The Preister's

2011-08-22T20:07:00.001-06:00

Fall is just around the corner!!

I just wanted to remind all of you that we have moved to a new blog at www.FaithIsHopeOnFire.blogspot.com

We ran out of room for pictures, and I just haven't taken the time to get our book make yet!

We love to have you pop over and share in our journey in life!! You will notice a few things are different, but the heart of the blog is the same...our kids!!

See you on the other side!!

xoxo BRENDA xoxo

Come visit us at our NEW home!!

2011-05-16T20:24:00.002-06:00

www.FaithIsHopeOnFire.blogspot.com

We outgrew our home so we hope you will join us at our new blog!! Remember, if you have us listed as a favorite you will need to update our address!!!! Can't wait to see you there....!!

don't give up on me!

2011-05-07T21:12:00.003-06:00

Don't give up on me yet...I am still trying to get a book made so I can free up some space and add more pictures! It is a process I just haven't had time for! If that becomes reoccurring I will just set up a second site, because it kills me to not post pictures!

I hope to post some stories soon, while I know the pictures are what you really come for!

Hoping you have a great Mother's Day, and an enjoyable weekend!!

milestones!

2011-04-21T19:31:00.010-06:00

We have had a week of milestones in our family!

Last week we attended they Relay For Life in Lincoln and Charli walked the survivor lap all by herself!! This was her first time doing so, and she was so grown up! Her apperance there caught the attention of the 1011 news station who interviewed us for that evenings news! While I was in Lincoln for work on Wednesday I was showna copy of that days Lincoln Journal Star, which Charil was in as well!! Fun times!

I also took both kids swimming by myself. I was afraid of how this would work but a freind gave me a little trick and we had a great time! Charli wore a lifejacket most of the time and floated around enjoying her freedom! When Harper wore the jacket he laid on his back and was so relaxed he almost fell asleep!!

After swimming we took a trip to the Children's Museum which was a great idea - however having our arrival time line up with the spring game - not such a great idea!!

We had a great weekend!

And...finally the milestone I just reached --> I have officially ran out of room for pictures on this blog! I am trying to get our books printed so I can take old posts off, however that may take awhile! In the meantime I will either have to create a second blog and/or delete posts as I go. If anyone is looking for a part-time job to get these books created...look me up :-)

getting ready to start the lap! she was so brave and the other survivors were so supportive and nice to her!

nice to see her on the other side of the law!

they each wanted to go in opposite directions while we were there, but they found a few common things to enjoy!

Charli played "dog" and Harper played "vet"!

he was not able to get his foot high enough to attempt the boot...but he tried and tried!

BIG tire! I tried to get Harper in the same tire - but he was too interested in the big semi next to it!

they two huge chairs which I love because it makes you feel so tiny! Harper just bailed off the sides when I tried to have them sit together!

harper, the puppy!

Charli was a hippo -- not a puppy! please don't confuse the two or she may get crabby! she just started the "peace" sign, not sure where she picked that up!

fun in the water!

i love this picture!!

doing chores!

they both take their job of feeding the goats very seriously! Harper runs around the fence with his lips puckered up trying to kiss them after they eat!

just like grandpa?! at one point he even had one hand on the throttle and one hand holding the diet pepsi!!!

GOOFY!

egg time!

fun (and messy!!) times!

the jewelry (candy) box Chad made for Charli on her "fun" day out in March for her cancerversary. he told her that when she was super good she could look here for treats!

Charli's plate for 2011. She even painted her fingernails orange!

I made a bowl - which has sat empty...not sure what to use it for now that I have it!

Two of my nephews came to the Relay, which made it extra special! I have pictures of them with the kids...great pictures of them with the kids, which I am very sad to not be sharing! I will post them as soon as I have room on the blog for them!! They loved on the kids and I could tell they were proud to be there with Charli -- and had fun playing with Harper! It's fun to see the big boys in my life take care of the little boy in my life! :-)

Charli's TV appearance!

2011-04-18T07:15:00.003-06:00

If you click HERE you can see Charli make her television debut!! I had the opportunity to speak at a Relay For Life this weekend and we were asked for a brief interview by a Lincoln station. (which happens to be the station we watch, fun!) Charli even got to stay up until 10:30 that night to watch it! We were on first, but she was too excited to fall asleep...it was sweet! I will write more about this and post pictures soon!! During the first interview you can see Chad and Harper playing in the background!! Ahhh, what a fun memory for Charli!!

laughter and tears

2011-04-11T18:43:00.005-06:00

This was a sad weekend, yet we found times to smile. A friend from high school lost her husband in a car accident this weekend...these things make you think, that is certain. My heart goes out to these families, and prayers are being said around the world for them...I am certain they will feel God's arms in their greatest time of need. The weather was gloomy this weekend, but Chad and the kids still managed to work on a project outside. Our old fence had seen better days, so it was time to give a little mini-upgrade to something that didn't blow over ;-) Charli enjoyed getting to help, and Harper enjoyed getting dirty!

we had lots of soccer time! I think I took about 50 pictures of her, and she has the same form in each picture! she loves soccer...hopefully she will enjoy it just as much when she has to follow the rules this fall!

red cheeks! she insisted on wearing long pants, it was so hot out!! the kids were bright red after a day outside!

she got to put several of the screws in, so this was truly a father/daughter project! it was cute!

she thought it would be hilarious to put Harper's pj's on! the pants are great capri size...we might be onto something!

he tried to run away before church...and tries each morning too! he opens the patio door and just takes off!

dear God, please pray for Japan...

2011-04-04T19:33:00.005-06:00

Charli was on my lap tonight and out of her mouth came..."Dear God, please help the workers build everyone a new house in Japan". Sweetie!!! Harper threw some big-sized temper tantrums for a porkchop. He does not like to be anywhere but outside. He wakes up, grabs his shoes and runs to the door. We spent the night at the farm Saturday night and we were outside before we have breakfast most mornings...going in doors does not work for him!

so much fun to have someone to swing with!!

he sat in the big swing for about 15-20 minutes...and just took it all in!

for those of you who knew chad 'in the day'...this should be enough to make you worry. He loves this hat --> which means mom doesn't!!

well, if harper gets a hat....so does charli!

mmmm, breakfast! he loves to drink his cereal milk! he doesn't usually spill, lucky me...but not so lucky this day!

busted!

sweet!

harper's favorite piece of attire!

"been farming long"?!

when your hut is on fire...

2011-04-01T07:40:00.001-06:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

if a pictures tells a thousand stories....

2011-03-28T18:31:00.012-06:00

Thank you for all the prayers, calls, emails, texts, and notes on facebook today...I was amazed to see all the messages we acquired today! Charli won't be making a trip back to Children's for a year...thank you God! Lots of pictures to tell lots of stories, enjoy!

double the pleasure, double the trouble, double the work!

i love the way he looks at her!!

now, if only we could find a way to keep them in here when they are climbing the walls!

step 1 - put on mom's shoes

step 2 - walk with mom's shoes

step 3 - fall out of mom's shoes!

love, love, love when they find something they can enjoy together!!

...and not fight over it!

Charli's first thing to grab as soon as we get to grandmas!!

and our dear Harper!! This is my old doll, Diana Marie. I wanted Charli to love her and take her home...she said no, but was glad to offer to take grandma's football outfit. So, I gave her to Harper who gave her lots of love!! Wouldn't he make a fine big brother ;-)

Coloring like such a big girl! She also colored using "paint" on grandma's computer. Makes her seem so grown up when she starts to play the computer!

it just makes sense to put a color in there, it is the perfect fit!!

Harper and grandpa worked through coloring together!

harper thought it was soo funny when grandpa would try to keep him from crawling on the table, eating colors, or putting them in his ear!

super-star!

Charli's first drink of pop...

...and she was not impressed!!

getting ready to have her finger poke. She was giving her 'tuff smile'

What a difference a year makes!

being OH SO strong! She was concentrating so hard to watch them get the blood out!

and was so brave while they were doing it! "she is 4 ya know"

Before we went got into the hospital she was so nervous, we think she made herself sick...how sad. She was brave and got to go pick out a toy from toys-r-us. She was SET on a big BUZZ who would talk and shoot lasers....

then we get there, and she fell in love with BATMAN!! I love this because I remember my brother having basically the same thing for HEMAN!!

wow, who is this big girl here? She looks about 3 years older?! I don't like it!! oh so pretty....

Oh, and we can't forget these!! Charli picked out these matching pj's! I was so impressed that she could be talked into purple for herself!! There is room to make progress!!! ;-)

Monday

2011-03-27T21:26:00.007-06:00

Tomorrow is the day we go down for scans.

There aren't a lot of words to describe tomorrow. Tonight when a friend asked I told her "most people don't need need to go to the doctor on a regular basis to find out their child is okay, so having to do that kind of sucks but I do appreciate that we have the opportunity to do it." And, in another conversation I realized that Charli has not had a "well-baby" check-up since she was 6-months old. This isn't because we are bad parents who neglect her health, but rather because she has met with her oncologist on such a regular schedule that we have not had to. This is our reality.

So, tonight when I go to bed in a few minutes I will relive all the moments recently that I took for granted, all the times I raised my voice instead of offered hugs, all the moments I didn't realize how great life is, and all the moments I would have died to live the life we have now. The great part is, this IS our life -- all I dreamed of and more 4 years ago, I have.

Tomorrow we will wake up and make the journey to the hospital to draw blood, visit with the doctor, and wait for the news we expect, which is that she is doing great. We know she is, and we know that is what we will hear.

But tonight just before I fall asleep for the night, my mind will play the worst case scenario in my head, tears will fall down my face, and before I start to panic I will remember that Charli WILL be fine and that fear is normal. Well, normal for us anyway.

sweet dreams...

spring has sprung!

2011-03-25T12:36:00.007-06:00

We had a few great days before spring...once spring hit things have gone downhill!! It is much easier to handle when you know it is short term. The snow we got early this morning is so beautiful!

Harper is a hat man. Each morning he will go for a hat and tugs that puppy down low...so low you can't see his eyes! And that is the way he rolls until I take if off!! If he needs to see above he will crank his head up before he will adjust his hat!! He has three favorite now, and none john deere!

Charli looks so pretty! Harper looks so cheesy - this is his new face, hard to find a picture of him where he doesn't look like this!

we had to break out the meds at our house again!! Harper has never really gotten over his cough, but it has only bothered him at night. This week it came back and he shared with Charli. We have had more sickness this winter than ever!

the view from our backyard!

so pretty!

we all know that before we can correct our children from doing wrong we must first take their picture!

its sooooo funny to stand on top of chairs when no one is looking! he will just giggle and giggle to himself! I turned around to see this, and had to laugh. The look on his face was priceless! not to mention, the only way this child will learn is to "learn the hard way" this has already been determined and proven!!

Charli did not feel so hot Thursday afternoon. I got a call around 3:30 saying she was crying in pain, and that is not typical of Charli - at all. She can tolerate pain really well and tends to mope around when she isn't feeling well rather than cry. I suggested giving her a drink and seeing how she felt after a little food. But, less than ten minutes later I got another call saying she was not in good shape. I took off to pick her up and couldn't believe my eyes and ears!! Charli was in rare form, I have never-ever seen her in so much pain! I decided to take her into Urgent Care later, because I knew she would never make until morning. She has a bad ear infection, which probably would not have ended in rupture - but he said it was super soar. The picture above is of Charli after I sat her on the counter so I could fill up a glass of water! She laid down and was shaking in pain - I couldn't believe it! She was like I had never seen her before!!

A few hours after the call she was acting and feeling much better. I am not sure if it was a little fresh air, or just mom-love, but something made her feel a little better before bed (pretty sure it was mom-love). Glad to report she is back to normal today! YAY!

Charli found time to relax...a sign she was not feeling normal!!

and after awhile she even had energy to play with her brother! It was hard to believe it was the same child!!

oh.my.gosh. you can literally see the back of this throat! I am sure he has inherited his big mouth from his father.

I am not sure what this is about, but thought the photo captions could go on, and on, and on!!

one lucky little girl!! Charli made an elaborate car path with her cards, blocks, boxes...pretty much everything in her room!!

this has been in Charli's room for a long time! but I saw it the other day and thought to myself...what amazing words to be surrounded with!!

working hard on her project!

Charli had a sucker from the dr. and was holding onto the wrapper, when I took it to put in my pocket she replied "no mom don't, I want to keep that for my collection"! Great, a hoarder!!

Have a great weekend ya'll!!!

spring brings good things!!!!

2011-03-20T19:30:00.005-06:00

This spring weather has been good to our family, we have had so many great days together with all the sunshine...I almost feel like I might jinx it if I say it out loud!!

After our fun day with Charli on Friday Chad and I had a "date"! We went out to eat and saw a movie...I am working on my list from several weeks ago :-)

Saturday was a little bit of everything - but Sunday was probably the topper for the weekend. We had the Relay For Life breakfast in Humphrey this morning. After Sunday School Chad brought the kids there. Charli sat like such a big girl at the table where raffles were. Harper, of course, was not going to sit still so he spent a lot of time being chased outside. He did make it in doors and had a great time with about 4-5 other kids who were dancing to some music! There was a girl about 4-months older than him, you could tell she had older siblings (!!), and she would just walk around "roaring" to Harper! At first Harper just gave her a funny look, then they started going back and forth!! You could also tell she has had to defend herself because anytime Harper got close she would swat at him! It was too funny to watch, I think I could have sat for hours!! They were cute!!

After naps today we tried to pack as much fun in as we could! We did a bike ride, a walk, and some fun with shaving cream thanks to Jen! (sorry we didn't come to Rising to bring you a pop instead!!) We took off for the shop where we rode 4-wheelers for hours!! It was great. If I could snap my fingers we would be living out there tomorrow...the kids are in their prime when they get to play, Chad can manage some work in, and I get to watch it all happen!! Ahhh, the dream.

Enjoy the pictures!

I will admit that at first this was too messy of an idea for Charli. For being a "boy" she has some really girly qualities I told her :-)

this one, on the other hand, had no problem making as big of a mess as he could!

Charli jumped right in after a minute of seeing Harper have all the fun!

they were having a great time and got busted by dad walking in on the fun!! Chad had a hard time with this activity, Mr. Clean and all ;-)

had.a.blast!

I was envisioning streaks of white up and down my walls and windows!! But, he behaved!

it was about 'now' that I realized none of our hoses were hooked up outside to clean our table off! oops!! ahh, details!

we got all cleaned up, we were ready to put new clothes on...and this is what I turn around to find! thank you for doing this before i changed your clothes ;-)

jackpot!! Harper likes to sit up and help, he just discovered the *junk* drawer!!

after movie night Charli was acting silly - pretending she was sleeping. We said that we were going to put her in Wynston and Kaspers bed...she didn't budge so we did it!! I think her faking it relaxed her so much that she went straight to bed that night! I am pretty sure if we left her there she would have fallen asleep!

new buddies

2011-03-19T10:02:00.007-06:00

friday fun-day!

2011-03-18T13:39:00.008-06:00

We're inside on a little rest-break from our post cancer-versary Friday Fun-Day, to keep a happy 4-year old!!

We've really enjoyed our day, so I thought I would share some pictures while Charli has some downtime to unwind a bit!

After breakfast we took Harper to daycare, and he didn't notice that Charli was not with him, which is good! I wasn't sure how he would like going without his sidekick! We took both Chad and Charli to get their glasses fixed before the fun began!! Charli's glass broke with some combination of Harper & Charli..God only knows!

We spent a good 90 minutes painting, and considering the length of time we were there Charli really was great. She wanted to do a plate again this year. I did a ribbon and a bowl and Chad did a keepsake box for her. They all stayed behind to be baked, so it will be awhile before we get them back!

After our painting adventure we went to Applebees where we played eye spy and sang songs! Charli thought it was neat to eat "inside" :-)

Bowling was probably the highlight, although she was upset she couldn't get them all down like other people! Having said that Charli did beat Chad by 10 pins!! lol, ahhhh - fair and square too!!

When we got home Charli had one more cancer-versary surprise waiting for her! Grandma & Grandpa Preister left Charli a buzz and woody toy! Harper got a Tiger too, just so he wasn't left out :-) Charli thinks it is prety neat that she got to have a date with mom and dad, Harper got a date with Lynn, and mom and dad are going on a date tonight!! "date" is her new 'thing'! She would love to have more dates she told me!!

enjoy the pictures!

part of our fun day was shoe shopping! Charli has been asking for twinkle-toes, so she got to pick them out today!! She is pretty excited! This has to be the most girly thing she has ever done and/or wanted!

stocked up on some cute flip-flops! the nike's have memory foam, I want some!

these are out of order! but more fun with the balloons this week!

resting with her new buzz and woody! And, drinking from a little kid cup! she saw buzz and spiderman a few weeks ago and really wanted to get them for harper and her! Buzz her her #1 pal right now!

very excited to see what was peeking out of her surprise today!

by the end of the game she was running up and tossing with some momentum!

showing me the sign for "Christ", when I said cross...she busted out in a song they sing at church and when they sing the word Christ they make the sign!

deep in thought for a serious game of 3-man eye spy!

her colorful plate this year!

serious business! picking colors was her favorite part! not using 250 different colors was her biggest challenge!!

the love of great friends....

2011-03-15T20:13:00.003-06:00

We have over 58 more reasons to love our friends!!! While at the Relay tonight they were nice enough to give Charli about anything she wanted!! She came home with about 10 balloons and a noise maker...a metal one that one break on it's own! We get home and see bundle after bundle of balloons for Charli! Her face was beaming!!! Harper loved them too...we loved them too!! Thank you Linda and company!

We were surprised with many acts of kindness today!! My friend Jen raised over $100 to honor Charli for her Relay team today, in ONE day!! We had other friends make donations to Charli's page, wear their Charli shirts, call, give us wonderful messages of support and more!! Today was a great day. Today was a day of celebration. Today was a day to remember!!

Enjoy the pictures of Charli beaming with the joy that only balloons can bring!!

'they are all for me'?!!!

pure excitement!

dancing in a world of balloons!

she loves balloons, what a great fun surprise!!

so proud!

we love this girl!

Again, thank you to each and everyone one of you who helped make today extra special!! Thanks to grandma for staying with Harper so we could take Charli to the event tonight!

happy cancer-versary

2011-03-14T17:22:00.010-06:00

(On Tuesday - March 15th - we will honor Charli's cancer-versary...I KNOW if I wait to post until morning, I will forget all together!!)

You all know her story, but yet on this day - 4 years after we heard "we think Charli has cancer" I feel compelled to talk about it, write about it, get it out...whatever it is. I will admit that each year gets better and better. Year #1 I was a wreck in February. She had just had surgery, I started a new job, it was so fresh, etc. Year #2 was a little better, yet I think I was just starting to really "deal" with what we went through. Year #3 was all about making it a celebration for Charli and now are are at year #4. It truly is a celebration, had the cancer not been found - I know I wouldn't be writing this blog today. That is something to celebrate.

I have always said that life will never be the same, and it won't. From the outside I am sure it looks the same. We work, the kids go to daycare, we play on the weekends, the kids fight, they get in trouble, they learn, they love, they grow, and they do all the typical things they should do. The difference is, we have done it all with a cloud of the past above us. Each milestone and each highlight in Charli's life is amplified. Should it be, maybe not. But is it, yes. Regardless of the reality we have been blessed to have, there was a time it was all unknown. There was a time I had doubt, there was a time I didn't have hope. These were short lived, but they were still there and the black hole (while small) is still present enough...not that I still feel that way, but I can still remember HOW I felt when I felt that way. I am not sure how to put that into words. The fact of the matter is that while I know Charli is a vibrant 4-year old with the world at her finger-tips I can still remember standing in wal-mart thinking "will she..."and that is a feeling that never-ever goes away. I can laugh it off now, as just a moment in time when the unknown beat out our hope and faith, for a small-small moment in time. However, being forced to face that and feel that way will never be something I can laugh at.

Having said all of that, what a path God put us on. Humble is the only word I can use when I describe how being Charli's mom can make me feel. I look at our life now, this week, this year and I think of all the greatness we would have missed out on had this not been our life. I have an awesome opportunity to travel the state and share Charli's story as a Hero of Hope for the American Cancer Society. Most days I shrug the "big-ness" of this off...but today I am going to relish in it. As Relay season picks up I am able, almost weekly (!!!) to share Charli's story of HOPE. I, Brenda, am able to look others in the eye and I can see their fear for themselves or their loved one, and I can see if fade. I can see them take Charli's story in and see that lives are being saved - I can see the weight fall off of their shoulders sometimes. I see them look at Charli with all the wonder and awe in the world, and know that God delivers miracles. There are times I can actually feel their pain go away. Does that seem possible? I have met survivors of childhood cancer and I have met mothers of angels. I would not have understood that 4 years and one day ago. I was too self-absorbed to feel the pain of others. I know the phrase "I feel your pain" is over-used, but I CAN and I DO feel their pain. Gosh, just ask a few of my close friends who have seen me go off the deep end each time someone I care about in treatment takes a step back. I have said that sometimes it is debilitating. But, it is worth it. To be able to connect to people who sometimes feel like no one understands...

Four years ago we adopted the phrase "expect miracles", and we do. Not only do we, but I know others do too!! One thing I will never get sick of is seeing pictures of my three "young" nephews (25, 22, 16) and seeing that they sport, everyday, Charli's bracelet from four years ago. They are not "too cool" for that. The oldest two have gotten tattoos in honor of that with the phrase "expect miracles" on them...I expect Derek to follow suit when he is old enough (no pressure, just think he will!!). What amazing men, to be so faithful to their cousins journey. I say men, even though to me they are still little, because it is a sign of maturity to be so kind.

sidebar: (I think that when I am at a loss for words I ramble, case and point - now!!)

Through all of this, we have had great friends and family stand by us and push us on when we probably couldn't have had we not had them there to be watching. I often think about the calls I would make to my friend Linda, I could call her just to cry...and in the next sentence still love hearing her talk about her trials in raising a "tween"! I think about how excited my sisters girls were to finally get to play with Charli when she was all better...and all the suckers they at the first time they got to play at the farm together after treatment! I remember her oldest, Ryen, whose imagery friend had cancer and couldn't be around lots of people. I remember strangers sending notes and leaving messages of hello...and I remember someone apologizing to the moon and back for just weeks before telling me how horrible it was to name a girl "Charli" (in the house of God no less!)!!!! (she felt like such an ass when she found out Charli had cancer!!!)

I remember thinking, man when she goes to kindergarten here is no way I am going to cry and be sad..I will cry with tears of JOY because that means FIVE years!! You know what, I will cry both kind of tears!! I remember just wanting her to be normal, more than anything else. And, last summer when she had a very typical "childhood" moment and I was left devastated, it was my sister who called and left a teary message of "brenda, three years ago you wanted nothing more for her than to feel good enough to play a little rough" -- and she was right. A naughty kid means a healthy kid - and I thank God we have those moments!!

I guess what I am trying to say is that on Charli's 4th cancer-versary I am filled with hope, sadness, anxiety, faith, worry, and happiness. While this is not the life I planned, I am thankful it is the life I have.

Thank you for still coming back to check on our family! We have added a little brother who thinks the world of his sister, just like the rest of us!! They will never know - they will never understand..and I am okay with that. My goal, my wish, is that with the work Chad and I continue to do they will feel the desire to keep it going on their own freewill someday. Might be a stretch, but it is my hope!

In honor of Charli's cancer-versary I challenge you to go do something that makes you think of Charli today!!! And - I would LOVE to hear about it!!

new bff

2011-03-13T19:35:00.007-06:00

We had a fun weekend, again :-)

Chad got to spend the entire day with the kids Saturday as I made my way to state bowling. Before you laugh, just remember not everyone makes it to state...right Kelsey?! (this is not true, anyone can go if they want!!) It is a great excuse to spend good girl time, so who doesn't want to go!?

Charli sang in church this morning followed by typical afternoon stuff and topped off with a visit and supper with grandma and grandpa borg! I am pretty sure Charli found a new bff for the week. She and grandpa Charlie washed his car together followed by about 90+ minutes of uninterrupted play! I snuck in there once and found them playing "guys" however, the next I went in there they had about every toy and half the books out in some sort of maze for cars! It was so much fun to hear them play!

Harper was in prime form for the rest of us in the living room. He is such a different child when Charli isn't around!

Tuesday will mark "4-years" since Charli was diagnosed so we have some fun things planned for a fun day for her again this year. Some days it feels like 4 years, and others more like 4 weeks. Life is an amazing journey, and we never know what tomorrow will have in store for us. Today I overheard an adult tell Charli "you have no idea what an inspiration you are to so many do you?" I looked at Charli and she shrugged her shoulders and gave them a high-five! She will never know, WE will probably never know!

this was early on, as you can see only a few toys had the privilege of being out so far!! It was just priceless to hear these two play, and giggle!! I am pretty sure Charli and Charlie had a great time together!

big helper! Charli and Harper have graduated to washing their hands alone before we eat... I never really know how it goes so I wanted to see today! It was too cute to not grab my camera for! She does a great job with him!

She was giving him step-by-step reminders! I love this picture because I think you can see the love and attention in her face.

it's a sad day for me...we have to retire Harper's excavating pj's!! He has worn these multiple times a week since his birthday last June!! Sad, sad, sad!! :-) They just don't make a more perfect pj for this boy!

Harper cannot wait until this 4-wheeler becomes his! I am not sure when Charli will outgrow this size, I assume Harper will want it long before she is willing to give it up!! We will change out the pink for black so it will feel nice and brand new again in a few years!!

soap in the mouth!!!!

2011-03-08T18:14:00.008-06:00

There is no hope for Harper...as a child who grew up in a house with 'soap in the mouth' when I talked back, harper is already showing a preference for soap. Specifically DORA soap which we use to wash out hands. In his defense it does smell delicious!!

We had a nice weekend, and enjoyed the sunshine. We headed west to broken bow Saturday morning and came back Sunday evening. We celebrated Ryen's birthday, played the wii, went to town for a special breakfast, played in the park, played outside, played inside, are you seeing a theme! Charli had her first 'official' slumber party! The three girls all got to sleep on the floor together in the basement! They got their beds ready and popped in a movie before calling it a night. After they feel asleep we went to check on them, Charli and Ryen were sharing a pillow - it was too cute!! They are the two that look the most alike and were in matching pj's - so we weren't sure who was who - Chad had to turn the light on to see!!

After two days without a regular nap they were full of vinegar, so we welcomed company when grandma and grandpa stopped by for a bit!

Charli is really enjoying hearing who has all donated to her Relay For Life page each day, she gets a big grin on her face and says something a long the lines of "are you kidding me, they like me too?!". If you are interested in helping our efforts you can CLICK HERE to find the Charli's personal page. You can donate online, or email me for our address if you would rather. A million thanks to all who help with the Relay in one way or another!

BIG SHOUT OUT TO DEREK!! Derek, my nephew, will be playing in the state games on Thursday night, go big blue :-)

super comfortable for pizza & movie night Friday night!! He was adorable and sat on my lap for the entire movie...which Charli picked Toy Story 2 this week! Harper was a toal love bug! After being gone several nights last week, I welcomed the one on one time very much!

Charli * Ryen * Harper * Macey before the party started! Ryen loves on Harper ALL THE TIME!! She is very good with him, and always wants to be doing something with and/or for him!

the three amigos! Ryens cute cake!! Macey had a pink JD cake, Ryen a green JD cake...so I wonder what Charli will want for the big #5?!!

soaking up the sun! They had two dogs out there this weekend and several adorable cats - harper was enjoying giving them lots of attention!!

Macey and Charli playing the wii!! they were sword fighting here!!

Grandma and Charli were playing hide the purple circle!! It was a group effort to find it sometimes!!

poor grandma, harper just jumped on - thinking he would get a "bull ride" like he does from daddy when he lays like this!! Sorry about your back grandma :-)

doing his best to hold on to grandpa's bull ride!

wow!! that is a long ways to fall!! good thing grandpa is so limber to keep him up :D

a common goal

2011-03-07T22:00:00.003-06:00

We all have a common goal, even if we can't seem to find common ground sometimes!

If you are able please consider donating $5, $10, or $20 to Charli's Relay For Life fundraising efforts this year! She is excited to be involved this year. Her "magic" number she wants to reach is always "fifty-nine sixty"! Each penny makes a difference, each and every single penny!!

We will be sending our letters out soon too...so I do apologize if you see this message several times!! We can never assume our loved ones know how to help!!

Please follow THIS link! You can donate online if you would like...or shoot me an email and I will get you our address!

Hope to get pictures up from the weekend tomorrow!!

what.a.day

2011-02-28T13:22:00.004-06:00

Today is a sad day for me...and a bit of a stressful one too!

I was able to get Harper into the doctor this morning, so after six days and $500 we have ruled out:
-pink eye
-influenza
-strep

But have assumed "rsv". Either way we are on the downhill slide, hopefully. So far we have not had a fever, yay harper :-) We had a long sit at the dr office, and am soo glad to be home! This is a slice of the stress.

The sadness comes from the fact that I had to miss the celebration of life for our "always a hero" 2008 Hero of Hope Tracy, who I have written about several times. The viewing was last night followed by a special luminaria ceremony held just for her, which included story time and snow angels. What an amazing event to hold in someones honor, what a pity to have missed. This morning I was sad again when it was time for the funeral service to start and I was unable to attend as well. My heart breaks knowing I was not able to be there in person - Tracy deserved such a different ending. Most people will only fantasize about leaving the legacy that Tracy actually left behind. As my friend, and fellow 2011 Hero of Hope, said - there is nothing more difficult to watch that a 30-something year-old man bury the mother of his two young sons. And she is right. Does anyone want to use this opportunity to tell me why they are too busy to relay?!

So while today is a sad and stressful day, it is a day of so much more than I can put into words.

I went into work to pick up a few things so I could work from home today, and on my desk sat $60+ of girl scout cookies! And because of this I reaffirmed that just as many bad things can create a whirlwind of a bad day....many good things can turn everything around!! I am off to sample of a few of my "good things" for today while the kids sleep and I catch up on work!! Thank you girl scouts for selling cookies...and thank you girl scouts mothers for helping to sell said cookies!! :D

Here is to a better tomorrow, and adios February...take all the sadness and stress with you!!

EDIT TO ADD:

3:37pm - I have had a total day turn around! After nap, while both kids were sitting on my lap Charli turned to me and said "mom, I do love you a lot, but I think I will always love harper more" My reply to her was "that is exactly how it should be honey, thank you for being the best big sister ever!" She said "but maybe that isn't nice to say mom, I love you the same". I reminded her that she will ALWAYS be Harper's big sister, so it is her job to take care of him...and that means loving him more than anything else in the world!! What a sweetie-pie. I think this afternoons nap was good for everyone!! :-)

welcome back, monday!

2011-02-27T13:11:00.007-06:00

Have you ever seen a movie or tv show where mothering/parenting is stressful and then all of a sudden they are swept off their feet for a few days at the spa? I want that life! I am ready for outdoor play, sunshine, fresh air, and less germs. My mind has already said good-bye to winter, so the fact that it is still here is really messing with my life. ;-)

Charli and Harper seemed to really enjoy being at the new daycare this week. Having said that, I am sooooo glad to be returning to Lynn's tomorrow!! We -heart- Lynn! Harper ended his week with illness, which is always a good time. We've had an urgent care visit, calls to the dr, conversations with the PA, and lots of questions amongst ourselves. Today is a new day, right?!

Charli and I are hitting the movies this afternoon and the boys are going to the shop after Harper wakes up from nap...if he's feeling good! Sigh, I hope he is feeling better!!

I am not the girl who drinks cherry vodka. However, if I were - today would be a great day for a drink :-)

She found this hat from when she saw mickey with her cousins last fall, and was playing a combination between magician and animal trainer!

totally busted, he stole a toy from his sister! you would never know he isn't feeling the best! I am thankful that he is acting as well as he is. Now, if only we could get him to feel tip-top, sleep well, and get back to normal - life would be grand!

so these are the "Fun" games dad plays when he gets his hands on the vacuum...

harper could not stop fixating on the wand which just finished assaulting his hair. For those moms out there who rock the faux-hawk for their kids, I would like to say that using a vacuum gives great style, and it stays up for a long time!!

its so nice having kids who want to help! ;-)

this shot puts a smile on my face, simple happiness!

it looks like they are BOTH ready for the circus if you ask me!! I think it is safe to say that Harper's fever has altered his state of mind, and make him "unique" these last few days!

but in their moments of silence, these two still find time to steal smiles from each other. Charli has been mother-hening him all weekend by checking for fevers, and reporting runny noses, etc! Harper is eating it up...he might not always want all that he gets, but he does love her attention!

day in lincoln

2011-02-22T19:36:00.001-06:00

I spent a fun day in Lincoln today, I was able to lobby at the capital for LB 436 in Nebraska. Because I know my mom will look I am posting a link to read a little about it!! :-)

http://hpne.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/nebraskans-meet-with-lawmakers-to-encourage-support-for-cigarette-tax-increase/

are their toys in heaven

2011-02-20T12:05:00.005-06:00

Charli has had a lot of questions about heaven recently. She has asked if there are toys there, if you take naps, etc...and I am reminded of how great heaven sounds! It is with a heavy heart that I write about heaven today, as you may have seen below our dear ACS - Relay For Life friend/family member Tracy passed away this morning. She is who inspired me to want to tell Charli's story. I am in awe when I sit to see how she has touched so many lives. She will live on in those who knew her and those who have loved her dearly. Our fight will be stronger and harder with her in our hearts forever. So while I write this with a heavy heart, I am happy for her that she is finally pain and cancer free. Please pray for her friends and family, especially her two young boys who will have such a hole in their heart with her absence.

Tomorrow is the big day for "new school"!!! I am excited to hear all about it ;-)

mr. cool guy Harper has found a new past time, relaxing!

Charli's new way to watch cartoons!!

what a comfortable way to read a good book!! Harper is very attached to books right now, you will hardly ever see him without one in his hand!

Are you seeing a pattern in our house this weekend...we are laying around being lazy and just enjoying each others company!! Sometimes the weeks get too busy and hectic and we aren't able to slow down enough to see our kids in their prime. From week to week we can see them change and it reminds me how fast this time goes and how lucky ...scratch that, blessed, we are. As the "big race" is starting on TV Charli has been inspired to get all of her race cars out in the kitchen as well. If they manage to take all of her cars on 500 laps they will sleep great tonight!! :-)

heavy heart

2011-02-20T11:26:00.002-06:00

Rest in peace Tracy Lingwall Harnly...you will forever be in our memories and hearts. You are now pain and cancer free, and we will honor you as long as we fight.

www.mycancerandme.blogspot.com

stop long enough to STOP

2011-02-19T08:55:00.005-06:00

One of my friends recently posted something on her blog that I wanted to steal! It is the concept of a "stop doing" list. This is to take place of the traditional "to-do" list, and the premise is that a "stop doing" list takes more effort to make these changes. I have to admit, what a great idea!! In her post she challenged us to make our own list. It got me thinking of all the things I wish I could stop doing, which would better the life of myself and those around me! So, I am throwing it out there as a way to stay accountable. I would also like to encourage you to do the same!! If you don't have your own blog, post your list here!

#1. Stop telling the kids we are late in the morning. If we are late, it is MY fault and telling them isn't going to solve the problem!! In addition to this goal I am adding, stop saying "we don't have time to play, we are late". Ugh, do those words seriously come out of my mouth some mornings? The answer is yes. {insert sad face here}

#2. Stop taking "everyday moments" for granted. As I type this I watch Charli feed Harper...thinking nothing of it. Then realizing that in the moment it is a symbol of the love she has for him, that she wanted him to eat all his breakfast....and the trust he has for her to allow her to do so. May be a silly example, but it is the everyday moments that will make our life what it is not, not just those that are surrounded by bells and whistles.

#3. Stop thinking time for Chad and I will "come next week". I feel safe writing this here because I don't think Chad will read it! We are both aware that we need to continue to make time for "us", which is hard to do with already full days and weeks! But, my goal will be to set aside an afternoon or evening (whatever we can get a sitter for!!) and keep it in the schedule just as we would if it were a commitment to a friend or family member. Hmmm, check back with me on this one. I think the previous two goals will be easier for me than this one!

If you know me well, you know that lists are big to me! Without a list, most of my life probably wouldn't happen. I have lists at work, a list for volunteer activities, lists on my phone, lists for the kids each morning (mental lists, since they can't read YET, soon to be picture lists on their door!!!), and lists to get me through the week. Something like this makes sense for me. I challenge you to make a list. It doesn't have to be big, pick 1-3 things that you would like to make different...write it down, tell someone - post it here, it will make it real!

Good luck and happy "stopping"!!!

important reminder....

2011-02-18T17:16:00.002-06:00

Please continue to check on Tracy's status as she continues her fight against breast cancer. She is a former (but always) Hero of Hope for Nebraska. If you are from the area you may remember she came to a meeting to tell us of her amazing story. She has two young boys who are wise and mature beyond their years.

I ask that you visit her site, keep her in your prayers, and fight even harder because of her...
http://www.mycancerandme.blogspot.com/

new places / new faces

2011-02-18T15:31:00.004-06:00

Sometimes we need to learn from our babes and just sit back and relax a bit!! Harper is ready for bed when he gathers a pillow and blanket...crawls in the chair and just sits!

Some of my most fun times with Charli now-a-days is doing things that I can remember doing when I was little!! "how many times can I touch the balloon before it hits the floor"?! Harper likes the game too!

You don't always know what you will find when these two are quiet for a set period of time. Today this is what I found! They were sweet, Harper stayed this way for several minutes!! They are getting to be pretty good buddies most of the time!

Again....tired brother and loving sister! She loves to help him...guide him, and mentor him. He isn't always the biggest fan, but he generally lets her get it out of her system!

cheese! As soon as I move my camera he runs to this spot and says "cheese"...after sitting for about two seconds he gets up to see the picture on my camera!! Charli has trained him well ;)

Our beloved daycare is making way to Hawaii today so next week the kids will be going somewhere new! We went for a little visit today so Charli would feel comfortable there next week. For about 1-hour a day they separate by age and do their own thing. That is the time we were there for today. I was surprised by how well Harper did with that. It is a catholic center, and it made me giggle to see Charli's face of "WHAT!!???!!" when they did a prayer and the sign of the cross!! She just looked around like, 'what are you guys doing'! We are not catholic, so that is a totally new concept! She did make mention later that she didn't know their prayer...maybe she will pick up on diversity a bit next week?! For today at least, Harper did far better than I was expecting. He was a super star with the change, and Charli seemed to be her normal (in these situations) quiet self. Hoping they feel comfortable next week...yet shy enough to stay on their best behavior :-)

Looking forward to our traditional pizza movie night tonight with a twist, we will have grandma and grandpa here too! Excited for a great weekend...hope you are too!

The Balance We Seek

2011-02-16T16:03:00.009-06:00

Charli as a teacher...

About two years ago I was contacted by a nursing teacher at a University in PA regarding our blog. She found our blog and wanted to use our journey and experiences to help teach nursing students in her program. She felt that by introducing these students to life through the parent and patients eyes, they would be better providers. I think she is right.

She used a total 9 blogs and went back to the beginning of each story. She really got to know our kids, and so did her students. The project was recently finished and I got a final report back from her and her views on the experience through her dissertation.

I am humbled beyond words to have been able to participate in something like this. Charli has officially gone beyond anything we ever imagined. Through Charli's experience medical professionals have been and will be educated in a NEW way...resulting in better care for those they will serve down the road. What an amazing legacy for Charli to be a part of.

The following are pieces of the letter I received from the professor recently...

Dear Brenda,

At long last, I am happy to share the findings of the nursing study of your blog about your child’s cancer. I began reading your writing in the Fall of 2009 and completed the analysis in December 2010. The research was meant to explore your blog and others for important elements of the cancer care your child received and to attend in a meaningful way to your written expression of the experience.

I learned a great deal from reading your work and the comments you received. Since life changed so much over the course of your child’s cancer treatment, I marked time in three segments: the diagnosis, treatment and off-treatment phases. In each phase, I noticed these themes as common to many of the stories I read. Here are the elements of your stories I found most important.
o Uncertainty/uncertainty management
o Stress/stress management
o Burdens/Gifts
o Change/constants
o Public/private lives

For example, the uncertainty that came during the time when your child was being diagnosed had very different qualities than later, during treatment, when you may have felt a little more under control yet still lived every day with the uncertainty of the cancer’s return. Stories about managing the uncertainty and about managing stress were very instructive.

I found one common denominator in all the blogs that represented the stories of alternating negative and positive experiences. This became the title of the dissertation: “The balance we seek.” As I read and reread the blogs, this seemed to be the object of greatest desire. The effort toward balance between the five themes listed and their counterparts was one of the elements that jumped off the pages. For example, during some of the burdens experienced, gifts were seemed to be found. Many bloggers described learning of an inner strength they didn’t know existed until their child faced not just the illness but the discomforts and annoyances that came with its treatment. The good balanced the bad again and again.

One of the most significant burdens expressed by each blogger was what has been referred to by nurse researchers as “surplus suffering.” It has not been researched extensively, but I believe it needs further study and a plan of action. Surplus suffering, to me, is the suffering experienced in addition to that which comes with the illness and its treatment. Surplus suffering can be caused by family, friends, providers and the healthcare system. Even the bloggers seemingly satisfied with the treatment shared stories of friends or family who said unhelpful, even detrimental things; staff that treated family members impolitely or worse; and a healthcare system seemingly designed to confuse, aggravate and add injury to families already experiencing pain. Insurance company treatment is a category of surplus suffering that stood far above all else and should be researched in depth.

The purposes for writing were clear whether the blogger stated them outright or not. For some, the blog was a place to express things that were difficult or impossible to say in person. Writing seemed to be a way to reflect on events, feelings and changes over time. All the blogs seemed to have started as a means to keep family members and friends informed of events when telephone calling was ineffective for reaching large numbers of people. Writers used the blog to advocate for care for their child by reaching out to others in similar circumstances and to advocate for improvements in and funding for cancer research. Many used the blog to preserve memories, as an archive of the events, the changes in family life, and the feelings experienced. Another purpose for blogging was to explain to readers more about the decisions made on behalf of the child or about procedures and treatment events.

The comments from readers followed similar patterns of the themes and purposes listed above. It was easy to see how important readers were to the bloggers, especially in the entries by bloggers who made direct requests for more responses. Readers seemed to offer comfort, support, affirmation of feelings and a sense of community when families were feeling particularly isolated. In my report, I describe the contribution of readers as ballast, or a steadying effect, when bloggers’ feelings or events were off-balance.

I intend to share the findings of this research with healthcare providers, especially nurses, in professional settings. This may be in the form of research journal articles or in presentations at professional nursing conferences.

I am grateful for your willingness to share your stories with me. Reading them has changed me. It made me more determined than ever to improve care for children with cancer. May you continue to inspire, to be inspired and to be blessed with love.

I wanted to share this information with you, because YOU are the reasons I continue this blog! You loved Charli enough to care to follow her...you loved her enough to be vested in her well-being, and you loved her enough to stay with her after she was done with treatment. If there was no one here to read the blog, there would be no blog!! Thank you for loving our family, and this is just one more example of how special all of you are to our family!! THANK YOU!!!

2011-02-14T19:56:00.002-06:00

what lucky girls!!

while creating this tonight I found a phrase that made me giggle..."God made us cousins because he knew our moms couldn't handle us as sisters!" How true it is!! I hear all the time from my mom "I think Charli could be Rachelle's daughter"!!

marriage and 4-year olds!

2011-02-13T19:53:00.008-06:00

These are the types of conversations I overhear in my house...
DAD - Charli, do you want to get married someday?
CHARLI - No.
D - Well, someday you will want to. And, maybe you should marry someone rich.
C - No, I want to marry someone I love.
D - well, I guess your right...you can marry whoever you want. But, you have to introduce him to me first.
C - can we marry anyone we love?
D - yes
C - Can you marry girls?
D - not in Nebraska you can't.
C - Well, I love grandma. Can I marry her?
D - No, you can't marry grandma.
C - That's okay dad because I want to marry you!!

Charli took her job of making valentine's day treats very seriously!

after frosting she put on the sprinkles very carefully!

taa-daa!!

then it was time to be silly with a monkey face!!

pretty young thing!

airplane!!!

so much taller when daddy does it, mom has short legs!

Charli couldn't wait to give Chad his Valentine's Day gift!! She knew he would probably share with her, and realized that if she waited until tomorrow night it would probably be too close to bed to get to eat the candy!! It's tough when they start to out smart you at 4!

Enjoyed our 70 degree day today with a walk outside and time on the porch swing - these days make summer look so GREAT!! Dear Summer, you can't get here soon enough.

Being a mom means constantly telling your child "I Love You", because it is the most important thing they need to hear.

Being a mom means knowing that boys and girls should be treated the equally. But differently.

i forgot I could count this high....

2011-02-13T15:50:00.001-06:00

counting my blessings, all the way up to 70.2!!!!!!!!!!!

being a mom....

2011-02-12T19:45:00.006-06:00

Being a mom means realizing everything you do will impact the sixteen-year-old your child will become.

We had a great Saturday today. The four of us were together from start to finish...which doesn't happen often! The kids slept late today, and Chad was home from work early. Because of this we spent the entire Saturday together. I can't remember when that happened last. We started with a trip to Wal-Mart after breakfast to buy the kids a picnic table, some car shopping, lunch, naps, walks outside, and reorganizing the house!! We got a lot done today and that probably explains why I was ready for bedtime to come tonight!

he was moving this box with the picnic table still inside of it! When he was on the other side and it started to tip, he used his head to balance and push it back up!!

we found this spider-monkey in the box..what a surprise that was!

and it wouldn't be a typical moment without monkey-do tyring it as well!!

great helpers...pretty sure Chad would still be working on it if it wasn't for their help!!

I am not sure this is the way the table is intended to be used??!

very excited to eat lunch here today!! Notice the dinosaur grilled cheese?! something about shaped food just makes it so much better! Perhaps I will start cutting my salads into flowers to see if that helps?!!

When Charli was in treatment I used to say "as long as we have more good days than bad we can call this a success". But that is true for all of us. Life is a marathon, not a race...we all know that. I am all too guilty of making too big of an issue of the "bad" days but not equally celebrating the good days. The truth of the matter is that the good days way out number the bad in our house...we have been blessed. Sometimes these kids make bad days better...and to be honest sometimes they make bad days worse! :-) But they DO make our life what it is!

Being a mom means recognizing that when your child misbehaves, it is because they desire something from you.

2011-02-12T18:37:00.001-06:00

"Real strength is not just a condition of one's muscle, but a tenderness of one's spirit"

-McCallister Dodds

ziggy-wow-wow

2011-02-07T17:36:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed the health while it lasted -- and now are fighting colds, which is better than the stomach flu if you ask me! However, Charli does not like "this kind of sick" she said!

The kids have been having a lot of fun playing together and are enjoying learning their boundaries with each other. Some days this is easier than others! It is SO much fun to listen to them laugh together, one of the best sounds on earth! Charli is a total mini-mom to Harper. She can buckle him in his seat to eat, put his bib on, fed him, clean his hands/face, put his coat and hat on in the morning and has even done her best at a few diapers! She protects him more than she teases him...for now ;-)

Both of the kids got their hair cut this weekend. Harper's shaggy hair was really growing on me, but I guess it was time to trim it up and take a look at his ears again!

this little light of mine

2011-01-31T16:24:00.001-06:00

“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950);

solid fans!

2011-01-29T16:01:00.004-06:00

We have some solid husker fans in this house I discovered today! Harper broke out his husker gear and Charli was quick to find her matching outfit! They sported their matching shirts and pants with pride all day! Charli played in the snow and got hers wet, so she is still sporting her shirt with blue pants!! :-)

wow, harper looks a little scared I see now...but I assure you he was laughing!

while our little tomboy (who told me today she was a boy while she was in my tummy, and she isn't sure why she decided to be a girl when she was born) still finds time to give attention and love to her babies. On this day her baby came to daycare with us! Most days her baby stays in bed all day, what a lucky-duck!!

she wanted me to show her 'pretty hair' picture!!

Today Charli and Colton are having a play date while his parents on are a date!! They are driving Harper a little crazy!! I am sure Charli brings out the crazy in Colton!! He is always so reserve!

Maybe they will pose for a few pictures later?!

HOH2011 Summit Class Video

2011-01-25T10:40:00.000-06:00

Take 8 minutes to view my fellow Heroes!!!

Rx for worry

2011-01-24T12:00:00.003-06:00

My bff emailed this to me this morning...I am not sure where she got it - and I am stealing it to share with you. Take a true minute to read this and soak it in...we can all benefit from this kind of life!

Rx for Worry
Live long enough, and you'll find yourself in a thin hospital gown, crawling up on the table for some kind of test procedure. You'll wait by the phone for the results, trying not to worry but unable to keep from wondering what you'll do if it's bad.

Is there a game plan for this kind of situation?

Let's just say that one of the blessings of living in daily fellowship with God is developing a settled heart. You realize your salvation is accomplished and complete. You recognize how many things are beyond your control. And you begin to understand that trusting him is a lot more effective than fretting and losing sleep. He takes care of you either way. So why waste the nervous energy?

Inner peace is not a formula. It's not treating God like a good-luck charm. It's about spending time reading His Word. Praying when you could be listening to sports radio. Talking to him instead of talking to yourself. Relationship, not ritual. Try it consistently for a month, and you'll look back a few weeks from now amazed at the amount of perspective and security he's given you. You'll be more like a man who has "no fear of bad news," whose "heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (Psalm 112:7).

Want to be ready for that next trip to the doctor? Then run your laps, watch your portions . . . and start relying on the Great Physician to get you through each day.

Pray this prayer: Lord, I waste so much of my time worrying about things you're already taking care of. I long for a settled, peaceful heart—one that's ready for trouble because I've been trusting you all along.

snowy days!

2011-01-23T11:51:00.009-06:00

these are bibs that Charli got from her great-aunt Janelle when she was this age. This morning Harper and I were playing dress-up from his closet and we decided today was a great day to wear these. I love this picture because my grandpa wore bibs every day of his life I remember! And my "adopted" grandpa wore them every day as well!! Bibs have a special place in my family!! Chad has been busy helping people with snow and with work stuff but was home for a bit this morning - harper stole his hat and he looked just like one of the "been farming long" boys! Some of you have to know what I am talking about, right?!!

When I was taking Harper's picture, he wanted very badly for Charli to sit by him! He kept putting his arm out and saying her name (well, saying it as he says it!!)

oh how quickly they pick up the "silly face" pose!!

the girls came to play on Saturday - which was a lot of fun. They have a lot of fun!! They are busy and go through a lot of food and drink when they play so hard!! On the flip side, this morning Harper woke up before Charli and it was just the two of us for about an hour. I forgot how much different that can be! He was so much fun, and super easy! I got a lot done before Charli woke up!! I love how much they play together, but having them one-on-one is important too!! I hope they always love each other as much as they do 'right now'! Not to mention, it was a breeze when I wasn't outnumbered!!

can't have a nice picture without one of these!

this is posted special for my dad, who while I grew up NEVER let my feet touch the table!! I get it...and as a general rule I don't let my kids either. but...I guess I must have tried it all the time, because the phrase "get your feet off the table" is ingrained in my memory!! Poor Harper will be so confused because when his dad catches him he says "feet off the table little brenda".

breakfast for champions!

such a great helper!!! she got the coat to zip...however the zipper was broke! I know she is only 4, but some mornings she is what makes this house work!! :-)

She is so protective of him and can be such an excellent helper. Today she was an amazing help and so good to him. As a reward she got a few peanut butter m&m's after lunch. She split her last one in half to share with her mom and her brother...because "we didn't have any". Ahhhh....

5 Dollars

2011-01-20T16:04:00.000-06:00

all that glitters....

2011-01-16T11:56:00.003-06:00

We had our first full week of health, and it was wonderful!
Harper had well-check and did excellent, discovered a new tooth coming in (which makes #5 in the past few weeks), and decided that he is (most of the time) the polar opposite of Charli. Harper is doing well!! :D

Charli has really grown into the big-sister roll in the past few weeks. Most of the time this works to our advantage! ;-)

I attended a Relay For Life committee planning meeting this week which means that Relay season is here!! Our kick off is in a few weeks and I am so excited! My speaking engagements as Hero of Hope are increasing, which is exciting. It is neat to see other events run, and gain so much inspiration from their group! I HIGHLY suggest that you find a Relay For Life in your area and find a way to participate. This is an event that, if you let it, can change your life...in the best way possible!

one of those moments when I want to say "STOP", but all I can do is giggle and grab the camera!

another reason we need an extra 10 minutes each morning! they each enjoy picking out their winter appeal. Charli is good at changing things up each day and Harper is good at finding the items that are the best mis-match and going with it!

Have a GREAT week everyone!!

extra prayers please

2011-01-12T20:49:00.005-06:00

I have done a lot of praying this week. I had a great friend have her own cancer scare, which had us all shaken up. By the grace of God she received good news today. It seems like every week or two someone I know and/or love is faced with an issue revolving around cancer. And, although all of my education and knowledge tells me that everyone goes through this...sometimes I feel like I am cursed and if you know me...you will have a run in with "c" yourself. How silly is that?! Cancer is a part of this word. BUT, it is NOT here to stay because of all the work we are doing through organizations such as the ACS! We need to keep fighting!

I ask that you take a minute to visit a Hero of Hope alumni who is facing some hard times. I will let her blog tell you her story, because I could never do her justice. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. http://www.mycancerandme.blogspot.com/

and...what keeps me going at night are these faces -- the faces I Relay For!!!

they were having so much fun being pulled on the blanket on our slick wood floor!

I think Harper would have made a pretty (and chubby) little girl!!

having SO much fun watching Charli and daddy move snow on the 4-wheeler before bed!

happy and healthy '11

2011-01-09T20:32:00.007-06:00

hoping for a happy AND healthy 2011...so far we have not had the healthy part! We had the stomach flu fly through our house the past week and a half, and I am ready to say good-bye to that for sure!!

My laptop had a snafu and I lost my hard drive. Now that I have it back I am having loads of issues! technology!

enjoy the pictures, hope to post more when I have more patience!

love new jammies!

snow buddies!

daddy * harper

angels are so much fun!! this was #4!

proud!

highlight of the day!

charli had her first, second, third, and fourth skype session today! she had a lot of fun!

proud to build so high...clever because this means he can stand on the chair!!

problem solver

sweeties (at this moment)

fishy kisses

here's to you 2011!

2011-01-02T17:53:00.004-06:00

We have really enjoyed the extra days at home. It feels like we have been home forever! Charli got the stomach flu early this week and was home for two days. Coming off of a long weekend, and going into another long weekend...the week went very quickly! She is feeling much better now! Major BIG thanks to Linda for getting Harper to daycare Wednesday, you are a lifesaver!

We got a lot done this weekend, but always wish we could do one or two more things! When I took the tree down earlier this week Charli informed me "but mom, I am still celebrating Christmas!" She wasn't sure why we would ever think about taking the tree down!

big vs. little!

The top bite is Charli's bite, the bottom of the cookie is Harper's bite after taking it from Charli!

they have a little village set up of all their cars, trucks, semis, tractors, people, etc. It is a nice little get away for them to play and think they are hiding!

Charli was drawing a person and wanted to cut it out so we could try to make it into a paper airplane. We were not successful!!

the pictures got out of order here, sorry! This is the after effect of the picture below...

they love to be spun around, Charli will BEG for it! She doesn't think it is a "good one" unless she can't stand up when she is done! What a life :-)

My New Years resolution is to get better at sending "fun" mail, so keep an eye out! I got a few pieces out over the weekend, so I guess I am doing 'so far, so good'! I don't have to go back to work until Tuesday (our holiday is Monday, yay us!), so I have a few more hours of trying to be productive around here! Hope you start 2011 out on a good note!

the forgotten

2010-12-28T21:47:00.003-06:00

I forgot a few pictures!!! (and realized I am running into a problem, my blog is almost full - I am at 97% I think. So, I will either need to set up a second site, or delete history....that sounds so sad!!)

doggie-pile!!

very excited about some doll clothes - thanks landon!!

"oh, a box mom - how fun" she said!

" YUCK - my head, it's burning...get it off of me, get it off of me"!!!!!!!!! ;-) it really is a cute hat, considering it IS an Iowa State hat.

pretty excited for the new JD toys!

Christmas Card 2010

2010-12-28T21:45:00.001-06:00

Once again this year, I ran out of Christmas cards. I feel so bad that some of you were not able to get a card this year...so I wanted to share a picture of it here! (cheesy, I know!) Please know that we value and appreciate each one of you - and wish you the best for 2011!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T20:58:00.010-06:00

Months of planning, shopping, hours of wrapping and cooking - and it is all done already! If only events like this were able to be celebrated as long as they deserve!

We had a good Christmas, the kids tolerated all the hustle and bustle well - leaving mom and dad tired days later! Charli was up until 11:00 one night, and didn't even attempt to close her eyes on the way home while watching her new ToyStory3 from santa!

If you ask Charli what she got, she will tell you "boy stuff" and she couldn't' be happier! The top of her list includes two airplanes, helicopter, tool bench, fishing poll, criss cross crash (hot wheels), , pillow pet, and some crafts. She did get some "girl" things that she does like - her puma clothes, doll clothes, and games...but the "boy stuff" takes priority this week!

Harper got so many gifts that he still has one under the tree that is wrapped...he lost interest in unwrapping and so did Charli -- here's your sign! He got a lot of cars, trucks, and tractors. Since Charli is in such a tomboy stage right now they are playing with toys nicely together!!!

Charli picked out my gift this year. She told Chad that I needed a bracelet. So he picked the kids up early one night and took them to Kelly Jewelry for my gift. Chad said that the nice lady took Charli around the store by herself and let her pick the ones she thought I would like. Then she let Charli try them all one. Charli picked the one I would like, and they wrapped it up. Chad's only part was paying for it. Chad said that when they got in the truck she said "daddy, next year can I pay for it...with your money"!! :) She is a great shopper, I love it!

Charli picked out Chad's gifts this year too (she kept them all a secret from us too, impressive and scary!!). She picked two John Deere tractors from Tractor Supply, a JD wallet, candy, socks, and gloves -- she was so excited to give the packages to him! It is a great age for celebration!

now he has his own couch and can leave Charli's alone! He also loves my new blanket from Courtney (thanks court)...they both always want it, so much for MY gift!! :-)

this hat was a gift to charli, a silly little hat for her to play with. She hasn't put it on yet, I think it freaks her out a little! But, harper - the hat lover that he is, likes this one too!

his new pose...if a camera is out he makes this "cheese" face

learning to use his new remote control car, which he likes to tease the dogs and his sister with! he was well accessorized at the moment as you can see! having a big sister opens a whole new world of things to play with!

Charli got my camera and got several good pictures of Harper...and many silly pictures of the door, floor, chair, and Harpers toes!

hew jammies from grandma...the three girls have matching PJ's - too cute, looks so grown up!

playing with her cousins hot wheels toy!

i told him I would post this...so I had to follow through! This is my brother, who has his PhD in something I don't understand (makes me sound like a genius, I know!) Anyway, since he is "technically" a doctor...I couldn't resist giving him this shirt for Christmas!! ;-)

Harper got this "band in a box" type toy that we have had so much fun with! Charli forms a parade and we circle the house with our own instrument in hand and make great music. I can see a family band in our future!

Grandma let him get away with everything at her house this weekend. He was crawling up and playing with her computer, and she just couldn't tell him no...!

three best of friends!!

these two were funny together! They would hug and then two minutes later be a little less than friendly! Grant and Harper spent quality cousin time this weekend!

teamwork :-) Charli did a great job helping Harper with his gifts and not taking over for him!

very happy santa remembered her tool bench!

Charli handpicked these cookies for Santa and wrote him a note..." Santa, Love Charli Harper" and I think she was trying to draw shapes!

Harper with one of his (and mine) favorite toys!

very excited little girl!!

heading out to Christmas Eve service -- this was the best picture I could get! Charli was over the top goofy and Harper was too busy to sit still!

Charli worked VERY hard to make a birthday cake for baby Jesus! She broke the eggs, ran the mixer, put all the decorations on, and told me what to write with the frosting. She was so proud, and did a great job!

thanksgiving at christmas

2010-12-19T20:39:00.007-06:00

a few pictures and thoughts from Charli's first-ever Sunday School Christmas program!! ( I figured she will have approximately 36 musical programs in her future with church and school yet! ;-) )

she was very excited to have grandma and grandpa come to see her! She got to take them in the fellowship hall to see the very special letter she wrote to the angels about Jesus' birth!

Charli had her buddy Maggie!

she picked the "little gray donkey" as her costume! She was adorable and was showing me her tail here!

Charli and her buddy Lilly!

Charli and her rosy cheeks! We think she got wind-burn while helping grandpa B Saturday afternoon?!

harper's pure excitement after realizing her can stick 1/2 of his finger up his nose.

the kids having a great time...and Charli playing with the "big kids" it was amazing to see her act so grown up while she was able to "hang" with them all night! They tolerated her amazingly well, and she seemed to hold her own!

two very tired little boys by the end of the night! Braxton and Harper laying on Amada's blankie!

love.this.picture.

ha! I had to show this picture! Harper gave Braxton a "sit-n-spin" for Christmas and Braxton gave Harper a John Deere truck, trailer, and tractor. They were both more interested in the gifts they gave at first...until they realized the other one wanted it too! This was harper upset that Braxton found a way to enjoy the sit-n-spin and still try for the tractor!! Typical Christmas party with kids! Note, Braxton seems to be just fine with the situation...he is sitting and spinning and still trying for the tractor, what is wrong with that?!!

Charli and Ashtyn

Just a reminder to give all of our thanks as we celebrate Christmas. While enjoying the Christmas program this evening, I was reminded that while this year my dilemma was what Charli would wear (Because God forbid it be anything girly, or anything near that!!), there was a time in my life that I wasn't sure if we would get to celebrate these milestones with Charli! A Sunday School program may not seem like a milestone, but it sure is!! Every day, and every experience...even those we are not the most proud of, are milestones and I thank GOD for the opportunity to blog about her life...about our life to all of you who love our family! Thank you for caring enough to be here!!

Merry Christmas!!!

santas house

2010-12-18T13:09:00.004-06:00

Santa came to visit the kids at daycare this year, so we have been lucky to not hear "when do we get to see santa" every day! (which is nice, thank you Lynn!) However, since we were not there, we did not get any pictures of the kids with him.

Charli talked his ear off and had no problem rattling off her list! Harper enjoyed sitting on his lap as well, and wanted the bucket of candy canes he had sitting next to him. Once he had that in his hand, all was well with the world.

Charli got a very special video message from Santa, which she loves to watch! The first time, when Santa made a special mention of taking care of her brother she replied "I think Harper is on your naughty list, he hit me"!

she asked Santa what kind of cookies he wanted, and reminded him that we would have special treats for his reindeers!

ahh, the look of pure delight. :-) as you can see, he was pretty excited about visiting santa...or not!

CANDY :-)

these two spend about 10 minutes doing this each night. They make funny faces and give kisses thru the glass. If you come to visit you will see their kiss-y marks all over!

Today, Charli being the cleaner that she is, wanted to clean her books and book shelf. She asked permission to do this and I told her that she could, as long as she put the books back when she was done. I told her that whatever did not make it back on the shelves, I would get to keep. Okay, no problem! Then, she got started and realized she has a TON of books! So, she informed me that she would put them aways over the next few days. When I reminded her that I would be taking whatever books were on the floor she said "then I will take them back and move to live somewhere else". Ahhh, I knew this day was coming...but certainly didn't expect it to come at the age of 4! She wasn't being snotty about it, just very "matter of fact", that if those were the rules, she was not going to follow and in turn live somewhere else! She quickly changed her mind and her books are now all on her shelf again! In the process she separated them into piles - good, interesting, not nice, informative, and funny!!!! She only had one "not nice" book, which is a book of three sisters - and two are mean to one of them!!

Merry Christmas to everyone! My next post will probably be of Christmas programs and parties! I truly hope and pray that everyone will have a blessed holiday and honestly reflect on the greatness of this celebration and what it means.

special request

2010-12-15T19:42:00.002-06:00

I am calling upon all of your help to lift some very special people up in prayer this evening...

Please pray for all of those families whose lives have been forever changed by cancer. There are some pretty special people out there right now living in limbo as they await information on their child's status. At this holiday time, when so many of us are counting our blessings...let us not forget the blessing of health which allows us to enjoy the quality of life we all to often take for granted. Let us remember those parents who have watched their children sleep wondering "how did this happen" and children who cry themselves to sleep with pain and anxiety.

Let us pray for answers and peace in their situations. We all have our own cross to bear, but at this time, while this weighs so heavy on my heart, I ask that you take a moment to pray for this special family. I ask that God place His healing hands on not only this child, but also the family who has dealt with so much already.

Thank you for sending prayers up, I know that God has a plan for all of these children, for these are the children who will change the world.

viva las vegas

2010-12-13T20:19:00.008-06:00

Welcome back to reality (there is that sneaky word from a few weeks ago again!!) is what Nebraska said to us on Saturday as we got back into life from our vacation! Chad and I left on Monday for vacation to Vegas! We flew home Friday morning. We awoke to freezing temps on Saturday, a far cry from the upper 60's (which they were calling cool) we had in Vegas just 24 hours before!

Chad and I had a really great time there! We have never taken a trip without the kids, and I must say it was great and something I hope we can do again. I love my kids, no doubt about that, but there is nothing like a little get-away. It was nice to remember what it was like "before" with the luxury of still coming home to our family! Wouldn't change our world for a thing, but a break from "reality" is nice now and again!!

We saw the Blue Man Group, and two other shows while we were there. Aside from that we did a lot of walking and looking...eating and some gambling. We didn't win much of anything. I did turn $10 into $5o for my mom -- the only one who gave me money, so 'sorry bout your luck' to those who didn't do the same!! And, I turned $10 into $100 after lunch on Wednesday. However, after two meals that money is gone there!

We had several firsts on this trip, and many note worthy events..

-Chad slept in on ONE day (out a little too late the night before, not the point!!)

-I was up before 3:30 am one day (sad face!!)

-we had curtains that operated by the flip of a switch!

-we could see the Bellagio water show from our hotel room!

-we had a TV in our bathroom!

-we rode on a double-decker bus!!

-i drank a mimosa for breakfast

-chad enjoyed walking anywhere/everywhere (including a shopping mall!!) with a beer in his hand

-ran into an old college friend (from kearney) in the hotel in Vegas! (she is from Elgin, went to college in Kearney, now lives in Oklahoma, and we randomly saw each other in Vegas...not knowing the other would be there!!!) CRA-ZY!!

We did many things that we both enjoyed. I made Chad take a picture with me every day, just to bug him!! So, enjoy the several self portrait pictures...and our reasons to come home!

welcome home daddy...lets wrestle!

on top of paris, eiffel tower

I, Brenda, am NOT a fan of heights. Yet, I always go to the top of this flipping thing thinking it will be 'no big deal this time'. I am the fastest visitor up there! Gives me the chills to think of it up there!!

oh, our evening of public transportation! on this night we went with 10-12 others from Nebraska/Kansas (who were at the same convention Chad was at for work) and we decided it would be a good idea to "entertain" ourselves! Never a good idea! But, for those of you familiar with las vegas, and fremont street, you will be pleased to know that I was interviewed and projected on the very large overhead screen (where the light show is). I am CERTAIN I did Nebraska proud, certain.

enjoying my first, and probably last, mimosa! This small addition to my breakfast (which is orange juice and champagne, I think) was an $11 drink! I will have water, thank you! :-) You can tell this was early in the morning because my face has that "just woke up look" yet!

I was going to buy these for Charli, but forgot! Good thing I got the picture, because they are sure fun glasses!! =)

another picture of US! :-) Next time we will need to take a tag-along to take our picture!!

we were walking the strip this night and this guy said "here, let me take a picture with the short guy"!! :-)

the view from my hotel bed! What a way to fall asleep!!

just me an tim! I have a picture from six years ago of me and Michael Jordan from the same spot! I think I am posed the same way too...!

took this picture for Charli! Thought she might get a kick out of it! The next day we saw Superman walking around New York New York, and NO lie...he was checking Chad out! Ahhh, our memories are endless!

and awesome artist! Probably not a piece I would buy, but amazing talent none the less!

nothing says welcome to your hotel, and welcome to Vegas like this shop, which was located in our hotel! Ironically (or not) it was across the hall from a bar called "Sin City" :-)

easing into december!

2010-12-05T20:27:00.006-06:00

Feels like I haven't posted pictures for awhile! Lots of updating to do, and lots I will forget!
Christmas is near, and Charli enjoys talking about Jesus' birthday everyday! She is starting to really stick up for her brother if she can sense that he is about to get in trouble! Harper lights up with a huge grin when the Christmas tree is turned on! And, our "elf on a shelf" makes our mornings so much fun! Have a great week, and hope to have some fun and exciting pictures to share next week :-)

pictures from our daycare Christmas party! We had a hard-hard time getting a good picture, but when I said "let's take a silly picture" man, they were ready for that!!!

it is tough work to suck yogurt out of a little cup...

...and makes a sticky little mess in the process!

I guess this is what they call puppy love!

putting up the Christmas Tree. Harper enjoyed picking out the shinny ones for Charli to hang! He loves when the tree is turned on, but doesn't bother it. We still have 20 days to make it through, so we will see how he does :-)

what a sight! Big cousin Colton gave Harper a hat like this, but batman. Charli wanted one so badly, I found this one, and she wears it every day!!

it's a great gift to find under the tree :D!!!!!

while at the farm last weekend the boys loved playing the baby swing! When the boys weren't sitting IN it the girls were playing with it, putting their babies in it!

Charli put on this old football jersey (one that my brother wore when he was her age) ALL day. She ran around very proud. Out of nowhere she struck a pose and said "do I look distinguished?"!!!!!!!!!!!! TOO FUNNY!!

so fun to play cars, especially with your cousin! ;-)

reality

2010-11-22T20:55:00.009-06:00

If I had to pick a work to use tonight, it would be reality. It seems like everywhere I turn I get a burst of it! Sunday morning I got a tearful "lecture" from Charli about how I never spend "any" time with her. I am always with Harper, playing with Harper, and never-ever do anything with Charli, every day - all day. While this is partially true, because Harper demands more attention now, there is no explaining that to a crying 4-year old who thinks her mother has all but abandoned her for her smaller, younger, blue-eyed baby brother. There is no excuse for that, but it is our reality. Chad and I often end up tag teaming the kids because their age spread is not ideal right now. A few months ago they could play together great, and in a few months from now they will again. But, right now they are both territorial of their things, and their mom. This is not to say it is always like this, by any means...but when you are 4 time is not exactly something which can be perceived with great accuracy! Either way, Charli and I (along with Grandma Jody) spend a few hours of girl time watching Toy Story 3 which was full of laughs and smiles...and just what the dr ordered for a little pip-squeak who giggled so loudly and covered her face in fear minutes later! We followed this up by going to a birthday party where she could wrestle her same-aged cousin who never has to fight for his parents attention!!

This is our reality, and while it is not a walk in the park on most days...it is the walk we have been given. And, I have come to learn that without those bumps in the road, the sunny stretches would just not seem as wonderful! It always seems like a victory when we can look back at those "less than great" moments and see that they weren't so bad after all, and how much we all learned!! Have a great Thanksgiving week ya'll. I am thankful you care enough about our family to still be here checking in on us! I would LOVE to hear from those of you who are still here!!

Charli has never been a great eater. We perpetuated the situation once we found out she had cancer, and eating became a priority. Even at 8 months, she knew what that meant to us, and it has been a hot button ever since. Now, the struggle with her to eat is less about "is she sick" and more of a power struggle. We probably have to ask her to sit nicely and eat 5 out of 7 nights a week. REALITY: Chad told her that if she didn't sit and eat nicely, he would tape her to the chair and make her eat. FOLLOW THROUGH: Chad tapped her to the chair -- she ate :-) Before this ends up on some child abuse site, please notice that she voluntarily tore the tape as Chad was doing this with masking tape - and the large grin on her face from the extra attention she was getting because of her behavior! Ahhh, parenting moments at our finest.

Chad was very excited to show the kids his deer. He generally doesn't' care if he gets a deer or not. But, this year he wanted to bring one home to show Charli. He got one Sunday morning and brought it home to show Charli Monday morning before going to daycare. She was pretty excited for him. REALITY: every parent and child need to have that "one thing" that can make them both truly happy.

this is Chad wrapping Charli up to go see the deer, because neither of them could wait to put real clothes on! She went out, fresh out of bed, in her jammies! REALITY: sometimes we don't need to follow all the rules, life is more fun when we break them from time to time...makes those moments feel special!! OTHER REALITY: having rules, makes breaking them the fun part! no rules just means chaos!!

REALITY: these kids love each other. Set aside the fighting for moms attention, Harper playing with Charli's guitar, Charli helping Harper "too much", and all that little brothers grow to do to their big sisters...they love each other. There are few things that bring me more joy, than the realization of what these two will do and mean to each other in their years to come. When I am gone, they will still have each other, and the love they foster now.

a new week, a new job!!

2010-11-14T20:18:00.005-06:00

Chad is on his way home from hunting this weekend, he got a 4x4 this morning...that's about all I know about that! He misses the kids terribly when he is gone, and is excited to show Charli his catch in the morning!

the kids got along great all weekend, I was amazed by how grown up they can be when I just let them "be" and figure things out on their own! This also means some hurt feelings from time to time...but eventually they will need to work things out on their own!

I think they could have done this all night, if I let them!

they were so cute on the chair! I walked in, and they were just sitting there...no TV, no toys, just the two of them! So I ran for my camera super fast, and got a few innocent, happy, and memorable moments!!

ahhhhh, right?!!

the both think the world of each other! Harper woke up from his nap before Charli today. When she finally came out, he squealed like a little piggy and followed it up with "HI!" with so much excitement!!

She is very proud of her creation here. She flipped it over here, and was building a floor so her other legos that she tossed in would be safe from the dragons.

wow, where did my little girl go? This morning she officially babysat Harper for me! I thought I could handle putting off my shower until they were in bed, which I could not stand to wait! So, she was "Charli in Charge" for a short time - and never once did I hear a scream, cry, fight, or yell! When I got out, she had him on a treasure hunt with about 20 books around him "read" him a story.

I hope you all had a great weekend! Tomorrow is the new job!!!

brrr!

2010-11-13T20:14:00.009-06:00

Thursday was my last day at Wiggles - what a sad, sad day that was! My boss walked in with flowers and I literally turned my body and cried a little! I didn't really even acknowledge them, because I was trying to ignore it! I kept super busy, which helped, but also left me feeling bad about things left undone! That night we all went out to eat and shared some good conversations, and hugs! I know I will see them all again, etc - but it won't be the same! For the past three years I have spent more time with them, than my husband and kids...so it stands to reason that I feel a little "empty" knowing all I will miss out on. We shared everything from parenting stories (the good, the bad, and the ugly), husband stories (again...the good, the bad, and the ugly!!), and just life! These girls have changed who I am, will they ever know?!!

Having said all of that, I am excited to start my new job on Monday!!

a few pictures are a little out of order, sorry!

I actually took this picture AFTER the picture below! Checking for belly buttons may seem like a simple task, but not everyone in this house has one, so we all need to check from time to time and see if we still have ours! :-)

Charli is such a good sport!

it was very hard for Charli to let Harper put these on incorrectly!

Saturday night these two ran around the house deer hunting! I post this one because you will notice that Harper has the pink one! I am not sure if he picked it, or if it was left for him...but either way - it does not surprise me!

it looks like they are sword fighting, but they are not! Charli had her gun on her shoulder and she marched around the house, and harper followed her like a little puppy! (which, is one of his favorite past times right now - acting like a puppy!)

pretty GIRLY hair! She NEVER wants me to put a pony in, but I bribed her with food. She got the food, and took the pony out. Figures.

I was kind of hoping his blue eyes would have been colored in this picture, but I guess they weren't the right color!!

I received the booklet of our Heroes of Hope story. All the Hero's from 2011 are featured in a book to share with family and friends!

the beautiful flowers from the girls! Several are opening up tonight, so I bet they stay beautiful for a long time!! The girls also got me an amazing quote to hang in my new office and a BAG full of new FUN office supplies! these girls know me :-)

cozy-comfy!

he thinks he is so tough with these dinosaur noses, or a mask on! He had this on for about 30 minutes Friday night!

my friend, and old college roommate, Debi! A friend from college had a concert in town so many of us were able to attend. It was a GREAT show, and so nice to see people I haven't seen in years!! Google Daniel Christian...he is a great entertainer! (and when he is ubber famous I will remind everyone that I knew him before he was ubber famous AND I sang with him in college :-). And Dan...I am prepared to whip out a few other details that Entertainment Tonight may pay me for...just sayin'!!

this is a great upper body workout! We rode in this diaper box for about 20 minutes Saturday night!

she's got style *she's got grace * she's got super model written all over her face!

i like that he likes to clean! He kept digging his halloween socks out last weekend, which is why he matches so well!

his futures so bright, he's gotta wear shades!

family pictures

2010-11-07T20:19:00.002-06:00

Here is the link for Kelly's site. (http://kellyjoportraits.blogspot.com) I think she has a few of our pictures up, and if you poke around you will probably find some others that she has done as well!!

I will have many more of the pictures available to post online as soon as I can decide which pictures we are going to order! I will post some of our favorites for sure!!

thanks, but no thanks!

2010-11-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

thanks to some computer issues, I didn't get the Halloween pictures up as quickly as I planned!!

Today our house had an unusual and busy day. Last night Charli ended up gracing our home with the stomach flu. Generally Friday's can be pretty flexible, however this was one which couldn't be! Harper had a dr. appointment, and I had two work things that I had to do today, as well as an appointment to donate blood. I am thankful to my husband who also made sacrifices today to stay home for a portion of the day, so we could try to get as many things done as we had planned. Chad took Harper to his appointment and then daycare while Charli and I "hung out at home". I then took off to donate blood, which turned into donating "double reds", for those of you who have done this before -- I would like to hear of your experiences! I felt like I was in a dream land all day, and am completely beat tonight. I then took off to take a physical capacity test for my NEW job. This was a physical endurance type of test, not a smart thing to do 30 minutes after donating. I came home to switch Chad, so he could get back to work for a few hours, and he returned so I could get into work to finish a few things up before a big computer change at the hospital. I am glad today is over!

So, I have not mentioned my new job yet...because it is very bitter sweet and I am ignoring it! However, the short story is that a friend told me of the opportunity and at each turn I wasn't sure what I should do, but kept moving forward with it. I have accepted the position of "Tobacco Prevention Coordinator" for the East Central District Health Department. This is my final week at Wiggles...and I am very sad.

Enjoy the pictures - hopefully if I get a little more organized I will have a few cute, fun, and great family pictures to share! A friend from high school took some casual and candid pictures of the family two weeks ago - and she did a great job! If you are in the market for family pictures...or any type of pictures I HIGHLY suggest her! She is just starting on her own, and did a great job of capturing my family and our personality!! (Kelly Jarecki)

he is not usually this messy while he eats! But, when he is...everyone seems to think it is pretty funny!

Harper & Charli waiting for the puppies to come in before leaving for our morning...they think it is fun to give them treats before we go!

our spooky halloween breakfast treat from last week!!

batgirl * superman

Charli was hilarious! Apparently the package for her outfit had this pose, so she thought she needed to give it each time someone took their camera out! She was adorable as batgirl, and we didn't see a duplicate all night! She was SO proud that she picked it out herself, and I must admit is a far better fit that something "girly" I would have picked for her! She reminds me almost daily that she does not like pink and purple...however blue, orange, green, red, brown, black, and white are good.

2010-10-31T11:19:00.002-06:00

thought I would post a few pictures before all the Halloween ones come later!!

such a "helper"

we went to a Halloween party...we went as ourselves, we didn't win the costume contest :(

believe it or not...neither did this guy!!

fall fun!

2010-10-24T20:00:00.008-06:00

Charli and her daddy...we took a try at family pictures this weekend. hoping a few turned out!

chad's try at the camera!

harper thought the seeds tasted delicious!

charli has found a new love for the camera! I have found the funniest pictures on my camera lately!!

ooooo, so funny to see color pop up on a page!!

he also finds a lot of enjoyment of feeding himself - often making himself giggle!

this is how she came out of her room...I think we live a little too far east for this look. I think she has spent too much time with aunt rachelle!! AHHH-HAAA ;-)

tossing confetti at me - punk!

at the Disney Live Mickey Mouse Rockin' Road Show (or something like that!) we were in the VIP section, so we got lots of perks - like confetti and bubbles! :D

scary lion!!!

it was kind of hard to focus with mickey behind the curtains!! Before the show they played little skits on their big screen as a "pre-show". Charli could NOT be bothered by this, she told me "it isn't even real" and was a total snob about it too!!

charli*ryen*macey before the show!

pretty-pretty girl!

one of the random pictures I found!

another random shot!

halfway thru October, really?!!

2010-10-17T18:45:00.009-06:00

he was playing 'jack in the box' and was completely shocked when he popped up and we played peek-a-boo!!

eating at the klub Sunday night, the big kid forks are so much easier to use...and so much more fun to make noise with ;-)

having fun feeding corn to the goats, one kernel at a time. big sister doesn't always share the corn evenly, so I guess he knows to ration it out!

it took him all of about 3 seconds to mimic her doing this to climb over!

the goats love when the kids come! They get extra food and they play in the fence with them...and get them very excited!! exercise for all :-)

making dust!!

he is an excellent cone-maze maker!

you can see who is more excited to run the equipment!

having so much fun coloring after lunch!

at the pumpkin patch...

i.love.this.picture!! this is SO what "family" pictures are like too!! HARPER LOOK THIS WAY!!

they each picked their pumpkin!

she loved this slide! We did it two times, and she probably would have gone for 100!

laying in the front yard checking out the stars!!

Chad and I got to enjoy a night with friends last weekend! We had a great time as usual! My sister (vicki) and her husband met us there and I reminded them why I am the fun sister :-)

2011 Hero of Hope

2010-10-15T10:20:00.002-06:00

The following was a story in today's Columbus Telegram...

Preister honored with American Cancer Society's Hero of Hope Award

The Newman Grove Reporter was also kind enough to include a press release from the ACS in their print this week. I was also told that the Humphrey Democrat put the press release along with our family picture on their front page! I haven't been able to see the Humphrey paper yet, but know I will soon! Fun :-)

reminder

2010-10-14T08:49:00.002-06:00

I am following a little girl who has recently been dx with cancer and this is a portion of her latest post. It is just reminder of the things that come along with this monster for our kids. I hope it inspires you to want to fight a little harder...

I met with another Dr. today (I honestly can’t even remember what his title is). They watch Jordyn’s pituitary glands, adrenal glands and thyroid. The chances of her having weight issues, height issues and puberty issues are very likely, they will monitor her closely for life and if she needs medicine to regulate any of them they will discuss early on so she will not have any lifelong impacts. Jordyn will likely have problems conceiving children on her own, even though her ovaries are not being affected whatever triggers your brain to talk to your ovaries will be, so she will need help when she wants to have children (she will be able to conceive but possibly not naturally). Just think of the list of things I need to talk to my beautiful daughter about as she grows up…Jordyn when you grow up your teeth are going to be ruined, you may be blind in your left eye, your bones may not grow the same in your face, you may gain weight easily or not gain enough weight, you may not grow correctly and when you’re ready to have children don’t get your hopes up because it’s going to be hard for you....this is like some cruel joke…I really, really hate cancer more and more every single day.

beautiful weather!!

2010-10-06T20:02:00.006-06:00

we have been loving this wonderful weather we have been blessed with!! the kids love it, we love it...it's been a great combination!! as summer winds down fall picks up and that means a different kind of busy for us!

Harper had a rough couple of days with not feeling well and "gaining" some independence, while not being quite independent enough to know!! Charli does her best to be his second mother, while still being the protective big sister when he is in trouble!

Hope you are all making great memories too!!

Charli didn't hesitate to pick footballs when she had her face painted last weekend!

she was riding int he kiddie cars, which were going to slow for her...she kept rocking back and forth to make them go faster!!

Chad and Harper swinging on the playground while Charli played with her new friends on the "big kid" set!

Charli ran in the fun run for the second time! She got 4th place this year ;-)

she was so proud of her ribbon!

however...this was the look she gave me as we left the house - she was less than impressed that we were leaving before she could eat a snack! this look just screams "welcome to your teenage years" to me. I can only imagine!!

Harper is loving his new big-kid seat! We don't trust the two kids to eat side by side yet, partially because I think Haper would swipe Charli's food and also because Charli loves to feed him...and he doesn't need that extra help! But, when we aren't all sitting down together she will still get up from her side to go over and help him get food on his spoon or give him a drink! Or...take the food she likes off his plate ;-)

Dallas Summit

2010-09-26T19:49:00.004-06:00

Last week I took off for Dallas to attend the High Plains Summit for the American Cancer Society. I was there two years ago to represent Platte County as their co-chair...it was just as amazing this year as 2008. However, this year when I went it was for a different reason! I was recently named "Hero of Hope" for 2011 to represent the state of Nebraska! I, along with a cancer survivor, will share our stories of HOPE (sharing Charli's story and my story of a caregiver) to events across the state as needed. I am excited to take part in other Relay events as well as meet so many survivors and caregivers...as well as share hope with some who need it more than we know. It truly is a once in a life time opportunity! I met some amazing people this weekend from Nebraska, Kansas, , Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Hawaii, and Guam! What an honor to be among so many true heroes!

Here are a few pictures from the event...I left Wednesday and got home late Saturday night. Was full of smiles to spend the day with the kids...who didn't miss me because their father took amazing care of them while I was gone!! There is no denying that I would not be able to do any of this if it were not for Chad's support in ways like this!! I am blessed!!

beautiful sun on my flight!!

my fellow nebraska hero :-) (Michelle!!)

Robbin * Susan * Brenda * Stephanie (all associated with the Platte Co event!)

Charli was on display for the entire trip for all 1,000+ to see while there!! I thought she might think it was neat to see me by the picture...she really didn't care!

center stage!

"profiles of hope" the stories of the amazing people I spent my weekend with!

go big red :-)

2010-09-19T18:22:00.004-06:00

Go Big Red! Half of our house really enjoys husker football, the other half couldn't care less. It just so happens that the girls are all about the games, and the boys would rather play in the dirt! We were lucky enough to have Grandma Jody and Grandpa Bob keep the kids so we could watch the game with friends this weekend. Charli gets so excited to wear her "go big red husker" shirt, and loves that Harper has one to match! They even went to a Husker party to watch the game, and she loves to tell me that too!

I don't think I mentioned before that Harper got two more teeth last week, which means he doubled his teeth in the last 10 days! He now has a mouth of six teeth...pretty average now :-)

Have a great week ya'll!!

Harper loves working out on Grandma's treadmill!!

the only good time to get a real - genuine smile from Harper is to put him on a piece of equipment!

teamwork! these two are bu-sy in the mornings!!

oops!!

2010-09-17T13:51:00.002-06:00

somehow this pictures got left off the last post!!

this is Charli's new 3rd arm..."beary" or "bearrit" comes everywhere right now!

these two are goofy-goofy together in Chad's truck when they sit next to each other!

swinging int eh park!

shortly after I took this picture harper made the short 2 1/2 foot drop straight down the swing. Oooppss!

monkey see- monkey do - monkey get MAD!! ;-)

super excited

2010-09-17T13:01:00.008-06:00

This pictures are not in order, but they are here...that is the important part!

Tuesday we took Charli to see Nickelodeon Storytime Live...and she LOVED it! We didn't tell her where we were going, but that we were going to a surprise - which she thought would be the circus, of course! When we got there she started to catch on that it was going to be "big", and enjoyed it so much! So much so that when it was over she was upset! Harper stayed at Lynn's house for several reasons (he wouldn't have sat still for it, we would have had to pay for a ticket for him and then two tickets (his and one of ours) would be wasted while we played in the hall, etc!!). The short version of why he wasn't going was that he wouldn't have fun, is what we told Charli. About 30 minutes into the show Charli came over to me and said "next time let's bring Harper, he would like it mom!"!!!! She really did love it, and so did I! I wish I could take her to do fun things ALL THE TIME!!

the catch of the day!!!

the family watching it rain!!

peek!!!

my friend Kelly made this awesome table-cover tent...the kids are in love with it!! One side is the windows above, a door on another...and these are the other two cute sides!!

adorable!! Kelly put so much work into this project...it looks amazing! If anyone is interested in one of these for your kids/grandkids I will get you two in touch!

a beautiful site on our way home from the show in Lincoln...

Charli following Dora's directions and jumping to reach a star!!!

the priceless face of a child!! This is when Charli saw "Moose A Moose" and "Z" walk on stage!!

She figured it out!! Here she was pretty sure that "Dora or someone like her" was going to be here today"!!!! When it was over she cried a bit because she wanted to give Dora a hug and kiss!! "or at least a hug"!!!

a trip to the park after our picnic last weekend. Harper is not very good at "just being one". He wants to do everything Charli does and gets so angry when he is not allowed!! His favorite toy is dirt -- and anything Charli is playing with at the moment!!

its about time we found our voice

2010-09-11T09:00:00.010-06:00

I haven't been avoiding talking about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month...I just haven't known what I wanted to say.

Every year have I great big plans on how I am going to honor those we have lost and those who have survived, and it seems like each year the closer and closer it gets the harder and harder it is to face. I know that sounds strange.

Friday night "Stand Up to Cancer" was on, I had to DVR it because we had movie and popcorn night and we couldn't skip that! So, I watched it right before bed...probably a bad idea, right?! It started out by talking about kids, and the brave moms who shaved their heads in solidarity of their children and their battles. 46 moms were there to be honored with a slot on the one hour show. Often through the night they talked about and showed kids. It really was a great method to remind people that "kids get this too".

I found myself wanting, so badly at times, to shut it off. If I didn't see it I wouldn't be reminded of the fear and self-doubt that I went through three years ago. But, I know that ignorance does not breed change. So, I put my feet up and painfully watched the rest of the 60 minute show.

We were so lucky. Charli was so young. Charli survived. We ARE so lucky. We all know it isn't luck, it is a blessing. But what do we call it when someone isn't as lucky and their child doesn't survive because they were certainly blessed with their life too. These are just SOME of the questions I am left with.

I've seen friends suffer through cancer with their children, I have seen friends suffer through cancer with their spouse, I have seen friends suffer through cancer with their friends, I have seen my own spouse suffer through cancer with his mother. We have all seen someone suffer at the hand of cancer.

Watching the facts scroll along the bottom of the show was like a kick to the face. 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime and 1 in 3 women. That means that of the men in my family alone seven of them (statistically) will be victim. Of the women three will...heck, Charli is already one of them so that makes everyone elses odds better, right?! Then, seeing in print, again, how much more likely Charli is to have a secondary cancer in her lifetime breaks my heart. The next one, God forbid, she will remember...she is too old not to at this point. I don't like statistics when it comes to health, they don't mean much to me!

Having said all of that, I came to a realization last night. Thank you God for making my kids ornery. Thank you God for giving me a 4-year old little girl who sometimes plays a little rough and is learning how to talk back. Thank you God for giving me the second chance to be frustrated with my kids. Thank you God for allowing me the blessings in my life which lead me to be frustrated and ungrateful at times. Thank you God for giving me the opportunities I have had in my life which make me open minded to change and which give me the ability to not judge people the way others sometimes do. Thank you God for my life.

We all carry our own crosses, this is just just one of several that are on my shoulder. But, this is a big one. This is one which scares me everyday...and it is one we all can feel the fear of. This one thing is common ground for every single person in this world.

Charli is a miracle, that doesn't make her perfect, as much as I wish that because of her past pain she could be!

I think that if we all took five minutes we could all find an extra we can Stand Up To Cancer.

The following are lyrics from one of my top songs right now, and I think it is a good song for today!!

"Beautiful World" - Dierks Bentley
All the noise and the voices are screamin'
What they have to say
And the headlines and sound bytes are givin' me
Demons to hate
And the man on TV
He tells me it's ugly
But if you ask me

It's a beautiful world

There's tears and there's fears and there's losses and crosses to bear
And sometimes the best we can do is just to whisper a prayer
And press on because
There's so much to live for and so much to love

In this beautiful world
Say what you will but I still believe
It's a beautiful world

And I know
I'm not dreamin'
I just choose to believe it

So I hate that I sometimes miss what's right in front of my eyes, oh
And I know at the end of my road I'll be wantin' more time
Just another sunset
One more kiss from my baby
A smile from a friend

In this beatiful world
It's a beautiful world

Say what you will, but I still believe
It's a beautiful world
Yeah, it's a beautiful world
Oh, it's a beautiful world

it always matters...

2010-09-09T18:32:00.004-06:00

a friend posted last night about the quality of life, and it made me reflect a lot. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and all of you know our past...and what we went through. What you may not know is how we vowed to make each moment special, even the moments which may seem "everyday". When Charli was diagnosed I started a 'thankful' journal. Each night I would write down one memory from that day that I never wanted to forget or take for granted. I still do it to this day, and it amazes me how just one simple word can trigger a flow of emotions from that day. Now, I am not saying that it makes each day as unforgettable as I want it to be...but it sure helps me remember how much joy we can find in the simple things. Thanks for the reminder Jen! (ironically enough it was her sister Linda who got me started on the journal!)

Enjoy the pictures which haven't been posted for awhile. Not a lot of new things to talk about. Harper finally broke his 4th tooth thru (barley!!) and Charli has turned into a big girl over night. We now have a 4-year old who can get out of bed, get dressed, take herself to the bathroom, wash her hands, brush her teeth, and get her breakfast out of the fridge -- without asking for a single bit of help (if she wants to!!). I am not ready for this! Tonight she stood in front of the refrigerator and opened both doors (freezer and fridge) looking for a snack, over and over again...and so it begins -- the thought process of "if I open it enough times, something good will pop out at me"!! Watching these two kids learn and grow each day is humbling.

In Charli's words..."God is great...God is good"

not sure when and where she picked up the peace sign, but she thought it was pretty clever!

these pictures are out of order...this is how a general toy "fight" ends up at our house, see below to understand!!

Charli "Harper No! Come on Buddy, just give it here!"

Harper : tug-tug, pull-pull

Charli "oh alright Harper, just take it" - grumble grumble

loves his sucker time! looks like he is trying to be sneaky here!

cheesy cheeto face!

Harper loves to crawl up to her bed...Charli loves to tell him no!

he was literally hiding from Charli after he swiped one of her toys!

Colton and Charli playing after the parade a few weeks ago!

priceless!! Colton patiently waiting, like he always does. Charli with hand on her hip...showing her true personality.

waiting for the parade to start!

nebraska state fair - 2010

2010-08-29T18:59:00.008-06:00

We took the trip the GI for the state fair today, it was soooo windy! This was the first year for the state fair in Grand Island, so we were excited to see what it was all about. Aside from the wind, we enjoyed ourselves. We met Rachelle and family down there so the girls were all about sharing in those things together. We spent a lot of time checking out the animals.

Enjoy the pictures!

she's a natural! As we were walking up a group of about 4-5 teenagers were trying to milk this cow with no luck, and I think they told someone that it was out of water. Charli walked right up, and with perfect technique milked it just fine!! Grandpa should be proud! :-)

Charli was shucking wheat! With this nice mans help she harvested her own wheat, turned it into flower and then "made" a cinnamon roll which she got to eat! She thought that was fun!

this was a big deal! Charli is generally scared of these types of animals, but it was her idea to go see him this time. She said it was because she was "4" this time!

checking out the birthing center!

harper got in on the action too! I am happy to report that even after sticking his fingers into about each cage we walked by, he DID come home with all fingers and toes attached as God made them! He did great today, without his naps!

I told the girls I thought this was a giraffe! Ryen * Charli * Macey

Because Rachelle and I are SO tall, we thought this might put the horses height into better perspective!!

okay, well maybe THIS will show how big it was!

the girls having a peddle tractor "race"

YEP, you see correctly people. This is a CASE tattoo on Charli!! The girls got one, so she was teary-eyed when she didn't have one. Chad actually told her no, she couldn't get one! So, Rachelle kind of shuffled her off and said "I will take her"!! Dad did come over to support it though!! He said that if I posted this on here he would paint me green and yellow in my sleep!

Charli loved the rides we went on. She went on a roller coaster and was full of giggles the entire time! She even tossed her hands in the air as she went up and down! This set of swings went up in the air about 10 feet and she assured me that she was "not even a little scared".

not sure what this was called, but she loved it too! It went forwards and backwards. Our last ride, which I thought was fun enough, she told me "was soo boring". Guess she is a little of a thrill-seeker!

fun times!

she was a little upset here, she said the camel went to slow so she didn't want to ride anymore!

pulling in our driveway...ahhh, the sign of a good day!

and, the sign of a power nap after not sleeping all day!

The kid's really did a great job today, and had a lot of fun. Charli was ready to go back, as soon as we got to the car!!

i want to be like her someday....

2010-08-23T18:30:00.006-06:00

We went to a wedding this weekend, and Charli had such a good time. She loved all the pretty girls at the church. At the reception Charli looked at Jennifer, the bride, and said "I want to be like her someday". It was precious! She and her friends from Lynn's house (the bride was our daycare provider's daughter) had so much fun dancing and playing before everyone had to go home because of tired little brothers!

you know Lynn loves the kids when she lets Charli sit on her lap during the father/daughter dance. With tears in her eyes she held Charli and they sat in awe of how beautiful Jennifer and Lonnie looked together! It was sweet, and Lynn is just amazing to have shared that moment with Charli!

this was hilarious! The floor must have been slick because Harper preferred to crawl on it versus walking. He was heading under a table so Maggie grabbed his shirt and held on while we came to the rescue! These kids look out for each other :-) It is great to have so many mommies in the group!!

Charli *Jennifer *Maggie*Gracie

Maggie & Charli

heading to the dance floor to get their groove on!

Maggie will be 5 in October, proving she is still the bigger of the two!!

good little dancers!

before the reception. Harper would not stand still for a picture with her, so this is what we get! He likes his picture taken about as much as his father!

Charli & mom

getting Charli to wear a dress was not an easy task. She used to be great at wearing them...then we got out of the habit, and it is hard to get going again! We tried 3 of them on and this is the one she picked! We picked out a matching yellow flower for her hair, and I forgot to put it in! I was so mad! I don't know when I will get the chance again!

rockstar

2010-08-20T16:47:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I forgot our theme word at the house this week, it is ROCK STAR!!!

Charli's favorite song in "mom's car" is "rock star" ('So What') by PINK. She will sing very loudly "so what, I'm a rock star - I got my rock moves". Heaven forbid I try to sing too, that is SO not cool!

Harper is a total rock star this week. We are 100% paci free. He used to get his paci at naptime and bedtime. He hasn't got it at daycare for several months, but we were still holding on to it at home. He was a great sleeper, and it just made life simple, and easy! But, the time had come. We pulled the plug on Sunday night. He has been a total rock star and doing great!

WHOOP-WHOOP HARPER :-)

pup-py

2010-08-20T14:56:00.008-06:00

I realized it has been awhile since I posted pictures of the kids, I was a little busy posting Dierks last time :-)

Harper is busy talking about puppies and babies, thinking everything must be either a "pup-py" or "bab-by". As I write this he is freaking out in his highchair as he sits in timeout for pulling things out of a drawer he knows he should not be in. His attitude could not be more different from Charli's at this age! Man, I learn that EVERY DAY! He is a super happy kid, but he can throw a fit - and I just can't remember Charli doing this. I am sure she did though! I am guessing we just gave in with her, so there was no fit to be had!!

Charli continues to learn the boundaries and lessons of being a big sister. When he is upset she tries to comfort him, but when he has something she wants she is not slow at trying to get it back from him! She is protective of him when he is in "trouble" and tries to talk him out of being upset when that happens too. I am proud of the way she steps up to the plate as a big sister, and has grown and changed a lot the past few months.

we took Charli to the circus Thursday night. Charli LOVES the circus! Each time we tell her we are going to do something fun, or do a "surprise" she asks if it is the circus. She was attentive the entire time and loved each part. However, the one part she did NOT like was the ending. She started to cry when she realized it was over. I mean cried, like a baby, cried! Like I said, she loves the circus!

Harper being ornery before leaving for daycare. He likes to get about 10-15 things out each morning to play with and explore!

Charli showing off her shirt...sticking close to harper in the morning like usual! a few mornings ago she informed me that she has "hips" and can shake them. Learning from a 4-year old is priceless!

while harper gets a bath, so does Charli's baby. She has two babies that she loves very much...one is named Harper and the other is named Charli. When you ask her why she picked those names she will say "because my babies are sooo cute"!!

bummer, a bruise! This is a result of a little mishap on the 4-wheeler. She is no worse for wear, but did take a tumble after a 4-wheeler "accident". She is a great rider and respects the rules and the machine, but took a hand off for a few seconds and slid into something at the shop and took a fall. She had a few scratches and bumps and bruises but got right back on and wasn't afraid of it! She was more concerned about what happend to her 4-wheeler -- the paint cracked a little. More to come, I am certain of that.

not sure what this face was about!

Charli was playing "money". To play this game with Charli is simple, each time I have a turn I have to pay her "two dollars" and each time she has a turn I have to pay her "two dollars". Fun. :-)

this is how Harper eats cantaloupe! Couldn't get enough, if you can believe that.

Charli's new favorite spot to watch tv...on top of the top of the couch! I remember doing this when I was her age! crazy!

playing with the slip-n-slide after it broke! She was playing nicely and all of a sudden we had a flood of water out the bottom! She popped it! :( sad little girl!

before the fun was over, she was just warming up to the cold water!

one of Harper's new favorite past times...climbing up on the chair and playing with whatever Charli has out for her babies. Fun for him, until he is caught by Charli!

from Charli's party at daycare. I think she got this hat from her grandma a few years ago...she wears it each year at daycare! I wonder when she will be over that tradition, 20...25?! :)

come a little closer baby...

2010-08-09T19:44:00.006-06:00

I had a GREAT time at our girls night out Friday in Council Bluffs! We went to the Dierks Bentley concert, and made some great memories!

I feel fairly safe saying this here...Chad rarely comes to visit this site...I love Dierks Bentley! He put on a great show and we were super close! The girls seem to think we were 10 rows or less away! So much fun! Thanks to all the girls! I can't wait to go again next year, or next weekend if Dierks came to town :-)

he was singing to me...I felt bad for all the other girls who were there to see him. But, it is what it is ;-)

after the concert we met up with the opening band, the "Dirt Drifters". They were a great band to get the night started! After this picture a girl came up to the tent to purchase an autographed picture of the band and the main singer gave the pen and picture to me and told me to add my name!! HA! Someone actually bought my autograph, I am famous!!!

great memories!!

after our meal we were walking out and an "older" gentleman offered to take our picture! We weren't sure what we would end up with! But, here we are!!!

this is the crew who made the trip! Thanks for making the trip so much fun girls! I can't wait to do it again!!

Natalie*Erica*Brenda*Trisha*Therese

2010-08-08T11:31:00.003-06:00

Take every chance
to relax,
to hope,
to heal,
to dream,
to play,
to give,
to receive...

-author unknown

Charli's day!

2010-07-28T19:16:00.007-06:00

We had a fantastic day with the birthday girl today! We didn't tell her of the surprise trip to the zoo, but she did guess it as we walked to the gates! She had a great day. We took the skyfari ride, which is like a ski lift that goes above the zoo. She wasn't scared even a little...I, however, was! I hate heights!

She wanted to ride the train so badly, but the line was no less than 200 people long, and she was already spent for the day. So we headed up for snack and the gift shop! She was most concerned with getting a gift for Harper! She picked a small stuffed Lion that "roars"!

After the zoo we went to visit our friend Andy who is in the hospital at Childrens. He is currently in treatment, and has low counts. She picked out a few fun gifts for him as well!

Then, we headed to Sheels to ride the ferris-wheel. She loved that...again, I was not the biggest fan. Parental sacrifice, wonderful.

When we got home we ate her birthday supper, opened gifts, ate cake, played and went to bed! Everyone is exhausted and ready for sweet dreams!

Happy Birthday Charli, you are FOUR today! You are an amazing girl who I love more than life itself! So glad we had a wonderful day! Let's see how life changes in the next 356 days!

Charli waving to a super cute monkey! (he didn't wave back!)

since I am in charge of the camera, we don't generally get any actions shots!

our only group shot! not exactly a portrait!

seriously?!

she loved that she was taller than me!

a pretty butterfly! But, if you look long enough it is creepy looking! STOP LOOKING :-)

one of the amazing animals we saw on our travel above the zoo! Got amazing shots on that ride!

Charli is nearly as tall as the emperor penguin!

this was swimming above our head, comforting!

"look mom, it's Dorie" - for those who haven't seen Finding Nemo - this means nothing to you!

Charli and her dad!!!!!!! (ahhh, haa...the beauty of running this blog!!)

RRRROOOAAAARRRRR!!

red tongue after snack! A combination of a smile and tongue shot!

giggle smile in front of her one of her bday gifts! A toy box...she IS excited about it! Harper has a blue one with an elephant and basketball hoop! Charli's has a monkey and hippo! They are adorable, and if you have kids you need one too!!

happy birthday!!

he ate all of Chad's cake! And, threw a fit when it was gone!

Thanks!!

2010-07-28T19:14:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the extra special birthday wishes from our friends in South Africa!!
Check out their blog and learn of their journey through NB and now Autism...an amazing family!
http://deqlanhigginsblog.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Charli!

2010-07-27T20:13:00.003-06:00

Dear Charli,
Happy birthday to an amazing blessing of this world! Tomorrow we not only celebrate your birthday, but your life! Your birthday will also signify the 2nd chance we received with you, and that is an event I can't put into words. Each day I think about how lucky we are to have you, and each year when you blow out more and more candles on your cake it is a reminder of how blessed we are to have you in our life. Thank you for choosing us to love...and we promise to continue to do the best we can for you and with you. Have a great day, because you deserve it...and not many can say that!! We love you!!

when comparing her little body to my hands, she looks like a baby doll!!

looks a little like her baby brother here!!

such a fun age!

personality radiates!

Happy 4th birthday Charli! You have changed and grown up so much in the past year, I am proud of you!

4th birthday party - day!!

2010-07-25T19:10:00.015-06:00

Charli in her new PJ's she got from her great-grandma and great-grandpa...she could not WAIT to get these on for bed the night of her birthday party!!!

Landon was admitted to the ER last week with some complications from his abdominal surgery last year when he was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. I surprised them with a visit, traveled there Sunday night and stayed most of the day Monday! It was a great visit...wish I could have stayed for days!!

Chad and Charli went hunting last weekend. I use the word loosely! Charli had a great time, and Chad enjoyed taking her! They both came home with lots of stories to tell :-) Somehow didn't get the picture posted of her after she fell on Chad's prowler! She was hot and tired after a long day of hunting!

a typical look from Harper, but one that it hard to catch with the camera!

went to Lincoln on Friday to experience the National Special Olympics. I knew I wanted to take Charli down to be apart of it, but was certain it wasn't going to work out. After more thought I realized it was something we couldn't pass up! After I decided we would attend a basketball game, I found out that the game we were going to watch was one that Chad's cousin was playing in! It was so much fun to watch all the participants and absorb the energy! The kids were way into the game! Charli enjoyed cheering for both teams, and her baby even enjoyed herself! Harper clapped eachtime any play was made, and loved the excitment! This picture is of Chad's cousin Meghan after their game, where they won 2nd place. WAY TO GO TEAM NEBRASKA!!!

loving on blackberries! While this child may never stop eating, he eats foods that are very good for him...so I can't complain too much!! Of all the fruit/veggies we have tried we have found that the only one he doesn't like is tomatoes...but we will keep working on that!

soon enough he will tumble end over end!

ahhh, here is the sleeping shot! A little out of order :-)

totally out of order, sorry!! Here is Charli with her gun she took hunting with Chad!

doesn't need the paci to sleep...yet not ready to let it go!!

This is how Charli went to sleep on Sunday night, which was her "birthday party day"! She got the kangaroo for her birthday, which she asked for right after Christmas! She got a TON of great things, all centered around babies - her new love! She keeps very entertained and busy with taking care of her babies. She told Chad today, "we have to take a lot of things when we take a baby, isn't that right daddy"! Amen to that ! I am glad that we can get in the car and go with a sippy up and a diaper!

determination! He made it nearly 1/2 way up the slide...before sliding back down!

Charli got a soccer net/ball and shin guards...she was all over that! She had a great time playing soccer with Ryen, Macey, and Colton! Braxton even tried to get in on the action!

LadyBug LadyBug oh so sweet - being 4 will be so neat :-)

enjoying a nice cool treat at grandma and grandpa's house!! They were SO excited when all the mom's said they could have TWO!! Macey *Colton*Ryen*Charli

goofy!

hmmm, ever seen his little girl before??

slap some modern clothes on this little girl, and it would be Charli 2010! Again, Brenda in 1983!
Although, Charli is MUCH cuter :-)

catch up

2010-07-14T19:33:00.009-06:00

So much catching up to do! I will try to make it quick, because we all know you come here for the pictures :-)

Last weekend with the help of a few people I threw together a surprise birthday party for Chad, the big 3-0! We did this as a combo party with our friend Josh, who has a birthday on Christmas and often gets the short end of the birthday stick! So, we had a 1/2 party for him too! It was fun. Each of them knew I was having a party for the other, but making it all blend together was tricky! Both had a good time and were able to celebrate in style!!

friends at the bar to celebrate for a bit!

Charli is BIG into babies right now, not sure where that came from! But, this is her little baby. Her name is Harper. She even gets to sleep with Charli's silky blanket, which is a big-big deal! She comes everywhere with us, and Charli can't wait to get another one for her birthday?!!

this boy LOVES these!!!

not sure which one had more fun!

why does dad ALWAYS get the good spots in the house?!

Relay For Life

2010-06-30T19:19:00.006-06:00

We had a great event, and thanks to all of you who made that possible! Thanks to KB Photography we had a "photo corner" which allowed all at the event to get any picture taken, so I took major advantage of that!! The weather was hot, but the bugs were in hiding and we had a great day! If you were able to make it I would love to hear about your experience!! I was up for around 42 hours straight, which has left me tired yet on Wednesday!

Major thanks & props to Chad for being super dad/husband, not only throughout Relay season, but especially the week of Relay! He understand the commitment it takes, and fully supports my efforts! If it was not for him I would not have been able to do 1/2 of what we did! It is important to him that we work for this cure...and he will do whatever it takes too!!

4th of July weekend, excited to see Charli light up at the fireworks!

Enjoy the few pictures...and hopefully I will upload more later!

the family! pictures like this, with all four of us, don't come around very often!! While it only cost me $5 for the donation to get the picture it is really priceless! Look how sweet Charli is with her arm around Harper, that was totally NOT staged!! love it!

the Borg girls! Rachelle with her two girls Ryen and Macey, Vicki, mom, myself and Charli.

Charli's Angels team!! This was not our complete team, we are even bigger than this!!

Janelle (my co-chair and also Chad's aunt) and I

crazy girls!! Janelle, Stephanie (our ACS staff partner) and me!

Why do you Relay....

2010-06-22T21:02:00.007-06:00

Why do you Relay?

Do you Relay because you have lost a loved one?
Do you do it because a dear friend has been crushed by what cancer can do?
Does walking mean that you show the world you will stand strong against what this beast has done?
Do you Relay for yourself?
Do you Relay for others?

I Relay because my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, before she could drink from a sippy cup.
I Relay because we had too many firsts that happened in the hospital room and at ER visits.
I Relay because I am blessed to have my daughter.
I Relay because I don't want Charli and Harper to go through what I went through.
I Relay because my grandchildren still have a chance to have a cancer free world.
I Relay because I have been scared.
I Relay because it is one fight we all are in.
I Relay because rather than be ashamed cancer has touched me, I am proud of what I have done to cancer.
I Relay because I have a mother, father, sisters, brothers, and friends who will ultimately fight this some day too...if we don't stand up to cancer.
I Relay because I have HOPE.
I Relay to CELEBRATE.
I Relay to REMEMBER.
I Relay to FIGHT BACK.

We care WHY you Relay. We care THAT you Relay. Cancer has made it's mark...and now it is time for us to make ours. Leave a comment and tell me WHY YOU RELAY!

Relay For Life of Platte County

June 25th - 26th

7:00 pm

Pawnee Park

Email me for details!