My Little Man

Today my son is 6. I remember praying for almost 2 years for this little one, and wondering if we would ever have a second child. When I found out I was pregnant I was so excited and SCARED! I had just lost a baby a few months before. I remember the day we found out he was a boy. Everyone in the family was shocked. Out of 9 grandchildren on both sides of the family, he is the ONLY boy. We all thought he would be another girl. I had a very easy pregnancy, and an easier delivery.

Here is Caleb at 3 days old:


And here at 3 months:

Today he is a handsome, thoughtful, caring, loving, sensitive, mischievous, joking, sneaky, fun, playful, adventurous, talented, adorable little boy. We love you, Caleb! Have a very happy birthday.

My Musical Babies

My kids (fortunately) have their father's musical ability. Makenzie is our bass player and Caleb has recently expressed interest in learning the electric guitar. We got him one yesterday and this is how the afternoon was spent.

We have already arranged lessons for them both. I can't wait to hear them play as they learn more about their instruments.

For My Sister

It has been almost 6 months since I lost my sister. I can't believe it has been that long. It feels like just yesterday that I received that devastating phone call. Grief is a nasty emotion. Just when you think you are doing good...BAM! It knocks the wind out of you all over again.

I recently decided I wanted to get a tattoo to honor Faith. I have always wanted one on my wrist, but didn't know what to put there. Faith's name was the perfect thing. I was just going to put Faith, but to our family she was Faith Marie. She even referred to herself as Faith Marie. So it was only fitting that I would have Faith Marie tattooed instead of just Faith. She also had great handwriting. Anytime I saw her writing, I knew it was hers. It was very unique.

Last week I went through all of her papers and documents to see if I could find her signature in her handwriting. I found the perfect one. I had it tattooed on my right wrist.

It was hard to get a good picture, but you get the idea. This tattoo means so much to me. I find myself looking at it off and on all day long, and it always brings a smile to my face.

First/Last

Just a quick post to share the first day of school pics and the last day of school pics:

First:


Last:


First:


Last:

They aren't the best quality, but at least I have them for my record.

End of School

I can't believe school is out already. I am looking forward to this summer and having my kids home. They really are a lot of fun to be with. Here are some pictures of Caleb's Kinder graduation.

This is his teacher, Mrs. Swift:


Hmm...I think I better keep my eye on this boy:


This is Caleb's best friend, Sydney (on the right) and her sister, Shelby. They are already arguing over which one of them gets to marry Caleb. Too cute!


Caleb and Sydney:

Cute kid:

This is a blurry picture, but he was so bored. He didn't even want to go in the first place. Boys!

This is Makenzie at her 5th grade goodbye party:

This is her with her state project display. It was for the state of Wisconsin

I can't believe this girl will be starting middle school in the fall. Where is my baby?

Caleb Funnies

Had to take a moment to record some of the funny things Caleb has said the past few days.

Caleb: Mom, I want to go to Heaven.
Me: Why?
Caleb: So I can be an angel
Pause for a second...
Caleb: And steal all the gold!

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On Wednesday the school had a celebration for all the kids who have summer birthdays. They take them to the cafeteria and give them all a Burger King crown and a donut. When I picked the kids up from school, he was wearing his crown and he said, " This is the best day of my life!". I asked him what made it the best day and he said, "Because I got a donut at school".

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The morning after the "Donut and Crown" day, he woke up about 7:30 and asked me if it was still early. I told him it was and he said, "Yes! Another day, another opportunity to wear the crown!".

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This kid cracks me up every day. I wonder where he comes up with this stuff.

Mother's Day 2009

Just thought I would take a second to brag on my amazing, thoughtful, sensitive husband. The past 2 weeks have been very rough for me. I have been really missing my sister. Lots of crying and very little sleeping. I know it is all part of "the process", but I keep feeling like I should be past this. So, yesterday morning, I open my Mother's Day gift and this is what I find inside:

(Front)
It says "In Memory of Faith Marie"


(Back)



On the day that Caleb was born, Scott gave me a gift in the hospital. It was a silver chain bracelet with a heart charm that had Makenzie engraved on one side of the heart, and Caleb engraved on the other. Yesterday he gave me this precious charm to add to that bracelet. The music notes are so fitting. Faith LOVED to sing and she had the most beautiful voice. She sang in our wedding, she sang to my kids, she sang to the animals...she just loved to sing.

Thank you, Scott for being sensitive to my hurting and doing all that you can to make me feel loved. This gift is so very precious to me and I will never forget the tears in your eyes as you watched me open it. I love you with all of my heart!