted to act now or wait until next fall when the breeder anticipated their next litter.
We decided to get one now. We didn't tell the girls anything about it. My mom came to stay with the girls, I picked Brad up from work and we were on our way. Picked her up and brought her home. Walked in, set the cage down and the girls realized we were adding to our family.
They were super excited!!! Ainsley was especially happy for Abby because now she could be a twin since the new puppy was just like her. Later that night Belle got sick and threw up all her food. We assumed that it was a combination of eating too much, the car ride, excitement, etc.
The next morning she ate with no problems.
Later I came home from work, was trying to hold her and put her leasch on her to take her outside. I couldn't get it on her while holding her so I put her down. She layed on her side, her back was stiff, she was non-responsive and there was drool coming out of her mouth. I picked her back up and talked to her, put her back down and she was still having trouble standing so I picked her up again. I kept petting and talking to her and finally she seem to snap out of what had happened, went out and pottied right away and seem to be fine. I called the vet because whatever had happened wasn't something that seemed normal. The vet's office said to bring her in.
We got to the vet and he checked her out and said she looked great. Took her back to check her blood sugar because he said if it was low that could cause that and he also wanted to get a stool sample. He brought her back in and said blood sugar was normal, temp was normal but while getting a stool sample she had another seizure, a Grand Mal, which is a full-blown seizure.
He started to tell me all of the possibilities and testing that would need to be done to find answers. I was having an out of body experience. I couldn't believe this was going on. We hadn't even had this little one 24 hours and here I am in the vets with options that aren't great and 2 little girls who are growing more and more upset while asking if we are going to have to take her back.
I called Brad at work and we decided we would get in touch with the breeder, explain the situation and take her back. I told the vet our plan. I felt horrible. I told the vet I don't want anything bad to happen to this puppy but I can't justify all these medical costs, for a puppy, that we just got, especially with the girls and this poor puppy having seizures. The vet completely understood and felt our choice was the correct choice. He wrote a report up for me so we could give it to the breeder.
In the meantime Brad got a hold of the breeder who was mortified. She felt bad for us, the dog, the whole situation. She told Brad she had another female from the other litter that she would swap us or just give us our money back. So Brad went and met her last night and swapped the dogs. The breeder had been in contact with her vet and they were going to work together to find the answers. The breeder said it wasn't anything we should have to deal with.
Brad brought the new Belle home, yes we are keeping the same name. I keep thinking about the first one and am anxious to hear from the breeder on Monday to see if they have found anything out. I felt horrible even though I know the breeder and her vet will do all they can.
So that's our LONG story about Belle.
The short story is we have added a new addition to our family. Brad told me since I can't physically have anymore children I could still have a baby by getting a new puppy every 10 years. I'll take that:)
The girls are loving her and Kaylee is always reminding us to give extra love to Abby, which we are. Abby is doing great with Belle. I knew she would because she is the sweetest most gentle dog I have ever known.
We know have 2 fur babies 9 1/2 years and 8 weeks, and 2 people kiddos that are 5 and 3. I guess we just like to keep our house a little on the crazy side:)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wordless Wednesday (almost)
We made gingerbread houses and the girls wanted to try it out. So we started with the roof and behold we now found that Dora now lives there.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
Here we are in the first weekend of December covered in snow! The girls could not be more excited!!! Before I knew it they were outside, no coats, hats, gloves, boots with the door left wide opened marveling at the marshmallowy look of our backyard.
I led them back inside, closed the door and agreed to get their snow gear out if they would go and get dressed, yes they were in their pajamas. They went to get dressed while I pulled out snow pants, boots, hats, scarves and gloves from the closet.
I got them dressed and out they went. Brad was out putting the exterior decorations up so he was really excited for the help:) Thankfully Abby loves the snow so she kept the girls occupied by sitting pretty so they would throw snowballs for her.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday, minus the initial run outside in only pajamas. Ainsley had a little difficulty on Saturday trying to walk through the freshly fallen snow. She looked more like a penguin and occasionally lost a boot. Sunday there were some "trails" put in the yard from Daddy and the walking from front to back of the house that helped her move around a little easier.
Ainsley lost a boot! When you aren't much taller than the snow, you don't weigh much and you are carrying around lots of extra weight with all your equipment it can make it a little more challenging to maneuver yourself in new fallen snow.
Kaylee and Ainsley hanging out. Ainsley was having some difficulty with her hat staying on.
Kaylee sitting in the snow.
Throwing snowballs for Abby.
Ainsley decided to wear her safety goggles to keep the snow out of her eyes.
Ainsley without her safety goggles on.
While I seem to remember many a year where it's almost Christmas and I am wondering if the first snowfall will beat Christmas, this year that is not the case as the winter wonderland has arrived well before Christmas day. Will it stick around or melt away? Only time will tell. While it's here the girls are definitely enjoying it!! Abby is too!
I led them back inside, closed the door and agreed to get their snow gear out if they would go and get dressed, yes they were in their pajamas. They went to get dressed while I pulled out snow pants, boots, hats, scarves and gloves from the closet.
I got them dressed and out they went. Brad was out putting the exterior decorations up so he was really excited for the help:) Thankfully Abby loves the snow so she kept the girls occupied by sitting pretty so they would throw snowballs for her.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday, minus the initial run outside in only pajamas. Ainsley had a little difficulty on Saturday trying to walk through the freshly fallen snow. She looked more like a penguin and occasionally lost a boot. Sunday there were some "trails" put in the yard from Daddy and the walking from front to back of the house that helped her move around a little easier.
Ainsley lost a boot! When you aren't much taller than the snow, you don't weigh much and you are carrying around lots of extra weight with all your equipment it can make it a little more challenging to maneuver yourself in new fallen snow.
Kaylee and Ainsley hanging out. Ainsley was having some difficulty with her hat staying on.
Kaylee sitting in the snow.
Throwing snowballs for Abby.
Ainsley decided to wear her safety goggles to keep the snow out of her eyes.
Ainsley without her safety goggles on.
While I seem to remember many a year where it's almost Christmas and I am wondering if the first snowfall will beat Christmas, this year that is not the case as the winter wonderland has arrived well before Christmas day. Will it stick around or melt away? Only time will tell. While it's here the girls are definitely enjoying it!! Abby is too!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Superstar!!
Shortly before Thanksgiving Kaylee brought home her first report card. I was very excited to see it! Kaylee loves school and learning seems to come easy for her. Maybe it's because she wants to know everything about everything, maybe it's because she takes pride in it or a little of both, either way it's exciting for me to see how her work is paying off. Plus this was her very first Kindergarten report card, it's worthy of a little excitement, right?
In our district the Kindergarten grading system is a +, /, or - and a 3, 2, or 1 type system. 3's and +'s are the best, meaning consistently showing mastering of skills, 2's and /'s are showing developmentally appropriate, or sometimes shows mastering of skill, and so on and so forth.
Kaylee received 3's in everything, except P.E. where she earned a 2, with a comment that she is always willing to participate. I got a little chuckle out of this as Kaylee's coordination has not always been her greatest strength:) But I have seen much improvement. As she has gotten older she's grown into her body a little better as she's always been tall for her age. Being tall comes with big feet:)
She received +'s in everything with the exception of neat handwriting in which she got a /. At her parent teacher conference her teacher told us that some kids are good with a box of 24 crayons, but Kaylee needs the 64 box. She is always wanting to be challenged and to move on to bigger things. Needless to say taking time to write her name is not a top priority. I also think it's because she gets frustrated if she can't do things perfectly. So rushing through her name is a way to deal with that frustration. She doesn't allow herself to focus on it enough to warrant the not perfect realization and therefore become frustrated. This is usually saved for when she has to write 5'S during homework.
She continues to read more and more. Most books she is up to the Level 2 in. Her teacher told us at conferences her reading was at the end of year range for Kindergarten, so we knew she was ahead of the game. She loves to read so she gets lots of practice:)! She also loves Science and is staying ahead of the game in Math as well.
We could not be more proud of her. Her teacher had wonderful things to say about her during her conference and on her report card! She is loving school and we are loving watching her grow and learn everyday.
Way to go Kaylee McKenna!
Friday, November 26, 2010
The ABC's of Being Thankful!
It's that time of year again when we reflect on what we are thankful for. Each year it seems to me that we realize something new and maybe even have a better understanding of why we are thankful. Definitely a bonus if you ask me. We did our ABC's of being thankful and here's what our family came up with,they all have more than one, and if you know us well you will know which ones were group answers and which were individual, and if you know us REALLY well you will know which individual that answer belongs too:)
A: Ainsley & Abby
B: Bradley, Brian, Brandon, Band-aides, Board Games, Books and Barbies
C: Cousins, Chocolate, Christmas Music, Clothes, Colors, Cookies and Caring
D: Dr. Rosa, Dora, Doll and Dancing
E: Earth and Easy Mac
F: Family, Friday Pizza nights, Friends, Freedom and Food
G: God, Grandparents who go by Grandma/Grandpa and who go by Mee-Maw and Paw-Paw and Giving
H: Hugs, Hot Chocolate, Health, House and Helping Hands
I: Ice-Cream, I-Tunes, I-Carly, Internet and Icing
J: Jesus, Jumping, Jump Spot and Juice
K: Kaylee, Kisses, Kindness, Kristin, Katie and Kool-aid
M: Montessori, Miracles, Movies and Music
N: Numbers, Night-Night and November
O: Oranges, Ovens, Outlet Malls and Oceans
P: Pizza, Playtime, Ponies (as in My Little), Parents and Peace
Q: Quilts and Quiet
R: Rain, Rainbows, Running and Reindeer
S: School, Siblings, Sarah, Sunshine, Shows, Shopping, Santa, Snow and St. Jude
T: Teachers, Turkey, Toilet Paper, Time, Toys and Thanksgiving
U: Umbrellas and Underwear
V: Violets, Valentines, Veggie Tales and Vacations
W: Water, Watermelon and Waves in the ocean
X: X-amples and Xerox machines
Y: Yo-Yo's, Yellow and Yo Gabba-Gabba
Z: Zoos and Zooming on the 4-Wheeler
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! What did you give thanks for?
A: Ainsley & Abby
B: Bradley, Brian, Brandon, Band-aides, Board Games, Books and Barbies
C: Cousins, Chocolate, Christmas Music, Clothes, Colors, Cookies and Caring
D: Dr. Rosa, Dora, Doll and Dancing
E: Earth and Easy Mac
F: Family, Friday Pizza nights, Friends, Freedom and Food
G: God, Grandparents who go by Grandma/Grandpa and who go by Mee-Maw and Paw-Paw and Giving
H: Hugs, Hot Chocolate, Health, House and Helping Hands
I: Ice-Cream, I-Tunes, I-Carly, Internet and Icing
J: Jesus, Jumping, Jump Spot and Juice
K: Kaylee, Kisses, Kindness, Kristin, Katie and Kool-aid
M: Montessori, Miracles, Movies and Music
N: Numbers, Night-Night and November
O: Oranges, Ovens, Outlet Malls and Oceans
P: Pizza, Playtime, Ponies (as in My Little), Parents and Peace
Q: Quilts and Quiet
R: Rain, Rainbows, Running and Reindeer
S: School, Siblings, Sarah, Sunshine, Shows, Shopping, Santa, Snow and St. Jude
T: Teachers, Turkey, Toilet Paper, Time, Toys and Thanksgiving
U: Umbrellas and Underwear
V: Violets, Valentines, Veggie Tales and Vacations
W: Water, Watermelon and Waves in the ocean
X: X-amples and Xerox machines
Y: Yo-Yo's, Yellow and Yo Gabba-Gabba
Z: Zoos and Zooming on the 4-Wheeler
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! What did you give thanks for?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Wedding Bells
Last weekend was Brian and Sarah's big day! We were all very excited to celebrate with the happy couple. Although Brian and Sarah have been together for quite sometime it was a little surreal to me that my little brother was getting married. How is that possible isn't he like 8? Apparently not.
The girls were especially excited to be flower girls! We had the rehearsal on Friday and they all did a great job. Saturday was a long day. Ainsley was disappointed that we had to go to the church "again" and we weren't just going to the big party. I explained that we had to go to the church again because Saturday was the real deal, the day before had just been for practice, but the big party would definitely happen after the church.
Ainsley was a little teary eyed coming down the aisle but I think it was a little overwhelming for her, and the organs were a little loud. However the all made it down the aisle and posed for all the needed photos. I would say for two 3 year olds and one 5 year old they did fabulous!
After the church we headed to get some photos at the reception site and then the bridal party headed to Miller Park on the party bus for some more photos and after a couple stops on the way back we made it to the reception. There was much dancing by everyone and lots of fun! What a great day! Thanks Brian and Sarah for letting us share your day!
Sarah giving the flower girls their bracelets after the rehearsal at the church was over.
Kaylee opening her bracelet.
Bridesmaids with Sarah at the rehearsal.
My mom with her siblings, and their wives, also known as the Riker Clan.
Sarah, A.K.A. Little Orphan Annie, getting ready.
The flower girls spending some time playing My Little Ponies before they had to get dressed.
Keeping busy coloring while waiting for the ceremony to start.
Brad and I walking down the aisle.
The Flower Girls
Mr. & Mrs.!!
Running through the bubbles.
The girls and I at the church shortly after the ceremony.
Brad carrying me into the reception as we were being introduced.
Brad, Brad's Dad, Mom and sister Kristin at the reception.
My other little brother, Brandon, and I.
Brandon's girlfriend, Nichole, and I.
Brandon dancing with Sarah during the dollar dance.
Kaylee and Uncle Brandon
Brad, I and the girls.
Brandon and Nichole
Ainsley busting a move.
Kaylee doing some twirling.
Doing the Cha-Cha Slide.
How low can you go?
The girls were especially excited to be flower girls! We had the rehearsal on Friday and they all did a great job. Saturday was a long day. Ainsley was disappointed that we had to go to the church "again" and we weren't just going to the big party. I explained that we had to go to the church again because Saturday was the real deal, the day before had just been for practice, but the big party would definitely happen after the church.
Ainsley was a little teary eyed coming down the aisle but I think it was a little overwhelming for her, and the organs were a little loud. However the all made it down the aisle and posed for all the needed photos. I would say for two 3 year olds and one 5 year old they did fabulous!
After the church we headed to get some photos at the reception site and then the bridal party headed to Miller Park on the party bus for some more photos and after a couple stops on the way back we made it to the reception. There was much dancing by everyone and lots of fun! What a great day! Thanks Brian and Sarah for letting us share your day!
Sarah giving the flower girls their bracelets after the rehearsal at the church was over.
Kaylee opening her bracelet.
Bridesmaids with Sarah at the rehearsal.
My mom with her siblings, and their wives, also known as the Riker Clan.
Sarah, A.K.A. Little Orphan Annie, getting ready.
The flower girls spending some time playing My Little Ponies before they had to get dressed.
Keeping busy coloring while waiting for the ceremony to start.
Brad and I walking down the aisle.
The Flower Girls
Mr. & Mrs.!!
Running through the bubbles.
The girls and I at the church shortly after the ceremony.
Brad carrying me into the reception as we were being introduced.
Brad, Brad's Dad, Mom and sister Kristin at the reception.
My other little brother, Brandon, and I.
Brandon's girlfriend, Nichole, and I.
Brandon dancing with Sarah during the dollar dance.
Kaylee and Uncle Brandon
Brad, I and the girls.
Brandon and Nichole
Ainsley busting a move.
Kaylee doing some twirling.
Doing the Cha-Cha Slide.
How low can you go?
Happy Halloween!
We had a super fun Halloween this year. Much better than last years, since I was able to be a part of it. We had Ainsley and Kaylee's respective schools parades that day. Saturday was a fun-filled day at Brad's parents with carving jack-o-lanterns, making taffy apples and pumpkin pops, and Sunday we visited Mee-Maw and Paw-Paw for some trick-or-treating and then up to Grandpa and Grandma Duffy's for more trick-or-treating and a wiener roast. It was a little chilly but the sun was out and their was little wind so it really wasn't that bad. Here are some photos of our fun Halloween weekend:
Hope everyone had a Sooktacular Halloween!
Hope everyone had a Sooktacular Halloween!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sneak Peak
On Sunday the girls and I headed over to my Mama's to get generation photos done. My Mom has been wanting to do these for awhile. We found a great photographer by the name of Laura Elliott. She took one of my cousin's senior photos this year (Ironically after taking our photos Sunday she went in and took my cousin's family photos that afternoon). She is a stay-at-home mom who does photography on the side. I have to say she is SO reasonable and does great work. You can check out her site and blog at www.lauraelliottphotography.com. We were a little worried the outdoor photos weren't going to be because of the rain, but by 8:30 that morning the sun came out and it was a beautiful day.
Last night while on Facebook I saw some of the photos pop up in an album titled "Sneak Peak". I was so excited. So excited that I wanted to give you all a "sneak peak". I can't wait to see the rest!!! For now here is your sneak peak:)
Enjoy!!!
Last night while on Facebook I saw some of the photos pop up in an album titled "Sneak Peak". I was so excited. So excited that I wanted to give you all a "sneak peak". I can't wait to see the rest!!! For now here is your sneak peak:)
Enjoy!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Brad's Birthday!
Brad's birthday was this past Saturday. He is not much of a birthday guy, if he had his way we wouldn't do anything at all for it. Unfortunately for him he does not get his way. At least not 100%. When he got home from hunting Saturday morning the girls gave him his gifts. He got a Wii gun with hunting game and some slimey and stretchy mini-body parts, Ainsley picked those out.
Then later that afternoon we had family over for a bonfire. It was a cool 86 degrees so good thing we had a fire:) While we didn't spend much time by the fire we did hang out outside a lot and enjoyed the day.
Brad got lots of help opening his gifts!
Daddy and his girls!
Ainsley took a photo of the Birthday Boy and Abby.
Wearing their "Dad" shirts!
Then later that afternoon we had family over for a bonfire. It was a cool 86 degrees so good thing we had a fire:) While we didn't spend much time by the fire we did hang out outside a lot and enjoyed the day.
Brad got lots of help opening his gifts!
Daddy and his girls!
Ainsley took a photo of the Birthday Boy and Abby.
Wearing their "Dad" shirts!
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