Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!

Yes I know one day late. Believe me I thought of Mariah all day yesterday. I can relive the day she was born and the two days leading up to it perfectly. Actually, I can go back to the Friday before she was born on Wednesday. I remember all too well Dr Evans telling us that her condition was fatal and giving us our options. I remember going with Michael's mom and dad and niece to a basketball game at Linn that night. And the anticipation that on Monday we were going to become parents. That was the longest weekend ever.

I remember my mom and Michael being there with me and Dr Evans telling us he thought it would be quick. I had nothing to eat or drink from midnight the night before. And by Monday night with no changes at all I ask for a meal. And got it! Tuesday came with the same story, no changes. At this point I was thinking a little that maybe we didn't make the right decision. It wasn't until later that I learned that the Dr had told my mom that the heartbeat was gone that morning when he did the sono. So the decision was already made for us. Finally in early hours of Wednesday morning my water was ready to be broke. Dr Morgan Hostetter (Sp) from Australia came in and broke it. From that point on I was dilated to 4, and Mariah's little hand was out of the cervix. But even then it still took forever. I remember later in the afternoon, my nurse, Jeanie, how appropriate, asked if I just wanted to try and push, and of course I did. So Dr Evans was called and Mariah Jeanne was delivered. We got to hold her and love her. They brought us in lotion and teeny tiny clothes to pick out and dress her. She was baptized by Rev Eva Brown. This is how vivid everything is. I even remember the names. And none of this is written down. All from my memory.

I remember to this day the beautiful Christmas tin with the Angel on the lid that my mom bought for us to line with red velvet. This was our little makeshift casket that we made. This is what was recommended by the hospital. She was much too tiny to have a real casket. I remember when they took her from us and we knew we would never see our precious little angel again, until we meet in heaven.

Oh the emotions that run. I am so excited for my cousin and his family. They found out yesterday that they are having a little girl. After four boys, everybody would want a girl! I remember with all of my sono's with my kids, I always wanted to know the sex, but first that everything was fine. That we wouldn't have to relive that horrible dream again. And if you read the comment on the last post, no Monica, you caused no extra pain for us. With time I have learned that no matter how many kids I have I cannot replace Mariah. Not that I have tried, but even with my four wonderful children the void is still there. I have two girls. They haven't by any means taken away the agony for the missing spot in my heart. They say time heals. It does heal, but never takes away the emptiness. I am so happy for you to experience the joy that comes with a daughter. And most of all that you, my sister, Kara, and my sister in law, Amy are all having, at least at this point, healthy babies. And I pray everyday that they all come into this world healthy, along with all other babies being born.

So to you baby girl,

You were with us only a few short, very short, hours. Momma misses you so much and wonders what it would be like for you to be here with us today. Even though your siblings never knew you, they ask about you all the time. I wish you could have stayed with us, but know that you are in a very good place. I hope that you never suffered or had pain. I also know that you are with us in spirit each and every minute. Your special place in our hearts will never be forgotten. We love you so so much and miss you.

Love,

Momma

I am going to leave you with the wreath we had made for her grave this year. I believe she would love it, it is so her.

Once Again I Need Your Help

I am asking that all of my readers drop a comment to Eileen Huffman. I personally don't know Eileen. I do however know her husband Scott. He was a drug rep when I worked at the hospital in Onaga. Eileen has been battleing breast cancer for quite some time now (years). And when things seemed to take a turn for the worst, with all the prayers being said for her, they now seem to be improving. You can visit her blog by clicking on her name on my side bar. Even if you don't make a comment on her site, please keep her in your prayers, as the chemo she is enduring is very rough on her. Thanks!!

Don't Be Scared

Well, I am thinking now. Yesterday we had more hits than we have ever had in one day. I am totally excited about that. However, not a single sole has made any comments. This is like the only adult interaction I get, being a stay at home mom. I love to hear your comments. Even if I don't know you or you don't know me. My sister in law and brother in law knew several people just through their blog and then felt as if they had known them all along and have actually met several of them in person. It is a great way to make friends, some of which have been through similar trials in life. Which makes for a great support group. I almost feel as if I have scared everyone off. So if you are visiting just leave us a little note. And if you have a blog we will visit and become "friends."

Anyway, just remember to light your candle on Dec 14th.

Oh and I noticed that I didn't post about Syd's 5 year checkup. All is great. She is right on task and achieving above her age level in academics. So all is great.

Needing Your Help

As many of you have probably read in Amy's blog, Kaden and Angel Ava, there is going to be a world wide lighting of candles on December 14th. I ask that all of our readers participate in the event. It is part of the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. Compassionate Friends is a foundation that supports family after a child dies. The lighting of the candle unites family and friends around the globe as the candles are lit. You are to light them at 7:00 pm your time and burn them for 1 hour to honor and remember children who have lost their life and gained their wings. By lighting them at 7:00 your time it creates a virtual wave of light around the world. Ironically, this was started in 1997, the same year Mariah was born. Amy has asked for anyone participating to take a picture and send it to her. And I will be taking those pictures as well. If you would like to send me a photo, leave me a comment with an email address and I will get you my email address.

In doing this, and the upcoming birthday the Mariah has on the 17th, I have been putting a lot of thought into posting a photo of her. And I have decided to do so. With that being said, I want to remind all of you that she is very underdeveloped. Her skin was not yet formed, so she had the consistency of thick jello. I know you are probably thinking I am crazy to compare her to that, but the pictures can create lots of questions and uncertainty. Our kids had lots of questions, but none the less they completely understand and are totally in love with their sister. And she was very red when she was born. Also in one of the photos, you can see one of the many cysts she had on the top of her head. But she has such a cute little face. She has the Boeckman pug nose. (That all my kids have) So with that being said, I am posting a photo of her.

Mariah Jeanne, we all miss you so much. It is hard to believe it was almost 11 years ago that you came into this world and took our breath away as you gained your wings. Your siblings ask about you and talk about you all the time and what it would be like if you were still here. I know that you and Grandpa are having a ball up there. And sometimes wonder if you needed Grandpa and that is why it was his time to go. We all love you very much.

Please also light candles for any deceased children you may know. Our angels are, Mariah Boeckman and two other children that were lost as miscarriages Baby Boeckman 2001, and Baby Boeckman 2003, Tye Flentie, and Ava Boeckman. Along with some blogging friends Angel Gabi and Madison Rice. Also we will be including many other friends of our who have lost their lives.

Saying Goodbye is never Easy

Today Michael and I along with my sister Becky, and Michael's brother Nate, went to a friend from High schools funeral. It seems as though not so long ago we were together with him and his family for his sister's funeral. The two of them were only 18 months apart, their date of death that is. His death was very sudden and unexpected. I feel so bad for his family. I was not terribly close with Joe, but his brother was my first love. So during the time I was dating Anthony, I did get to know Joe somewhat, and then did hang with him later in my high school years. He as a very good friend of my sisters. To see the pain his mom and dad were in broke my heart. It is never easy to say good bye no matter the situation. It was really nice to see some friends from high school that we haven't seen for some time though. Not a nice circumstance to have brought us together. R.I.P. Joe. We miss you!

Sydnie is having her 5, yes 5 year checkup tomorrow. Mostly routine, however she has been having spells for about 2 weeks were she is vomiting. Could just be a bug, but were she is fine for several days and then sick out of the blue, I want to have it looked at. Otherwise, just routine, and NO SHOTS! She has already had her Kindergarten shots, so we are lucky there.

The kids have their music program at school tomorrow night. I will try to get some good pictures and post them. I believe the theme this year is a traditional Christmas. So no fancy costumes this year. Maybe I could get a small video to post also.

Well please keep Dean and Terri Luckeroth and their family in your prayers tonight that they may find comfort and strength in each other to get them through the days ahead. Until next time............

Busy Busy Day Yesterday

Well, I am finally getting a little time to update. The family and I have been at my mom's for the tradition the I started 11 years ago. I have always went and spent the night with her the night before Thanksgiving to help her prepare the feast. As we started having kids, I just started taking them with me. And usually Michael goes out with friends, however, he went with us last night also.

So with that said, Madison had to go to the orthodontist yesterday. She had to go in and make the molds for the apparatus that is to stretch out her jaws. Everything was quick and easy. Then off to do some quick shopping and lunch. I also had planned to do some family pictures. So that was next on our list. I have been taking them myself now for 2 years and am completely happy with the way they turn out. It is much cheaper than professional pictures. A big THANK YOU to Terry and Carol Ronnebaum and Jim and Misty Adkins for letting us borrow their beautiful yards to take the pictures. We had a good day and a great time for taking them.

Once we arrived home then it was off to Grandmas to help her out. For my records, a few things that were said and done and need jotted down. Syd was a big help in the kitchen and loves to cook and wash dishes. She told Grandma last night that she was a dishaholic. And before I forget last week at the Windmill Inn when all she wanted to eat was her roll, she called herself a breadgatarian:-) And a couple weeks ago, she came up stairs from bed one morning and told me that Dylan gave her the hick ups. Because he had had them the night before, and I guess they are now contagious. Not to mention she had the hick ups yesterday morning and she said mom, my hick ups lost their voice! And I said what?? She said , I have the hick ups, but they aren't making any noise. How cute??!! And then on to Madison. She wanted Michael to get up this morning and put on this Halloween mask and scare Grandma. He asked where she was at and Madison replied, "in the shower." Michael ask her how he was supposed to scare her if she was in the shower and she simply replied "go in there and scare her" Like hello, I don't think so. It was so cute.

Any way I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and hope you enjoy a few of the pictures we took yesterday!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!

Wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Enjoy your turkey day.

My Love Hate Relationship

So it is that time of year again. The time when I realize how much I both love and hate the season. And I am not talking about the cold since many of you know how much I really do hate cold weather. And by cold I mean 50 or below.

Anyway, my love hate relationship comes because I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love to bake and cook, and burn spicy smelling candles, and put up all the decorations. But I also hate the roller coaster of emotions that comes with it. Not only did I suddenly lose my dad to cancer this time of year, but also our precious Angel, Mariah. So this year it is running through my head, what my dad would be making for whom at Christmas time. He was always so sneaky when he would be making something for someone. And what he might think of Xavier and having another grandson. And another grand baby on the way. The other night Michael and i were watching Jeff Dunham's Christmas special on Comedy Central. And for those of you that don't know Jeff Dunham, he is a comedian and ventriloquist. My dad and Michael used to watch Comedy Central all the time on Saturday nights, and they would just belly laugh the whole time. I was laughing so hard the other night, and all I could think of was that dad would have loved that Christmas show. Thought the same thing watching blue collar comedy the other night.

And Mariah would be turning 11 years old on December 17th. Of course she wasn't due until May, but her birthday is the 17th. What would she want? What kind of clothes would she be into? Would she be more like Madison or Syd? Or maybe just herself. What would her class be doing in school this time of year? What would their roll in the Christmas program at school be? Would she want long or short hair and what color it might be? All of these thoughts roll more through my mind this time of year. I do think the holidays bring on emotions as you notice the empty spaces in your heart when family is all together. But also the fact that this is the time of year that we lost them also.

I am sure many of you have noticed the changes I have made on the blog as well. By trying to include Mariah in everything. For the past 11 years, she has been very much a part of our lives, however I fail to include her lots of times. Not trying to forget her, for the meer fact of trying to avoid questions. For instance, people ask how many children you have, do you answer 4 or 5. And if you answer 5 are they going to ask what ages and gender? And if they do, do you have to go through the whole story of how you only have 4 living and 1 deceased and why? I used to thing it would just be easier to answer if I didn't speak of her. However, I feel as if I am not including her to be a part of us. So I am working on doing so yet being comfortable with the possibility that there may be questions.

The kids always ask about her. What she might look like. What her and Madison could be doing. They always go with us to decorate her grave for Christmas and her birthday. I know she is in great hands and also know that she and my dad are the best of buddies. That he loved his grand babies. I wonder if he picks on her like he did Syd and Madison? And at the same time I see my Grandpa Flentie and how he used to pick on my sister and wonder what a time they are having!

Sorry this got so long. My emotional hat is on today. Of course it is grandparents day at school and I don't think that helps. I think about my poor kids and how they have only 1 Grandpa alive. Little Xavier will only know one. And then think back to myself at their age. I had 4 Grandpas, and 5 Grandmas. I just try to teach them to enjoy every moment they have with the ones they got.

If I don't get another post in. Happy Turkey Day to all!

Happy Birthday to Me, Vomit, and K State Tickets!!

I know you are all probably thinking by the title, what is that crazy woman thinking!! But truth be known, it is all on my mind. I think I have esp. I have had this feeling for about a week that one of my kids would be sick. And sure enough, this morning around 5:45, Syd got sick. She came up stairs to our bedroom and said her throat hurt. I told her to go lay in the daybed in the office/nursery. (Xavier's dresser and toys are there, but his crib is in our room) Not five minutes after tucking her in, I heard her get sick. The poor little thing. I felt sooooooo bad for her. She would only get about 3-5 minutes break between times. It just wore her out. So after 2 hours of this and a little blood in her emesis, we took her to the dr. They gave her some medicine to calm her stomach. And she has been feeling much much better since. She now has diarrhea, and is pale and sleepy, not to mention dizzy, but at least she has enough energy to let you know she is okay.

So needless to say, she didn't give me a great birthday. Although I don't mind. It makes me feel good to know that she wants to be loved and cared for, and wants her mommy. What is a birthday at my age anyway? Really just another day.

And now for the tickets. We had tickets to take Madison and Dylan to the game today. I was going to have Michael take them after Syd got sick this morning. But then they were fighting, and I told them enough was enough and that they were not going to the game. So we gave the tickets away to Michael's sister Jessica and her husband Joe and some friends of theirs. I guess we will have to go extra next year to make up for not making it to a game this year. Michael went last week, but he is the only one that went. Toooo cold for me!!

Yesterday I went to Topeka and had my back injected. Talk about hurt. It was a very uncomfortable procedure. Today my back is sore and the leg pain is still there. I am hoping that it will be gone tomorrow. It may be a little better today. More of a pain in the rear of my thigh, rather than all the way down my leg. So we will see what happens. I am hoping all is well tomorrow and that the weather is super nice. I am wanting to get some family pictures taken. Don't know if we will achieve that or not. We will have to wait and see what tomorrow is like.

Wow, What a Day!!

Did you notice all the changes to the blog!? I have been hard at work trying to figure out how to customize our blog. I love the Family Bumper Sticker. Isn't it cute. And fun to create also. So with that said, now I can better view if people are coming to look at our blog. Sometimes I wish there would be more comments left, so that I would feel more appalled to post. This way I will better be able to see if more people are visiting than the ones leaving comments, and maybe it will jump start me to post more often. So if you are visiting, please leave me a comment, question, words of encouragement, anything. Keep checking as there will probably be more new changes coming.

About the last post

Just wanted to let everyone know, I played and played with those pictures and the captions to get them right and before I post they look fine, but when I post they get screwed up. I put them and the playlist on late last night and pretty much gave up on making them completely correct. So for those of you who gripe to me to update the blog, or those who don't gripe, but visit every day and think, no new updates. ENJOY!!, and yes you know who you are.

More pictures

Syd dressed up in her Snow White dress, with her cowgirl hat, and of course her horse, Willow.

Random cute pictures of Xavier. He was lying on the floor, rolled over and decided to use Tigger for a pillow.

Xavier decided on day to take a nap, and without my knowledge. He didn't need his binky, as he found his fingers, something better!! And he has done this several times now.

Madison showing off her muscles?? Found this picture in my camera. Not sure who took it or why, but gotta love those pictures!!

This is a picture of the kids on Halloween with Great Grandma Kennedy (Boeckman). She fell and broke her hip so she is in the care home recovering. But she is 87 and in great health and normally lives at home and takes good care of herself.

Okay I can't figure out how to get these two pictures by themselves, so the first one is of Syd one Saturday when we were headed out to my moms to work at her house. And the second with Dylan is at the Cow Creek Opry. The guy in the photo works for us and he was doing the sound that night at the opry. Dylan wanted to help him out. We told Dylan not to touch anything and if he did blame it on Tanner.

And just a random picture of Syd watching TV one evening in her PJ's with her sun glasses on : -)

Where to Start??

Okay, I guess the pictures are first. I am still working on figuring this all out and couldn't figure out how to put the pics at the bottom. So this is what you get. Just some fun pictures of Xavier. The last one is from his first cereal feeding on September 24th.

Once again it has been awhile since I have posted. I really am trying to be better at this, just seems as though time gets away from me. A lot has happened since I last posted.

Xavier had his 4 month check up on Thursday, the 13th. We did it a week early since earlier in the week he seemed to have a little tummy bug. Of course, since I scheduled him to see the Dr. it magically got better. Nothing wrong with that though. He was needing to go regardless so that is out of the way. Four months meant more shots, three to be exact. He did really well with them. He weighed 15lb 2 oz and was 25 inches long with a head circumference of 16. This was the same weight as when I took him to the Dr back in October, so they are sure he was not really gaining due to the diarrhea he had. So I have also started him on formula. I am still nursing him morning and bedtime, otherwise he is on formula. He is also loving fruits and veggies. We started him on veggies, (squash to be exact) on Oct 26. He just loves to eat. He has also started rolling over, the little squirt. He not only goes back to tummy, but tummy to back. I tried to get a video of this to play for all of you, but he would not perform in front of the camera. I will try to capture that in the near future. I am going to include some pictures of him. Oh yeah, and he is really teething, likes to chew on everything.

Sydnie has started reading at school. She has a ring of words we read, and she is on her second book. She is really loving the fact that she can read. She thinks she is big stuff. Her report from her teacher was excellent. They are having a feast next week at school and she is very excited to be bringing pumpkin pie. We are so proud of her. It is hard to believe she will be 5 in the very near future. She is such a good kid, always ready and willing to help others.

Dylan broke out with his usual fall hives last week. Nov 9th to be exact (for my records). We think now that he is allergic to the flu vaccine. The last two years it has been exactly 5 days after his flu shot that he has gotten the hives. So we will talk with his allergy Dr at Children's Mercy and see what she thinks.

Now on to Madison. We took her to the orthodontist today. She is really crowded which we have known for some time now. We are going to have to do two phases on her teeth to get them right. Talk about expensive. The first phase will place some metal devices in her mouth that will "stretch" her jaw out. This will give her more room in her mouth for her teeth. Then she will have to get braces to pull the upper teeth back to the right. So we will be putting her college fund into her mouth for the next couple of years.

So with all of that said, I will try to post more often. When things happen instead of a week or two later. I am going to include some photos for all of you as well.

Halloween, Flu shots and more.

Well, I will have to post pictures later. But Halloween was a success here at the Boeckman home. The kids raked in the candy. I have taken it all away from them and believe it or not they have not asked for it since Saturday. BIG SURPRISE!! Madison was a witch, Dylan Harry Potter, Syd Jasmine, and Xavier was a Jack-o-lantern. They all had a great time.

Today I had to take Syd to the dr to get an ingrown toenail taken care of. She was so brave. Then we all, except Xavier, (he is not old enough yet) got our flu shots. Syd wanted to go first. Such a brave little girl. All of the kids did great. So I can now mark that off of our list of things that need to be done.

Xavier is eating a little bit of veggies, and fruit. He seems to like it well. He really loves squash and peas. Those seem to be his favorites so far. He has almost doubled his birth weight, just a few ounces to go. He is ready to roll over. He actually does roll over, but his arm usually holds him up, so that he cannot go on over onto his belly. He is just growing up to fast.

The weather is ready to change to fall like weather, I guess it is time. I really don't care for winter like weather, but so be it. We had thunderstorms tonight and rain. There is a chance for snow early next week. The kids love winter, so I do look forward to them having a great time our in the snow.

Trying One More Time

Okay I have tried to get this several times, and I am a failure at it. So here it goes.

Pictures that I Promised

Xavier with mom and dad, Father Arul and his Godparents(Grandparents). And Mr X in his cute little white tux.

Pictures of how Mr Flirt looks at 3 months. These pics were taken on October 21, 2008. (For my Reference). Isn't he just the cutest little guy. Okay I am probably biased.

As my sister told me I am slow at this. I am really trying to be better. Just seems as though time is not on my side. I am still not smart enough to figure out how to download the video onto my computer. Still working on that one. Guess I will sit down and read the manual today so that I can get the video posted.

Xavier was baptised on Sunday. I am including a few pictures of him. Also his 3 month pictures. So here it goes.

School Pictures

Yes, school pictures. I have been trying to save these and download them for a couple of hours now. And wah-lah, (sp) I finally did it. This is Madison Paige Boeckman, age 9 3/4 years. She is in the fourth grade. She loves to read. She is a super smart girl. On her first report card this year, and yes I am bragging, her lowest grade was an 88% and of all classes it was in music. She blew the unit 2 test. Of her other classes, her lowest grade is a 90%, in reading, which is kinda hard to believe. And all the rest of her grades are 96% and above for the first 9 weeks. WAY TO GO MADISON!! Keep it up and we love you bunches.!


And for Dylan Michael Boeckman, age 8 years. His picture is so good. He was supposed to have the brown background also, but the only way to get it was to have retakes done. I did not want to risk getting the background vs. a bad photo, so I decided to stick with this picture and get a refund for the background. Anyway, he is a 3rd grader this year. Dylan's love is sports. Any kind. He is an internet gaming freek. However, he is limited on what and how long. His grades are good. Not as good as they should be, but good. He is enrolled in the gifted program at school and loves it. His trouble is in reading directions and taking his time. That is why his grades are lower than they should be. He does know what he should know though. GREAT JOB DYLAN! We love you!

Three Months Old

Can you believe Xavier is 3 months old today? I cannot!!! He is growing like a weed. I am guessing he weighs about 15-16 pounds. I will weigh him later and see what I get. He is sleeping right now. He loves to be talked to and talks right back. He is a very happy baby. Laughs and smiles all the time. He loves to swing and also loves to sit in his walker. He is eating cereal at bedtime and loves it. He is the only baby I have nursed longer than 3-4 weeks. He and I both love this time together. He is sleeping through the nights. He usually goes to bed around 9:30 and wakes around 6:30. Works for me. He is wearing 6-9 month clothes right now. So he really has some newborn clothes that barely got used. It is sooooooo sad. None of the other kids grew up so fast. I would love for him to stay this age and size for several months. Bet it won't happen.

We will be getting flu shots in the next couple of weeks. All of the kids will hate me for that, but with Sydnie's asthma, it is a must.

We are working on Halloween costumes. Dylan is going to be Harry Potter, and Syd is Jasmine. As for the other two I am working on them. Not sure what we are going to end up with. I am thinking of making Xavier a "little stinker" a skunk. It is an easy homemade costume. Not sure about Madison.

I have some pictures to post and I am going to try to post a video of Xavier also. But I want to take some pictures of Xavier to post at 3 months also, so I will do that when he wakes up and try to post them later. I have a lot to get done today. It is past time to get statements out and I need to pay payroll taxes today also.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I cannot believe I haven't posted since the 8th. Seems like just yesterday. Last week was a yucky long week. I had a virus that attacked my joints. Most days I just got the kids off to school and then laid on the couch until noon or so. Then I would drag myself off the sofa and try to get some house work done. I really have a lot of catching up to do now.

Michael's grandma Kennedy (Boeckman) fell on Friday morning and broke her hip. She had surgery on Saturday morning and all is going as planned. So please remember her in your prayers.

We had a busy weekend. On Saturday, Madison, Xavier and I went shopping in Topeka. We went to look for Xavier's baptismal outfit. We found one. Then did some grocery shopping. It was a really good day. Saturday night we went to the Cow Creek Opry in Havensville. It was a good time. Look forward to the next one.

Yesterday we spent all day working at my mom's building her a deck. It was a nice day to get it done. The guys and I worked on the deck most of the day. And my mom, sister Becky and I set her a new mail box. My sister Kara did a great job of relaxing and resting and watching Xavier for me. She is 13 weeks prego and really not feeling well. Not to mention she gets up at 4o'clock on weekends to work. We should get the deck finished up next weekend. Also have a few other projects to get done for mom yet this fall.

As for the week ahead. Tuesday I am getting my hair done, Yeah! Wednesday is religion. And Friday is our girl shopping trip to Kansas City. So busy week ahead also. I am thankful that football is over for us for the year. That involved 3 nights/days a week. But I am not sure that that means things will slow down.

Daddy Duty

Well, today brings both joy and heart ache to my body. I am going to the Tina Turner concert in Kansas City tonight. I am very excited about the concert, but apprehensive about leaving the kids for an overnight get away. I know they are in the best hands possible, daddy's. I just get really homesick when I am not with them. I will be gone for about 19 hours. Funny how when I am with them all the time I need a break. But when I get the break I miss them so much. It will be good for me I'm sure.

Michael wants to go on a honeymoon sometime, as we have never taken one. After 11 years, you would have thought we would have done that by now. So this will be one baby step towards taking a longer vacation kid free. I am not sure I can do that.

So, I will take pictures and try to post them tomorrow, or this weekend. We actually have nothing going on this weekend except building fence, and Dylan's last football game on Sunday. It will be nice to be home and get something done.

Fevers, sore throat, and tummy aches, YUCK!

Dylan is home from school today not feeling well. I really thing Xavier was not feeling well yesterday. He spit up everytime I fed him, and that is not like him. He was cranky and slept a lot. Dylan is just resting now and watching a little tv. I actually think his fever is down right now. He has been running a fever since at least 2:00 this morning.

Syd is just being herself. Watching Noggin and being ornery. Michael and I worked on our landscape project again last night. Slowly we are getting it done. I need to take some pictures to post. I am planning on getting the rest of the plants planted in the ground later today so that he can work on the stones when he gets home.

Our plans are to go to St Joe this weekend to cut down a tree for my aunt. We are also going to Leavenworth to the base for their garage sales this weekend. Hopefully I will find lots of nice clothes for Xavier for the winter. That is really the reason I am going.

Other than that not much to report. Dylan has a football game again on Sunday at 1:00 in Seneca. Just staying busy here otherwise. The weather today is gorgeous. Right now it is 50 degrees and sunny. The birds are singing and somewhere I hear a lawn mower going. Until next time......:-)

School days, Football, And Oh Yeah, the First Bowl of Cereal

This was Syd one night at the supper table after a long hard day at school. I can't believe she was able to sleep hanging on to the chair like that.

Xavier isn't loved by his big sister at all, can you tell. She is always wanting to hold him.

Xavier is getting to eat cereal now at bedtime. Only a few teaspoons. Here is the first night that we gave it to him. He loves it. And oh yeah, he slept all night last night for the first time. From 10:00 til 7:00. Way to go Xavier. Only problem is I have to get up and pump in the middle of the night.

Good one Dylan! That is him tackling the opponent to the the ground.

Dylan in position waiting to see if the ball is coming to his side of the field.

Thought you all might enjoy some more pictures. Seems like I can never get enough of them on here before someone is asking for more.

Kiss and Tell

Well, where do I start. When Syd got off the bus today, before she even made it up to me from the end of the drive, she was yelling at me "Mommy, I kissed Presly." YOU DID WHAT? So I am asking her about it and not only did she kiss Presly, she kissed him lots. And then she proceeds to tell me, "I kissed Brock too!" WHAT? So I told her she should not do that and that she was going to get yucky sick germs if she did not quit kissing boys. You know this day and age she could probably be charged with sexual harassment. And another thing, Presly is a distant cousin. Not that kissing in preschool means you will end up married, but YUCK. I don't know what her daddy is going to say, (or do)! Brock and Presly you better watch out!

Xavier seems to be doing okay today. He is running a low grade fever, but nothing unexpected after immunizations. He didn't sleep quite as good last night as usual, but still not a bad night.

Madison was not feeling well yesterday. She was really tired yesterday morning which I didn't think much of. When she got home she was still acting really tired. She did her homework and then got her book and started to read. At supper time she just didn't look like she felt well. She had been complaining that she had a headache all day. She was running a low grade fever also. She ate some of her supper and then read for a while and went to bed. This morning she got up acting like a new girl. She said she was feeling fine. Oh what a good night of sleep can do.

Brian's funeral is tomorrow morning. Please pray that Michael has a safe trip down to Rossville. He will be on the bike solo. I will be going with the kids. Since the patriot guard is riding, they will be riding solo. That is why I am going separately. Also pray for peace in Brian's family that they find comfort in knowing he is now longer suffering.

Two Month Check up

Xavier had his two month check up today. He is right on track for his age. He weighed 13#7oz., and was 23 3/4" long. He does have a small head, which is nothing to worry about. He had to get 3 shots:( He has been sleeping since we got home, with the exception of about 10 minutes in which he cried. I tried to feed him, but he wasn't interested. So i gave the poor little guy some more Motrin. Other than that not much to report.

Poker Run for Brian

Yesterday we all went on the poker run for Brian Fiedler. Michael and I rode the bike and Grandpa took the kids in the suburban. It was a lot of fun. I was going to get a sitter, but decided it would be better to take the kids. I also thought it may look a little funny with the breast pump strapped to the bike. There was around 150 bikes in the ride. I haven't heard a total on the dollar amount made, but the way the auction was going I'm sure it had to be close to $20,000. Brian's funeral is on Wednesday in St. Mary's. You can see his obituary at cjonline.com, or piperfuneralhome.com.

Today we just took it easy. We did some cleaning and hung out. Dylan played football at 1:00. They lost again, but their game is improving, so that is really what matters.

School pictures are tomorrow. And parent teacher conferences are this week also. So we will learn how the kids are doing in school.

Prayers for the Fiedlers

Many of you have ask how our friend Brian is recovering after his auto accident. And at this time we are asking for more prayers for him, his wife Mindy and their two children, along with all of Brians family. Mindy had to make the hardest decision in her life about 2 weeks ago or so to honor Brians wishes not to be kept alive on machines. He was moved into a care home at that time and hospice was called in. He has taken his time in passing, I am guessing to give everyone plenty of time to say goodbye. Sadly he passed away last night. We are going to be riding in a poker run on Saturday that is to benefit his wife and children. They are also having a dinner and live auction afterwards. Or if you just happen to be passing through Rossville on Saturday and need a good cup of Joe, stop in at Grounded Coffee house. All proceeds form their sales on Saturday are going to benefit the Fiedlers also.

Please keep Mindy in your prayers that she is at peace and finds comfort knowing she honored Brians wishes. Pray for Brian that he is peaceful in his final resting place. And for the kids, TJ and Jaycee, that they can understand life, find their new normal, and find peace and comfort from surrounding family.

Last BUT Not Least, Xavier

These pictures were taken on Aug 22. So Xavier was one month old in the pictures.



These were just taken on the 9th of Sept. So Xavier was 7 weeks old in the pictures. And yes he is laughing not crying. He laughs, but not out loud yet. He is however talking and cooing alot. And yes as you see quite well in these pictures, he has a redish tint to his hair. Very prominent in there photos.

More Vacation Pics

These are pictures from the Amazing Pizza Machine. The kids and Michael are in the wild thing on the first picture. One of those rides that spins around, and around.



These pictures are on the frogger. It went up and down then up and down. It is a lot like those rides like at Worlds of Fun that take you up and you free fall down, only this one keeps going up and down.
This is Syd driving on of the virtual nascars.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

One day late, and more than a few dollars short. Here are the pictures I promised you yesterday. Better late then never. All of these pictures were taken at the zoo in Omaha. As you can see we went to one of the 3D movies. The glasses were huge. Madison kept getting scared by the fish and sharks. Syd watched most of the movie without the glasses. Dylan and Michael seemed to enjoy it. And me, well, Xavier and I seemed to sleep through most of the movie.