A month of activities in a nutshell

As my boss often says "Good Governor" --- it has now been over a month since I posted last.  I was going to get better about this ---- and as you can see, that has not happened.  So, here goes trying to wrap up a months worth of activities in a nutshell!  I'll try to include pictures to make it go faster (or slower depending on the speed of your computer:)

Beautiful Kansas sunset --- this is what I love about living in the country and the direction our house faces.  This is a picture from our front porch:)

Here is Ryan playing the largest instrument possible - - - the sousaphone (sp?) in the McPherson All Schools Day Parade (he plays the tuba in the band but the sousaphone is the marching instrument for the tuba).  They marched 3/4 of a mile to a mile.  He was a little tired by the end.  It was VERY cold for the beginning of May and the wind was strong, but thankfully from the North which was behind them.  

Here is proof that it was COLD!  Tyler insisted on wearing shorts (although he was strongly encouraged not to and given many opportunities to change).  Let's just say that Ryan and Tyler went with me to work a track meet later this same day and they both made the decision to wear sweats and a sweatshirt . . . I believe this would be considered "natural consequences" that a child chooses to learn a lesson from:)

Grant has become quite the little piano player.  He especially enjoys playing with other friends:)

Here he is with Morgan.

And here with Kalyn

This is one of those pictures that could get me in trouble later in life, but oh it is cute and funny now:) 

True farmers . . . wearing boots with anything and everything!

Time spent with a dear friend, Anika Nissen, who was an exchange student from Denmark my junior year of high school.  So wonderful to spend a little time with her!!!  She hasn't changed a bit!

Time with the cousins . . . Grant and Ian were driving the tractor (pretending of course).  Pretty cute!!!

 The cousins taking swimming lessons together . . . Luke and Andrew.  They are having a great time together!

Oh how Andrew loves the water and splashing in any way he can!!!!  This request to sit on the step and kick was no problem for him!

Alright - I realized I haven't even gotten to baseball for the boys or harvest . . . stay tuned and hopefully within the next couple days I'll get that covered and posted!  The beginning of summer has been a whirlwind, but very enjoyable and relaxing!

Mission Accomplished

May 1 was the day I'd been training for . . . so excited to participate in the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon with Vanessa, as she would be running her first ever half marathon.  A week ago, the weather looked like it would be outstanding.  As the day approached, the outlook was looking less and less appealing.  Forecast --- 54 degrees, feeling like 51 and 30% chance of rain.  In Kansas, when there is a 30% chance of rain (especially in our area), you can count on the fact that it WILL NOT RAIN!!!!  Well, I guess Oklahoma is a different story.

We arrived at the starting area (along with about 20,000 other people) at 5:30 am for the start at 6:30 am.  When we were walking up we could hear the Sunrise Service at the Memorial Tree and enjoyed listening to the praise songs being sung.  What an inspiration.  Then we huddled together and joined in the reciting of the Lord's Prayer, knowing God was with us.  In the middle He made it clear, it started to sprinkle.  Within 5 minutes of the prayer ending the announcement was made that there would be a 30 minute delay to the start to allow the storm that was approaching to pass by.  So, into the parking garage we went to sit for a little over 30 minutes.  Needless to say, the storm system never really "passed by" but just continued all morning. 

The race started at 7:00 am IN THE RAIN . . . it took us 11 1/2 minutes to get from where we were standing in the starting chute to the actual starting line . . . and the rain continued throughout the WHOLE morning - there was not a moment of running without rain.  But, as all of us know, every farmer in Kansas was wishing for rain - but I definitely was not wishing for rain to run in.  I now know that I CAN run in the rain and survive - even 13.1 miles:)  By the time we arrived back at the hotel, I was realizing how cold I really was and as the layers started coming off, it was evident how drenched every single layer was.  I decided I had at least 5-10 more pounds of water in my clothing through the entire race.

I was really looking forward to the beautiful route through Oklahoma City, but unfortunately have to tell you that I have no idea what was around as my head was tucked down most of the race to keep the rain from hitting my face.  I can say at the end I saw some VERY large houses - mansions in an older area of the city.  We can say we finished the race . . . I can say I felt better at the finish line than I have in my previous two races . . . and I can say I had the fastest time yet - 2:22.55 (I will tell you I did not include the 5 minute stop to go to the bathroom at mile 2 or the 2 minute stretching stop at mile 10.5 when Vanessa didn't think her IT bands were going to survive:)  We didn't stop because we had to walk or anything - it was necessities.  Our time included any "moving" time.

Now I'm contemplating what race to do next.  I've found that I need something to train for - a purpose to not give an excuse that I'll "run the next day".  I'm strongly considering Kansas City again in October because I really enjoyed that one.  We'll see.  I will say that I know God was with us through the race on Saturday or we never would have made it.  At about mile 9 I started singing the chorus in my head to "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns (click on the link to listen to the whole song) ---
    Living, He loved me;
    Dying, He saved me;
    Buried, He carried my sins far away;
    Rising, He justified, freely forever;
    One day He's coming;
    O glorious day, o glorious day.

I kept telling myself that if Jesus could die on a cross for my sins, I could keep running through a little rain and being tired.  It got me through.  The other verse that kept coming to me was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)  God gave me the ability, health, and desire to be able to run.  I need to make sure I continually use the gift He's given me and glorify Him through it all.  Thank you God, for giving me the strength to complete the task I began training for 10 weeks ago.  As always, the feeling of accomplishment at the end made it all worth it. 

Next few weeks

Since I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping anyone up to date on what "has" happened --- this time I'm going to try the what "will be happening". 

This weekend is the MCC Sale - a "must" event in our schedule.  Ryan and Tyler will have their first opportunity to actually work at it, as I signed them up to help serve vegetables.  I'm really hoping this will be a great service that they'll enjoy.  We'll only be at the sale Friday evening as Ryan will have his last MAYB basketball tournament on Saturday.  It will just be a one day tournament.  Although we wish they'd play more games in their tournament weekends for the cost, we also feel very fortunate that not many tournaments this year have interfered with church.  Sunday afternoon the kids will have a chance to go skating with a group from church - should be fun, busy (especially with the little ones), and full of memories!

Next weekend, Chris will be running in his FIRST half-marathon!  I think I gave him the "half-marathon fever".  My brother will be joining him and they'll be running in Lawrence.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to go to capture the photo moments because I'll be taking our children to church.  I know they will do great and can't wait to hear about it.

We just found out today that Andrew will be having an adnoidectomy/tonsillectomy on April 20.  He has not been sleeping very well for the last year or more and finally decided it was time to have this checked out.  Let's just say that we found his tonsils were HUGE (basically touching his uvula) and his adnoid is large also.  Due to a couple visits with getting wax out of ears, he is not real excited about this event happening.  Please pray for him to be calm and an excellent patient.

Then it seems May 1 is right around the corner.  That will be when I will be running my third half-marathon at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon!  My friend Vanessa will be joining me and I'm excited - although I'll feel better after my next two weekends of long runs and then when the race is actually finished.  I've heard it is an amazing run and loved my experience in Kansas City with a large number of people participating.  This one will be about twice as big - it will definitely be quite a rush!

Right after that will be our next medical surgeries with Tyler and Grant both having dental work done on May 4.  Grant's will be pretty minor this time (although we found that he will be requiring MUCH dental work in the future - probably mainly beginning around age 6 or 7 with a bone graft), and Tyler will be having a tooth pulled as well as some cavities filled. I believe his dental care will be increasing too, although not to the same extent as Grant's will.  They will both be having the work done by the same dentist the same day, so prayers will be needed for us then too. 

I would like to express how grateful we feel for the blessings God has given us.  Yes, we have trials just like most do, but the opportunities we've had far out-weigh the struggles.  We've been blessed beyond belief with good health to participate in numerous activities and thoroughly enjoy them!  Our kids keep us hopping, but again, the joy we find being involved in their lives is truly priceless!  Thank you God for all you've provided for our family!

Where does time go?

I keep making a small vow to myself to be better about updating the blog, and then --- whoosh --- the time flies by again and it's a month later with so many things happening it's hard to decide what to include.  So, this may be like a "Christmas letter" - trying to give a little bit of a number of things that are happening.

Tyler's recreation basketball season ended.  These 9 boys did pretty well - 5-2 - and 7 of them played in one MAYB (Mid-America Youth Basketball) Touranment.  

I was an assistant coach and spent many hours at practices and games.

 

Ryan's recreation basketball team ended the season 7-0 (they had 6 players on their team and there was another 6th grade boys team with 7 players that ended their season 7-0 also).  There is a great group of athletes in his class.  They have continued on after the season for the last 3 years and played in some MAYB tournaments.  Last year they played in about 8 or so.  This year we are getting ready to play in our 4th one - we've gotten 2nd in two of the tournaments so far.  Here is a picture of the "huddle" during one of the tournaments.  The coach has spent MANY hours doing a great job teaching these boys fundamental basketball which will definitely pay off for them.  They are fun to watch!

Tyler had a vocal music concert with the 3rd - 5th graders.  I believe he enjoyed it a little more than his face shows here:)  He had not been feeling the best the couple days before this, although he never really ended up sick - just had a headache and cough.  As a whole, the kids sounded great!

Tyler and his buddies after the program during the ice cream social put on by our Parents as Partners group.  Tyler is the second one from the right.

Andrew had one weekend with two major birthday parties.  One was a "Super Hero" party and they went all out.  They were supposed to dress up as a super hero - and you can see he was Spiderman (thank goodness for old Halloween costumes:)  The face painting occurred at the party - amazing job - I was shocked when I saw him and how real the paint job on his face was.  He had a blast!!!

The next day, another preschool friend had a bowling birthday party.  This was Andrew's first experience with bowling, and he had a great time!  I was concerned there might be a hole in the floor at the start of the lane, but I guess the floor held up.  He has since had his second bowling outing as his Cousin Luke just had a bowling birthday party this last weekend (but of course I forgot my camera).

Grant enjoyed his time at the bowling alley too:)

Happy Birthday Tyler!  It is amazing that it was ten years ago that we were so unsure of the journey we were beginning. What an amazing adventure it has been, one we wouldn't trade for anything. Tyler has taught us joy, determination, persistence, and has blessed us with an incredible spirit and love of life! He is a blessing each day, and we're thankful for our NFED family that he's given us the opportunity to know.

Here are all the cousins at the family birthday party.

I was a bad mom because he had a friend birthday party with 7 other boys - 6 of them spending the night.  I some how did not get one single picture of any of it, so unlike me.  Oh well, I don't think I'll "reenact" it just for pictures:)

Then continuing on with the "mom" thing, we took the older two boys out of school on the Wednesday of the Big XII tournament and drove to Kansas City to see 4 tournament games.  We had a GREAT day and just felt like it was an opportunity we wouldn't be given every day.  The tickets were available from some friends so we took advantage of the chance.  As a teacher, this is not something I do often - but well worth it for the enjoyment for the kids (and of course as parents too).

March is always one of my favorite times of year because of basketball, basketball, and more basketball.  As a player and coach it always started with the State Basketball Tournament.  This year celebrated 100 years of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) and they recognized all the previous state championship teams.  My senior year at Moundridge High School, back in 1991, we won the state championship for the first time in school history (our boys team won that year also).  This happened to be the 20 year anniversary of that also.  Here I am along with 3 of my teammates from our championship team in 1991.  It was quite a rush to step out on the Bramlage Coliseum court again and see all the Moundridge fans as our girls team was getting ready to play for the state championship again.

Tyler as a faithful fan!

Andrew as a "cheerleader" - he loved the pom poms.

And the girls WON - for the 7th time in school history!  

What an amazing day with lots to be thankful for and celebrate!!!  Congratulations!

Check it out

Maybe you would like to be watching a movie right now?  Well, I don't have a great movie for you but I strongly encourage you to take 10 minutes to watch this video about the NFED and its mission.  This organization is truly dedicated to the individuals that are affected by Ectodermal Dysplasia and has blessed us many times over.

Tyler with his EEC buddies who he met through the NFED

This is Ectodermal Dysplasia Awareness month and we have been collecting "change" for the NFED.  If you feel led to help this organization, we would greatly appreciate it.  Go to www.nfed.org to donate online or send checks made out to NFED to our address.  Thank you so much!  We really appreciate it and so does our NFED family!!!

 Grant's getting in with the boys too:)

 The goodbye hug with our fabulous friends because of the NFED:)

The goodbyes don't consist of smiles the whole time:(

Andrew and Ally are so sweet to each other

 Andrew being a proper gentleman:)  Awwww.

"30 Days of Change"

Each year the NFED (Natioanl Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias) designates February as Ectodermal Dysplasias Awareness month.  The last couple years we've participated in the organizations annual raffle and sold tickets.  This year, the annual event is different.

Ever wondered what to do with your change at the end of each day? Here's a challenge for you. "30 Days of Change" - for the next 30 days collect all of your change at the end of each day, and at the end of the month donate it to the NFED in celebration of their 30th Anniversary.  We are associated with the NFED because Tyler (9 yrs. old) and Grant (2 yrs. old) are both affected by EEC Syndrome, one of over 150 different Ectodermal Dysplasia syndromes.  The NFED supports those affected by Ectodermal Dysplasias through education, support, and research.  We could talk all day about why the NFED has made such an impact in our lives and the lives of our children, but if you watch the video below, you will "feel" what we feel every time we attend an NFED event.  It is a group that truly feels like family.  You'll also see Tyler and other members of our family in the video.   Welcome to the NFED video

Please consider contributing your change to an organization that has "changed" our lives with their amazing support and encouragement.  After you've collected your change, or donation, please send the check made out to the NFED to us and we will send it on to the NFED.  This challenge is from January 31 - March 1.  All donations are due at the NFED office by March 8, so we will plan to mail the donations by March 5. 

The family raising the most funds will be awarded a $300 voucher to be used for registration fees for the 2011 NFED Family Conference.  In addition, any family participating in the "30 Days of Challenge" will be entered into a drawing for a $200 voucher.  We attend this conference each summer as our family vacation and have found it to be an event our whole family looks forward too . . . especially the older boys as they get to meet up with some amazing friends that they see only 3 days out of every year.  The bonds we've made with other families have developed into friendships that will last a lifetime.

Another idea to help contribute to the "30 Days of Change" could be to get your colleagues at work involved.  Set a container out for change and come up with a "specific" reason for people to contribute their change.

Please feel free to give us a call or email us if you have any other questions.

Thank you very much for your support of this cause.

Go to the following link to read the complete flyer on the "30 Days of Change"
"30 Days of Change" Flyer

Snow Days

Well, this is the last free night!  We've just had two snow days and they have been WONDERFUL days together.  Yesterday, I didn't leave the house all day!  We got up, made donuts out of Grands biscuits, drank hot chocolate and had a lazy morning.  There was even time for a relaxing run on the treadmill.  For lunch we made Western burgers (with actual Onion Strings from a Pioneer Woman recipe).  The onion strings were good, but the house looked like a fog of smoke from deep fat frying the onions - wow - it smelled too.  When the temperature is 5 degrees with blowing wind, not a great time to be opening windows to air out the house:)  Grandpa and Grandma came for lunch and then a game of Apples to Apples together.  After making No BAke cookies, we ended the day enjoying the KU game by the fire - which is when we got the call for no school again today.  YEAH!!!!!

Unfortunately, Chris had to work, so it was just the boys and I today.  I started off the day "spoiling them" by making biscuits for Ryan (so he could use the gravy from the refrigerator for biscuits and gravy), and making French Toast for Tyler.  We enjoyed lunch with Shaun and Kaitlen at Lincoln Perk in Hesston --- I was pleased to have a wonderful fancy coffee.  After coming home, I helped bundle the older 3 kids up to go out and ride the 4-wheeler in the snow a little. 

I tried to take pictures of the beautiful drift in our front yard, but the pictures didn't do it justice. 

I baked oatmeal bread this afternoon and Chris helped make White Chili for supper.  It's amazing how much cooking and baking can take place when you are actually home.  Now, time to finish the snow days off sitting back in the recliner.  Thank you for a couple free days to enjoy with the family!